Page 87 of Diluted Truths

I smiled at Nate. “Yeah, he is. He would like you.”

“Everyone likes me.”

I laughed hard, which only caused Nate to laugh as well. After a few moments we got control of ourselves. We sat side by side in silence for a moment.

“What is it time for?” I asked.

“I-I don’t know, Jack,” he began. “I just know it was Kai’s, now yours, then Theo’s. I was supposed to go last, but I don’t think that can happen anymore.”

I nodded, contemplating his words. I wonder what happened with Kai’s turn. “Do you know anything more?”

Nate looked at me for a moment. “Not much. Just know it started and it can’t be stopped. We tried. Kai and I tried so damn hard to stop it. But the first trial was successful.” He grabbed my hand and I could see himtrying to hold in his tears. “I’m so sorry, Jack. I tried. I did everything I could to stop it.”

“It’s okay.” I comforted him. I had no idea what he was talking about, but he needed to know, no matter what it was, I knew it wasn’t his fault. “I won’t blame you, I don’t blame you. I love you, Nate.”

He smiled sadly. “Our time’s up. But I’ll see you soon, Jack.”

I nodded and squeezed his hand three times. He responded with the same three squeezes.

Slowly I opened my eyes. I was in Will’s room. There was light filtering through the curtains. I remembered the dreams. I remembered all of them. It was Nate. He was the one talking with me. I smiled remembering him. I knew in my dreams he wasn’t real, but I didn’t care. It felt real in the moment and that was all that mattered.

It did make me think who the other person in my dreams was? They were in every one as well and every time Nate warned me away from them.

I stood slowly, contemplating those thoughts. I looked at the time and it was already nearly one in the afternoon. I guess I was completely exhausted. I found my pants and pulled them on. I kept my shirt from Will, opting to give it back later.

Or probably not. It was comfy.

I turned to face Will’s sleeping form. The last few days had been an emotional roller coaster. I felt rung out and exhausted. I also had no job. That was something I needed to figure out.

I sighed. The happy feelings from dreaming about Nate slipped away as reality slipped in. I needed to head home to see my cat and figure out my next move.

I sat near Will on the bed and gently shook him awake.

He rolled over and faced me, still half asleep. “Hey, Sunshine,” he mumbled.

“Hey, I’m heading home.”

“No,” he protested with a pout, still mostly asleep.

I chuckled to myself. To think, most people were intimidated by him. “Yes, but you can come over later and meet Jedi if you want.”

His smile returned as he nodded his head. “Dinner at seven?” he asked.

“Sounds perfect. I’ll cook.” I leaned down and gave him a gentle kiss. “I love you.”

“I love you, sunshine. Drive safe, okay?”

I nodded in response and made my way out the door. Luckily, my car was still outside. Although I learned Will had multiple cars and I knew he wouldn’t bat an eye if I took one of them. I drove to my apartment in silence just thinking about… well, about everything.

I guess when your life's kind of falling apart drives go by faster because in what felt like no time I was walking through my front door. It felt nice to be home. Almost immediately, Jedi made his way over to me, purring and begging for attention. I obviously obliged for a moment before heading into the shower.

I was hoping a hot shower would clear my mind, but no such luck. My brain felt overrun and overwhelmed. I turned to see just how much time I had until Will came over. It was just after four thirty so I had time to grab stuff from the store.

Just as I was standing to grab my shoes and keys I heard a knock, but not at my front door.

My bedroom door.What the hell?

I slowly made my way over, hoping my brain was just playing tricks on itself. I eased the door open only to find what quickly became my worst nightmare.