The Countdown

Chapter 47

Tina's POV

What!? My mind raced. What can I do to make Trisha's last moments here memorable? I scratched my head, staring at the wedding invitation she sent us. It was official. She wouldn't be here for my birthday or Christmas. My heart ached at the thought.

Before, I had been counting the days for Joe to come back. And now? Now, I was counting the days Trisha had left. It felt weird, like time was playing some cruel game, shifting in ways I wasn't ready for.

I scrolled through my phone, searching for ideas.

Bachelorette party. Yes, we could throw her one.

Halloween. Perfect, since it was next week.

Thanksgiving. A shiver ran down my spine. That's not for me, I thought, pushing the idea aside.

And then a farewell party.

For now, that would do.

Trisha had been drowning in her studies lately, taking an extra course to boost her GPA. The only places she went were the university, the supermarket, and home. No parties. No hanging out. It was like she was shutting us out, caging herself away from us. But we had made a promise to always be there for each other. And I wasn't about to break that promise.

I quickly texted Veronica about my Halloween plans and told her to keep it a secret. Since I was free this weekend, I decided to go shopping for it.

I messaged Joe:

"Hey, are you free?"

His reply came within seconds.

"For you? Always. Be there in 30 minutes."

I smiled, shaking my head. Classic Joe.

I pulled on my jeans and a t-shirt, grabbed my bag, and headed downstairs.

Joe pulled up in his car, rolling down the window with that trademark smirk of his.

"Hey, gorgeous," he flirted.

I grinned. "Hey, handsome," I replied, leaning in to give him a quick kiss before sliding into the passenger seat.

He drove us to this place where I found everything under one roof. By the time I was done, I was exhausted. My body felt sticky, my feet ached, and I was pretty sure my hair was a mess.

"I need something refreshing," I muttered.

Joe chuckled and ordered our usual. Mixed fruit punch and our favorite Subway sandwich. I took a sip, sighing as the cold drink worked its magic.

As we ate, he brought up Trisha.

"How's she doing?" he asked.

"She's holding up," I said, though even I wasn't convinced.

"When is she leaving?"

I took a deep breath. "First week of December. After graduation."

Joe nodded, but I noticed the way his fingers absentmindedly picked at his sandwich, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.

"What's up?" I asked, trying to read his face.

He sighed. "It's Jia."

I frowned. "What about her?"

"She was all excited about taking over the business with me. And now. Now she wants to be a photographer and travel the world." He let out another deep breath. "But I'm okay with it. At least she can live her life the way she wants."

I could hear the pain beneath his words. He was hiding something. Or maybe just struggling with something he wasn't ready to say out loud.

I decided to lighten the mood. "Okay, let's go. I have a lot to prepare."

When we got back to my apartment, Joe still seemed off, his mind elsewhere. But he had still come shopping with me. He chose to be here.

"Do you wanna come in?" I teased. "You can hang around for a while."

He hesitated, then checked the time. "I have to be at the café by six."

I pouted. "Come on, don't be so boring! It's only four. You still have two hours."

He sighed and gave in. "Fine."

I grinned in victory.

We took the shopping bags inside. The moment we stepped in, the heat wrapped around us like an unwanted hug.

"God, it's hot in here," I groaned, throwing open the windows.

Joe smirked. "No AC, huh? Guess I'll just have to suffer."

I rolled my eyes. "Want something to drink?"

"Nah, I'm good."

I dumped the bags in the corner and turned to him. "So, what do you wanna do?"

He walked toward me, his gaze playful yet intense. "A little thank you would be nice, since I took you shopping," he murmured, wrapping his arms around my waist.

Before I could reply, his lips captured mine. It started soft, sweet, even. But then, his body pressed against mine, heat radiating between us, and my breath hitched.

My skin tingled as his hands trailed down my back. My nipples hardened under my shirt, my body already betraying me. I felt his arousal against me, and a rush of anticipation curled in my stomach.

I pulled back, breathless. "Thank you," I mumbled, my voice shaky.

He smirked. "That's all I get?"

I pushed his chest playfully. "I need a shower. I'm all sweaty."

