5. Chapter 5
Marduk
I’ve been thinking about what happened yesterday.
When that message came though from Bec, I wasn’t sure what to say right away. I decided the best approach would be to answer her with a question.
Was there something specific you’re thinking about?
There was such a long pause that for a moment I thought she might not answer at all. I was about to start typing when words appeared. A lot of words.
TheNewMe888
I’ve been thinking about the clerk at the gas station.
She was so scared and I acted like I was some hero with super powers.
What if the guy had shot her? She was an innocent bystander just trying to do her job.
After he got the cash and the cigarettes he would’ve left.
Who cares about some money and goods? Not when human life is at risk.
I hadn’t thought about that. At the time I was so focused on saving Bec, that I hadn’t even noticed there was a clerk there.
Part of me wanted to ignore my own guilt and push Bec to feel guilty enough that she forgave me for following her without her knowledge.
The other part felt the need to acknowledge my own culpability.
That second part won.
MotoSerpent1520
I’m not innocent either. I put myself between you and the robber, but I didn’t consider the clerk’s life. If he’d pointed that gun at her, I don’t know if I would’ve acted fast enough to save her because my first concern was you.
TheNewMe888
I feel like I want to find her and apologize.
MotoSerpent1520
I want to do that too. If you find her, can I go with you?
TheNewMe888
I’d like that.
It was hard, but I decided being honest and vulnerable with Bec was the best idea. Danzig said I didn’t talk about what I was feeling enough because I was so used to him simply knowing. Bec couldn’t do that so I needed to be better about verbalizing.
MotoSerpent1520
I’m sorry I've been following you without telling you. I know you don’t want that, but it’s hard to give you space.
I’m scared something will happen to you if I’m not there.
This isn’t only about the robber. It’s that the world is so dangerous.
I’ve made many friends over the years and lost almost all of them.
There are very few creatures as long lived as a J?rmungandr. It’s hard enough to lose a friend to old age or tragedy, but even the thought of losing you is devastating.
My adrenaline kicked up when I hit send. I never thought using an app would make me have this kind of reaction. Waiting for an answer was torture. Thankfully she didn’t simply type TTYL, which was her habit when she didn’t want to message any longer.
TheNewMe888
I hadn’t considered what it would be like for you, but I don’t like that you think I’m so helpless that I can’t handle basic life situations. I didn’t act correctly at the gas station, but that’s unlikely to ever happen again.
It took me a long moment to know what to say next, but when I typed it out, I knew it was the right thing.
MotoSerpent1520
You’re right. You’re a fully grown human with plenty of life experience and no lack of skills. I’m going to work on worrying less, but it’s going to be hard.
Please be patient with me.
TheNewMe888
Only if you’re patient with me too. The phone’s ringing, TTYL.
Danzig
“Thanks, Carole,” I said to the barista as she served me my third cup of coffee.
I’d gotten tired of sitting on my motorcycle to watch Bec’s work place.
This small coffee shop at the far end of the strip mall was perfect.
Sitting at one of the tables outside allowed me to watch the front door of Masel Investigations.
I couldn’t see inside, but the office didn’t have a back door so I’d know if someone dangerous walked in.
The other positive was that this place made great coffee.
“Wave if you want another," Carole said and disappeared back inside.
I took a sip and sat back with a little sigh of contentment. I’d have to tell Marduk to try their coffee the next time it was his turn to stand guard while she was at work.
My phone rang; it was Marduk. He probably set up the new phone as soon as he got home. Even after doing that, he should’ve gone to sleep. I didn’t expect to hear from him for at least twenty-four hours.
I answered the phone with a question. “Why are you awake?”
He chuckled. “I was asleep, then my phone pinged.”
It was nice to hear him in a good mood. “Oh? Could it have been a certain adorable lawyer turned investigator with the username TheNewMe888?”
He was quick to tell me all about the conversation they had. It made me ecstatic to know they were talking and Marduk was breaking out of his stubborn, uncommunicative habits.
Who said you can’t teach an old J?rmungandr new tricks?