Chapter 16: Time Ticks
2000 Words
What the heck is going on?!
Why was Frank here?
I wanted to just dramatically slide down the door in my freaking towel and just cry. And honestly... this should be a good enough excuse to call for that. But, my pride would not let me. I had different emotions flaring through my veins and I had to count my breaths to settle down my heart beats.
I was surprised that he was here at all. I was mad that he had the audacity to come after everything that happened. I was sad that I saw how sad he was through his eyes. I was confused as more questions began to form in my head. But through all of that, I was still curious to see what he had to say.
I looked over to Jay, who shot me a glare behind his shoulder. I know he just punched a hole in my wall and Juvia is more than happy to compensate it for a date. But, I do need to be cautious. I almost lost my life!
I understood why Jay was feeling this way, and I was not going to be mad about it.
Walking briskly back into the shower to get some clothes on, I huffed and made my way back. Before opening the door I took one final inhale before meeting the gaze of the man I had a crush on years ago.
Slowly, I closed the door behind us. It was just me, him, and the stairs.
Frank dwindled with his hands and then thinned his lips. He looked at me, looked away, and then looked at me again.
"So..." I shook my head in confusion.
"Katie, I just wanted to apologize," he started.
"Apologize for what Frank?" I could feel my temperature rising, "How could you possibly come to my doorstep wanting to apologize when you almost killed me!"
"I didn't push you," he reminded, "But, I'll take full responsibility for it."
"Save it," I rolled my eyes, "You and Cici had this all planned out."
"Okay..." he paused, "There was a plan, but it was for all of us to meet up and catch up. Or at least that was what I thought."
"What do you mean by that?" I asked.
"Katie," Frank's expression became serious, "I didn't know that Cici was going to do that to you. Before I came here, I had notified her. She reminded me of you. It's complicated but..."
"But what?" I crossed my arms.
"But I was more excited to see you than her," he admitted.
What? Wait... was he trying to woo me?
My eyes narrowed, "That can't be true," I shook my head in disbelief, "You wouldn't have known who I was back then."
"But I did," he took a step closer, "One of the biggest reasons is that Cici would not stop talking about you. They weren't very nice words, but you know what they say... 'misery loves company' and she was a lonely person."
"Right now I don't want anyone's company," I cracked, "It's been so much today and I just want to rest."
"I just thought you deserved to know," he looked at the ground, "But she envied you."
Huh? Did I hear that right? Cici... my childhood bully, envied me? Nah, impossible.
I lifted an eyebrow in disbelief.
Frank then stepped back, "I know you won't believe me, but you weren't there to hear her throughout those years. She wanted to make you miserable because she thought you were lucky."
"Lucky?" I shifted my head in annoyance, I unconsciously took a step forward, "How was I lucky? Lucky to be bullied throughout my high school existence by her... lucky to have no parents by your side? Lucky to have this damn sickness that I'm aware of my time limit. How? How am I lucky?"
"I can't speak on her behalf," he said in a calm voice, "I can only speak on mine. And me wanting to meet you wasn't solely because of her. I wanted to see you because I cared."
"How could you care about someone you knew from a third person point of view?" I asked.
"It was enough to get to know you from my point of view. And I wanted to let you know that you are lucky. Lucky to have someone like that man to be protective of you. Lucky to have the strength to keep going on despite knowing your possible outcome. You are lucky to have someone being envious of you as well. If you are not talked about, then you're probably a side character or NPC. But to me, you are a main character of your own story. Whether you choose to talk to me here on out, just know that I have never thought of you the same way she has."
Frank smiled, and I didn't know how to assess what was just said. All my life I have been so bitter towards myself. I cursed my very existence up until I met Jay. He was right. I had a best friend like Jay by my side. Even though I knew the life expectancy, I was still able to breathe today. Some people don't have an awareness that tomorrow is not promised, healthy or not. I'm not sure how to feel about Cici making my life a living hell, because in all honesty I didn't want her to be "envious" of me. I really don't.
But his words soothed me enough to just hug him. It was a very bold move, and I was okay if he decided to push away. But I felt his arms return to wrap around me. He rested his face on my shoulder...
Probably breathing in the soap I used.
But he felt so warm and cozy. It was like coming from a hot shower and then snuggling under a warm comforter with cold airconditioning. I couldn't get enough!
But I knew one of us had to pull away, and I was the bigger person.
I sighed, "Well, I know you are going back to Florida soon. I hope your career takes off."
He smiled and nodded, "Thank you, and don't worry... I'll probably come to visit on Spring Break."
