Tension Released

TheStringAndTheSpark

It started with a navy blue string. It clung to the back of Jordan's uniform like a stubborn thread of fate, trailing from his collar to the hem as he walked across the floor, fresh from the locker room. Samantha had noticed it instantly, the contrast of deep blue against his clean gray shirt catching her eye like a magnet. She hesitated only a second before jogging to catch up to him. Hey! She called a little breathless. Wait up. You have something on your back. Jordan stopped confused and turned slightly. What? Sam stepped behind him, and gently tugged the string free, fingertips brushing his shirt. He turned to face her just as she held it up. You just wanted to touch me he teased smirking. And that smile, that damn smile, lit a fire low in her stomach. The kind she hadn't felt in years. It wasn't cute or polite. It was real. Dangerous. She felt it then. The spark. The shift. The part of her she'd buried deep beneath anxiety and exhaustion and survival suddenly... lit up. She didn't say a word. She didn't need too. Later that day the spark turned into a storm. Willow found her by the loading docks, her mascara smudged just enough to look haunted, her voice think and trembling. I need to talk to you, Willow said, stepping into Sam’s space without hesitation. It's about Jordan. Samantha tensed.., okay.. Shoot.. Willow didn't hesitate. I'm leaving Sutton. He's a drunk and I just don't feel safe anymore. He never has time for me and I just want someone who loves me. I honestly should have left months ago. Willow went one and I just stood there listening about how she was in love with Jordan. He's the kindest man I've ever know and so gentle. He never treated me like I was disposable and the crack in her voice almost made Sam feel sorry for her. Almost. Then willow said "Could you tell him for me? Please? I know you work with him. Just... please tell him. Tell him I love him and I'm coming home. Something inside Sam raged. It was a quiet rage she didn't expect. She nodded, more out of shock than agreement and walked away with her head spinning. Jordan was crouched down inside the robot cell, tools in hand, face calm under the fluorescent lights as he worked on a broken joint. Sam stepped inside without a word, her hands were shaking. He looked up at the sound of her boots. Hey you! She took a breath. I have a message for you. From Willow.. Jordan' eyes didn't change, not a flicker of surprise. She says she's leaving Sutton. She said that she still loves you and is coming home. Jordan wiped his hands, slowly stood up turning to face her. Sam he said quietly. There's something that I need to tell you. I haven't been honest with you. Her heart fluttered. He stepped closer. Close enough for her to smell the faint scent gear oil and cologne. Close enough that her defense started to crumble, just from the nearness of him. He looks into Sam’s eyes and softly brushes her cheeks as she gasp. He said it's like this voice low, and certain. I can live without Willow... I can't live without you...Samantha froze. The words hit her like a wave crashing into all the broken places she'd worked so hard to keep hidden. Her throat tightened and her eyes stung. And without a word she turned and walked out of the cell. She didn't look back. She couldn't. Her thoughts spun in a thousand directions. She didn't even have his phone number. How could he say something like that? I'm still married. My divorce isn't final. I have a kid, a car payment, and a whole damn house to pack. And now this. This kind, cocky, ridiculously good smelling man had just told her that he couldn't live without her. And the worst part? She felt the exact same way.