Jake POV

*Ring *Ring *Ring

"I can't get to the phone. You know what to do after the beep!"

"Lassie, it's me...this is, I don't know, like the 6th time I've called? Please answer. I know you're there... I just want to talk to you...Okay I'll hang up now."

I end the call and lean into my hands.

"Come on J, give her some space, she'll come around."

I look up and stare at my best friend Lee. His green eyes are squinted in concern, I feel a twinge of guilt in my stomach for making him worry.

"I know, you're probably right...I just can't stop trying. I'm worried about her."

"What exactly did her sister say to you? She just said she wasn't well. That doesn't mean she's dying."

I stare open-mouthed at his response. What am suppose to say to that? In a way, Lee is right. Harper had never openly said that her sister was dying. Hell, she never even said what Blaire was sick with, but it was her actions that spoke louder than words. Her voice had been shaky, and her boyfriend Brayden had to practically hold her up as she told me about it. I remember the feeling of my stomach dropping as Harper told me the truth.

"Jake, I know you mean well...but Blaire? Well, she's sick, and I know she doesn't want to tell you. But I can't risk her getting hurt."

The queasy feeling in my stomach re-emerges the longer I think about it. I don't exactly know when I started caring so much about the mysterious girl on the other side of the phone line, I just do. She's on my mind constantly. Her witty comebacks and her melodic voice. For a while, I wondered what she looked like, but that ended when I saw Harper. I can just tell that they look alike. Tan skin, dark brown hair, shining eyes, full lips...

"God, I just want her to answer."

I throw myself back on the bed and stare at the ceiling. A few moments later I feel the bed dip as Lee comes to sit beside me.

"Just give it another few days. It'll all work itself out."

I sigh and nod silently in response. I can't help but hope that he's right.