Intoxication

Chapter 2

After leaving the coffeehouse at midnight, and TJ invited me over to stay the night, it was no surprise that, yes, I went. I didn’t have the energy to explain to him that as a runaway, I didn’t have a flat as of yet. I barely had enough money to pay for the hot chocolate. As we walked, TJ told me a little about the town and how he’s been here his whole life and he doesn’t really want to leave. It amazed me how he could stay put for 20 years, and want to continue to stay put for many more years to follow. How could you not want to explore? How could you not want to learn about other cultures?

“I got a enough on my shoulders right now, I don’t need any other cultures adding to it.” He replied as we walked up the stairs to the cottage, decorated with a cozy rocking chair on the patio.

“Who’s that for?”

“My nan,” He said as he fidgeted with the lock, “she’s in the hospital at the moment, but she’s fine. Just a little mental issue.”

“I used to study psychology... do you know exactly what’s wrong with her?”

“Something about trauma?”

“Trauma? What kind of trauma?” The light flickered on as soon as we stepped inside and TJ headed straight for the kitchen. I’d never really been to anyone’s house before so I had no idea what to do. Follow them? Stay put? Do they command you like a dog? “Come, go, sit.”

“TJ?” I said, panicking a little.

“Come in the kitchen.” He couldn’t have said it any faster, I scurried along the hardwood floor, clunking with every step.

“What kind of trauma is she having?”

“Would you like some wine?”

“TJ... what kind of trauma?” I was on the verge of anger, why wouldn’t he answer me.

“Jenny... would you like some wine?”

“TJ. TELL ME NOW!” I pleaded, as he slammed the wine glass on the counter and poured me a glass to then slide it in front of me.

“I don’t drink... sorry.” He looked at me with confusion, as if I had just sounded like an alien. I turned around and scurried right back to my bags I had left by the door. I was leaving, this didn’t feel right.

“Jenny.” TJ’s voice was stern, “Jenny, wait!” I felt his hand grab my bag before I could reach it, Shit, I thought. “It’s fine, I won’t make you drink... C’mon lets go watch the telly.” He slowly dropped my bag and directed me towards the telly. I sunk into the couch and asked for the remote.

“Mind watching Doctor Who?”

“Which doctor?”

“Tennant. David.. David Tennant. He’s the only one I’ll watch.” I don’t know why he’s the only one I’ll watch.. but he’s the one. He’s the doctor I know, and he’s the only doctor I want to know.

“Fine by me.” TJ sipped his wine nonchalantly and I could feel his eyes looking at him, studying me, just as I studied him.

Hours passed, and it seemed like the only thing happening was the slight flicker of the TV as the light changed from scene to scene. I didn’t get tired, I didn’t get cranky, I wasn’t my moody self. His house was almost like the coffeehouse, relaxing and welcoming... It wasn’t scary. I occasionally looked over to the other end of the couch, and watched TJ get up drink after drink to refill his glass. I’m sure he went through a whole bottle but hey, we all have our flaws, right?

At sometime between 4am and 5am, I started dozing off and I almost dropped out of the couch... but right there, with his superman timing, TJ picked me up and I fell asleep on his chest. His touch was warm, inviting and comforting and laying there in his arms I felt like one of those preppy girls that say that they’re in love, three days into the relationship... and I don’t know if I liked feeling like that.. or if it bugged the hell out of me.