Chapter 21
After seeing how little Todd seemed to care, JD made a vow to get over him. He kept himself occupied to avoid thinking about the surgeon, which was a little tricky at the hospital; plus a part of him was still curious as to who Todd had a date with. But it was easy enough on his day off, since he didn't have to see Todd. Plus the extra days with Sam gave him something to fill his time so he didn't sit around thinking.
"Look Sam, look at the fish." JD pointed at the window.
He had taken Sam to the aquarium as a happy treat for both of them. JD had insisted on getting shark fin hats from the gift shop before entering. He donned his with a childish pride, while Sam seemed awestruck by it; taking it off to inspect it with curiosity.
Sam stood in front of the window, pointing at a particularly big fish swimming past. He made a noise which JD knew was Sam's signal for amazement. He picked his son up from the ground and led him over to the next window, where some more colourful fish were located.
Sam let out some happy squeals, reaching out towards the glass. He looked back and forth between his dad and the fish as if to be sure JD wasn't missing out on such an amazing thing. Sam clearly liked the colours and the fascination of something new, JD admired the fish for their tranquillity. How they swam around without a care in the world.
Fish didn't need to worry about their mentor turned lover abusing them. Fish didn't go around sabotaging their relationships. Fish didn't have to smile and gradually get over their ex-boyfriends who they were still in love with.
"Though I guess they have to worry about getting eaten by sharks, or whales or sea lions." JD muttered his thoughts aloud.
JD placed Sam back in his stroller and continued showing him all the aquarium had to offer. Sam was clearly enjoying himself, pointing out all the things he liked and smiling, which cheered JD immensely. In fact he'd barely thought about the love triangle all day.
"Okay Sammy, we're approaching the shark tunnel. You want to get out of your stroller?" When Sam made no attempt to move, JD just kept him in but put on the shark fin cap to set the atmosphere.
He walked through the shark tunnel slowly making sure Sam could get a good look. JD had always loved this part of the aquarium; it was like being under water without all the complicated scuba equipment; looking at sharks without having to worry about being attacked. Plus this way he could witness Sam's happiness, hear the clapping and wear an "ultra cool" shark hat.
At the end of the shark tunnel, JD was relieved to find a bench. Pushing Sam over, he took a seat and removed the child from his stroller. Sitting Sam on his lap, JD gave him a cuddle. Together they sat and watched the various windows in front of them, admiring the marine life within.
"Are you hungry?" JD asked as Sam began squirming and whining a little. Pulling out the bottle of apple juice from the side compartment of his back pack, JD proceeded in giving his son a drink.
Suddenly the relaxing moment was put to a stand still. JD dismissed it, figuring that it couldn't be. However, there was no way to deny it.
"Dude, sharks are awesome!"
JD shut his eyes at hearing Todd's voice. He didn't want to turn around, but his automatic instincts forced him too. Before he could turn back and hope that Todd passed, Sam let out a happy squeal.
It drew the attention of Todd and what appeared to be his date. After a moment of shock, JD recognised the girl beside Todd as Nurse Alicia. The two men stared at each other, not knowing how to proceed. Alicia waved at JD, trying to be friendly but the awkwardness was clear on her face. Then there was Sam, who was cheerfully bouncing on JD's knee and pointing at Todd.
JD preyed that they would just go. Suddenly he felt like a huge tool. He couldn't believe that not only was he dateless, but wearing a childish hat. His mind kept screaming and willing them to leave. But to try and prove the tension didn't exist, the pair came over. All three plastered smiles on their faces.
"So, how are you doing JD?" Alicia was the first to break the silence.
"I'm doing fine, Nurse Alicia. How about you?" JD managed to answer.
"Well since I'm off work, it's just Alicia and right now I couldn't feel more uncomfortable."
"It's cool, right JD?" Todd tried to look like he was okay with it all, but JD could spot the nervous foot shuffling a mile away.
