The Tough Got Going

The redhead looked herself in the mirror as she finished dressing. Her eyes still watered from the tears but the puffiness was gone. Jayne had briefly considered just wrapping herself in a blanket back on Tasya’s bed and hiding until she came home. It’s what she wanted to do. She longed for that human warmth but in her mind, Tasya had done so much for her already and she didn’t want to be a burden to anyone.

Right. She was going to get back to her dorm, lock herself in and try to sort through all this without inconveniencing anyone else. Of course, how she would deal with it, she had no idea. It was really more of a goal than a plan at this point. At least she had the presence of mind to text Tasya back.

Hi. It’s me! Thank you so much, for everything. I’m heading home right now, I live in the dorms. Room 16 on the second floor... uh if you ever wanted to stop by. =)

Jayne locked the door to Tasya’s apartment as she left, making sure to add the key to her own keychain. She would love to see her again, under better circumstances. But this day was just too weird. Maybe she was going insane... maybe that night in the locker had taken a larger toll on her than she thought. But then she was reminded of the new weight on her finger. That ring. It was still there. Evidence of... what? What exactly?

The way back to school wasn’t too far. Still, she figured it was about a half-hour on foot. She kept her eye on the road and an ear open but allowed her mind to wander, a form of autopilot as she just kept putting one foot in front of the other. That vision... whatever it was, she remembered the voices “shape flesh and bone” she mouthed quietly. Why would anyone call that a gift? It was all so sick... well. Except for the first bit. But what did it mean? Could it have been a warning? She chuckled lightly at the thought it was some vision of the future that she alone had to stop. That didn’t feel right... and even if it did she didn’t put much faith in prophecies. Psychics and fortune tellers were all a bunch of bunk meant to either con people with cold reading, or simply entertain in her book.

Her thought was interrupted by the sound of a car slowing down. It drove alongside her for a moment until she stopped to look, “howdy little Miss. You need a ride back to the school?” It was one of the deputies in his patrol car. Bobby Dunham, 36. Overweight and balding dark hair. Had his glory days back in the high school’s football team but never got a scholarship. Spends most of his time sleeping at speed traps these days, thinks of himself as a regular casanova. Can’t fathom why he’s single. This was not something Jayne wanted to deal with right now.

“Oh, hey officer...” Jayne started just before she noticed the shadow of someone tall behind her.

“Hey Officer Dunham, she’s just keeping me company, had to run home because I forgot my uniform... Gosh, I feel dumb about that.” said the tall woman. Easily 6’2” with some muscles. Light brown hair put back into a tight bun, blue eyes, winning smile. She was carrying a mostly empty gym bag. Jayne recognized her from the girls’ basketball team. When did she get there?

“Oh, well alright then. Just making sure, wouldn’t want anyone wandering this stretch of road by themselves,” the deputy offered a curt smile and hand wave before driving on. A hint of disappointment in his voice.

Jayne looked at her latest savior, hoping this wouldn’t become a habit.

“Hi. I’m Anri,” she grinned and offered her hand, “hope I read that situation right.” “Jayne,” replied the redhead more sheepishly than she intended, her hand practically disappeared in Anri’s, “and you weren’t wrong. It’s been a rough day but even so, I wouldn’t want a ride back with Bobby Dunham.” Anri laughed, “I get that.”

The pair continued on back towards the school, “soooo uh...” Anri broke the silence, “I’ve gotta go to practice. You’re welcome to hang out in the bleachers,” she offered, glancing at Jayne sidelong.

Jayne was having an interesting day, to put it mildly. She wanted to say yes but hesitated. She hadn’t even heard Anri approach and while she was thankful, her timing was almost too good. Literally any other day she would have jumped at the opportunity without a thought, but now she was questioning everything. However, the teenage girl in her won out. After all, Anri was about 21, a junior year student, and she was asking her of all people to hang out.

“So does the silence mean, no?” Anri asked. “No, I’d love to come!” ‘Phrasing,’ thought Jayne. “Sorry, just a little scatterbrained today,” and Jayne had good reason to be. She only hoped Anri didn’t ask her about her day. She’d hate to lie to her, but who could possibly believe what happened to her today?