Jesse's Fate

Chapter Two: Haunted

Jesse couldn't speak - closing the small space between them in a few steps as he reach for her - wrapping his arms around her thin frame and bringing her to his chest. He placed his lips to her hair - closing his tired eyes as he took in a deep breath.

"Are you really here?"

His dreams were so vivid any more he didn't trust his own eyes. Any minute Jack or Todd would burst into the room and kill them all.

"I'm here." Cassie whispered softly, wrapping her arms around his thin waist as he held her tighter - moving his face down to the bend of her neck as he tried desperately to hold in his grief. He didn't want to put on a show for the old man watching them from behind the counter.

"I didn't think you'd come. I've fucked up so much shit between us..." He whispered against her shoulder feeling her arms tighten around him. "I can't believe you're here."

Gerald cleared his throat from behind them causing Jesse to turn his head and glare at the old man. He stood shorter than Cassie holding two cups of hot coffee.

"I hope this doesn't mean you'll stop visiting, son." He muttered as they put some space between them and took the offered drinks. "I've grown fond of our visits and you, young lady," Gearld looked at Cassie for a moment. "This man has come here every day looking for you. I'm glad you finally showed up."

Cassie smiled. "Me too." She assured taking a sip of the dark liquid - eyes going wide as the coffee warmed her soul. "This coffee is amazing."

X

"It's not much. This town isn't much..."

Jesse unlocked his apartment door and ushered Cassie inside - watching her carefully as she took in the surroundings. To the left was a small kitchen area with all the basic appliances and to her right an ever smaller living area with an oversized couch and TV stand that held a decent size TV. They made their way through the front of the apartment to the bedroom where a queen size bed sat untouched and a closet full of Jesse's clothes took up a wall. On past the bedroom was a small but modern bathroom with a large sink area and an impressive shower.

"I hope you'll be happy here..." He added as Cassie turned to face him. This was everything she could ask for plus this was where Jesse was and she couldn't imagine a life without him. "Will you be happy here?" She asked, knowing that of the two of them he was the one that had always desired more. Jesse reach out and placed a strand of hair behind Cassie's ear searching her beautiful face.

"I will now."

X

"I can take the couch. The beds yours. I don't sleep anyway."

Cassie opened the refrigerator - surprised to find it nearly empty. An untouched six pack of beer and a half eaten box of pizza inside.

"You don't want to sleep with me?" She asked - meeting his gaze. "What? No. I mean, of course I do I just thought... I didn't want to assume..." Jesse's voice cracked with emotion - pushing back the thoughts of Jack Welker and how he haunted him. "I don't sleep."

"Ever?" Cassie asked, frowning at him. He had told her he'd been in Alaska for nearly two weeks but his apartment looked like he didn't eat or sleep. "When's the last time you slept, Jesse?" She closed the refrigerator door and went to him - searching his tired eyes.

"Maybe an hour last night. I'm not sure." As soon as he closed his eyes and drifted off his brain began to go into over drive. It didn't take long until he was awake again and clutching the toilet. "I'm fine, tho. Now that you're here everything will be fine." He assured with a smile that didn't reach his eyes pulling her into a tight hug.