Across the Hall

Chapter 7

"How are you liking Chicago?" Violet asked me as we walked to the elevators. "Honestly? I like it. I just can't stand the weather. Too cold." I complained and she glanced at my clothes. After a brief moment she laughed. "I'll have to take you shopping then!" I thought about that. "Sounds great." I smiled. Her positive energy was contagious. I don't think she stopped smiling since she opened the door. As we stepped onto the elevator I wondered what she really thought about me. Was I too shy and quiet? Probably. I felt more and more fatigued as we descended to the lobby. I should've said no but it was too hard to resist. 

Thankfully the coffee place was next door or else I would've froze. I've always loved the feel of cafe's. It was warm and cozy like a giant hug. I grabbed a table while Violet ordered for us. I began to think about what Toews said to me. It was such a brief, unexpected conversation. Was he really going to stick to his word? It's been so long and I hoped that he would. I knew I was missing something in my life. 

"Here's your coffee." Violet handed the cup to me. "Thank you." I said. "No problem. " She sat across from me and sipped her drink. I didn't know what to say to fill this awkward silence. It was horrible and I wanted to hide. I've never been too good at the spoken word, theres no need if I have a pen and paper. Writing helps me express myself in ways unimaginable. 

"How do you know Jon?" She finally asked me. It caught me off guard. "Excuse me?" I wasn't trying to be rude...I think she picked up on that thankfully... and she repeated. "We were friends when we were younger." I tried to think of something more interesting to say but she didn't ask. There was another long silence. Did they have a thing?  "We're not together, don't worry Kara." She patted my hand over the table. I relaxed a bit. "I'm not looking to date him." I assured her. "No one really is. He doesn't want love I guess. It isn't for him." 

I thought about that for a moment. He always seemed like the single type. He loved hockey more than anything and he didn't go around the same people like everyone else. He had me and his brother. That was good enough for him. He never complained about being alone, even though we were little kids and he was still afraid of getting cooties. It was adorable now that I thought about it more. I never had feelings for him, I can honestly admit that. I never really had a boyfriend either. I was an 'almost' something to a few people but nothing more. I figured I'd never find anyone for me. 

We finished our drinks and went back up to the apartment. By the time we reached her floor, I was dragging my feet. I needed sleep desperately. I fell asleep on the couch as soon as we got inside.

***

"Kara? Kara wake up. Someones here for you." I was being shook by my roommate. "Huh?" I sat up and stretched. "Hi." Toews was sitting across from me on the couch. "Oh my god." I was a mess. I know I was. I could feel my greasy tangled hair without touching it. I didn't have any makeup on, so I probably looked sickly. I stood up too fast and got a headache. "Kay, you don't have to dress up for me." He said. "Can I be excused?" I asked. I didn't wait for the answer. I darted down the hall and jumped into the shower. It was one of the fastest I'd ever taken. I felt stupid and embarrassed. How could I forget? I mentally kicked myself. I threw on my comfiest sweater and jeans. 

"That was fast." He teased. "I know." I bowed and he laughed. "We should get going. Thank you for inviting me in." He thanked Violet who seemed too excited to speak. I walked over to the door and he closed it behind us.

"Come here." He motioned. Before I knew it he was hugging me tight against his chest. "What's this all about?" I adjusted my head to look a him. "I've missed you more than you'll ever know." He gave me a smile and I could tell he was crying. "Why didn't you call? Or write? Or email?" I pushed away for him. "We'll talk about that later." His expression changed as he went inside. I followed him silently.

His place was more or less impressive than Violets. It was almost identical except for maybe some different furniture. "Have a seat." He instructed me. "I love your apartment." I said as he sat across from me. "I bet you're mad at me." He avoided my eyes. "I would love to hear your explanation." I leaned forward eagerly. "I tried to keep in touch. I sent countless letters in the mail and never got a reply. I thought you were mad at me." He explained. When I didn't say anything, he continued. "Once, I called. Your dad picked up and told me I'd never see you again. It broke my heart. I spent weeks crying, I thought I lost my best friend for good." He finished, still looking at the floor. "Cross your heart you're not lying?" I asked, like we used to. He made the motion. "I'm happy you're here Kara, but why are you?" He really didn't know? "I'm here for a writing thing." I explained the program to him. "Why are you here?" I asked. 

"You're joking." He gave me a look I'm all too familiar with. I shook my head. "Kara, wow. I thought you really knew. Im surprised." He said. "Just tell me!" I protested. "Should I?" He asked teasingly. "Yes!" I pouted. "I play professional hockey now."He simply said. Of course he does. How obvious. "You and your hockey." I rolled my eyes. "Its good to have you back." He repeated. 

"I'm going to start dinner. Do you still like chicken nuggets?" He asked, causing me to laugh. "We're not seriously having that?" I asked. "What? It's the only thing I know you like." He folded his arms. "I was a kid!" I protested. "I'm making chicken and thats final young lady." I rolled my eyes. 

He wouldn't let me help so I watched him from the doorway. I kept thinking to myself how lucky I was to be here right now. It brought a new feeling into my chest. It felt like, well, home. No place on Earth could compare. Dinner was ready in a few minutes.We ate at the table and he asked me a million questions.

"Since you're asking me things can I have tomorrow to ask you things?" I stopped him. "You're saying theres going to be a tomorrow?" He lit up. "Of course there will, I have questions." I stated. "I guess I can suffer through one more dinner." He teased. "Um you invited me here." I pointed out. "True, I didn't know it was going to be this bad." He pretended to walk away from the table. "Yeah, I have to go." I got up, carried my plate to the sink, and dropped it in. "Kara wait!" He stood up and pushed the table away. "I'm kidding." I smiled. "We can't be friends anymore. That was mean." He pouted. "Good." We both laughed.

Man, it's so good to be home.

I am so sorry I haven't updated in a few days. This chapter is slightly longer than usual to make up for it. Isn't it great that they're back together? Thats goals. Anyways, I have some news. I got accepted into college! I'm really nervous and excited but I can't wait to see the school. Is anything cool happening in your lives? Let me know in the comments! Also please leave feedback on the story (anything you like, don't like, want to see, stuff like that). I'll hopefully update soon! - Dev :)