Chapter One-hundred Ninety-Nine: Misunderstanding

Chapter 199

Misunderstanding

The following day, Demetrio and Sylvia entered the Pink Top General Hospital with a bouquet and a basket of fruit. Japji approached them in a panic.

Demetrio: “Good morning, Japji! Sylvia and I brought gifts to check on Kahn! How is he feeling?”

He asked.

Japji: “The nurse told me the doctor said it was heartburn and he checked himself out, but he’s not home, he hasn’t called, and I don’t know where he is. I know it wasn’t heartburn; he had those before, and they never made him collapse!”

She cried. Demetrio’s and Sylvia’s smiles faded.

~

Jordi was in the recreation room in the Megalos tower. He wore his black suit work uniform and black zip-up boots. He lay on the couch, wearing his glasses, reading a book. So many thoughts raced through his mind, such as what transpired the night before, and how he felt utterly useless, that he couldn’t save that man. He was alerted to a rhythmic knocking on the door. He turned to the door.

Jordi: “It’s open.”

He called out and closed his book over. Madelyn sauntered into the room, dressed in a sage green dress and a flower crown in her hair. She was carrying a basket on her arm.

Madelyn: “Hey Jordi, I got you some cookies from Ashley!”

She beamed, presenting him with the basket of freshly baked cat-shaped cookies. Jordi sat up, smiled at her, and nodded toward the cookies.

Jordi: “Thank you, Madelyn. What brings you by? Sorry, I haven’t been in. I’m working overtime.”

He said and cleared his throat. He removed his glasses, folded the temples, and put them in his suit jacket. Madelyn observed him.

Madelyn: “Ooh, cool glasses! I came by to give you a snack… What’s wrong? You look sad!”

She set the basket down and cupped his cheeks. Jordi smiled, took her hands, and leaned into them.

Jordi: “I’m fine. I appreciate the thought.”

He said softly. Madelyn smiled back at him and stroked his hands in hers.

Madelyn: “...You don’t seem fine.”

She knit her eyebrows. Jordi cleared his throat.

Jordi: “I’m tired. I didn’t sleep the greatest, and I’ve been working overtime.”

He nodded and rose.

He stretched and then brushed his sleeve back to look at his watch.

Jordi: “I don’t know when I will be off work, so do you want to have dinner with me in the tower’s new restaurant? It’s called ‘Vesper View.’ ”

He turned to her with a smile. Madelyn smiled a bit.

Madelyn: “Sure, I’d love that!”

She sang. Jordi took her hand.

Jordi: “So would I, actually.”

He said gently and led her out of the recreation room.

As they left the room and walked down the hall, Govinda watched them from a corner.

~

They entered a stylish, upscale rooftop lounge at sunset, blending Art Deco elegance with a striking urban backdrop. The atmosphere is cozy and moody, highlighted by warm, amber lighting and luxurious textures.

The large, floor-to-ceiling windows reveal the Pink Top Cityscape at dusk.

The restaurant was distinguished by its lighting. Large, mushroom-shaped floor lamps cast a soft overhead glow, while each table had brass-shaded desk lamps, creating cozy pools of intimate light.

Velvet banquettes in olive green lined the walls, accented by patterned throw pillows. Low-slung cocktail chairs with geometric designs face round, polished tables with swirling marble-like tops.

The ceiling and many wall panels were coated in polished black lacquer, which enhanced the room's visual depth and reflected the warm orange hues of the sunset.

The design was a modern interpretation of “maximalism,” featuring dark wood, brass accents, and a layered color scheme to evoke a sense of luxury.

Madelyn: “Oooh, it’s so pretty here! You know lots of pretty places to eat!”

She remarked, marveling at the beautiful and timeless Art Deco aesthetic.

Jordi: “This place just opened, and the tower is known for its luxury. But yes, this city has plenty of lovely places to dine.”

He laughed and pulled out a chair for her. Madelyn thanked him and sat down, drinking in the atmosphere with excitement for food and dining with him again. Jordi smiled at her, feeling his spirits lift. He put his hand on hers.

Jordi: “My apologies for not taking you home at the Donati gala.”

He began.

Jordi: “...Something came up.”

