I crossed my arms and lifted my brow, a little smirk was still present on my face but I was trying to hide it, waiting for the man to continue.

He looked at his lap, obviously fazed by my look. It's actually a good feeling to see someone getting at least a little intimidated because most people I know dig out humor in the intense looks I throw or well attempt at.

"Now you're not leaving?" he asked, looking out of the window. He nervously laughed trying to lighten the situation but I was having fun, it was honestly entertaining to see him flustered. He was obviously joking about the date thing but the reaction I gave made it appear as though I took the joke seriously and now he was feeling awkward.

"Not till you repeat yourself" I stated, failing to hide my smile.

He threw his hands up, "Okay jeez, I was messing around but you see the coincidences of how the universe is struggling to call an innocent hangout a date. Although I mean, I could've done things so much better than that if it was wanted so bad but it was... creepy" he said and exhaled a breath.

I laughed ruffling his hair, "Yeah, seemed weird. Don't worry Matty Batty I know you were kidding because there couldn't be a date none of us knew of. It was just a weird series of incidences. Quite freaky if you ask me."

He shook his head chuckling and yawned, "When are you deciding to go back?" he asked, resting his head against the headrest.

"Probably till the end of the weekend. You?" I asked, running my finger through the glass uniting the fog droplets. I mindlessly dragged my fingers but my eyes widened when I saw the letter 'G' that I made. I immediately morphed it into the shape of a cloud because I didn't know what else to do. I was losing my mind, quite literally.

"Not sure yet. Depends on the work and meetings truly, if I'm done sooner, we can go together. Yeah?" he offered. I looked at him blank, till I realized what he was talking about.

I would have work to do on Monday, so I'll have to leave and it's good if Matt would go that time around. I nodded, "let me know after you reach the place. You look tired and you don't wanna stay. Take care Matt and thanks again" I said.

"No problem but now that you've left your phone, how would I contact you?" he asked. Realization clashed on me and it made me so uneasy knowing that there couldn't be anyway I'd be able to contact Gabriel now either.

"Oh yeah, pass me your phone, I'll add Jerdy's number" he handed me his cell and I punched in the number and got off the car with my bags.

He saluted me through the windshield and I waved him goodbye. I sighed, taking in the very familiar and oddly heartwarming place, my house.

Ringing the bell, I bounced on my feet. I was jittery, very visibly. As the door parted, I pounced and wrapped my arms around the one who opened the door. Clutching my arms tighter around Jerdy only made me want to scream. He felt the same as forever, warm and cuddly.

Now that I was here with him was when it dawned on me how crazily I missed him. He was my family, my rock. Someone I'd turn to, who'd support me and had in past.

"Bunny! You're here" he said and I could hear the smile in his words. He missed me and I him. It's when you meet your dearest is when you realize nothing in the world could beat the feeling of being close to them. Of having to breathe in the scent, the smell of home.

I sighed and just remained in his embrace until i felt him stiffen. As I pulled back there was a certain fear in his eyes and he was about to shut the door immediately as he pulled me in when he looked here and there.

I, too abruptly turned around to see who had caught Jerdy's attention but was disappointed to find no one. A sigh of relief passed his lips before he very gently shut the door unlike what he was aiming at a couple minutes before.

I placed my bags at the side and gazed at Jerdy. He looked leaner and a bit more older than how I had left him. He hadn't been taking care at all, I see.

The happiness on my face dropped into the frown and the guilt weighed me down. I shouldn't have left him here, all on his own or I should've checked in on him from time to time by visiting. Even though I called him daily but visiting him would've been better. He had taken so much care of me, why couldn't I?

He sighed and held my hands in his frail and now more sheer looking ones. "Overthinking and blaming yourself, huh? Don't worry about me" he said.

"Oh yeah? Because you've been worrying about yourself enough, right? Shows exactly how much you did." I shook my head at him. This is precisely the reason why I didn't want to leave him yet he was so adamant on sending me away.

