AMORA MERGED OFF the highway, then smiled. The nursing home was a few minutes away. She had visited recently but awoke that Saturday feeling inspired. After a brief cup of coffee, she had gone into the kitchen, made a lasagna, and hopped in the car. 

It was now 9 AM. 

On any normal day, she'd be in a sense of dread. These visits used to be few and far between. 

But now, Amora didn't have to feel guilty. 

A minute later, she turned up the radio and tried tuning in.  'Hang on Sloopy' by The McCoys began to play. 

'Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on'

She tapped a hand to the beat. 

'Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Give it to 'em (yeah)'

When it ended, she turned off the music and pulled into the lot. Since it was still early, there were only a few cars, excluding the employee spaces. After parking near the front, she grabbed her keys, then purse, and stepped outside. 

That was when her phone vibrated. 

She straightened up, considering. That could only be-

Her smile widened. 

Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out her phone and read the message. 

It was from Thomas, as suspected. 

We didn't talk yesterday, so I thought I'd check-in, it read. How are you doing?

She formed a dozen responses but dismissed each.  This visit was about her mother, not Thomas. 

At the front door, though, she paused, hand to the knob. 

Willow still needs a date...

She shivered as she stepped in. 

As she looked around, taking in the familiar surroundings, she lingered by the doorway. 

"You should really get back to work..." a male voice said to her right. It was firm but soft. "You've been on that thing all day. Your girlfriend can wait."

Amora dismissed the conversation and huffed. Maybe one text to Thomas wouldn't hurt. Her mother would still be the main focus. 

"Did you hear me?" A pause. "We've got a new customer."

"Yeah, just... just give me a minute," someone mumbled back. 

Amora pulled out her phone, then sent a brief message:

I'm well but a bit busy. We can talk later.

Then she nodded and smiled. Now it was time to see her mother. 

There was a sigh. "Alright, I'm ready."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, she's busy."

Amora smirked as she strolled over to the front desk. What a coincidence. When she looked up, meeting the receptionist's face, her heart dropped. 

Seated behind the glass, phone nearby, the man stiffened. "Fancy seeing you here."

Amora put a hand to her chest. "What- How?"

The receptionist glanced at his co-worker, winked, then went out through the back. Moments later, he reappeared on the other side and smiled down at her. 

"How are you here, though?" Amora asked. "It doesn't make any sense!"

His smile grew. 

"Thomas?"

"I said I was a receptionist, remember? I just never said where."

She held her breath, mulling it over. "It's strange how things work."

"Yes." Thomas peered back at his co-worker. "It certainly is, isn't it?"

His co-worker shook his head. "I'm more than a little confused" - he sank into a chair - "but that's your business."

"That's Oliver and he's awesome," Thomas chuckled. 

"I'll give you guys five minutes," Oliver said. "At least it isn't busy."

Amora smiled as she stepped back. He followed suit. "I missed you, you know."

"I did, too." Thomas crossed his arms, looking her over. "Can I get a hug?"

She laughed and opened her arms. "Come here, you big guy."

When they parted, there was a steady silence. 

"But it's crazy that I missed you," Amora went on. "I mean, our date was four days ago!"

Thomas hummed. "Could it possibly mean...?"

Amora began to shift, thinking, before raising a brow. "Another date?"

He gave a stiff nod. "Maybe. This time, though, hopefully, less tragic. That was... well, intense."

"Yeah, I suppose it was..." Then she glanced at the co-worker and saw him typing away. "Let's have a seat. We've still got like four minutes."

Thomas went quiet, then nodded. "Sure."

Moments later, they were both seated in a plastic chair. Each one was part of a circle, facing the front desk, and only two were in use. 

Amora smiled. "Knowing you're here, I'll definitely visit more often!" A pause. "I'm sure Mom won't mind."

"Your mother?" His face fell. "Yeah, I suppose you'd only come for a relative."

"Yeah."

"What's her name?"

"Kara Kinley."

His frown deepened. "Ah, yes, I know her. She's got a lot of depth, that woman."

"Yes, but why are you frowning?" Amora tilted her head. "Is it because of her Alzheimer's? I know it's bad."

"Maybe you should see her soon."

"Perhaps."

Then, right on cue, a wheelchair came into view, rounding the corner. In it was a grey-haired woman, hands white over the wheel as she looked around. 

Amora nudged Thomas. "See her?" She peered at him. "Wonder... who she's looking for."

