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Good Luck, Babe

NINTH
CHARLIE
The first week of semester break is like a breath of fresh air. No more exams, no more assignments, just pure, unadulterated freedom. I’ve settled into a routine of late-night chats with WarmNights, balancing the time between catching up with friends and indulging in my own interests. Each night, I find myself looking forward to our conversations more and more. His voice has become a familiar comfort, a thread of connection that anchors me during this break.
Despite my initial hesitation, our chats have grown deeper and more personal. We talk about everything—school, work, dreams, and fears. WarmNights has a way of making me feel understood and appreciated, and I find myself opening up to him in ways I haven’t with anyone else.
One evening, after a particularly long chat with WarmNights, I decide to make a quick run to the convenience store. It’s late, but the store is always open, and I figure I might as well pick up a few essentials. As I push open the door, the familiar chime rings out. But instead of Eddie behind the counter, I see Jack standing there.
Jack. His presence fills the small space, his tall, imposing figure making the store feel even smaller. He’s dressed casually, in a well-fitted shirt that accentuates his broad shoulders and jeans that hug his muscular legs. His dark hair is neatly styled, and the light stubble on his jaw adds to his rugged appeal. Despite his good looks, there's something about him that still feels off. It’s as if his handsomeness is tempered by an underlying intensity that makes him seem almost dangerous.
"Evening," he says, his deep voice reverberating through the store as his piercing blue eyes lock onto mine. Those eyes, icy and sharp, seem to scrutinize every inch of me.
"Hi," I reply, trying to keep my tone neutral. The memory of our last encounter flashes in my mind, but I push it aside.
"Looking for Eddie?" he asks, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.
"Yeah, he's usually here," I say, glancing around the store, hoping to catch a glimpse of Eddie somewhere.
"He's taking some time off," Jack explains, leaning casually against the counter. The casual pose does nothing to diminish his intimidating presence. "Family stuff."
"Right," I murmur, picking up a basket and starting to browse the aisles. I try to focus on what I need, but I can feel Jack’s eyes on me the entire time. His presence is unnerving, and I can't shake the feeling that he’s watching my every move, cataloging details for some unknown reason.
As I gather my items—some snacks, a few drinks, and a couple of essentials—I make my way back to the counter. Jack rings up my purchases, his movements slow and deliberate. The silence between us feels heavy, almost suffocating. I can feel my heart beating faster, a mixture of unease and curiosity.
"So," Jack says, breaking the silence, "how's the break treating you?"
"It’s been good," I reply, keeping my answers short. "Just enjoying the time off."
He nods, his eyes never leaving mine. "Heard you’ve been spending a lot of time chatting with someone online."
I freeze for a moment, my heart skipping a beat. How does he know about that?
Oh. Eddie. He must have mentioned it. Last time, I talked to him about how I was talking to someone online, and it was keeping me company.
"Just a friend," I say casually, hoping to downplay it.
"A friend, huh?" Jack's smirk widens. The way his lips curl up gives me the impression he knows more than he's letting on. "Must be some friend to keep you up so late every night."
"Yeah, well," I stammer, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks, "we have a lot to talk about."
Jack chuckles, the sound low and almost predatory. "I bet you do."
I hand over the cash, eager to get out of there. Jack takes it, his fingers brushing against mine for a brief moment. I shiver, but not from the cold.
"See you around, Charlie," he says as he hands me my change. His tone is smooth, almost too smooth, like a veneer hiding something darker beneath.
"Yeah, see you," I reply, grabbing my bag and making a beeline for the door. The cool night air is a relief as I step outside, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves.
As I walk back to my apartment, I can’t shake the feeling that Jack knows more about me than he’s letting on. There’s something unsettling about his interest in my life, and I make a mental note to be more cautious around him. His gaze, his questions, the way he seemed to see right through me—it all leaves me feeling exposed and uneasy.
Back at the apartment, Rod and the others are still up, playing a video game. I set the bags down and join them, trying to push the encounter with Jack out of my mind. But even as I laugh and joke with my friends, a part of me remains on edge, wondering what Jack’s real intentions are. His presence lingers in my thoughts, like a shadow I can’t quite shake.
Later that night, after everyone has gone to bed, I log on to the chat site, eager to talk to WarmNights. His presence is the one thing that makes me feel safe and understood, the one constant in the swirl of confusion and uncertainty.
"Hey, Jessica," his message pops up almost immediately.
"Hey," I type back, feeling a sense of relief. "Guess what? I ran into Eddie’s brother at the store tonight."
"Jack?" he asks. "How was that?"
"Weird," I admit. "He gives off this vibe, you know? Like he’s always watching and knows more than he lets on."
"Sounds intense," WarmNights replies. "But don’t worry. You can always talk to me about anything."
"Thanks," I type, feeling a warmth spread through me. "I appreciate that."
We continue chatting, his comforting words helping to ease the unease I felt earlier. As the night wears on, I find myself relaxing, the tension from the encounter with Jack slowly melting away. WarmNights has a way of making everything seem simpler, more manageable.
Eventually, we say our goodnights, and I log off, feeling a sense of contentment. Despite the strange encounter, I know I have someone I can rely on, someone who understands me. And for now, that's enough. The unsettling feelings that Jack stirred up are pushed to the back of my mind, replaced by the comfort of WarmNights’ words.
As I drift off to sleep, I tell myself that whatever Jack’s intentions, I’ll deal with them when the time comes. For now, I have friends, I have WarmNights, and I have the break to enjoy. And that’s all I need.
*****

Book Comment (261)

  • avatar
    Nel Leon

    salamat sa iyu

    14d

      0
  • avatar
    CarlosLuan

    boa😌

    11/01

      0
  • avatar
    MedelSitti Layka

    a nice story like wtf

    10/09

      0
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