Unleashing Demons | D.D. Bk. 1 | ✔️

Chapter 2: The Encounter

"You could have waited for me outside, you know." I beamed at him from my position on the storage room floor. Jake grinned back as his tall figure leaned by the doorway. He was my best friend ever since I lived with my aunt. We were neighbors at first and I would always be the girl that wouldn't go out and play with the other kids. I isolated myself from the norm beyond the four walls of my room. But after weeks of pestering me, I forced myself to his company just so he could stop his inane games.

Then weeks turned into months and into years, we've became close friends. We were even schoolmates when I reached high school. Jake had been with me through thick and through thin, especially in the time when I was bullied by the other kids because of my eye condition.

As I look at him here and now, there was only one word that described him best; lifesaver. Ever since we were little, he stood and protected me against my tormentors and helped me cope through the first few years since the fire.

He sauntered confidently into the room as though he owned it and offered a hand. I clasped my hand around his and pulled me upwards-almost like he had been doing for the past twelve years.

"Mimi, let me through. I believe she's captivated by my irresistible charm." He boasted and showed off his million dollar smile to prove his point.

"Your confidence never fails to amuse me. It's amazing how you're able to fit through that door with that huge ego of yours." I bantered back which earned me a bop on the head.

"Slayer giving you a hard time?" He asked once we reached outside. Today, the rain poured heavily and with just an umbrella, we sprinted to a nearby café-any place of near distance would be acceptable in this current weather.

"Same as always, nothing new." I answered once we were within the dry confines of the cozy space.

Luckily we found a recently vacated table at the back corner of the café by the window. The place was jam-packed with lunch-out-seekers taking refuge as well. I settled at the table, while Jake went to take our orders. He came back a few minutes later with our coffee, bagels, and muffins. Not much for lunch-as if we have much of a choice.

"So how was your trip?" I asked before I took a hearty bite on a muffin. He worked as a professional photographer at a magazine firm just down the road from the museum.

"Same as always, nothing new." He mocked back at me.

I scrunched my face at him. I waited for a bit before I could confide in him about my latest worries.

"There is something I want to talk to you about," I started as I looked at him intently.

He raised his eyebrows at me while he sipped his coffee. "The last time you've said that, it was about that nightmare."

I gave him a small smile. If there was anyone who would have known me better, it was Jake. "Well, yes actually." I confessed. He was the only one who knew about the dream and how it haunted me.

He scowled at me, his forehead creased into concern. "Seriously? It's been years."

I shrugged. "I dunno. But I didn't dream about it last night, though." Thank God.

"Hmm. Just do me a favor and don't put too much thought on it. And you shouldn't always spend time alone. You could at least socialize a bit."

Sometimes he knew me way too much. "Hey, it's not like I'm always by myself." I refuted at once. "I have friends at work too, you know."

"I'm sure you could do better than a janitorial staff and exchanging pleasantries with the receptionist from time to time." He chastised as he took a bite on his bagel.