I bowed and giggled, "No pier though,"
I instantly blinked at my dark humor. I wish I had never said that. It was definitely too early.
Frank chuckled playfully and then shook his head, "You're still as funny as the last time I saw you. I'll see you later. Keep in touch."
He waved goodbye and made his way down the stairs. I paused before awkwardly making my way back inside.
"Dinner's ready," Jay had already served himself.
"It smells delicious," I praised.
"That dude probably thought you were too," he smirked.
"Were you eavesdropping?" I placed my impatient hands on my hips.
"The whole building could hear you two," he exaggerated, but with a smile.
That's a good sign. He wasn't in murder mode like he was earlier. But still... I shrugged at the thought of just realizing how vulnerable I have become.
I sat down and was once again impressed with Jay's cooking.
"You know," I poked my fork into the pork cutlet, "You cooked for me the first time you came here. Do you remember that?"
"I did, and I do," he answered.
"That was a crazy night, huh?" I giggled.
"Not as hectic as it was today, but I hope you don't mind... but, I still don't get how this came to be. You. Me. Everything," Jay was puzzled.
"Honestly..." I began to ponder. He was right. Out of everyone it could have been. Why me?
Not that there was a possibility of me having mental health issues, because I wouldn't blame anyone if I seemed crazy. But, why was it that it was me who met him that night?
"The floating onion!" I exclaimed.
This startled Jay at first, but he nodded in agreement, "That onion set an awful first impression on this world I'll tell you that!"
"Well, most people don't eat it raw!" I countered, "I thought I was seeing things. Or got a second hand high from drugs or something."
"It's such a fascinating vegetable, because it actually tastes delicious when cooked. Especially when stir-fried," he added.
"When I saw it being tossed, I had to do a double take because that was something supernatural. And I was surprised no one else saw it!" I recalled.
"I thought I had been vigilant in my camouflage but you witnessed my flaw. I tried to grab an apple and had to ditch it because you were approaching me!" he nervously admitted.
"The question is how?" I narrowed my eyes in suspicion.
"I read a few fictional novels and it described me as a spiritual being," Jay munched on his food.
"Well, I am not religious," I scoffed.
"No, there was something that was said and I think you can in dark humor relate to it," he paused.
"Okay, let's hear it," I scooped some potatoes into my mouth.
"Those who are closer to death tend to see things that others can't," he phrased.
"So like ghosts?" I asked.
"Any supernatural being. Being not from this galaxy, I believe I meet the criteria," Jay was no longer entertained by our conversation.
"I didn't mean it like that," I swallowed, "I'm just surprised I saw you when you were invisible. But, others see you in your human form."
He didn't say anything further. We ate the rest of our food.
"Man I am stuffed!" I stretched out more than just my arms.
"Glad you liked it," he sat on the couch.
I went over to my bed and sat down facing him.
I softly asked, "Did you enjoy your day with your family?"
"Well, it was Javon's family," he hesitated, "I wasn't sure which one of us were processing the emotions."
"Were they good ones?" I asked.
"I am not totally sure," he analyzed, "I could tell there was a mixture of sadness as he knew it wasn't something he was able to do himself, but somehow fulfilled that it at least happened."
"So is there a chance that Javon can come back if you expel yourself from him when the time comes?" I swung my legs forward and back.
"That..." he sighed, "I am not too sure."
I tilted my head, but tried not to press any further. I turned and shuffled underneath my blanket.
Gee. I never thought about that. I know that Jay has taken over a human named Javon's consciousness... but I never wondered about the future of it. Will it be okay?
"The ship sent me a signal that it is coming close to its optimal fuel levels," he did not sound happy, "So soon, maybe we will find out."
There were a lot of emotions that were hidden behind those words. I can tell they were consisted of uncertainty and fear. But, I felt that from both of them... that there was sadness.
Is Jay sad that maybe he will have to leave me one day?
If it was, I might have to prepare myself for that outcome too!
I hid under my sheets and fought back my tears. I had disregarded that this event in my life was meant to be temporary and it is in the best interest to get him where he needs to be.
This sucks...
This really sucks!
I began to wonder how I will utilize this short, yet crucial time we have together. I didn't want to be a burden to him, but I also liked depending on him too!
I've lived my whole life without him, I can do it again... right?
Ugh!
A tear trailed its way down my cheeks and I wiped my face on the pillow.
"Good night Katie," Jay bidded. He then drifted into deep sleep a few minutes after.
"Good night Jay," I responded back.
- Writer
