Love and Death

Jacket Dude

It's been a month since the accident happened.

It's been a month when Elizabeth died.

It's been a month that Eugene is in a coma.

It's been a month.

And nothings happening.

Still, she lived her life. But she can't live it normally. Why? She still feels incomplete with out her best friend and her boyfriend.

Walking in this crowded hallway. Suddenly, she heard her name.

"Alexia! Wait up!"

"Vanessa,what is it?"

"It's been a month right?"

"Yeah. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, you didn't know?"

"What are you talking about?"

"On my way to school, I saw the folks from the place where you know..."

"From the place that the accident happened?" Alexia said.

"Yeah, they were lightning up candles, and there were flowers too, I thought you already went up there."

"I haven't. Actually I was wondering to go to the cemetery."

"Can I come with you?"

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Alexia and Vanessa arrived at the place where the accident happened.

And so it is, there were flowers and candles.

"You're one lucky girl."

"Excuse me?" Alexia was surprised with the guy that said that.

"I said, you're lucky that you survived."

"Thanks. Who are you?"

At that moment Alexia remembered something from the accident. The guy's voice is so familiar. She thought she heard it somewhere else.

Then it hit her.

Yes.

She already heard that voice.

From the accident.

"You are the jacket dude!"Alexia said with a shock.

"Huh? Yeah I guess I'm the jacket dude."

"Hey, jacket dude. Alexia do you know this guy?" Vanessa said.

"Yeah Vanessa, he's the guy that helped me, I guess?"

"I helped you and gave my jacket."

"Oh that's why you're a jacket dude." Vanessa said.

"Yes. That's why."

"Uhm, Alexia, I have to go now. I forgot that I have to take my brother to his practice."

"You're gonna leave now?"

"I'm sorry Lexi. I'm sure jacket dude will be with you. You will right?"

"Sure, I'll be with her."

"Ok,bye Vanessa."

She watched Vanessa as she walked away. Leaving her with this strange guy. Who is he anyway? Is he nice? "Duh, of course he's nice. He helped you out in the accident." Alexia said in her mind.

"So.. you're Alexia right?"

"Yeah, and you are?"

"My name is Jeff."

"Well, nice to meet you Jeff the "jacket dude"."

"Funny. Where are you going now?"

"I was thinking to go to the cemetery. You want to come?"

"If it's alright with you."

"It is and I'll be sure to drive safely."

Alexia hadn't felt like this for a long time.

The feeling of being cared so much.

She misses Eugene a lot.

When will he wake up?

Will he ever wake up?

After going to the cemetery, Jeff asked her if she wants to have a snack with him. Surely, Alexia said yes.

It was complete silence. From the accident place, to the cemetery. It was all silence. No one talked. But why?

"What do you want?"

"A cheesecake will be good. "

"You're a little quiet. Aren't you?"

"Well the things that happened to me. I mean, it's like I'm still not moving on."

"I understand you. You will not forget all these things that happened, but that doesn't mean that you have to be stuck to it."

"You're sound like my mother."

"Your Mother? A father would be nice."

"Father, yeah. If there is one."

"Oh what do you mean?"

"It's nothing. It's hard to explain."

"Alexia, I'm so sorry to bring that up."

"No, don't worry it's fine."

"If you need a friend I'm here. That is, if I'm a friend to you?"

"Yes. Of course you are. You saved my life. And I have a whole lot of life to thank you for that."

"Even if you just knew me for like two hours ago?"

"Literally, I think I've known you for a month. We just didn't know."

Alexia is right, it's been a month.

She found a new friend.

Would he be just a friend?

Who would have known?

For the first time after a long time.

Alexia laughed.

Alexia smiled.

It's been a month that's she's pretending that she's fine.

But this day, there's no pretending.

"You'll be just fine. Trust me."