Moonlight

20

My eyes grow heavy. Cameron is already asleep, leaning against my shoulder. I begin to fall asleep. The waiting area empties, nightfall is quick. I close my eyes and slowly drift off to sleep. The telephone rings and security bells fade away.

"Hey watch where you're going!" A guy mumbles as his shoulder brushes against my arm. He knocks  my bag out of my arm, containing a set of acrylic paints and the finest paint brushes. He looks up at me and his attitude changes. His brown eyes lock with mine, they're like an ember. His hair is dark, skin tan.

"I'm sorry, that was really rude of me. Here, let me help you." He replies. We both squat down to pick the items up.

"By the way, I'm Leah." I announce. He smiles.

"Jack, that's a beautiful name, Leah." He replies.

I wake to a quiet waiting area. A blanket is draped over my body. Not one of those crappy sheets either. A nice, heavy and warm blanket. I look at the clock, it reads 12:04 am. Jack should be awake by now. Cameron is passed out on the floor. A pillow under his head and a blanket covers his body.

I look at my phone, four missed calls from Garrison, and fifteen texts from Ian.

I slowly dial Garrison's number, my fingers slipping across the screen. The short monotone ringing fills my ears, it goes on and on. Finally, he answers.

"Hello?" He asks in his sleepy and husk morning voice.

"Hey." I reply after a yawn.

"Where are you? Is everything okay?" He asks. I pause, I begin to close my eyes again.

"Leah?" He questions.

"I'm at the hospital, no word on-" my voice fades out. I slowly drift back to sleep.

"Leah, no word on who?" He asks urgently. My eyes close completely.

"Jack. No word. Tired now. Love you." I reply in short, simple answers. The phone drops at my side. I bunch the blanket up in my arms and hold it close to my chest.

"Garrison has a question for you, Leah." Ian informs me. Garrison and I had hung out a lot recently. Taking trips to the park, going to the movies, and even staying home to watch movies. I'd known all of them for three years now, but I never went out with any of them except Jack.

Garrison steps forward, rubbing his thumb over his fingers.

"Will you go out with me?" He asks nervously. I glance at Jack and then back at Garrison. His deep green eyes look so sincere as they stare into mine.

"Yes." I reply. I look up where Jack was standing, all that was left was the air he breathed, the space he occupied, and the absence of his body.

"Jack?" I call, walking around the corner, leading to the hallway.

"Go away Leah." Jack replies. The palms of his hands push the porch door open, he storms outside. A sudden rainfall harshly downpours on the earth. It beats hard against the grass. I shake my head and follow him outside. The porch slams against the beaten metal door frame.

"No, I'm not going away. Not until I know what your problem is." I harshly reply.

"Knowing you, knowing that I let you slip through my fingers. Knowing that you are with him." He replies. I watch as the rain pours down on both of us. Rain drops slowly rolling down our skin.