Unknown Caller

  Tay found herself on the sofa when she came to. Jack was seated in the big blue chair to her left, his elbows were on his knees and he was running his fingers through his hair. He looked over as she began to stir. " Are you okay? Want some water?" Tay's head began to swim all over again as she attempted to nod. Jack quickly made his way to the kitchen and rifled through the cupboards. After a couple of tries he found a glass and filled it halfway with water. He brought it over and set it on the coffee table, and gingerly helped her prop up. She greatfully took the glass in both of her shaky hands, as he passed it to her. Sipping slowly, she watched him closely. The former irritation and impatience had long gone from his face, replaced by obvious concern.

 "Are you feeling any better?" Jack asked softly. Tay gave another, much slower, nod. "Sorry 'bout that. I-I don't know what came over me." Tay stammered out her apology, barely above a whisper. Jack shook his head " Why are you apologizing? You literally fainted while recounting the events in the house. I'm sorry, Tay. I shouldn't have been impatient with you like that. Regardless of what I believe, clearly something traumatic happened. You were visibly shaken, and I kept badgering. I still would like to know the rest of the story, when you're ready. First, I just want you to be ok. I know you said Mr. Bellum doesn't appreciate make guests, but in light of everything I'd like to stay here at least for tonight. I can either take Catherine's room or the couch. I want to figure out what's going on, and I'd like to keep an eye on you and make sure you're ok after that fainting spell." Tay nodded in agreement. 

  Around lunch time, Jack ordered some Pizza for the two of them. He had asked where Leila and Toni were, and Tay had explained they were in class right now. She called to see when they'd be back, and they each told her they would be out all night. They were going to be hanging out with their significant others, and would probably be home in the wee hours of the morning at the earliest. To be honest, Tay was just glad she wouldn't be home alone. Although she didn't know this man from Adam, if nothing else he'd be a deterrent for anyone that wanted to take advantage of a woman alone. He didn't seem like a dangerous person, and Cate had always spoken highly of him. Sure he was here brother, but Cate tended to tell it like it is and was generally a good judge of character. 

  After pizza, Tay put on a movie. They'd made small talk while waiting for and eating the pizza, and then decided to watch a movie. Tay snuggled up under a throw blanket back on the couch, and Jack remained in the blue chair. The movie was one Jack had seen before, but he thoroughly enjoyed it. By the end of the movie their sides hurt from laughing. It was a welcome shift from the uncomfortable morning they'd had.  Tay looked over and caught him staring at her. She had a beautiful smile.Tay pushed her glasses up on her nose, and quickly looked away as a faint blush crept across her cheeks. 

They spent the rest of afternoon chatting and trading stories about their childhood. Jack divulged to her about his parent's disappearance when he was eleven, and how his Aunt had raised both he and his sister. He explained that after finding zero leads, the detectives had closed the case after two years. His parents had gone to have a date night on a Friday in late November, and his Aunt had stayed at the house to watch himself and Catherine. At around eleven that night, when they hadn't yet returned, his Aunt had attempted to call the two of them several times. The calls kept going straight to voicemail. She waited up all night, hoping they just lost track of time, but then as the hours ticked by she began to fear they'd been in some sort of accident. She called the police the following morning, and the investigation began.

Tay listened intently to Jack's tale of his missing parents. Cate had never spoken much of her parents, only ever truly mentioning her Aunt and Brother. She couldn't help but reflect on the strange synchronicity of their parent's disappearance, and that of Cate. She decided not to actually mention any of this aloud. Eventually, Jack ordered dinner and they watched another movie as they ate. Afterward, Tay continued her story of the phone calls. The calls had continued for weeks, with only Cate ever hearing anything other than static. Each of the roommates had gotten fed up with the calls and wound up unplugging the house phone. There was some peace for a little while, and they attempted to ask Mr. Bellum about the calls. He assured the girls that he knew nothing of the Unknown Caller.