Jake at UCSF pt.2

"Which one do you fancy, the SiFi or the comedy?" "I recall you liked SiFi so lets go check that out, and if it's too horrendous I will make you sit through a Danish film next time" she said laughing. "I liked that Danish one we saw, what was it,……. oh yes, "Italian For Beginners" it was excellent, quite a quirky comedy, the characters were great, believable too, you could relate to their problems, and if I recall you developed a crush on the lead player, the one who was always trying to get his hair cut". "oh gosh, what a memory, mind you he was pretty darn cute, gave you a bit of a scare, thought he'd stolen my affections; I was always teasing you talking about that film " "HIM" we both laughed.

It had been great to hear her friendly, familiar voice when I had called to set up a day to meet to go to the movies. I couldn't believe it that night seeing her again. I can't explain how I felt about her, it was a strange experience, just chatting to her about old times, someone whom I'd dated so long, whom I'd been intimate with; yet despite our break up, the conversation had flowed so easily, as if we had never parted; it didn't feel awkward, it felt right.

"I must admit that was a pretty good story, the special effects were fantastic; so no need to worry Jake, you're spared the continental film for now." "Actually I was reading a review of a French film that sounds interesting, would you fancy going to see it next week, we could go for a bite to eat before as it's not on until 9.30 pm." "yes, I'll let you know what evening would suit me best; do you have a cell phone? (I nodded) ok let me load the number on mine and I will call you."

I waited with her until her bus came; then made my way back to campus. As I sat on the bus, staring out of the window, my thoughts drifted back to Abby. What was she doing now, was she working, at home, did she ever think of me? It seemed at odds to be thinking this way having just left Laura; but for me at this point in time, we were pals, nothing more; old acquaintances renewing our friendship. I had done nothing to be guilty of, yet why did I feel as though I was betraying Abby ?

"So what's this I hear about Laura and you? Jenny tells me you've been out a few times; mind you, you didn't waste much time snucking out of the gig that night, couldn't wait to be alone ?" "we're not dating, just seeing one another" "there's a difference?". " Yes. It's not like that, were old friends from high school, besides what is it to do with you, why the sudden interest?" " 'cause Jenny's known Laura for the past year, they started their gyne. internship together, and she tells me Laura's not had a serious boyfriend in all that time, just occasional dates, then suddenly you appear and she's out with you all the time". "Is this to satisfy YOUR interest or Jenny's?" "whom do you think? you know what women are, they love delving into this stuff". "Can we drop this subject please,… now, what time is Josh coming to pick us up for the game?". "don't think I'm gonna drop it just 'cause you change the subject to sports" he said laughing, "I'll get some more out of you".

"Did you tell Jenny we were dating?" Jake's tone seemed rather serious. "NO, she asked me if I had seen you since the gig, I said we'd gone out a few times to the movies, why?" "Steve has been quizzing me about us; I told him we were old friends from high school, I never said we'd dated, did you?" "No, honestly, I haven't mentioned that". There was obviously something on his mind, so I took the plunge and said, " Jake, can I ask you something. When I asked if there was someone special you never answered, is there?" I noticed he hesitated before answering. "Yes, but no;…. …it's complicated". "Is she married? Oh, ….. do you mind my asking?" "I wouldn't expect less of you, Miss Inquisitive, didn't I used to call you that" "no, Miss Nosey" (I lied) it got him to laugh at least. "If you don't want to talk about it, it's ok". "she's not married, she's someone I met at the hospital; but it ended awkwardly, strangely, I…I don't even know how to describe it, I'm still in……….; I still care about her, think about her……sorry I shouldn't be saying this to you…" "It's ok, ….listen if you want to talk I'm here." "thanks", was all he said.

It was pretty obvious to me that he wasn't over her; was he feeling guilty because he was seeing me? Nothing was going on between us, but I must admit I felt stirrings of my affection for him beginning again. He was such a great guy, so dependable, thoughtful, funny, intelligent, with such a thirst for knowledge, he always amazed me with his diverse interests; that's what I loved about him. Yes, I had been in love with him, and I kicked myself for how it ended, it shouldn't have been like that, but I can only say in my defence I was lonely; we went for weeks not seeing one another that last year; it was so easy to let my friendship with Paul develop to more than that. I wasn't proud of what I had done; I think deep down I always regretted it.

"I forgot to tell you earlier, I have a few days break due, so my parents are coming weekend after next for five days; I told them I had met you again, they were quite surprised, we must all go out for dinner together." "Are you sure, " "Of course, they wouldn't forgive me if they knew you were here and they didn't see you". "That would be lovely, then yes I would like to join you, did you have anywhere in mind, it's just I know a lovely little place I think they would like and it's not expensive, someone recommended it to me and I had a delicious meal there." "Ok I will let you be the guide on the venue, do you think we could make it either the Saturday or Tuesday their first or last nights?" . "I'll look up my schedule, if your sure either of those days suit I will call and book a table as it's quite popular. By the way where are they going to stay?" "I thought they could stay in my room on campus, it will be a bit cramped, they can have the bed it's queen size, and it's got a bathroom, which is all they will want; and I have asked them to borrow Mike's sleeping bag and camping mat, I can use those for the few days, I'll sleep on the floor; it just seems wrong to put them up in a hotel." "Jake you can't do that, honestly, what were you thinking of. I know what we can do; you stay at my place and I will live in your room for those few days; your not working so it doesn't matter. I don't have a big apartment, but at least it has a separate bedroom for them, and you can sleep on the couch, plus it has a small kitchen, so you will be in your element. You still like cooking I take it". "I couldn't impose on you like that". "Don't be daft, think of your poor Mum. Your on early tomorrow aren't you, so why don't you come over and take a look, it' s a bit further out, but transport is good to the city; what do you say to coming over for a meal as well,…. I know don't faint". "You cook!" he laughed. " I have actually learnt to cook instead of just warming up a pizza" I giggled. "This I have to see, you at the stove, cooking". "I just do simple things, to me it's a chore, but you loved cooking I remember, so let me impress you with my skills for a change, it will be edible I promise" I said laughing.