I sighed in annoyance, "Why? Is it so hard to take of yourself? I mean I'm not here. You should party and celebrate but what do you do, just turn sick in return. How is this fair?" I puffed my cheeks and crashed on the couch.

My eyes roamed around the living room, everything was exactly how I'd left it just a bit messy with empty cartons and grocery bags strewn at the sides.

"Come on bunny. You cant be upset with me now, I've seen you after so long. Okay I'll make it up to you. How about parmesan chicken for lunch?" Jerdy said sitting beside me.

I narrowed my eyes at him, "I would've accepted your bribe but you're sick, so I'll cook but not now. We need to speak." I held his hands in mine and all the emotional stress and pain clashed over me. His eyes were the same greyish blue but way more burdened than they appeared before.

I was scared, terrified when Brit called me informing that Jerdy wasn't well. Only I know how hard it was and how I'd gone back home to pack. I was panicking and Gabriel had been there, in the car on our way back from the date. He had seen me in that condition, lost.

I was expecting for him to ask but he obviously realized how I was in no condition to speak and he respected that, giving me the space to calm myself down.

He just grabbed my shaky hand, entwined our fingers and placed it on his lap the entire way. He had no idea what it meant to me and it wasn't until he did it was when I realized how bad I needed it. The warmth of his palm was so reassuring, it just made me feel that nothing could go wrong.

I can't lose Jerdy, he means the world to me. He'd been a father figure when mine was obviously missing. He'd seen me grow, change and be into who I was today. I remember throwing tantrums, having sick mood swings yet he just hugged me and said, "It'd be alright"

And he was right, it used to get alright even though most of the time it didn't appear as though it would. Everything that caused me pain made me feel like the world had fallen apart and I willed to give up but the encouraging words of his had pulled me back from devastation so many times.

Later, after the challenges were surmounted, it used to feel like it wasn't impossible and Jerdy was the one who made me realize it.

My hands shook and Jerdy tightened his, "Hey bunny, it's fine. I'm alright, look I'm fit as ever" he said flexing his biceps making me laugh at him, "Although it would be great to get a cup of coffee made by you and we'll things out."

I stood up and smiled at him, "Right at your service, sir" he chuckled and I headed for the kitchen.

The kitchen appeared untouched, "Did you even come here after I'd left?" I asked, pulling the drawer to fetch mugs.

"Of course I did. I mean it's not like I'd been on hunger strike after you were gone." he chuckled, pulling open the cabinet to take out certain items. I brewed some beans.

I shook my head and as I turned around, Jerdy handed me a bar of chocolate, making me raise my brow and ask, "Is this an exchange for letting you off the hook for not caring about yourself?"

"Uh...precisely" he said, making me giggle. We sat for hours talking about random things. I told him about my experience and he told me what he did.

It was late afternoon when Britney barged in and snuggled me in such a tight hug that I was struggling to catch my breath. "Help... can't breathe" Jerdy laughed at us and the three of us spent so much time, reminiscing the memories talking about everything to nothing.

Britney asked me when I was going to see Claire and we discussed that I'd go and visit the café by the evening. We skimmed through different topics only making me grin at seeing my family, my people.

"Britney had been coming to assist me from time to time. She's such a nice girl. Although she shouldn't have scared you like that about my very fine health but I'm happy to have her here" Jerdy said, smiling at her.

She had a smug expression on her face as she lifted the coffee mug to her lips, "Jerdy, tell me something I don't already know! Jenna had to come alright. You weren't well, not too sick but anyway... I missed her. So please old man, don't be selfish" we laughed.

She's always like that, teasing and fun. No one can get bored in her company just like Ken's. The thought of Ken made me spill the pranks I did on Gabriel and his reactions, I was laughing and overjoyed.

I don't know how long had I been ranting over Gabriel and calling him angry bird that when I finally sighed, finishing about the escape room story, I saw two amused eyes staring at me. They were wide and fascinated and their gaze heightened the blush on my cheeks. I automatically straightened and returned to my stance.

