When Universe Conspires

7 - Puzzle

(Lisa)

After about 10 minutes of photo ops, Jennie was finally done. Don't get me wrong, I understand her nature of work. She's a model, a celebrity for God's sake! She will surely get recognized in public places. She became well known since the Top Model show she competed on. It was shown all over the world. So, I don't complain about waiting for her to finish taking pictures with her fans. She's too kind not to accommodate them all. All I'm worried about is me being with her right now. This can be nothing at this moment, I am totally off the radar. But how about if this escalates?

My thoughts were cut short by a gentle tap on my shoulder. I saw a sweet smiling Jennie. "Sorry about that, we can go now", she said.

"No, it's okay, don't worry", I gave her a tight lipped smile.

I hurried my way to the elevators not noticing that I'm walking way too fast and I unintentionally left her a few steps behind. She looked confused, trying to keep up with me.

I slowed down a bit and she linked her arm with mine once she reached me, "Heyyy, I'm sorry. I can't tell them no. Fans are important to me".

"It's not that. I just..I mean.. I understand your situation..", I told her while absentmindedly taking off her arm on mine. It's my body doing things automatically when I'm worried about something. I didn't mean to do that.

I saw her frown at my gesture. Maybe it hurt her. I can see it in her eyes. I was going to apologize when she walked ahead of me and I tried to keep up with her. I was able to reach her when we were already inside the elevator. There are two other people inside, so both of us didn't speak.

I pressed my unit floor, 27. The others pressed 30 and 45. Dang, I can't talk to her until we reached my floor.

Ding! Elevator doors opened and she hurriedly went outside, I tried to chase after her again. Before even reaching my unit door, I said, "Jen..please.. I'm sorry if I upset you".

She looked at me still hurt, "Are you ashamed to be seen with me?"

I opened the door to my unit, she went in first stomping her feet. I said, "What?? Nooo! Of course not! That's not it. I swear I didn't mean to do that. I didn't mean to make you feel that way".

"Then why? Why did you leave me, you walked like you need to stay away from me then when I linked arms with you, you removed it" she argued.

"I'm sorry. You got it wrong. I am not ashamed to be seen with you. Ashamed is not the right word. I'm.. I'm scared. I'm afraid to be seen with you" I confessed bowing down my head.

"Scared? Why would you be scared??" she asked with confusion in her voice.

"There's a lot about it. I don't know if I will be able to tell you the real reason. You will not understand unless I told you my story" I countered.

"Then tell me your story. I will listen. You can try me. I will try to understand as much as I can" she pleaded.

"I don't know Jen.." I said unsure.

"You don't trust me do you?" she asked now bowing her head in disappointment.

Oh God. How can I explain this without giving her the whole story and not hurting her at the same time? I don't like an upset Jennie. It's not a pretty look on her. It also hurt my feelings seeing her like that. What is this woman doing to me? Why do I suddenly have to care? I just met her. Damn.

I held her shoulders and made her look at me, she did. I said, "Jen, please listen to me. It's not about trust. I trust you ok? There's a bigger picture here that I'm not ready to talk about. If only I can tell you right away, God knows I will. But there are things that are hard for me to talk about. I wasn't lying when I told you I don't have friends, I'm basically a loner. I have no one. I'm quite surprised I was able to hold a decent conversation with you. It's been a long time since I talk to a person having normal conversations and not about work. The point is, I want to tell you about me. There are just some things to consider before doing that. Important things. Please Jen..it's more complicated than you think" I explained.