Best Friends, Remember?

The connected dotts

“What the hell is going on in here?!”

That question was constantly asked by both Genevieve and Jared. However, none of them was able to give a proper answer to it.

“I knew something was wrong. I could feel that in my bones” admitted Genevieve; “you can relate, Jared. Right?”

“Sure. All those strange looks in Foggy Corner…”

“Yeah… those whispers on the streets, empty house in Mist Hill… even Stan himself was weird. Now, no wonder why”

“Because all this time he has been… gosh, I can’t believe these words are coming out of my mouth… he has been a freaking ghost!” mocked Jared.

Genevieve scoffed and shook her head in disbelief.

“I hoped you wouldn’t say it out loud,” she said. Jared smiled at Genevieve and gave her a delicate punch.

Genevieve and Jared were leaning against the rail on the Westminster Bridge and were trying to figure things out. Namely, how was that possible for them to talk with a dead person?

“Where was the first time you had seen Stan?” Jared asked Genevieve.

“Um…” she wondered; “it was the day I met you. I was on the bus. At the end of it. Suddenly, Stan sat next to me, but before, he had asked if he could. He was a pure gentleman from the very beginning”

Jared nodded his head in agreement. Then Genevieve continued.

“We were just talking at the beginning”

“About what?” asked Jared.

“About… his birthday. And house in Mist Hill. And his wife”

“Joan?” Jared reminded himself of the grave he had seen in Mist Hill on the house’s backyard.

“Yes, about Joan. He told me that he was on his way to Joan, to surprise her… She was ought to work near London or something like that, I can’t actually remember the details. But for sure it went like that. Not a single word about her death, that’s certain” Genevieve rose her hands.

“I believe you” responded Jared.

“And how was your first meeting with Stan?” questioned Genevieve.

“The day before we met” he answered shortly.

Genevieve looked at him insecurely. She did a few circle moves by her hand to encourage Jared to spill the tea about it. Jared understood the gesture but was very reluctant to speak. Finally, after seeing Genevieve’s upset face mine, he rolled his eyes and sniffed once. He scratched his nose and looked towards.

“I was in a club. In the middle of nowhere. I’ve just had my car destroyed. Stan helped me to stay unnoticed among other people. Gave me some directions and stuff, but mostly, let me stay at his house. But did not say even a single word about that previously he had offered you the same place. And I don’t think it was because of sclerosis. That was one hundred percent premeditated. I bet”

After telling this story to Genevieve she frowned her eyebrows.

“In the middle of nowhere? You were far from home, am I right?” Genevieve was pushing. She wanted to know Jared better. He meant so much to her. And vice versa.

“Yeah, let’s put it that way” he was aware of Genevieve’s word traps, so he predicted them and did not get caught.

“Okay, so that was like… twenty-seventh of October. I remember that day”

Jared and Genevieve were processing the problem in their heads.

“Are we sure we’re talking about the same person?” astonished Jared.

“Yeah… I mean. Stan. Mist Hill. Joan. Everything’s correct” assumed Genevieve.

“But Stan died” reminded Jared.

“I know. That’s the frustrating part” answered Genevieve.

“So…”

“You know, I remember a situation, in London, when I was about to enter the deck of the bus and there was a car heading me. It didn’t hit me, though. Its drivers just got out of it and I had an impression their intention was to chase me. And… that’s a bit stupid, but they kinda reminded me of Bonnie and Clyde” said amused Genevieve and focused her sight on the waves of Thames.

Jared widened his eyes and looked at her in disbelief.

“What did you say?”

“I said, they looked like Bonnie and Clyde. Have you heard about them? Or have you not?”

Jared was staring at Genevieve. Every word that she said out loud made him more and more shocked. Even panicked.

“Of course I know them. I just…” he hung up.

“What?” asked Genevieve suspiciously.

“I know who killed your parents…”

* * *

Jared asked Genevieve to have that conversation in some other place. To make it more private and discreet. Genevieve agreed, obviously. Genevieve thought that could be a great idea to invite Jared to her place. Jared was a bit surprised about it, but eventually said yes.

They crossed a few streets, buildings, and public spots of the city of London until they finally reached Genevieve’s home.