I was so excited talking about Gabriel that I could feel the happiness radiating off me. It felt like I was able to speak about him after what appeared was so long and when I spoke about him is when I realized how I was craving to open up to reassure myself that even when we fought, it'd be okay and the sinking feeling of him being upset lightened.

"Britney?" Jerdy poked Brit's elbow, "are you seeing what I'm seeing" I puckered my brows. She had her mouth open wide.

"Someone has a crush on Gabriel! or well crush doesn't even cut it. Someone is smitten by Gabriel. Gabriel and Jenna sitting in a tree. K-I-S-..." I placed my palm over her mouth and dared her to say one more word. I could feel her grin against my hand

"Come on bunny! Can you blame the girl. You're glowing just by talking about him" Jerdy said and I hid my face in my palms but a smile crossed my face nevertheless.

"Gabriel did this, Gabriel did that, Gabriel is like this, he eats like this, drinks like this-..." I walked away and mortified and I heard both of them laughing.

***

"You think he'd know who was the murderer? I think this time he'd miss it." I asked cuddling in the arm chair wrapped in blankets. Britney had gone home because she had to send in a file to his boss.

"Of course bunny, the guy is Sherlock Holmes of this era. How would he not know?"Jerdy said, sipping from the glass of OJ I'd poured for him and I both.

"Yeah but see, the pro-" I couldn't even complete my sentence when a shrilly noise interrupted us. It was Jerdy's phone.

He frowned yet he lifted the call, I was focused on the show so I didn't hear anything until Jerdy gained my attention, "Bunny, do you by any chance know a Matt?" he said keeping the phone from a distance from his ear and covering the microphone with his palm.

I nodded and smiled, Matt called so soon, I thought he'd take a day or more. We talked on the phone and he said he was bored, one of his meeting was wrapped the others weren't until the next day so wanted to hang out with me.

I had already talked to Jerdy about going around at Claire's to meet her and to spend some time with her, so I invited Matt to join me there, to which he has ecstatic to say yes to.

He told me that he'd be there in two hours and I agreed and elaborated the address for him. I went back and continued the movie.

***

As I entered the gate, I felt the familiar wafting aroma of cupcakes and coffee. Sneaking from behind the cash register, I wrapped my arms around Claire, making her jump in surprise.

"I missed you so much, Claire!" I said to her and I hugged her like a monkey.

As she turned around, she squealed like a little girl and engulfed me in her arms. The attention of all the customers were diverted towards us. Some passed us the stink eye, a few were surprised and well there were different reactions.

As we pulled apart, I saw Claire's eyes glistening with tears, "No, no we're not crying now. All we're doing is offering that double chocolate fudge brownie to Jenna" I said eyeing the gooey goodness dripping with chocolate.

She laughed, "Just the same, huh?" and handed me the square. I looked around and saw students doing their assignments and just chatting away, reminded me of my time.

"Why would I change?" I said stuffing the brownie in my mouth. Claire narrowed her eyes at my action and I sniggered, mumbling an apology.

"How long have you been here?" She asked, she was gazing at me and she looked happy. So was I, I was ecstatic to see her and this place. This café had been my second home, I've been here more than I've been anywhere.

"Just came today, why?" I was engrossed in my brownie. This was delicious, I might need to sneak a couple more from the glass shelf.

"So that's why Britney called me to tell about your love affair. I was wondering what goes in that kid's mind." I chocked. My eyes and face was red, I was coughing so bad, it made a couple cringe as they walked to the other side.

Britney cant keep anything inside, can she? She always has to blubber things out and worst - she had to do it to Claire.

"Alright! So your reaction confirms it all. Who is the lucky guy who won our Jenna's heart?" Claire sounded excited and it wasn't a good sign at all.

"Claire!" I chastised hiding behind the menu card that listed the variety of coffee choices.

