Chapter 5

The car crawled forward, a metal slug in the midday traffic jam. Tuesday's heat pressed against the glass, amplifying the silence between Monica and Scott. Monica's gaze, a quiet observation, settled on Scott, her thoughts a tangled thread she was eager to unravel.

Scott, his attention glued to the sluggish crawl of the cars ahead, remained oblivious at first. The weight of the gridlock hung heavy in the air, a tangible frustration. But Monica's persistent stare, lingering and pointed, eventually pierced his concentration.

"Did you happen to see Kris's friend yesterday?" she asked, her eyes shifting to the rearview mirror.

"Wait, the person she was talking about?" Scott replied, his voice flat.

"So, you missed her?" Monica pressed.

"Yeah, why?"

"Well," Monica said, a hint of amusement coloring her tone, "I know a thing or two about her. And it's not exactly flattering."

"Oh really? Spill," Scott prompted, intrigued.

"Her name is Maddie, Maddie Lopez. We went to the same university, and let's just say she has a reputation. A reputation for, shall we say, playing the field," Monica explained. "A friend of mine dated her back then, and she confirmed it. She was a player."

"Wow, when you said 'player' I was thinking athlete, not...that," Scott mused, then paused. "Did you tell Kris?"

The traffic light flickered green, and Scott started the engine, easing the car forward with the rest of the pack.

"I did," Monica replied, "but she wouldn't listen. She's clearly smitten."

"Must be quite the looker," Scott commented, a touch of casual curiosity in his voice.

Monica's eyes narrowed, a silent glare that didn't waver.

Scott, catching her expression, realized his faux pas. "But you're way hotter, obviously. That's a constant," he stammered, offering an awkward laugh.

Monica shrugged, her frown deepening, and turned away.

"What's with you? You know I didn't mean it like that. I didn't even see her," Scott protested.

"Let's not talk for a bit. I need to think," Monica retorted, pulling her phone from her bag and scrolling through her social media, effectively shutting him out.

"What? What's going on? Oh, come on, don't do this," Scott pleaded, frustration mounting as he watched her retreat into her digital world.

Monica remained silent, her eyes fixed on the screen. Scott, resigned, rolled his eyes and focused on the road, the silence in the car now thick with unspoken tension.

The clatter of cutlery faded as Kris and Maddie rose from their seats, the remnants of their meal lingering in the air. Bags slung over their shoulders, they fell into step, heading for the cafe's exit.

"I really enjoyed that," Maddie said, glancing back at Kris.

Kris nodded, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Me too. Honestly, I wasn't sure you'd say yes, but I'm so glad you did." Her voice held a quiet sincerity.

"Maybe we're just destined to be friends," Maddie replied, her smile playful.

"Maybe we are," Kris echoed softly.

For a heartbeat, their eyes locked, the world around them fading into a soft blur. The midday breeze rustled through the nearby trees, carrying the distant hum of traffic and the murmur of passing pedestrians, but their attention remained solely on each other.

The moment stretched, charged with an unspoken energy, before they both, almost simultaneously, broke the gaze. An awkward silence settled between them. "So," Kris began, a slight blush coloring her cheeks, "do you have any plans for the rest of the day?"

Maddie paused, considering. "Nothing concrete. If I'm not intruding, I'd love to tag along with you," she suggested, her voice soft and subtly charming.

"Oh!" Kris exclaimed, her eyes widening slightly. "Of course not! You're not intruding at all. I don't have any specific plans myself, actually. Maybe we could just wander around the area?"

Maddie considered for a moment, then nodded, a small, genuine smile gracing her lips. "Sounds good."

"Great," Kris said, stepping back slightly, gesturing for Maddie to lead the way. Maddie took the cue, stepping out onto the sidewalk, Kris falling into step beside her. And so, they began their aimless stroll, the afternoon unfolding before them like an unwritten chapter.

A moment of quiet settled in the car before Scott broke the silence. "We're in the restaurant and cafe district. Where do you want to eat?" he asked.

Monica paused, her scrolling finger stilling on her phone screen. She looked out the window, assessing their surroundings. Her gaze snagged on two figures walking down the street, their backs to her. She squinted, trying to place them.

"Is something wrong?" Scott asked, noticing her sudden stillness.

"Nothing," Monica replied, her eyes still fixed on the figures. "I just saw someone familiar."

"Alright. Found any place to eat yet?"

"Actually," Monica said, opening her car door, "wait here a minute."

"What? Hey! Where are you going?" Scott called after her, but Monica was already striding away, her hand pressed against her stomach.

She quickened her pace, closing the distance between herself and the two figures. As she drew closer, the silver hair and slender silhouette of one of them became unmistakable.

Scott parked the car, turned off the engine, and followed after her. "Monica, wait up!" he called.

Kris, hearing the familiar voice, turned, her eyes widening in surprise as she saw Monica and Scott approaching. "Monica?" she murmured.

Maddie turned as well, her expression shifting from casual to something guarded, though she masked it quickly.

Monica approached, her smile tight as she looked at Kris, then at Maddie. Scott caught up, his expression a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"Monica, what's up? Are you two here to eat?" Kris asked, her tone friendly.

"Yeah, we were about to..." Monica replied, her gaze lingering on Maddie.

"Hey, Kris," Scott greeted, his eyes flicking to Maddie. "Wait, I think I've seen you somewhere..."

"She was at our work yesterday," Monica supplied.

"Yeah, she was the one..." Kris began.

"Oh, right, right," Scott said, nodding awkwardly.