JD moved his gaze to Todd. "Why wouldn't it be cool? I mean, you can date whoever you want."
He didn't know if it was just because they were no longer together, but Todd looked exceptionally good. It took all the strength not to beg for forgiveness right there, kiss Todd for the whole world to see or rip his dark blue jeans off. JD was almost lost in the vision when Sam interrupted him, reaching out for Todd.
"Hey is that Sammy? I've heard so much about him. How cute is he!" Alicia leaned down and grabbed the child's hand, trying to change the subject.
Sam turned to the woman grabbing his hand. Then he looked back at Todd, who JD could tell wanted to hold Sam but was stubbornly trying to be apathetic. A rejected look came to the child's face. JD rubbed Sam's back, hoping that he wouldn't throw a fit. Todd put his hands on his hips impatiently, but JD could spot the regret on his face. The tot let out a noise which could only be described as a form of baby growl and pulled his hand from Alicia.
"Looks like someone is grumpy." JD commented, still hoping that Sam wouldn't take the lack of attention from Todd too personally.
"Well we're off to get on with our date. Bye JD, bye Sammy." Todd seemed more than desperate to leave.
"See you later." Alicia waved to them. "Nice matching hats by the way."
Sam stared after Todd, who offered a brief glance back at the father and son before disappearing behind a corner. Sam started letting out little wails. He then alternated his gaze between the direction and his dad. His eyes were asking the question of why it all happened.
JD cuddled Sam to him. "I know, Sammy. But Todd doesn't want to see Daddy anymore and since Alicia is a boyfriend-stealing bitch who says yes to everyone, he moved on a lot faster than originally anticipated." He soothed Sam until the little tantrum subsided.
Sighing, JD tried to let the moment go. He even figured out a way to cheer him and Sam up.
"How about we go through the shark tunnel again? Yes, I think that's a good idea too."
JD sat on his couch, staring at the box with a few of Todd's belongings in it. The moment he'd arrived home he figured it was best to attempt putting things in. It was a slow and hard process. But the box gradually began to fill with pictures, clothes, CDs and various sexual items.
Sam crawled around the floor, playing with the squishy green football and the yellow toy cat that JD desperately wanted to take away from him. But he knew the consequences of that and felt no need to punish Sam for his own mistakes.
Once again the Journey CD was playing softly through the speakers. The image of Todd at the aquarium earlier that day came back to him. JD tried to shake it from his mind, but the surgeon just looked so good.
Feeling Sam tapping his leg, JD looked down and smiled. He picked the child up and sat him on the couch. Of course Sam wouldn't part with the cat toy, gripping it tightly in his hand.
"At least you love me right Sammy; even though you have to go back with Kim in two days." JD pressed a little kiss to his son's forehead.
JD heard a key turn in his door's lock. Without having to see, he knew it was Turk coming to hang out after work. JD quickly switched off the Journey CD, trying to play that he wasn't missing Todd as much as he was.
"Hey, how was the aquarium?" Turk opened the door, letting himself in.
"It was great. It's always great. Sam loved it." JD replied, quickly eyeing the box of Todd's things.
"Packing up Todd's stuff huh?" Turk caught sight of the box, in particular the kitchen tool sticking out. "Why is there a whisk in here?"
"Todd used to like making omelettes or pancakes in the morning. They were always nice and fluffy." JD's eyes glassed over before he took a deep breath and managed a confident face. "That's why I'm packing up everything that reminds me of him, just like he did with me. J-Dizzle is moving on."
A curious Turk couldn't help but rifle through the box. "How many tubes of lube do one couple need?"
"All the flavours smelled nice and fruity." JD explained, looking at a box of paints that Turk pulled out. "Oh the erotic body paint set."
Turk dropped the paints like they were contagious. "Okay, so I'm just going to not touch anything in here anymore."
JD inspected the box. "I think that's nearly everything, except those photo booth pictures. But I look so good in those. I can keep them right?"
"JD." Turk said simply, giving his best friend a look which implied the answer.
