The Chase

Chapter 17

CECILIA 

    Jasper is out of town on business. He said I could stay at his apartment but it felt weird being there without him. Not just because he's apartment is so organized and spotless all the time but I simply don't like how quiet is can be. I hadn't really thought about it until now, I have never lived alone. I lived with my parents then college dorm room briefly and then with Tab.

    I look around the room and take in the mess. Clothes littered the floor and counter space was occupied by make up and various accessories. I should clean up but I don't really spend anytime here anymore. It hardly felt like MY room at this point.

    There is a light knock at my door. I knew it was Tabitha, even if she isn't normally the type to knock before entering. I had been avoiding her since our argument. I wasn't sure what to say or how to fix things or if it was even up to me to fix. 

    Did I even really want to fix things? It was all very undecided but I couldn't just leave her there. 

    "Come in!"

    She slowly cracks the door. Her eyes search the room almost like she expected to find someone else with me.

    "Hi.." Her voice was small and quiet unlike her normal loud self. Maybe she was as uncomfortable as I was.

    "How are you?" I do my best to remain calm and collected. In my head we had had this conversation a million times. 

    Sometimes it ended with me putting her in her place. Sometimes it ended with her putting me in my place. Best case scenario we just drop the whole topic and hug it out.

    "I'm find. How are you?" She was definitely feeling out my current mood before jumping right back into it. 

    "I'm great." My voice is monotone. She didn't need to know how I felt. I sit up against my head board and wait for the apology I know I won't be getting.

    "I was glad to see you were here. I really wanted to talk to you about the other day." Her voice was shaky like she was nervous. She still hadn't looked at me. Her eyes were glued to her painted toe nails.

"Yea I've been meaning to call you. Wasn't sure you would pick up.." I let out a heavy sigh. I had thought about calling her. I just didn't want to talk to her about it.

    "Of course I would of answered." She rolls her eyes. "I'm sorry"

    Sorry?! Is she actually apologizing?!

"You know I speak my mind even when I shouldn't. I just want what's best for you and I would of regretted not saying something."

    "I know you do. But I can make my own decisions." I'm tired of people acting like I can't think for myself. Jasper is the only person that has made me feel mature or remotely capable of doing anything.

    "I know you can. I just- We have always-- I don't what I'm trying to say.." Tab runs her hair through her hands twisting it into a bun and letting it fall down her back.

    "It's okay. I get it." I rush across the room and pull her into a hug. "I really miss us being on good terms!"

    "I missed you too! I know you're in the 'love bubble' or whatever but could sleep in your own room sometimes." Her expression has changed from nervous to excited.

    "Yes I know!" I roll my eyes at her use of words. Jasper and I aren't in a bubble. We just enjoyed being around each other.

    "So tell me about lover boy so we can at least be on the same page." Tab plops down on my bed and looks at me with fake interest. 

    I'll take what I can get. I have missed her. We weren't meant to not be on speaking terms.

    A wave of relief washes over me as I tell her about Jasper. She seems almost jealous of the relationship I have built with him. Not that she would ever admit it openly. I have always been the one listening with envy of all the things Tabitha has experienced. It was a nice change.

    *****

    "Don't for get the popcorn!!" Tabitha yells from her spot on the couch.

    I balance bowls of chips and popcorn in my arms as I walk around to my side of the blanket set up. 

    "What movie are we gonna watch?" She stares at me with a creepy smile plastered across her face.

    "Why that face? Planning my death?" I joke. I know damn well she is giving me that face because she wants to watch her favorite movie. A movie that we have watching a million times and could probably both quote word for word from memory.

    "Pleeeeeeease......" Her bottom lip pouts as she begs for my approval.

    "Fine! But only if I can pick the next one!" 

    Her favorite movie was 'The Phantom of the Opera'. The remake with Girard Butler. I isn't a bad movie. I actually used to really love it until a Halloween party in college. A frat boy dressing up as the phantom and trying to sing drunk before throwing up on me was the end of my love for the movie.

    My phone buzzes as Tab sings the opening song very loudly. Our poor neighbors will be having a long night.

    "Heyyyy" I couldn't fight the smile on my lips when I saw his name.

    "Hey" 

    "Haven't heard from you in a while!" I let out a small giggle. Too quiet for Tab to hear hopefully.

    "We texted a couple hours ago lol"

    "Huh. Felt longer than that! How was your day?" 

    "Fine. Just hung out with Tabitha. You?" I peak a look at Tab to make sure she hasn't notice my phone out. She hated texting during movies. I also still feel a little guilty that I haven't told Jasper about Lucas.

    "My day was fine. Better now that I'm texting a beautiful girl!" Is he trying to flirt with me?

    "Glad I could be of assistance! You're not so bad yourself.." I mean it isn't a lie. He is quite attractive if I remember correctly.

    "Want to meet for coffee or something tomorrow?" Is he asking me out on a date? 

    "Umm yea sure maybe." How do I turn him down without being rude?

    "Maybe? Don't want to hang out with me?" Not like that I don't. Flirting via text is one thing and seeing him in person is another. I can't cross that line.

    "No of course I do. I just want to clarify that it isn't a date.."

    "I was thinking more of a hang out. But we can call it a date.... If you want?" Did I want it to be a date? No! The butterflies in the pit of my stomach told me otherwise.

    "No! Hang out is cool. I'll call you in the morning!" I needed to end that conversation before I said anything stupid. It sort of felt good to do something I probably shouldn't.

    I joined the sing along with Tabitha. It was easier to watch the movie knowing I had something to look forward to tomorrow. It was good music at least! 

    "I think I'd love it if someone loved me like that.." I just give her a confused look.

    "He's stalking her Tabitha. What part of that is romantic?" 

    "No! He's watching over her! Like a guardian angel." She looked like she might cry as she watches the movie adoringly.

    "No he is obsessing over a girl that literally thinks he is a ghost in the walls." The movie wasn't the most realistic but leave it Tab to fall for the vilian

    "Let me love him!" I let out a laugh as Tab defends him passionately.

    "Whatever! I'm choosing next movie!"

    "Nothing scary please!!" She knows me so well. I was absolutely about to scroll throw the horror section on Netflix before settling on a movie that would haunt her and probably leave me disappointed.

    "C'mon! Who doesn't love a good scary movie!" I love scary movies. They are just so predictable now a days.

    "Fine. But I am sleeping in your room tonight. I don't f**k with what lurks in the dark!" We used to watch movies all the time. 

    We would pile every blanket in the apartment onto one of the beds and watch a rom-com followed my a scary movie followed by something funny to end the night. We were stay up basically all night and end up sleeping together. I really had been neglecting our friendship. She was important to me and I should make a point of spending time with her.