Present

"Are the packages ready for delivery?" I asked Liz after I finished a call with a customer.

"Yes," she replied. "I just got an update on them; they're already loaded on the ship. They were anticipating delays, but thankfully that hasn't happened", she added.

"Good", I replied before shifting my attention to my phone and sending a message. I put it on the table, next to my laptop, then returned to the email I was writing before I was interrupted.

As I typed my reply, a long sigh escaped my lips. Since I took over, the band has been experiencing financial losses that, thankfully, were not my fault. The lack of a suitable replacement for Cain was acutely felt.

His unique skills and contributions were invaluable, and with him in the hospital, things had changed. The finances weren't disastrous, given that the other businesses were thriving, but this vulnerability shouldn't have existed.

So far, we have managed to maintain a flawless façade, hiding all the challenges, but it was only a matter of time before someone discovered the truth. There were individuals who would have relished the opportunity to take any one of us down.

"Any progress in finding someone to take Cain's place?", I asked after she sat down next to me and lit a cigarette.

"Not yet", she replied, letting the smoke out of her mouth.

I took a moment to study her face. She was trying her best to correct the situation. It wasn't entirely her fault; trust was scarce in our line of work. Bringing on someone who could potentially jeopardize our operations would be a risky move.

"I suggest, if you agree, that we give up the search for a new candidate", Liz suggested. "I can do just fine on my own. We should focus on solving other pressing issues".

"I suppose you're right", I said picking up her cigarette and taking a drag.

"You could have asked for one", she replied, raising an eyebrow at me.

"Maybe, but I've told you more than once not to smoke in here. Cain wouldn't agree".

"But Cain isn't here now, and you have to do things your own way anyway", she immediately returned the favor, lighting another cigarette.

I rolled my eyes, then shifted my attention to my laptop, reviewing the inordinate number of emails. Just as I was about to answer another, Liz closed the laptop lid in front of me.

"Why don't we go get some lunch? I know you're skipping meals", Liz offered, handing me my jacket. "Cain would never forgive me if I let you go hungry."

"What happened to 'Cain's not here'?", I joked, as I slipped into my jacket.

Without warning, I was pinned against the wall by Liz, who stood only a few inches from me.

"You know I'm loyal to Cain; that's why you're here and not in my bed, screaming my name until your voice gives out, Liz stated.

"I bet I would", I replied, then we both burst out laughing.

"Come on, Skyler and Ash are probably waiting for us", Liz urged me, as we both walked out of the office and towards the parking lot.

Over time, I found myself becoming fond of Liz. Our friendship had bloomed rapidly since we first met, and I had no issue with her past relationship with Cain. There may have been a twinge of envy at first, but I soon realized that they had both turned to each other for support amidst their complex lives, finding solace in one another.

Through the ups and downs, she had remained a loyal and unwavering friend. Our connection deepened over time, demonstrating that strong bonds can form from unexpected situations.

Not only was Liz a great friend, but she also effortlessly transitioned into a big sister role. Alongside Skyler and Ash, Liz turned into the type of sister I've always wanted. On the other hand, I didn't know much about Hazel. After our last interaction, where I refused to give her money, we stopped communicating completely. At first, it bothered me, but over time, I came to accept it and focus on the friendships that were still strong. Our paths diverged and it was time to move forward. If Hazel wanted to reconnect, she would have reached out to me.

I was thankful for the surprise bonds that had formed, a reminder that family goes beyond biological connections.

"What are you thinking about?", Liz asked me.

I was aware of her dislike for Hazel, so I simply made myself comfortable in the passenger seat of Liz's Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR Voodoo Edition and fastened my seatbelt.

"You probably wouldn't want to hear about it", I finally replied as Liz started driving.

I observed her closely, and she remained quiet. Her beauty captivated me; she had flawless mocha skin, decorated with a delicate white and gold serpent tattoo that curved elegantly around her neck.

Watching her, memories flooded back to the first time we met. Recalling that day, I couldn't help but cringe at how awkward and miserable I had felt. She had walked into Cain's living room while I was dressed in his clothes, looking like a complete mess. The embarrassment and vulnerability of that moment were ingrained in my mind, still causing my cheeks to flush with embarrassment. I wondered if Liz remembered that day with the same clarity as I did.