"So is this where our second date would be?" I sighed, hitting my head against the table. First Claire and now Matt would obviously have his own set of teasing to do but I was happy to see him. It would at least save me from Claire's inquisitions.

Claire was the first one to stand up and she slowly walked towards Matt. I introduced their names to each other. Matt took both Claire and I by surprise when he pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.

Claire turned towards me, 'I like him' she mouthed. I frowned, so? what do I do with that? Matt is likable. Everybody grows a liking for him... so no surprise there. I wonder why Claire had to mention it.

Matt sat across me and placed a kiss on my forehead. Okay, ..,but why? He never does that. Anyway Claire found it a very appropriate gesture, she was gushing over it. She fled away giving Matt another heart eyed look.

I asked him about his meeting. He was super happy and had a glint in his eyes, I ignored it. I mean I obviously wont ruin someone's mood and ask him why were they happy, that would be rude. Being happy and not wanting to explain the reason should be normalized.

We chatted about different things when Claire brought us drinks and muffins to munch on. I was about to question her for being this extra but she interrupted saying that we shouldn't worry as she wouldn't disturb us again and we can talk in peace.

Why would Matt and I need peace, have people seen how chaotic we are... I blame Ken for that though. Ken, I had to call him but again the no phone problem.

After spending sometime when the café almost cleared up with barely two three tables occupied, Claire came and sat with us and turned towards Matt. "So Matt, does she annoy you?"

Matt smirked at me and I sat back to see what he'd say, "sometimes" when I looked appalled, he said, "But she's amazing. So helpful, humble and just the kindest." I smiled at him and offered my fist to him, to which he bumped his.

Claire turned towards me, "You don't fist bump when people say things like those" she reprimanded.

"So what do you propose I do, slap him?" she shook her head and stood up as the new customers started piling in.

Matt looked at the watch and said, "I didn't realize so much time had passed. Well, I'll leave and will inform you about the return. Thanks, it was fun" I smiled at him, stood up and decided to leave too, since it was too late.

"Also Jenna, I called on your cell and I've asked the people from the restaurant to keep it safe. We'll collect it on our way back" he said. I passed him a wide smile.

"Thanks Matt" I said as I saw him leave. I decided to visit the store and kitchen after bidding Claire a goodbye, who was busy gushing over Matt who had insisted on paying Claire even though she said it was on the house.

The kitchen and store were the same and all the memories returned making me shake my head. I left the café through the back door since I was already there and it was a whole struggle to go all the way through the front where it was bubbling with customers.

The back door opened to an alley and I took the alternate route to reach my house, as I used to do before. On being close to the door, I saw the neighbor woman Mrs. Winston. She was so annoying, I'd always tried to stay away from her.

To save myself from hours of torture I jumped across the fence in our backyard, entered the conservatory and rushed in the house through there. Great escape.

***

I squirted toothpaste and mashed it against my teeth. My hands paused halfway when I remembered something.

"Oh no! No, no, no. Yeah, you're sitting there like you freaking own this place. Please crawl right out of the window. It will stay between you and I and no one would know about it. Call it a truce, we'll both be safe and none of us would be harmed" i said, clutching the door handle in a vice grip.

Instead of moving away, the daunting spider crippled towards me. I squealed and raced straight head on to the door across but it was ripped open obviously after hearing my not so soft scream.

Gabriel instantly pulled me behind him, hiding me away from everything, standing upright in a protective stance. His back seemed tense, he was in a position to pounce at the danger. I hardly believe the spider would be needing so much as his puff of breath but he was mimicking a soldier, trying to protect me in a battle. His eyes were fixes on my room's door.

Emily made her way towards our rooms standing by the end of the corridor, she was panting. I stood on my tiptoes to peek over Gabriel's shoulder. "Jenna, are you alright? I heard you screaming, I ran here to see. What happened?" Emily gasped between words.