"Okay, I'll give them back. But since he gave me a few pictures back, I'll still have some. Ha! I just loop-holed your ass!"
Turk motioned to Sam, sitting on the couch with the yellow cat toy. "Why aren't you putting that in the box?"
"I bought that for Sammy." JD lied, figuring that his best friend wouldn't know and he'd get to keep one Todd reminder.
"JD I was at the arcade when Todd won that to give to you."
"Damn Todd and his skill crane awesomeness!" JD cried out. He sighed before taking a seat on his couch. "Okay, I'm not as over him as I thought."
"I know you're not." Turk moved the box and took a seat in its place. "Just because he had a date doesn't mean he's over you."
"I saw him today. He and Alicia were at the aquarium." JD bit his lip, inhaling a few deep breaths through his nose.
"Alicia? As in Nurse Alicia? That's messed up, I'm sorry buddy." Turk patted JD on the shoulder.
JD gathered Sam onto his lap, trying to distract him some part from the conversation. "They looked kind of cosy. I don't know. But I think we're really over." He put Sam on the floor and stormed off to his room.
"Dude, are you okay?" Turk cried after him, switching his gaze between the kid on the floor and the door to JD's room.
JD came out with a jacket. He dumped it in the box and ran his fingers through his hair. His frustration was visible and as a result Turk backed away slightly.
"Who does she think she is anyway? Can't she see that we could have worked things out?" JD looked at Turk with wide eyes, desperate for an explanation.
"She says yes to everyone that asks her out. Sometime next week she'll have a new date and you and Todd can talk once he's blown off some steam."
JD heard the answer, but wasn't really listening to it. "Nurse Alicia. What is she, Madonna? No last name for me because I can just take your man."
"Her last name is Soprano, but she got sick of all the mafia jokes." Turk explained, standing up and opening his arms to coax JD into a hug. "Now come here."
"I just miss him." JD stepped into Turk's hug, returning it and appreciating the comfort. "Now he's lovin', touchin', squeezin' someone else."
"You've got to lay off the Journey."
"I can't help it. Todd and I used to listen to them together." JD flopped back down on the couch and fingered the sleeve of Todd's leather jacket that lay on top of the box.
"I can't let you sit here and do this to yourself anymore. JD, you either have to go talk to him about all this or you pack up everything that reminds you of him and move on." Turk stated quite firmly.
JD thought about it for a little while. He did want to go and talk it out with Todd, sort things out and hopefully get back together. However, the fear in his mind convinced him that Todd was over him and that moving on was the only option. The two friends sat in silence while JD tried to work it out.
Turk looked at his watch. "If you want to go talk to him, now would be a good time because if memory serves me correctly Alicia is working tonight."
JD's mind lit up. Todd would definitely be alone in his apartment. But once again the fear gripped him and the glimmer of hope faded.
"What if he really has moved on from me?" JD asked. "I don't want to go over there looking like an idiot."
Sam walked over from the corner of the room to the couch. In his hand he held a piece of cloth. He waved it around to get his dad's attention.
JD took the cloth in curiosity, realizing what it was. He smiled at the flame covered surgical hat. "It's one of Todd's favourite doo-rags."
"Even your kid can tell that you miss him." Turk picked up Sam, holding him in front on his face and making a baby voice. "JD, go see The Todd and make up already then on the way home get Turk a bacon cheeseburger."
"Fine! I'll go, as long as you're cool to watch Sam while I'm gone."
"No sweat buddy, we're going to have an awesome time aren't we? Now let's see what's on TV."
JD picked up the box of Todd's stuff, figuring that he had most of it. He couldn't believe all the memories it held. Quietly to himself, he whispered an affirmation in hope that things would work out.
"Why you taking Todd's stuff? I thought you were going to work things out." Turk raised an inquisitive eyebrow at the box.
