Almost, But Not Quite [Damien Haas]

9. Time | Risk

Hey there! How are you doing? Are you doing well?

Chapter titles like this one mean they didn't give out WOTDs to each other by the way. Hope you guys got that one.

Anyway, I don't really have much to say and I know this is going to be a long chapter, so we should get started. Damien's POV, and see ya!

-/-/-

Jade isn't answering me. After a few more calls, I'm already saying goodbye to Mrs. Kim and making my way back to the apartment. All senses of panic, fear, and confusion ran through me as I ran through the streets of Los Angeles. I didn't know what kind of emergency it was, but I couldn't risk it. I was in love with this girl, and I needed to see if she was okay.

That's what I realized today, when Sydne came by the service and told me that she's happy I've found someone, because so has she. We had good memories together, but she wasn't the girl I was in love with anymore. It was Jade, and the fact that she left for an emergency got me worried, because I know how much of a daredevil she is. For all I know, she might jump into a sea of people just for a report.

When I arrive at the apartment complex, I run up the stairs and arrive at her door. The lights are off, but I know she's here because the door's slightly unhinged. This was the problem with this unit, which is why Mark and I chose the one next to it. I knock on the door several times before finally deciding to use the doorbell, but she doesn't answer. I don't see the lights turning on. I don't even hear her dogs' footsteps. I sigh.

I enter my apartment and lie down on my bed as the cats crawl all over me. I didn't even know what had happened, but a part of me suddenly started to feel bad for being too involved in her life. Maybe I involved myself too much, because we were just neighbors and casual friends but I was the one who always wanted more than what we already had. After so many years of being single, I had finally found the one I actually wanted, but the catch is that I don't remember how dating exactly works.

But as I turn my phone on, my eyes widen at the notification I've been waiting for: Miss Bennet. Now, here's the thing about Miss Bennet. I don't like her that way, but she felt like a good friend, and she always reminded me of Jade somehow. There were a few differences, because I honestly don't know every bit of Jade's life the way I know Miss Bennet loves cheese, Miss Bennet loves pancakes, and Miss Bennet obviously loves Pride and Prejudice. Unlike Jade, Miss Bennet wasn't someone I planned on pursuing. I read her message, and I reply almost immediately after reading it.

From: DuckCoverHold23
Oh my God, you're back! Are you? I mean, it's perfectly fine if you aren't back for good, but I'm glad you're here. Don't worry: I forgive you, you forgive me, we're at peace now. We're good.

From: SixthBennetSister28
I'm trying to sleep though. Maybe I'll chat you tomorrow? But if you have anything to say, feel free to send them in and I'll read them tomorrow morning.

From: DuckCoverHold23
You have no idea how much I want to tell you everything, but I want to focus on what happened tonight. If you remember the girl I told you about, I was so close to admitting how much I was in love with her. We had weeks of just chatting and doing crazy stuff, but now I actually got to see her after such a long time. But then something happened tonight and out of courtesy, I decided against trying to contact her because I think it's for the best for now.

From: DuckCoverHold23
This girl is just everything to me right now, you know? I haven't fallen in love with anyone after my last girlfriend, but the way she just lights up the room whenever I see her is just surreal. Actually, she also loves classics, so I've been taking your suggestions from last month on famous literature classics to read just so I could have a good discussion with her. My co-workers and friends were all like, "Woah, you're reading!" Honestly, even I'm surprised, but that's just how she affects me.