7. James
I couldn't tell her. I just couldn't. We are getting so close and it would just shatter all my chances. And for what? The truth? It won't change anything the same, he's dead. And even the ugly truth won't bring his life back. What happened, happened. Nobody will cry over his body, at least not for a long time. Dick got what he deserved. Did I want it to finish like this? Of course not. Jennifer is right even without knowing the whole truth, it was an accident. And this is the version that we need to stick to. This is the new, harmless truth that will help us survive.
The fact I ended up in her bed became so little if we compare it to everything what I told her about yesterday. She understood I just didn't want her to stay alone after all of this. I really didn't know how she would react to everything she smoked, but I'm glad she doesn't remember that night. I know it's awful, but I'm glad. There are no needs to let one mistake break us. It's so much better this way.
My babygirl is sleeping now, cuddled tight by my arms. Her body is so warm, she's breathing calmly. It took her a while to calm down. I didn't expect her to cry, and also so desperate. From a tough girl she changed into a little, defenceless baby who just needs some care and maybe a little bit of love. And I'm here, all ready to take care of this angel.
I can't help and leave a soft kiss on her lips corner when someone starts knocking. For the God sake, seriously? Now? And who had balls to come here so early?! I get up to open the door but Jen grabs my hand.
- No - she whispers with that sleepy, sweet voice.
- Are you expecting someone?
She shakes her head as a "no". Who the fuck is this idiot then? Well, there's only one way to find out.
- But - she yawns. - You know, this is my room and it's so early. It would look weird if you opened the door.
She's really scared someone might think we had sex.
- Okay, you want me to hide so?
- No, you silly head. Just stay here. I'll send this idiot or whoever is it to fuck off.
- Whoever it is, is an idiot.
She gives me a little, but pretty sad smile. Her eyes are red of crying, her hair are messy, t-shirt - crumpled. But damn, I like her like this. All natural and just... so real.
I hear the door opening and a woman's voice.
- Are you Jennifer Lynn Lopez? - she sounds old, what the hell is this about?
- Yes... Why? - my baby's scared, I can feel it. Fuck.
- NYPD, I need to ask you some questions about Charlie Davis who we found dead this morning. Can I come in or shall we go to the prison?
Oh. Shit.
...
I took off my shirt just to wear it again when Jennifer and that bitch from NYPD entered the room. She needs to think I was in a hurry, she has to believe in everything we give her. And people only believe in what they see, in most cases. So yeah, I did it on purpose. Just to mess her head a little bit and make her distracted. I can already imagine all the theories running through her head, and I honestly hope at least one of them was real.
Jen coughs. She didn't expect to see me like this too.
- This is...
- James Nava - the woman says my name before I could even open my mouth. Awesome, she did her homework. We are fucked up.
- What do we owe the pleasure, Mrs...?
- Jessica Miller, NYPD. You both are the last who have been seen with the victim. School's cameras recorded everything what happened in the corridor - she looks at Jennifer. - But then the video ends. We are still trying to figure out why did the cameras stop working.
Fuck, and I was sure it ALL got deleted... Another thing I didn't tell Jen about. Well, whatever. Keep trying, losers. You're not going to find a damn thing.
- I need to ask you so - she continues. - Where were you and what did you do after?
- We went straight here. - I say fast and convinced, I guess it's better if I talk to her.
- Can anyone confirm it?
- Do you see here anyone else? We don't play threesomes.
I look at Jen and see what I expected. She's biting her lip, hiding the little smile. But it doesn't change the fact she's scared. I can hear the crazy beat of her heart even from here.
- So you're saying that... After all you came here and...? - what a tactless bitch.
- And, you think, what? Looks like you saw the recording from the corridor. You really think I took her here and fucked her after she almost got raped? - I am not playing with that slut.
- I did not suggest that - she coughs. I know she feels stupid because this is exactly what she suggested. 1:0 for me.
- Yes, you did. And if that's everything, you could let us sleep a bit more, it's Sunday.
- One more thing, do you always sleep shirtless?
Didn't I tell you about all the theories her head has created once she saw me wearing it? This is so funny, I deeply inside knew she's gonna use it.
- He does - oh, my baby speaks for me. - Nights are being cold, you know. - she slides her hand under my shirt and cares my chest. I hug her and already can imagine the smile of an asshole she gave to that hoe. I don't know if she realises that she just made her understand that we are a couple, but for me it's totally fine. Maybe the only disadvantage is that being her boyfriend gives me a motive to kill this Charlie guy, but I will handle this. The most important thing is that she seems to trust me and knows that I won't let anyone hurt her. We are together in this.
- I wanted to ask about the relationship between you both but I got it. Just remember, it's not the end. It's just the beginning.
She goes away.
Jenny keeps her hand on my chest for a while more. I have this need to hug her the strongest and keep in my arms as long as she needs. And I obviously do it. I've never felt more responsible for someone. I feel like I have to protect her and keep her safe. And of course, I will.
- Why did you lie? - she whispers after a while.
- And why did you, huh?
- Hm?
- You just let her think that we are together. - I can't help a smile.
- I just played your game. - she doesn't look so happy.
- Okay - I take her face in hands. - Listen to me now. After the situation from the corridor we went straight to your room. You were out of mood, obviously, so if they find out we were smoking, you will tell them I was trying to comfort you. But if they don't, you don't mention that. Okay?
She didn't stop to look in my eyes for a damn second while I was talking. Damn you, Jen.
- We watched Game of Thrones - she got the game.
- A whole damn season - I add.
- And then you cuddled me to sleep, shirtless.
- That's almost not a lie. - because yes, I did cuddle her. I just didn't think to take my shirt off back then.
The way she looks at me is just killing me. God, I'm not this type of guy who falls in love so easily. Actually I don't fall at all. But she's just...
- James, what if... - she takes a deep breathe. Damn, this whole situation really made her so vulnerable.
- Shhh - I put a finger on her lips. - They won't find out. I promise.
- I just can't... Go to the jail... Again, okay?
Wait, hold on, w h a t?
- Again?
- Again. That's a long story. - she sighs.
- We have time. And I bet it's an interesting one.
- No actually... I think you should go.
Okay, it must be a tough topic for her. But damn, now I'm so curious. What the hell has she done to end up in jail?
- You want me to go? - my hand cares her cheek because yeah, my fingers didn't go anywhere after caring her lips. I just can't help touching her. All that softness...
I can see that she's about to take distance and say "yes" but...
- No. I mean ye...
- I'm staying.
It's so funny how girls can be changing their mind every 5 seconds.
- No, James, please.
- You don't want to stay alone now.
- You don't know me that well.
Oh, baby. I know you better than you think.
- No? Damn, and I thought we could watch another season of Game of Thrones.
She gives me a little laugh. I just love the way I make her smile, even if all that shit is happening.
- You know, I heard that it's forbidden for boys and girls to sleep in one room.
Oh, I didn't know she wants me to sleep with her again. Wow.
- We already broke that rule, so who cares now?
She laughs again. Damn, all of her is just so... addicting.
Her phone starts vibrating so she takes it out of her pocket. Someone's texting you, huh? Or maybe calling...
I was always (I mean, since I met her) amazed by the way her face is able to change in just a second, from one mood to another one, from a sweet candy into a bad bitch, from a baddie into a cutie, but I've never seen her smile disappearing just like this... Her hands start shaking and she drops her phone on the floor, like it would be burning her fingers. What the...?
She got a text. From a cracked screen I see only 5 words which say... I know what you did.
