Perfect Suicide

Ch. 11 - Attraction

Walking back through the TranspoDoor, I felt weirdly lighter. I kept replaying the last few minutes in my head.

My mother's smile.

Her voice.

Just thinking about it made me smile as I stepped back into the Summerland headquarters.

"I'm guessing that smile means your assignment went well." Jeo pushed himself off the wall he had been leaning on.

"Oh, yeah!" I said surprised he was even there and wondering where Jahni was.

"Who was it?" He asked, walking up to me.

"Oh, it was my m-..." I cleared my throat. "Uh..."

"Don't worry about it. The first one is always personal to that specific Shinigami." He informed.

"Oh, gotcha. That makes sense." Saying 'oh' three times in a row is insane, yet here I am.

"Yup." His eyes pierced me to my soul.

There was something about the way he held himself and his aura; he seemed so mysterious yet open. I found myself intrigued by him, just a tad bit anyway.

I looked him in the eyes before looking away.

Why was I so nervous all of a sudden?

"So." We both said at the same time.

"You first." He said, chuckling.

"Are you here to give me my next assignment?" I asked, looking up at him.

Was he this tall the last time I saw him? I couldn't remember.

"Yup, here you go." He handed me a piece of paper, slightly brushing my hand with his. "Uh, the Council wants you to get going in the morning."

"Thank you." I shoved my hands in my pockets.

"I'll let you, uh, get to your room." He smiled slightly, instantly calming me.

I wanted to say 'thank you' again, but I was starting to feel like a broken record. So, instead, I smiled again and started walking in the direction of my place.

"Oh, and Heavenleigh?" He called after me.

My name came out of his mouth so smoothly; it reminded me of freshly melted caramel. As I turned around, I tried to keep the smile off my face.

"Don't forget: Do not open that piece of paper until you walk through the door in the morning." He flashed a toothy smile. "And here's your watch!"

"Gotcha." He tossed me a black watch with no face or way to tell the time.

And they call this a watch?

I smiled one more time at him before continuing on to my room.

It only took me about five to seven minutes to get to my place. The whole time I had only one thought in my head:

I think I'm attracted to Jeo.

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I don't think I've ever slept so peacefully.

I woke up almost in a haze, a stupor of sorts.

Thoughts of my mom swirled through my head as I started getting ready for the day, leaving me dizzy. I couldn't believe I had gotten a chance to see her and help her move on; I felt weirdly at peace. A sort of peace I've never known before.

But, deep down, I was sad I'd never get to see her again.

After sitting on my bed for about ten minutes, I realized no one would be coming to get me for the day. I already had my assignment; Jeo had given it to me last night.

Jeo...

Just thinking about him gave me butterflies. I'd have to think up some topics to talk about so our next talk goes better. I had been in such a daze last night after seeing my mom that my mind hadn't been able to really supply me with very many words.

I wanted to keep thinking about Jeo more, but I knew it was time for me to get started on my mission. I didn't really know how long it was going to take, and honestly, I was kind of curious who it'd be.

On the way to the TranspoDoor, I stopped at the café and grabbed a few granola bars. After stuffing them in my cargo pockets, I continued on.

Munching on one, I tried not to let my anxiety drown me. I was so nervous about this second assignment, and I didn't know why.

Obviously, I was happy I got to see my mom, but I really wish I hadn't gotten such an easy first assignment.

I wasn't sure what to expect for this one.

Taking a deep breath, I held it in as I counted to ten.

Calm down. You got this.

Releasing the air I had been holding, I dug in my pocket for the note with the name of the next person I'd help.

Before my nerves had time to start back up, I walked through the door as I unfolded the note.

Looking down, I felt my heart stutter to almost a stop.

Zhollo Kraftens.