He said quickly, gazing out the window.

Madelyn: “Oh, that’s okay, I know you’re a superhero!”

She assured him, stroking his hand. Jordi clenched his fist and had a pain in his eyes. Madelyn felt his hand clench, and her expression grew worried.

Jordi: “Thank you, but I’m not a hero.”

He muttered.

Madelyn: “What do you mean you’re not a hero? You’re always helping everyone!”

She asked. Jordi cupped his mouth.

Jordi: “Do I, though?”

He asked her. Madelyn gave him a look, and before she could reply, the waitress came by.

The waitress came.

Waitress: “What can I get you two to drink?”

Jordi: “I’ll have a purple rain cocktail and add more vodka.”

He said with strain.

Madelyn: “I’ll get that one without vodka, please!”

She added.

Waitress: “Do you want the mocktail version?”

She asked her.

Madelyn: Yes, please!”

She nodded.

She went back to the bar for a few minutes and returned with their drinks. Madelyn’s was in an old-fashioned glass, and Jordi’s was in a cocktail glass. Jordi thanked her. He then withdrew a pack of cigarettes from his suit jacket, took one out, and lit it with his lighter. Madelyn took a sip of her drink and glanced up at Jordi.

Madelyn: “Well, you’re my hero!”

She smiled at him, stroking his hand. Jordi chuckled and inhaled a long drag.

Jordi: “How am I? I couldn’t take you home because I went off to do whatever I did.”

He laughed bitterly.

Madelyn: “You were off helping people who needed it!”

She assured him. Jordi looked away and shook his head.

Jordi: “No, I didn’t.”

He scowled.

Madelyn: “What do you mean?”

She asked him, looking confused. Jordi slammed his fists on the table.

Jordi: “I’m NOT a hero, okay?! I didn’t save ANYONE.”

He barked. Madelyn recoiled and jumped in her seat.

Madleyn: “...Jordi? What happened?”

She asked softly. Jordi knit his eyebrows and cupped his mouth.

Jordi: “I’m not a hero, and I didn’t save anyone. My outing last night was a fruitless endeavor.”

His voice trembled as he inhaled a long drag and took a gulp of his cocktail. Madelyn knit her eyebrows.

Madelyn: “Oh, Jordi… I’m sorry. It’s not your fault!”

She leaned over the table and gave him a hug, deducing that something terrible had happened. Jordi heaved a deep sigh and hugged her back.

Jordi: “But it is… I couldn’t do anything more.”

He drew a long breath.

Madelyn: “But you would have done everything you could do!”

She assured him. Jordi cleared his throat and rubbed his temples.

Jordi: “I know what you’re trying to do, and I appreciate it, but it can’t undo what happened, and sometimes… your best is not enough.”

He said with strain.

Madelyn: “Sometimes there’s nothing you can do! The universe is a biiiig and wild place, and a lot of stuff happens that we can’t control, so that’s why I focus on my own world and the things I can control! It’s not my fault that my cat passed away when I was a child, even though I did everything I could! It was… out of my control.”

She sighed. Jordi rubbed his eyes. He drew a rough breath and took another drink.

Jordi: “I know you like to retreat into your own world, and sometimes I envy that. But what happened last night was not just someone dying of natural causes; it was someone who was turned into a horrible creature just to try to kill us. Then I discovered the dead bodies within are not exactly dead but in limbo and still in pain, and I could do NOTHING to help them!”

He snapped. Madelyn’s eyes widened at the terror he spoke of.

Madelyn: “...Who would do something like that?”

She cupped her mouth.

Madelyn: “I don’t think there’s anything anyone could do…”

Jordi sighed.

Jordi: “It was the same thing that happened at the mall with that mall Santa.”

He said, his voice trailing off. Madelyn frowned and bowed her head.

Madelyn: “That wasn’t your fault, and this isn’t your fault either.”

She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him. Jordi hugged her back.

Jordi: “But I could have saved him… and I didn’t. Just thinking of these people in pain…”

He sighed.

Madelyn: “Do you have healing powers?”

She asked him. Jordi shook his head.

Jordi: “No, but Ichiro said healing powers wouldn’t work, and while I wanted to try, I have this hunch he wasn’t lying.”

