I Will Be There For You

by Priyal Jain

CHAPTER 28

  “Dad thank you so much. It means a lot to me.” I was touched by dad’s gesture. He is such a good human being. He has a heart of gold.

  “Come on Ashley, I would do anything for you and your friends.”

  “But dad it’s really expensive.”

  “I don’t think it is more worth than Emma and Emmet’s happiness and yours too.” He said. I hugged him hard. He is such a great dad. I mean I am literally blessed. Next, I went to Jake who was sitting on the sofa in the reception area.

  “Hey!” I said.

  “Hey!” he replied, completely engrossed in the paperwork.

  “Shall I help you?” I asked.

  “Nope, almost done.” He replied.

  “Well I am so sorry the evening got all spoiled.”

  “Come on, Ash. I really believe that Emmet is much more important to me.”

  “I love you so much.”

  “I love you too babe.” He kissed me softly.

  “All the paperwork’s done!” he said and went over to the reception to hand them over. I went along with him.

  “Sir, you have filled in the wrong date.” The receptionist said in a humble voice.

  “Oh sorry, it is 21st Jan not 20th. I am sorry, silly me.” Jake said, banging his head.

  SHITTTTTTTT!!!

  Two days from now it is Jake’s birthday. I completely forgot. I planned nothing for his birthday. No gifts, no surprises, no nothing!!!! I am the worst girlfriend ever. And for starters….

  1)I want to kill his sister and vice-versa.

  2)I ruined his surprise party.

  3)I have nothing planned for his birthday.

  “You fine honey?” Jake shook me and I got back from my daydreams.

  “Yes!” I lied, hiding the fact that I am feeling terrible. I don’t think I could do anything about Jake’s birthday considering that Emmet could be in the hospital for a week.

  “Let us go kiddos.” Dad said, coming towards us. At the same time Jake’s phone rang.

  “I have to take this. You guys leave I will join you.” He said and went outside to talk.

  “Dad you go, I will come with Jake.” I said.

  “As you say but hurry up Emmet’s operation will begin soon.” Dad replied and left for the lift. I waited for Jake for sometime but then when he didn’t return I went outside too. I saw Jake in the garden. He was still on his phone and seemed quite furious. Suddenly, he threw the phone away in anguish. What the hell. Is this Jake?

  “Jake, is everything alright?” I rushed towards him.

  “I am fine Ashley, you go I will join you later.” He said rudely.

  “Jake you can talk to me.”

  “Ashley, it is okay. For God sakes just leave me alone and get the hell out of here.” He shouted at me. I have never seen him this angry. There must be something really wrong but that doesn’t mean he can shout on me. I am already so tensed up because of Emmet. I was just trying to help him. He was really mean and rude; I’d never expected Jake to talk like that with me. Tears formed in my eyes, I know I am being a bit unreasonable but everyone knows I am a bit sensitive. I was really hurt. I turned away to leave but Jake held my arm and hugged me from behind.

  “I am really sorry, Ashley.” He said.

  “Leave me Jake.” I ignored his apology.

  “I didn’t mean to be so harsh. Please forgive me. I am so so so sorry.”

  “It is okay Jake, now please leave me I have to go.” I replied angrily.

  “What should I do to make it up to you for this huge mistake I have committed?” he asked coming in front of me and looking me into my eyes.

  “I was just trying to help you Jake. You seemed quite mad and I wanted to calm you down.” I cried.

  “I know, I am sorry baby.” He hugged me and wiped my tears. “I just reacted without thinking what I was saying.”

  “Would you now tell me what happened?” I asked.

  “I told you about the wedding at which I was going to play, well the bride and groom called it off. They said they were not fit for each other. So, I am not playing at The Plaza.”

  “Jake it is okay. You will get many more opportunities to show your talent.”

  “I don’t know Ashley. I am 25 and yet haven’t got one big break. I am thinking of having a family and I still don’t have a house of my own. I thought I chose the wrong profession.” He said completely heartbroken.

  “No Jake, you are a wonderful singer and I love your voice. There are setbacks in every profession you cannot lose your heart. And so what if you don’t have your own house, you can always rent one and living with your parents is nothing to feel ashamed about.”

  “I know that but rent do you know my mom?” he joked and I laughed.

  “Rachel loves you both like anything. I think we are the luckiest kids in Manhattan.”

  “Absolutely.”

  “I hope you are fine now?” I asked.

  “Ya, thank you Ash and I am sorry.” He said.

  “You are forgiven. Now let’s go Emmet’s surgery would be started.” I said. He nodded and we both went up to the fifth floor. When we reached the fifth floor we saw Emmet being taken to the operation theatre. We both too hastened towards the OT.

  “It is a long surgery you have to be patient. We assure you we will try our best.” Said the doctor who was assisting in the surgery, some Dr. Smith. He looked quite young to perform the surgery.

  “Please doctor I want my brother fit and fine.” Emma said.

  “Don’t worry, chances of a successful operation are more.” He said. I held Emma tightly as the doctor went inside the operation theatre.

  “Everything will be okay! I said.

  “I hope so too.” she crossed her fingers.

  “It’s really late and we haven’t had anything to eat. It would be better if we went to the canteen and have something to eat.” Mom suggested. We all agreed but Jake decided to stay back. I know he still upset by the wedding being called off. He really wanted to sing at The Plaza.

  “What do you want to have Emma?” mom asked. We are all sitting at the canteen and placing our order.

  “A cappuccino would do for me.” she replied. Dad went and placed our order.

  “Kathy thank you so much for being there for me and my brother. I am so grateful to you all.” Emma said.

  “Darling you don’t need to thank us. We are glad we could help.” Mom replied.

  “But, you’ve to promise that you’ll take the money back which you have spent on us.” Emma said. Mom didn’t know what to say so she looked at me. “No please Kathy. If you don’t take the money I will feel very small.” Emma said, bringing her thumb and first finger very near to each other.

  “Okay, but there is no hurry!” Mom didn’t argue. I mouthed thank you to mom and she smiled at me.

  “Here are the coffees.” Dad said, holding a tray of coffee and in a corner was mom’s sandwich. I grabbed two cups of coffee and headed towards the foyer, where Jake was waiting.

  “Where are going?” mom asked from behind.

  “I am going to spend some time with Jake.” I know he needed someone now.