NORA

         Once she hung up on Shelby, she dialed Nora. Nora was an Afro-American and they had met in college, where she had studied psychology and Nora did nursing. They had been together in San Francisco until Nora's boyfriend Danny had found her a job at a hospital in LA and she had moved over to Los Angeles with her boyfriend who was also Afro-American. 

       Nora was the crazy one and Faith always wondered how she dealt with patients. But, she was a natural and people loved her. She was a sweet heart and captures everyone's heart. Faith was one of those who loved her so much. 

        Nora answered like she had been sitting by the phone all day, waiting for the phone call. 

       “Jesus Christ! Faith! Do you want to give me a heart attack?“

       “Hey, Nora. How are you?“ Faith said. 

      There was silence at the other end for a moment. Faith imagined Nora going to seat down. 

        “What's the problem, baby girl?“ Nora asked. 

        It was Faith's turn to be mute as she tried to control the tears that were threatening to fall. She touched her finger on her eyes to stop the tears from running and then she sniffed. 

         “Faith, are you alright? Are you crying?“

          “I...I...I...“ Tears didn't allow her to talk. 

           “You know, when my instinct told me to get on the next plane to San Francisco, I should have done just that,“  Nora said.   “Have you been crying? Where is Noah?“

          "He left," Faith said and sniffed. She had composed herself enough to talk. 

         "He left for work? I called him yesterday and he said you would be home... Wait, what happened?" 

         "I...he said it was over..."

           "What is over? His job?" 

            "Nora, he left alright! He left me, he said he doesn't wanna be in it again. I'm all alone." 

           "Oh, my God! What? He just engaged you last month." 

           "He said he did that because I wanted it, he said I'll find someone who would appreciate me. Story of my life." Faith looked at the ceiling, trying to hold back her tears. 

           "I am coming down to San Francisco right away. I will shove his sorry ass in his mouth. He should just wait for me." 

       Despite her bleeding heart, Faith smiled. She knew Nora would do it, but she didn't want Nora coming over to San Francisco because of her or shoving Noah's ass in his mouth. 

       "Nora, you don't need to do that. I'll be fine." 

        "No, you won't." 

     Faith's doorbell rang and she stood to answer her door.  "Believe me, I can handle myself." 

        "Faith, you need someone there with you. You need to eat and live. Have you eaten yet?"

       "My order just arrived," Faith said taking the package from the delivery guy and handed him some notes. The guy raised his hand in appreciation and she nodded in response. 

       "No matter what happens, you should eat food and abstain from drinking and smoking. Have you been drinking and smoking?" Nora asked. 

        "No mom," Faith replied and set the food pack on the table. 

        "You don't want your ulcer rising again." 

      Speaking of her ulcer, Faith's stomach had been churning since she woke up. She sat down and opened the package with one hand. 

       "It won't. I feel a lot better talking to you right now." 

        "I will be there in no time." 

         "Nora, you're working." 

         "I haven't gone on a leave for a long time now, I think it's time to take that leave. What are friends for if not for the inconveniences?" 

         Faith laughed out loud. There was no sucking with Nora, whether she was present or not, she was always giving out good vibes. 

         "I had a good news I wanted to share with you, but I guess this is not the right time for it. I'll tell you when I come," Nora said once Faith's laughter had died down. 

        "Good news comes after the bad ones." 

           "Be patient until I come. Duty calls. Bye love." 

           "Bye. I love you too." Faith hung up and started devouring her sausage and egg sandwich.