Cold

Chapter 14: Autumn's Day

CHAPTER 14: Autumn's Day

Autumn, November - Year 1999

I could see myself unconscious on a violent stream. The water smashed and staggered me around until I reached a marshy place. I struggled to crawl up and all I heard was creepy sounds. I didn’t know where I was, but I looked up, saw a blurry creature that was about to get closer to me.

“Happy Birthday.” Jane greeted me and kissed me on the cheek.

It was just a dream, I thought.

Four years had passed, Jane and I had this secret relationship we kept from Friz.

Within those years, we had no problem and we were happy. I felt awkward when I was with Friz sometimes, though everything had been a wonderful sanctuary.

Yes, I noticed that it was my birthday today.

In the middle of being contemplative, barely opened my eyes to see Jane.

I really liked her kiss.

I turned over to my side, pretending that I’d continue sleeping. Intentionally for Jane, she had the urge to kiss me again to wake me up. She whined but I surprised her, grabbed her back, and then pulled her against me. I kissed her on her tender lips.

She stopped and touched my lips, “You need to get up… Benji is waiting outside.”

She crawled up and sat on a couch, while I scratched my head and sat on my bed. “Benji? Why is he here?” I took my shirt on. “Hey Benj! Come in here!” I yelled, thought he was just next on the closed door.

“Yeah! Take your time guys!” Benji shouted.

I shook my head, saw Jane picked a jean for me to wear today, and then I took a quick shower. She helped me tidy up. She was very caring.

Not for long, after some cuddling conversation, we got out from the room. Benji was leaning on the wall, whistling, “Hey man… Happy birthday to you.”

We shared a knuckle, grinningly appreciated that he’s here. “Thanks Benj, got to love that doggy smile you’re having right now. Whatever you’re thinking, it didn’t happen,” I said.

It was early in the morning and we spent the day doing our daily duties. They told me that they’d prepared a small celebration after lunch at the bar. Everybody was invited. This was very special to me because I just turned thirty. They slightly made fun of me because they thought that I had no girlfriend.

Jane asked me to surprise them today and told me that she already talked about this with Friz last night. I saw Friz smiled this morning at the station, though we never got a chance to speak with each other, quite a little awkward for me. But I knew he’s good. I had already proven my worth, even though the secret relationship I had with Jane was a bit guilty on my part.

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I was sitting on the bar stool, watching Luis prepare the drinks. He probably noticed me, being quiet and dreamy. I snapped, tapped the counter twice. “Hey Luis, make sure you stick lemons for the ladies drink.”

Luis laughed and gushed, “Aye aye, captain.”

We both mocked salute then I glanced at everyone who was already here. “Alright, better start entertaining my friends over there,” I said and walked around, approached the friendly people of District Twelve, having their pleasurable moments on their respected seats.