Chapter 8: Chapter 8: Lingering Feelings
Katon took Alice's hand, holding it tightly. "I have some urgent business in Indonesia. My sister needs help. It seems I have to leave you for a while, Alice."
Alice's heart sank. Katon was leaving her. Alice was stunned, her eyes staring blankly at the man before her.
"Y-you're leaving?" she asked nervously. Suddenly, Alice felt empty, looking away. Katon, still holding her hand, noticed her change in mood. He cupped her head, tucking her hair behind her ear.
"Don't worry, honey. I'm not leaving forever. As soon as I'm done, I'll be back. For now, I think it's better if you don't stay alone in your apartment."
While Katon tried to reassure Alice, Morgan looked away, occasionally glancing at their interaction. When he finally saw Katon comforting her, he rolled his eyes and mumbled, then silenced himself with his beer.
"Where's your home, Choco Girl? I'll take you there. Stay with your family tonight, don't be alone in your apartment, Sweetheart."
"C-can't I stay at your place, Katon?" Alice asked anxiously.
"Unfortunately, no, Sweet Choco. I have business with Morgan tonight. Give me your home address, I'll take you there."
Alice sighed sadly, turning away, but Katon quickly caught her chin, forcing her to look at him.
"You still have my number, right? Stay with your family for a few days. Send me your bank account details. I'll send you some money to live on while you look for a job. Don't go back to Brooklyn Blend, Choco Girl. Find work near your family's place. While I'm in Indonesia, I might be hard to reach, but I'll let you know when I'm back," Katon said. Alice pulled away, realizing Katon didn't want to prolong their relationship. It was over. She decided not to follow his instructions.
"My family's house is in Manhasset, NY, near the end of Manhasset Bay. I'll go home by myself, Katon," she said softly. Katon checked his watch.
"I think we can still catch the next Long Island Rail Road. Get ready, Baby Choco. Morgan and I will take you to Atlantic Terminal," Katon said, confirming Alice's suspicion that he wanted to end things quickly.
Alice went to her bedroom, packing her essentials, deciding it was best to return home for her safety. She brought out two large travel bags. Katon and Morgan immediately helped her. They left the locked apartment, heading for the nearest subway station, Atlantic Terminal.
Katon and Morgan walked with Alice to Atlantic Terminal, carrying her bags. At the station entrance, Katon looked at Alice tenderly. "I hope you'll be comfortable with your family, Alice. I'll miss you."
Alice smiled, her face still sad. "I can't wait to see my family. Don't worry, I'll be fine. Thank you for bringing me here."
Katon just looked at Alice, while Morgan, standing nearby, nodded and winked to cheer her up.
An announcement echoed through the station. "The train to Manhasset, NY will arrive shortly."
Alice saw the train approaching, its lights shining. "The train's here. I have to go," she whispered, trying to take her bags. Katon dropped the bags and hugged her tightly, letting Morgan handle the luggage.
"Be careful, Alice. Take care and let me know when you get there," Katon whispered, kissing her cheek.
Alice nodded in his embrace. "I will, Katon. I'll miss you."
They parted, and Alice walked towards the train, followed by Morgan with her bags. She turned back before entering.
"Goodbye, you two. Thank you for everything."
"Goodbye, Alice. Take care." Morgan spoke, as Katon just stared at Alice. They waved as the train doors closed and it pulled away. The two men watched until it disappeared.
"That must be tough for you, huh?" Morgan asked sarcastically. Katon shrugged and turned to leave. They returned to Katon's car, parked outside, heading back to his comfortable Manhattan apartment.
"Isn't your trip to Indonesia at the end of the month?" Morgan asked as they drove towards New York City. Katon nodded.
"Will you contact her when you return from Indonesia?" Morgan asked again, as Katon remained silent.
"Hm? Who's going back to New York? Aren't we going to Everest, Morg?"
"You're a real jerk!" Morgan cursed, making Katon laugh.