there she goes - jschlatt

edge of clarity

the days that followed my recording session with schlatt felt like a rollercoaster of emotions. every time i thought about his harsh words, i felt a pang of frustration, followed by a reluctant acknowledgment that he was right about one thing: i had to find my voice and stand firm in my beliefs. his criticism had cut deeper than i expected, but somewhere in that rough exterior was a truth i needed to confront.

i threw myself into my podcast, reaching out to more guests and diving into the nitty-gritty of what made their stories unique. every episode became a chance for me to explore vulnerability, mental health, and the authenticity that mattered to me. with each recording, my confidence grew, and slowly, i began to find a rhythm that felt undeniably mine.

still, thoughts of schlatt lingered. despite his brash demeanor, there was a strange allure to the challenge he presented. each encounter left me feeling as if i were balancing on a tightrope, desperately trying to find my footing without losing sight of the ground below.one afternoon, as i was preparing for a new episode, my phone buzzed with a message from tucker.

"hey! we're planning a game night this weekend. want to join? i think it'll be fun!"the idea of spending time with tucker and the others sounded appealing, a chance to unwind and connect. i quickly agreed, looking forward to a break from my hectic schedule. maybe a little fun with friends would be the distraction i needed from the confusion swirling around schlatt.

the night of the game night arrived, and i found myself walking into tucker's apartment, laughter echoing from within. as i stepped inside, the atmosphere was lively and inviting, a welcome contrast to my recent introspection. ted was there, animatedly explaining the rules of some board game i'd never heard of, and i spotted schlatt leaning against the wall, arms crossed, observing the chaos with a bemused expression.

"hey, charlotte!" tucker called, waving me over. "just in time! we're about to start!""great! what are we playing?" i asked, trying to shake off my nerves.

"it's a game called 'codenames.' you'll love it!" ted chimed in, his enthusiasm infectious.we gathered around the coffee table, and soon enough, the game began. i got lost in the laughter, the playful banter, and the competitive spirit in the room. it felt good to connect with friends and momentarily forget about the weight of my podcast journey.

as the night went on, i found myself sitting next to schlatt. he was surprisingly quiet, only occasionally joining in with snarky remarks that felt more like jabs than playful banter. part of me wondered if he was deliberately keeping his distance, or if he just enjoyed watching the chaos unfold. it left me feeling on edge, uncertain of where i stood with him."so, podcast girl," he finally said, glancing at me with that signature smirk. "still planning to take on the world, or are you just gonna keep talking about your feelings?"

his tone was sharp, and while it stung, there was also something oddly motivating about it. "i'm not just talking about my feelings," i shot back, my voice steadier than i felt. "i'm sharing stories that matter."

he raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching into a half-smile that felt more challenging than friendly. "stories, huh? you think your little podcast is gonna change the world?""maybe not the world, but it can change someone's day," i replied, meeting his gaze. "and that's enough for me."

"good luck with that," he replied, his expression shifting to one of mild interest. "just make sure you're not expecting everyone to hold your hand along the way."

the conversation hung in the air, charged with an undercurrent of something unspoken. my heart raced, caught between irritation and an unexpected thrill. why did he always manage to get under my skin like this?

as the night progressed, the game became more intense, and laughter filled the room. yet, every time schlatt's voice cut through the noise, it left me questioning his true intentions. he was mean, yes, but there was also a strange admiration in his gaze when he watched me engage with the others. was he really just being a jerk, or was there something else behind those sharp comments?

as we played, i noticed the way he interacted with the others—sharp and teasing, yet there was a strange camaraderie in his tone. it made me wonder if he treated me differently or if that was just who he was. i couldn't shake the feeling that he enjoyed pushing my buttons, testing my resolve.

by the end of the night, we were all laughing, the tension of earlier replaced by a sense of camaraderie. but as i said my goodbyes, i caught schlatt's gaze across the room. his expression was unreadable, the playful smirk replaced by something more serious. for a moment, it felt as though he was considering something deeper, but then it was gone, hidden behind that familiar mask of sarcasm.

"don't let it go to your head, podcast girl," he called out as i headed for the door, his voice cutting through the laughter. "you still have a long way to go."i paused, unsure how to respond. was he genuinely concerned, or was he just being a jerk again? "thanks, johnathan. i'll keep that in mind," i replied, forcing a smile as i stepped out into the cool night air.as i walked home, my mind raced with questions. his barbs felt like a strange blend of challenge and encouragement, and i was left grappling with a mix of frustration and curiosity. what was it about him that kept pulling me back into this complicated dance? the night air was crisp, and the city lights twinkled above me, casting a warm glow on my thoughts. with every step, i felt a sense of determination settle in my chest. i was ready to face the world, podcasting and all, but the shadow of schlatt's skepticism lingered. deep down, part of me wondered if maybe—just maybe—he believed in me more than he let on.and as the possibilities unfolded before me, i couldn't shake the feeling that this relationship between us was just beginning.