Collateral Damage (bxb)

6. Lost Perspectives

A.N. Again, this chapter is from the perspective of Ian and is shorter than the rest.

I still can't shake the feeling that there was something wrong with Aidan. He is a nice guy and seemed fun to talk to, but there is something else going on. There was a thing he got worried about while talking to me, and my best guess is that he went back to what he does every day. Coding and the sort. His line of work isn't that far off of mine, as far as I know. Works online, just like I do, but he doesn't need to have a part-time job. Well, I don't need one as well, but I would like to live without relying on Jack's parents for support.

At the shift's end, Bruno did offer me a ride like he had promised. I wasn't worried about the earlier encounter with the strange man, but he was. Thinking about it still makes chills run down my spine.

"Intent to kill..." I absent-mindedly whisper under my breath.

There is this dreadful feeling I get when imagining the things I saw in that man's aura. How can anyone walk around with those kinds of feeling inside of them?

Bruno acknowledges my little whisper. "What was that?"

I had zoned out for the little car ride. The things that happened today have been sitting at the back of my mind and surfacing every other moment. There is a lot to think about, and it will be made worse when I get back home.

I realize what I just said. "Oh! Nothing. That was nothing." I look at him while diverting my eyes away from the window of his car.

"You know? I am worried about you, man." A surprising amount of care is coming from him. He has this carefree attitude and an always-on personality. I still get taken aback by him even if I had these two days to get used to it.

I don't want to answer his implied question. "And I am happy you didn't call me little." I hope he cracks a smile and stops being serious.

Bruno gives me a hardy laugh. "Can't help it. I am still surprised that you don't need a stool to stand on while working the machine." Touché...

"Ha-Ha, Bruno. Real funny." I am used to short people jokes, but responding with sarcasm should do the trick.

He keeps chuckling and gives me a little nudge. I can't be mad for the joke being thrown at me. At this point, I get the short end of the stick... I even make fun of myself in my thoughts. Just great.

"Ian, in all seriousness, call me if you need anything. Even if it is a place to stay." And I thought I defused the situation, but he must remember the talk I had with Jess on the phone the other day. Bruno knows that something is going on with me and Jack or, the least, at the place I live at. He isn't wrong, and I understand the implied concerns. However, I got this. Everything will be fine.

I reluctantly respond. "Everything's under control. I'll be fine, and thank you for the offer." I must have hit the mark because he chuckles at that.

"Yeah, you got it, big man, but don't forget that there are people who can help you." Having people to always rely on can weigh on you. I've always had Jess and now him if he can be trusted. I have to deal with this on my own.

"Sure thing. You don't have to worry about me." I smile towards him before stepping out of the car. I have to force the smile out.

"See ya tomorrow! I got to get back before the boss tears me a new one." Bruno does his signature chuckle before I wave him goodbye.

There is this weight on my chest like there is a boulder resting on it. Before I can step inside the house, I see that the lights are on and the door is unlocked. Jack is home... He got here before I did, and that just makes the weight grow even heavier. I take a deep breath and exhale slowly to calm my nerves and make the weight go away, but it just grows even heavier.