“Nice sunroom” commented Jared.

Genevieve, hearing this compliment, smiled and then giggled.

“Thanks. Every guest tells me that, but I am not actually the person who should thank for all those compliments” she added.

“Really? Who is then?” asked Jared.

“My parents. My dad built it, and my mum decorated it. That was like a… like their life masterpiece… Well, at least that’s how they used to call it… Come in, please”

“Thanks” responded Jared and entered Genevieve’s house.

He liked her home from the very beginning. It was modern and classic at the same time, but in a positive way of its meaning. In a tolerant way. Such a well-thought scenery of parcel’s rooms was a strong proof of Colemans’ good taste. And, what’s more, that was another point at Jared’s list of Genevieve’s features. There was no negative thing Jared thought about Colemans’ younger daughter. He already knew she was smart, funny, beautiful, she was a good listener and conversationalist as well. He appreciated her unbelievably huge tolerance for people: their attributes, personalities, past, and way of being. She seemed to be this particular kind of person, who always sees charity in people. Even in those, who don’t actually seem to have one.

Analysing all the above, Jared understood how his personality was different from hers. Although he didn’t judge people (neither she did), he found it difficult to sometimes forgive someone. Especially, when they hurt someone so much and did not feel quite bad for it. He expected people to always act properly, and every time he disappointed himself. After so many mishaps and situations he wouldn’t like to experience, he deeply and truly believed that one day he would find a person following his establishments. Their walking proof. Goodness itself bound in human body. A true angel, that he would dream to take care of and love with all his heart.

And he did.

Genevieve Coleman, ladies and gentlemen.

As much as he cared about Genevieve and did not want to expose her to the despicable side of this world, he tried his best to keep her away from his past. He thought, than none of people he cares about should be involved in his problems and face with his demons he had hidden. This is a pure miracle, that those demons haven’t caused any mental issues on Jared’s common sense. Or mental health.

Anyway, although he didn’t seem like it, Jared Williams was very sensitive. A golden heart.

“Wow, you’re place is truly idyllic” commented Jared, when he saw various items arranged in one type of aesthetics.

“Thanks. You want some tea?” she asked.

“Sure” responded Jared, and before he even added anything else, she continued: “tell me if I’m wrong, but you would like… black tea with two spoons of sugar?” she guessed, so Jared’s reaction was pretty obvious:

“Yup. You know me very well”

He didn’t lie. “Perfection”, he thought.

When she drew their tea, they sat to the table in a dining room and eventually started their conversation.

“So… what’s up with those people. Bonnie and Clyde?” asked quietly Genevieve and sipping her still hot tea.

Jared leaned against Genevieve and looking deeply into her eyes, he started his explanation.

“The day before we met I had the creepiest lift ever. I was hitching, nothing pleasant, trust me. When I was about to lose the rest of my patience and hope, there was that strange couple who decided to give me a drive. They looked pretty similar to each other, that’s why I thought they were siblings. But no, they introduced themselves as a husband and wife. They were so… distinguish… Gosh, do you sometimes have that feeling, that something’s gonna happen? Something bad, for example?”

“Yeah… it’s like a tiny, quiet voice inside the back of your head that tells you it has some foreboding about something” explained Genevieve honestly.

“Exactly. So here’s the thing. They acted pretty odd, so decided to roll. But they kinda insisted on that I should stay. That was pretty awkward and

I really wanted to get out. They drove me into some forest”

“What?”

“And, suddenly, Derek, that was the man’s name, told me to get out of the car. After he did not take no for my answer, he started to pull me outside. His wife, Amber, was just looking at the beginning. Nothing more. Then I… I put my gun towards him, so he kinda crazed over. Then there was

a small fight, rolling on the ground, and um… I stole their car and… and

I abandoned it somewhere on the road, I don’t even remember where… I’m kinda embarrassed because of this…

“What I think is that was the only sensible option for you in such circumstances, Jared. And there’s nothing you should blame yourself for” assured him Genevieve. Jared gave her a questioning look, smiled cutely, showing row of his straight, white teeth, and sipped some tea.