Gabriel didn't move, I pushed his muscled body to the side but it affected him in not even moving an inch. I huffed, "I'm fine, Emily! There's a spider in my bathroom"

She sighed and I saw Gabriel's muscles relaxing, his bodyguard look dropped immediately. "Oh dear, you scared me. I'll just call a guard from outside to get rid of it. The breakfast would be ready soon." From what little I could see, I saw her nod at Gabriel and she left.

Gabriel turned around with amusement in his eyes, he crossed his arms across his chest. "So just a spider scared you so much?"

I glared at him, "It's not just a spider. It's the spider, you look at the size of it." I shuddered. An idea instantly crossed my mind, "So, you pretend to be all macho, right?" he raised his brow, obviously trying to understand what I was hinting at, but didn't say anything. "If you are, then go grab my toothbrush and my clothes from the bathroom, then I'd see whether or not you have the courage" I said proudly crossing my arms too, to look domineering.

"How stupid do you think I am?" he asked, leaning against the door. "You're ordering me around and covering it up with calling it a challenge." he stated, I averted my eyes. "All you need to do is say, I'll get them for you anyway" he asked.

He walked towards my room, I yelled behind him, "Be Careful, it's big!" he glanced over his shoulder and smirked.

"Is it bigger than your sarcasm?" I narrowed my eyes at him. "I guess then I can manage" with this he walked away but a smile made a way on my face. Angry bird to a teasing bird, well that's a new.

As he returned and handed me my clothes, he paused my movements with his next sentence. "if I were you, I would be careful with the clothes since the spider was nowhere to be seen. So... you are smart enough to know what I mean..." I squealed and jumped in fright dropping the clothes.

Gabriel laughed at me, his eyes crinkling as he threw his head back. "Oh you're so gone angry bird" I declared, pouncing towards him. His laugh didn't subside but he skipped in the bathroom and shut the door close.

I laughed at him, feeling giddy. Changing my clothes in his closet, I barged in the bathroom. He immediately turned around and my face filled with the blush at my action.

Thank goodness he was fully dressed and decent although the toothbrush was hanging from his mouth and he was gaping at me.

"I don't wanna be late and be scolded by my boss. If you don't mind, can I brush my teeth, here?" I asked.

He didn't respond and just moved to the side, making place for me. I smiled at him and started brushing my teeth. He was constantly gazing at me through the mirror.

"What?" I said through the foam. I barely think it was audible, yet he still managed to understand it. He shrugged, his eyes were alight in humor.

I elbowed him out of the way and stood right in the middle of the mirror. Honestly, it was huge but then how else would've I annoyed him and more because I felt tingly with the way he was staring at me.

He came from behind, grabbed my waist and put me to the side as though I weighed nothing. I stood in shock with my toothbrush still in my mouth. His mouth was stretched in a smirk, I could feel it.

All of a sudden, I jumped on his back, catching him off guard and yes both of us were dressed in formal office wear. He bent a little and spat the foam as he turned around lowering me to the ground.

"You could've hurt yourself" he said and I gaped at him, completely forgetting what I was up to until he pointed it our, "You're drooling"

"Am not" as I said, a streak of foam ran down my chin making me cringe. He retracted the toothbrush from my mouth and he was gazing at me with such intense eyes, they were driving me crazy.

I blinked looking at him and we was so close to me. His gaze was weighing me down as I felt his arm wrapped around my waist. Then something happened, the toothpaste foam was still in my mouth when some irritant caused me to sneeze. Like, all the other times, I unintentionally ruined the atmosphere.

He chuckled at me, "You know sometimes I think you purposely do it"

Gabriel's shirt was spoiled, very clearly. Saying that I was embarrassed was putting it lightly. Gabriel looked at me when I scrubbed his shirt with my hands, attempting to wipe it off. He held my hands and took me to the basin. I rinsed my mouth and I sheepishly looked at his shirt.

"You just happen to be something, Ms. Stephens" he pressed a kiss to my cheek and smirked as he undid the buttons to change into another shirt.

