Imagine Us in Heaven

Mediocre Mind

We excuse ourselves after the brief encounter in the bathroom. Alison gives us a curious look but trusts Jake and doesn't press for more information. We decide to relax on the rooftop, sitting on the bench with a stunning view of the city and its skyscrapers. The clouds are a soft periwinkle blue today, fluffy and cheerful, lifting everyone's mood.

I pull out a Marlboro Light and take a drag, and Jake's head whips in my direction. He doesn't say anything, and I don't think he reacts much, based on my peripheral vision. He's just staring.

I can't take it anymore. "Do you want to say something?"

"Can I ask you not to smoke?"

"Nope."

"Right," he chuckles softly. "How long have you been sick?"

"I don't know. More like, how long have I known?"

"So?"

I glance back at him and shrug. "Just a couple of months, I think. The company does random health checks."

"I see..."

A pregnant pause follows that statement. I don't want it to be awkward. This is the first time we're talking alone together. From what I understand about Jake Wells, he's young but has an old soul. I appreciate his perspective on the world and his view of people. I'm not sure if it's because he's a radiologist or if it's due to his upbringing as the son of a wealthy business tycoon, but he always seems observant. He prefers to understand someone before making any judgments.

Needless to say, he's a good man.

"Don't tell Alison."

He looks bewildered at first but then nods. "What about your brother? Doesn't he deserve to know?"

I snort and blow out the smoke from my nearly-finished cigar. Yes, I devour it like candy. "What for? Once people find out, they start treating you like a precious gem. They'd wipe away all your sins, take you to all the places you've never been, and shower you with all the love they think you deserve. You know how it goes, right? People only remember you when you're about to bite the dust."

Jake's brows furrow, and his expression tightens. "You have a very harsh view of people."

"It's the reality, my friend."

"I both agree and disagree."

I raise an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I think if you really pay attention to their stories, you'd see beyond the negativity and understand why they did what they did. We're all victims of circumstances sometimes. We react differently because we're wired differently. Forgiveness might be tough for some but easy for others. All I'm saying is... Blythe, you don't have to be alone."

"I'm not alone," I reply, turning my attention back to the clouds. "I have Winter."

I see him smile. "Yes. But don't you ever wonder why the big guy upstairs decided to give him to you? Has it occurred to you that all these people are coming back into your life because of Winter?"

Actually, that makes sense. Ever since I met him, people I'd rather avoid have been showing up like ghosts, making me recall past mistakes. But if what Jake says is true, does that mean my end is near? On the other hand, isn't that what I've always expected?

"Do you believe he's an angel?" I think of asking.

He counters, "Do you?"

"I believe in science."

"And sometimes science admits it doesn't have all the answers."

"Geez, you think you have an answer for everything!"