He let me go, though his eyes held a promise. "Fine. But don't take too long."

I grabbed a towel and disappeared into the bathroom.

The water was cool, soothing. I let it wash away the exhaustion of the day, my mind already planning the Halloween surprise.

Then. A knock at the door.

Before I could react, the door opened, and there he was.

Joe.

Standing in front of me.

Fully. Naked.

My breath hitched, my eyes widening. Oh. My. God.

His gaze traveled over me, slow and deliberate, and my entire body burned under his stare.

"I'm sticky too," he teased, stepping inside.

I swallowed hard. "Joe..."

He smirked. "What? I carried all those shopping bags. You owe me."

I let out a breathy laugh. "Oh, so now I owe you?"

He turned on the shower, letting the water cascade down his body. My eyes betrayed me, drinking in the sight of his toned muscles, the droplets sliding over his skin.

He stepped closer, our bodies nearly touching. "Can you help me?" His voice was a low whisper. "I'm too tired to wash myself."

I knew exactly where this was going.

Still, I turned off the shower and grabbed the body wash and lathered it over his chest, trailing my fingers over the hard ridges of his muscles. His breath hitched as I teased him, running my hands lower, exploring him.

His grip on my waist tightened. "Keep going," he murmured.

I swallowed, my heart racing. But I hesitated.

He saw it.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.

I met his gaze. His usual cocky smirk was gone, replaced by something deeper.

I nodded. "Yeah."

I tried to pull away, but he was faster. His strong hands found my waist, drawing me back against him until our bodies pressed together, heat meeting heat. My breath hitched as the intensity in his gaze sent shivers down my spine.

With a swift motion, he reached for the shower handle. A rush of cool water cascaded over us, drenching our skin again, the droplets mingling with the heat between us.

His fingers traced slow, tantalizing circles along my spine before he tilted my chin up, forcing me to meet his eyes. Dark, full of want. Then, without hesitation, his lips crashed against mine. Soft yet demanding, he claimed me, his tongue teasing its way past my parted lips.

A moan slipped from me, lost in the rhythm of our kiss. His grip tightened as he deepened it, each movement igniting something primal within me. The water pounded around us like a waterfall, but all I could focus on was the way he consumed me. Hungry, relentless, leaving no space for doubt. One of his hands slid between my thighs, fingers brushing against my already aching part.

He pushed me against the wall, his lips still capturing mine in a heated kiss. My breath hitched as he gently lifted one of my legs, his strong hands steadying me. A slow shudder ran down my spine when he slid inside me, his warmth consuming every inch of me. Instinctively, I clung to him, wrapping my arms around his neck, feeling the dampness of his skin beneath my fingertips.

Our bodies tensed, molding into one as we moved in rhythm. His deep, controlled strokes igniting a fire within me. His grip tightened around my waist, keeping me pressed against him, securing me as if I were the most delicate thing in his hands. Our kiss deepened, slow and intoxicating, as he lifted my other leg, wrapping me completely around him.

Heartbeats thundered between us, the air thick with our shared desire. Our foreheads met, a silent moment of connection as he held me effortlessly, his fingers pressing firmly into my flesh. With one hand, I tangled my fingers into his damp hair, tugging lightly, while the other held onto his shoulder, anchoring me to him. His strength, his presence, overwhelmed me in the most delicious way.

His grip under my thighs tightened as he jerked me gently, pushing me closer and closer to the edge. My breath broke into a gasp, my body trembling against his. As always, he let me come first, his own pleasure held back with restraint that only made him more irresistible. My nails dug into his skin, my moans swallowed by his mouth as the pleasure washed over me.

Only then did he let himself go, pressing me back against the cold wall with a few powerful, desperate thrusts before he shattered in my arms. His deep groan vibrated against my lips as he exhaled heavily, his body finally giving in.

When it was over, he held me for a moment, his hands still firm on my thighs, our breaths mingling. Then, with care, he slowly lowered me to the ground. He brushed his lips against mine, his voice low and teasing.

"You're welcome."

I frowned, then smacked his arm lightly, realizing he was answering my unspoken 'thank you.'

