Chapter One-hundred Eighty-Three: Jordi's Inner Conflict

Chapter 183

Jordi’s Inner Conflict

That morning, Jordi stepped out of the shower with a towel around his waist. He dropped it on the floor and listened to the radio as he started to get dressed for work. The meteorologist stated that temperatures would dip into the fifties.

He put on a clean pair of boxer briefs, grabbed his white, pressed shirt, buttoned it, then slid his black pants on, buttoning them and fastening his belt. He sat on his bed and slid his feet into his sheer socks. He rose, draped his tie over his neck, and tied it. He stepped out with his suit jacket in his arm.

His grandfather was at the table, digging into his pancakes, toast, and sausages. Henrietta was at the stove preparing breakfast.

Henrietta: “Morning, handsome man!”

She sang. Jordi smiled and nodded.

Jordi: “Morning.”

He brushed his sleeve back and looked at his Rolex watch.

Jordi: “I’m running a bit late, so would you mind if I grabbed a muffin?”

He asked Henrietta. She smiled at him.

Henrietta: “Not at all, handsome man!”

She sang.

She placed six various muffins into a box.

Jordi: “I don’t think I need that many…”

He said, rubbing the back of his head.

Henritetta: “Save one for later or for lunch.”

She handed him the box. Jordi forced a smile and nodded. He placed the box on the counter as he shrugged into his suit jacket. He buttoned it up, slid his feet into his boots, and knelt to zip them up. He put his gold-rimmed, tinted sunglasses over his eyes, grabbed the box, and headed out of the house to his car.

Jordi climbed into the driver’s seat, placed the box onto the passenger’s side, and slid the key into the ignition. He started the car, shifted into reverse, and looked behind him as he backed out. He then turned into the first gear and drove down the road.

~

As he drove down the road, he came to a crawl, flicked on his signal, and went down the driveway of the Old Koks Manor. He parked his car, lifted the emergency brake, and stepped out with the box of muffins. He went up the steps and used the door knocker to knock. Footsteps drew closer to the door as it creaked open. Madelyn was dressed as a forest fairy in a green leaf dress, leaf shoes, and wings.

Madelyn: “Ohh, back for more tickling, huh?”

She smiled and winked at Jordi. Jordi let out a peal of giggles.

Jordi: “Hahahahaha, I wish! I have to be at work, though! This is why I am wearing this!”

He gestured to his suit and showed his work ID, which showed him wearing that suit with a neutral expression.

Madelyn: “Ooh, you get to wear a business costume, huh? So you’re a business prince!”

She chuckled. Jordi laughed and rubbed the back of his head.

Jordi: “A business costume, huh? A business prince?”

He laughed and reddened a bit.

Madelyn: “Yes! That’s what the suit is, right?”

She tugged at his sleeves. Jordi swallowed hard.

Jordi: “Yes, I am supposed to wear it for work.”

He cleared his throat and handed her a box.

Jordi: “My grandfather’s caretaker made too many muffins. I figured you’d like these for breakfast.”

He smiled. Madelyn’s violet eyes sparkled.

Madelyn: “Oooh! Muffins! Thank you!”

She beamed, lifting the lid and admiring the multi-coloured, freshly baked muffins.

Jordi: “You’re very welcome.”

He said softly. Madelyn took the banana muffin and bit into it.

Madelyn: “Very delish!”

She smiled at him. Jordi smiled tightly at her.

Jordi: “So, uh, you don’t find it cold wearing that?”

He asked, pressing his forefingers together.

Madelyn: “Not really? Though I have a coat for going outside!”

She exclaimed, picking up a sparkly green leaf coat. Jordi’s byzantine eyes lit up when he saw her jacket.

Jordi: “Oh, that’s very pretty!”

He said breathlessly.

Madelyn: “Why, thank you!”

She spun around on her heel. Jordi smiled and pursed his lips.

Jordi: “And this place does have a fireplace in almost every room… Hahahaha.”

He raked his fingers through his hair.

Madelyn: “It does! It makes it warm! You should come visit and sit with me by the fireplace sometime!”

She exclaimed, tugging at his sleeve. Jordi cleared his throat and smiled.

