The Redemption of Stingy Jack

Chapter Sixteen

Maud had almost reached the Liberal Arts building, maneuvering herself among each swarming set of students. She hoped it wasn't all fully occupied, because that would only leave her one choice. The library, which was kind of far off. Maud had always loved reading in the Liberal Arts building. Most times she was always there, and that was the office of her History Professor. He was so proud of Maud when she submitted the assignment he gave her, but deep down, she knew she had Jack to thank for that. The professor said it was, "Original", and Maud couldn't agree more.

"What's taking you so long, dude?"

"I don't know..."

These short conversations she'd stumbled upon made her slow down to a halt, as she was just inches away from the two giant doors of the building. She knew that voice, the other one.

"Look, it's clear to us, that you're not at the top of your game no more bro. Just give up..."

"NO. I still am."

"Then bang this chick!" The other voice said, and it made Maud's eyebrows pull together. "Come on, let's bounce!"

And as soon as Maud noticed the voices had started to approach her, she acted as if she was just going in too. And it was at that moment that her eyes met with two guys who she assumed would be Cole's friends, and finally Cole. A curious vexation instantly fretted her.

Cole's gaze lingered, struck dumb with strange surprise, as he feared that Maud might have overheard what they said. Maud's eyes were narrowed, having truly heard. The moment slipped by in a matter of minutes, and Maud went into the building, thinking about what she had heard.

****

Lyn was dropped at the front of her apartment, and without looking, she heard the taxi zoom off. She took deep breaths, and scurried up the short stairs as the sun had begun to sting her skin. Her stomach rumbled for a moment, even though she was sure she had a cinnamon roll an hour ago.

She shuffled for her keys, pulled them out, and when she was about to stick one into the keyhole, she slowed down. She looked over her shoulder, like she suspected something. Eyebrows now drawn. To clear her suspicions, she turned around and her gaze met with Jack, standing under the sun like a homeless zombie. His lamp was still in his hand, he'd already lost the scarf, and the hat looked like it was worn sideways. Lyn glanced around him to see if anyone else was witnessing what was before her. But there was no one less busy enough to stare at some re-incarnated fictional character. Lyn opened the door, not saying a word. Then she turned around, making way for Jack to go in.

Jack hesitated, but when it looked like Lyn was getting quite impatient, he trotted all the way to her, and went inside, allowing Lyn to shut the door behind her.

Jack immediately plonked himself on the soft sofa, the reaction on his face showing that he got great satisfaction from just that. He blew hot air through his mouth, and took off his glasses, with Lyn staring still. She wouldn't be doing this if it weren't for Maud. And when she got back, Lyn planned on having a word with her. In the mean time, the presence of some ancient man wouldn't make Lyn feel less at home, because he was even feeling more at home, and so Lyn landed on the sofa adjacent to the one Jack was seated on. Her back softly laid back, and she heaved a sigh of relief. She stared heavenwards, and even though she looked kind of tired, she looked like something more troubled her. She didn't say a word yet, just staring up and drowning in her thoughts.

"Are you okay... Lyn?" Jack slowly asked, his voice still gruff as usual.

The question made her jerk up unnoticeably.

She glanced at him, not sure if she should lie to him or tell him the truth. Or even answer the question at all. He didn't know her. Why would he ask if she was okay? His glowing green eyes wouldn't leave her and Lyn was beginning to get uncomfortable. She sat upright, returning a stare hoping it'd counter his.