He said glumly.

Madelyn: “Then how could you have saved him if you don’t have healing powers and healing powers don’t work?”

She asked him.

Jordi: “Acting quicker to get him out of there while Ichiro was subdued.”

He sighed and looked away with anger.

Jordi: “Anyway, what’s done is done. I can’t undo anything that already happened, but I am not a hero. Anyone in my household that I help doesn’t appreciate any of what I do anyway.”

He said bitterly.

Jordi: “When I look at it, it makes sense why my grandmother left. Sometimes I feel like just walking away from all of this.”

He heaved a deep sigh.

Madelyn: “You have to stop blaming yourself, Jordi! You’re doing the best, and your grandfather sucks! That’s not your fault! And you and your friends were all there and are all really powerful, and none of you could do anything, so why should this all fall on your shoulders?”

She rubbed his back as she hugged him. Jordi hugged her back and heaved a deep sigh. He knew she was trying, but it wasn’t helping, and he didn’t want to say that.

Jordi: “I guess so.”

He forced a smile. Madelyn smiled a bit at him, hoping to help him.

Madelyn: “We should probably order our food…”

She glanced down at the menu, realizing how much time had passed now, and hoping to lift his spirits a bit.

Govinda approached the table and went up to Jordi, putting his hand on his shoulder. Madelyn observed as he put his hand on Jordi.

Govinda: “Jordi, it’s always a pleasure to see you. How have you been?”

Jordi froze and slowly raised his head.

Jordi: “I’ve been well.”

He lied. Govinda smiled and rubbed his shoulder.

Govinda: “What about that nightcap you promised me?”

He asked him with a grin.

Madelyn: “...Who is this?”

She asked politely.

Jordi: “Oh, this is Dr. Govinda Anand. He’s my boss’s co-worker.”

He replied.

Govinda: “Did Jordi tell you about when he and I had a drink and dance? And he promised me a nightcap?”

He smiled. Jordi furrowed his eyebrows and glanced at him. Madelyn looked confused.

Madelyn: “Oh, uhm, what’s a nightcap?”

She laughed awkwardly. Govina smiled at her.

Govinda: “A drink at my manor followed by intimacy.”

Jordi felt a pang in his chest, and his face turned beet red. Madelyn paused.

Madelyn: “Oh, so you’re his ex-boyfriend?”

She asked him awkwardly. Jordi waved his hands around.

Jordi: “No, no, we never dated!”

He said frantically.

Madelyn: “Oh! Okeydokey!”

She awkwardly drank from her drink.

Govinda: “Not yet.”

He winked. Don’t speak for me, please, Jordi thought.

Jordi: “Uh, Govinda, what are you doing now anyway?”

Govinda smiled.

Govinda: “I just wondered where we stood, Jordi. You drank with me and danced with me the other night and promised a nightcap.”

He beamed. The other night? Madelyn’s heart sank, and she looked hurt.

Jordi: “That wasn’t the other night! That was months ago!”

He flared hotly.

Madelyn: “What’s going on, Jordi?”

She pressed him.

Jordi: “I had a drink with him and danced with him months ago when I was hurt with Gina!”

He replied.

He heard a loud “HEM-HEM” and felt like dying. The last person he wanted to see was Vasilos. Vasilos sauntered inside and smiled. He wore a white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, a black tie tied loosely around his neck, black suspenders, black trousers, and black loafers.

Vasilos: “Jordi, my man, how are you doing?! So, did you give this old fucking fart a nightcap? I saw you two the other night, and it sure looked spicy.”

He grinned. Jordi turned to Vasilos, his face contorted with rage.

Jordi: “I did that MONTHS ago, and you know that!”

He snapped.

Vasilos: “Yeah, well, this old bastard and I would disagree.”

He gave Govinda the side eye with a grin. Govinda glared at Vasilos. Madelyn’s head spun with confusion.

Madelyn: “...Jordi? What’s going on? Why are they saying this was the other night?”

She pressed him.

Jordi: “I don’t know?! Vasilos is lying because he wants someone to get Tristan for him!”

He snapped. Vasilos’ smile faded.

Madelyn: “Tristan? Isn’t he with Deimos?”