Jordi: “Which room now?”

He grinned.

Madelyn: “Any room you like!”

She smiled back at him.

He leaned closer.

Jordi: “Yours?”

He teased.

Madelyn: “Sure! Be my guest!”

She smiled at him, taking his hand and leading him up the stairs.

Jordi reddened and laughed nervously.

Jordi: “What, right now?! I have to go to work!”

He stammered. Madelyn turned to him.

Madelyn: “Do you want to go to work?”

She asked him.

Jordi: “It’s not a matter of what I want, but I have to… I need money to pay my bills.”

He sighed.

Jordi: “Sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to do to help those who can’t do.”

He explained.

Madelyn: “Aww, I get ya. Isn’t there something else that will make you happy that will pay your bills and help pay for the people you want to help?”

She pressed him. Jordi paused and examined her.

Jordi: “...Maybe someday, but not right now.”

He said grimly.

He inhaled sharply.

Jordi: “I can drop by after work and we can resume this, if you like.”

He said gently. Madelyn brightened.

Madelyn: “Yay! I can help you unwind after work!”

She exclaimed, clasping her hands together.

Jordi: “I’d love nothing more…”

He said breathlessly.

Jordi: “See you later then.”

He said as he put his sunglasses back on and went down the patio steps to his car.

Madelyn: “Okay, see you later!”

She smiled at him and waved him off. He waved back at her and got back into his car.

~

Tristan was in his office, going over his papers and at his computer to place Abigail Choi as the new legal owner of the old Koks manor. He wore a three-piece black Italian-cut suit, a white pressed shirt, a blue paisley tie, and black wingtip Oxfords.

Someone knocked on his doorframe. Tristan raised his head to see Celeste in the doorway. He brightened when he saw her. She wore a Guns ‘n Roses tank top, jean shorts, black nylons, cowgirl boots, and a leather jacket.

Tristan: “Celeste, what a pleasant surprise. Come in.”

He said softly, folding his hands on his desk. Celeste entered and held up a package featuring a woman in a Playboy Bunny costume. Tristan sat back in his chair and formed a pyramid with his hands over his chest.

Tristan: “You’re going to wear that for Ichiro?”

She nodded.

Celeste: “Are you mad?”

He shook his head.

Tristan: “Why would I be? It’s not you, Celeste. I do not trust Ichiro. I don’t believe he will divulge what we need.”

He said sternly. Celeste hugged the costume close.

Celeste: “I wanna help, and I don’t know how else we’re gonna find out what Borko was to Ichiro.”

She murmured. Tristan nodded.

Tristan: “And you are helping, Celeste. You are right—we don’t have many options on the table, but Ichiro… seems always to be one step ahead of us. While it seems you’re setting him up for a trap, I do wonder if he will flip the switch on you.”

He said grimly. Celeste held her fist up.

Celeste: “I can take care of myself!”

She said doggedly.

Tristan: “That you can, but let’s not forget, he knows of your ethereal prowess and knows how to subdue you.”

He added. Celeste bowed her head.

Celeste: “Well, what if Ivy wore this for him?”

Tristan gaped at her.

Tristan: “Ichiro is not attracted to Ivy.”

Celeste nodded.

Celeste: “That’s right! I have to do this!”

She exclaimed. Tristan put his hands up.

Tristan: “All right, I won’t stop you…”

He then held his forefinger up.

Tristan: “But please exercise caution.”

He said in a warning tone. Celeste smiled and nodded.

Celeste: “Sure thing, Tristan!”

Tristan smiled faintly, but something in the back of his head was telling him this plan would backfire horribly.

~

An hour later, someone knocked on Tristan’s doorframe. He raised his head to see Deimos standing there. He wore a Kreator t-shirt, torn jeans, cowboy boots, and a leather jacket. Tristan scowled at him.

Tristan: “What do you want?”

Deimos: “Can we talk?”

He knit his eyebrows.

Tristan: “No.”

He said tersely. Deimos sauntered in and heaved a deep sigh.

Deimos: “I don’t know why I did what I did, Tristan.”

