Eli's storytime was actually worse than what I expected.
"Man," I sighed, "that was something."
"I know, but hey, I'm fine now. For real," said Elliot, trying to convince me.
"I know you'll be. But she was the one messing around. Don't fool yourself into thinking you had a part in this, okay?"
"I know… You don't imagine how Theo scolded me when he found the ring. Since he didn't know the story, he basically made me sit like a child and—"
"Don't try to complain like Jace'd be on your side, Eli," Theo cut in.
"Bambino, honestly, I would've been worse on you, I think."
"Oh, I know. Don't you worry. You would've been like him." Eli made a pouty face, mimicking Theo's disapproving look.
Honestly, Elliot raises my blood pressure sometimes.
I shifted on the couch. The air in the room felt… thicker than before. Like the windows had been closed too long, or maybe like something was waiting just outside. I glanced at the window, catching a glimpse of Buddy's silhouette sitting on the fence, still as a statue. Weird. He usually didn't stay out that long in the cold.
"But now that I told you my story," Elliot grinned, completely unfazed, "it's your turn now!"
He looked excited, expecting some wild new adventure with a girl. But there wasn't much to share, honestly.
"Not much going on," I admitted. "I'm going on my first date tomorrow since I left… The girl works at the town's pet shop. She's a bit weird, but she's hot, you know?"
"When you say 'weird,' you mean like crazy-weird or just a vibe?" Theo asked, curious.
"Well… She's into crystals and stuff. And she's a little dumb, but it's kind of cute."
I saw Theo frown slightly. He's always been sensitive to that kind of stuff. If someone gives off a "weird vibe," he'll distance himself. If something feels off, he waits and watches. And he's usually right. Don't ask me how. He just knows people—feels them or something.
"Well, I don't need to tell you this, but just in case…" Theo said. "If she asks you to stand in a circle or eat some weird shit, just don't. Okay?"
He was trying to sound casual, but I could tell he meant it.
"Nah, don't worry," I said. "The only thing she gave me was a rock to help my grandma 'communicate' with me."
I exaggerated the absurdity with air quotes. "Don't worry. I threw that shit out right after."
"Okay, man. 'Cause some people are really weird. And you already know what I think—when you sense darkness in someone, you run. Even if she's hot. Actually—especially if she's hot—"
And just like that, my phone died.
Seriously?
Well. I needed to charge it anyway… But first—my plate. I grabbed the remote and let myself eat in front of the TV. I love the guys, I really do, but I love my quiet time when I'm eating. And honestly? Theo was worrying for nothing. It's not like I'm gonna marry this girl or anything.
I just want to sleep with her. That's it. If it becomes a regular thing? Even better. But yeah, if she's weird, I'll just ditch her. Easy.
I get that he's worried about us. And that's sweet, really. But sometimes an urge just needs to be dealt with. He'd understand if he saw her.
Wait… what was her name again?
I reached for my phone. Dummy. Still dead. Fine—I'll finish eating, then charge it.
On the screen, a show played in the background as Buddy walked in and out of the house like he owned the place. What was he even doing? That cat had a better life than me, for real. He had food, someone working for him, someone worrying about him… petting him.
I was his mom, his butler, his emotional support human… And what do I get in return? Nasty side-eyes.
Life's unfair.
Me too—I want someone to pet me and worry about me.
Well… that's what I am gonna get tomorrow night.
I chuckled proudly, knowing she'd end up in my bed. She literally asked to come over, after all.
After finishing my plate, I got up and left it in the sink. I'll wash it later.
I finally plugged in my phone and turned it back on. A few messages popped up.
Have a good night, fatty. – Theo
You better send a good night message before tomorrow, Chicken, or I'll be in front of your house! – Elliot
Their threats were the sweetest.
The psychos of my life.
I chuckled and texted back: It was nice talking to you guys. I'll call you tomorrow. I promise! Good night, Bambino. Sleep tight, gramps.
