Chapter 9: Conversations and Confusion
After my strange lunch with Cale, musicians I knew (or rather, knew of) kept popping up everywhere. I didn't have another flying lesson for a few days and not a one would answer any of my questions. They just wanted to hang out. Everyone was perfectly nice, but I always got the sense that there was more to their being there than wanting to "hang out". It was both surreal and frustrating, a strange combination.
When the day finally came, I was ready to burst with all the questions floating around in my head. Jack could see it in my face, I knew, because instead of instantly ordering me out the window as usual, he took a seat on the chest in the corner beside it. He looked at me plainly; his eyes betrayed a desire, but for what I couldn't tell. At least this time I had my questions prepared.
"Why is every musician I know suddenly appearing at my doorstep wanting to hang out?"
"They want to get to know you," Jack offered.
I smiled indulgently – he wasn't telling me the whole truth. "That's not why and you know it."
He smiled now and spoke sympathetically, "It's…It's just not something we can discuss yet."
"Yet? When can it be discussed?"
"Soon!" He said, a little exasperated, but still keeping the conversation light.
I sighed.
"Look," he said, "I'll tell you this, I just don't want you going out alone anymore, alright?"
"Why?"
"Please, Judy, just do this for me." He stood up, one hand behind his head playing with his hair.
"Ok," I said quietly. "But can I ask you one more question?"
He looked up quickly with a trace of fear, "Of course."
"On the night you made me…"
"Yes."
"When…when you kissed me. Was it part of the ceremony…or was it you?"
He looked a little taken aback. I knew it was too good to be true. But then he smiled that same smile he would give when he caught me in the air. He came and took me in his arms, holding me tight. He chuckled a little, and said into my hair, "It was all me."
He tilted my chin up and kissed me again. I don't think I've ever smiled so much, so hard, in my life.
Now that Jack and I were officially an item, the smirks increased among the musicians I met. Not malicious, just amused. In time Jack began replacing them in their "shifts" as I liked to call it. Jack didn't like the word; he'd swat at me and pull me into a bear hug every time I mentioned it. I'd laugh and console him with a kiss and all would be right again.
Thursday night, yet again I was stuck with my history textbook. Too much to read and not enough time. It was almost eleven when multiple knocks came at my window. Wondering what in the bloody hell could be going on, I went and opened it up. Jack and all his bandmates piled into the room, rowdy as ever. Jack had revealed his ability to effectively knock people out with touching them (and without doing them harm, mind you) earlier, so I wasn't worried about waking anyone.
"What are you all doing here?" I asked, a little annoyed at the stress and intrusion.
"Come on," said Cole, flopping down on my bed, "We're going to a party!"
"No…no, I have to do history – you guys are going to a party."
"Nope," said Jack, snaking his arm around my waist, "You're coming if I have to drag you there!"
"You just might…" I said under my breath.
"Heard that."
"I know."
Meanwhile, Abel and the now standing Cole were rifling through my drawers looking for clothes. I would have protested, but Jack wasn't letting me go anywhere.
"Come on, guys, really! I have work to do!"
"Do it later, don't worry about it!" Mark said from the corner.
"Yah," Cole laughed, "Jack'll make your teachers forget!"
"That's not the point!"
They all gave me a look.
"Ugh, fine! Jack, let me go." He loosened his grip and I pulled my jeans and a t-shirt out of Cole and Abel's hands. Still scowling, I stomped over to the bathroom and closed the door.
Just as I closed it I heard, "Don't think you can hide in there!"
I came out dressed, hands on my hips, and said, "Let's get this over with, shall we?"
"Don't sound so excited…" Cole mocked; I smacked him on the shoulder.