| Chapter Nine I jumped up quickly, blushing furiously. There was a knock at the door and I was never so relieved to hear it. I ran to the door and got the food. Bringing it in to everyone I sat down quickly and began to eat. "Tiff, why so quiet?" Chris asked grinning. "Oh by the way I wanted to apologize for the way I acted when you came to the door earlier. I was hiding Carly here in my room so that's why I couldn't let you in." "You sneak, she was here all along?" I laughed throwing a fry at him. He dodged it laughing. "Yeah I have been here a while but they had to keep me waiting. By the way I really like your new top, although I thought it looked quite good on JC." She laughed as JC blushed. We watched a couple of movies and were enjoying the time together when my phone rang. "Hello?" "Tiffany Stump?" "Yes who's this?" "This is luitenant Gregory from the New York city jail." "Can I help you?" "I'm sorry to be calling so late but you were the only family listed for Mark Bowers, is this correct?" "It was, is there a problem?" I was shaking now and I stepped out onto the balcony. "I'm sorry to have to tell you this but Mr. Bowers was found in his cell earlier this evening, he has commited suicide." "Oh my God," I whispered sinking to my knees. "Is there anyone else we can call for you?" "No, there is no one that I know of. He never mentioned family." "He has been sent to the county morgue, you can make the arrangements with them, would you like me to give you the number?" "Im sorry, Mr. Bowers and I are no longer connected. I was the reason he was in jail to begin with." "We can make arrangements for a plot, there is a portion of the cemetary set aside for those with no family or John Does." "Yes please do that, there is really nothing I can do." "Thank you miss, goodnight." I hung up then, unsure of my decision. I started to cry and wrapped my arms around my knees. I didn't want to face everyone yet, I didn't even want to face my self. In a way I felt guilty because I was the reason he was in prison, but at the same time, where would I be now if I hadn't done it. Definitely not reunited with my best friends. Not learning to enjoy life again, that's for sure. I went back into the room and everyone had dozed off in various parts of the room. Chris and Carly on the couch, looking rather comfortable together. Lance in a chair, JC in another. Jusin and Joey were both passed out in my bed. I decided that I needed some air and threw on my jacket, walking out quietly so as not to wake anyone. I pressed the button on the elevator and as I waited for it to come someone came up behind be wrapping their arms around me. "Where are you sneaking off to?" I heard Joey's voice whisper in my ear. "I just need some air, ice cream sounds good too, although I don't know where I'll get any at this hour." I sighed pushing his arms away as I stepped into the elevator. I slipped on my sunglasses before I turned to face him. "I really just want to be alone if that's ok. I won't be long." The doors closed and I was left alone, while Joey was left confused watching me go. |