Whispers that Scream

Chapter Twenty-Five

Adam

They had been celebrating for a few hours at Jane's house, when Adam suddenly remembered that he was supposed to be working right now, his lunch break being long over. He just couldn't bring himself to interrupt Jane's infectious energy. She had told him every detail of her applying to jobs, the rejections, the eventual interviews, the rejections again, all culminating in her moment of triumph. He was so proud of her. The turnaround she had accomplished in a few short months was nothing short of miraculous. He was constantly amazed by her strength and perseverance. He waited a few more moments before he had no choice but to go back to work.

He gave her an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Jane. I don't mean to cut off your celebration, but I have to get back to work. Can I come back over tonight to resume the festivities?"

"Oh god Adam, I completely forgot that you were working today. I didn't get you in trouble, did I?" 

"No, no, it's okay. I'm glad I could come over for a bit to celebrate with you," Adam replied as he stood up to make his retreat back home.

"Adam," she softly said "Thank you for coming over and bringing me the tea. It means a lot to me that you understand how big of a deal this job offer is to me. Is to my life. Will you come back over tonight so we can talk some more?"

"I'll be right back in a few hours," he promised. He reached for her phone, and she let him take it confused by his actions. He held the camera up to his face before taking a selfie. "Here," he said. "Stare at this if you miss me too much in the meantime."

Jane busted out laughing. "Oh, get the hell out of here you smartass. I may not even be able to hang out tonight. I have way too many friends coming over to celebrate. I'm not sure if you could even fit in the house, but I'll try to remember to tell the bouncer your name," Jane shot back at him, trying to keep a straight face.

Adam let out a genuine laugh thrilled that Jane didn't mind his humor and equally thrilled that she would fire back at him just as much. He hesitated for a moment. Normally, he would walk out the door without so much as a wave, but he found himself wanting to hug Jane. His sensory issues didn't miraculously get better because it was Jane he would be hugging. It was still difficult for him if the wrong pressure was wrong or if he was surprised by the contact, but he wanted to hug her regardless. It was uncomfortable for him, sometimes slightly painful, but he wanted to hold her to let her know that he was proud of her and her accomplishments.

He stepped towards Jane uncertainly, holding out his arms to give her plenty of time to back away if she chose. She smiled and crossed the remaining distance and threw her arms around him. He flinched slightly at the initial contact but was able to get used to the firm pressure she was applying.

"You deserve the good things happening to you Jane," he said sincerely. He then released his hold and walked out the door without another word.

He had a hard time concentrating on his Teams meeting later that afternoon. What the fuck was I thinking of with that cheesy pickup line? That might have been the most embarrassing thing he's ever done in his life, and that was really saying a lot. Still, he was excited to head back to Jane's, enjoying more and more the time they spent together.

He knew he had blown it last weekend at Rocco's. It was one of those nights that he labeled as a bad night and maybe that was understating it. When those nights happened, it didn't matter how hard he fought against it. Only rest and isolation could recharge him enough to get past the traumas of the night.

He had felt it when Jane had reached out her hand to him and asked him to dance. He had given up some of the control he desperately tried to maintain over every single inch of himself. It was freeing. It was the lightest he had felt in years. For the first time in his life he had thought, I could see myself ending up with this woman. They complimented each other well. Jane was brave and energetic, jumping headfirst into things. He was there to be pragmatic when the situation called for it, and supportive when it didn't.