If Only..(Part 1 And Part 2 Included)(Under Edit)

Chapter 40 - Closure

Jackson: I bet you never ate anything. There's your favorite kind of sandwich and a smoothie. I don't know how you would like it, but however bad it may taste I..... bet..... it's....... healthy.

Here, I can almost imagine him shrugging to himself as I couldn't stop myself from letting out a smile. I found a friend in him, someone who made sure I never felt lonely and at the same time, respected every line of my privacy.

Madeline: Jackson, I.. I really appreciate your concern but I am not hungry.

Jackson(in a lower tone): Please! Look, you... you can't keep doing this to yourself.

Madeline: Oh no no.  You are getting it wrong. I am fine. I just don't feel like eating.

Jackson:...Do I look stupid?

Madeline:............

*Phone beeps*

Madeline looks at the screen a message from Mr. Alvarez flashes.

Jackson: Madeline?

Madeline: Mr. Alvarez called me at the department.

Jackson:...are you?

Madeline: He says it's urgent.

Jackson: Do you need me to come over?

Madeline: ........Can you?

He became my new habit. Without which, I would have probably lost my sanity a long back.

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The car pulled over, near the department. Madeline, kept seated at the window seat and kept staring at the glass door, like a blank shell. As, Jackson placed his hand onto hers, she jolted back to reality and turned her face towards Jackson with widened eyes. Jackson sensed the discomfort.

Jackson: What's wrong?

Madeline took deep breaths and calmed herself down.

Jackson: Are you alright?

Madeline: Hmm.. It just feels weird to be here without Jake. I..I am going in.

Jackson: You can back out, if you want to.

Madeline: No, No. I need to meet Mr. Alvarez.

Jackson: Cool, I will be waiting. Call me if you need anything.

Madeline nodded.

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Mr. Alvarez's office;

Madeline pushed open the glass door as she found him standing by the table, staring at a letter with a gloomy face.

Madeline(she acknowledges): Mr. Alvarez.

Mr. Alvarez looked up: Madeline.

His voice had a hidden concern for the first time, although he never failed to keep up the poker face.

Mr. Alvarez: Come in. How are you holding up?

Madeline walked in smiling: Like, any normal human being should.

Mr. Alvarez: *sigh* Damn! Jacob and I was a team, indeed. While, I lead the intelligence, he lead the police. He never let confusion, any difference ever come in between. He was a man, indeed. (clearing his throat) Anyways, there are certain things, that I need to tell you, since you are the closest to him.