ELEVENTH
CHARLIE
Weeks have passed since that peculiar night with Jack at the store. Eddie is back at the counter, and I couldn’t be happier. His presence is a comfort, a return to normalcy after the unsettling encounter with his brother. I’ve resumed my routine: late-night chats with WarmNights, working my shifts as Jessica, and making regular trips to the convenience store where Eddie’s friendly face always greets me.
Tonight is no different. I’ve just wrapped up another lucrative night shift, the tips flowing in like a steady stream. I stretch and log off, feeling the familiar mix of exhaustion and satisfaction. A quick snack run to the store seems like the perfect way to wind down.
I grab my jacket and head out, the cool night air refreshing against my skin. As I approach the store, I notice the lights are still on, casting a warm glow onto the empty street. I push open the door, expecting to see Eddie at the counter, but instead, I'm greeted by a familiar, unwelcome sight.
Jack. And to make matters worse, he’s got Ariana Grande’s "The Boy Is Mine" blasting from a small speaker behind the counter.
"Seriously?" I mutter under my breath, already feeling my mood sour. The song choice is almost too on-the-nose, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s doing it just to get under my skin.
Jack looks up as I enter, a smirk spreading across his face. "Well, if it isn’t Charlie. Long time no see."
"Yeah, not long enough," I reply, rolling my eyes as I head towards the snack aisle. I can feel his eyes on me, and it’s all I can do to suppress the urge to tell him off right then and there.
"You miss me?" he calls out, his tone dripping with mock sincerity.
I snort. "Hardly."
I grab a few items—some chips, a chocolate bar, and a soda—trying to keep my focus on the task at hand. But Jack’s presence is impossible to ignore, and the music blaring in the background is not helping.
"So, how’s life been treating you?" he asks as I approach the counter.
"Fine," I say curtly, dumping my items in front of him.
Jack raises an eyebrow, clearly enjoying my irritation. "You know, you’re a lot more fun when you’re not acting like you hate me."
"Funny, I didn’t realize that was an act," I shoot back, crossing my arms.
He chuckles, a deep, infuriating sound. "Come on, Charlie. Lighten up a bit. I’m not that bad."
"Really? Because from where I’m standing, you’re doing a pretty good job of being insufferable," I retort.
Jack shakes his head, still grinning. "You’ve got a sharp tongue, I’ll give you that. But you know, it wouldn’t hurt to get to know me better. Might find out I’m exactly what you’re looking for."
I scoff. "Yeah, no thanks. I’m good with my current company."
He leans in a bit, lowering his voice. "Oh, right. The mysterious guy online with a hint of depression. How’s that working out for you?"
My eyes narrow. "Better than dealing with you, that’s for sure."
Jack laughs. "You know, Charlie, you might actually be fun if you’d drop the attitude for a minute."
I grab my bag and turn to leave, pausing only to throw one last comment over my shoulder. "Look, Jack. I’m not interested. I’ve got enough going on without adding you to the mix. So why don’t you save the charm for someone who cares?"
I hear him call out as I push the door open, "You might change your mind one day."
I don’t bother responding. The night air feels even cooler as I step outside, the encounter leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. I walk back to my apartment, trying to shake off the lingering annoyance. Jack might think he’s charming, but I’m not about to let him worm his way into my life.
Back in the comfort of my apartment, I set the snacks on the table and sink into the couch, grabbing my laptop. A message from WarmNights pops up almost immediately.
"Hey, Jessica. How’s your night?"
"Hey," I type back, feeling the tension ease slightly. "Just had a run-in with Eddie’s brother again."
"Jack?" WarmNights replies. "What happened?"
"Same old Jack-ass," I write. "Trying to charm me, but I’m not interested."
WarmNights sends a laughing emoji. "Good for you. Sounds like he’s persistent, though."
"Yeah, he is," I admit. "But I’ve got better things to focus on."
"Like chatting with me?" WarmNights teases.
"Exactly," I reply, feeling a smile creep onto my face. "You’re way more interesting."
We continue chatting, the conversation with WarmNights helping to wash away the irritation from my encounter with Jack. As the night wears on, I find myself relaxing, the connection with WarmNights grounding me in a way that nothing else does.
Eventually, we say our goodnights, and I log off, feeling a sense of contentment. Despite Jack’s best efforts, I know where my priorities lie. And for now, that’s enough.
****
Enrollment day arrives, and the campus is a hive of activity. I’m exhausted, a combination of late-night shifts, continuous chats with WarmNights, and the general stress of the new semester taking its toll. My hair is hastily tied back, dark circles are prominent under my eyes, and I’m clutching a coffee like it’s a lifeline.
I navigate the crowded hallways, juggling my backpack, a folder of necessary documents, and my ever-present coffee. The line for the registrar’s office is long, snaking down the corridor and filled with students equally as frazzled as I am. I sigh, resigning myself to the wait and trying to tune out the noise around me.
As I finally reach the front of the line, I hear a familiar, smooth voice and turn my head, my mood souring instantly. Jack. He’s leaning against the counter, casually chatting with the registrar, a woman who looks far too amused by his antics. His dark hair is perfectly tousled, and he’s wearing a charming smile that seems to have its usual effect.
"Oh, come on," I mutter under my breath, rolling my eyes. Of all the people to run into on a day like this.
The registrar laughs at something Jack says, and I can’t help but feel a pang of annoyance. He’s clearly in no rush, taking his time as if he doesn’t notice—or care—that there are people waiting behind him.
As I approach the counter, Jack glances over and his eyes light up with recognition. "Charlie! Fancy seeing you here."
I manage a tight smile. "Yeah, fancy that."
He grins, stepping aside slightly but not enough to actually make space. "Here for enrollment, I assume?"
"Just like everyone else," I reply, trying to keep my tone civil.
The registrar looks between us, her curiosity piqued. "You two know each other?"
Jack leans closer, as if to share a secret. "We’ve crossed paths a few times."
"Unfortunately," I add, giving him a pointed look.
The registrar chuckles, clearly entertained. "Well, it’s always nice to see familiar faces. What can I help you with, Miss?"
I hand over my documents, trying to ignore Jack’s presence beside me. The registrar efficiently processes my enrollment, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she inputs my information.
"So, what brings you here, Jack?" I ask, unable to keep the sarcasm out of my voice. "Decided to hang out at the registrar’s office for fun?"
Jack’s grin widens. "Actually, I’m transferring here."
I blink, caught off guard. "Transferring?"
"Yep," he says, clearly enjoying my surprise. "Thought it was time for a change of scenery."
I stare at him, trying to process this new information. The idea of Jack being on the same campus, possibly running into him regularly, is less than appealing. "Great," I say, my tone flat.
The registrar hands me my completed forms with a smile. "There you go, all set. Welcome back for another semester."
"Thanks," I mutter, grabbing my papers and turning to leave.
"See you around, Charlie," Jack calls after me, his voice laced with amusement.
I don’t bother responding, making my way through the crowd and out of the building. The fresh air is a relief, and I take a deep breath, trying to calm the irritation bubbling inside me. Of all the places Jack could transfer to, why did it have to be here?
Back at my apartment, I collapse onto the couch, closing my eyes and trying to relax. The semester hasn’t even started yet, and it’s already shaping up to be an interesting one.
******