Time Waits for No One

Chapter 10 - I Can't Help It

Mid-September

"..And that's when I learned that reefer just isn't for me."

"So let me get this right. You got to smoke pot with Bob Marley himself and you still concluded that you don't love it?"

"Listen, don't get me wrong, I had a great time. Maybe it was too hot down in Jamaica, but I just didn't like the way it made me feel. Plus, it's not good for my voice with the singing and all."

"Well, I guess at least you got to try it in the most optimal setting. I'm jealous."

Jacqueline lay in her bed on her stomach with her feet kicked up, and on the other line was Michael in a ritual that was becoming a near-daily occurrence, lengthy phone calls about any and everything. As summer faded and September rolled in, Michael's preparations for principal shooting were only proving to make his schedule busier and Jacqueline was beginning her hair school journey, so the disco fever was cooling a bit and there was less time for dance floors and game nights. Though there were fewer outings, Jacqueline and Michael stayed connected through their calls, sometimes quick calls to start the day or say goodnight, and when they were lucky, conversations that would last hours, digging into each other's layers as they leaned deeper into their crush. This was the case on this Thursday afternoon when Jacqueline had gotten out of class early and caught one of Michael's calls shortly after coming in.

"You've got to see Jamaica one day though, really. It's so beautiful, and the people and culture are so special."

"I'll start by leaving the East Coast in the first place and making my way there. I haven't done a lot of traveling yet. I don't even know how I'm going to get uptown to get Jeremiah today." she joked with a chuckle.

"You don't?" Michael asked, concern seeping into his voice. "Depending on the time, I can send Bill for you. He could pick you up and take you guys back to your par-"

"Michael, please," Jacqueline interjected, laughing at his sweet gesture and his outward concern. "It was a joke, my love. I'm going to take the train like I always do. I'll be fine."

"You sure? You know he'd do it for ya."

"I'm sure, Michael. Jeremiah is already spoiled enough as is, I don't need him expecting a chauffeur every time he sees me."

"Fair enough," Michael responded. "I am going to have him come get you from your dad's house to bring you here, though. No debates."

"Michael, you d-"

"For my peace of mind, Jax. What better way for me to make sure that you get here safe than to have my bodyguard bring you? It's genius if you think about it."

"If you say so, silly boy. I've been getting around this city safely all my life, but if you want to send the horse and carriage, who are I to stop you?" Jackie said, adopting a faux British accent to underscore his fancy ways.

"Exactly!" Michael replied with a breathy chuckle. "So he should be there at 6:30 right?"

"Yeah, we should be done with dinner by then."

"Perfect. I'll let him know when we get done talking." Michael said, pausing as he made the mental note. "I'm real excited to see you. I've been looking forward to it all week."

"Me too. It's nice talking to you on the phone and all, but it will be solid to hang out in person."

"Tell me about it. Don't get me wrong, I love the process of doing this movie, but they've had me so busy lately. I hate that I haven't been able to see ya. Don't think I haven't missed ya." Michael spoke sweetly into her ear as she felt heat rising up in her chest and on her face.