Rooftop Lunch with Chloe*

It seemed my relationship with Chloe had grown more than I expected. While I debated the best way to breach the subject of inviting her, she had sought me out. For the past three days, she joined me on the rooftop for lunch. The truly unexpected moment was when she brought me something to eat as well after I told her I avoided the cafeteria and didn’t bring anything from home. It was basic sandwiches, but it was something my stomach was thankful for. Chloe seemed to enjoy sharing her lunch with me, so I didn’t refuse beyond the polite one when she initially offered.

We talked about anything. She still did most of the talking, but it was nice to sit and listen. With something concrete to focus on, it helped keep the roiling Noise of all the other people on the fringes of my consciousness. Things were… good. Like with Alexis and Natalie, things were easier with Chloe around. I was getting used to her Noise and it didn’t grate against me as others tended to do. This was as close to enjoyment as I could get with my Gift, so I was thankful for the food and company.

“I think this is the first time I’ve actually done a project in…” She let out a long breath as she thought back. “Hell. A year? Two? Anyways, it’s been… interesting.”

“We should finish everything today or tomorrow.”

Sadness began filling her Noise as she looked away. “Yeah,” she said, fighting to keep her hair from her face. It was a losing battle with all the wind.

I took a bite of my sandwich and looked out over the roof. We were the only ones up here. Not that I expected anyone else to be. There was a reason I came up here in the first place.

Finishing the bite, I looked over at her. “Chloe. Are you free this weekend? There is a—” I stopped as I felt the Noise buffet my mind. Turning away from the excited and hopeful Noise in front of me, I looked at the door seconds before it swung open. I recognized the guy as one of our classmates, but I couldn’t place a name to the face. He was in a bad state. His Noise was a mess of negative emotions, though he carried himself with the prim sort of posture most of the students here did. Everyone wore a mask. Letting others see what you really felt was akin to jumping into shark-infested waters with an open wound. Weakness was not tolerated. A vulnerability was something that could be exploited, either now or in the future.

“There you are,” he said in a rich baritone as his eyes locked with Chloe. Strutting over, he did his best to seem nonchalant but I could see the desperation in his Noise. He was hurting emotionally.

Beside me, Chloe’s Noise was ruffled as well. Dread, guilt, and apprehensiveness filled her as she appeared as calm and collected as ever.

His eyes turned to me with a disdain I saw all too much here. “Shit. Someone in front of me? Just finished or starting?”

“Jake isn’t—”

“Four hundred.”

Irritation spiked within her. “Not right now, Tyler.”

“Five hundred.”

“This isn’t about cost.”

His mask was slipping. “Bullshit. Look, I’m fine with going second so long as we get this going.” He looked to me. “I’ll pay for your turn if you let me go first.”

“Not telling you again,” she said as she stood up. “Fuck off.” I really didn’t like seeing the anger in her Noise. There was an easy way to disarm the situation.

I stood up, Chloe’s eyes widening as she tracked me. “It’s fine,” I said as I brushed the crumbs off my slacks.

“Jake…” There was an almost whine to her voice, her hand reaching out to grab my sleeve. Looking at her, I didn’t need to see her Noise to know she didn’t want me to leave. The problem was the man—Tyler. There was something wrong with him. His Noise showed he was spiraling. It was like one push would break him apart.

It made him dangerous. I might have height on him, but I didn’t trust myself in a fight. The threat of **** was there. Not towards Chloe, but me. It was impossible to tell from his appearance, but it was right there in his Noise. I had no idea what could push someone to this extent. It was strong enough to grate against my mind.

Giving her one of my best smiles, I patted her hand before taking a step away. That simple move made her Noise turn dark as loathing, disgust, sadness, shame, and a host of other negative emotions filled her. It was enough to make me stay in place. I didn’t understand this sudden turn. I thought removing myself from this situation was the best solution for everyone, yet it didn’t seem to be the case.

Her expression turned cold as she looked over at Tyler. “You said five hundred.”

The man was almost shaking as he took a wad of cash from his pocket. He counted off hundreds like they were dollar bills. Snatching the money, she stuffed it down her uniform. “We only have ten minutes left in the period. You make me late for my next class, I’m charging an extra hundred.”

“Yes, yes.” The guy was already working at the front of his pants. His enthusiasm surprised Chloe, who looked to me. A moment ago, she had wanted me to stay. Now, all I saw was her desire for me to leave.

“I’ll see you at the library later?” I asked. She nodded mutely, avoiding my gaze.

Turning, I began to walk away.

“No, no,” I heard him say in a rushed voice. “Let me sit here. I want you to ride—”

The door closed behind me, cutting off his voice. Hesitating, I wondered if I should wait here for her to make sure she was okay. I didn’t like the state of her Noise when I’d left her and his was threatening. Reflecting on my actions, a muted sensation I hadn’t felt in a long time lingered at the edges of my mind.

Regret.

Curious. I didn’t understand why something like that was there. I had done the logical thing and removed myself from the situation. I didn’t want to negatively affect Chloe, yet my leaving seemed to have triggered something I hadn’t intended. Had I known this, I would have faced the consequences of staying.

It was too late now. The moment had passed. Returning now would help no one and I suspected would only make the situation worse.

With a sigh, I headed down the stairs. A fleeting whim made me reach out with my Gift. I felt better when I saw some of the negative emotions had left Chloe. There were lingering remnants that stubbornly held on, but sexual desire and the other emotions associated with physical pleasure were overriding them.

I left feeling a little better about my decision.

At least she was enjoying herself.