Simulated Love (2024)

Chapter 6

Chase

"We'll continue tomorrow. Go to sleep," Elijah texted.

"Goodnight."

He said nothing back, leaving me in a state of silence. I let out a sigh, the sound blending with the raindrops that gently tapped against the windowpane. 

While redrawing some characters, my pencil scratched against the paper, angrily scribbling out mistakes. Suddenly, my phone rang. When I saw who it was, my heart dropped into my stomach.

Why was Joel calling? I thought.

I knew I was better off without him, but I couldn't lie, it felt nice that he was calling.

I reached for my phone, my hand trembling as I answered.

"Hello."

Despite all the noise that was in the background, his voice stood out. "Hey, Chase. I need you," he whined with slurred words. "I'm at Mogi's Night Club. Can you come see me?"

"Yes. I'm coming now."

"Okay. Thank you. You're the best."

He hung up, and without another thought, I hurried outside. I had just enough money to last me for the rest of the week, but I needed to use some of that money for a cab to Joel. I skipped out on lunch before. I was going to be fine.

As I waited outside for my ride, I leaned against the wet, cold brick wall to read our old texts. They weren't much, but the messages brought out some bittersweet nostalgia. It was nice to think that maybe, just maybe, those messages would lead to something more.

But what was I thinking? It was pathetic to cling to such fragile hope. I was pathetic. After everything he had put me through, the lies, the heartache, I still believed in him. I still believed that I mattered, that I was a lingering thought in his mind.

Lost in my thoughts, the sound of a horn startled me, pulling me back to reality. I looked up and saw the cab waiting by the curb. I hurried in and was greeted by the scent of worn leather and a hey from the cab driver. 

The driver navigated the streets with practiced ease as his engine rumbled loudly. 

As we neared the club, my anxiety grew. I started wondering if he was alright or if he had already moved on to someone else. 

When the cab had come to a stop, I thanked the driver, I closed the door behind me, and made my way towards the entrance.

Pulling out my phone, I dialed Joel's number. But before I could hit the call button, my eyes caught sight of him stumbling towards a group of rowdy guys. My heart skipped a beat before I screamed, "Joel."

"Watch where the fuck you're going, asshole," one guy shouted, shoving Joel.

"Maybe if you lay off on the hair gel," he pointed at a girl, "that girl would lay you."

"The hell is wrong with you?"

I was scared that Joel was going to get beat up that without thought, I positioned myself between him and the aggressive stranger. "I'm so sorry for his actions. Please, don't hurt him. He's drunk."

Despite the chaos, Joel's eyes locked with mine and he smiled.  It was kind of comforting to know that even with all the craziness, I could bring him happiness. 

"Take your boyfriend home before I fuck his pretty face up," he spat.

"I'm sorry," I said as I desperately tried to shield Joel from harm. "Come on," I said as I helped him up.

I guided him towards his car, the cool night air brushing against our skin.

"Where are your keys?"

"Pocket," he said as he leaned against his car.