slams door So what? You're gonna chain me to a fucking chair now, 'cause I love Jonathan?
Bakether
I'm not trying to control your life, Jamie. But you need to understand that Jonathan isn't good for you.
rolls eyes dramatically Oh, spare me the lecture, Bakether. You don't get to decide who I can and can't be with.
Bakether
Well, as long as you're aware, he's involved with some dangerous people.
leans against the wall, arms crossed "Dangerous people"? Come on, Bakether, give me some credit. I'm not some innocent little girl anymore.
Bakether
I run my hand through my hair in frustration I know you're not, but... why can't you see this? He's not good for you, Jamie.
lets out an exasperated sigh Good for me, good for me! What do you know about what's good for me, huh?
Bakether
more than you realize
takes a step back, eyes narrowing Look, Bakether, I don't need you meddling in my relationships.
Bakether
It’s not a relationship… it’s a warning
takes a deep breath, trying to calm down A warning? Are you fucking kidding me, Bakether?
Bakether
no I’m not kid
throws her hands up in the air Oh, great! Just what I needed, my dad acting like some kind of creepy stalker!
Bakether
I’m not acting like a stalker. I’m trying to look out for you.
storms towards the door Well, thanks for the concern, but I can take care of myself, alright? I don't need your protection or judgment.
Bakether
grabs Jamie's arm gently Look, I just want you to be safe, alright? That's all I'm trying to do.
Jamie storms out of the house, slamming the door behind her. Bakether watches her leave, feeling a deep sense of guilt and failure.
Bakether
damn it
pauses, tears streaming down her face You don't understand, Bakether. I... I love him. I can't just let him go.
Bakether
listen if it makes you feel better I won’t say anything or interfere but please if you ever feel like you can’t come talk to me I’ll always be here
sniffs, wipes away tears Thanks, Bakether. I appreciate that. But I promise you, I can handle this. I won't let anyone hurt me.
Bakether
ok
sniffs, composes herself Look, I gotta go, but I'll be back later, alright? Don't worry about me, Bakether. I can take care of myself.
Bakether
ok
grabs her phone and dials a number Hey, Sarah, it's Jamie. Can you meet me at the coffee shop on 5th Street in 20 minutes?
Bakether
Jamie….
hangs up the phone abruptly No, Bakether, I don't need your opinion right now. I'm going to meet Sarah. She's my friend, and I could use some support.
Bakether
but I thought Sarah was…..
rolls her eyes Thought Sarah was what, Bakether? Hell, I don't even know.
Bakether
off the grid
raises an eyebrow Off the grid, huh? Maybe that's the problem, Bakether. Maybe Sarah doesn't need to be found. Maybe she's exactly where she wants to be.
Bakether
she’s gone Jamie
pauses, her expression softening Gone? No... that can't be true. Sarah wouldn't just disappear like that.
Bakether
well I’ve tried tracking her down for months so far nothing
runs a hand through her hair, visibly frustrated Shit, Bakether, I... I don't know what to say. I mean, we've been friends forever.
Bakether
I know
Jamie takes a few moments to gather her thoughts, then decides to search for Sarah on her own. She leaves the house determined to find answers.
Bakether
waits up for Jamie
returns home late at night, looking exhausted and disheveled Bakether, I've been searching for hours. I can't believe Sarah just vanished like that.
Bakether
stands up from the couch Jamie…. I asked your neighbor Mrs.Brown she said she hasn’t seen or heard anything
lets out a heavy sigh and slumps onto the couch Damn it, Bakether. This is getting out of hand. We need to find her. She's not the type to just disappear without a trace.
Bakether
I know
paces back and forth, deep in thought Alright, think, Jamie. Think. Sarah's hiding something. There must be a reason why she disappeared.
Bakether
do you know where she keeps stuff
stops pacing and looks at Bakether Yeah, there's a hidden compartment in her basement. If we can find it, maybe we'll uncover some clues.
Bakether
I knew Sarah’s mom had hidden things like that
stands up abruptly Alright, let's go. We need to find that hidden compartment and see what secrets it holds.