Who You Say I Am (A Jai Courtney Fanfic)

Chapter 38-Jai

Jai

Megan and I wait to make sure everyone is at the bus before we get in the car. Three new people who I can't recall their names ride back with us. They remain quiet for most of the drive but thank me for the lift when we arrive. I smile in reply, handing them their mostly empty bags.
I see Megan slowly walk over to me. "Are you alright?" I ask concerned.
"Yeah," she says forcing a smile. "I'm going to change. When did you want to leave?"
"You tell me," I reply. "Lunch is a couple hours away. Do you want to leave soon or leave afterwards?"
"Is it okay if we leave sooner?" she questions.
"Defo. I'm looking for adventure," I smile.
She laughs and it's genuine, "Okay. Give me a few minutes." She takes the bag from my hand and I carry the other one for her. I walk her to her door and hand her the second bag.
"Knock on my door when you're ready," I tell her.
She smiles at me nodding and steps in.
I walk into my room. I check my appearance in the dinky mirror and see that nothing has changed. I run my fingers through my beard and smile thinking about those kids. They were fun... but then I remember the two in the separate rooms. Maybe that's why she was so upset. It was hard to see them like that, but yet they seemed grateful. Even the little one with the fever clutched that fox as tightly as she could. I can see why some people do this with their lives. It's defo a life-changing experience. I step out of my bathroom and take a seat on my bed, scrolling through my messages. I got one from my sister. She's set the date for some time next year.  I send her a message of congrats. A few of my mates back home are asking what I'm up to and when I'm coming back. They want to have a sesh when I return. I let them know I'm done filming but not sure when I'll be back. I tell em I'll keep em posted. I scroll through a few more and then check Facey and my other soshies.  I see some pictures posted from the trip here on the church board.  I oddly don't see any of Megan and me... or either of us separately which is kind of odd.  I know they've been taking them.  I saw Gale taking several of us today but a thought occurs to me—she's aware of the situation with the ex.  I bet he's been a problem. 
I hear a soft knock on my door and I clear my phone off to just the maps.  I open the door to see Megan dressed in the same clothes as last time I took her out... except she's wearing the bracelet I bought her.  I grin happily. 
"You ready?" I ask. 
"Sure," she smiles. 
I step out and lock up. We walk down the hallway, through the reception to the car. I open her door. She smiles and thanks me. I get in and start er up. I head to the servo for some petrol before I glance at the map. It's early enough that we can get some tucker when we get there. Bembe gave me a list of places he likes—local places. I notice my duds are pretty worn though.
"You mind if we make a stop somewhere?" I ask.
"That's fine," she says.
I drive back to the resort and take her to the shops there.
"You need anything?" I ask when I see her looking at a shirt.
"I'm regretting not bringing anything nicer. I feel like I shouldn't even bother taking most of my clothes back home. They're pretty much rags at this point," she answers.
"Pick out a few things," I insist.
"I don't have the money for all that," she laughs.
"But I do," I tell her grabbing the shirt from her hand.
"Wait... Jai. I don't even know if that's the right size," she protests.
"So you better start picking what you want or you're getting whatever I grab for you," I tease her.
"You... don't have to do this," she says softly taking the shirt back.
"Just think of it this way, I just had my payday and I'd probably never spend it all," I tell her. She still doesn't look convinced. "I don't mind. Throw out your rubbish and I'll get you some replacements."
"Thank you," she whispers.
She picks out a couple shirts while I get everything I need. I grab a pair of cleats in my size and ask her if she'll play. She nods. I get a woman's ten since I know that's her size.
"What about shorts?" I ask her.
"I don't know my size," she admits.
"Try some on then," I shrug. "I'm in no rush."
She hesitantly grabs some pairs. I wait while she goes to a fitting room. She comes back with a few pairs in hand and some shirts.
"You ready?" I ask.
"Are you sure about this?" she questions.
I chuckle and take the duds out of her hands before she changes her mind. I pay for everything and ask for a separate bag for hers. I still carry them both.
"Come on," I insist putting my shades back on.
"Why the sunglasses inside?" she asks. I can hear the laugh in her voice.
"Because I'm incognito," I tell her jokingly, partially seriously.
She looks to me and gets it. I take her to my room and she hovers around the door.
"This is your place?" she asks me.
"This is a hotel room I booked," I clarify.
"Why are you staying with us when you've got this place?" she asks finally stepping in.
"It'd be a real hassle to drive all that way just for the night," I joke. I set the bags on my bed and choose an outfit for today. "Be right back," I tell her as I step to the bathroom. I see her exploring my room. I smile as I close the door. I dress quickly and come out to her sitting in the seated area. I tuck the clothes I was wearing into my bag with the new ones. I can wear those when we play with the kids. I grab both bags and walk over to her, joining her side on the lounge.
"You ready?" I ask.
She looks into my eyes searching for a moment. "Yeah," she whispers.
I smile in response. I put my sunnies back on before we step out of the room and we don't get far before I'm bombarded with girls in bathers. I sigh and plaster on a smile but I know Meg saw me. She plays with her phone and steps aside. I greet the sheilas and pull off a few signed papers I already made out in my pocket. I pose for a couple pictures.
"So... are you staying here long?" one asks.
"I'll be in the area for a while," I reply vaguely.
She laughs giddily. "We're here for a couple days," she tells me. "Maybe we'll see you around."
"Maybe," I reply.
I step over to Megan and I hear the same girl call out, "Is that your girlfriend?"
I glance to Megan and she's looking at the girl surprised. "We're friends," she replies.
"Oh, you're American," she states surprised. It sounds like they're either American or Canadian from their accents—I can't tell.
"Yeah," Meg responds.
"See ya," I say walking away.
"They do not like me," Megan whispers as we walk into the building.
"I don't care what they think," I tell her. "I care what you think and I'm not going to downplay what we have for someone I'll never see again."
"Are they always so... territorial over you?" she asks me grinning.
"Sometimes," I shrug. "I usually don't give that type the time of day. An autograph and a picture is all they get." As soon as the words leave my lips I realize... Megan has never once taken a picture of me or us. I shake that thought out of my head. There are tons of pictures already of us. Gale and Ben are constantly taking pictures.
We run into a few people in the reception area—these ones are at least wearing all their duds and not their bathers gratefully—and I do the same as the others. I talk to them a bit more, though. I actually have to sign some papers they hand me. I wrap it up after a queue had formed and we're on our way. Megan stayed out of the way but I could tell that she recorded both incidents so the picture thing is a non-issue.