ODAAT: Volume 2, Chapter 16

 

Former Lover

California feels like a stranger. It's been so long since I've seen her. We got on the plane in the afternoon, but lost two hours during the flight, arriving just before noon in California. The flight itself was so short, I barely noticed it. I'm normally a nervous wreck, but I guess my mind was elsewhere. I spent the whole flight thinking about those bright brown eyes. When we landed, it took an hour to get our stuff from baggage. In the meantime, Crystal wandered around the airport with Charlie. We may have left only a few short months ago, but it's been years since Charlie has been in the city. She has plans to take him sight seeing later, since the show isn't until tomorrow. We had our timing mixed up, because we intended to go to Jared's after the show. But, we have to get on the bus after the show and head to Vegas. The hotel room is booked in Vegas already. When we finally get our luggage, we pile into a limousine headed to Jared's house. There's a package on the front step underneath a tarp. It's addressed to Charlie, so likely the books he got pressed. I pause at the door too, but for a different reason. Everyone else heads inside, but my feet are stuck to the front step.

It's been so long since I've been here. The last time I saw this house I was taking my stuff out of it. Now, I'm bringing my stuff in, but the circumstances are so different. It's weird to be back at the house of my former lover alongside his new lover. I never thought I'd come back here. I never wanted to either. But, there was no reason to stay at a hotel. I let out a deep breath, seeing it faintly in the air in front of me. It's not exactly cold, but there's enough of a chill. The welcome April winds are light, filled with the smell of spring. Charlie didn't even bring his winter jacket, used to the Illinois winter winds. He knew there was no point bringing something bulky that he'd only wear for a few days. Instead, he wears a pullover sweatshirt with his company name silk-screened on the front. He had a few of them made for the tour as well.

Jared can tell I'm hesitant, coming back outside. He reaches for my hand and I jump.

“I'm sorry, I just,” I pause, trailing off. I don't want to offend him when I know how hard he's trying.

“It's weird for you. I know. You don't have to explain.” He smiles, tilting his head slightly. A strand of his hair falls in front of his eyes, attracting my attention. I look down at the ground slowly, trying not to be too obvious about looking away. I can feel my heart racing, like it's trying to fight its' way out of my chest.

“It is. I just, didn't think I'd ever be back.” I agree, mostly under my breath. He nods, looking into the hallway.

“I'll understand if you don't want to stay here. I mean, you never wanted to come here in the first place.” He jokes, and I fake a smile. This is true. I never liked this house. It never felt like home to me. I moved in because he asked me to and I wanted to make him happy.

“Believe it or not, I know I fucked up.” He adds, taking a step closer.

“It doesn't change anything now, though.” I observe. He shrugs, looking around the yard. He seems like he's in his own world.

“I don't know about that.” He argues. I raise my eyebrow, looking over at him. There's a smile on his face, but I can't figure out why. Then he reaches for my hand again. I let him this time.

“As long as we're both breathing, I believe there's time to get it right.” He whispers. I fake a smile.

“Jared, it doesn't work that way.” I remind him, but he just laughs.

“It can. We just need to give it more time. Like you always say. There hasn't been enough time to heal from everything we did to each other. But, who knows what the future holds?” He trails off. I look down at our hands, his fingers wrapping around mine. Maybe he's right.

I step forward and we walk inside together. I let his hand drop as we get into the living room. Crystal has already made herself comfortable, draping over the arm of the couch. Charlie is sitting beside her with one of his arms over her chest. Frankie is sitting in the middle of the floor beside the coffee table. He's paging through a guitar magazine that Jared had laying out.

“What time are we leaving?” Crystal asks, looking up at Charlie, he shrugs and looks at Frankie.

“I was thinking about an hour. But if you want to leave sooner, let me know.” He answers, putting the magazine down.

“You're going sight-seeing? You've lived here for years.” Jared asks, walking into the living room. He sits down on the couch beside Charlie and Frankie looks over at him, nodding.

“I may as well. Nothing else to do today.” He dismisses. Jared nods.

“Wanna come?” Crystal asks, looking over at him. He shakes his head, motioning to the ceiling.

“I have to uh, pack.” He reminds everyone.

“Speaking of. I have this meal in mind for tonight.” Charlie announces, walking into the kitchen. I watch him digging through the cupboards, pulling out spices like he's lived here for years.

“I threw everything out the last time I was here.” Jared calls to him. Charlie waves his hand, looking at the bag of lemon seed he's pulled out. He starts pulling out pots and pans, creating a stack on the counter. Finally, he walks to the China cabinet and pulls out enough plates for everyone. Those same plates that have never been used because Hunter never invited anyone to our house.

Jared looks over at me at the same time I look at him. Somehow, in five minutes these people made it feel more welcoming than the months we lived here together.