When Tis Done – Part 28

As they are heading to meet Chase and Marissa, Brian and Jordan have a very frank talk about their relationship.

Brian nodded, biting his thumb. “That’s one reason—I know I sound like a total asshole, okay? But that’s one reason I feel so compelled….”

“To make love? Because you don’t want to die a virgin? Get a grip, Casey!”

“Not that, Jordan. To show you how much I love you. One or the other of us could die, and we haven’t shared that yet. I know that our dads were with other girls, but I don’t want anyone but you. I can’t imagine my life without you, and I can’t even think of taking that step with any other girl.”

Jordan stifled a sob. She’d thought all this time that it was just the typical teenage guy desire, but it was much more than that. She could feel it in his words.

“I’m worried about what’s coming, Jordan. This is more than we’ve ever faced before. The dreams are getting more real, but they’re still vague. I don’t have many details. I just know that there is a very real possibility that one of us could die. I listened to my dreams this morning, and I kept saying the same thing over and over. I looked it up, it’s a quote from Macbeth. If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well It were done quickly.“

“What does it mean?”

“It’s during one of Macbeth’s big speeches. He’s talking about killing Duncan and the right and wrong of it. He’s trying to justify killing a man who doesn’t really deserve to die. His wife wants him to. She’s an ambitious bitch. Macbeth is happy with his position and likes his king. I have no idea why it’s important to us. I don’t think that particular aspect is the thing. I think it’s the quote itself. It’s telling us to make a quick end of the evil—at least, I think so. Every night, for three nights, I’ve said that at least three times. Freaky, because I don’t do that. I might have the same quote, or the same dream, but never like this. Never this emphatic.”

“Have you told your folks?”

Brian shook his head. “I can’t yet. I have to know more.”

“You should tell them.”

“If I say something now, they’ll freak. Not that this doesn’t deserve a freak-out moment. But something compels me to keep it quiet.”

“You told me.”

Brian glanced at her as he drove. “Yeah. You’re my mate, Jordan. I don’t have secrets from you.”

“You didn’t tell me about jangle balls,” she teased.

Brian blushed. “Not exactly something I feel comfortable sharing with you when we aren’t having sex yet. Kind of keep those details to myself.”

Jordan giggled as they pulled into the parking lot of the historical society building. Though the building had been damaged during last year’s freak storm, the city had rebuilt the historic site. Now, the files that Cliff had so painstakingly collected and copied, were housed here once more.

Chase and Marissa were already there. Brian parked next to Chase’s car. The door stood open, but they didn’t hear anything as they walked in.

“Hello?” Brian called.

They heard noises in the office, sort of scuttling and a thump. Brian held up his hand, signalling Jordan. Moving silently, they made their way toward the office together, flanking the door. Brian turned the knob slowly, easing the door open. It swung silently inward. Suddenly, it crashed back and Chase stood in the doorway with a huge book, raised to swing. His shirt was untucked and unbuttoned. Lipstick smeared his face and his hair was in disarray. When he recognized Brian and Jordan, he looked relieved, but embarrassed. Jordan punched him, making him yelp.

“What’s that for?”

“Having some girl here just to get your rocks off!”

“It’s not what you think!”

“How do you know what I think?”

“You think I’m cheating on Marissa.”

“Because you are!”

“No, he’s not,” Marissa said, coming up behind him. She was dressed, but her hair was a mess and her lipstick was smeared.

“Oh, my God! Did we? Were you?” Jordan blushed, turning away.

“Just kissing,” Marissa said. “I swear. “Well, maybe a little more than kissing, but nothing bad. It’s just, we finally came to an understanding….” She smiled at Jordan, taking her hands, hopping excitedly. “I didn’t know it was so much fun!” She took Jordan aside, babbling excitedly about her relationship with Chase.

Strangely, Jordan didn’t mind. She was glad to see that they had resolved some of their differences. Marissa was still not her most favorite person, but at least she was less of a stick. When the girls had gone, Brian held out his knuckles to Chase. They exchanged a secretive tap.

“It’s not everything,” Chase murmured. “But it’s more than I had yesterday.”

“Just give her time, dude. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

© 2017 Dellani Oakes

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