Now, I was definitely drooling.

I smiled thinking about it. We were late that day but then he was the boss, so...

I miss him so much and not even a day had passed. I wish I could talk to him and snuggle in his arms.

Sighing, with his memories still in mind, I fell asleep until I woke up panting. There hadn't been nightmares since I've started sleeping with him and now they're here, back again. I drank the glass of water and clutched my trembling hands, craving to speak to him. For him, to enclose me in his arms. But he wasn't here...

Back when I lived on my own, I was used to them now that I have a habit to be with him, they appear more menacing than they did before.

With my heavy breathing and erratic heart, I fumbled through my stuff until I found what I was looking for.

I held the polaroids, pressed them against my chest and drifted off to sleep. When I woke up in the morning however, they were placed on the nightstand.

***

Jerdy and I talked a lot these days and we kept cooking food, baking, watching movies and just enjoying. I'd arranged the chest of drawers and some other cabinets, organized the picture albums and did the basic cleaning.

I was in my room, piling my books when I sighed and rested against the wall, I was trying to divert my mind but it wasn't happening, I was missing him, bad.

It's the second day in a row that has gone without speaking or having any contact with him whatsoever. I'd been busy with my friends and Jerdy but he didn't leave my mind. Everything I did, reminded me of him.

It'd been hardly long enough for me to get so attached to someone but here I am, craving for him. He's started being a part of life more than anybody could've thought, even myself.

I heard the doorbell ring, I stood up and dusted my clothes but stopped when I heard Jerdy saying that he's got it. I carried the bed sheets to towards the laundry and just as I padded my way down, I saw a man in a black suit standing at the door speaking with Jerdy.

He looked very formal and professional looking whereas I was barely presentable. The good thing was that our house is designed in a way that if we're in the living or in the kitchen, only we'd be able to see the door and whoever's outside but the person outside wouldn't be able to see us, so I knew that man couldn't see me and that was the best thing.

I frowned when I saw him peeking here and there like he was looking for something. He handed something to Jerdy and left. As Jerdy returned I asked him, "Who was it?"

He had a secretive smile on his face, "You sneaked home yesterday from 'The Jade'?" I nodded.

"Because Mrs. Winston was at the door. Why, did someone complain about that?" I asked wondering how would anyone know.

"The people who see something, complain. Not the ones who hadn't" he said, placing the bottle of milk on the slab.

"That guy, he gave you the milk?" I asked. What has been happening here?

"Yeah, surprising isn't it!" Jerdy responded, why is he solving riddles with me?

"Nobody delivers milk to our door" I said, throwing my hands up, "Why was he looking here and there though?"

Jerdy chuckled, "From today they do, you'd know" His tone indicated the end of conversation.

The entire day I didn't leave the house because we were too engrossed talking and spending time with each other although Claire called Jerdy to ask if I was coming over but I said I was tired.

I was at the couch and Jerdy was polishing something but his attention was solely on me, "So there's this one time, I accidently pasted the nutella brownie on his shirt and he was so angry but he didn't say anything" I said sitting up and clasping my hands together, "But you know what, he rubbed my sleeve on that stain. That time I was so angry, but now it seems funny"

Jerdy smiled at me, "You like him a lot, don't you?"

I nodded a shy yes, "A lot, actually more than I thought" I mumbled.

"From what I here, the feelings appear to be mutual from that side too" Jerdy had a strange content look in his eyes.

"I'm not too sure" I said.

"Don't let go of him Jen. You both deserve each other and happiness, nothing else. He was distracted when the bell rang again. I groaned.

The strange thing was many suited people were at the door today at different intervals. Coincidentally, Jerdy had been attending them and not once did I go to the door. They brought cookies, sugar, newspaper and even daily mail to the door. To say I was confused would be putting it easy, I was completely baffled and Jerdy was enjoying it. I'd remain hidden from all of them but like the first guy I saw all of them sneaking a view.