“You think so?” asked amused Jared; “you don’t think I’m an unreformed recidivist? Well, at least one person on this whole vale of tears doesn’t”

These words made Genevieve laugh, so they both did.

“And know… what happened next?” questioned Genevieve.

“Well… I drove away, went to the bar, met Stan, and then… met you. You know all my further story” he answered.

“Okay…” responded Genevieve and started to process the information in her mind; “but how does this story relate to my parents’ death? Their murder?”

“That’s very simple, Gen, just think about it. A psycho couple, which met us both somehow, at parallel time, chasing both of us. Don’t you think it’s a bit suspect?” explained Jared.

“But what right do they have to chase you? That doesn’t make sense” she answered.

“I have no idea. But just think about it”

“I hear what you’re saying, but… they didn’t even had the occasion to see us together” Genevieve reminded Jared of it.

“That’s not exactly true…” responded Jared. Genevieve frowned her eyebrows and asked:

“What do you mean?”

“Remember when we broke into the post office in Foggy Corner?”

“Yeah…”

“I saw a car then. In the middle of the night. The driver and the passenger got out of the car and with torches in their hands, they seemed to be looking for something. Or…”

“… someone…” finished Genevieve. Jared nodded his head slowly with his eyebrows lifted; “for us…” she said with disbelief and with her voice high-pitched.

“Bingo…”

“But why?” panicked Genevieve.

“Hell if I know” responded Jared, shrugging.

“How dare they bully us for something with no sensible reason?”

“Maybe they have one”

“Oh, Jared, what on earth could it be? Maturation?”

“Genevieve…”

“I’m being serious right now. There’s nothing we could carve out for ourselves. Absolutely nothing. But my parents paid the highest price for that… And now…” Genevieve’s voice went silent and higher; “… and now, they punish us. That’s not fair”

After she finished, Jared stood up and hugged her.

“I know” he admitted; “if that’s a consolation, I have an idea how to bite back” he finished with his face drowned in Genevieve’s curls.

“Which is…?”

Jared unattached from Genevieve and looked straight into her eyes.

“Revenge”

“Revenge? But… how do you imagine it?”

“Is that a yes?” asked amused Jared.

“Hold on. I cannot say a word unless you have a plan” assured him Genevieve.

“Oh, I do. Believe me” responded Jared.

“So tell me” insisted Genevieve.

“Okay. First things first, we start with this” started Jared and put his gun on the table.

“I’m listening” said Genevieve smiling and put her hand on Jared’s. Jared lifted his left eyebrow teasingly and started the big explanation.

* * *

The first thing we need to is to change our looks. There can’t be anyone who would recognize us until we work our business out.

“How do I look?” asked amused Jared, after putting a black cap on his head backwards.

“Like a bully” reported Genevieve, so Jared smiled widely and his behind the changing room curtain.

If anyone finds out what we are doing, we will probably end up in a madhouse.

“You like me red or blonde?”

“What?” laughed Jared.

“Don’t ask, just shoot”

“Um… both?”

If your sister is unlikely to come back home soon, we have plenty of time for our performance.

“Does this hoodie make me look fat?”

Genevieve burst out laughing.

From the money I kept from Foggy Corner, we can call from the phone booth. We’ll be able to stay undercover as possible and not to spoil our localisation. I have been searching for a couple with the names Derek and Amber. The only result I received in a phone book was Bachman. They run a funeral home in East Tilbury. That’s all I know. I’ve written their address and telephone on a piece of paper.

“Pack all the necessary things” recollected Jared.

“Sure thing” responded Genevieve and put a pack of strawberry bubble gum in her backpack’s side pocket.

Second thing. You cannot tell anyone about what we’re doing. We leave our phones here. No one finds out about where we will be. The revenge is in our hands.

“You really don’t need to do this” begged Jared, when Genevieve and he were in a clothes shop.

“But I want to. Don’t spoil the fun for me” responded Genevieve and passed him a pair of dark glasses; “and you’ll look nice in these”

She came to the check-out and paid for both of them.

“I’ll pay you back, I promise” said Jared.

“Jared, stop it” shouted Genevieve, laughing; “I insist. Let ME help you this time”

“And what is that supposed to mean?” he astonished.