Tristan: “Insecurity doesn’t mix with sexual urges.”

He said dryly. Deimos hung his head.

He drew a long breath and started massaging Tristan’s shoulders. Tristan shuddered and wrenched himself away. He bared his teeth at Deimos and glared contemptuously at him.

Tristan: “DON’T TOUCH ME!”

He hissed. Deimos put his hands up.

Deimos: “You looked tense!”

He countered.

Tristan: “I am tense! You’re here!”

He snapped.

Deimos reached out and tickled his neck. Tristan laughed a bit.

Tristan: “AhaahAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! STOP!”

He yanked himself away and slapped Deimos across his face. Deimos was deeply hurt as his cheek was red from Tristan’s slap.

Tristan: “I need you to leave now! There’s nothing to discuss!”

He cried. Deimos rubbed his sore cheek.

He flicked his gaze to his monitor and saw the address for 1313 Orchard Street.

Deimos: “Wait, isn’t that the address for the Old Koks Mansion?”

He asked as he pointed to the address. Tristan slapped his hand away.

Tristan: “STOP looking at my casefiles! They are confidential!”

He hissed.

Deimos: “Tristan, I think that is the address for the Old Koks Mansion.”

He said sternly. Tristan clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes.

Tristan: “YES, it is! What does any of this matter to you?!”

He barked. Deimos furrowed his eyebrows.

Deimos: “I don’t want you near that place, Tristan! It’s dangerous and I don’t want you to sully your delicate, dainty hands on any part of that decrepit, derelict place!”

He said slowly.

Tristan glared at him.

Tristan: “You’re in no position to tell me how to do MY job!”

He rose to tower over him.

Tristan: “I already sullied my hands when I entered a relationship with you!”

He cried. Deimos knit his eyebrows.

Tristan: “I gave you every bit of me and you spit in my face!”

He sobbed. Deimos bowed his head.

Deimos: “I’m so sorry, Tristan! I love you so, so much! I always loved you! I always saved you!”

He exclaimed.

Tristan: “Except when you LEFT me at the park because of Ivy’s bullshit, screamed at me for a lamoris attacking me in Seashell Cove, and then you CHEATED AT ME!”

He screamed and slashed his hand across, casting a sheet of ice with ice shards pointing at Deimos. Deimos embraced himself and drew back.

Deimos: “I don’t know why I would ever cheat on you!”

He cried.

Tristan: “THEN I SUGGEST YOU GET THE HELL OUT OF MY SIGHT AND FIGURE IT OUT!”

He bawled through hot tears and sent an ice blast that sent Deimos out of the office and crashed into the wall, knocking the wind out of him. He fell to the floor, and the door shut in his face.

Tristan sat at his desk, removed his glasses, and cried into his hands as ice and snow covered his office, and the snow gently fell on his hair.

Deimos stared at the door and panted as a purple glow surrounded him, as he healed himself. He saw his breath and saw a sheet of ice under the door. He then recalled seeing that when he went to check on Tristan after Dougal had almost sexually assaulted him when he was seventeen, and remembered that Tristan refused to let him in.

Deimos drew a long breath and stared at the door for a moment. He then walked down the hall and down the stairs.

~

Jordi got off the elevator and went to the food court area to grab a quick breakfast since he hadn’t eaten, and gave the muffins Henrietta had made to Madelyn. He saw Makayla seated at one of the tables, dressed in her hog farmer attire, with Brad by her, wearing pig ears. She shoved French Toast sticks into his mouth.

Makayla: “Good piggie!”

She cooed.

Jordi scruched his face. He looked ahead to the Voyage Burger outlet and saw a cardboard stand of Varg the Viking holding up French Toast sticks. The sign said, “RAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!! Try Varg’s French Toast Swords today! Dip them in Varg’s foot cream or his special syrup.” Jordi’s face twisted with disgust. Way to kill someone’s appetite, he thought.

Then he spotted Craig wearing a loincloth, fur boots, a Burger Berserker head, and holding up a sign. An Asian man with greenish-blue hair, swept to the side, was in line to be served. He wore a brown English-cut suit, a white pressed shirt, a black tie, and black whole cut Oxford shoes.

