Chapter 9
How could I have healed a broken leg overnight?
How did he know my sister was out of town?
If none of our run-ins were a coincidence... does that mean he planned them all? Or was he just following me?
I was creeped out. I was flat confused. Especially confused about the other random instances of that night. Where did that lady come from? Why did Peter say I was dangerous? And what was with the hand thing? I couldn't remember what he said, but he seemed surprised by the contact of our palms. What a weirdo. Unless he was a witch or a psychopath, I couldn't think of an explanation for his weirdo-ness. Not one explanation! Like really guys, I dare you to justify any of what happened. Truly folks, amuse me: why in the world did Peter cover my mouth when he found me and say I needed to stay quiet? Yeah, that's what I thought.
Maybe that's why he said I wasn't going to remember any of it – because he didn't want me to remember any of it. Because there weren't reasonable explanations for any of it! Shit, maybe he was nuts and planned on somehow erasing my memory? He definitely was acting like my memory of that night should be gone with his tale of alternative fake events. Obviously, it didn't work. So if the asshole did drug me, he learned he did a piss-poor job of it.
We were apparently on the same page about one thing though: my car was totaled. That's the only thing I didn't 'imagine' (probably because that's a hard one to lie about). Getting a new car was the last thing on my mind, but it was a necessity.
Since Liz was still in Florida, David stepped up and took over the big sister roll (with the same sass and care too). It was beyond nice of him to jump in and help. He lent me his car and rented one for him to use for now.
Liz wanted to fly home when I told her what happened, but I convinced her to stay and that everything was fine. I wasn't thrilled about her trip, but I didn't want to ruin it for her. Which was why I downplayed the seriousness of what happened and condition of my car.
When I went to see the mangled metal mess in the tow yard... I could not believe I made it out alive. The warped sides, the exposed parts, the caved front end was eye-opening. Taking it all in was disturbing, but weirdly amusing. Did Peter really think I was that stupid? That he could convince me I was fine and had just walked out of that thing?
No joke, the mechanics did not even believe I was the person that crashed the car. They thought I was kidding. It's not like I sounded serious anyway with my stifled laugh. I couldn't help it though. How dumb did Peter think I was? I never doubted myself; I know what happened. But seeing just how unrecognizable my car was made his dumb lie that much more obvious and comical.
I knew I didn't imagined any of it, but this was now evidence that Peter was lying. This was evidence... that I did get severely hurt. Yet, somehow I woke up with no sign of injuries and completely healed. How? Just how? It drove home a deeper itch for answers. It nagged at me, bothered me, especially because I knew the truth and that dick refused to acknowledge it!
That's why the following day, my solution was to distract myself, but nothing worked. Forensic Files failed again too. I couldn't focus while at work. I couldn't even get excited when I bought five different boxes of pop-tarts – and that included the hot fudge sundae ones (a rare find in this little town). By that night, those mysteries still refused to leave my mind. It was a nonstop ambush. I just mindlessly stared at the walls, still in my red polo and slacks from work. I sat, shifted, and laid over my bed blankly.
I needed some answers. I really did. Maybe Jamie was the best option. Yes, for all I knew, he could be in on it, ignore the truth, or play innocent and dumb. It was better than nothing though. Plus, Jamie was easier to talk to than his older brother (we didn't hate each other either which helped).
I craned my neck to catch the clock under my dim lamp. 11:00. Jamie was no bitch; he was probably still up. I grabbed my phone and crossed my legs against the bed. I wasn't sure if I could trust him, but we would find out.
I laid the bait. Hey, are you up?
He texted back immediately. Yeah I'm up. How are ya hangin' in there? Sorry about my dick brother giving you a hard time the other day.
Oh, I'm sure you are. I responded: It's okay and I'm feeling better now. Seriously though, I feel pretty stupid for imagining all those things. I'm a little embarrassed about it lol.
Don't feel that way. I'm just relieved you're in a better mindset now.
Getting up, I walked downstairs, unlocked the front door, and plopped down on the couch. Yeah, I think my anxiety has just been making me paranoid. I just need to relax more and have fun, you know?
