Echoes of Us

Chapter 4

“Is she okay?”

“She’s in a bad state. We would appreciate it if you could come over.”

“Okay, I’ll be there as soon as possible.”

“What’s wrong?” Jamie asked, concern etched on his face.

“My mum was rushed to the hospital last night.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s my fault; I should have been there,” she said, tears streaming down her cheeks. Jamie shook his head in disagreement.

“You're not responsible for the faulty train. Please don’t blame yourself.” He hugged her, trying to provide comfort. “Everything will be fine. I think you should clean up and get ready.”

At the train station, many people were already on board. They quickly located their seats, and shortly after, the train started moving. The journey was short and silent; Jamie tried to comfort her with small talk, but she remained quiet throughout.

When they arrived, they hurried off the train, and she quickly hailed a cab. She hugged Jamie one last time.

“You don’t have to come with me; you must have other things to do.”

“But I don’t mind,” he insisted.

“No, it’s okay. I’ll be fine,” she insisted. He quickly pulled out his business card and handed it to her.

“Please call me later.”

She got into the cab and waved goodbye. Jamie felt a pang of worry but hoped her mum would be okay. As he walked away, he noticed the suspicious guy from the previous day exiting the train. He hid behind a pillar at the entrance of the station, carefully peeking out to watch him.

He overheard the strange man’s phone conversation:

“I lost him… okay, sir.” He hung up and walked into the station. Jamie kept watching until the man was out of sight, then quickly stopped a cab.

“Gilos Cemetery,” he instructed.

“Okay, sir,” the driver replied.

_ _ _

Immediately upon arriving, Sofia's body began to shiver. She entered the hospital feeling overwhelmed, and a nurse at the reception directed her to the ward where her mom was. As soon as she reached the ward, she found two nurses in the room and noticed that the patient was covered with a white cloth.

“Where's my mother?” she inquired.

“Are you Sofia?”

“Yes, please, where's my mother?”

“I’m sorry, Ms. Sofia, but your mom has passed on.”

“No, that cannot be possible.” She roared in pain.

Sofia ran to her mother and removed the white cloth. At the sight of the lifeless woman, she fell to the ground and wept bitterly.

The nurses comforted her as she wailed.

---

Jamie sat in front of his mother's grave, recounting everything that had happened the previous day and why he couldn't make it. “I met someone yesterday; her name is…” At that moment, it dawned on Jamie that he didn’t know the lady's name. He had been so engulfed in their conversation that he forgot to ask her. He shook his head in disappointment. “Anyway, she seemed nice, and I hope things work out well for us.” He stared at the tomb where his mother's name was engraved, and suddenly, tears streamed down his face. Memories of the time they had spent together flooded his mind.

He spent two more days in Ingo City but received no call from Sofia. He felt disappointed, but deep down, he hoped she was alright. He later traveled back to continue his business.

Jamie and Mike were having drinks at the Vilamuel Club, the biggest club in Modal City.

“Man, it's been months, and you still haven't heard from your mystery girl,” he laughed mockingly. “My man, just get over that girl and move on.” He took a sip from his glass of whiskey.

“I've tried to get her off my mind, but it's not as easy as you think. I just want to know if she and her mother are alright.”

“Aww, sweet boy,” he teased Jamie. They both laughed and took another sip of their whiskey.

“Isn’t that Elina Munroe?”

Jamie’s heart skipped a beat at the sound of the name. He turned back to see, then quickly looked away before making eye contact.

“Jamie, that's your ex from way back! Oh my goodness, she's so hot... damn!!!” Mike tapped Jamie on the shoulder. “I think she's seen us, she's coming…”

“What the f**k?!” Jamie whispered.

“Oh my goodness, Mike! How are you?” Elina extended her arms for a hug. Mike stood up and embraced her.

“I’m good, Elina,” he said as he hugged her tightly, then shot a smirk at Jamie, signaling how attractive he found her. “You look really good, Elina.” He looked at her in awe.

“Thanks, Mike.” She turned to Jamie. “Jamie, my love, you look good. It's been how many years?”

Jamie faked a smile and stood up to receive the hug. “It's been a while. So when did you come back?” he asked as he pulled himself out of the long embrace.

“I came back last month; Daddy said he wants me to take over his company,” she replied, caressing his shoulders.

“Hmmm, that's good,” Mike interrupted. “I guess you'll be seeing more of Jamie.”

“Why?” she inquired, curiosity evident in her voice.

“His firm and your dad's firm are business partners.”

“Oh, wow…that’s nice. You must be the young shareholder my Dad spoke about. I'm proud of you, Jamie.” She looked at him, but he seemed uninterested in the discussion. “I hope to see more of you guys. My guests are waiting for me.” She leaned in and pecked Jamie on the cheek. “Bye…” she waved at them, and Jamie replied with a fake smile.

As she walked away, Mike couldn't help but look lustfully at her. Jamie had to flick his ear to get his attention.

“Jamie, that girl is hot! Damn…and I think she’s still into you. Why did you guys break up again?”

“The b***h said I was too broke to be in a serious relationship with her, and that her father wouldn't consent to it.”

“That's true. That was so messed up, man. She did you dirty.” He teased Jamie and laughed. “But now that you’re rich, I think things could work out between you two.”

“Nah… I'm not interested anymore.”

“But why? Don't tell me it's because of your mystery girlfriend.” He laughed again.

“Drink up, man; let's get out of here.”