What Will Be (Chibs and Juice)

31

Fillip,
I don't know what to write so I'm just going to write whatever. I'm sorry I didn't come see you in county.
I hope you're doing alright there. Tig says we can visit on Thursday's so I'm going to come when I can. You can call me you know. Anyway I'll see you soon.
Love you,
Juan

He kept it short and vague. He didn't want someone opening it and learning things they weren't meant to know. He stamped the letter and figured he wait till morning to put it out in the box.

He woke up sore, and nauseated. He figured feeling like death was his punishment for almost dying. He slowly went through his morning routine and tried not think about Chibs or the snoring sound coming from his living room. Tig was asleep, and Juice said a small prayer of thanks that he had kept his pants on. Walking into a room with a naked Tig was not on his agenda for the day.

He stepped out into the morning sun, it felt good on his face. He smiled as he put the letter in the box and hoped Chibs would get it soon. On his walk back to his apartment, Jessie ran up to him.

"Hey, I didnt think I was going to catch up to you." She panted out of breath.

"Hey, What brings you here? Out of the way yeah?" Slinging an arm over her shoulder, like Chibs would do, he tried to sound casual. His voice gave him away that was a little excited that she had come to see him.

"Yeah out of the way, but I figured you could use some company besides Tig." She smiled and held up a bag. "I brought movies and snacks." She grinned big.

Juice crammed his hands into his pockets and nodded, leading her to his apartment.

Tig was passed out on his couch still, with empty beer bottles surrounding him. Juice sighed and apologized to Jessie. She didn't seem phased by it, and just plopped herself down right on Tigs gut.

"Oooff" he groaned as the air was knocked from his lungs. He was startled at first, unsure of who was sitting on him. His eyes finally focused and he saw Jessie and Juice grinning at him like Cheshire cats.

"What the fuck is... at least you're a pretty lady. I'll give you a pass." He patted her leg, motioning for her to stand. "Get off me. My bladder is going to pop."

Jessie giggled and stood, helping Tig up in the process. He walked quickly down the hall towards the bathroom making the others laugh.

"So uh. You have breakfast? I can make something."

He looked shy, he was awkward for sure. "I ate already Juice. If you're hungry make something. I'm sure you need to eat."

He moved around the kitchen making himself and Tig some eggs and toast. He brought his plate into the living room and sat beside Jessie. "So, whatcha wanna watch first?" He asked with a mouth full of toast.

She was smiling but her eyes faded a little. She turned to look at him. "I want to know what happened. I mean you don't know me, and I get it if you don't want to tell me. But... you have to talk to someone."

Juice frowned and looked at his plate, pushing his eggs around mindlessly. He shrugged his shoulders.

"You know. When my David was deployed I was super depressed. I still get sad sometimes, because anything could happen to him. I am constantly terrified I'll be going to pick up his flag. Ya know? When I talk to him, I feel better for a little while but the pain always comes back. I don't know what you're dealing with, but I could use a friend also." She smiled sadly at him. Inside she hoped if she shared with him maybe he would open up a little.

"I'm sorry. My- uh- my person, had to go back to Queens. Emergency, don't know for how long. Just sucks. I didn't mean to... ya know. I really didn't."