"This way, if Todd truly has moved on then I don't look like the idiot still hanging on. But if Todd doesn't take his stuff back it leaves us free and open to talk and resume our love. Take that Alicia Soprano!" JD managed a small smile, figuring he had somewhat of a full-proof plan. Then a random thought occurred to him. "Do you think she has any, you know, connections?"
"JD, she's actually really nice. Don't forget, you're the one who made out with another dude."
"You're never going to let that go are you?" JD asked his friend, though he knew the answer.
"Doctor Cox! Man, can you blame me?" Turk replied, holding Sam on his knee and facing the television. "Now stop stalling and get your vanilla butt out of here."
JD didn't know for how long he stood in front of Todd's door, pacing back and forth trying to figure out what to say. His heart was pounding fast with anxious anticipation.
Putting the box on the floor, he picked up the jacket sitting on top. It was still warm, almost as though Todd had just been wearing it; just like it felt when Todd would wrap it around JD when he was cold.
"Just in case." JD muttered to himself, taking one last smell of the jacket and making sure the scent of Todd's cologne and natural musk stayed with him for awhile.
Straightening himself out, JD finally knocked on the door to Todd's apartment. He waited a few moments with no answer, but he could hear movement around inside. Knocking a little louder this time, JD picked up the box and waited.
The few seconds that passed felt like an eternity. JD could hear his own heart pounding in his ears. Still, it couldn't drown out the footsteps that were getting closer to the door yet weren't fast enough. Finally the latch clicked and the door began to open.
JD managed a small smile, to try and compose himself. However any form of confidence was quickly drained when he looked at who answered the door. Alicia stood in front of him, donned in one of Todd's sleeveless T-shirts over the skirt she'd been wearing earlier.
"You're here" was all JD could manage to say; the words coming out in a quivering whisper.
It wasn't just the fact that she was there, but everything that came with it. JD could only imagine that the date went so well, Todd took her for a walk before a romantic dinner. The rest was clear and painted a picture JD didn't want to see in a hurry.
"Look, I'm sorry JD but this is not a good time." Alicia seemed a little conflicted.
JD held the box out to her. "I just bought back some of Todd's things. I figured he'd want them back. Now that it looks like he's clearly over me."
Alicia seemed reluctant to take the box, her eyes pleading. "Don't do this right now. Just wait a day or something. Please."
Finally his emotions overruled him and JD snapped. "Who the heck are you to tell me what to do? You go around just putting it out there for everyone to see."
Alicia was shocked at what JD was implying. "It's not what you think! You and Todd can still work things out and believe me I won't stand in your way."
"I made a mistake! I know I fucked up royally but I really thought we could work things out. Todd is the best thing that ever happened to me and yeah it may sound a little arrogant but I know I'm good for him!" JD snapped at the woman, glaring at her accusingly. "Then you had to go and accept a date knowing full well that you're just a rebound. Just take this stuff." JD threw the box to the ground and stormed away.
Alicia called after him, clearly angry with all happening around her. "Seriously JD, just stop! I understand you're pissed, but if you just stop and listen."
Watching JD walk away, the woman put her head in her hands. If only JD knew the truth. Slowly making her way back to Todd's place, she noticed the stuff on the ground. She gathered the box and took it inside before shutting the door behind her.
Hearing Todd in the bathroom, Alicia knew that the last thing the surgeon needed to see was that JD had returned a box of stuff, even if he had done the same thing days before. Looking around the apartment, she tried to spy a place to hide the box.
Walking over to the couch, she moved it slightly and wedged the box between the side of the couch and the wall. Strategically placing a lamp so that the stuff was mostly hidden from view, Alicia sighed. She knew Todd would find it eventually, just as long as he didn't right then.
NOTE: Awkward! If only JD knew the truth, but what is that exactly? Continue to predict and guess my readers, or wait about a week or two for the next chapter :-D Come to think of it, I think I've only got about five chapters left to write. So on that note, you can expect a few happenings in the next instalments. In the meantime, you can review ;-)