Prologue- June 2nd

Jake awoke in the middle of the night, but perhaps awoke is the wrong sentiment. She hadn’t fallen asleep at all yet. She glanced over to Lara, who was soundly sleeping next to her.  Jake smiled as she quietly got out of bed, and moved to Siobhan’s empty room. Jake let out a heavy sigh as she leaned against the doorframe.  Nothing was more sad than to see the once filled room, empty.  Jake couldn’t sleep because Siobhan had called her earlier in the evening when Lara was in the shower.

“Jake, I’m moving back to New Jersey…just until Laurence’s trial.”

“Good for you Siobhan, maybe that’s the best thing for you.”

“I want you to come with me.”

“Siobhan I can’t.  I have so much here…I have Lara.”

“Jake…please…I can’t do this alone.”

“I have to think.”

“I’m getting on the plane at 3am. I have an extra ticket. If you’re coming, meet me at the gate.”

Jake had been thinking on it the entire evening.  She couldn’t let Siobhan go through this alone, they were too close.  On the other hand, she couldn’t just leave Lara and everything she had.  Jake put her hands over her face as she let out a breath she didn’t even know she was holding.

“I’m so sorry baby.” Jake murmured as she quietly packed a couple bags. 

Jake scribbled a quick note and took one of the lilies out of the vase.  Jake looked over the note a few times before deciding it was good enough.

Lara- 

I’m so sorry for having to do this, but I have to go. I can’t tell you where, because Siobhan’s life may very well depend on my silence.  I love you more than I can ever put into words, but this is something I have to do.  Please understand. I expect you to hate me, I expect you never to forgive me…But I hope that you can understand why I have to do this.

-Jake

Jake set the note on the pillow and laid the lily on top of it.  She kissed Lara softly on the lips and walked out of the apartment, and away from the love of her life.