ECHOES OF US

CHAPTER 2

The doorbell rang again, and I groaned in frustration. Nathan, still standing at the door, opened it—it was the food this time.

He carried it in, handing everyone their share. The chicken was tender, the rice soft and chewy, and the soup? Absolutely divine, my taste buds practically danced. It’d been ages since I’d had food this good.

Nathan had bought like seven packs. I knew his intention: to make sure I ate my fill. Holly, being the glutton she is, usually polished off three, sometimes four packs.

“Eat up,” Nathan said, eyes on me.

“I’m doing just that,” I shot back, glaring.

“Do you need me to feed you?” Nathan and Holly said at the same time. They looked at each other and burst out laughing.

“Hell no, I can eat myself!” I snapped, shoving food into my mouth like it was my life mission. Why do they always have to make everything awkward?

Holly sprang up. “Lana, I really need to use your restroom,” she said, heading toward my room.

I jumped up and planted myself in front of the door. No way. Not today. If she sees the mess in there… I’m done for.

“Lana! I really need to pee! Move out of the way!”

“You know you could just water the plants outside,” I said, laughing—but nobody got the joke. Typical. They never get my sense of humor.

“Are you hiding something in there?” Holly asked, shooting a glance at Nathan.

He strolled over, bent down, and effortlessly hoisted me onto his shoulders. Seriously?! Nathan, are you trying to humiliate me? But it worked, Holly marched right into the room.

“ALAYNA!” she yelled angrily.

“What is with your room, girl? Is this a freaking dumpster?” Holly shouted as she rushed into the restroom.

Nathan finally set me down and stepped inside, scanning the room. I trailed behind him like a lost puppy, wishing I could vanish.

“Lana… what’s this?” he asked, disappointment dripping from every word.

Ouch. That tone stings more than any insult could.

“We were here last week but didn’t go inside because you locked the door. Was this the reason? When was the last time you cleaned this room?” His gaze swept across the chaos, and I suddenly wished the ground would swallow me whole.

Holly came out of the restroom, hands on her hips. “Nathan, we better clean her and this dumpster of hers up. No wonder she falls sick all the time, it’s from inhaling toxic air like this.”

Nathan nodded firmly. “We’re going to my hospital tomorrow for a checkup.”

“Agreed,” Holly said with zero hesitation.

“I’ll go get her food,” Nathan announced, already heading out. “She can sit on the bed and eat while we arrange.”

“And I’ll fix up the bed,” Holly added, marching toward it with determination.

Perfect. Now my two least favorite nags have turned into a cleanup committee. Somebody save me.

“So, how’s work?” Nathan asked, breaking the silence.

“Annoying,” I said flatly, pushing my food around. “My editor gave me a story about a retired soldier. Twenty-seven years old. Already retired. Hard to find. No number, no socials. Nothing. My boss knows it’s almost impossible. That’s why he gave it to me.”

Nathan frowned. “That’s… young.”

“That’s what makes it strange,” I said. “I heard he didn’t guard anyone though. He led the last war. Two years. Came back victorious. He was just twenty-five. The reason for his retirement is unknown. And the government granting it, that’s what’s shocking. I thought soldiers usually retire much later.”

Holly tilted her head, intrigued. “So he’s basically a legend already. Young, mysterious, war hero vibes? Girl, the internet would eat that up.”

“It’s not for the internet,” I said sharply. “It’s for my story. And news stories need facts, not fantasies.”

Nathan smirked. “Still… someone that young leading a war? That’s not normal. Either he’s extraordinary… or there’s something they’re not saying.”

I didn’t answer, my mind already racing. This story is bigger than it looks. I can feel it.

“I really need to find him fast,” I added, voice steady. “My deadline is next Friday. If this story is published, it’ll be top news across the country. It could make the company well-known. Maybe then I’ll get the promotion I actually deserve—not the useless position I got after my first big hit.”

Holly leaned forward, eyes gleaming. “Sounds like someone’s motivated. Okay, I can help. With my contacts, I might be able to dig up something about him in a day or two.”

I didn’t look up. “Thanks . But you know I don’t need gossip or speculation. I need facts. Names, locations, proof.”

Nathan chuckled softly. “You’re intense. I like that.”

“Not intense,” I corrected, still focused. “Focused. This isn’t about me. It’s about the story. If I mess it up, my credibility dies. That’s the risk.”

Holly waved a hand. “Relax. You’ve got me. Trust me, this will be easier than you think.”

I finally glanced at her, expression flat. “I’ll trust the results. Not promises.”

Nathan shook his head, still smiling. “You’re something else, Lana.”

I went back to my food, already thinking through how I’d track down this soldier. I’ll find him. Somehow. I have to.

“All done,” Nathan said as he looked around at the now clean room.

“I’ll go fill up the tub so you can have your bath, you stink,” Holly added, heading toward the bathroom.

I raised my hand and sniffed my armpit. “I don’t really stink,” I said flatly.

Nathan laughed. “You don’t. But it’s the thought that counts.”

Holly rolled her eyes. “Whatever. She needs to soak, or she’ll start smelling like a disaster again tomorrow.”

I crossed my arms, sitting back on the bed. I can’t believe they actually cleaned this place. I’ll probably have to hide any mess tomorrow before they get here again.

While I soaked in the tub, the faint sound of laughter and chatter drifted from my bedroom. I knew what that meant—Holly and Nathan had already launched Operation: Outfit Hunt.

I could hear the rustle of hangers, the occasional frustrated groan, and Holly’s melodramatic commentary.

“Lana seriously doesn’t own anything fun,” Holly muttered, flipping through a rack of neatly hung blazers and pencil skirts. “It’s all… work. Work. Work. Ugh.”

Nathan chuckled from somewhere near the shoe rack. “She has one dress she wore last Christmas. Maybe that’ll work?”

Holly gasped. “One dress? For a club night? This girl is tragic.”

They pulled out shirt after shirt, blazer after blazer, holding them up to each other. “Too formal.” “Too stiff.” “She’ll look like she’s going to a board meeting.”

I sank deeper into the warm water, secretly glad they weren’t peeking—yet curious how this would end.

Finally, Holly waved a sleek black dress they found at the back of the closet. “Bingo! This could work. It’s simple, classy, but not boring.”

Nathan squinted. “It’s nice… but is it too… professional?”

Holly rolled her eyes. “Professional? Nathan, it’s a black dress. Half the people at the club will be in jeans and sneakers. This is perfect.”

Nathan grinned. “Alright, fine. We agree then?”

Holly did a little triumphant fist pump. “Yes. Finally. One vote each, and it matches your standards of fun… sort of.”

I sighed in the bath, imagining their triumphant faces. They’re going to parade me around like I’m a fashion exhibit.

From the hallway, Nathan called softly, “Lana, get out in five. We’ll help with shoes and accessories.”