Chapter 10- Home?
I woke up in Cole's arms. The first thing I saw was his face covered with worry.
Cole: I thought I gave you a heart attack.
Normally I would have laughed at the phrase, but this wasn't meant to be a joke and I certainly wasn't up to laughing. I tried to pick out images. There was Cole and old tables. I was still at work. We were alone, like before, and something made me feel uncomfortable. Maybe being held in such an awkward position. I was sprawled across Cole's lap and my hands were clutching each other behind his neck, in fear I'd loose balance and fall. Or maybe it could be the rejection. I looked up at him, me eyes were watering. There were too many things that caused this to mention, so I couldn't conclude more.
Me: I need a place to go. To stay. For a few days…maybe more.
My voice broke while speaking the last sentence. Cole looked at me sadly. There was more pity in his eyes then I could imagine. He forced himself to look away. He was going to say something hard, I could tell. The way his chin firmed meant that he couldn't bare something. I wished that he'd just take me away. To a foster home, maybe. I probably didn't have the qualifications for that sort of thing, but I needed to get away.
Cole: T.S.B. I can't let you come to my place. It's not safe. I wouldn't hurt you.
Me: I know. I thought that you might know about somewhere that I could go. Do you know about any homes?
Cole: Melinda! No! Don't you dare say that! I would never let you go to a home. Never! You aren't going to leave me. You aren't. You aren't. You aren't. You can't leave me! No! You're not going-
Me: Cole, I won't leave you. Not if I have a choice, but I do need somewhere to stay. I'm not welcome at home.
Cole: There's always the auto place. I'm sure that you'd be able to stay there safely. I'll take you there right now if you want.
Me: Thank you Cole. Thank you so much! You're going to have to postpone that drive for a few minutes though. You're going to want to come with me.
I grabbed Cole's hand, pulled him through the backdoor and stared intently at our boss until I was close enough to speak to him. He wasn't going to expect this. Cole stayed back a ways while I kept enclosing the space between my target and me. Once I was in reach of the boss I smacked the clipboard out of his now unsteady hands.
Boss: What the heck! You're not supposed to be here miss Sordino. If someone says they're going to be gone that's what I expect. Now, go pick that up!
Me: [mockingly] What are you going to do if I don't? Dock my pay? Fire me? Well, I quit! You are an evil man that wears too tight clothing and needs to get a hobby. Maybe golf would suit a man your age. As far as your managing goes, you suck! I'm sorry I don't exactly have a great vocabulary for this but you treat everyone like crap. I'm amazed your bitterness doesn't rot the potatoes. Oh, and- clean your own dang toilets!
He looked confused at first, but then I saw a vein pop out of his neck and he began to turn colors. Now was the time to leave. Cole looked amazed. The only thing he could do was escort me to his car and smile.
Me: So, what did you think of that?
Cole: [smirking] I never knew something so innocent could hate so much.
Me: What would you say if I weren't so innocent after all?
Cole: I'd tell you that danger is intriguing.
Me: What about if I said-
Cole: No. The first rule to danger is to limit questions, you wouldn't want to disclose too many facts about yourself. Second, look evil at all times. Third, never trust anyone.
Me: Whatever you say, Batman.
We both chuckled, but I deserved to chuckle more at my own pathetic joke. Considering I had though of this days prior. The poll barn looked homey. I easily picked a wall and leaned against it.
Cole: The owner is conveniently on vacation this week, so you're safe for now. Is there anything you want?
I sighed. My mind had already gone over what I wanted, but I'd have a very hard time getting anything I wanted, I'd just have to settle for what I needed. I could go without the basics- toothbrush, soap, blankets.
Me: I'd need a change of clothes. Maybe breakfast tomorrow. Otherwise I think I'll be fine.
Cole: I can get you clothes, but they might have to be a few of mine. I don't recall Cynthia leaving any clothes behind. I don't know if I can bring you breakfast tomorrow, but I'll bring lunch, okay?
I nodded. Cole was a saint. A saint surrounded by demons.
Cole: I'll be back tonight.
Before his departure, he leaned in and gently kissed my forehead.
Me: Thank you, Cole.
It wasn't hard to entertain myself while Cole was gone, I started by memorizing the various tools on the walls. Once my brain started to hurt I walked outside to see every one of the five hundred and thirteen cars. Through all of this, I got very exhausted. I took a very quick nap and when Cole found me I was laying down and staring at the early stars.
Cole: Beautiful, aren't they?
Me: Yeah, I'd never be able to see them at my house. Out here it's so quiet and separated. I like it.
Cole: That's a very good thing.
Cole handed me a bag. I immediately searched through it. There were a few t-shirts and shorts. I could also see a blanket. Cole was a wonderful saint.
Cole: I'll stay here for the night if you want me to. I'm not looking forward to going home tonight.
I didn't pause a second.
Me: Please stay!
Despite the time I was incredibly tired and I needed sleep desperately. I laid on the hard floor and covered up in the blanket. Soon, I noticed that Cole was hovering over me. The least I could do was share covers with him. The last thing I remembered were Cole's hands around me and then sleep clouded my vision and despite everything, I was smiling.
In the morning I could tell Cole was gone. My body was cold and I stood up, still huddled in the blanket. There was a piece of paper by the door. My hands picked the paper up and began to read the note that had been from Cole, no doubt.
Mel-
I'm so sorry. I can't do this. I'm going to try and catch a rid up to the cities and maybe I'll get into a home. I can't stand living like this anymore. I advise you go home to your parents and apologize. Whatever they've done I'm sure they are sorry for it. I've only caused you harm Melinda. I am very sorry for that. Smoking is bad and you should give it up. I don't know if I'll ever see you again, but maybe that'll be good. I'm a terrible influence. You're probably where you are now because of me. I hope things work out for you. I care. Melinda- you and I are very different people. You're too good for me. Stay with your boyfriend…Petrakis. Go home. Start drawing again. Get a new job. Don't let me ruin you any more. I care for you Melinda, I care.
T.S.B. Cole~
(WOWO! Short chapter, so many things happen! Tune in for more! Things will explain themselves later… but until then…peace\/love/\see ya!