Vasilos: “Two can play that game, Jordi! I can see how constipated you look when she tries to help you because you couldn’t save someone from being Ichiroized or whatever bullshit that pasty-faced motherfucker calls it! That fat bitch isn’t helping you now, and you and I know it! I can read you like a book, buddy boy!”

He laughed at him.

Madelyn: “Who’s this guy and what’s his problem?”

She asked Jordi.

Jordi angrily rose and delivered a hard punch to Vasilos’ face, sending him crashing into the table. Madelyn gasped. Vasilos glared hotly at Jordi.

Vasilos: “You fucking asshole, Jordi! You’re going to pay for that! LITERALLY!”

He bellowed at him and stormed out. Govinda held his head up high and followed him out.

Jordi clenched his fist tightly and angrily pounded on the table. Madelyn turned to Jordi.

Madelyn: “I think we should go home…”

She knit her eyebrows.

Jordi: “Madelyn, did you not hear him? He’s going to rat me out to his father, and I’m going to be written up! This is what having a job entails!”

He snapped at her and reached into his wallet. He handed her some twenty-dollar bills.

Jordi: “This is for a taxi, and some food.”

He said tersely. Madelyn knit her eyebrows.

Madelyn: “But you didn’t do anything wrong! He was the one being a jerk! I’m sorry!”

She cried. Jordi rubbed his eyes and heaved a deep sigh.

Jordi: “Go home, Madelyn. I’ll call you later.”

He said angrily and paid the waitress for their cocktails. He asked her that anything else Madelyn wanted was to be put on his tab. Madelyn sighed and quietly nodded.

Madelyn: “I’m sorry…”

Alfie stepped with a smile.

Alfie: “Evening, Jordi. Mr. Megalos wishes to see you.”

He chirped. Jordi nodded and followed him out. Madelyn watched Jordi go and sighed. This wasn’t fair, she thought.

Madelyn: “I’ll call you later, Jordi.”

At a nearby table, Stefano sat eating a meal fit for a family and gaped at Madelyn alone.

~

Alfie led him to a large door with a black plaque bearing gold letters that read, “Ilias Megalos, CEO,” and opened it for Jordi. Jordi took a deep breath and entered. He entered a hyper-luxurious office that exuded an atmosphere of extreme wealth and power. The design blended neo-classical elements with futuristic, high-tech accents.

Monochromatic black and charcoal themes dominated the office, accented by gold hardware and cool blue neon lighting from the exterior. The surfaces were highly reflective. The floor was polished black marble, and the ceiling featured a grid of glossy panels with recessed LED strip lighting.

In the center, Ilias sat on a high-backed, tufted leather executive chair behind a massive, ornate black executive desk. He wore a red tweed suit, a white pressed shirt, a teal tie, and black loafers. Under the desk was a plush, oversized fur rug, adding texture to the sleek environment. Sitting on two leather chairs in front of the desk were Vasilos and Minerva. Minerva wore a teal blouse, a black pencil skirt, nylons, and heels with a lab coat over herself.

The back wall showcased intricate molding and a prominent gold circular seal of New Horizons Research. The ambiance was set by a combination of traditional crystal candelabra lamps and ultra-modern, vertical light bars.

To the right was a floor-to-ceiling window offering a view of the Pink Top cityscape. Jordi closed the door behind him and approached the desk. Ilias’ assistant, Josie, lit his cigar for him, and he inhaled a long drag.

Ilias: “Is your anger getting the best of you, Jordi?”

Jordi bowed his head.

Jordi: “Yes, sir. I’m sorry.”

He said firmly. Vasilos smiled smugly at him.

Ilias: “It’s not me you should be apologizing to.”

He said gruffly. Jordi clenched his fist behind his back.

Jordi: “Sir, he told my girlfriend a blatant lie to incite an argument between us!”

He countered. Ilias glared at him. Minerva smirked, relishing in this.

Ilias: “DON’T YOU TALK BACK AT ME!”

He bellowed. Jordi drew back.

Jordi: “My apologies…”

He muttered.

Vasilos: “Father, I want him to pamper my feet for a week for punishment.”

He said loftily. Ilias raised an eyebrow. Jordi’s face turned ashen.

