-Writing II-

      ~Episode 2: Something's Wrong~

The day after the meeting with Mr. Peterson, something was off. While Jade would usually start the work day saying how much she appreciated the crew, she did not do it. In fact, the crew barely noticed that she had even arrived. They figured it was because she was mad at Mr. Peterson for changing things, or that maybe she was just tired. 

Pepper, who would normally come in with Jade- seeing that they were roommates- did not show up. Some of the crew thought that she was just sick or something, but when Logan looked upset trying to find her, they figured something else had happened. Maybe during the meeting they had with Mr. Peterson.

When Jade finally did address them, she seemed out of it. Saying what she needed to and retreating to her office. When Mr. Peterson showed up- something he never did- he poked his head around to see what people were doing. Seemingly satisfied with what he saw, he approached a girl with long red hair. 

"Excuse me, what is your name?" he asked with an almost creepy demeanor. 

The girl looked at him, "I'm Barbara, sir." she said, as she gave him a smile. 

"And what do you do?" he asked.

Her face brightened, "I'm an actress, hopefully the lead if I play my cards right." she gave him a bright smile.

Jake Peterson didn't seem to care much about her as he gave her a quick smile, "Yes, well, have you seen Jade Long?" he asked her, scanning the room.

Barbara didn't seem to like this attitude he had with her, "Well, she's in her office. If you ask me, I think she and Pepper had a fight last night." she answered matter-of-factly.

Jake brushed past her as soon as he heard that she was in her office. Barbara called out a "hey" as he left, but he didn't seem to notice. As he walked towards her office, he noticed a familiar guy with long black hair tied in a bud. He turned to look directly at Logan and gave him a wink. Logan seemed put off by this action and just kind of stared at him.

Jake smiled and walked into Jade's office. They remained in the room for the rest of the day. When the day ended and everyone went home, Logan stayed back to talk to Jade. He got to the door of her office and stopped. He had half a mind to touch the doorknob, but restrained himself when he heard the low muffle of someone's voice. He pushed his ear against the door. Not hearing any words, just the distinct sound of Mr. Peterson's voice. Then he heard another voice, an unfamiliar female's voice. As he tried to pinpoint the female's voice, he heard footsteps come closer to the door. He had just enough time to move out of sight as he heard the door open. Mr. Peterson walked out and turned toward the room. "I'll see you tomorrow, my love." he said as he closed the door.

Was Jade actually dating Mr. Peterson? She couldn't be right, she wouldn't like someone like that. Logan waited until Mr. Peterson had completely left before he decided to enter her office. Once inside he saw Jade on the floor. She looked tired and out of it. Logan shook her to get her attention, but her eyes were glazed over. He opted to pick her up and set her down on a couch they had moved into her office. As he set her down she closed her eyes. He wanted to wake her up, to ask her where Pepper was, to ask her if they were both okay, what was up with Mr. Peterson calling her "love", and finally to ask why she had seemed so out of it. He didn't though, she looked like she really needed to sleep. 

As he got up to leave, she stirred and reached out for him. He took her outstretched hand in his. She smiled in her sleep. He tilted his head, watching her chest rise up and down with every breath. He let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He had cared so much for her all through their high school life together. Now that they were in the same college, he would have thought that she would date someone, but she didn't. A part of him actually didn't want her to, he didn't understand why he felt that way.

He watched for a while, the time seeming to fly by. Logan didn't even notice when he fell asleep, resting his head on the couch next to her. When he woke, it was because Jade was squeezing his hand. He opened his eyes to see the pained expression on her face. He lifted his head and stroked her hand. As he did so, she seemed to calm. She whispered something in her sleep, it sounded like a name, but he wasn't so sure. He reached out to touch her hair, but stopped himself. He was in a relationship with Pepper, he didn't need to be thinking about high school crushes. 

He decided to leave, maybe Pepper was waiting for him and her phone had died.  He untangled his hand from hers. She stirred in her sleep and shot up into a sitting position. 

"Are you okay?" he asked her. But she didn't answer him, in fact when he looked at her, he noticed her eyes were stilled closed. 

She opened her mouth and said something in a small voice. Then closed her mouth.

When she opened her mouth again, her voice cracked "Pl- please," she started.

"Please what?" He asked her, getting closer.

Her eyes snapped open, scaring him. She looked directly in his eyes- he would have thought she were staring into his soul- a tear falling down her cheek.

"Please don't leave me,"

He felt her falling back into a limp position, and steadied her with a hug.

"I- I won't" he said, feeling her shaking in his arms. They stayed that way for a while, He was certain that she had fallen back to sleep. He was just about to fall asleep when she stirred. She lifted her head away from his body, looking confused as she stared with wide eyes at his toned arms. 

"What? I didn't- Please tell me we didn't...?" she blinked and tried to scoot backwards only hitting the back of the couch. Logan didn't understand, until he did.

"Oh, OH! No, w-we didn't do anything. I didn't do anything. No, I saw you almost asleep and wanted to make sure you were comfortable, and then you... wait, you don't remember?" He stuttered.

She blushed a bright red. "No, I think I would remember grabbing you and hugging you."

He blushed and looked away. "Oh, yeah. You grabbed me."

She cocked her head to the side questioningly. As she studied his face, she felt a flutter of butterfly wings in her stomach. Then she realized and pushed him away. "I think I need to go home," she said.

"Okay, yeah. Yeah no, I do too. Pepper must be waiting." Something in his voice seemed upset, something that shocked the both of them.

Flustered, Jade got off the couch and walked towards the door. "See you" she said.

"Yeah, see you" Logan replied, but she was already out the door. He shook his head. "What the hell is wrong with me?" he thought out loud as he stood up and headed for the door.