CHAPTER 40

Diana's eyes locked onto Jack's, her voice firm but concerned. "Jack, where have you been all year? And don't even think about lying to me. I can see it in your eyes when you're not telling the truth."

Jack's mind raced, and he opened his mouth to spin a tale, but Diana's sharp gaze made him hesitate. She saw the deceit in his eyes and swiftly moved to stand up, grabbing her purse.

"Wait, Diana, please don't go," Jack said, reaching out to grasp her arm.

Diana pulled her arm free, her voice firm. "I'm not going to sit here and play games, Jack. If you can't be honest with me, then maybe we need to take a break from each other."

Jack's grip on her arm tightened, his eyes pleading. "Don't leave, Diana. I'll tell you the truth, I promise. Just please don't go."

Diana's expression softened slightly, and she sat back down, her eyes never leaving Jack's face. "Okay, Jack. But I better not see a single lie in your eyes. Where have you been? What's been going on in your life? Tell me the truth, Jack. I'm your friend, and I care about you. But I can't keep wondering what's going on with you."

Jack took a deep breath, mixing truth with lies. "Diana, I...I haven't been at school. I took a break, and I've been dealing with some personal stuff. I was traveling, trying to find myself, and I didn't want to bother you with my drama. But I'm back now, and I promise to catch up and be a better friend." (Unbeknownst to Diana, Jack was twisting the truth, hiding the fact that he had been absent from school for almost a year, and his "traveling" was actually a fabricated story to cover up his absence.)

Diana's eyes searched Jack's face, her voice barely above a whisper. "Jack, please...tell me what's wrong. I can see it in your eyes, something's been eating away at you. Please, don't hide it from me. I'm your friend, I care about you. Tell me the truth, what's going on?"

Her voice was laced with a gentle desperation, a pleading tone that made Jack feel a pang of guilt. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, avoiding her gaze.

"Diana, it's nothing, really. I just...needed some time away, that's all."

Diana's grip on his arm tightened, her eyes never leaving his face. "Jack, don't lie to me. I know you too well. Something's been going on, and I want to help. Please, tell me the truth."

Jack sighed, his expression reluctant. "Fine, Diana. If you must know...I just got burnt out, okay? I needed a break from everything, and I didn't want to bother anyone with my problems." (He was still mixing truth with lies, trying to downplay the situation and avoid revealing the full truth.)

Diana looked at him, her eyes filled with concern. "Jack, you're repeating yourself again, but I can see you don't want to tell me. And that's fine, Jack. I just want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what."

What Diana had been worried about was that she didn't what to see Jack going back to his depressed self because he felt he can't tell anyone, he remembered what impact it had on their circle and mostly important his mother.

Jack looked at her, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thanks, Diana. That means a lot to me. I appreciate your care, but I really don't want to burden you with my problems."

Diana stood up, looking at Jack with a gentle smile. "I know you don't, Jack. But just remember, if you ever need someone to talk to or a helping hand, I'll always be just a call away. Don't hesitate to reach out, okay?"

Jack nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "I won't, Diana. Thanks again for understanding."

Diana nodded and turned to leave, but not before giving Jack's arm a gentle squeeze. "Take care of yourself, Jack. And don't be a stranger."

With that, she walked away, leaving Jack to his thoughts. He watched her go, feeling a mix of emotions: gratitude for her care, but also a sense of guilt for not being honest with her. He knew he had to get his life together, and soon.

Jack walked away from the transparent glass, his mind still racing with thoughts, but as he stepped out of the cafe, he knew he had to head home. The sun had already set, casting a warm orange glow over the streets as he made his way back.

As he walked in the door, he was greeted by the warm glow of the living room lights and the sound of Christmas music playing softly in the background. His mom was busy decorating the tree, her face focused on placing each ornament in just the right spot.

"Hey, Mom," Jack said, dropping his bag on the floor and walking over to give her a hug. "Sorry I'm late. I lost track of time."

His mom smiled, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "That's okay, sweetie. I'm just glad you're home safe. How was your day?"

Jack shrugged, feeling a sense of exhaustion wash over him. "It was long. But I'm glad to be home."

His mom nodded, her expression understanding. "Well, take a seat and relax. I'll make us some hot chocolate and we can catch up."

Jack nodded, collapsing onto the couch as his mom bustled off to the kitchen. He watched her go, feeling a sense of gratitude for this peaceful scene, this moment of normalcy in the midst of all the uncertainty.