Page 108 of Even After Sunset

Jackie

Three more days go by, and still nothing from Silas. I’ve sent him eight emails now. And I know I said that I didn’t expect him to respond, but I guess maybe I was just trying to fool myself in to believing I was okay with that.

I’m not.

I’m worried about him. I want to know how he’s doing. I want to share so much with him and I want him to share stuff with me. I want to be part of his healing. I want him to understand that I called Richard because I care and because I wanted to help him.

I want him to be okay.

And I want him to forgive me.

Chapter Forty-One

Jackie

Another four days and my book cover business is doing better than ever. I’ve had a couple nights of pretty lousy food truck sales, but I made up for it after by making sure I was well-stocked on candy so I didn’t run out again. I’ve given up on the cotton candy machine. I suck at using it. And it makes me miss Silas so much it hurts.

I still haven’t heard from him. Richard says I need to give him time, but I don’t think he gets how betrayed Silas felt and how polarizing his emotions are. I’m scared I’ve lost him for good.

Everything else in my life is so positive and so bright. But I can’t fully bask in the sunlight when I know Silas is alone, suffering in the dark.

Chapter Forty-Two

Jackie

Two more days and nothing from Silas.

I still check my email three times a day.

I still keep writing to him.

I still keep hoping.

Chapter Forty-Three

Jackie

He wrote! Silas sent me a reply!

I’m so nervous I can’t bring myself to click on the email right away.

I need to be prepared for the fact that his words will smother any hope I had for us being friends again. For being more than that, if I’m being totally honest.

I open my email app about six times throughout the morning, and then close it again every time without clicking on Silas’ response.

But the seventh time, I click on it.

Chapter Forty-Four

Silas

Not one single batch of burnt cookies in 3 wks. I’m impressed. Also, about time you started focusing on the book cover gig. Steampunk covers look amazing btw. Seriously tho what the hell is steampunk? Seems weird and twisted. Possibly cool.

Listened to your playlists. They all sucked. Feel free to send more: forced group therapy sessions have made me tolerant to hrs of uninterrupted torture.

Silas

Chapter Forty-Five

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