We just got on the elevator. 2, 3, 4. The numbers lit past. James still hasn't looked at me, but it looks like he wants to say something. 7, 8, 9. 12 was our stop. I didn't want to go in this apartment without saying anything to him. After all , it was going to be the last time. So, me being curious, I asked him again. Anything that he does now, will be the last.
"James, can you please tell me what's wrong?" I didn't touch him this time. I guess he could sense the longing, pain, and begging in my voice. Our eyes had met, for the second time today. As he opened his mouth to say something, the elevator dinged. We got off and turned a left. 120, 124, 128. I knocked on the door with the same awkwardness that I had with James on the way here. We would hold hands just to make my mom happy. She would think that everything is okay between us. My mom's nurse that comes every two days to check on her answered the door. Her name was Laura. Me and her have became great friends because of my mom. She is around more of my age, anyways.
James usually walks me to the door then leaves. He never asks what my mom and I talk about. "Hey Laura, how you doing?" She had a certain glow that I could not put my finger on. "Hi Ri , good, and you?" "I've been fine. Oh Uh.. Laura this is my boyfriend James." She looked from me to James, then down to our hands, and back up at me. Her genuine smile turned into a smirk for some unknown reason. "Hi James, nice to see you again" His body had tensed up and his face was frozen. He did not say one word. Him not talking wasn't a new thing as of today, but him being speechless and nervous has NEVER happened before. He was like a deer in the headlights. Both Laura and I were waiting for him to say something. Anything. We got nothing, instead.
After a few moments of awkwardness, I said, "Well, Laura, it was nice to see you again, and James, I will see you later." I gave Laura a hug and James a kiss on the cheek. I walked through the door and left them there. "Hey Mommy. How are you?" She may look good for her age, but on the inside she has old bones and a broken soul.
