Haphephobia

Chapter 21

"Okay, so that was totally creepy. And just slightly serendipitous that two shady figures and some high-tech equipment appeared the exact moment we were scouting, don't you think? This whole thing just keeps getting weirder to me." Ava spoke up. I'd changed back, and her features returned to normal, thank god. We were walking back down the road together, chill air causing goosebumps to erupt on our arms, even underneath the trench coats. It was still snowing, and the air was frigid.

"Yeah, I agree. I mean, what would've happened if we'd checked that place last, or even a few minutes later?" I replied, and Ava nodded. Part of me was seriously excited for tomorrow evening, when we'd have our next assignment. As dangerous as I was sure this mission was, it was exciting. It was like an entirely new facet had made itself known on my perspective of this earth. I'd seen a lot, and it only kept getting stranger. I doubted there'd ever be a day when all this stopped surprising me.

"So when we get back to the hotel... well.. I mean, it's really cold..." Ava said suddenly, her voice slow and dangerously awkward. I inhaled a sharp breath, unsure of what she was trying to say. In a moment, I caught a flash of something: I don't want to be alone. Those words repeated continuously in my head, but they weren't my words. I got the chilling feeling they were Ava's. But how had I heard them? And why did this keep happening to me? Suddenly, I knew what Ava meant.

"Ava, you don't... you don't have to be alone. If you want, you could stay in my room." I offered. My cheeks turned red even at the thought of offering her that option. I also carefully avoided using the words 'in my bed,' since I was afraid she'd take it the wrong way and leave.

Ava nodded almost too fast, as though she greatly appreciated me saving her the trouble of saying what was on her mind, in a very literal sense. She took my hand almost gingerly, but soon our cold white fingers were intertwined around each other's. I felt that strange sense of warmth again, the way I feel when I'm around Ava. I didn't mean some magical 'you make me feel when I haven't felt in a long time' cheesy sort of way, but in a literal sense. I meant more like she made me so happy I literally warmed up. 

We continued to walk together in an unsettling silence. Feeling like I wasn't sure how long I could take that, I spoke up.

Ava, I've been thinking about something for awhile. For the last couple of days, I've sort of been able to... well, it feels like I've been able to see into your mind, in some ways. Like, when you're upset, or overly emotional, I can see what you feel, and it feels almost like I'm the one feeling it. But I'm not. Like... just now, I heard you thinking about not wanting to be alone. I don't know how. Whats going on? I asked, my fearful curiosity finally getting the better of me. This time had been the last straw: I needed to know.

I know that's been happening to you. I didn't want to say anything because... well, I guess because I know about as much as you do. I don't understand why it's happening to you, because it never has happened before. Not even to anyone I've touched. Ava finished, and for the first time I wondered how may other people Ava had accidentally touched before me. I hoped it wasn't many. If I was her, my head would have exploded...

I really wish it wasn't happening, though. God knows the last thing you need is the pressure of somebody else's mind on your own. Ava continued, and my face turned slightly red out of embarrassment.

Don't worry about me, Ava. It's yourself whom you should worry about. Whatever problems I have, they're nothing compared to yours. Which is why I want to make sure you're alright, at all times. Any moment you could break down, or touch somebody, or... I don't even want to think about it. I said, honestly. Ava momentarily gripped my hand tighter. 

That's very kind, Ben. But please don't mistake my protection for putting yourself in danger, she said. 

This time, as we navigated further through the streets so late at night, we felt comfortable in silence. Only one or two cars passed by the entire time, the night otherwise silent. Stars shone their bright faces down at us, offering sparse light to walk in.