Jordi: “But your feet stink!”

He whined. Vasilos grimaced at him. Ilias burst out laughing.

Ilias: “Well, he’s not wrong, Vasilos!”

Vasilos’ jaw dropped.

Minerva: “Sir, Vasilos can hire a poor pedicurist. Leave Jordi’s punishment to me.”

She interjected. The color drained from Jordi’s face. Ilias folded his hands and nodded.

Ilias: “Very well! Minerva will take care of your punishment.”

Vasilos angrily rose.

Vasilos: “What about me?!”

He snapped. Ilias drew a long breath.

Ilias: “He’s being punished, Vasilos. I’m sorry your pedicurists keep quitting.”

He chuckled. Vasilos glared at his father and at Jordi, whose head was lowered.

Ilias: “You’re all dismissed.”

Vasilos angrily rose from his seat and stormed out, slamming the door. Ilias raised his eyebrows and heaved a deep sigh.

Minerva rose.

Minerva: “Come along, Jordi.”

She smiled. Jordi meekly nodded.

Jordi: “Of course, ma’am.”

He said under his breath.

~

Madelyn sat at the table of the Vesper View restaurant, off in her own world. She sighed as she finished her drink and went to pay at the counter. The waitress smiled at her.

Waitress: “Oh, your order has already been paid for, Miss.”

She chirped.

Waitress: “Mr. Vaquero said you could put whatever you want on his tab.”

She added.

Madelyn: “Oh! Thank you… But I think I wanna go home now.”

She forced a smile.

Waitress: “Sure, Miss! Have a nice day!”

She said robotically. Madelyn turned on her heel to head for the door.

Stefano rose from his table and approached Madelyn.

Stefano: “H-Hello, Miss! Would you care to have dinner with me?”

He asked awkwardly. Madelyn glanced down at the man, grinning up at her with his soulless black eyes and pastel pink suit.

Madelyn: “Haha, no thanks!”

She thought it was some kind of joke and waved her hand and skipped to the door. Stefano scowled at her as he watched her leave.

As she stepped out of the door and into the hall, Stefano followed her.

Stefano: “Why not?! Jordi left you, and I’m being a gentleman by offering you a meal!”

He snapped at her. Madelyn turned on her heel to face him.

Madelyn: “He didn’t leave me, and I already ate a meal!”

She said quickly, trying to speed up.

Stefano caught up to her, grabbed her, and clamped a chloroform rag over her mouth and nose. Madelyn yelped as he grabbed her, and suddenly, she went limp, passing out in his arms. Stefano cupped her breasts as she lost consciousness and smiled.

~

Jordi was in Minerva’s torture room. He had his suit jacket removed and wore his white pressed shirt, black tie, black pants, and his black zip-up boots. His arms were spread out and raised with his wrists shackled to the ceiling. Minerva sauntered in, wearing only her blue lingerie with a lab coat over herself.

Minerva: “Hello, sexy boy. Ready for your punishment?”

She smirked. Jordi groaned.

Jordi: “It’s now or never.”

He said wryly.

She pulled a feather out from her lab coat and waved it. Jordi drew a long breath and knit his eyebrows. He struggled against his bonds. She shrugged out of her lab coat, rested her hand on his waist, and wiggled the feather inside of his nostrils. As Jordi felt the brush against his nose, he winced, and his face contorted until a sneeze ripped through him.

He shook his head. Minerva pressed up his nose and wiggled the feather inside. His nose started to prickle, a sharp, persistent itch that made his eyes water. He inhaled sharply, his head tilting back involuntarily as he sneezed. His nose ran, his face flushed, and his eyes rimmed with red.

Jordi: “The fuck are you doing?!”

He asked sharply. Minerva smirked.

Minerva: “Performing experiments on you.”

Jordi’s jaw tightened, and he grit his teeth.

Minerva: “Maybe you would prefer something more conventional.”

She chuckled.

Jordi: “Oh God…”

He groaned.

She reached out and tickled his armpits. Jordi burst out laughing.

Jordi: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAAAHAHAA! WAHAHAHAHAHAA! NOHOHOHOHOHO!”

She bit her bottom lip and continued tickling under his arms.

