Temperament

Chapter 15

Exotica gets to her unfamiliar room, and she slams the door. She walks shakily to the wooden bed. C-c-calm down, Exo, she thinks, as she glances at her hands, that were shaking so violently, she couldn't get them to stop. She goes to pick up the glass of water on her accent table, but puts it down, because the water sloshs on her beige, wrinkled pants. But nothing, could stop the harsh reality biting at her heels. Everyone died, she thinks, darkly, Everyone died because of me. Because of my dad's murderous spirit. She sniffs, her tears staining the checkered bedspread. She puts her head in her hands, and the bed beneath her, shakes with her violent sobs. A rare bout of such raw, emotion for her. KNOCK KNOCK. A knock from behind the door, jolts her out of her sob-ridden reverie. She sniffs again, wiping her nose, snot wetting her sleeve. She gets up and opens the to reveal... A soaked Jax. She wipes her nose and sniffs. “What are you doing out there, it's pouring!” She says, pulling him into the warmth of the room.

“I didn't think you'd care?” Jax chuckles, sarcastically. She lights up the firewood near them. She takes off his jacket and proceeds to sit on the bed. She raises an eyebrow at him. Jax sits on the spot next to Exotica. “Shut up.” She mutters, with a quiver in her picking at a frayed spot on her pillow. Jax peers at her. “Have you been crying?” Jax asks, his head quirking in inquisition. She gulps, and looks away. “Exotica?” He asks, again. “I-it's ok. I-I'm ok.” She responds. Jax takes her chin between his fingers and brings her eyes to his. “Exotica, whatever it is, you can tell me.” She signs, and unexpected wraps her arms around Jax's waist. He tenses, suprised at her sudden touch. He, then, wraps his arms around her. She sniffs. And then she blurts out everything. “—and that's why I was crying.” She ends. Jax strokes her hair. “It's not your fault, none of this is.” He whispers, softly into her hair.

“I know.” She whispers, pulling away from his warm, damp, embrace. They stare at each other a while, not saying a word. “I—” Jax starts to say but is stopped, when Exotica closes his eyes and kisses him, soft at first. Jax tenses, then leans in to the kiss, tilting his head in and returning himer soft kiss. And he wraps his arms around her waist. Exotica kisses him harder and her arms tighten against his lean back. Jax runs his hands in her hair, and he pulls away. “Shit.” He whispers, staring at her flushed, flustered face. Jax flushes and flashs her a smile. “I gotta go, uh take care of something.” Jax says. He gets up and gives Exotica a peck on her head. “Good night, Exo.” He says. “Good night, Jax.” Exotica replies, a light flush glittering her cheeks.

He leaves, shutting the door, all the while, smiling at her, which makes Exotica blush. Then Exotica signs, suprised at the magnitude of what's she's done. What the hell!?! She thinks, running her finger through her frizzy hair. He's... I... Ugh!! She thinks, as she flops onto the bed. And she smiles as she drifts off to sleep as memories of kiss she shared with Jax, floats through her head.