FOR RICHER, FOR POOR

CHAPTER EIGHT

It seems like I run into Kathleen everywhere I go. Maybe this is a sign from the world that I'm meant to be with her. Or it's just my mind trying to make excuses to just hang out with her some more. Or I'm just making up theories about such a simple matter. These are all good ideas but the main point is I love being around her. I'm more comfortable around her, I can be my truest self, no pressure from my parents, or the society, just me being me.

She left the bathroom and came to my living space, I couldn't help but look at her. She could look good with anything, she was rocking those sweatpants.

This isn't where I live. It's a place where I come to write some music, relax, and just get away from the world of being Lorenzo Turner, son of the influential Mr. Turner, the man who brought to life the story of rags to riches, where no one puts me on a pedestal. I felt bad about lying to Kathleen, I'm happy to find someone who is not attracted to me because of my money. I will tell her the truth once we start working together, hopefully, she will understand the reason as to why I lied.

"You are too neat for a guy," Kathleen said out of nowhere making me laugh. I honestly get that a lot from people. It's a societal misbelief that men are untidy and unkempt but that's not the case for me, "I'll take that as a compliment and say thank you," I replied. I forgot to ask her about her breakfast preferences, "Is there anything specific you want for breakfast?" I asked her.

"No anything is good," she responded.

I'll just make more pancakes then that should cover it. "What is this?" she asked raising my book of thoughts. It's a rough job, I'm not ready to share what I have written just yet. "Umm, that's private. I'd appreciate it if you don't read it please." I said politely. She put down the book and came to sit by the kitchen on the coffee table. I gave her a smoothie, made of garlic, ginger, and a few other recipes. It was a recipe from an old friend back in college, it was delicious and effective.

We sat down to have breakfast, I couldn't help but chuckle when Kathleen let out a moan once she took a bite of the pancake, "I take it to you like the pancakes?" I asked.

"So much. You're a really good cook," she said.

"I guess my mother would be proud. She taught me well," I answered as I continued eating.

"Yes, she should," she replied and continued to eat.

After the extremely delicious breakfast, she helped me do the dishes, despite my numerous objections. She was strong-willed, another quality I greatly admired. "So what plans do you have for today?" I asked her in an attempt to make conversation. Her body seemed to tense up though.

"I have to go and make sure everything is in place for tomorrow. I'm nervous about how the café turns out well for the opening," she said worry in her voice. I was about to respond when my phone rang. I didn't think I had any business plans today nor did I have to meet with my dad or the building crew. I walked to pick up my phone but the number was unknown.

I picked it up. "Am I speaking with Lorenzo Turner?" asked the strange female voice on the other end.

"Yes, you are. May I know who I'm speaking to?" I asked confused.

"This is Matter Hospital, we have you registered as an emergency contact for Lena Campbell. She's here, it would be considerate if you came to see her." She said.

"I'm on my way," I said and hung up.

"I have to go. It's an emergency." I said as I went to change into different clothes. Lena has me as her emergency contact. Why I wondered.

"Anything I can do to help?" Kathleen asked.

"Don't worry about it. Will you lock up?" I asked. I wasn't sure if she was prepared to leave.

"No, I should be leaving too," she said as she went to take her clothes from the bathroom and put her heels on. She didn't seem okay with how I just cut short our time together, neither was I but I had to go check up on Lena. Didn't seem like a good idea but I couldn't just abandon her when she was in a hospital.

"You don't have to yo…" I started to say to her, "I know but I want to, I have somewhere I need to be also," she said cutting me off. I couldn't explain to her right now but I promise I'll make it up to her. I hate to see her sad.

I locked the door, we went down the flight of stairs, and we reached the street. I hailed her a cab, and after she was situated, "See you tomorrow," I said flatly and shut the door. I went to get my car and went straight to Matter Hospital.

I went to the receptionist's desk, "I'm here to see Lena Campbell. What room is she in?" I asked the nurse who was there, Jane, what her name tag said, "She's in room 304," Jane said. I thanked her and went to find the room.

There on the bed, she laid, still as beautiful as I remembered, with her then blonde hair now dyed ginger red, almost like Kathleen's hair. I went and sat beside her, she was still asleep.

Lena Campbell, my former best friend turned ex-girlfriend, didn't end on a sad note or anything. She just left one day and we never saw her again.

We were raised in the same block, we weren't neighbors but we lived somewhat close to each other. We grew up together, went to the same schools, and did almost everything together. We were best friends making our parents close too. She would come to sleepovers at our house and I at theirs. When we reached high school, we had the same friends, we were pretty much inseparable. We dated different people, and we got our hearts broken a couple of times, but we found solace in that we'll always have each other. One day, we accidentally, don't know if it was an accident, shared a kiss. We decided to try dating each other, and our parents said that it was about time we dated, it was long overdue. Unfortunately, her parents died in a tragic accident, I tried to be there for her as much as possible she practically stayed in our house. After the funeral she just went away, she didn't come for her things. No call, no text, no emails, it was like she vanished.

I filed a missing person report, but it didn't bear much fruit. I don't think the police took it seriously. They thought it was just another case of a runaway kid, but I knew Lena, at least I thought I did, she wouldn't run away, and she wouldn't leave me just like that. But after a month all I got was a f*******: message, saying she's okay and is now living with her grandparents in California. It broke me into pieces, it took me months to get over losing her. And now here she is after all this time.

I tried holding her hand but couldn't. "Lorenzo? You came. I didn't think you would," Lena said as she flattered her eyes trying to open them. "Yes, I did," I answered unsure of what else I could have possibly said. She finally managed to open her eyes and she pushed herself to sit up, I helped her but putting a pillow at her back.

"How have you been?" she asked smiling.

She's going to act like she didn't just walk out on me 13 years ago? Like we have been in touch all this time?

"I've been better, can't the same about you?" I answered coldly.

"I know we have a lot to talk about. I'm back and we'll have a lot of time to catch up on everything. I promise to explain everything," she said sadness filling her voice.

"It's the least you could do," I said flatly.

"But I need you to help me. I got involved with some really bad people and they're trying to kill me," she said, I could see the fear in her eyes.

"Lena I would like to help you but I don't see why I should," I answered as I stood up feeling very uncomfortable.

"Please Lorenzo for old times' sake, I just need to pay them back and I'll be out of your hair," she pleaded.

"How much do you owe them?" I asked, out of curiosity.

"90 grand," she said unsure, "I just need a place to hide out for a while once I get better I'll be gone," she pleaded again.

Before she could answer a man barged through the door, she looked at Lena and smirked. I could see the fear in her eyes, "can we help you?" I asked the man.

"No, you can't," he answered his eyes still on Lena, I moved to stand in his line of sight. He looked at me and he walked out.

I guess she is in trouble. Why didn't I just stay with Kathleen? Now what have I gotten myself into?