Touch & Go

8. Innocent

This is dedicated to a friend who knows what it's like when the world is fast asleep and your eyes refuse to close. To a friend who doesn't remember when he dreamt last. To a friend who deserves to be happy.

~~~

"But at night, you live it all again."

- Taylor Swift, Innocent

~~~

February 1st, 2016

UNCERTAIN. Scared. Confused. Afraid.

For the next three days, I didn't see Theo. He would text me everyday after midnight but never reply to my texts during the days. I was afraid he was regretting his confession and there was nothing I could do about it. His midnight-texts had nothing to do with mine too. I would always ask if he was alright and whether he'd like to meet up sometime, but he would send questions that only philosophers could attempt to answer. 

Tonight, I decided to stay up till 4 am and call him as soon as he texted. It was supposed to be a brilliant plan, to catch him off guard, but I knew I would fall asleep before 1 am and think it all over in the morning.

~~~

It was two in the morning and only God knew how I was still awake. I re-read the thread of our messages to pass time.

~

January 29th, 2016

"Can dogs really see spirits?"

"Hi, Theo. I was wondering when I would hear from you again."

"You didn't come to the Centre today."

"Theo, is everything okay?"

"Reply. Please."

~

January 30th, 2016

"If you could, which super power will you give to monkeys?"

"Theo, are you alright? Can we meet up for coffee tomorrow?"

"Tea, then?"

"I'm confused."

~

January 31st, 2016

"Is there life after death?"

"You don't really want an answer, do you?"

"I swear I'll kick your arse when I see you next."

~~~

I stayed up with five cups of coffee and it was now 3:50. I knew the caffeine would bring trouble later but I was insistent on knowing what exactly was going on.

One minute to 4 am and my hands were growing clammy. I stared at the screen, hoping for it to light up. Little did I know, I was waiting for a message that would never come. Instead of the ping of the phone, I heard the ding of the door. Perplexed and armed, I headed towards the door, hoping Gracie wouldn't wake up.

On seeing from the peep hole, I relaxed but the uncertainty stayed.

"Theo?!" I whisper shouted.

The response to that was a hug where he desperately held on to me and buried his face in the nook of my neck. I forgot all the anger and questions, and held him with the same urgency.