Well, there is still plenty I could show you this summer. Remember, we got to hit up that junk yard. It's a classy place, so you'll have to dress nice.
I pursed my lips. Though I was putting on an act, I really hope he wasn't. I hope he really meant those words. Because while we haven't known each other long, I really did like having him as a friend.
I texted back: Don't you worry, my ass will look snazzy for the junk yard when we go. It sucks, I got out of work early and have just sitting at home like a bum all night.
Well, I could swing by and make your life worth living again if it's not too late hang out.
That's all it took, guys. Jamie took the bait and was on his way over. Call me stupid, call me crazy, but I felt more comfortable interrogating him here. Firstly because Jamie probably wasn't expecting me to ambush him with questions. Plus his stupid brother wouldn't be here. You know, unless Peter 'just so happen' to run into me in my own house. Never know with those damn coincidences!
I hated pretending to be fine and uppity over text, but guess what, they had no problem pretending that I was delusional! I had to believe Jamie was aware of whatever his brother was hiding. He had to be in on it, right?
When he knocked on the door, I invited him in with a smile and closed the door behind him. Wearing a green hoodie and jeans, his tall form and relaxed eyes took everything in. I forgot this was his first time coming inside. His gaze moved over the stairs in front of him, the upper landing, and the rest of the house to his right.
Kicking his shoes off, he wandered into the slightly disheveled living room. "Damn girl. Three pop-tart wrappers. You're living the dream up in here," he chuckled.
My smile turned sad. "You know it."
"That is one very bright white couch."
"Tell me about it," I scoffed. "It's only a matter of time, ya know?"
Warm blue eyes finding me, he smiled amusingly. Then, I followed behind him as he checked out the kitchen with no shame. He paused at the dining table, gazing curiously behind it and through the sliding door.
Fiddling my fingers together, I took a deep breath. Time to reel in the sucker that took the bait. "Jamie... I want to know what's been happening around me."
His back that was facing me tensed. I could already feel my heart picking up. There was part of me that should have considered this quite dangerous. That he could be dangerous. But right now though, I was hanging onto the silent seconds with nothing but anticipation.
Jamie turned back to me. The kitchen light illuminated a sympathetic smile at realizing my true intentions of inviting him over. "Josephine, I don't know what to tell you to make you feel better."
"I... I kind of think you do know what to tell me. Maybe you just aren't willing to." Pausing, I pursed my lips and scoffed. "Really strange things are happening around me. You can admit that, right?"
It was incredibly plausible that he knew what his brother was hiding. Jamie was also seemingly putting up the same fight, the same denial, the same story, as his brother. But they were two very different people. I had faith Jamie could be more easily swayed.
I had to give him credit though. He neared me with those easy-going blue eyes. As if there was nothing hiding behind them except innocent and sympathy. "I would love to ease your mind and your questions... but I don't have answers. I'm not judging you or anything, but... have you thought about maybe going to a doctor about this?"
A doctor? How cute. I stepped closer and crossed my arms. "You don't trust me, do you?"
He took a moment to respond. Peering up into his eyes... a seriousness grew over his face. "I trust you – to an extent. That goes for everyone though. There is always a line, but that has nothing to do with you."
"Jamie, I deserve answers," I scoffed. "It's going to drive me crazy. Fuck, at this point, I'm almost positive that something did try and drown me now. I should half expect you or your brother at this point."
"Are you joking? We would never hurt you," he said sternly.
"Then why were you there the first time I almost died and why was your brother there the second time I almost died?" I inhaled sharply. "What's going on around me? You can't just expect me to sweep this under the rug and pretend that I didn't experience beyond-this-world stuff. You can deny, have your stories, but I'm not going to buy it." Cutting off my rising voice, I tensely pulled a chair out from the table and sat down to face him. "Am I even your real friend or are you guys stalking me?
"You are my friend. None of that is fake," he insisted, taking a seat and scooting up to face me.
"If I'm your friend, then you need to help me out or give me something."
