Chapter 3
Back at the hospital, I'd just taken my meds and was about to get some rest when my phone started blowing up with notifications.
My phone was going off nonstop.
The Fantastic Four group chat was blowing up.
Susan: [Lily, where have you been hiding lately? Your step count on WhatsApp is always dead last.]
Ryan: [Yeah, Lily, haven't seen you post any foodie pics or travel shots in ages. That's so not you.]
Sam: [Pops in]
Susan: [Wait, are you actually sick?]
Ryan: [No way. Susan, don't jinx Lily. She's probably just cooking up something big.]
Sam: [Something's off about that invitation.]
I stared at my phone screen, feeling all kinds of mixed emotions.
They didn't really buy it, but they just couldn't help worrying.
They kept fishing in the group chat, hoping I would give them a [Don't worry, I was just kidding.]
No way was I letting them off that easily.
They were always saying I was too noisy or just too much.
I didn't bother replying. Just put my phone on silent and let them stew as long as they liked.
After a while, the chat just went quiet.
I scrolled through the group members and my eyes landed on the last name, Lucas Hale.
He was always the quiet one in our crew, never really blending in, but when push came to shove, he'd be the first to show up.
It has been almost three years since we last saw each other.
Just as I was spacing out, my phone suddenly lit up with a long-distance call from overseas.
The caller ID lit up—Lucas.
Lucas was always the odd one out in our little crew.
Unlike the bond we three shared since childhood, playing and growing up together, he had transferred to our school in the third grade of elementary school.
He was always on the quiet side, barely talked, but when it came to grades, the guy was a total genius.
At first, we just thought he was kind of boring.
One day, I was bullied by older students. Without hesitation, he used his quick wit to devise a plan that saved me and left the bullies speechless and humiliated.
From then on, he became our "mastermind," even though this mastermind spent most of his time in silence.
Later, he went overseas for college and ended up sticking around to work.
We just drifted apart, barely keeping in touch.
But whenever I made a mess of things, started drama, or hit a rough patch, even from halfway across the globe, he'd always come through with the kind of advice that just nailed it every single time.
When I answered, Lucas's voice was deep and a little weary. "Lily?"
"Yep, that's me. So, did my special delivery from overseas show up yet?"
I made sure my voice came off extra breezy.
There was a pause on the other end.
"Yeah, I got it. So, what mischief are you cooking up now?"
"It's nothing, really. Just thought I'd get the gang together."
I dodged the real question.
"Lily." Lucas's voice dropped, suddenly turning serious.
"Don't mess around with stuff like this."
I let out a sigh, knowing I couldn't pull the wool over his eyes.
Lucas was just too smart, and he knew me better than anyone. All my usual tricks and deflections were useless on him.
"I'm not joking," I replied.
I watched the IV drip, each drop falling, and my voice grew quiet.
"Lucas, this time, I think I really can't keep that promise. I might not be here to have that drink with you when you come back."
On the other end of the phone, there was a long silence. It was so quiet that I could only hear my own faint breathing and the distant sound of traffic outside the window.
It lasted so long I honestly wondered if the signal had dropped until Lucas finally spoke, his voice sounding rough and like he was fighting to stay calm.
A subtle tremble slipped into his tone. "What's happening?"
"Just came down with something. It's kind of a hassle," I said, putting on my best casual tone.
I tried to play it down like it wasn't serious at all.
"But seriously, it's all good. I've already got everything planned out, including my farewell."
"Send me the address," Lucas said, his voice steady but with a quiet urgency.