Learning to Be Human (FREE READ)

Chapter 6: Barter

"She just seemed off," Jay tried to explain, "I don't know how to put it, I have never experienced this type of internal energy before."

"It's called your intuition," I answered, "It's like when we feel that someone is staring at us, we look in the direction of that energy output and, surprisingly, there will be someone looking at us. I guess it's sorta like a human superpower."

"I don't trust her," he shook his head, "What was it called again? She has... weird vibes?"

I couldn't help but chuckle at that. Jay looked at me as if he had done something wrong, but I found it humorous that he was trying to learn some slang.

But he was indeed correct. Detective Syrus was a little too coincidental. Come to think of it, we may have been attracting a lot of attention. Maybe from those we do not want to get involved in.

Javon plopped himself onto my bed, grunting with exhaustion.

"No sir," I put a finger up, "You cannot share the bed with me."

"Why not?" He asked.

"Because that's just like- weird!" I huffed.

"But we are friends," he pointed out, "I've read that friends can share a bed."

"Most of the time it would refer to those of the same gender. It's a little bit different between you and me," I shook my head, "Please proceed to the couch."

"Ugghh," he groaned, "It's so uncomfortable, and I can barely fit."

"I thought you didn't sleep," I yawned.

"I don't, but comfort is desired 24/7," he rolled and then got off the bed, "But whatever."

"Hey it's not my fault you didn't have a mansion," I taunted.

"How was I supposed to know that?" he sat down on the couch, "I didn't know I was mated and with offspring."

"That is your... well technically... legally... Anita is still your wife. And that offspring... that's your child," I corrected.

"We will just make more money tomorrow," Jay stretched his arms out.

"I think we should try our best to refrain from doing too much within little time," Oh how I wish that I could take those words back. With what I was expected, I should be doing the exact opposite.

"Why do you say that?' he asked, "Is there something you're not telling me?"

"Well," I sat up on my bed and faced him, "It's a long explanation."

"Hey, I don't sleep remember," he reminded me with sarcasm.

I began to disclose a bit about the FBI and other agencies that would do anything in their power to get their hands on an alien. He nodded his head attentively throughout the conversation and then leaned back.

"So you're saying they are the supreme rulers of your kind?" he folded his arms behind his head.

"Well no," I struggled to solidify my explanation, "It's called the federal government."

"Why don't its citizens just stand up against their hypocrisy?" he seemed unimpressed.

"It's not that easy, they have militia and force. You can't just face them head on," I shrugged.

"So a large government cult," he pondered, "It's just sad that you all have resulted into a system where someone else dictates what you can and cannot do in life."

"Jay, everything has its pros and cons," I flopped onto my semi-comfortable bed, "But for our safety it is best that we do not get involved with them."

"Unlike that detective, I feel like I could trust you," he was now looking at the ceiling.

"Thank you," I stated, "So let's lie low for a bit, until we can get you out of here, that is."

"I did get a signal from the ship that automatic repairs are still depleted of the solar source. It'll take some time, but maybe someday I'll show you it."

"You don't have to, but it would be so cool," I admitted.

I turned on my side, facing the wall. Today was indeed extremely exhausting. I could see my laptop within the reflection of the window. It was still blinking on my biography page.

As if I'd try to explain what I am currently going through right now. People will think I am crazy! Maybe the FBI will come for ME instead!

I sighed and covered my head with my pillow. I felt embarrassed that I couldn't be of help to Jay. Not like I was any help to anyone to begin with.

"I know you are about to be on sleep mode, but there's not much to go through the night. Do you have any suggestions?" he asked.

"Well," I might as well put my laptop to use," Since you are sorta learning about the human race why not google some history or articles. I don't know..."

Jay looked at my four generations behind laptop, "All knowledge of humanity is in that little thing?" he curiously asked.

"Well... it's the internet, and I guess you can say that," I got up and gave him the laptop.

I then hesitated, "The only thing I ask of you is not to go on any p**n sites. I could get viruses."

He tilted his head, "What?"

"Well... human consumation. The internet has good and dark sides to it. I wouldn't want you to get curious about human i*********e," damn it felt awkward trying to explain that to him.

"You aren't made of energy pulled from void matter?" he asked.

"Please," I begged, "Just promise me you won't go on any X-rated sites."

"Okay," he sighed, "even though that is a study about humans. But okay!"

"Thank you," I felt relief wash over me, "Enjoy, and goodnight!"

"Good night Katie."

The next morning, I woke up to another delightful breakfast in bed. This time, he researched that hash browns were commonly eaten during breakfast meals. So he had prepared a light golden batch of hash browns and Hoffy's Portuguese sausage. If yesterday's meal wasn't good enough, this combination notched it right off! It was perfectly seasoned with light salt and the juiciness of the sausage oozed with every bite. He also served it with-over-easy fried eggs and had a fruit bowl on the side.

