The Marx Brothers

Chapter Twenty Five 'Self-Defense'

The white paint on the walls and ceilings were slowly chipping at the edges and creases, it made me want to peel each piece individually off.
Two industrial sized fans swirled above me, circulating the air inside the large empty space.

"What are you doing?" Phoenix appeared above me while I lay on the gym floor flat on my back

"I'm wondering who I'd be able to contact to make a fake passport and new identity for me.. then I'm brainstorming new names.. I like Roxanne.." I rambled on dramatically as I stared at the ceiling

"Get up off the floor" He told me, always telling me what to do

I sighed "Why?"

"You're hair won't smell like caramel conditioner for much longer with all the boots and feet that have walked down there.." He stared towards me, his hands in his pants pockets

I contorted my face and leaned up "I don't know what's more concerning, you knowing my conditioner smell or the idea of men's feet germs against my skin.."

"We've been in pretty close contact now on a few occasions, your conditioner is strong"

I sat up and looked towards him "Why do you keep bringing that up? Anyone would think you've never kissed someone before.. which you and I both know is an actual joke.." I continued tauntingly "Get over it, move on, you and I both know you're good at that.."

"Ouch" He pained casually "for someone who doesn't like me at all, you sure do bring all these other women up a lot.. it's coming off a little green eyed.."

I scoffed as I picked myself up off the ground "are you actually insinuating that I'm Jealous?"

I readied myself for another one of our classic verbal fights

He nodded "yeah, maybe a little"

"What would I be jealous of exactly?" I narrowed my glare

Shrugging he gave any response he could "you tell me, is it because I give in to them easier than I do to you"

I didn't know how to take it, as an insult or a compliment

"Oh gee, wow, thanks, I'm so glad you have refrained yourself from me, thanks for doing so well with your self control there.. what a gentleman.." I scoffed, rolling my eyes "do I come across as your friend did the other night, throwing myself at you?"

"You seem to involve yourself with me and my life in the past few months more than anyone else has in years.." He sighed putting his hands on his hips

I couldn't help but suppress a laugh, knowing our argument had now turned into petty banter

"Oh so let me get this right? I involved myself when you turned up on my doorstep covered in blood asking for medical treatment?"

"You didn't have to help me you know?"

"I should have called the police and had you both arrested then and there.."

"So why didn't you?"

The conversation was heading in a new direction, a serious one

"I don't know, I guess I just wanted to help.."

"You're too kind, maybe be cautious of that next time.." He answered back for me

"It's sad that every time someone asks me for help now I questions whether or not I'll get into situations like this again.." I sighed

"Ultimately that's my fault, I didn't think about how it could impact you and I should have.."

I smiled, it was nice to hear him acknowledge it.

Silence began to settle in, silence was always dangerous for us