Chapter four
It was a fine evening. He had a run for almost an hour. He could feel the adrenaline rushed through his already sweaty body. He plugged out his earphones and wiped his sweat. He stopped in front of his destination; the supermarket to buy a few things to make food at home. The automatic door slid for his entrance and he strolled around not really sure what exactly to buy. He entered an aisle for stuff like canned food. Ingredients beginning to form in his head for some nice spaghetti, maybe carbonara, bolognese. He picked the instant carbonara sauce and headed to the next aisle. He was about to walk off when suddenly a huge momentum hit his body. His sport shoes squeaked against the floor and he lost his balance. There's another person falling on the floor with him. His back hit the floor and followed by another thump onto him. He laid there on the cold tile for a moment to comprehend what just happened. He was sure this person was running when she bumped him pretty solidly. He saw her getting up and a few groans sounded. They made eye contact and he could see the panic in her face. She gasped and quickened her moves to get up. He got up on his feet and picked up his sauce which luckily didn't spill. He realized she's struggling to speak as she was fidgeting her fingers. Finally, she shyly looked up at him with her hazel eyes. He was about to ask her if she's okay but she decided to do it first.
"I'm really really sorry. I was in a rush and kind of run like a maniac. Are y-you okay? I'm just so sorry" This won't sound manly he thought and he believed no guy would think this aloud but he got this tingly sensation deep in the core of his heart. It almost felt like hurting but in the best way. Was it because of the fall? It's making him uncomfortable. He probably shouldn't be thinking this at that moment but he couldn't help it when a girl made him feel things he have never experienced before.
"It's...alright. I'm alright." He stated. She let out an exhale of relief and smiled sheepishly. That smile of hers was so contagious that it made him smile like an idiot afterwards. She furrowed her eyebrows and let's just hope she doesn't think he's a creep.
"Well, I guess that's good." She tucked a little of her ginger hair behind her ears and walked passed him. He gathered all his guts and gently grabbed her wrist. She turned around looking confused between her wrist and his face. "Hold on," He said and slowly letting go to avoid weirdness. "Here," He passed her a pack of sweets that he believed belonged to her. Must have fallen out of her grasp the moment she bumped him.
"Oh, right." A soft laugh slipped from her mouth. That was not his intentions to stop her.
"I'm Jake." ...and he's unbelievably already in love. He knew this would sound as ridiculous but love can come in different ways...? He could hear the beat of his pounding heart through his ears. The tingly feelings are there again.
"Um, hi...Jake. It's...brilliant...to meet you but I need to go. I was in a hurry and still am. I'm sorry,"
And with that she jogged away with that pack of sweets.
~~
I think it's that time to tell you a little about me, Charlotte Skye.
It's obviously different, a very good type of different of how Jake treats me. Maybe it's because I have never loved or be loved by anyone - not even my own parents. What they care about was my grades and reputations. I got a B+ and I'll get beaten up. I never really thought they were abusive just, harsh. I don't want my face to pop up on the front page of the newspaper. I may be hating them more than anything but there's always an excuse. They gave me life and kept me alive. Obviously, not the way I wanted nor anyone but I have never given a choice. So, when Jake treats me like this, it's never common to me and I feel like- No, forget it. I shouldn't be flattered because he got the charms. I just met him a couple of hours ago. He could be anyone and do anything to me. I can't trust him that easy just because of things he did and told. I might sound like a total bitch but life never gives me the easy route and this event going on won't be one.
Anyway, Dave was my boyfriend for like almost a year I guess. It all started when he accidentally tripped on me. I was not too happy about it. Hence, even had a little hatred for him. He said these words of flatters and all the people in school knew he's good with pick up lines. Very, very, unfortunately - and pathetically - I fell for one of his. He gave me his number and I thought 'Ew but I don't want to look like I'm the one who wants him first. Like ew.' So being a little smart ass I am at that time, I didn't call him. A few days went by and he talked to me again. Dave said, 'Hey, I've been waiting for you. Why didn't you call?' Oh wow? I felt sympathy which I really shouldn't. I gave him a lie saying 'Oh, my phone was on repair. I couldn't call you then, maybe today?' Then, he asked for MY number. Escalated quickly? Not yet. He called me right after I placed my foot on my house's doorstep that day. To make it worse, my father just got back from somewhere and saw me talking on the phone. My dad asked me who was I'm talking to, I froze and didn't say anything. He snatched my phone and looked into it. He saw Dave's name and said, 'A guy huh? Stop whatever you're doing with him or you'll never see your phone again' That's when I knew guys weren't allowed in my life. I should have listened to my father's advice. I didn't lose my phone but I lost my sane self. Most of the consequences I faced from my parents was all because of Dave and all he did was cheating.
I shouldn't be thinking about this. I'll tear up again and I don't want that so I brought my thought somewhere in this current situation I'm in.
"Um, Jake? May I ask you a favour?" His eyes stare deep into mine and it's making me feel giddish.
"Can you show me where my apartment is?"
His face shows complete excitement as he smiles broadly. He laced his finger with mine and helped me get up on my feet.