Craig: “ ‘eyyyyyyyy, sexy! Wanna go on a date wit’ me?”

The man quirked an eyebrow.

Man: “Do you know who I am? I am Yimu Fang of accounting.”

He said coolly. Craig smiled dumbly.

Craig: “Oh, fuck yeah, show me some fang!”

Yimu glared at him.

Yimu: “I see your bank account information and retained everything. How do you expect to take me out with eight dollars in your bank account?”

He challenged him.

Craig: “No stress, I get twenty-five percent off everything here ‘cause I work here, so I could get ya a Ragnarok meal!”

He waved his hand.

Yimu: “Aren’t you the charmer? That would leave six dollars in your account. I’ll pass.”

He said evenly.

Craig: “Fuck yeah! I can get me some beer with that!”

He cheered. Yimu rolled his eyes and went ahead to the cashier to place his order.

Jordi approached the “Muffy’s Muffins’ outlet. The girl at the cashier’s waved at Jordi.

Cashier: “Hey, Jordi!”

Jordi smiled and nodded. Craig grinned at him.

Craig: “ ‘ey, sexy! Wanna have a taste of my muffins?”

He grinned.

Jordi: “It didn’t work the first time, second, third, fourth, and so on. Why would it work now?”

He asked sharply.

Craig: “ ‘cause you can’t resist all this!”

He gestured to himself.

Jordi turned to the cashier.

Jordi: “I’d like a carrot muffin with a sweet tea, please.”

He told the cashier and withdrew his wallet to pay for it.

Craig: “Oi, I got eight dollars in my account!”

Jordi: “Good for you. Better not spend that all in one place.”

He said dryly.

Craig: “I was thinking of spending it on you!”

He put his arm over Jordi. Electricity coursed through him, and he shocked Craig off him, sending him crashing into the Voyage Burger bin.

Jordi: “Spare me your generosity.”

He said flatly and took his muffin and drink after he paid for them.

~

Jaxon and Deimos entered the cigar lounge at the Noble Monarch Hotel. Jaxon wore a white button-down shirt with flared sleeves, black jeans, and black Chelsea boots. Deimos pulled out a chair for him. Jaxon sat down, and Deimos sat across from him. Deimos looked through the menu as Jaxon withdrew a cigarette from his pack and lit it. The waiter approached the two men.

Waiter: “What can I get you two gentlemen?”

Deimos: “Scotch on the rocks.”

He nodded.

Jaxon: “Jack and Coke.”

He replied.

Waiter: “Is this on one bill?”

Deimos: “Yes, I’m paying.”

Jaxon smiled a bit.

The waiter left, and Demils smiled at Jaxon.

Jaxon: “What did you want to talk to me about?”

He asked and inhaled a long drag. Deimos took Jaxon’s hand and traced his finger over the palm. Jaxon laughed a bit.

Jaxon: “Heheheheheeehehehehe!”

Deimos smiled tightly at him.

Deimos: “Jordi and Tristan went to dinner together.”

Jaxon raised his eyebrows.

Deimos: “It’s not what you think.”

He waved his hand. He withdrew a cigar, lit it up, and inhaled a drag.

Jaxon: “No?”

Deimos shook his head. Jaxon removed his boot and rubbed his sheer socked foot on Deimos’ boot. Deimos shivered and inhaled sharply.

The waiter brought their drinks. Deimos paid him and gave him a tip. He took a swig of his drink.

Deimos: “They were spying on Ichiro.”

Jaxon froze.

Jaxon: “Where was this?”

Deimos harrumphed.

Deimos: “Maison de Luxe.”

Jaxon: “Why was Ichiro there?”

He knit his eyebrows.

Deimos: “He was with some stuffy redheaded woman on a date.”

He replied. Jaxon cupped his mouth.

Jaxon: “Ichiro is up to something… He’s not going to let go of… Celeste that easily, unfortunately.”

He stated and took a sip of his drink.

Deimos gazed intently at him.

Deimos: “Still trying to work things out with her?”

Jaxon bowed his head.

