72. Wants

“Fine.” Lindsey plodded across the small dorm room. A tall table stood next to the door covered in junk. Lindsey slung her book-bag over her shoulder and plucked Jerome’s phone off the table. “You won’t need this.”

Jerome’s heart went into overdrive as she stormed out. His legs itched to follow. The door was propped open and her feet echoed from the hall. She stopped. His mind was struggling on the hand-break on his legs. The elevator chimed. His mind letting go for just a second, his legs took off out the door and down the hallway.

He reached the elevator just as the door started to close. He pushed on the doors and they opened again. “Give me my phone.”

Her scowl curled up. She dangled the phone, holding it by the small plastic antenna, in front him. He made a grab and she pulled it away. She dangled it again, teasing a dog with a treat.

He watched her eyes and moved his hand slowly for the phone. When it was just an inch away he made another grab. She pulled it away again.

“Damn it Lindsey, it’s my phone.”

She dangled it again. The doors chimed. She palmed the phone and waved to Jerome as the doors closed, separating them on either side.

“Bitch.” he yelled as the elevator descended. His legs were ready before he even made the choice. They took off for the stairs. He opened the door just as three students entered the hallway. They passed Jerome carrying armfuls of groceries. He held the door while the energy in his legs channeled into his foot tapping wildly. He made it to the first floor as the elevator chimed again. Watching her as she read though his phone, the elevator closed and headed up. “I don’t have time for this shit.” He yelled at the doors.

Jerome was panting as he made it back up to the third floor. He walked over to the elevator but it was empty. He walked back to his dorm room. Lindsey was sitting on the couch with her head in her hands. Her shoulders rolled with each sniffle. “Now you’re crying? What is with you today?”

“Nothing.” She wiped her eyes.

Rolling his eyes he sat next to her on the couch. “Come one, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

He put an arm over her shoulder and scooted next to her. “Something’s wrong, you weren’t crying when you left.”

She pulled out from under him and stood up. “Here’s your stupid phone.” She hurled it at the couch.

Jerome stood up and towered over her. His arms over his head made it look like he could completely engulf her. “What do you want from me? I’m trying but you won’t tell me what’s wrong. This is bullshit.” He rubbed his eyes, sighed, and wrapped his arms around her. “Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to piss you off.”

She oozed out of his arms and back on the couch. “You don’t even care.”

“Of course I do.” He kneeled on the floor in front of her. Using on hand, he gently lifted her chin so their eyes meet. “I thought you were just mad, why are you so sad now?”

“You know why.” Her eyes darted to the cell phone.

He stood up and stretched his back. “I’m not going to do this every time. You said you understood, that you wanted this.” He was pacing. “I don’t love you alright? I never will. So you can just walk out and never come back, or just deal with it.” He made his way to the door and pretended to hold it open. “You need to leave now.”

She stood up and stomped a hoof on the floor. “Fine.” She made her way to the door. “I hope you two will be very happy together.” She took her book bag from his hand and walked out.

©Chris Richards 2009