We laughed softly, the moment lingering between us. The cool water cascaded over us as we washed each other, our touches lingering, soft and intimate. He dried my body with gentle strokes, pressing a lingering kiss to my shoulder before handing me a shirt to slip into.

Dressed and refreshed, we made our way to the living room, his arm lazily draped over my shoulders. As he scrolled through Netflix, looking for a movie, I grabbed a packet of chips and a juice, plopping down beside him.

Now, it was me who was drained. He smirked, stealing a chip from my hand, and I rolled my eyes.

"Not my fault you're irresistible," he murmured.

I shoved another chip into my mouth, pretending not to hear him, but the satisfied smile on my lips gave me away.

Trisha's POV

"Just choose whichever you like, Mom," I replied, my voice laced with exhaustion.

She had been calling me every now and then about the wedding shopping, as if my opinion really mattered. Right now, she and my aunts were at an Indian boutique, sifting through piles of sarees, debating over colors, patterns, and whether embroidery was "too much" or "just perfect."

"But it's your wedding, dear. You have to choose what colors you like," she insisted, her voice soft but firm.

I took a deep breath, rubbing my temples. "Mom, I have to study for my upcoming exam. I don't have time for this. Just pick whichever you think looks good. I'm sure it'll be fine."

She hesitated, and for a second, I felt a pang of guilt. I could almost see her sitting there, holding her phone to her ear, her brows knitted together in disappointment. "Okay, dear. You study. I'll pick something for you," she said, her voice quieter this time.

I sighed as the call disconnected, placing my phone on the desk. Why were they already shopping? There was still plenty of time.

I opened my calendar app, counted the days, and froze.

Thirty-four days.

I only had thirty-four days left before I got married.

My grip tightened around my phone as the realization hit me like a wave crashing against a shore. No wonder Mom was hyped about shopping. No wonder everyone was buzzing with excitement while I was trying to drown myself in my textbooks.

My life was about to change completely.

I blinked back the sudden sting of tears. I didn't have time for this. I needed to focus.

"Hey, are you sure you don't want to go?" Veronica's voice snapped me out of my spiral.

I looked up at her, trying to push the thoughts away. "Nah," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

She stood there, fully dressed in her Halloween costume. A pixie. The glitter on her wings shimmered under the dim lighting of our apartment, and she adjusted the tiny crown on her head.

"Alright then. See you when I see you," she said casually before walking out.

I stared at the door, my chest tightening. Did she just... leave? Without nagging me? Without trying to convince me like she always did?

A wave of loneliness settled over me.

I knew I had been distant. Between wedding stress and my studies, I barely spent time with them anymore. But... wasn't I still their friend? Didn't they miss me, even a little?

I shook my head and turned back to my notes, but my focus was gone.

Just as I was about to force myself back into studying, the doorbell rang.

Who could it be? Veronica? No, she had just left. Nikhil? No, I had talked to him before Mom called. He was asking me to pick a necklace for myself. Another decision I had waved off.

The doorbell rang again.

"Coming!" I called out, already feeling irritated.

I opened the door to find a group of kids dressed as tiny monsters, witches, and superheroes.

"Trick or treat!" they chimed in unison, their little faces beaming with excitement.

Oh crap.

Halloween.

I had completely forgotten to buy candy this year. Last year, I had practically drowned them in chocolates.

"Umm..." I hesitated, my mind scrambling for a solution. "I don't have any candy..."

Their faces fell, and guilt twisted in my stomach.

"Wait!" I ran to the kitchen, grabbed a big packet of cookies, and rushed back.

Before I could even say something to cheer them up, they grabbed the cookies and bolted to the next door.

"You're welcome," I muttered, shutting the door.

I had barely taken a step back towards the couch when the doorbell rang again.

Oh, for..

I had nothing left to give. What should I do? Offer them fruit? A motivational speech?

Sighing, I opened the door again.

"Trick or treat!"

But this time, it wasn't a bunch of kids.

It was Veronica and Tina, grinning like maniacs, both dressed as pixies.

"What are you two up to?" I chuckled, crossing my arms.

"Happy Halloween!" they cheered in unison, barging into the apartment.