"Like what? I don't—"
"Like why are both of you acting like I'm delusional?"
Despite his easy-going nature, he seemed more on edge now. His eyes kept flickering away from mine. "Listen, I wasn't there when you got into that accident. I don't know what happened. I just know what my brother told me – and that didn't include you breaking your leg. He came home that night with you, laid you on the couch, cleaned you up a bit, and your leg looked completely fine. He told me the same thing he told you."
"You're lying. My leg was broken, Jamie."
"If your leg was broken, then how is it healed? How could we have healed you, huh?"
I sighed, sitting back. "I can't explain it. That's why I can't let this go. There is no way—"
"Exactly. There is no way we could have healed you. We can't explain something that is impossible and something that didn't happen."
"What about an explanation for everything else then? I remember everything perfectly. Jamie, I'm not crazy. Your brother grabbed my hand, held it, looked confused, as if there something was supposed to happen but didn't. How do you explain that? He did exactly what you did – exactly what you did when we hung out. Do you remember? When you took my hand and acted like you were joking around. He took my hand in his out of nowhere and with purpose too. And there is just no way – no way in hell - that we keep running into each other by chance. I mean come on. You have to give me something because I am not being delusional!"
Licking him lips, his eyes searched mine for a long moment. He seemed conflicted, as if not sure how to help me. Running a hand through his messy brown hair, he spoke more softly. "Jos... I'm sorry. You aren't crazy – and that doesn't sound crazy for your point of view. Look, I wish I could help you get answers, but I don't know them. I really was just joking around when I took your hand before. I can't speak for my brother or what he did, but I have no idea why he would be following you. Especially when he isn't that fond of you to begin with." He paused, sighing in sympathy for me and my concerns. "If there is one thing I can assure you of though, it is that I am your friend. I'm here for you and I wish I could give you answers, but I don't have them. You might not believe me, but I really don't. But if I learn anything that'll help you, trust me, I will tell you."
It was hard to tell if he was being genuine. His care, sympathy, and reassurance though wanted to convince me he was being honest. He was such a transparently good person – and I did believe that. Maybe I should believe him then that he didn't know anything. Most of the weird shit revolved around his brother anyway. I just would think it's likely for him to be in the loop of his brother's suspicious motives.
"I want to believe you. But I don't know if I can trust you. I feel almost... toyed with. It's almost hard to believe that you don't have a clue about any of this. Like you do see where I'm coming from right? You recognize this shit is crazy, right?"
"Yeah, from your perspective, I do see where you're coming from." He stood up from his chair, tucking his hands in his hoodie. "And I understand why you're skeptical of me. I'm not saying you are making this up, but I don't know why my brother would be either. If you want, I can try and get some answers from him. He trusts me more than you – and can actually stand me – so maybe he will budge on something."
His word relieved some of my faith in him. Sure, his offer could be just an attempt to uphold his imagine as 'the good cop' in my eyes. I couldn't help but feel better though. Plus, it would be nice to see if he could get anything out of his brother.
"That would be great," I nodded, standing up with him.
"I'm going to head on home, Miss. Detective. If you think I won't kill you and if you still want to hang out, just let me know. I'm here for you if you need anything."
I didn't say anything as I watched him leave. I didn't get any answers, didn't know if he was playing dumb, or if he meant it when he said he had no clue about anything. Jamie at least didn't try and say I was making everything up.
Still, I didn't know what to think. I wanted to believe him about being my friend though. From the second I met Jamie, I felt safe and comfortable with him. Maybe he did have my back and maybe he could help me.
Until then though, I ended up going to bed with the same nagging questions.
***
Liz's blonde hair was more radiant against her tanner skin. You know, from all those 'business meetings' under the hot sun. Instead of being salty though, I was happy she was home. She represented normalcy and that was something I craved right now.
She kept her word. Her first full day back from Florida was dedicated to spending time with me and showing me my future college. I couldn't help but wonder how much of it was fueled by guilt, but after taking me to breakfast, I didn't care. She was just as enthused as me.