Jaxon: “I want to, but…, she wants to wear this sexy bunny costume for Ichiro so he will tell her about Borko.”

He knit his eyebrows. Deimos nodded.

Deimos: “What’s the issue?”

He asked as he gulped his drink.

Jaxon: “Ichiro gave me PTSD… I… I love her, and she wants to get in this sexy outfit for him!”

He said with jealousy and hurt.

Deimos: “I think this isn’t any different from Tristan and Jordi going on a ‘date’ to see what Ichiro wants.”

Jaxon: “No, it’s not! Tristan and Jordi aren’t trying to seduce him, and he’s not into men anyway!”

He said doggedly. Deimos heaved a deep sigh and inhaled a long drag.

Deimos: “I don’t know, Jaxon. I understand you, but also, we’re not getting closer to who the fuck Borko was to Ichiro.”

Jaxon: “Does it matter anymore? The guy is dead.”

He embraced himself. Deimos knit his eyebrows.

Deimos: “Maybe it does. Maybe he had something to do with what happened to your grandmother.”

Hurt flickered all over Jaxon’s face.

Jaxon: “Why would he do that? He didn’t know her.”

He laughed a hollow laugh and cupped his mouth. Deimos shrugged.

Deimos: “If he were involved with Ichiro, anything is possible. We can’t rule anything out.”

Jaxon hung his head, and the thought of that creepy old man playing a hand in his grandmother’s death made him sick.

Jaxon: “I don’t know. I don’t recall seeing him around, and I lived at home. He wasn’t at the engagement party my grandmother had for Noriko and me, and I don’t remember his name coming up on the wedding guest list.”

He said anxiously. Deimos cupped his mouth.

Deimos: “I don’t know, Jax…”

Jaxon knit his eyebrows.

Jaxon: “It doesn’t make any sense…”

Deimos: “Because Ichiro, the notorious gaslighter, is involved. It will make sense someday.”

He reached out and grasped his hand. Jaxon smiled a bit and intertwined his fingers with his.

~

After work, Jordi was walking down the street toward the Old Koks Manor. He wore a purple long-sleeved button-down shirt with a wing collar, black jeans, a black leather bomber jacket, and his black zip-up boots. He carried a bag in his hand. It was already pitch dark outside. Jordi ventured down the driveway as the wind whistled through the trees. He went up the stairs and used the door knocker.

Footsteps came closer to the door as Madelyn answered, now dressed as a witch in a black velvet dress with lace and a marigold bow around her neck.

Madelyn: “Greetings! You came back?!”

She smiled with delight at him. Jordi surveyed her and smiled.

Jordi: “I said I would! I love the costume! Is this for a shoot or for a movie or for fun?”

He asked her.

Madelyn: “Thank you! I made it! I like to wear fun costumes every day!”

She exclaimed as she twirled around on her feet. Jordi clapped, and his smile spread to show his even white teeth.

Jordi: “You look very lovely! Do you make them?”

He asked her.

Madelyn: “Thank you! Yes! I make my own clothes!”

She clasped her hands and beamed at him. Jordi nodded in approval.

Jordi: “You’re very talented.”

He chirped.

Madelyn: “I can make you one if you want!”

She added. Jordi stepped inside and laughed as he unzipped his jacket.

Jordi: “And what would you make for me?”

He asked her with a smile, then hung his jacket on the coat hanger.

Madelyn: “Whatever you desire!”

She swayed her hips.

Jordi: “Maybe a prince costume.”

He stroked his chin. Madelyn's eyes grew large.

Madelyn: “I can do that, but it wouldn't be a costume!”

She laughed. Jordi blushed.

Jordi: “Thank you.”

He pursed his lips and inhaled sharply.

Madelyn: “Oooh, you brought me more muffins?”

She eyed the Muffy’s Muffin bag. Jordi cleared his throat and handed her the bag.

Jordi: “Yeah, I ordered a ton before I left work.”

He said quickly and reddened. He rubbed the back of his head.

Madelyn: “Aww, that’s so sweet! Thank you!”

She beamed at him, standing on her tiptoes to pat the top of his head. Jordi bent over to allow more access.

