Superhero

Chapter 97

Addison sighed when she walked in for work, gaining Jeff's attention.
"What's up? You seem bummed," Jeff remarked, leaning over the counter. "Did Hoodie do something again?"
"No, not this time," Addison gloomily sat down on the chair. "It's been like a week since I picked up Superhero's fallen rose."
"And?"
"And I haven't found a way to return it," Addison groaned. "Jake's been picking me up the entire week and I haven't gotten a single chance to get home myself.
Jeff straightened himself and shrugged. "I actually consider that a good thing since it means that you haven't gotten yourself in any form of trouble for a whole week. Congratulations."
Addison sighed. "It's because Jake's stupid coworkers have finally been given the boot and replaced with better ones. So yeah, Jake is always on time to pick me up because of that."
"That's pretty nice of him if you ask me," Jeff nodded approvingly. "I'm actually surprised that the two of you aren't dating."
"Because I'm here to study, not look for dates," Addison frowned. "What about you? Are you dating anyone?"
Jeff shook his head, a slight smirk on his face. "Nope. Just like you, I'm here to study, not look at girls. Though I must say, I do have a few crushes."
Addison grinned, getting up to get something to eat. "Are they pretty?"
"Obviously," Jeff smirked as he watched her make her way towards the food warmer. "Especially this one girl. She's one of the nicest, most beautiful girls I've ever met."
"Oh?" Addison said without turning away from the microwave. "What is she like?"
"A little chubby, always keeps to herself, and only has a few friends. The worst part is, she thinks that she isn't even that beautiful, always talking about her gorgeous friend instead. To her, she looks like a potato but that's what I like most about her."
"Oh, so she's the chubby type?" Addison glanced at him briefly.
Jeff snorted. "Just a little. But yeah, she does have a chubby face. It makes her so adorable, I just wanna jiggle her cheeks so bad!"
Addison burst into laughter. "Don't do that. You're gonna seem like a total weirdo and she would keep as far away from you as she possibly could."
"Yeah, that's what I thought too," Jeff nodded, a slight smirk on his face. "Bad idea, don't you think?"
"Yeah..." Addison nodded, returning to the counter with some pies and a bottle of milk. "Also, good luck on confessing to her."
Jeff frowned slightly and turned away, his face flushed. "I don't think that's gonna happen anytime soon. Like what you just said, I came to this town to study, not date people."
"That's a good rule to go by, not gonna lie," Addison agreed with a smile. "Anyway, suggest a way to get Jake to stay back at work today? I need to return that rose ASAP!"
Jeff shook his head firmly as he handled her purchase. "No, can't do. Addie. It's just a rose. Give the Superhero a break from saving you and enjoy your danger-free journey home. I'm sure that's what the Superhero wants at this point too."
Addison sat down at the table and frowned as she took one of the pies out of its tin. "What if that rose holds a great sentimental value to the Superhero? What if his mother gave it to him, not necessarily a girlfriend, what if? What if that's the last thing someone gave to him, something which he holds dear to his heart? You wouldn't know, right?"
"I wouldn't," Jeff nodded slowly. "But is it worth the risk? To put yourself into a dangerous situation just to, what, return a rose? Addie, please. It's not worth it. If it's that important to the Superhero, he'll come look for you himself. Did he hunt for you?"
"I'm not sure if he even missed it," Addison admitted. "I don't think he knew that he dropped it. Maybe he didn't know where it went too."
"So, you see. Don't put yourself in danger, Addie. The Superhero may not always be there to save you."
Addison nodded. "I guess you're right. I'll just try to return it only if I see him. Until then, his preserved rose is safe with me."
Jeff nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. "I'm glad to hear that."

"So have you returned the rose yet?" Fiolina asked as soon as she entered the shop.
"Nope," Addison shook her head. "Jake's been on time to pick me up every day this past week so no."
"Tell him to come late for once so that you can return that rose," Fiolina suggested.
"Won't that risk my safety?" Addison pointed out sensibly. "I don't think that's a good idea. The Superhero will come for the rose if he wants it."
"Does he even know that you have it?"
Addison shrugged. "Not sure. But I think I'll just hold on to it for now."
"Okay, then," Fiolina nodded. "But somehow it just feels so wrong."
"Tell me about it," Addison sighed. "Anyway, how was college today."
Fiolina gasped as she remembered all about her day at college. "Oh my gosh, you won't believe what happened today!"
Addison smirked and listened to whatever she had to say.

Jake parked the car in the garage and stopped the engine. Addison grabbed her things and got out of the car, making a beeline for the door to unlock it. Jake was soon at her heels as they both entered the living room.
To their surprise, Jordan was slumped against one of the sofas, face down.
"Oh my gosh, Jordan!" Jake gasped and ran to his side to see if he was okay. "What happened to you?!"
Jordan suddenly got up and drunkenly mumbled something, then grabbed his tote bag before staggering his way up the stairs.
"How did he even get himself home in this state?" Addison asked, surprised.
"Beats me," Jake sighed. "You wanna check on his car?"
Addison nodded and the two made their way outside to take a look at Jordan's blue sedan. It seemed okay, without any new dents or scratches. They heaved a sigh of relief and made their way back inside.
"Something's up with him, he only drinks this much if he's upset," Jake stated. "I'll check on him later."
"He was fine just this morning," Addison pointed out. "Maybe something happened at work?"
"I don't know, but I'm just concerned about him. Let's give him some time, we'll check on him before class later."
Addison nodded. "Is Galante home yet?"
"Not sure," Jake frowned slightly. "We'll just tell him, I'm sure he'll understand."
Addison remembered how Giuseppe tried to listen to what's going on behind Jordan's door just because she wanted to. Of course, it ended in a miserable failure, especially for Giuseppe since he fell right at Jordan's feet when the latter opened the door.
She chuckled to herself and went up the stairs. Jordan was already in his room, where thuds and bangs sounded as if he was bonking on random furniture around the room. It was clear that his drunk self was still staggering around. Addison just sighed and entered her room to freshen up and have a light dinner before going down for Galante Class.