"You are such an angel," I thanked him.

"I've read about those, not sure if I wanted to be one," he placed a glass of ice-cold water.

"It's a phrase that meant you are kind," I began to eat, "But thank you."

"Ive eaten my share and it is the least I could do for your exchange of shelter," he sat down on the couch, "Any scheduled plans for the day?"

"Actually I have to be at work in a few hours," it buzzed into my head.

I was all willy-nilly with current events that I had forgotten that I had a duty as a member of society to report to my modern day s*****y job. Okay, it wasn't exactly that bad, but I could be enjoying and making more money as a doordasher with Jay on my side.

But, I did say we had to lay low...

I sighed with so much regret.

Jay detected worry from my expression, "It doesn't seem like you want to go to work."

"I don't, nobody does," I propped my irritated head on my palm, "But we have to."

Then there was a knock on the door.

That cannot possibly be Juvia, right?

Javon promptly got up and opened the door. He was immediately greeted by an over-exaggerated surprised woman. And yes, it was Ms.Juvia.

"Oh," she faked, "I didn't know someone so good-looking lived here."

Shit.

I recollected my thoughts and forgot that it could be a lease violation to have someone who is not listed on the contract reside in the apartment. I also remembered that I did not have enough to pay for the rent as I had given most of the money to Anita!

"Good morning, Ms. Juvia," Jay greeted.

"Oh please," she flung her hand in dismissal, "Call me Juvia."

She then looked past from Jay's side to call for me. I reluctantly got up from the table, but she squeezed past Javon, "I'm coming in."

This made my heart beat incredibly fast. It is one thing for your land lady to visit two days in a row, but now she has exerted herself into my home. She sat down on the small couch and Jay stood by a wall with arms crossed.

"Your breakfast looks good," she complimented.

"Would you like some?" Jay offered, "I made them myself."

"Oooo," she fancied, "A good-looking man, and he can cook?"

Jay chuckled, and I swear I've seen this somewhere in movies.

While he was preparing her a plate, she looked over at me with a bit of disappointment glinting in her eye.

"It's not what it seems," I tried to elaborate.

"I didn't come here to pester you on your unpaid dues, or the violation of the lease contract by having Lucifer here himself, but..."

Jay interrupted, "Ah yes, Lucifer was also once an angel, according to the Catholic studies."

She looked at him with surprise, "It's nice to know that you are so perfect."

Juvia redirected her focus on me again, "I'm here because your lease is almost up, it is the ending of the year and we will need a renewal. However, tardiness of rent and undocumented tenants cannot be overlooked. We will not be able to sign you for another agreement unfortunately."

"What if we went on a date?" Jay offered.

I almost spit the water out of my mouth when he said that!

"Wh-what?" Juvia nervously asked.

"You heard me..." he placed her plate and beamed with challenging eyes, "You and me, 1 date, today."

"Well..." she hesitated as her emotions roared in her stomach, "I suppose that I could turn a cheek this one time. You two aren't dating?"

"I've been trying to tell people that," I shook my head, "We are just friends."

"I wonder how this date will go," she smiled excitedly.

Now, don't get me wrong, Juvia is an attractive lady in her late 40's. Javon was in his twenties, but we all know about the you-know-whats... older women who like younger men.

Phew, but it would look weird if it was the other way around, huh?

"I can take you on that barter," she accepted, "You," she faced me once again," Rent by the end of the month. Or no deal."

I nodded obediently and she excused herself. She gently passed by Jay, and he handed her his card where she discreetly wrote down her number. She bid her farewells and winked at Jay before she left.

I was dumbfounded. Baffled.

"What was that for?" I asked him with narrow eyes, half thanking him for his bold move.

"Apparently, solicitation is often used when bargaining for one's wants," he explained.

That was not to be taken lightly. I furrowed my brows, "Jay... you're not a prostitute."

"I think she is harmless," I heard him say, "We won't be doing any i*********e, but I get the feeling she hasn't been able to talk to anyone for quite some time."

That could be true. Most of the time sugar mamas pay young studs just for their time and company.

There I go again, basically selling my best friend.

Wait, best friend?

I only met him a few days ago, I can't be pre-labeling him like that!

"It's a transaction I am willing to make," he cut me from my thoughts, "It is also an opportunity to study humans hands on."

"Good luck?" I winced.

"I will set up our date, but I have no phone or ways of monetary access," he sighed.

"Here," I gave him my debit card, "You may use $200 on your date."

"Isn't that a bit much for a first date?" he asked.

I finished my breakfast and rushed to my room to get dressed. I started thinking to myself.

To some women or men, $200 is a minimum. To others, they can see other ways of utilizing that amount.

I sighed as I got ready for work.

Who knows... maybe this would be a good lesson for me too! Good luck Javon!