Walk slowly (edited)

Chapter 25

It’s early in the morning, but I’m already up, feeling more lethargic than yesterday. I slowly got out of bed, afraid that Mark who slept next to me would wake up. After I took my phone that was on the table, I went out of the room, towards the living room.

The dark atmosphere in the living room did not stop me from calling Jackson. Apparently, I had to change my plans. I have to first get out of this house before the whole house begins to wake up. I know I’m probably not allowed to go out, even though I assured them I was completely healthy by now.

“Hello, Jackson.”

“Jinyoungie? Why does your voice sound so different?” Jackson asked.

“I had a fever yesterday.” I replied quickly. “Sorry to bother you this early in the morning. But I think I have to change my plan.” I immediately expressed the real thing. 

“Change plans?” Jackson did not understand.

“Yes, change plans. Can you come fetch me from the same place yesterday?”

“What time?”

I looked at the clock on the wall and my brain swiftly found a suitable time.

“Now it’s five in the morning. Maybe an hour from now?” I made a decision.

“Okay, no problem.” Jackson agreed.

“Thank you, Jackson. You’ve helped me a lot.”

“It’s just a small matter. We’re friends right.” Jackson is so sincere with whatever help I ask him for.

“Okay, I’m going to get ready right now. We’ll meet in an hour.”

I breathed a sigh of relief. I owed Jackson too much. He has been supportive of me when I feel tired to stand with the entire problem that really challenged my heart and feelings. Hopefully, today goes smoothly as I had planned.

*****

Jackson’s phone rang many times. But it was impossible for him, who was bathing, to answer the call that came from god knows who. I do not intend to answer the call on his behalf.

After arriving at Jackson's house, I just sat in his living room. I did not want to disturb him even more. Hearing the phone ring, I remembered about my phone. I deliberately left my phone at home. I’m sure my parents and Mark will contact me after finding out I was not at home. And I certainly do not have the heart to not answer their calls. So I made the decision to ‘forget my phone at home’.

Jackson, with a towel in his hand, jogged to get his phone on a television cabinet. I just watched.

“Jinyoungie, it’s Mark.” Jackson showed the phone screen with the words ‘Jinyoungie’s Husband.’

I smiled at those words. He uses that name? Why did he not put Mark's name? Does he hate that name?

“So?” Jackson asked me what I thought. He was certainly confused, and did not know if he should answer the call or not.

“Just answer it, Jackson. If he asks about me, just say that I was not here with you.” I had to ask Jackson to lie and he actually answered the call.