Who You Say I Am (A Jai Courtney Fanfic)

Chapter 35-Jai

Jai

We talk and laugh. Conversation comes so easily between us. When our laundry is dry, we fold side by side. Megan does try to hide the occasional garment from me and I pretend I don't notice.
I'm all smiles though since she agreed to come to the screening. I can't believe how hard it was to coax her into it. Anyone else I've asked has jumped at the chance, not that I've brought many dates—just a few. And they always took the offer of a custom dress from a designer. I'm surprised she actually told me no. I was afraid she wasn't going to come at first. But she said yes. I can't keep the goofy grin off of my face. 
We walk back to the hotel as the sun is setting and I'm oddly getting a little tired.  We'll have to rise early tomorrow for the hospital visit.  I look over to Megan and I actually can't wait to be a part of that.  That video I saw of her last week was incredible—how amazing she was with them.  Today was wonderful, too.  All the kids playing and messing around with me.  They're so affectionate and clingy—but in a good way.  It's as if they show exactly how they feel and they're not afraid to get close.  I actually love it here.  I'm not so used to the affection.  It's so genuine. 
We arrive to the reception and Ben is walking towards us.  "Ah, just the two I was looking for," he grins. 
"What's going on?" Megan asks. 
"I've got a couple things.  First, would you be willing to lead again?" he asks her. 
"Of course," she nods excitedly. 
"They've kind of requested something new, if you're willing," he says. 
"Oh, alright," she says surprised.  "How about I pick a few from last Sunday, a couple older songs, and then a couple new?  There's some we've been working on at Riverview that we haven't performed.  I can email the sheet music to you if you can print it for them."
"They would love it," he beams.  "So... about the other issue, it turns out we'll be visiting the school during a soccer tournament.  We've been asked to join and play with them a bit—mostly for fun.  But we won't be spending much time with the little ones—just the older kids," he says. 
"So... no toys?" she questions. 
"Yeah, I wish we would've known.  We put all of the money into the giveaways for next week.  We would've got cleats for the kids or something since I've heard they play barefoot or with tennis shoes.  But it's fine.  We'll just play with them instead.  We can take the rest of the toys and stuff to the hospital tomorrow and giveaways," he says. 
"Alright.  I'll get my bag ready tonight," she nods. 
"How much would you need to get cleats for the kids?" I inquire. 
He tells me he's unsure but gives me an approximate number. 
"How about I make the donation?  Could you handle ordering?" I ask. 
I see both of their expressions change. 
"If... that's what you'd like to do, I could get them ordered in time," Ben says.  "I'll give you the total before I order."
"Alright," I smile. 
We say our goodbyes and walk toward our rooms.  "Would you mind if I practice a little?" Megan asks me. 
"No, I don't mind," I say. 
She sets her bag in her room and comes over to mine.  I close the door behind her and hand her the case.  She takes out the guitar and sits on the chair.  I watch as she tunes it.  Then she gets out her phone.  She plays several notes and I can't help but ask, "Don't I get my performance?"
She looks up to me and smiles, "How about I practice these first?  Then you can tell me which one you want me to play."
"Alright," I agree. 
I sit down on my bed and lean back on my hands.  I listen as she plays some chords.  She hums along with them and I can't get enough of her voice.  I really like the first one.  They're all good, though.  I actually recognize the tune to one—I think it was played at a funeral I attended.  I hear a few that sound somewhat familiar and they must be what she played last time. 
She finishes and looks up to me expectantly.  "The first one?" I request. 
"I like that one, too," she smiles.  She plays it for me and I'd have to say this is my favorite of hers so far.  I just sit back and enjoy listening to her, watching her.  It's as if the sound of her voice takes me to an entirely new place.  I feel so at ease.  I feel like a weight in my chest is lifted and I just want to bask in this moment forever.  She finishes and I'm still feeling that sensation, that lightness.  I almost don't want to speak and ruin the moment.  She waits a while in silence.  I open my eyes and look to her. 
"Do you feel it?" she asks me. 
"Feel what?" I question. 
"I feel... the presence of God heavily in this room right now," she says. 
Did she just summon her God here? I wonder.  I do feel something... but I thought it was her—her music.  It probably is.  I stay quiet and meet her eyes.  She smiles at me.  I've never felt this way about anyone before.  There's just something that's drawn me in completely.  I feel a kind of shift in the atmosphere and she sighs. 
"So, are you going to sing for me?" she asks smiling. 
I laugh awkwardly.  "You really want to hear me?" I question hoping to back out of this. 
"I kept my end of the bargain," she says teasingly. 
"Alright but no posting this on social media," I insist grudgingly. 
"No problem.  I never use it," she laughs. 
"Why do you have it then?" I ask curiously taking the guitar from her hands. 
"Spencer signed me up for the account," she shrugs.  "I only added things when he'd pester me about it.  Otherwise I'd never have one."
I nod in understanding. I'm not too big on mine either. I just post a few things here and there.
I sit up straight and begin to play a song I know. She's smiling at me and I love that I made her do that. I sing and her smile widens. I love that we have similar interests but I think she's far more skilled than me. She claps for me when I finish and I meet her eyes biting my lip.  She's beaming at me.  I sigh shakily at her expression.  I really want to get closer to this girl...
We sit in my room and talk a bit.  I'm completely at ease with her.  I feel like every conversation draws us closer together.  I'm so excited about her coming with me to my screening, though.  I've never been this overjoyed about bringing someone to one of these events.  I usually don't even bring anyone and go by myself.  I can't keep my eyes off of her imagining her by my side there. 
I'm brought out of my daze when she asks the plan for tomorrow.  I tell her we'll play it by ear since we don't know how long the morning visit will take.  It could be quick and it could last until lunchtime.  I guess we'll see. 
She tells me she should call it a night and also mentions that she's calling her mum.  I should probably call mine, too, since it's been a while.  We didn't have the best reception in the mountains for phone calls. 
I walk her to her door and hug her saying goodnight.  I kiss her head and can't help loving the scent of her hair.  I hold her until she lets me go.  I sigh as her door shuts. 
I step back to my room and dial my mum.  It rings twice. 

"Where have you been?"

"Sorry.  We were in the outback and there was almost no reception there."

"Why were you there?"

"You won't believe this but we built a small school."

"What?  You're pulling my leg."

"No.  I'm not.  I'll send you some pictures."

"Yeah.  I don't believe this.  You've never done anything like that for charity or whatever."

"Yeah.  This is a first.  I got to play with some of the little ankle biters.  It was nice.  We're going to visit a hospital tomorrow."

"What?"

"Yeah.  This feels pretty great actually.  I'm having the time of my life."

"How are things going with Megan?"

"Good.  She's still not over her ex but I think we're connecting.  I really like spending time with her.  She's something special."

"It sounds like you're in love."

I don't deny it.  I might just be falling...  This is so different from anything that I've known—there's no comparison. 

"You still there, love?"

"Yeah, mum."

"You sound tired.  It's nighttime there, yeah?"

"Yeah, I am."

"Get some rest, love.  Talk to you soon."

We say our goodbyes and I sigh as I end the call.  Am I in love with her?