Message sent.
It'd been a while since I'd done that. It felt… nice.
Now that that mission was complete, I had to find that girl's name—the one I'm seeing tomorrow.
Latest calls… Ah. Jenny.
That's a cute name. It fits her.
I better remember it for tomorrow.
I grabbed my pack of cigarettes and lighter and stepped outside for a smoke before bed.
Buddy was on the fence, sitting like a little king, watching over the house like he was on guard duty. He was cute. Still… he had such an attitude. He looked so focused. Maybe something in the tree caught his attention.
As I smoked, watching his concentrated face, I tried to remember where I threw the rock earlier… but gave up quickly. It wasn't important.
When I finished my cigarette, I called out to Buddy to come back inside. Of course, he didn't even twitch. Why did I expect anything else?
I went back in and shut the door. He'd use his little door when he was ready.
Before bed, I took a quick shower. I couldn't stop smiling, thinking about the boys. The day hadn't been so bad—if I ignored the whole Cassie situation.
I still don't know why she thought she could take my cat.
Even if she meant well… Buddy is mine. He's my only family now. As if I could hand him over to a stranger? She's crazy.
But then again, even if I keep the apartment, I can't bring Buddy in—pets are prohibited. Which means… I'll have to sell the house soon.
Sell the house. Buddy…
"Raaah, fuck."
Anyway. Let's stop thinking about that energetic girl and focus on tomorrow's side quest.
This Jenny girl and her dumb rock.
I laughed a little, remembering her strange talk.
She told me there's a "spiritual realm," and that Lucy might be trying to reach me from there. And her rock? It could help Lucy find me. Like a spiritual GPS or something.
That's one hell of a theory.
Lucy did believe in spirits, sure. But in subtle things—little interventions from good spirits. She wasn't into all that mystical, magical, battle-of-light-and-dark crap. If it wasn't from God, it was bad.
And honestly? I don't buy into all that.
I do believe there's something big out there. But I don't think everything is a planned war between good and evil. Sometimes… life just happens. Like with Lucy. She could've stayed a little longer. But life decided otherwise. And yeah—it sucks.
But spells? Magic rocks? Come on.
And no matter how weird things get, this house always feels… safe. Like something's wrapped around it. Must be nostalgia or maybe it is just because Lucy always said that the house was the safest place in the world back when i was a kid.
But anyways, if a rock could do all that, I don't know what to believe anymore.
My eyes were heavy, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching me. Not from inside the room… but like beyond. I started drifting off as I thought about all the crazy stuff Jenny had said earlier. I drifted off, the unease settling over me like a second blanket I hadn't asked for.
And then… It happened.
I was in this place. Dark. Unwelcoming. Filled with things I couldn't describe. The air felt heavy. These… things… were everywhere. They looked like humans at first but the more I was watching them it was like their faces melted into weird shapes. They definitely weren't human. They weren't even monsters. They were like shadows, twisted energy, crawling over this space that didn't have a comprehensible structure. Deformed. Everything felt deformed and out of place.
Suddenly, one of these things turned its head in my direction with its half human, half deformed head, like it was about to come for me.
That thing was terrifying. And I— I was terrified.
I needed to get out. Now.
Help. Help…
HELP!
Wait… I'm dreaming.
If I know I'm dreaming… why can't I wake up?
Move. Move, damn it!
God… Oh sweet Jesus… I need you now. Like—really.
Buddy's POV
I found him.
So small. Like a child.
In a place he doesn't belong.
I rushed toward him and grabbed him.
This isn't good.
I need to find that thing.
Jace's POV
I woke up gasping for air, drenched in sweat, heart pounding in my chest.
That nightmare…
It was brief but intense. Like something had taken me somewhere.
And then I saw him—Buddy.
Lying on my chest.
Looking into my eyes.
Without even thinking, the words came out of my mouth.
"Thank God you're here, Buddy."