“He’s tried. But I don’t know. I guess I’m not really feeling it anymore. I’m not really feeling much at all right now. I’m just…I don’t know. Everything’s just boring.” She sounded bored. Jacob tried to remember what he had last dosed her with. He had wanted to protect her feelings- but had he completely eliminated them instead?
“Fuck. I didn’t, did I?” Jacob asked. She looked at him confused. “Sorry, talking to myself.”
“I just figured you were talking to your bird.”
“I mean, that’s what he’s there for.” Jacob looked to Teddy. Teddy shrugged.
Jacob tried to examine what her mood was, but was having trouble placing it. She didn’t seem to be caring about much right now. Her hair was put in a sloppy half hearted bun, and Garret was in the corner scrubbing at the counter.
“Garret, you okay buddy?”
“I can’t get this spot off the counter.” He muttered. Jacob looked at him and could see dark circles had formed under his eyes and his face was unshaven. He looked a lot more unravelled than he normally did, which for him was a big deal. Then he looked down at where he was scrubbing and saw that the spot Garret was referring to was actually a spot where he’d scrubbed straight through the counter laminate to expose what was underneath. The rag itself was threadbare and it looked like his hand was even bleeding.
“Oh yeah- I don’t think that’s coming off…” Jacob began. “Maybe you should take a break, Garret.”
“How dare you!” He exclaimed. “I can’t! Not while this place is a pig sty! You’re not working today so just leave us alone! We demand great customer service so we need great customers! Better customers! All the customers!” Garret exclaimed- but as he did his voice grew sleepy and sluggish. A wave of exhaustionovercame him and he passed out right on the counter. Jacob barely caught him in time to prevent Garret from smashing his nose in.
“Serena! A little help?” Jacob cried out, but she let out a yawn. Whatever was going on here, things definitely felt like they were spiraling. Jacob did his best to set the now sleeping Garret down on the counter as gently as he could.
“Okay. Good talk. I’ll be back.” Jacob whispered to Garret before grabbing two waters and bringing one to Joe. He took the water and looked a bit tired still, but seemed to be more coherent at least.
“I need some air. You going to be okay for a moment?” Jacob asked.
“Of course, is everything okay?”
“Yeah- I just need to go talk to my bird.” Jacob muttered.
“Oh.” Joe nodded. He looked confused but didn’t press. He took a sip of his water and sat back in the chair. “Do what you need to. I’ll be right here.”
“Okay. Thanks.” Jacob began, but as he got up to leave Joe reached out and grabbed his hand.
“I love you.” He said. Jacob tried to smile, but it felt fragile.
“I- know.” He began, before rushing outside to talk privately with Teddy.
“What the fuck is going on?” He exclaimed so loud a group of Asian tourists jumped.
“Oh yeah- things are spiraling.” Teddy laughed to himself. “If this wasn’t such a trainwreck I’d be laughing. Actually, I still might. It’s quite something.”
“You’re not helping.” Jacob grumbled.
“Is that what I’m supposed to be doing?” Teddy pondered.
“Teddy!”
“Okay! Fine! Look, this isn’t such a big deal.” Teddy shrugged. “Maybe.”
“How is this not a big deal?!” Jacob exclaimed.
“Look, you’ve shot a lot of magic out there and all of it is a little bit chaotic. Just be thankful that Joe hasn’t clued into all of this chaos coming from you.”
“What happens when he does?” Jacob frowned.
“Well, then I guess we find out if he actually would have loved you or not.” Teddy shrugged.
“Again, not helping Teddy!” Jacob yelled. He wondered how many people were worried about the man yelling at a seagull, but at this moment, he didn’t care.
“What do you want? Truth or sympathy. You’re not getting both.” Teddy responded.
