“No word yet. But we all thought we would send a card and some meals for Ms. Tizzy along with flowers for Natalie.”
“That’s a great idea, Mrs. Ira.”
I return with the pen and card, and we all take turns signing it.
“Well, I’ll let you ladies get back to your night. Bye now.”
“Bye, Ira.”
In more of a sombre mood after hearing about Harper, we crack open another bottle of wine and decide to just all have a sleepover and make a giant bed on the living room floor.
Around 2a.m., I’m woken up by a rattling sound. I sit up, looking for Pumpkin, thinking she’s probably up on the counter, but I spot her lying up by Wren’s head. I sit still and listen for the sound again, thinking maybe it was just a dream, when the distinct sound of someone walking on my back porch has my heart beating erratically and my body shaking. I look over at my living room window, thankful the blinds are pulled down, and then peek over into the kitchen. The blinds are shut on the patio doors, and I let out a sigh of relief before very quietly reaching for my phone on the coffee table. On my hands and knees, I crawl to the bathroom and dial West while trying to regulate my breathing.
It’s late, but I know he will answer.
“Jade?” his sleepy voice rasps through the line, and my chin wobbles.
“West,” I croak out.
I hear him shifting and then his voice is clear. “What’s wrong, baby?”
“I need you.” My voice cracks, and I begin to cry. “Someone is outside my house.”
“Okay. Stay calm, Jade. Just breathe, baby. Are you safe?”
I can hear him moving around, and knowing he will come helps relax me a little. “I’m hiding in the bathroom, but Wren and Sarah are asleep in the living room.”
“I’m on my way, okay? I won’t let anything happen to you guys. Just stay on the line with me, okay?”
“Okay.” I hiccup through tears.
“Are the doors and windows locked?” he asks as I hear his truck start.
“Yes. Blinds are closed too.”
“Good.”
“I’m scared.”
“I’m going to get there and nothing is going to happen.”
I stay on the line with West until he tells me he’s here.
“I’m going to take a look around outside, okay? Stay inside and I’ll knock three times so you know it’s safe to open the door, got it?”
“Yes.” I end the call and crawl back out to the living room, rousing Wren and Sarah from their sleep.
After I fill them in, Wren wraps me in a hug, and then three soft taps come from the living room door. I bolt out of Wren’s arms and run to the door, swinging it open. The second I see West, I launch myself into his arms.
“Shhh. It’s okay, baby. I got you.” He kicks the door closed and carries me to the couch where he sits, and I remain clinging to him like a koala. Rubbing my back trying to sooth me, he places a kiss to the top of my head. “There’s no one out there. Whoever it was must have left when they couldn’t get in.”
I lift my head from his chest and realize that this probably looks wildly intimate. I face my friends and feel my cheeks heat when I see the looks on their faces. I go to push off, but West’s large hands clamp down on my thighs, keeping me in place.
“Do you girls wanna come home with me tonight? I have plenty of room for the three of you, and I would feel better knowing everyone is safe tonight.”
“Yes,” we all say in unison.
“Okay.”