Her white Nissan Altima navigated us north, taking us away from our small coast-city of Bellport to a more suburban area further inward. It was more populated, more highways and streets, more houses. It reminded me of regular city life, which seemed already foreign to me.
There was no getting away from the hilly geography though. As she drove us up an incline of stores, shopping centers, and fast-food joints, I took it all in. One of the road signs we past read 'Tilla Rook city limit.' It's a name I saw more than a few times before thanks to my many college forms and applications.
"I can't believe this is only thirty minutes away from Bellport. That's not bad," I said, glancing to her.
"Not at all. And the college is just around the corner from here. But first, we need coffee," she said, making an abrupt turn into a Starbucks.
"You just had coffee during breakfast."
"Not good coffee," she smiled, tucking her hair back with the end of her acrylic nail. "Want anything? A small kiddie orange juice?" she teased since I didn't like coffee.
"Yeah because I'm five," I laughed.
"There are some dealerships here too, so after we check out the school, we can look around those if we still have time."
I completely hid the details from Liz about my crash. I didn't want to burden her with whatever was going on with me. Not to mention I sounded crazy. Instead, I told her I simply hit a deer. I couldn't hide the fact though that I would need another vehicle. Yeah guys, I was not at all happy about spending money that I was trying desperately to save.
"A dealership is going to be expensive."
"Not if I'm helping you pay for it," she said.
"You are not," I said, eyes widening. "That's too much. I will just find a cheap car."
"You need a nice car, or a nice enough vehicle, because the winters here can be rough. Especially when you're going to have a 30-minute drive to school."
I didn't consider myself a burden for moving in with her; I wasn't disrupting her busy life much. But not only did she not charge me rent, she now was going to help me buy a car? It was just crazy. It's not like mom would ever have helped me out like that. Of course, Liz didn't seem to think it was that big of a deal. She was basically loaded.
"Why can't David just keep renting a car forever?" I asked jokingly.
"Because he misses his car, Jos. The man goes to bed sobbing every night, wondering when you'll be done using it, and if it'll feel the same when he gets it back," she smirked.
"That sounds about right, actually."
After getting her coffee, we continued down the road and took a few more turns. We were clearly more downtown now. There were a few apartments, doming areas, and houses crowded together. Since it was summer, there wasn't much excitement it seemed... but I could only imagine how lively party-town would be in the fall!
After a few more turns, there was a long grassy area we drove along. There were massive trees spotted along the lawn, but I was able to see the school beyond it in the distance. Then, we reached a huge sign on the left. 'Westwood University' was spelled in an arch above the main drive. Man, it was so weird seeing it in person. I've seen many pictures, many brochures with that sign on it.
The main college drive we turned down was lined with small trees. It led us up a wooded hill before it opened up to a grand sight of the campus. Several roads were off-shooting to different buildings, most arranged around a main building and courtyard. The place was well maintained with freshly cut lawn and stone landscape. Surrounding the school were blocks of dorms, a football field, and more buildings, even a few restaurants and stores.
Liz finished up her schooling here, so she became my proud tour-guide. Storm clouds were moving in, but that didn't stop us from walking around and checking everything out. There were just... so many buildings, options for housing, and options for food and shopping! It blew my mind how huge this place was. Ugh, imagine the crowded chaos when school actually starts.
The grounds, the buildings, everything was impressive. Yet, I wasn't excited for any of it. I was a good student, but what sounded intriguing about boring lectures all day? Sorry, I mean boring lectures I would be paying for. The classes would be all basic ones too. aside from maybe one class that pertained to my degree. Even then, 'Intro to Business' wouldn't really cause me to bust at the seams with joy. However, college was the price of moving here. Not sure if that price was worth it at this point. It was nice to at least see where I would be going though.
After my private tour by Liz ended, we left the campus to browse through a few dealerships. Nothing really stood out (thanks to the prices that I just could not stomach playing even half of). But it was nice to see some options though.
Want to know what was not nice? Running into Peter later that day. Gee. What a crazy fucking coincidence, right guys?