Jordi: “Of course, I was thinking of you all day!”

He blurted. Madelyn redenned.

Madelyn: “Me?! R-Really?”

She chuckled and ran her hands through her hair.

Jordi: “Yeah, you!”

He pointed at her. Madelyn chuckled and smiled widely.

Madelyn: “Why is that?”

She teased.

Jordi: “You’re fun to be around, and I was thinking of you.”

He pursed his lips. Madelyn smiled widely.

Madelyn: “Well, I was also thinking of you, too! Boop!”

She pointed at him, poking his nose. Jordi’s eyes widened, and he let out a peal of laughter as he blushed.

Jordi: “So, uh, I take it the heating is still not working in this place? Want to go to a room where there’s a fireplace?”

He laughed a bit.

Madelyn: “Okay! Let’s try this again, haha!”

She exclaimed, taking his hand and leading him up the staircase. Jordi clasped his hand in hers as she led him up.

They ventured down a mysterious, opulent, and slightly eerie corridor with four doors on each side. On the right, there was a highly carved, dark-wood antique console table. It was dominated by deep, dark colors, primarily black wood trim and a striking, deep teal baroque-pattern wallpaper. The walls featured extensive, dark, prominent wainscoting and trim.

The hall was lit by pairs of antique-style sconces with small, warm, cylindrical bulbs mounted on the walls, casting a soft, upward glow.

Several dark, ornate chandeliers hung from the ceiling, receding down the length of the hall. The ceiling was high and vaulted, featuring dark wood paneling. Dark, wide-plank hardwood floors ran down the length of the hall.

Madelyn led him down the end of the corridor to a purple glitter door with a crystal knob.

Madelyn: “Open Sesame!”

She announced as she swung the door open, leading him into her bedroom. Jordi stepped inside. It was like stepping into a fairytale book illustration. The room was illuminated by purple lighting running across the purple celestial wallpaper, casting an iridescent glow onto the various tapestries and mushroom ornaments scattered throughout.

The fireplace was the centerpiece and central light of the room—lines of plastic ivy vines draped down across the windows like curtains, covering the glass-stained windows. A wooden canopy bed sat across from the fireplace, with purple lace draping from it and a mushroom duvet cover. A fake moss rug sat at the centre of the room, further adding to the fairytale feel. There was an arched hallway adjacent to the door, leading to a walk-in closet and an ensuite bathroom at the other end.

Jordi surveyed her bedroom and put his hands on his hips. He loved the decor as well as how warm it felt, figuratively and literally.

Jordi: “Very nice! I love your bedroom!”

He said genially. He knelt to unzip his boots. He slid his feet out of them and sauntered over to her bed and sat down on it, leaning back. Madelyn’s bed had a mushroom-print comforter on top, with soft, fluffy green pillowcases resembling moss. Madelyn hopped onto the bed with him and rubbed up against her soft pillows.

Madelyn: “Thank you! Welcome to Madelyn Land!”

She spread her arms out.

Jordi: “I hope I never leave…”

He said breathlessly and leaned back, taking a deep breath. Madelyn’s eyes widened, and she cupped her mouth with a chuckle.

Jordi: “So what’s the admission price?”

He teased.

Madelyn: “Free for you!”

She teased back.

Jordi: “And what makes me the lucky boy now?”

He winked.

Madelyn: “Well, you haven’t been so lucky, so you deserve some luck coming your way!”

She smiled back at him. Jordi’s smile faded a bit.

Jordi: “Oh, is that so? I guess I haven’t been lucky, have I?”

He laughed bitterly. Madelyn shook her head in confirmation.

Madelyn: “Do you believe in luck, or do you believe you can make things happen how you want them to be?”

She asked him, waving her fingers around like a magician. Jordi smiled and raised his head.

Jordi: “I think the latter. I’m uncertain about luck. I think it applies in some situations, but not everyone.”

He replied.

Madelyn: “I think you hold the majique to make your own path! Whatever good things you achieve, it was because of you, not luck!”

She mused. Jordi smiled at her.

Jordi: “What good things do I have then?”

Madelyn: “Well, you’re handsome and you’re nice!”