Tina tossed a bag onto the table and pulled out an outfit. "Go get dressed," she demanded, thrusting it toward me.

"But..."

"No 'buts'!" Veronica cut in. "Go. Change. Now."

I groaned but took the outfit. They weren't going to let this go.

By the time I emerged from my room, they had transformed the apartment into a Halloween wonderland. The lights were dim, candles flickered on the table, and fake cobwebs hung from the walls.

Veronica handed me a glass filled with some spooky-looking drink. "Let's make a toast."

"To our last celebration together," Tina started, then paused, clearly struggling with what to say next.

Veronica jumped in. "In this apartment!"

We clinked our glasses.

They could see the sadness on my face.

"I can't believe I'll be leaving soon," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "This is my last celebration, my last party with you guys."

The music played softly in the background, and I stared at the flickering candlelight, feeling the weight of everything I had bottled up for weeks.

I swallowed hard before speaking. "Guys... I'm sorry."

Tina and Veronica turned to me, confused.

"For what?" Tina asked, tilting her head.

I took a deep breath, gripping the hem of my dress. "For shutting you both out. For avoiding everything and everyone. It wasn't just about studying or the wedding. I.." My voice caught, but I forced myself to continue. "I didn't want to bump into Edam."

Tina stiffened, and Veronica's expression softened.

"I thought... if I just stayed locked in these walls, I wouldn't have to see him. Wouldn't have to deal with it. But in doing that, I ended up pushing you guys away too," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Veronica exhaled, shaking her head. "Oh, honey..."

Tina scooted closer, grabbing my hand. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"Because I didn't want to make it a big deal. I thought I could handle it on my own. But I miss you guys. I miss how things used to be."

Tina sighed, looking down at our joined hands. "We should be the ones apologizing."

"Yeah," Veronica chimed in. "We thought giving you space was what you needed, but we should have checked in more. We just... didn't want to push you."

Tina squeezed my hand. "We're sorry for leaving you alone. You didn't have to go through this by yourself."

I blinked back tears, my throat tightening. "You guys are the best, you know that?"

Veronica grinned. "We do, actually. But it's nice to hear it."

I let out a watery laugh, and Tina pulled both of us into a tight hug.

"Okay, enough sad talk," Veronica declared, wiping an imaginary tear. "We're here now, and we're going to have fun, even if it kills us."

Tina gasped. "Was that a Halloween pun?"

Veronica smirked. "Maybe."

I chuckled, shaking my head. For the first time in weeks, the weight on my chest felt lighter.

Veronica squeezed my hand. "It's not just you. I'm going back after graduation."

Tina nearly choked on her drink. "What? Why?"

Veronica sighed. "My sisters need me. My family needs me. After Mom... all the responsibility falls on me. And I want to be there for them."

Tina was quiet for a long moment before she finally said, "I was counting on you, you know."

"I know," Veronica whispered. "I'm sorry. But they're counting on me, too."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "What about Noah?"

She hesitated before answering. "He said he'd come to Mexico with me."

I frowned. People usually moved to America for a better future. Why would Noah leave everything behind? But then again, love made people do crazy things.

I glanced at Tina, and she had the same skeptical look on her face.

"How are things with you and Joe?" I asked, changing the subject.

Tina clutched a cushion, as if she needed something to hold onto. "We're... good. I guess."

There was something off in her tone.

"What do you mean?" I pressed.

She sighed. "I don't know. Sometimes I feel like he's hiding something. Like he wants to tell me something but holds back. So I'm just... going with the flow."

The room fell into a heavy silence.

Enough of this emotional rollercoaster.

"Okay, that's it!" I stood up abruptly. "No more drama. This is my last celebration with you guys, so we're going to have fun."

I turned up the music and dragged both of them to the center of the room. Veronica poured another round of her weird but surprisingly good drink, and Tina pulled out goofy Halloween props.

We danced, laughed, and took way too many pictures.

At some point, I felt the emotions creeping back in, but I pushed them down.

Because for now, for this one night, I was happy.

I didn't know what the future held, but at least, in this moment, I wasn't alone.

And that's all that mattered.

________________________________

"Counting the days, but making every moment matter."