There was this one time Ms. Winston came to the door but before she could enter, a guy brought coffee and even offered her a mug. Well, she was googley eyed and instead dragged him to her house, despite his complaining. That made me laugh and pity the poor guy.

I was scared and warned Jerdy because it didn't seem normal to have fully dressed people knock at your door to pass you grocery -it reminded me of the flowers and gifts- but he just laughed and said, 'See, how love drives people crazy' every time he brought an item inside. What has love to do with anything?

The next time someone's coming, i'll be at the door was what I thought before drifting off to sleep with the polaroid clutched to my chest.

***

Rubbing my eyes, I sat cross legged on the sofa carrying a bowl of Fruit loops in my lap. I'd just woken up and Jerdy went to shower after brewing me some coffee. He knew I was really sleepy and incompetent to do any tasks so he did those for me.

I'd woken up late and only because the door bell rang every fifteen minutes and when I came downstairs, I saw juice cartons and items on the kitchen counter. Now, I didn't even have to ask who had brought them.

As the coffee entered my system, my sleep started wearing off little by little. I as usual didn't get much sleep and I desperately wanted to be in Gabriel's arm just as the nightmares approached but that wasn't a possibility.

Sighing, I flicked through channels to settle on something entertaining that can wake me up from sleep and pull me back from Gabriel White withdrawing symptoms. I had picked Jerdy's phone a number of times but I couldn't bring myself to even send him an email.

He was upset and it would be too formal to talk things through email. I've waited this long, I might as well go two more days and instead of sulking and just enjoy my time here with my people.

I shoved the now soggy cereal in my mouth, grumbling when the bell rang. I groaned, the neighborhood here had started being so annoying. They weren't like this before, I wonder why are they so prying and irritating now.

My condition wasn't suitable to greet anyone. I was adorning an oversized tee with cotton shorts. My hair were tied in a bun on top of my head and well I looked dead on the face. If it wasn't Jerdy showering I wouldn't have risked opening the door looking like this. It could be Mrs. Winston from the next door but what do I know.

The bell rang two more times and I almost screamed. Whoever it is, is going to hear a earful from me. I stalled, hoping that the person on the other side goes away instead they keep hitting the bell and Jerdy yelled at me to open the door.

I clutch my eyes shut before reopening them, plastering a fake smile on my face and tear the door open only to have my breath torn out of my lungs.

There wasn't any intruder or perhaps there was one, the one I'd always wanted to be every time the bell rang. After so many disappointed arrivals, I'd lost hope and the last person I'd expected to see on the door now was him.

"Gabriel" my lips whispered.

I clutched the lever tighter because not only my tiredness and sleep had gone away but the crazy instinct to kiss this beautiful human came thrashing over at me. He was dressed immaculately in his charcoal blazer and slacks.

I was happy, crazy happy. If my face didn't give it away, my eyes probably did. I was desperate to hug him, be close to him and tell him how much I missed him.

It appeared as though I was dehydrated for him and I just wanted to wrap him in my arms to compensate for the time we hadn't been together. Now that he wasn't here only made me wanna punch myself for not taking his offer when he said he wanted to come along with me.

"Hey" I breathed, he didn't respond. He looked over his shoulder and I saw his jaw clenched. What is up with people looking over their shoulders? I frowned. His eyes met mine again and I could see the fire in them. Unlike, the kind of flames I am used to, this one looked weird.

The embers I rejoice are there to melt my heart and mold my feelings but this fire, this was the kind to burn, I disliked it. He didn't reciprocate my greeting, no smile, no emotion, just blazing eyes.

If I thought his anger must've mellowed out by now if not fully evaporated I was wrong. It seemed worse than it did than when I last saw him. Regardless of his cold shoulder, I moved to the side and gestured him inside, "You can come in"

He walked straight in and I gulped, he crossed me without sparing a glance and I wont lie, it did hurt, bad. However, I pushed the thought to the side and followed him in. I offered him to take a seat and he did. His eyes raised from my feet to face and I was looking like a disaster but his lingering gaze couldn't be deciphered from whether he was humoring me or he found my style okay.

