I went straight back to Mort's house despite my conscience telling me now to. I knew my conscience was just thinking of what was best for me but I didn't want what was best for me. I wanted what I wanted and that was to be at Mort's voice. I wasn't sure quite yet why I really wanted to be there but I was sure I would find out soon enough.
When I got back to the house Mort was sitting on the porch smoking a cigerette. I raised an eyebrow walking over to him.
"I didn't know you smoked," I said.
"Oh," he said looking up at me. "I only smoke when I'm stressed out."
"That means sense," I said leaning against the wall. "You shouldn't get stressed over this. I try my best not to let Clover stress me out and you should do the same for Shooter. If we let them do their thing it shouldn't be a problem."
"You don't understand," he said taking a puff of his cigeette.
"They aren't going away," I said. "We aren't ever going to be able to make them go away. We need to learn how to live with them."
Mort didn't answer him. He was just staring off into space as if he was thinking about what I had said. After a minute he turned to me and nodded.
"I think you're right," he said butting his cigerette in the ashtray next to your chair. "Let's just try and live with them."
"Yeah," I nodded. "Do you know where they are now?"
"I think they're upstairs," Mort said. "Why?"
"Because I think should all go to a movie," I said.
He looked at me with surprised look. Was my idea that strange? I thought it was a good idea for the four of us to do something together. Maybe I should have suggested something that didn't need us to go out in public.
"You talk like they are real people," Mort pointed.
"To you and me they are real," I said, "and they act like real people. The only difference between them and real people is we are the only ones that can see them."
"I never thought of that way," he said in a soft voice. "I guess you are right. We should just play along for the time being."
"Do you think I should invite them to go to the movies with us?" I asked.
"I don't see how it can hurt," Mort said.
Then he is blind.
"My conscience won't shut up," I said shaking my head. "Ok. I'll go ask them."
I walked into the house and up the stairs. Shooter was sitting at the desk writing away on the laptop. Clover was standing behind him with her arms wrapped around his neck in a hug.
"Sorry to bother you," I said causing Shooter and Clover to look at me, "but Mort and I were wondering if you wanted to go to a movie with us."
"What are you going to see?" Clover asked.
"I...I don't know," I stuttered. I hadn't thought of that. "Whatever is playing I guess."
"What do you think John?" she asked looking down at Shooter.
"I'd love ta just wait fer me ta finish what I'm writin," he said nodding to the screen.
"Sure," I said trying to get a look at the screen. "What are you writing?"
"It's a surprise," Shooter said blocking the screen with his hand.
"Alright," I said with a laugh. "Mort and I will be waiting on the porch for you two."
"We'll be there in a few minutes," Clover said smiling at me.
I nodded and walked down the stairs.