"That's Debbie," Thomas said. "She wanders around often."

"Yeah." Amora cleared her throat. "Should we do something, though?"

"Debbie likes talking to Oliver," he whispered, glancing at the front desk. "And there he goes..."

After standing up and waving, Oliver went out the back, circled his desk, then approached the woman. "How's today, Deb?" He crouched low. "Anything on your mind?"

"He's real good with people," Thomas went on. 

Amora nodded. 

Moments later, Oliver gave a parting way and left. 

A moment more and the woman disappeared, smiling brightly. 

 "They are best buds, really." He peered at her, a sparkle in his eyes. "Now, Ms. Mysterious, what's on your mind?"

Amora gave a subtle shrug. "Nothing special, I suppose."

He gave a small chuckle. "Ah, yes, because I'm certainly gonna believe that. Amora, if there's one thing I've learned, it's that you are one of a kind."

"Is that a compliment?" she asked. 

"You just seem like the main character, Mora. That's all I'm saying."

"Really?" she huffed. "Who'd wanna read about my life? It revolves around my mother, job, and my miserable friend. And, well, now you! Nothing special."

Thomas looked around, then leaned in. "It's a good thing this place is virtually empty. This conversation is getting interesting. Who's your friend?"

Amora shrugged again. "It's not important."

He lifted a brow. 

For a moment, she stared back, then sighed. "Her name's Willow." A pause. "Your life must be boring, too! This is horribly uninteresting."

"Well, you're not wrong, and that's why this is." He gestured her on. "Continue, I'm listening."

"Passive-aggressive, I see." Her smirk suddenly disappeared. "Well, she's, uh, in a wheelchair. I guess she's pretty depressed right now."

"Is there a chance she'll walk again?"

"She got out of the hospital yesterday..." Amora trailed.

"She still can't, huh?"

Amora shook her head. 

"There's still that chance, though."

"Yet what she really wants is a boyfriend."

Thomas leaned back, slow, then crossed his arms. "A boyfriend?" He cocked his head. "She's one of those, huh?"

"What, a hopeless romantic?"

"Not what I meant," he said, "but is she?"

"Well, she's had many men but they never last..."

"Ah" - he sighed heavily - "she is that type."

Amora searched him, mulling it over. "A little blunt, but... yeah." 

"You know any good men?" After straightening up, he exchanged a look with his co-worker. "Good ones are hard to find these days."

"Oh, trust me, I know."

Then he turned to her, face open. "Does you friend?" He blinked several times. "If she has no male role models in her life, how's she gonna tell the difference?"

Amora dropped her gaze. "What are you getting at?"

"She can't."

"What," she scoffed, "do you know any?"

He peered at his co-worker. This time, Oliver didn't acknowledge him as he greeted a customer. "I might know someone."

"You must think I'm desperate." Amora matched him, leaning back. "I'm not about to set Willow up with your co-worker."

"No, I don't think you're desperate," Thomas said. "I think your friend is."

She huffed but stared ahead, mind reeling. "I just... I think it would be too weird. I'll find someone else."

"You're the one who called her miserable and depressed."

"Yeah, but-"

"And it's because she's single. At least..." he clicked his tongue - "that's how you made it sound."

Amora raised a brow. Moments later, she sighed and hugged herself. "I don't know, man. I don't know."

"Oliver is our best employee, y'know. Always charismatic, always helping others... I think he's worth a shot."

"You know what I think?" She met his face and gestured to the desk. "You should really get back to work."

"It's been over five minutes, huh?"

She nodded. 

"Just think about it, though," he continued. "He's been single for some time. He could use a chance himself."

"Yeah."

"And remember how he treated that woman? The one in the wheelchair?"

Amora began to fidget, then nodded. "Yeah, I do..." 

"I've known him for years. He's always like that." Slow but steady, he stood and stretched. "Just think about it. Plus, his sister's in a wheelchair, so-"

"Wait!"

He halted, halfway to the desk, then turned. "Yeah?"

Amora stood and shifted. "Come here."

He closed the gap, arms crossed. "Yeah?"

"You can tell Oliver. If he says yes, then I'll test him myself."

-

"Thank you for coming. I couldn't have pulled this off myself."

Faya adjusted her baggy sleeves. "Can't say I was in town, either." She peeked through the entrance, then shifted aside. "Anything for Willow, though. I know how depressed she is."

"Exactly, so I hope the drive was worth it," Amora said, looking her over. 

