The Chief And The Captain - Chapter 18 Eighteen

“So this is for real now? Right?”

Rick, me and Jessie sat face to face at the PubRoom. Although it’s early in the morning, we locked the doors for privacy. Rick and I decided to tell Jessie first before anyone else since she has been with us all the way. She’s also Rick’s best friend so she deserves to know.

She gave us a warm smile.

“Finally.” She murmured, a bit inaudible. ” I can finally move on.”

I was surprised I almost stood up when I saw a tear fall down from her eyes. Despite that, she smiled. Rick held my hand stopping me from going to Jessie to comfort her, embrace her. Moreover to thank her.

I got my happiness in exchange for hers. It pains me too, as her friend.

She quickly wiped away her tears and stood up. “Ok, I’ll leave you two love birds.

She turned and head for the door. “See ya.”

“Bye.” I looked down at my hands in Rick’s. His hands are huge, and rough but they held my hands gently. It was warm, despite my cold shaking hands.

“Why did you stop me?” I asked him.

He shook his head. “The last thing she needs right now is pity.”

I glanced at him, his eyes were distant. “Jessie is strong and proud. ”

“She’s got a heart too.”

“I know. That’s why I stopped you.”

Maybe Rick was right. Maybe if I stood up and wrapped my arms around her she would have cried more. She would have shattered, break. And if I was on her shoes, that would be the last thing I want to happen.

“Maybe you’re right”

He squeezed my hand.

“Ofcourse.” He said proudly. “I’m always right.” He laughed.

I slapped him in the head. “Stupid.” I laughed with him.

“Oh good, you laughed.” He brushed my cheeks with his fingers. “Suits you better.”

I brushed, I’m sure of it, because he laughed harder.

I stared at him nonchalantly.

He kissed the tip of my nose. At the same time the door opened. I forgot that Jessie went out. I turned and saw Lloyed, his mouth hanging open, camera in hand.

Click. Click.

My eyes grew wide.

“Lloyd.” I hissed.

“Heh-eh?” He laughed nervously. “Sorry, out of habit.”

I shrugged. “Well, I guess we can’t deny right?”

I turned to Rick who was giving Lloyd a thumbs up. “You owe me two photos already.”

Lloyd gave a salute. “Yessir. I’ll have it printed and give you copies.”

“What are you doing here anyways?” I asked. It’s early for classes to start and we didnt have any scheduled meetings for the day.

“I just had a feeling I had to go here.”

“Aahh.. press instinct.”

“Exactly.” He turned to leave. “Congratulations. And I won’t tell anyone.”

I heard the door click, then it opened again. “I’m gonna lock the door.” He waved , a mischievous grin plastered in his face.

Rick touched the side of my face and held it close to his. “Now where were we?”

I closed my eyes in anticipation. “Hmm..”

The sweet scent of Rick filled my nose, I inhaled, taking it in as his lips pressed in mine. I’m getting used to the feeling of his hands, his arms, his warmth. I have long forgotten that he’s a guy, like me.

I guess we were lucky that the first two people’s who knew about us were not disgusted. How about the others though? If I tell Janet, or Rick’s brother, or the staff or mom and dad. Especially mom and dad. After what I’ve made them go through five years ago, they might might put me again to therapy.

Rick moved his kiss from my lips to my my forehead.

“You’re frowning” he said. “What are you thinking about?”

I traced the scar in my wrist fighting the urge to scratch it with my nails.

“Hey.” Rick lifted my chin. “Talk to me.”

The anxiety I had built crashed and I burst into tears.