As I speed off in my car, I can't help but be pissed. I stayed out for nothing. Those idiots almost busted yet another police operation. I wish they'd learn what's a story and what isn't. ~*~ I smile triumphantly, as if I've just won a race. I pocket my notebook and practically skip back inside. I smile at the guys as I pass by them and they know I want something. ~*~ I do not want to move for the rest of eternity. ~*~ ~*~
~*~
Yves
That's not the only reason I'm mad. And it's not just because I'm sick. Oh, I could write it off as that, but then I'd be lying to myself. I'm preoccupied.
With Jimmy.
Suddenly, I don't feel so hot. My eyes grow wide, and I desperately pull my car off to the side of the highway that I got on without realizing. Damn Jimmy. I hurry out of my car as if my life depended on it and bend over. Soon I'm vomiting, and I'm still thinking about Jimmy.
Jimmy
"I've helped you guys out a lot, right?"
Yves
It feels so good lying here on my couch. Closing my eyes, I hold my forehead, which is burning like a furnace, and groan out loud. I let my sickness out now, now that no one's around to see me. I hate appearing vulnerable.
I know I should take some Tylenol or something, but I just don't want to move. My very soul is in pain. I *hate* being sick.
There's a knock at the door, and I bolt upright. Who the hell could that be? I really don't want to put up with anybody. Groaning again, quietly this time, I make my way stiffly to the door. I look through the peephole.....
And gasp.
Jimmy
Why isn't she answering? I knock again, but there's still no answer.
"Yves?" I call loudly, hoping she's in there and that she'll open the door for me. "Yves, are you in there?"
Finally, I hear the sound of many locks being unlocked. Are all hackers paranoid? Does it just come with the territory? Granted, she doesn't have nearly as many as the guys and a few other hackers I've met while with them, but there's still more there than normal.
The door opens a crack, just enough for her head, and, sure enough, she sticks it through.
"Hello, Jimmy." She says quietly. She's trying to be her normal, professional self, but I know it's an act. She doesn't want me to see her vulnerable.
"I brought you more soup." I say cheerily, wondering when she'll let me in. "And some crackers. I saw you really liked them last time, so I brought more this time. I also brought you some flowers. They looked really nice as I passed by them, and I thought to myself, 'Yves deserves those flowers. Those are pretty flowers.' So I bought them. I hope you like them."
I stop talking. I realize I've been ranting. Why hasn't she invited me in yet? Is it because I was talking so much, or because she doesn't want to? Is there.... someone else inside?
Will Yves turn Jimmy down and send him away, or will she invite him in? How did Jimmy find out where she lived? Why am I *still* talking like a reject action show announcer?
To be continued boys and girls....
