Jonathan Joseph

Chapter 12

Remember James? James the cemetery worker? He's just like Regina expect he's leader of the shadows. Crazy right? That's pretty scary since I've talked with him so many times before. I'd say I couldn't wrap my head around the situation but somehow it was slowly sinking in. As we got into the car I sat in the passenger seat watching Clyde grasp back into reality. he clenched the steering wheel and took a deep breath. "I'm so sorry." I felt horrible for sucking him into a world so complicated when he has his own to understand and focus on. "I don't.." He paused thinking up what he could possibly say. This is probably where I should start answering his questions. This idea jumbled around in my head apart of me thought there wouldn't be a better way to explain it. Then the other half practically jumped out my skin. "I promise I'll stop keeping this to myself Clyde." I started but he didn't budge. He just put the key in the ignition and the engine roared as we drove off. I couldn't tell if he was mad I couldn't read him at all. "Where are we going?" I asked. He looked over at me. "I'm taking you to see your parents."
-
I was surprised but without hesitation I said no but he'd argued back. I was very skeptical about it but he did make me realize that I didn't want to regret anything if something actually did happen to me. As much as I couldn't stand to look at my parents out of the kindness deep, deep down id feel horrible if they'd found out I died months ago or something. Even thinking about all the memories Jonathan somehow planted in my head I couldn't stop thinking about how much I missed them. It made me feel sick. Clyde was kind of like my light when he told me that he'd soon forgive Camille it made me think maybe I should have done that sooner. My excuse was we can't just pick up our things and go tonight since its a 3 hour drive and I'd have to think up what the hell I'd say to them after all these years..
I was surprised He didn't offer to stay over when we pulled up in front of my house but I also expected he needed his time alone. Before I got out the car I could tell he forced himself to look at me- his eyes glazed over I didn't say anything instead I wrapped my thin arms around his neck embracing him. I was at a loss for words and just let myself out the car. I watched him pull off once I shut the door.
I flipped on the light switch inhaling the smell of home. But it wasn't the same usually I'd have a lingering cinnamon smell that was replaced with paint.
As I walked passed the kitchen the scent was stronger that's when I also noticed there were new pots, plates and cups stacked neatly on the counter. I went into my room and the walls... They were blue. The blue paint I had bought a while ago I totally forgot about it. How did?
If it was Jonathan...
No it can't be he couldn't have bought all those new plates..
Clyde probably did it.
I didn't know if I should have been mad that he was in here while I was gone but instead I just flopped my body on my bed and laughed.
It felt good.

I wrapped my body in the sheets and they had Clyde's scent on it still from the night he slept here I giggled and curled up in to a ball instead for the first time in a very long time I did not shed tears before falling asleep, this time I laughed the sound of my joy filled the room only making it so much brighter.
-
It's been one week and I guess you can say things have been going back to normal. I haven't seen Jonathan lately but Regina tells me he's safe. I trust her and I believe he's okay. I see Clyde now on a regular basis he's gotten a lot better about things even though we haven't spoke of it.
"You know what? I kind of like this here." Rebecca said wiping down a table.
"What?" I leaned forward resting my arms in front of Clyde.
He was my last customer I had for the day and after that we'd be on my way to face what I've been avoiding until now.
"You two." she smiled.
"What?" We said in unison.
"Come on, ever since he's been around you've changed. You know, mostly smiles you look healthier... and did I hear you laugh earlier today?" She asked almost sarcastically.
I scoffed. "Ha ha very funny."
"There's another." She high fives Clyde.
When he finished his meal as I was about to clean his area up Rebecca beat me to it she told me that I'd better hurry and get on to where I was going until it gets to late. I glared at Clyde as everyone said goodbye and good luck when I clocked out.
"What? World travels fast around this town.." He smirked.
As we walked back to my house the closer we got meant the sooner we'd be on the road. Even though it was a three hour drive I was still so nervous I couldn't think straight anymore. In my head Id just play out scenarios of how things would go but they weren't making me feel any better...
Before I knew it we were on the front steps of my house to pack up a few things. God only knows how long I'll be there if things work out they way they should. After I picked up all my odds and ends I was ready to go. Well physically at least.
I stood at the top of the stairs biting my lip as I looked down at Clyde.
"I'm ready." I took a deep breath.
"I hope so cause we're not taking my car." He crossed his arms mischievously smiling at me.
"We can't walk." I said.
He set off towards the backyard. "Clyde." I called out.

He's got to be out of his mind.
I followed him towards the yard and my heart dropped. I could not believe what I was seeing. It felt like a block of cement was pressed on my chest and a lump the size of a golf ball formed in my throat.
Jonathan's jeep parked right in front of me like they day he got it. The greenish color wasn't faded it was glossy shining from the beams of the sun, the windows were cleared no longer tinted with dust, and the tires we weren't flat they were brand new.

I didn't even realize the tears began to fill my eyes I wiped them away before Clyde could think I was upset but he'd already seen.
"Chelsea?" His eyes saddened.

"Ohmygod." My voice cracked. "You did this?"

He nodded.

"Why would you-"

"Wait I didn't mean to make you upset I just wanted to-"

I ran towards him and held on to him as tight as I could. It took him a moment to realize that I wasn't crying because I was upset I was crying because was elated - tears of joy splattered on his shirt. "Thank you."

I sobbed and he only held tighter.