Faya was in a purple, loose-fitted crop top with tight blue jeans. And at her side was a brown-laced purse, both shiny and jeweled. 

"Pretty good for short notice."

"Honey," Faya said with a grin, "this is nothing."

"Well, you do love your dresses, huh?"

"If I had a couple hours, I could've done something. Then again, for a nursing home? Even I have boundaries."

Amora stood back, posture slouched. "Really, though, how long was the drive?"

"I live the town over," Faya chuckled. "I was just being hard on you." Then she faced the door, closed her eyes, and sighed. "Now, time for the hard part."

"I hope you understand. It's just that he agreed and I want to make sure he's the right-"

"Yeah, yeah, save that for later." Faya glanced her way, then nodded and began for the entrance. 

Amora, meanwhile, held her breath. 

If only Oliver hadn't seen me, then I could do this myself. 

And, just like that, she was inside. 

After scurrying around the corner, she peeked and waited. 

Moments would go by. 

And then a few more. 

With a sigh, she bowed her head, pulling back. This was taking longer-

As if one cue, the automatic doors opened. A rapid pair of footsteps left the building, then stopped. 

A pause. 

Amora glimpsed around the corner and smiled. "Hey, over here!" She gestured to the figure. "Come on!"

Faya flinched, then turned, slow and stiff. 

"Come on!"

After a peek behind her, Faya hurried forward, head down. 

"Well, how'd it go?"

"He took the note," she murmured. "I winked, did some smooth talking, and he took the note."

Her heart dropped. Then, with a shaky hand, she rubbed her neck. 

"He's not the one."

"No, no, he's not..." Amora stared off, losing her voice. "I  guess we'll meet him at the park."

"You're lucky it's Saturday," Faya said, shaking her head. "I'm free all day."

"Good, then I'll see you there at in a few hours. We need him to be off work. We'll go from there."

As she watched her leave, hands in pockets, Amora's mind whirled. If only things could go well for once. Instead her friend was suicidal, had a pitiful boyfriend, and was in a wheelchair... The worst part, though, was that Willow had gone to that lake. 

Amora closed her eyes, forcing breaths. After a moment, she reached into her pocket, then pulled it out: a pill bottle. The same one that she had found at the school. 

It was the same bottle her friend had used that night. 

She shivered. Soon enough I'll get you that boyfriend, Willow. You'll see. 

-

Amora stepped out from her vehicle. "It's 5. If he's disloyal, he should be here any minute."

Faya nodded, readjusting her baggy crop top. "I can't believe I wore this thing. It's so uncomfortable!"

They each stopped on the sidewalk, beside their respective cars. 

Amora resisted a chuckle. "It's for Willow, remember."

Faya paused, peered up at her, then continued. "That's what we have in common."

"Yes."

"If it was for anybody else, I'd have turned you away," she went on. "I mean, who bangs on someone's door like that! I thought something cynical was going on."

"Well, it's not like I could call you," Amora said, shifting. "I blocked you that one day and then... yeah."

Faya finished up, then hugged herself. "You shouldn't be out here like that. If Oliver sees you, he'll recognize you. I need to do this on my own."

Amora nodded, stiff, but stayed put. "When all this craziness is over, I hope we can sort something out. I'm not the same person anymore; I've changed."

Faya used a hand to cover a smirk. 

"I'm serious. I'm not that depressed loner anymore," Amora said. "I'm past Bridger. He wouldn't want for me to dwell on him, anyway... I just thought you should know."

Faya remained quiet as she began for the door. 

Then, with a small smile, Amora opened the door and-

"Amora?"

Amora stiffened. "Yeah?"

"I forgive you."

-

Since her windows were tinted, she didn't bother crouching down. Besides, she needed to see it play out for herself. 

She had to know. 

Moments later, ever-so-slowly, she lowered the passenger window an inch. Then another. 

This boy's a cheater and horribly late. What's his problem?

Amora scoffed, head in hands, when she gasped. Maybe, just maybe...

"Willow?" 

After a sigh, Faya went over to the passenger side. "Yeah?"

"What if" - her eyes sparkled - "he just threw it away?"

"What?"

"Yeah, maybe he's not a bad person. Maybe he couldn't care less about the not-"

And, just like that, a black Toyota pulled up behind Faya's vehicle. 

Willow stiffened, stepping onto the sidewalk. "He's here," she whispered. "He's here..."

