Unhinged √

8.

The walls we build around us to keep sadness out also keeps out the joy.
- Jim Rohn

      I wasn't allowed to leave the hospital until the next day because the doctor wanted to observe me some more, like there was more that could happen. I didn't mind, there was no one waiting for me at home and the white walls of the hospital created an illusion of serenity.

Albert and I had argued a little over the bill after Jake left. He had this whole picture in his head of us all being best buddies in the future and how he was just laying the foundation.

"Need a ride?" Jake asked from the door of the ward.
I pulled my shirt on, then stood up.
"You didn't have to come back, I can find my way home". He easily leaned on the door frame.
"I'm hoping you do". He said softly and I knew he wasn't talking about my shitty apartment.

"Where is your... " I trailed off.
"Albie? He wanted to come get you himself but he had to work".
"He works?" Of course he did, every white dude with a rich daddy insists on working for some reason.

"Yeah. He got a job at that karaoke bar, said he was tired of being bored at home. He was pretty comfortable sitting at home all by himself but now he'd rather leave me in that large apartment to... "
He paused suddenly and gave me a shy look.

He looked about ready to apologize for spilling the tiniest detail of his relationship to me of all people but I brushed it off. I had sort of been expecting it, Jake never had any problems talking about the people and things he loved and Albert was now one of them. I wasn't anymore.

      I groaned when I saw the pink Porsche in the parking lot.
"You used to have one of this, don't bitch". He said as he unlocked the car.
"Yeah but it wasn't freaking pink".
"I don't see how yellow is any more subtle".
Okay fine, I like yellow. Is that a crime?

"What happened to your car anyway?" He asked as we pulled out of the hospital.
"Sold it". Luckily for me, he left it at that.
The silence that stretched out between us wasn't calming or from the lack of things to talk about. I had a lot of questions and I knew he had his as well but I realized sometimes, it's better not to ask.

He had the music blaring at full volume but he wasn't singing along to the songs I was sure he knew. I was making him uncomfortable, Jake never stayed quiet for more than five minutes but he was for the entire ten minutes ride to my place.

I muttered a small thanks as he dropped me off but he opened his door too and got out. I stared at him quizzically but he just gave me a challenging look of his own and walked into the building. He waited beside me while I opened the door and strutted in without waiting for an invitation.

The place was a mess;  the tiny table had been tipped over and our three half eaten pieces of cake sat there rotting.
"Charm". Jake said as he took a seat on the armchair.
"I haven't exactly been disposed to clean up".

"You mean like you always do?" He asked with a smirk and I remembered nights when I had snuck his huge ass into my room.
"I am not a pig". I stated.
"Of course not, only a swine".
I was going to bash him but his phone chose that moment to ring.

"Hey sunshine". He said into the phone. I felt my heart pick up speed and not in a pleasant way.
I tore my eyes away from him, deciding to clean the apartment up a bit because regardless of what Jake Levinson say, I am not a pig.