It's not the same anymore (Duskwood Fanfiction)

Chapter Thirty Six

The answer was, yes. After driving about thirty minutes, Jake stopped in front of a building. Before going out, the mask was once again put on his face. And i must have spaced out because the door on my side opened, letting me see Jake.

"Surprised ?"

"I mean, i'm still processing the fact that i will be stepping inside your home."

"Don't worry, there isn't computers everywhere and i do have electricity." He joked. Because it was common for people to think that a hacker's house would be full of equipment and stay in the dark all day. It was funny.

I laughed slightly, taking the hand that he was offering me. He pulled me out and closed the door before taking another set of keys in hand and unlocking the front door.

"After you." He opened the door for me to enter.

I never thought his apartment would look like that. Admittedly, the decoration was minimal. But then again, if something big happened, he would have to move things fast. So i wasn't that surprised. The living room was big. Bigger than Jessy's i think. A computer was sitting on the table. I wasn't sure if it was the one Jake used for his work or if it was just one that he had for other uses.

"Is it to your liking ?"

"I like the colors of the walls. It makes it seem bigger." The walls were a light, very light color of gray. "I never actually thought of where you were staying before. I knew you used motels sometimes." I say, turning around to look at him. He was leaning against the wall.

"Hm. I still use them if the situation is dangerous enough that i can't use the apartment. Which is less often then before. Last time i had to use one was, well, it was after the fire."

"That's where you were ?"

"Let's sit so we can talk more comfortable. Can i offer you something to drink ?"

"Do you have coffee ?"

"I can make some if you want. I'll drink one too."

I nodded and followed him to where he was heading. While the living room seemed bigger, the kitchen looked like to be a bit smaller than Jessy's. It wasn't a bad thing. After all, he lived alone.

"Here."

"Thank you." I said, taking the cup in my hands. He only smiled and walked back to the living room, sitting on the couch. I followed and sat next to him.

"So ? You were at a motel all this time ?"

"Not... exactly. I should start from the time where the mines caught fire. I was actually not far from the exit when i realize what was happening. But i did get hurt." He said, putting his hand on one of his arm. I knew he was hurt since the beginning, but well. "A piece of ladder fell on my arm when i was going up them. Thankfully i was already at the end of them."

"That's why i found blood in the cave."

"Yes. Once i walked to there i quickly heard people walking near it. I stayed there maybe two or three minutes at most. I walked and found the building where you said you found a piece of clothe. I tried to put it on my arm but it wouldn't stay. And i must have lost it there." He said, sipping a bit of coffee. "I didn't stay there either. The building was far too battered for that. Once i left, i walked a long time and eventually stayed a full day in the forest, trying to lose my pursuers."

"Did they saw you ?"

"No. At least i don't think so. I still don't know how they knew i was there. Maybe i was careless with something, i don't know. I eventually walked so far that i ended up in an empty house, which was well welcomed. I took a small break to think about all of what had happened. It's only a day after that i found a motel where i could stay. I stayed there for two days and then left to come back here. They never found me."

"That's good. I'm glad they never caught you." I shifted a bit so i could be closer to him.

"I'm glad too." He moved a bit and put his arm around my shoulder after putting his cup on the table.

I let my head fall on his shoulder. "Do you ever wonder how life would have gone if you had never been wanted ?"

"I did, before. But then i would have never met you. Even if the circumstances were bad."

"I'm glad we met. I was... kind of depressed back then. Not that it's better but at least i'm a bit more happy. I like spending time with you and the rest of the group."

"Would you want to talk about it ?" Jake asked, tightening his grip on my shoulder. It was enough knowing that Hannah suffered from depression, i wouldn't talk about my problems. Not now.

"Let's just say i didn't have a good relationship with my family and friends back then. So i'm glad to have you all now."

"I'm glad to have you too Judith." He kissed the side of my head, making my heart flutter.

"I should text the group chat so i can ask them to come to Jessy's tonight." I said, pulling my phone out. Jake hummed and looked over my shoulder, not that i minded.

>Me
Hey guys, would it be possible to all meet up tonight ?

They quickly came online one after the other, Jessy being the first one to answer.

>Jessy
Are you okay ? You never told me where you were heading !

>Me
Sorry Jessy, i'll tell you tonight.

"Is she always like that ?"

"Pretty much. She worries a lot about me."

"Does she have reasons to ?" Jake asked eyeing me worriedly.

"Nope. It's just Jessy, she likes her friends and wants them safe."

>Me
By the way, can they all come to your apartment Jessy ? That would be more practical.

>Dan
What's going on ?

>Jessy
Sure.

>Hannah
Should we be worried ?

We had added Hannah to our group chat when she was able to text again. It had been fun to include her in our conversations in the group.

>Me
Not at all. I just need to talk to you all about something. It's easier than talking to one after one.

>Lilly
Alright. I'll come with Hannah.

>Thomas
Could you pick me up too ?

>Lilly
Sure

>Dan
I'll come, i have nothing to do. Want me to pick you up Cleo ?

>Cleo
If you're not coming with your bike, then yes.

>Dan
Hey ! I can ride really well !

"Oh right, Dan has a bike too."

"Yes. He fell in love with mine when he saw it." I giggle. Because it had been funny at the time.

"I would have to agree with him. Your bike is beautiful. I can ride one but i had to sale mine a long time ago." Jake explained. I had actually thought about that when he told me he could ride.

"Don't worry, i'll lend it to you if you want." I say, looking at him while smiling. He smiled at me and pushed his head against mine. I liked that he was showing affection. "Well, looks like it's finally happening."

"Looks like it."