A soft chuckle escaped my lips as I recalled mistaking Liz for Cain's ex-girlfriend at first. I took out my phone from my pocket and sent a text to Zack, reminding him to take Cain's Hellcat in for maintenance.

"What's so funny?", she asked, shifting gears.

"Just thinking about the first time we met", I replied.

"Ah, the day when you were so fucked up you couldn't remember anything", she replied.

"I remember the important moments", I defended myself. "I should go see him later. I know we still haven't received any updates from the doctors, but I want to be by his side for a little longer."

I could feel my eyes filling with tears.

Exasperated, Liz let out a sigh as she navigated the car into the parking lot of the restaurant.

"Stop with this negativity. You make it sound like he's on his deathbed", she said, pocketing her car keys after getting out of the vehicle and closing the door.

"He's in a coma. We don't even know if he can hear us or if he'll recover", I snapped, following her. "Why aren't you more worried?"

"I'm worried, of course, but Cain is too stubborn to give up so easily. I'll take you there later, I promise", she assured me, as we entered the restaurant. "I know you're anxious, but you have to take care of yourself too".

I was aware that she was correct, but the mere idea of losing Cain made me feel overwhelmed with frustration. Losing Blaze for a short period had been hard enough, but my life would have been permanently altered without Cain. This thought frequently kept me awake at night.

Without Liz and the rest of our group, I would have given up a long time ago. Liz always reminded me that I was making progress, and while that was true, it didn't entirely fulfill me. I wish my resilience had been developed in different situations.

----- ♡ -----

True to her word, Liz drove me to the hospital. After having a proper meal for the first time in days, I was starting to feel a little better. Ever since Cain had been hospitalized and Blaze had been arrested, my desire to eat had disappeared.

I was grateful for the chance to see him outside of the designated visiting hours, as it meant the hospital would be quieter and I could be alone with my thoughts. As I stepped into the elevator, I couldn't help but think about Liz's reluctance to enter Cain's room. It was clear that she didn't want to see him in his current condition, and I couldn't blame her. However, I held onto the hope that she was right and that he would eventually wake up from his coma.

Once inside his room, I removed my jacket and draped it over a nearby couch. I settled down next to him and reached for his hand, savoring the memories of all our moments together. As much as I wished to spend the entire night here, it was simply not feasible.

Gently, I traced my fingertips over his skin before pressing my lips to his forehead.

"I wish you could hear me, love.", I whispered, gently running my fingers through his hair. "So much had happened since you've been hospitalized. Kristopher and the rest of the group were released from the hospital a few days ago. They will slowly resume their duties again."

My slender fingers traced down his arm, careful to avoid any injury he had.

"Blaze's trial is next week. I don't know if I can handle it anymore", I admitted in a shaky voice, as tears welled up in my eyes. "I'm trying so hard to keep up with everything, but I'm struggling. I'm not cut out for this, and even if I were, I can't focus properly without you two".

I waited in silence, tears streaming down my face, fully aware that he wouldn't answer.

"We're facing some financial problems; finding a replacement for you in the organ trafficking business hasn't been successful, and profits are down", I said, wiping away my tears. "We collectively decided to explore the option of prostitution to offset our losses. I know it's not something you'd agree with, but we had no choice. In fact, we're opening a second establishment for it. On a positive note, if there is one, I provide for the welfare of the women who work for us; I even offer them health insurance", I added.

As I cast a glance back at him, my heart shattered once more. For the first time, he appeared calm and at peace. The burden of his past seemed to have lifted from his shoulders, no longer haunting him. Despite the odds, I held onto the belief that one day we could break free from this life. It was a far-fetched dream, nearly unattainable, yet I clung to it with unwavering hope.

In that moment, my only desire was to escape to an isolated island with both of them and leave everything else behind.

"Remember that I love you", I whispered, leaning down again to kiss his forehead before grabbing my jacket and leaving.

As I made my way towards Liz's car, recollections of our first outing together came rushing back to mind—the blend of thrill and anxiety, the cruise itself, and our initial disagreement that had led me to seek solace in Blaze's embrace.