The Raven's Vision

Chapter Eight

           "Tell me every terrible thing you've done, and let me love you anyway."

                                                                     - Edgar Allan Poe

The following week passed by quickly. Jenna and I have not spoken a word, or even glanced at each other's directions, since the break up.

In classes, I've gotten used to pretending like she wasn't there. I'm pretty sure she was doing the same thing.

On the other hand, I was struggling with my feelings for Annie. Maybe it wasn't love. It could merely be a silly little crush.

If anything I was probably just confused. She happened to be there for me when I was vulnerable and weak. Besides, crushing on Annie the second I ended things with Jenna would only make me a scum.

And yet, there would be that little voice in my head, telling me; "Maybe you are a scum." Because there are nights where I fall asleep thinking of Annie, and mornings where she's the first image that pops in my head.

One evening, as I was sitting by the fireplace reading, I had an unexpected visit from someone.

"Grayson..." she awkwardly greeted.

"Jenna."

"I, um... how are you?"

Lifting my eyes from the book, I met her gaze. "I'm fine, and you?"

"Uh, fine. Listen, Gray..." She sat down next to me. Now I felt awkward.

"I know you don't want to talk to me, but... I just can't stand keeping a cold distance from you. If you are willing, I'd like to become friends again. The way we used to be. Before Garian..." she trailed off.

Garian. I couldn't believe I've managed to keep him out of my mind. In a way, I felt like I betrayed him for abandoning his investigation.

Then I thought of Annie... maybe she could help me! She and I could work together to trace the real killer!

"Grayson?"

"Oh, sorry... I guess we could be friends again." I stated quickly, yet my mind was elsewhere.

Jenna smiled, then said; "Great."

Although it won't ever be the same...

We sat there in silence for a couple of second before she finally got up and quietly said; "Cya."

I sighed as I shut my book, heading down to the cafeteria.

                                                                        * * *

I found Annie seated at an empty table by a window, playing with her chili. I sat across from her.

She beamed at me, and I felt my heart skip a beat. "Uh, Annie, I was meaning to ask you..."

"Yes?" Her eyes lit up a little.

"Well... it's about your... visions."

Her smile faded, and she fixated at her food. "Oh."

"I mean, if you don't want to talk about them-

"No, no, it's fine, Gray!" Her gaze drifted back to mine. "Ask what you please."

Clearing my throat, I started; "Okay, so... You usually help with murder cases, right? When you're investigating, do the visions come when you want? Or you just... have them?"