DEATH WISH - j.hale

SHAKE THE DISEASE - 11

  — Trigger warning: violence —
Read with caution and stay safe

SHE WAS shaking in her seat as she sipped the burning coffee. It was strong, the taste burning her tongue.

The cafe was practically empty, with the exception of a couple in the corner across the room. She felt relaxed, yet her eyes still burned with the dried tears that stuck to her rosy cheeks.

And she felt more alone than ever.

She was cold. She didn't seem to mind, though, as a waitress finally brought her soup. "Thank you," she murmured, instantly forgetting her troubles as she began eating — well, drinking, the soup in small spoonfuls.

The cafe bell rang as he stepped inside, instantly recognizing the familiar scent of his blood singer. His head turned sharply, his eyes taking in the cold girl.

She radiated sadness and fear, the waves of it hitting Jasper like a truck. He found himself slowly walking to her, sliding into the booth seat in front of her.

Her green eyes looked up from her soup, locking with his gold ones. Her first reaction would be to roll them and tell him to fuck off, yet she found herself not doing so. She stared at him intensely, waiting for him to say something. When he didn't, she swallowed the lump in her throat before speaking up.

"What are you doing here Jasper?"

Her voice was weaker than she hoped — dry, slightly raspy. Coffee didn't exactly help her already weak voice.

"I saw you come in here a bit ago on my way to the store. You seemed in a rush and when I got back, you were still here so I'd thought I check on you." Jasper was a good liar, but that didn't stop him from being a bit surprised by his words and how fast they had effortlessly slipped out.

"I'm fine." She said blankly, looking back down at her soup. She took a bite, resting her head in the palm of her hand. "You and I both know that isn't the case, Sara," he paused, observing the girl in front of him. "Your cheeks and eyes are completely red. You either were crying or you just snorted about an entire ounce of cocaine and I don't exactly think it's the second option."

Sara was snorted slightly, chuckling darkly at his words. He smiled to himself, thankful to have made her laugh.

"Suppose I did just snort a bunch of cocaine. What about it, cowboy?" She teased, eying him curiously.

"You'd be stupid."

"Guess I'm stupid then."

"Maybe I like stupid."

She could feel her cheeks becoming redder and redder, the feeling of sadness slowly rolling away from her. She stared at the man across from her, admiring his features silently.

"Why the actual hell are you here in only a tank top?" He asked her, noticing how goosebumps were present on her arms.

"I was kinda in a rush to get out, I suppose." She stated simply, taking the last bite of her soup. She watched as jasper shrugged off his black sweater and before she could protest, he draped it over her bare shoulders before leaning back in his seat. "Better?"

She blinked quickly, running a hand through her wild hair. "Um — yes, yeah much better," she stammered, biting her lip softly.

He smiled at her and the couple grew silent. She cradled the coffee in her hand, holding it against her like it might fly away if she were to put it down.

The sadness had ceased from the girl, yet Jasper could still feel a bit of fear radiating off her body. He decided to give her a break from her emotions, using his ability to send calming waves throughout her body.