"My pleasure"
We walked back to his apartment to get his car keys.
I sat at the passenger seat and wear the seatbelts. I watched him getting ready with everything. Only now I realize that he is wearing the leather jacket like in the picture before with a white t-shirt inside. I have always love guys with leather jackets. His sleeve is pulled up as he turned the steering wheel and drives into the lane. The ride has been a little too quiet so he switched the radio on.
"Usually, Charlotte, we've never been this quiet. We would always sing our lungs out. I don't know how we always know every single song they played on."
I don't know why I decided to blurt out ridiculously.
"Jake, I hate to ruin this for you. Honestly, I don't know how to say this in the best way-"
"Then, don't. Please." I looked at him puzzled. "These event going on is just so...difficult. Right now I don't know how to solve this. I don't want to lose my Charlotte. When you passed out earlier I thought about going to the doctor but everytime I checked your temperature and pulse I don't think there's anything wrong. There's no absolute cause that made you like this. It just happened and I'm worried. Was it too intense for you last night? I don't think so you were doing fine, in fact, you were perfect last night-"
"What happened last night?" I cut off vaguely.
"W-what happened last n-night?" He stammered.
"Jake, you can tell me"
"We made love, alright? I mean maybe not us now, us before" He muttered under his breath.
"Charlotte?" I just replied with a hum.
"We're here"
I looked outside and there's a building upfront. Looking a little too luxurious for someone like me to actually own an apartment like this. The car parked at the side of the street. I heard Jake coming out and jog around the car to open the door for me. I step outside and waited for Jake. He grabs my hand and pulled me forward to walk with him. I like this. I smiled to myself and looked to our hands locked together. I admit I felt a little like a betrayer doing this but then who cares? Dave isn't in my life in the first place anyway.
The lobby was cool. We stopped in front of the reception desk and I heard Jake exchanging words with the woman behind it. Soon, we headed to the elevator. Jake presses the 'up' button and we waited. I looked up to him and he's doing the jaw clenching thing guys always do. I'm actually quite at my wit's end about how to tell Jake I'm not having some amnesia. I barely knows him and I don't want to hurt him. The elevator arrived and we stepped inside. There's an elderly woman wearing a pair of glasses inside with us. I just ignored and stands still.
"Oh hello, darling! Haven't seen you in awhile. How are you doing?"
Uh to the oh. Uh oh. Is she referring to me? I turned my gaze around to look at her. She's smiling with her shining teeth shown. I looked back to Jake and he's swallowing hard. Eventually, Jake will always be the savior.
"Um, I apologize. Perhaps you're Charlotte's acquaintance. Charlotte, here, is not feeling quite well. Uh, sore throat. Sorry once again for her strange behavior. I'm her boyfriend by the way and it's a pleasure to meet you," And by that the elevator door slid open on level 3 and he knew that's our cue to get out. I peeked behind and the last thing I saw before the door closed was the woman's confused expression. I heard Jake let out a loud exhale. "Who even is that?" He asked me. "I have no idea!" I laughed lightly shortly after him. We walked through a hall full of doors on both sides and slowed down to room number 1207. "Check your pockets Charlotte," I examine the pocket of my black skinny jeans. I felt something and I pull it out. It's a small rectangular piece of plast- Oh it's a card. I scanned towards the dark box thingy sticked to the door and it made a 'beep' sound. Weird, it's like I always do that on my daily routine. I slowly push the door open and feeling enthusiastic to know what my own apartment looks like.
I deliberately took step by step to apprehend this strange unknown environment I've been told to be my living shed. I have expected it to be large from the first impression I got through seeing just the lobby but it was not as sumptuous as I thought. Everything might not be made of gold, granite or even marble. It turns out to be what I would have dreamed my house would be. It looks cozy, comfortable and fit to be entitled as a home. Before, home was all grass and twigs, green and breezy, plants and trees and I thought nothing could go anymore fantastic. Seeing this warm, snuggish surroundings just simply put me at ease. I begin to explore the living room. A dark maroon coloured sofa with two small cushions facing the flat screen TV. A wooden coffee table laid in the middle reposed by a carpet underneath. Floral wallpaper giving a little touch of vintage. Plain white curtains covering the sliding door. Frames and decorations spread across the long white painted side cupboard. One framed picture caught my attention. It's Mom and Dad. I didn't really want to think about them right now so I look around a little more. Cute wall frames hanging beautifully. I couldn't really finish describing endless lovely things inside here and it's just the living room.
"Babe?" At first I was not aware of Jake calling me. It took me a second to answer him. "Yeah?"
"Is everything okay?" I turned to face him. His face shows a lot of hope. I couldn't look at him any longer because suddenly I can feel the weight of the world upon my shoulders. I thought about an idea that won't probably benefit anything but worth the try. I turned my gaze back to Jake and he's looking down to his feet with his hands in pockets. "Um, I don't know." Slowly he lift his head half way and raise his eyebrows to me like he couldn't fully accept my answer.
"Do you think I should visit the doctor?"