Chapter 11

     JAX screamed and panted. Sweat clung to his skin as if it were a corrosive acid. The circumstances shown in his dream were frightening. He swore to forget about the past so he could move on from what had happened and forgive himself, but it appears that he hasn’t been able to soothe his inner child in the last few days. He groaned, recalling something that had been bothering him ever before that event began to appear in his dreams. Is it possible that nightmares serve as a type of internal connectivity? And, if so, what is it attempting to communicate?

Jax shifted his gaze to his nightstand. It’s only past three o’clock, as is customary. This is why he prefers to sleep during the day; no dreams, no abrupt awakenings, nothing. Pure slumber, in which he can truly relax his mind. He sat up, his back on the bedrest. Maybe he should stop running away, maybe it’s time he confronted his own demons. He took a gulp, thirsty. But he resisted the impulse to drink until he felt the warmth of the sun on his skin. When he thinks, time seems to speed up, but it also seems to slow down. Even though he was exhausted and sleepy, he got up and forced himself to bathe, dress, and eat. It’s Wednesday, therefore it’s time for him to give an update on his progress.

He sat down in front of his laptop and opened his transcripts as usual. Brie's story flashed before his eyes as he glanced at the blank sheet. After that, he smiled triumphantly, as though their story was destined to be written as tragedy. Before stretching his hand and making himself some tea, he had written approximately a thousand words. It was time for a break, so he went to the veranda. The scenery was like a marriage of morning colors and grassland flowers, with greens shimmering and shining the dust. The scenery is extremely tranquil. And the birds flying in and out reminded him of his mother singing him his lullaby.

His smile fell. Mom… he remembers the past again.

“Hey, what are you doing?”

It came at the perfect time. Just in time, his sister walked into his room. His joyful memories are based on that wonderful voice. After all this time, he's delighted he's still with her sister and, of course, his mother. Even though seeing them is painful, who better to console a son in need of warmth and love than his own family?

“It’s break time so I’m just relaxing right now. What’s up?”

Ivy pouted, plopping herself at the beanie seat. “I’ll be visiting university today since I have something to do in the laboratory. I swear to God, my professors are pain in the ass. After that, I’ll buy groceries so if you want to escort me, that will be great.”

Jax stared at his little sister with a frown, “You just want me to come with you.” He stated, as a matter-of-fact.

“That shouldn’t even be a question!” Ivy giggled, snickering. Before Jax could even say something, she waltzed out of the room with nothing but a simple yell or, “Get properly dressed! Don’t embarrass me in front of my classmates!”

Jax couldn’t help but smile as he took in the scenery. The sun is shining brightly. The sun had fully risen, illuminating the swaying stems caused by the mild breeze. It isn’t particularly hot, but neither is it particularly chilly. The wind is crisp, and it smells better than dust. It’s reassuring to be alone. Jax could also see barns where animals were tucked away for the night. The village’s twist and droop, the flora’s rhythms and diversity, the ever-changing horizon and wind. Every day was a fresh moment in time, because even this one spot, this vista from atop a hill, could never be the same two days in a row. Times like these remind Jax that he is still a part of nature, that his soul and the kid within him are still alive and well, simply waiting for the proper opportunity to act.

He remembered Brie’s narrative as his mind wandered. It had been a true tragedy. They were lovers, she had to go to pursue her aspirations, her guy found new love in the midst of his grief, and now she is alone since she chose profession above love. If Jax had the ability, he would do something as a show of appreciation. That made his eyes twinkle. He could, in fact, make a difference. All he has to do now is get closer to that guy.

When Ivy abruptly touched him on the shoulder and told him they had to leave, his thoughts were rattled. He just responded with a nod and quickly gathered the essential items to keep him company while Ivy attends to her own business at the institution. When they arrived, nothing piqued his interest, so Ivy advised him to go for a walk, which he did.

He took a trip throughout the campus, stopping at the auditorium, gymnasium, cafeteria, and even the buildings. The library was the final stop. Most students are either fast asleep, reading thousands of titles, or simply admiring the splendor of the books in the library, which boasts lofty walls of historic volumes. Comfortable sitting and peaceful reading areas have replaced the spaces traditionally occupied by physical books. The library professionals are on hand to provide assistance and to guarantee that it is a peaceful community environment in which to concentrate and unwind. Racks of books grew over the wall, as if they had been sown as cultivars and flourished as a result of the abundant resources.

Jax was looking for a seat, but it appeared like there were none available. He was ready to walk away when his sight fell on that one guy sitting alone, most likely sleeping. He approached him discreetly, lightly tapping him on the shoulder to catch his attention, hoping that he wouldn’t yell at a stranger. The man, sleepy and bewildered, looked up.

“Hello? Do you need something?”

“Oh, uh…” He stammered. “Can I sit here?”

The stranger stared at him strangely, but after a while, he nodded and motioned him to take his place. “Feel free,” He said, Jax eagerly following. “Are you new to the area?”

The latter shook his head, “Kind of? I lived here before.” He replied timidly, indicating that he did not want to continue the conversation, but the stranger acted as if he had missed the indication and continued to interrogate him.

“Oh, really? What’s your name? I haven’t seen you before.” The familiarity of the stranger’s voice and look drew Jax’s attention, as if they had previously conversed, but it seems odd because he would recognize someone if they had met. His memory isn’t great, but it’s not terrible.

“Jake,” Jax shrugged. “However, most people refer to me as Jax. I’m a writer, and on my first day here, my sister hosted an event on the square. It was something called speed dating or blind dates. To say the least, it was a failure.”

The man’s hands clapped softly, his eyes flashing with recognition. “Right! You were the main character of that unforgettable event. That day, I was also on the piazza. I’m also acquainted with Ivy. She’s fairly well-known in this town. My name is Churchill.”

“That’s quite a historic name.”

“Is it?” The guy named Churchill snickered. “If you know someone named Chase here, I’m his brother. We don’t really get along but I got popular thanks to him and his boyfriend.”

Chase, Chase, Chase. . . Jax is pretty sure he had heard of the name before. He gasped in realization, like if a bomb had landed on him. As his thoughts stuttered for a time, everything in him came to a halt. He swallowed, a constant stream of thoughts passing through his mind. Shock can be positive or negative, but it is always an indication that something needs to change.

“Of course, I know him.” But not in that way. “What do you mean you don’t get along? I thought he’s friendly.”

Churchill relentlessly nodded, “He is. He’s kind and nice and approachable, something like a guy material? I don’t have any problems with him. With his boyfriend, I do.” Churchill sighed, suddenly inching closer to Jax as if the next line would be so controversial and good God, it is.

“If you know about the attempted massacre that happened here before, he knows something about that. He was one of the suspected mastermind. He was found not guilty though, but most people here knows that he was part of a criminal organization before. I don’t know why they still trust him.”

Jax's complexion had turned as white as his eyes. He knew he'd pass out sooner or later if he couldn't keep his balance. It felt as if his inside organs were being replaced by a bottomless pit. Then sickness crawled up his stomach and into his mind, and everything went black.