The Gemini: Emancipation

38 - Slow Bullet

June 5, 2007

Tommy wasn't expecting an open arms welcome, but he hadn't anticipated a slammed door either. He couldn't quite read the look on Jody's face, but he didn't miss the tears in her eyes. A distress not caused by him, and for that reason he rings the bell again. And gets no answer.

He waits.

He isn't supposed to be here. Not yet anyway...or at all. Tommy isn't sure which. Keeping his distance has always been his top priority. Be close, yet far. But something pulled him here. He'll gladly place Jill as the blame.

Surely it's been a minute of him standing here on this porch, possibly even five. In that time he realized that he never heard the door lock. Staring at the knob, he contemplates. Turning it would be intrusive. He could take the hint and leave, but he didn't hijack his way through that security gate for nothing.

Knocking this time, it's still ignored. So he opens the door himself and is immediately glad that he did.

"Shit," he quickens, hurrying to Jody's body laid out on the floor.

Checking her pulse, it's as shallow as her breathing. Calling out her name and shaking her doesn't jostle a response. Scooping her up off the floor, he navigates to the livingroom, places her on the sofa and props her legs.

He waits.

Tears still wet her cheeks. A gentleman would dry them away. That isn't what Tommy is though. He's an infatuated fool. Touching Jody's face would only sink him further into a place that he's never truly gotten out of. Love. Bitter and battered, but love nonetheless.

Looking at her is bad enough. It isn't fair that she hasn't changed. It makes no sense for her to still be as beautiful as the day he last laid eyes on her. Sure during his eleven year exile he's seen her in pictures, both moving and still, but neither one of them could triumph the real live thing.

Ignoring the irony, "Damn you," Tommy mumbles. In the words of his enemy, "You're so fine."

And still unconscious.

Checking her pulse once more, it's a bit stronger than before. Her breathing remains shallow. He feels terrible wondering if he caused this, or if whatever it was that had her crying is to blame.

What did make you cry?

He knows she's home alone. Tommy made certain that all of his bases were covered before coming here. He knows the kids are still in school just like he knows Prince isn't in the country and won't be for a couple of days.

So what broke you apart?

He's about to call her name when his cell rings. Pulling it from his back pocket, Tommy sighs when he sees the number.

"Yeah."

"Merlin, we've got to talk. I have questions and—"

"Right now isn't a good time."

"I just got off the phone with Jill. She told me you're not gonna go through with this. If you're second guessing then—"

"Ne'chelle." Head aching, with aimless steps, his feet turn him around. "She's the last person you should listen to—actually, don't even answer her calls."

"You didn't say if it was true."

"I'm here now trying to make sure everything falls into place. Just be patient, okay."

Hanging up, Tommy scrolls his texts with a fleeting intent to send Jill a note to back off. Half the time he regrets ever getting her involved in this justification scheme. The other half of time he spends reminding himself that if it weren't for his used-to-be bandmate, there'd be no proof to scheme on in the first place. Impetuous as she is, he can't do away with her.