Maddie offered a polite smile, observing the interaction.

"So, where are you two headed?" Monica asked.

"Just for a walk. We ate at the cafe down the street. Maddie recommended their croissants," Kris said, her voice warm. Maddie smiled in agreement.

"Kris," Monica began, her tone serious, "I know this might sound rude, but..."

Kris and Maddie exchanged confused glances. Scott sensed the brewing storm and shifted uncomfortably.

"What is it?" Kris asked.

Monica paused, then spoke, her voice sharp and low. "Why are you still hanging out with her?"

"What did you say?" Maddie snapped, her face hardening.

"What?" Kris echoed, surprised and annoyed.

"Monica, maybe we should go..." Scott tried, reaching for her arm.

"No," Monica said, shaking him off, her eyes fixed on Maddie. "Kris, this woman isn't who you think she is."

"Monica!" Scott warned, but she ignored him.

"Monica, what the hell are you trying to do? Rumors aren't facts," Kris retorted, her voice rising.

Maddie's brow furrowed. "Did she..." she muttered under her breath, a flicker of embarrassment and anger in her eyes.

"Yeah, I told her," Monica confirmed, her gaze unwavering. "You can't fool her anymore. I won't let my friend be fooled by the likes of you."

Maddie's expression darkened, her eyes flashing. "You're that bitch who spread rumors about me back in university."

"What?" Monica gasped, disbelief etched on her face.

"Yeah, you were one of my chubby admirers," Maddie sneered.

"Bitch!" Monica exploded, lunging forward, grabbing Maddie's hair. Kris and Scott both reacted instantly, trying to separate them. Screams and shouts filled the air.

In the chaos, Maddie, without thinking, kicked Monica in the stomach. Monica crumpled to her knees, groaning. Scott knelt beside her, his voice filled with concern. "Monica!"

Kris, her face a mask of shock, looked at Monica, then at Maddie. Maddie, realizing the gravity of the situation, turned and fled.

"Maddie!" Kris called, but Scott grabbed her arm.

"Kris! Don't follow her. Help me get her to the car," he pleaded, his voice urgent.

Kris hesitated, then knelt, helping Scott lift Monica. They supported her between them, moving slowly and carefully, Monica's groans echoing in the afternoon air.

The car sped towards the hospital, a tense silence filling the space between Kris, Scott, and the injured Monica. Scott's knuckles were white against the steering wheel, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

"How are you feeling, Monica?" Kris asked, her voice laced with concern. She gently held Monica's hand, her eyes reflecting in the rearview mirror. "We're almost there."

"Kris..." Monica murmured, her voice weak. She looked up at Kris, her eyes pleading. "Don't hang out with her anymore. Please."

Kris's expression was a mixture of worry and confusion. She remained silent, unsure how to respond.

Thirty minutes later, they arrived at the hospital. Scott jumped out of the car and opened the door for them. Kris helped Monica out, supporting her gently, while Scott assisted from the other side. They walked towards the entrance, their pace slow and careful.

Two nurses, noticing their distress, rushed towards them. "Ma'am, are you alright?" one of them asked. "What happened?"

"My... my wife was kicked in the stomach," Scott said, his voice urgent. "We need a doctor."

"Right away," the nurse replied, leading them inside. The other nurse helped them support Monica.

Inside, they were quickly directed to a room. Scott turned to Kris. "Wait here," he said, his voice clipped. He and the nurse disappeared down the hallway, leaving Kris alone.

Kris sank into a waiting room chair, her mind reeling. The events of the past hour felt surreal, a chaotic blur of anger and violence. A wave of conflicting emotions washed over her – worry for Monica, confusion about Maddie, and a deep sense of unease.

"What the hell just happened?" she muttered under her breath, her head spinning.

An hour passed. Kris scrolled through her phone, her fingers hovering over Maddie's contact. She wanted to reach out, to understand, but a sense of dread held her back. She hoped, with a desperate sincerity, that Monica would be alright.

Her head was bowed, her posture slumped, when Scott returned.

"Hey," he said, his voice low.

Kris looked up, her expression shifting. She stood up, a question forming on her lips.

"Monica's stable. It was a miracle," Scott said, his tone flat.

"Dude, I'm so sorry about—" Kris began, but Scott cut her off.

"It's not your fault. You should go home now. I'll take it from here. Thanks for your help." His words were dismissive, almost curt.

"Oh... okay," Kris said, her voice trailing off. She turned and walked away, a sense of rejection hanging in the air. Scott watched her go, his expression conflicted, before turning and heading back down the hallway.

The following week was bleak and lonely. Monica and Scott didn't come to work, and Kris found herself adrift in their absence. She tried messaging them, but received no response. Maddie was also silent, her messages unanswered. Kris wrestled with a confusing mix of emotions. She wanted to understand Maddie's side of the story, to reconcile the woman she knew with the person who had kicked Monica. But she also felt a deep sense of betrayal.

Walking home late on Friday night, the city lights reflecting in the damp streets, Kris felt a profound sense of isolation. Her apartment was close to work, a small comfort in the long, empty days. As she reached her gate, a voice broke the silence.

"Excuse me?"

Kris turned to see a woman in her forties, her face etched with worry. She held out a printed poster.

"Sorry to disturb you," the woman said, her voice trembling slightly. "But have you seen her?"

Kris took the poster, her eyes widening as she took in the image. Her breath caught in her throat. She froze, her body going rigid.

"She's around here," the woman continued, her voice pleading. "If you've seen her, please... tell me what you know."