SHADOW

Homecoming

I held both of her hands loosely, "Are you sure you have to go?"

She giggled, "Robyn...Yes! We're literally standing outside of my job."

"Ok and?"

Athena shook her head, letting her hands slip out of mine. "I'll see you after work," she promised, wrapping her arms loosely around the back of my neck instead, her pink lips jutted out.

I held her waist and rolled my eyes, obliging. I kissed her softly before parting, doing the same to her forehead. "Alright, I'll see you later Athena."

She nodded turning away from me and disappearing through the doors. I watched after her for a moment before I turned away and slipped into my car.

I turned off my hazard lights and quickly peeled off, heading out of the inner city and toward the suburbs.

My memory lead me to the house I had in mind.

After our early morning conversation, I had to see her. Hopefully that stupid boy she had been entertaining wasn't with her anymore. I'd hate to cause a scene.

I relaxed in my leather seats, sighing as I sped past cars, weaving in and out of traffic. I had to be doing at least 90 on this highway, but to me in didn't feel that way.

I arrived to her house in record time, parking in front, not bothering to lock the door behind me. I was on a mission; I wasn't the least bit worried about being inconspicuous at the moment.

I slipped out of my car and leaned against the sleek frame, pressing the phone to my ear. It rung a few times before going straight to voicemail. I tried again and the same thing happened.

Jayde underestimated me. I'd stay here as long as I needed to so we could talk, or at least as long as Athena's shift lasted.

I called again, not at all phased by her antics.

On the fourth call, she picked up.

"What do you want. I'm busy."

I cut straight to the chase, "Is he there with you?"

"Just because I'm too busy for you doesn't mean I have someone with me."

I nodded crossing my free arm over my chest. "Can we talk then? Are you home?"

"Yes, I'm home and no, I don't wanna talk to you so don't bother coming. You made your decision to not come see me yesterday after I poured my fucking heart because you were busy so now I'm busy and I don't wanna talk to you."

"You didn't pour shit out to me, Jayde," I said calmly. "Don't act like what you told me was so fucking deep. You miss me... so fucking what. I miss you too. It doesn't take shit to say that to someone. You probably say the same thing to that stupid fuck you're entertaining anyway."

She was quiet.

"Anyway," I continued. "I'm outside your house."

"I'm not letting you in, I don't wanna talk."

"Whatever you say baby girl. I'll see you in a minute."

I used her favorite pet name just to patronize her.

Jayde ended the call without another word. I shoved the phone into the pouch of my sweatshirt and casually strolled around her house until I was standing under her window.

To my benefit her window was open.

Of course I would announce my presence before intruding in on her space.

"Jayde!" I called out, bringing my hands up to my mouth to project my voice.

Her head poked out of the window moments later, a bewildered expression on her pretty face. "Are you fucking crazy??!"