I am Jack's sudden realization that something is completely wrong.
Waking up with Marla Singer draped over my chest is the very last place I've ever wanted to be. The stench of sex still lingers around the room along with the smoldering of her cigarette in the ashtray. Burnt filter is a vile smell.
She stirs beside me, mumbling expletives in her sleep that would make a sailor blush and I try to shift out from under her grasp. To no avail.
"Don't go, Tyler."
What?
"Though, I prefer the name Cornelius. Or even Rupert. Stupid names."
I am in deep shit. She thinks I'm him?
Fuck, man. You haven't figured this out, yet? I'm disappointed. I hear him laugh in my head and he suddenly appears at the foot of my bed. Uh, his bed. Shit! He's still wearing the yellow rubber gloves he had on earlier and again fiddling with his stupidly perfect belly button. Doesn't he know where those have been? My stomach rolls and I attempt to form words.
Save it, I know what you're thinking.
"Man, I don't have any idea what's going on," I start. It sounds stupid in my own head, but I don't know what else to do and I didn't want to know how closely nearby he kept the rubber bands and scissors.
"Who are you talking to?" she asks my neck. She's still out. Still in her sex coma.
You think I'm worried about it? Wake her up, I bet she won't be surprised to find you here.
No!
I look at her sleeping peacefully and envy her. Fucking insomnia.
Her hair is in her eyes and tickling my shoulder. Something shifts and I'm less revolted by the sight of her. Who am I kidding? I find her fascinating and more than a little entertaining. Even I can't fool myself into thinking I actually hate her.
Now you're starting to come around. You just needed me to find the jewels you already had to get her.
"Stop talking to yourself, you're not making any sense. Come to sleep, Tyler."
She already knows who you are, you should too.
When I looked back, he was gone.
She lifted her head and looked me squarely in the eye. "Would you shut up already and let me enjoy this? Always over thinking everything. You really are delusional."
I nodded as there were no other words to be said and she promptly passed out again. I could do this. I could be him.
You are me, dumbass.
I am me.
I am Jack's canary eating grin.
Thanks for reading.