"Hey." That voice - it must be Oliver's. "Now, what are we doing here?"

Amora propped herself up and it was confirmed. 

I'll still find you someone, Willow. Don't you worry. 

Oliver kept a distance, hands in pockets. "I, uh, got your note."

"Yes, I can see that." For a moment, Faya looked down before meeting his face. "I knew you were the one, Oliver. I've been watching you from afar, admiring you... I just knew I had to tell you eventually. And, well, here you are."

Oliver began to shift, bowing his head. "Nice little speech."

"Yes..." Faya went on. "I also knew we had to go somewhere else. There were too many eyes at that nursing home; too many witnesses."

"For what?" Oliver narrowed his gaze. "You need to be more specific."

Faya paused, staring back. "What, is it- is it not obvious?"

"You clearly have... interesting intentions."

"Yes, Oliver, I want you to be my boyfriend."

Amora held her breath. Way to be blunt, Faya. 

Oliver scratched his head. "I can't, sorry." Then he turned, about to leave, when he laughed. 

"Wait," Faya said, "what's so funny?"

The man stayed put, eyes to the ground. "I just can't believe I'm about to say this." 

"Say what?"

Then he faced her, smiling brightly. "I guess I'm, uh" - he chuckled - "not available."

"What, you've got a girlfriend or something?"

"A date."

"So?" Faya scoffed. "She doesn't have to know. This can be our little secret."

A steady silence came between them. 

"I can't associate with someone like you." His lip twitched. His eyes grew distant. "Now, I'm gonna go and you're gonna stay."

"But-"

He held up a hand, his other in a fist. "You disgust me. Your kind mingles with any willing, all the while doing so in secret. Your kind breaks hearts and ruins lives." A pause. "I can't live your life for you, but you certainly can't live mine either!" Then, in a bout, he trudged to his car, ducking inside. 

And, just like that, Amora was sure everything would be okay. 

-

"That was intense."

Amora peered over at her, hands in pockets. "Yeah."

They were each leaned against Faya's car, lost to their own thoughts. 

"I've got a good feeling about him, Faya, I really do."

Faya stiffened, looking ahead. "Well, he's certainly loyal." Her frown deepened. "He scared me, though. I still can't get his face out of my head! That's the last time I play a who-"

"Don't finish that. I know what you mean," Amora chuckled. 

"Yeah, you're not one for that language," she said, hugging herself. "I'm not either. I guess I'm a little shaken is all."

Amora nudged her, smiling, then stared off. "Look at us. This weird scenario brought us together."

"It was really Willow, though." Faya nodded, stiff, then sighed. "She brought us apart but, ultimately, she brought us together."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"She set you and Bridger up, right? He was my boyfriend, so she went behind my back."

She stifled a chill. "It certainly is interesting how things work."

"Just know this, okay? I forgive you." Then Faya looked at her, face open. "Our past is our past. Now it's time for our future."

Amora chuckled, hand over mouth. "That almost sounds like we're dating!"

Faya matched her, slapping a knee. "You didn't have to say that! This was supposed to be a sweet little moment."

"Well, now it's really gonna sound that way. Can I have your number?" She pulled out her phone, fingers hovering over screen. "Please?"

Faya raised a brow but complied. "What's yours?"

A moment later, they would shake hands, about to part.

"Faya?" Her voice was hesitant. "I have something to ask."

"Yeah?"

"How often do you visit Willow?" 

"Every couple days. Any more than that and I'd be kicked to the curb! You know how she is."

"Yeah, I guess I do." Amora looked to her feet. "Do you think she'll ever be okay?"

"We'll make sure of it."

When her friend left, giving a tight nod, Amora stared ahead. Her vehicle was before her, its key in hand, but she reached into her pocket, grabbing her phone. 

She pressed on 'Thomas', then formed her question and sighed. 

She had to know. 

After clicking send, she re-read it again and again:

Oliver doesn't drink and drive, does he?

Well, that's a wrap! Honestly, this was supposed to be like 1,000 words. Instead, it's 3,000! Yeah, I'm surprised but glad. I think a lot was covered in this chapter. At first, I was planning on Amora dressing up instead of Faya but realized Oliver already saw her. I was also planning on Thomas ending up with Willow. But nope! I hope I made the right choices. 

I hope you enjoyed it. If you have any criticism, please don't be shy! I'd love to know how to improve. 

With this said, I hope you're well and God bless. <3