She smiled. Jordi rubbed the back of his head and blushed.

Madelyn: “Oh, and it seems like you have good friends!”

She added.

Madelyn: “What do you do when you’re not working or looking after people that need help? Or when you're not babysitting your girlfriend?”

She pressed him, stroking her fingers along her fluffy pillows. Jordi laughed bitterly.

Jordi: “Well…, I am at home reading a book, looking at my saltwater fish swim by, with Tristan, where we have deep discussions…”

He said, his voice trailing off. Madelyn smiled and listened intently.

Jordi: “Sometimes I like to go to the Starlight Club for some drinking and dancing. I love playing my synthesizer and singing… writing songs…”

He said and stared off into space. Madelyn’s intrigue piqued.

Madelyn: “Really now? You're a musician, huh?”

She beamed. Jordi nodded.

Jordi: “Yes.”

He replied.

Jordi: “Gina makes a tiny part of my life in the grand scheme of things.”

He mumbled. Madelyn frowned.

Madelyn: “Tiny? It seems like she's the grand scheme of things weighing you down!”

She laughed bitterly. Jordi twisted his mouth and nodded in agreement.

Madelyn: “I dated someone like her before… it doesn't get better!”

Jordi: “You did? Who was that, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Madelyn: “The Hamburger Queen and Hog Farmer herself…”

She groused and laughed bitterly. Jordi blinked.

Jordi: “Makayla? No way, she… ‘works’ at the Megalos Tower where I work. I use that term loosely. Whenever I go out, she’s in the food court with that fat guy shoving Voyage Burger in his face or those French toast sticks.”

He raked his fingers through his hair.

Jordi: “Her brother always hits on me.”

He groaned. Madelyn’s eyes widened.

Madelyn: “Seriously?! The hell is she doing in a place like that… with Brad?”

She laughed.

Madelyn: “Oh yeah, Craig is just as bad, but a muscular gay man version, pretty much, haha!”

Jordi: “So, one of the superiors at the company I work at hired Craig and Makayla, and the two live in a condo in the tower. The condo is constantly being deep cleaned.”

He groused.

Jordi: “Craig is now the Burger Berserker at the Voyage Burger outlet in the tower. Small world.”

Madelyn burst out laughing.

Madelyn: “Oh, that's brilliant! I couldn't think of a better job for him!”

She cackled with amusement.

He leaned back and lay on the bed, resting his hands behind his head. Madelyn lay back beside him on the bed.

Jordi: “I thought about what you said about Gina. Others have told me this. I am aware of this. I think I let my fear of loneliness cloud my judgment. But…, I feel more alone with her than I do without her.”

He told her.

Jordi: “I tried to forgive her, I really did, but I can’t.”

He sighed.

Madelyn: “Why are you afraid of being alone? Anything's gotta be better than being around her! I was only around her for five minutes, and I wanted to leave, haha.”

She pressed him.

Madelyn: Why do you HAVE to forgive her? Fuck that, she did the unforgivable!”

She huffed. Jordi inhaled sharply.

Jordi: “I am a social person and love being around others, and I want to see the good in everyone. Yes, I know some people don’t have it, but I do try. I… I want to make others happy. I wasn’t dealt the best hand in cards in my childhood, and I don’t want to do that to others. I want to make it a better place, you know?”

He gazed at her.

Madelyn: “Yeah, but what about your own happiness? You're not happy with her.”

She replied. Jordi blinked.

Jordi: “My own happiness…? You know, I always think of others, but I don’t often think of myself.”

He admitted and laughed humorlessly.

He turned over to lie on his side.

Jordi: “No, I am not happy with her, but it seems she’s done with me anyway.”

He smiled.

Jordi: “So this might be luck, as you put it.”

He laughed.

Madelyn: “Well, it seems you’re not happy with her either, and done with her, too.”

She added.

Madelyn: “So, I’d say you’re pretty lucky then!”

Jordi smiled and nodded.

Jordi: “I daresay you’re right.”

He cleared his throat.

Jordi: “I checked out emotionally anyway.”

He said, his voice trailing off, and sat up.

Madelyn: “So, why don’t you completely check out?”

