Part 10; Caffeine

Jenna Turner

My phone was ringing, I opened my eyes. Looking at it, I put it on silent and put it back on the pillow next to me. "Well, there goes sleeping." I sighed. Sitting up in bed, I turned on the TV. The news was quite bland, the weather was so close to boring myself to death. Standing up, I went to my bag, changing out of my clothes into a red tank top and denim shorts. It was supposed to be very warm today, so I was dressing for the occasion. I didn't bother with make up, seeing as I wouldn't be running into anyone I know. Putting away my things, I brushed my hair until it looked presentable. Slinging my messenger bag on my shoulder, I left the room and made sure I locked the door behind me. Returning to the massive lobby, I returned my card to a [different] clerk and left the hotel.

Even though I knew it wasn't very safe to do, I decided to start learning the streets of Manchester the old fashioned way: by walking around aimlessly. Turning a few corners and crossing countless streets, I found myself inexplicably lost. But, it was still early afternoon and I had been staying in the areas that seemed safest.

Turning another corner, I felt someone gently grab me by the arm. Immediately pulling away, I turned around and saw a familiar face. I was standing in front of the man who had visited our house. It was my ex boyfriend.

"Jenna… What are you doing here?" he smiled, pleasantly surprised to see me. My heart thudded loudly and I could hear the blood rushing in my ears.

"Uhh, I have to go." I stammered. I was supposed to stay away from him. He was dangerous, even though he didn't seem like it.

"Oh, come on, Jenna. Don't be like that. I know that Dougie probably told you some bad things about me. But, don't listen to what he's told you. You don't need to be afraid of me." he seemed like a nice guy, and he had to be a good person if I had dated him. Well, I assumed he would be a good person; I could've gone through a rebellious phase, but he didn't seem like that type either.

"This may sound bad, but… What's your name again?" I asked timidly. I could feel my cheeks burning and hoped they weren't red.

"It's Gabriel, but everyone calls me Gabe." he stuck out his hand and I hesitantly shook it. "What exactly are you doing in Manchester anyway?" Gabe laughed, running a hand through his short black hair. I bit my lip, fumbling for an answer.

"I wanted a vacation." I lied, hoping he would believe me. He took the bait, laughing even harder.

"You wanted a vacation… so you come to Manchester? You haven't changed a bit!" he shook his head. I wasn't quite sure what he meant by that, but smiled anyway. "So which hotel are you staying at? I can drive you back to it, if you want."

"Umm… none. I only checked into the hotel for one night." I played with a lock of my hair, embarrassed.

"Well, it's getting pretty late. If you want, you can crash at my place for a night or two. It's not that far from here." Common sense told me no, that I could go find another hotel. But, I wondered if it was only because of the things Dougie had told me. Gabe didn't seem like such a bad guy, actually he seemed pretty nice.

"Umm… okay. Thanks." I murmured. Even though I didn't remember him, I somewhat trusted him, against everything that I had been told. We walked a small distance to a black car. He sat in the driver's seat while I stood outside the car for a moment. It became apparent to me that he wasn't going to open the door for me, so I opened it myself. I didn't know why I expected him to, maybe it was something that Dougie did or something like that.

We drove for a few minutes, maneuvering through heavy traffic. Parking in front of a large apartment building and got out of the car. I didn't assumed this time and followed him. He chattered while we walked up the stairs, but I didn't pay much attention, simply nodding and murmuring agreement as we walked. He turned down a hallway and stopped. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a set of keys. Grinning at me, he unlocked the door. Holding open the door for me, Gabe waved me in his apartment. I looked around, surprised be how big it was.

"This is yours?" I murmured. Gabe smiled, chuckling.

"Yes, this is mine. I didn't steal someone's keys. You used to live here too, you know." Gabe showed me the room I'd be sleeping in and I put my bags in there. Looking around the apartment some more, Gabe suggested that I should go check out the nearby Starbucks. I shrugged, grabbing my purse.

Exiting the building, I walked in the direction of the Starbucks. I checked my phone, seeing that there were a few missed calls. They were from Dougie. I felt bad for not answering, knowing tha he was definitely worried. I paused, shaking my head. No, Jenna. You told him to forget you. You should do the same thing.

I entered the café, which was practically deserted. There were a few stragglers, absorbed in their own lives. I walked to the counter and ordered a vanilla cappuccino. Then, I went to go sit at a table that was farther off from the rest. The barista came with my order and I thanked her. A few minutes passed while I waited for the steaming cup to cool down. A hand brushed by my shoulder, making me jump. I turned around to see Danny behind me, who looked surprised but very happy.

"Oh, it is you, Jenna! What a surprise to see you here!" He pulled me out of my chair and into a hug. I awkwardly hugged him back. "Why did you leave, Jen? Doug's been pretty worried, you know… Actually, I've got a great idea. We'll go see him!" Danny seemed quite pleased with himself for finding me. I didn't have time to get a word in,

Danny dragged me outside the Starbucks, leaving my untouched coffee on the table. He walked to his car, opening my door. I sat in the passenger's seat. Danny quickly jogged to the other side, and started driving back towards the uptown area. Danny was talking about anything and everything, until he noticed me not answering. He looked at me and smiled sadly. The rest of the journey was in silence, which suited me fine.

After a little bit, he parked in front of a glamorous hotel and led me inside. We got on the elevator and Danny pressed their room floor. We went up and said nothing. Then, Danny pulled out his phone and dialed a number quickly. He didn't say much, but I knew he was talking to Dougie.

"I bet he'll be happy to see you. He's been driving the rest of us up the walls." Danny smiled. I bit my lip, lowering my head. This wasn't exactly what I wanted. But, I didn't really say no, because I liked Danny. And he was just trying to be nice, I knew that. But, seeing Dougie wouldn't be very good.

"Oh. I see."

The elevator doors opened, Danny telling me that Dougie was on this floor, and that if I needed anything that I should call him. I got off the elevator. The hallway was quiet. Leaning against the wall, I was tempted to get back in the elevator and call another taxi to take me to Gabe's apartment. But, there was footsteps behind me and I heard an all too familiar voice.

"Jenna?"