Jordi: “AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA!! AHAHAHAHAAA! STOP!”

He laughed hard and struggled against his bonds. She tickled his tummy and sides. Jordi laughed hysterically and made claw gestures with his hands.

Jordi: “NOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! ARGH! WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!”

He laughed loudly as tears welled in his eyes.

She knelt down and tickled behind his knees. Jordi laughed loudly and wheezed in between laughing.

Jordi: “ARGH! NOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOOO!! STAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAAAHAP! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!!”

He laughed and gasped for air in between laughing.

A chair sprouted up from the floor, sitting him up, and strapping his legs down to it. Jordi panted and tried to catch his breath. Minerva unzipped his boots and smiled at him. Jordi’s heart hammered in his chest. She marveled at his sheer socked feet. Jordi fanned his toes and curled them tightly.

Jordi: “No more, please…”

He sobbed. Minerva smiled as she pulled his socks off.

Minerva: “You need to be punished, Jordi. Not only for socking Vasilos but failing to get Jiro for me.”

She cackled and scribbled her nails over his long feet. Jordi screamed with laughter.

Jordi: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAAAHAHAHA! NOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOO!! WAHAHAHAHAAHAHAAHA!”

He wailed with laughter and thrashed against his bonds as tears streaked down his cheeks. He wheezed and gasped for air in between laughter.

Jordi: “NOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!! WAHAHAHAAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAAAAHAHAAAA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!”

He laughed and gasped as this wore him out, and he felt he was ready to pass out.

~

Outside of the Megalos Tower, Celeste led Jaxon by his hand with Tristan and Deimos following. Celeste wore a white tiger-striped bustier, a black leather skirt, black stockings, black ankle-strap boots, a spiked collar, and a leather jacket. Jaxon wore a red leopard print button-down shirt, black leather pants, and Chelsea boots. Tristan wore a three-piece dark blue suit, a white pressed shirt, a black tie, and black wingtip Oxfords, and Deimos wore a black Helloween tank top, torn jeans, and cowboy boots.

Celeste: “Come on, Jax, Tristan, and Deimos! Cloud Nine Confections is having a HUGE sale on candies!”

Jaxon: “I’m coming, babe!”

He laughed.

Tristan: “Guys, stop!”

He put out his hand and grabbed the two, hiding them in a bush.

Jordi angrily walked down the sidewalk on his way to the underground parking lot. He held his suit jacket in his arms.

Celeste: “Why are we hiding from Jordi? Are you angry with him?”

She whispered. Tristan pressed his forefinger to his lips.

Tristan: “It’s not Jordi.”

He nodded to Desiree, who stood on the sidewalk smoking a cigarette. She wore her black suit work uniform. Jaxon’s heart hammered in his chest, and he drew back.

Desiree: “Hey, Jordi. The boss tickle you again?”

She chuckled.

Jordi: “That’s an understatement.”

He huffed and heaved a deep breath.

Jordi: “How long were you out here for?’

He asked.

Desiree: “Oh, a couple of hours. Just getting some air.”

She rocked back and forth on her feet. Jordi bowed his head.

Jordi: “Well, I guess you saw Madelyn get a cab home, then.”

He raked his fingers through his hair. Desiree inhaled a drag.

Desiree: “She’s here?”

She folded her arms over and tilted her head. Jordi nodded.

Jordi: “Yes, we had dinner at Vesper View.”

He said slowly with guilt on his face. Desiree whistled.

Desiree: “Noice. Well, I didn’t see her come out.”

Jordi heaved a deep sigh and threw on his suit jacket, buttoning it.

Jordi: “Thanks for telling me, Desiree. Have a good night.”

He smiled sadly and went back into the tower.

Tristan cupped his mouth.

Celeste: “Let’s go say hi to Jordi now.”

Tristan put his hand on her shoulder and shook his head.

Tristan: “No, Celeste.”

Celeste: “Are you mad at him like Deimos is?”

Deimos pouted.

Tristan: “Not at all, Celeste. I just have a bad feeling something has happened.”

He said and gestured for them to follow him. Deimos was going to protest because he didn’t care about Jordi or Madelyn, but thought that if he helped, it would impress Tristan, and he followed them inside.