~*~
Yves
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.
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 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've helped you guys out a lot, right?"
~*~
Yves
I do not want to move for the rest of eternity.
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....