“I bet you know, Mr Rescuer” mocked Genevieve.

“Don’t call me that” begged Jared with his eyes closed.

Genevieve laughed because she realised something.

“So how do you want me to call you?”

“What do you mean how? Jared. Just Jared” he added the last sentence giggling a little bit.

“Boooring…” moaned Genevieve; “I thought you would like a nickname, wouldn’t you?”

Jared bit his bottom lip and lifted the left eyebrow.

“Maybe…?” he said, and after a deeper hesitation he answered:

“This is actually a brilliant idea. With nicknames no one would identify us. Why haven’t I thought about it?”

“Glad, I enlightened you” chuckled Genevieve.

And the last, but not least. Transport. I have a car. Chevrolet 3100.

What colour?

Blue.

When Jared and Genevieve dotted all the T’s, they left the shop having Killin’ On Demand by Freddie Dread in the background. It was played in

a shop and the owner turned the volume up, as soon as he had noticed the couple walking towards some place.

Jared had a cap on his head and black glasses on his nose. He also wore his denim jacket. Genevieve, to Jared’s surprise, put a pair of black denim trousers, matching jacket, and red long-sleeved crop top. On her nose she had the same pair of glasses as Jared. Her hair had three colours: brown (her natural) with blonde and red highlights. As a refreshment, she also cut a cute bangs, as she has never done it before. In an addition, her lips were covered with scarlet lipstick, which was supposed to symbolise their motive. Blood. Revenge.

Genevieve thought, she would never suspect herself of doing anything like these she was going to do with Jared, or wearing those kind of stuff. Her style wasn’t so outlined before, and the fact she had an outfit that really showed how dangerous she felt, surprised her, and even helped her to feel better. She could breathe then. Jared could sense that, walking arm to arm with her.

Genevieve looked at Jared, so did he, and they both smirked. Their smiles showed they were masters of their lives, and everything that was going to happen was about to lead their expectations.

“So…” giggled Jared; “how are you enjoying freedom?” he asked her.

She took a deep breath with her eyes closed and put her head up to the sky.

“Feels amazin’, thanks” she announced.

“Just like I thought” admitted Jared, predicting her answer.

They walked across the pavement, turned right and suddenly appear in

a very quiet spot of the city. The music from the shop went silent and they could only hear a series of beats echoing from far away. No one noticed Jared’s or Genevieve’s presence on the streets. They were as incognito as they wanted. No one even cared about what they were going to or if they were about to do something mischievous. Genevieve reported her observation to Jared. He snorted and responded:

“Welcome to my world”

“What do you mean?” asked Genevieve, frowning her eyebrows.

“That is how people see me. Unneeded, broke and socially… backward”

Genevieve noticed that Jared changed his face: like he was intensively thinking of something and worrying. His lips became a narrow line, tightly clinging to each other.

“You know…” started Genevieve, so Jared looked at her; “what they don’t know, is that you are fearless” she announced that straight to Jared’s eyes. They both stood still.

“They don’t see the braveness in your heart. They don’t see what a good person you are. Because the true beauty is hidden inside. And you don’t show off with it, which is fine. Because if someone is supposed to discover that, they should care about you and deserve you”

Jared’s mouth turned up in the corners.

“You really know how to make my day” admitted Jared, so Genevieve cheered up and smiled too.

“I’m glad I could help” she responded and Jared kissed her.

* * *

“This is our transport” informed Jared and took a huge tarpaulin that was covering a pickup.

“You said it was blue” astonished Genevieve.

“And it is” admitted Jared.

“No” opposed Genevieve.

“So what colour is it? In your opinion…?”

“Aquamarine, duh”

Jared sighed with impatience and shook his head with the same intention.

“Get in, Colour Expert” he commanded her, so she followed him.

They both got into the car and, when felt comfortable enough, Jared started the engine, drove off the street, and they went towards themselves.

“We’re going to East Tilbury. We’re looking for a funeral home” informed Jared once again, so Genevieve nodded her head, as a sign, that she had understood everything.

 “So…” sighed Jared, and cleared his throat. Genevieve looked at him, and waited for him to finish his quote; “onward”