Salt And Pepper

Hers: Living the Moment

"Thanks," he says, pushing me aside. In no time, he's out of sight and I run after him, only to find him getting into a taxi, which drives away before I could go after it.

It was all going so well. Why did I have to spoil it? He seemed so absorbed in the piece(s) of art. It actually felt like he might try getting back to holding a brush at least.

I think I really need to apologise to him for this one. I have been rude in the past, but I was way out of line today, considering his condition.

I quickly get into a taxi and decide to make it up to Jason. All through the ride, I think about how to apologise to him and cannot, even with so much effort put in, find the right words.

I feel so unlike myself. I'm apologising to someone. And not just someone, to the biggest douche I've ever met. But I guess this time, I really am guilty.

I rush out of the taxi, making my way into the elevator. I slow down because I realise Jason would not want to talk to me right now so I decide to give him some time and go back to my room.

Once in my room, I change into my PJs and instantly fall into a deep sleep. Jet lag, I guess.

I wake up after a few hours and see that it has already started getting dark. I quickly freshen up and make my way out.

I chew on my lip as I knock on his door, scared of Jason losing his calm on me. He has improved, he really has. But I don't want all the progress to go in vain just because of this stupid mistake.

The door opens and Jason appears in front of me. The moment he sees me, he rolls his eyes and starts closing the door but I stop him.

"Listen to me, please."I say, guilt evident in my voice.

"Listen to you? Why? So you can remind me of how meaningless my life is?" he says.

"I'm really sorry, Jason. I shouldn't have said that. I didn't mean any of it," I say.

"Oh really? Of course you meant it. That's what you all think of me! You, Bryce, everyone! You all pity me. I'm like your charity case. But guess what, I don't need your help. I am perfectly normal! I chose this lifestyle for myself and am more than capable of sustaining it," he yells.

I push the door open, drag him by shirt and when finally facing him, I say,"Jason Salt. I am a twenty-five year old therapist, who lived in a one-room apartment in Nebraska, could hardly pay her bills, had no time for vacations or Saturday night outs and most certainly no time, money or interest for charity. None of us pity you. I want my money and Bryce wants his paintings. So it would be better if you use your creativity to paint and not to think shit"

He stares at me for a while and then goes over to sit on his bed, burying his face in his hands. He sighs deeply and says,"It's just that...today...I was almost there. I mean I felt it, but I don't know."

I take a seat beside him and say,"I'm sorry, I know I messed it up."

He shakes his head, saying,"It's fine, just leave me alone now."

"Hey, I really need to make it up to you! How about a drink?"I say.

Jason squints his eyes at me and says,"Are you trying to bribe me?"

"Maybe.."I giggle.

He replies, annoyed, "Fine."

"Great! Get ready by seven."I say.

...

I hear a knock on by door an hour later. When I open the door, I see Jason wearing a navy blue shirt with rolled up sleeves, while I'm wearing an open buttoned flannel. Great.