She pressed him. Jordi peered over his shoulder.

Jordi: “She told me she’s done with me. I can’t do any more than that. Is there a reason you want me to?”

He smirked. Madelyn laughed.

Madelyn: “Because, you deserve soooo much better than her!”

She poked his nose. Jordi smirked tightly.

Jordi: “And who would I deserve?”

He chuckled.

Madelyn: “How about me?!”

She teased, resting her chin on her hands with a big smile. Jordi’s face turned a shade redder.

Jordi: “You wanna date me?”

He asked and blushed as he rubbed the back of his head. Madelyn’s eyes widened.

Madelyn: “Of course! Who wouldn’t want to date you!”

She gaped at him, being shocked that he would want to be dated.

Madelyn: “Would you wanna date me?”

She asked him. Jordi bit his lip and blushed.

Madelyn: “I mean, I know I’m a bit much, haha!”

She spread her arms out, gesturing to her bedroom.

Madelyn: “And you just got out of this relationship, so I get that!”

She added.

Jordi looked away.

Jordi: “I was told by a good friend that I jump into relationships too quickly. I attribute that to my fear of being alone, so I don’t know what I want right now.”

He admitted in a plaintive tone.

Madelyn: “Well then, maybe you should jump into being alone for a while?”

She advised, jumping across the rug. Jordi laughed a bit.

Jordi: “I-I guess…”

He rubbed the back of his head and sighed.

Madelyn: “Why are you scared of being alone?”

She flopped back down on the bed and gazed up at him. Jordi’s eyelids dipped.

Jordi: “I’m a social person, and I guess because some people abandoned me. I want to feel as much love as I give.”

He admitted.

Madelyn: “Screw those people who abandoned you! They suck! They threw away something good! You deserve better than that and deserve as much awesome love as you give!”

She assured him. Jordi smiled tightly and gazed at her.

Jordi: “Thank you for the encouragement.”

He said genially.

He brushed his sleeve back and glanced at his watch.

Jordi: “In any case, I need to get back home, have dinner, and start to get ready for bed. I have work tomorrow.”

He sighed.

Madelyn: “Aww, well, here’s a booster to get you by!”

She leaned over and tickled his foot. Jordi laughed hard and flopped on the bed.

Jordi: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!!”

He laughed hard and pounded on the bed. Madelyn smirked at him and rubbed her fluffy pillows against his feet and tickled his sides with her fingernails. Jordi caterwauled with laughter and loved every moment of this.

Jordi: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA OHOHOHOHOH NOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!!! WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!”

He pressed his hands against his temples. Madelyn grinned down at him, basking in his laughter as she tickled his sides with her fluffy duck-feathered doll. Jordi shrieked with laughter, and tears welled in his byzantine eyes.

Jordi: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAHAHAHAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!!!”

He laughed hard and pounded on the bed. Madelyn petted his head.

Madelyn: “Oooh, I love your loud laughter!”

She chuckled and smiled at him.

Jordi panted, and a few of his shirt buttons became undone, exposing his bare chest and his gold Cuban link chain.

Jordi: “Th-Thank you…”

He blew air through his parted lips. Madelyn’s eyes sparkled as his link chain sparkled under the glowing purple mushroom light.

Madelyn: “Ooh, shiny!”

She stroked his chain over his chest. Jordi reddened and inhaled sharply as she stroked his chain. Her fingernail scraped against his bare chest. He let out a small grunt and threw his head back.

Jordi: “Madre mía…!”

He muttered. Madelyn reddened and cupped her mouth to giggle.

Madelyn: “Wow, you’re VERY ticklish.”

She teased him, poking her tongue out.

Jordi: “Hehehehe, I know.”

He smirked and gazed at her for a moment. She gazed back at him with a smile.

He then rose to slip his feet into his boots. He zipped them up and buttoned his shirt. Madelyn sat back as she watched him hastily get up to leave.

Madelyn: “Well, until next time, Business prince!”

She smiled and winked at him, rolling onto her bed. Jordi turned to her and smiled.

Jordi: “Of course. See you later.”

He waved at her and left her bedroom.