Orphan (A Jack Gilinsky Fanfic)

11. Guilty

KATHRYN'S POV

I groggily flutter my eyes open to the blaring sound of an outside lawnmower. The rays of sunshine seep through the translucent curtains, illuminating the calming cream walls and beige carpeting. I stir slightly, furrowing my eyebrows and peering down at myself to see Jack's hand resting lazily over my bare stomach as he cradles me from behind. My unconscious movements during the night must've caused my loose t-shirt to roll up, unintentionally exposing my disrobed flesh. His calloused hands contrast with my smooth skin, erupting butterflies within me as I feel my breathing begin to quicken ever so slightly.

I attempt to carefully wiggle from under Jack's grip so as not to wake him, but to little success. His hands instinctively raise to his eyes, rubbing them slowly as he lets out a small yawn. He blinks twice, allowing his eyes to accommodate to the sudden brightness before his sleepy gaze lands on me.

His lips curve into a small smile as he mumbles croakily, "G'mornin'."

I watch as he rests his hands over the wrinkled comforter. Snuggling into the sheets, I can't help but smile at his disheveled appearance. I reply in a soft voice, "'Morning."

Stretching out his arms and legs, Jack looks beyond me, eyebrows furrowing as he stares through the glass window. "What time is it?" He mutters, reaching for his phone on the bedside table.

I twist my body to glance out the window. The sun is at its highest point ablaze in the middle of the clear-blue sky. I anxiously turn around to look at Jack with questioning eyes. He clutches his phone in his hand, mindlessly scrolling through his unread messages with an intense stare. I grab his wrist unhesitatingly, turning the phone towards me. My eyes wander hastily to the top of the screen, reading the digital clock: 12:34 pm.

My mouth gaping open slightly, I let out a breath of disbelief as I frantically scrurry out of the sheets and into the bathroom. As I swing the door shut behind me, I hear Jack shuffling to his feet and scampering towards the closed door of the restroom.

He knocks twice and speaks worriedly from the other side, "Kathryn? What's wrong?"

I turn on the sink and run my hands through the cold water, "I-I have work today. I'm late." I splash my face hastily, internally shrieking at the abrupt change of temperature.

Jack lets out a groan as I begin to brush my teeth with rapid speed, the bubbly toothpaste spilling out the corners of my mouth. I hear Jack's whines through the wooden door, his voice laced with pure annoyance. "Do you really have to go? Just quit, Kathryn, seriously. You don't need that dumb job."

Ignoring Jack's words, I wash the toothpaste out of my mouth and hurriedly blot my face with a nearby towel. Stripping my pajamas off in one swift movement, I throw on my work outfit in seconds.

Without warning, I swing the door open as I brush my fingers through my knotted hair. Jack jumps backwards from his prior position leaning against the door, his pupils widening as he eyes my provocative body up and down.

He licks his lips shakily as I bend down, scrummaging through the mess on the floor of the bed. His voice is hesitant as he speaks, "W-What're you looking for?"

"My..." I squeeze my face in concentration as I strain to yank my purse out from a jumbled pile of clothing. "Bag." I smile in victory as I hold my purse out, showcasing it for Jack to see.

Hopping on one leg, I slip on a white midcalve sock and begin to scramble out of the bedroom, "I'll see you."

Just as I reach the top of the staircase, Jack calls after me steadily, "How are you gonna get there without a car?"