Crawl To Me

27- Past People

REN'S POV:

I never planned to go to London. I just felt like I needed some distance and a trip for myself. I went downstairs and asked Jeremiah,

"Want to come on a trip?"

"Why?"

"You said you wanted to talk."

"People don’t go on trips just to talk."

"Come on, man. It’s been so long. Kavin will be back by tomorrow morning. We can catch a flight tonight."

"Why all of a sudden?"

"I need some air."

"I have work," Jeremiah said, glancing at his watch and showing off some of his usual fake attitude.

"What if I said it’s London?"

His eyes lit up at the word. London. I knew he loved that place; we always used to travel there.

"When?" he asked, suddenly energized.

"Thought you were busy, Jerry," I teased as I stepped out of the house.

Jeremiah followed me, whining, "No, I’m not, Ren!"

"1 a.m. tonight."

Everything was a mess in my head. I needed a break—and so did Jacklyn. This trip would be good for both of us. I headed home to pack my bags.

---

JACKLYN’S POV

He left the room, and I stood there, stunned by my own behavior. How could I act so nice after everything he’s done to me?

Ugh!

I was frustrated with myself. How could he act like that? I can’t ignore his calls, yet he can act like a jerk and ignore mine. This morning, he literally fingered me, and right after that, he left with a warning. He fingered me… What a blissful moment.

What the hell, Jacklyn? You were mad at him! Why can’t I stay furious with him for more than a minute?

I was eating while spiraling in my thoughts when Jeremiah walked into the room.

"Baby?"

I smiled at him. He asked, "What happened with Ren?"

"He was about to kiss me, but you came."

"What?"

I lied—but it wasn’t entirely false.

"Then why did you look so pale?"

"Because he was about to kiss me."

"Baby, do you really think I’ll believe you? That’s foolishness. I’ll ask your boyfriend myself."

"Hmm."

I had nothing more to say. I couldn’t keep lying.

"I’m leaving for London tonight," Jeremiah announced.

"What? Why does everyone want to go to London?"

"Not everyone—just Ren and me."

"What do you mean by we?"

"Ren and me, you fool. I’m done talking to you."

He was irritated by my questions. What did he even expect from me? I used to be scared to even mention Ren around him, and now he’s going on a trip with him. Jeremiah was leaving the room, and I followed him with my bowl of food.

"Jerry, wait."

"What?"

"When are you guys leaving?"

"Tonight."

"When will you be back?"

"I don’t know, baby. Ask your boyfriend."

"Okay..."

I washed my bowl and saw Jeremiah getting ready to leave.

"Are you leaving already?"

"I don’t know why, but your questions are irritating me. I’d appreciate it if you understood that," he said in a forcibly calm voice.

Why was he irritated? I had no idea what was happening around me anymore. Ever since Kavin left, my life had turned into a horror movie. I couldn’t predict Ren’s moves—he was like a ghost. I never knew where he’d appear, how he’d act, or what he’d do next.

I was anxious about my life, and Jeremiah’s cold behavior made me even angrier.

"Of course you’re irritated. You’ve got a new friend now. Don’t come running back to me, calling me ‘baby, baby.’ I’ll bury you in the ground!"

I shouted at him and stormed off to my room.

---

Time Skip

I had just finished my assignments for tomorrow. The clock read five minutes past nine. I was hungry and a little tired. I didn’t want to stress over Ren or our messed-up relationship anymore. To distract myself, I started studying, and it worked.

Later, I stepped out onto my balcony for some fresh air. The night was dark, and Ren’s room was shut, his curtains drawn. I wondered if he was home. I had so many questions for him, but I still didn’t know what he did for a living.

I went inside, intending to text him, but before I could, a message popped up on my screen. It was from an unknown number. I opened it, assuming it was spam.

Hello, love,
It’s been so long, hasn’t it?
I missed you. Can we meet up?
- From your love,
Hendrix ❤️