My face was uncontrollably red, both from rage and embarrassment. I took a deep breath and sat across him. He must've been upset that I didn't call him. I should clear myself out but before that I need to know how was he.

"So...umh" his eyes were glaring into mine, challenging me to say something. If I was the old Jenna who didn't like him at all, I would've glowered back at him but now it looks almost inhuman to me to do it. His gaze doesn't intimidate me but still, it tangles my words "...the weather?"

I close my eyes and sighed, what am I doing? We'd seen each other after a while and now we're going to play awkward like we're doing everything all over again. I plucked courage and decided to not beat about the bush.

"Gabriel... my phone. I'd lost it, so I wasn't able to-" I was rudely interrupted when he slammed my phone to the table. My eyes widened and alternated between the inanimate object and him.

"Where did you find it? What are you..." I was looking at him surprised but his lack for response enraged me, "Would you speak? I WANT AN ANSWER GODDAMMIT!" I yelled, hitting my palms on the flat surface of the table. One side of his lips lifted up without his consent at my anger. This loon was attempting to hide the smile and keep the stern face but he remained quiet and it blew my anger.

"This is ridiculous!" I said throwing my hands up. "Fine, I'm getting you some water to drink and if you don't speak till then I'll throw it right at your face. Your call." I stood up and I saw that the anger in his eyes had started to chip away.

So the fury was lowering, good. But I do need to get water for him though. As I walked to the kitchen I saw Jerdy making his way to the lounge, I walked past him not realizing to inform him that there was someone sitting in the living and was yet to be properly introduced. I was too busy juggling between the happiness of seeing him and anger of his antics.

"Who was at the door, bunny?" Jerdy asked.

"An idiot!" I mumbled. He looked surprised by my mood but didn't say anything else.

When I filled the glass of water, I calmed my racing heart. I placed my palms on the kitchen slab preparing my speech. I'm going to go and put some sense in angry stupid bird and make him talk to me. End of discussion.

My eyes bulged out of my sockets as the realization hit me. Jerdy is going to be with Gabriel and I hadn't even introduced them officially. Jerdy had been teasing me about him during the entire stay, it would be so awkward for both of them.

Wow, real nice Jenna!

On entering the living room, the situation that welcomed me was way beyond any scenario I could've imagined and I felt like my heart just dropped.

Gabriel had gone. He just left? Without even speaking to me...this couldn't be possible. My heart broke and it almost felt like I took a blow to my gut. He couldn't be so inconsiderate... he can't be. Can he?

My eyes gradually went to Jerdy's face and the glass slipped from between my fingers. His face was pale and it seemed like all the life was suck out of him. He lost balance and everything went blank...

***

A/N:

YALL ARE SUCH DARLINGS. ALL THE DM'S I RECIEVED. THANK YOU SO MUCH PEOPLE. IT DIDNT END UP BEING COVID-19, IT WAS JUST A FREAKING ALLERGY BUT LET'S APPRECIATE THE NERVE OF IT TO SHOW AMIDST PANDEMIC WITH ALL THE SYMPTOMS.

ANYWAY, I NEED YOUR HELP.

AN AUTHOR ON WATTPAD AND MY VERY DEAR FRIEND Puppybhai MADE COVERS FOR ETCHED. SINCE THEY'RE ALL SO GOOD, IM UNABLE TO CHOOSE. PLEASE DO ME A FAVOUR. I'M GONNA PUT THESE HERE, COMMENT ON THE ONES YOU LIKE AND WE'LL CHANGE THEM

BUT AGAIN THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH 'PUPPY BHAI'. GUYS, GO READ HER BOOKS, SHE'S AMAZING and the SWEEEEEETEST. <3

DONT FORGET TO SHARE. PRESS THE STAR TO VOTE :)