The XY Project

Code 003: Klein

    This is why I enjoy being at the Hassle Back. Unlike most bars, this one is actually quiet. The occasional drunken yelling I could handle. Seeing how they usually only occur during weekends, when people have more free time to visit. Lightening flares the cloudy night sky as the sound of thunder follows, barely heard from a distance. The rain repeatedly tapping against the window nearby makes it all the more peaceful. Seems as if my relaxation can only be temporary around Caroline. She slams the front entrance open, only to roughly force it shut right after. I suppose it's windy outside as well. Nature can be so unpredictable. "I know I'm early, but it seems that my shift ended quite abruptly," Caroline jokes, looking back at the watered down window. I immediately realized she had on white attire. Perhaps it wouldn't be such a distraction if she would have worn some form of undergarments. Not that I'm personally against that, as shameful as it sounds. Though her lightly exposed breasts were bound to cause unwanted attention. At least, unwanted from my part. I shake off my coat and attempt to give it to Caroline. And, of course, she stubbornly refuses, "Absolutely not, you'll get sick. Besides, it won't be the first time I'm gawked at." As I adjust myself back into the coat, I reply with something equally as stubborn, "It will be the last then." Caroline becomes curious once she sees me stand from my seat. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" She inquiries with a hint of annoyance in her voice. "If you won't accept my coat, I'll just have to purchase one for you," I explain, making my way to the door. "Klein, don't be ridiculous. I don't have time for your nonsense," she complains. I continue to leave the Hassle Back, allowing for the rain to impale my face.

    The street lights need replacing. The sidewalks are so dark and I'm unable to check for any clothing stores nearby. Even so, I keep moving on. It has been this way for a while. It's not the safest place to be when it's like this. Honestly, I'm glad Caroline's shift ended early. I dislike the idea of her working for so long. I know she can take care of herself, but still. Is it so bad that I worry?

    There barely seems to be any store lights on either. How late is it? Surely I wasn't spending so long at the bar that most of the stores are closed by now. "Dad!" A frail voice shouts. A small figure comes out from a shadowy alley and runs up to hug me. "You have the wrong guy," I say plainly, halting the boy to stay in place. "Do you know where my dad is?" The boy sniffles. "No, now stay over there," I answer coldly, pointing to a dry area. The boy whimpers and persists, "Please, help me find him!" His voice sounds weak, probably starting to catch a cold. "I'm not telling you again," I say sternly. The boy becomes frightened by my tone and goes over to the dry area. I walk on, hearing the boy cry in the distance. When I see a figure, frantically running back and forth, I could tell it was the father. I wave over and point to his son's direction. The father briefly thanks me and runs over to the child.

    I feel a hand smack my arm and turn around. "Asshole!" Caroline cusses. I stare at her with complete confusion, "Why'd you leave that boy alone?" She sparks an argument. "The father came didn't he?" I respond. "Yeah, no thanks to you. The boy's lucky he showed up cause it didn't seem like you were looking for him!" She pesters. It was still pouring out, so I made my way towards a spot that had a roof shielding the sidewalk from the rain. I knew Caroline would follow close behind, not wanting to end her bantering. This way she could stay somewhere dry. Although it's a bit too late, considering she's more drenched now than before. At least we could hear each other clearly here, "I wasn't," I confirm, "Let's get back, all the stores are closed." Caroline, still furious, fires up again "Don't change the subject!" I ignore her outburst, "Take my coat," I offer the second time. She lightly pushes me, out of frustration. "I don't want your damn coat," she rejects. I proceed to remove my coat and wrap it around her. "I wasn't asking," I clarify.

     She allows this, no longer having enough energy to deal with me. Her arms slip through the sleeves, yet only her fingers stick out. The length of the coat covers most of her body. She's not short, a pretty average height to say the least. My bulky physique seems to be the reason why the coat looks so large on her. I assume the outer garment is somewhat keeping her warm. I reach over and begin gliding the buttons through the small slits on the opposite side of the jacket. Moving higher along the buttons, her breathing slows down, as if she were trying to control it. It may be that she is enjoying the gesture. I bring no attention to this, not wanting her to deny my claims and overall ruin the silence between us. I sneak a glance at her shirt, only to stare a few seconds too many through her shirt. She obviously catches me in the act and flails her arms around, "I can button it myself," she assures to me. In slight embarrassment I clear my throat and look away from her.

    I cannot deny the attraction I feel towards Caroline. She's fierce, passionate and infuriatingly sexy. Not only does she kill herself working two jobs, three if I count her street performances, but she does it all with a smile. Admitting she is impatient, she sure knows how to look at the brighter side of things. That's the main factor for my interest. Her optimism completes me. I adore this woman, and if it weren't for the business, I'd ask her to be my Caroline. The only thing keeping me from her. ~Him~ and his damn business.

    "You can't rely on others," I mutter. Caroline pauses her buttoning and looks up at me. I take a deep breath before continuing, "You come into this world unwillingly, no knowledge whatsoever. All you have are your instincts, act as you're programmed. Naive, you believe anything, because you're new to the world. You trust that you're incapable of doing anything on your own. You rely on that person, just for them to never give you the respect you deserve. Perhaps you don't deserve it. Maybe all you are is an outcast. Yet, in some way, you need that opportunity to prove yourself worthy." Caroline finishes buttoning and asks, "What are you going on about?" I could see the worry in her eyes. I chuckle, "That boy needed to guide himself, not depend on a stranger." Caroline is silent for a moment before she replies, "He's still just a boy, Klein," she points out.

    She looks afar at the son and father and smiles to herself. "I wanted a boy," she whispers so quietly that I almost didn't hear. "You as a mother?" I question. The image of Caroline as a mother pops into mind. Spinning her son around in the air making airplane noises. "Yes, but instead I got stuck with this drama king," she jokes, playfully messing with my wet, floppy hair. I take her hand from my head, "You poor soul," I laugh.