More than a memory

Chapter 9

Fading star

Jeremy

A couple of weeks passed since I met Roxanne at the grocery store. For our own sake I've avoided to meet her ever since then. She slowly seemed to forget about the strange blonde guy who have been looking for an imaginary horse in the middle of New York and that was exactly how things were supposed to be. But there was one thing that got me preoccupied. Roxanne was getting slimmer and slimmer from week to week. Her radiant and cheeky smile was gone. I caught her sneaking out of practice and saw her crying when she probably thought no one was near. I had to force myself to stay away, because I knew, if I got into her problems there will be no way to drag her into my world again. It was enough for me to remember, she shouldn't. Damon was there, right in her corner all the time. I couldn't tell if Roxanne was happy about it or not but I was glad that someone kept am eye on her until that night...

It was one of the worst storms of the year. The police warned everyone to stay inside and only leave the house if it was a matter of life or death. I closed all my windows and checked if my SOS generator was still working properly. After I found everything fine, I started to download a lots of series and movies, just in case this storm would last a couple of days. I was about to put my frozen pizza into the oven when the porter rang me up on the central intercom.

- Good evening, Mr Hayes. - he said at his usual harsh voice.

- Better evening Dan! What can I help you with at this beautiful day? - I asked trying to cheer him up a little bit. Dan wasn't bad person, but he was sour. Many years of experience gave him and exceptional knowledge of the world and the people around him.

- You have a visitor, Mr Hayes. - I heard from his voice that he was surprised. I almost dropped the phone in my own surprise.

- I wasn't expecting a visitor. Did he tell you his name?

- SHE wasn't willing to do so, Mr Hayes. - he pronounced the word "She" just like he was trying to explain the difference between a boy and a girl for a confused little one.

- Send her up please. - I said and heard the humming of Dan before he hang down the phone. While I was waiting for my sudden visitor, I tried to find out who could she be? My mother or any other female family member of mine would've just teleported right into the middle of my living room. Clarissa would never come without Rico only if there is a huge problem, but she always calls first. I heard a soft knock on my door and took a deep breath. I was nervous... Why am I nervous? I asked myself while my hand reached for the doorknob. As the door opened it revealed a drenched Roxanne. Her head was hanging down like she was trying to count the raindrops on her shoes. It was a useless task.

- Roxanne? What are you doing here? - I asked and she lifted her face up. I tried to avoid looking into her eyes but what I saw made my blood boil. If Ulrich was still here despite of the weather he would rip into pieces who did this to Roxanne... Her gorgeous eye was purple from a punch, her lip ripped open and dried blood mixed with the fresh rain on her skin. I immediately pulled her into my apartment and shut the door closed. I held her by her shoulder bit she hissed in pain.

- Who did this? - that was all I could ask but my serious and furious voice made Roxanne shiver.

- It doesn't matter. - she whispered. I punched the wall next to her and shouted.

- DOESN'T MATTER?! - Roxanne fell on her knees and trembled in her whole body. I took a step back as I realized that I got her terrified. I kneeled down in front of her and extended my hand. She put her shaking hands in mine and I helped her up.

- I'm sorry for bothering you... But, I had literally nowhere else to go. - she whispered. I sighed and tried to calm down while I pulled her gently in my arms.

- You are never a burden to me, Roxanne. Come, I'll prepare a nice bath for you and I'm sure there must be something for you to wear. - we walked into the bathroom and Roxanne watched me while I was preparing her bath. I used mint and relaxing bath salt, hoping that it would help her to relax.

- How did you know, where I live? - I asked because the question was poking my side like a thorn.

- I followed you a few weeks ago... - I turned around and almost forgot to avoid eye contact.

- Why?

- I was curious after what happened in the grocery store. I'm sorry for stalking. - I couldn't help but chuckle.

- I think we are even, since I also know your address. Your bath is ready. I'll give you some privacy and search for something less wet for you to wear. Just leave your wet clothes on the floor, I'll wash and dry them later. - I said and closed the bathroom door gently. I searched in my wardrobe for some clothes, hoping that Clarissa might forgot something here. A few months ago her clothes wouldn't fit Roxanne with her sexy, legs, wide hips and tiny waist, but she was the shadow of herself now. Her wet clothes didn't hide her now sticky figure. I knew all dancers looked like they were starved, but my tiny dancer never... This bothered me even more. I had the feeling that I knew who did this to her, and I could've avoided it if it wasn't for my own pain and fear. Things are going to change from today. I found one of Clarissa's PJ pants and I grabbed one of my old, and pretty wide t-shirts. I grabbed a chair from the kitchen and pulled it next to the bathroom door. I placed the clothes there and knocked softly.

- Roxanne, don't worry I'm not coming in. I left a few clothes for you next to the door.

- Thanks a lot Jerry!- she said and my heart skipped a beat. I would give everything I have to hear her say my real name one more time. I was about to go back to the kitchen when I remembered.

- Roxanne, do you like pizza? - I knew she did, but I didn't want to creep her out even more.

-Yes! But I don't think anyone would deliver in this weather! - she sounded so sweet and a lot more relaxed.

-Don't worry, leave it to me! - I said and walked back to put now, two pizzas in the oven. I heard as the bathroom quickly opened and closed. She probably got the clothes because in a couple of minutes the door opened again. I heard her unforgettable footsteps as she approached the kitchen.

- I didn't know you had a girlfriend. - she stated and I almost split out the water I was drinking.

- Why do you think that I have one? - I asked and saw her blush.

- Oh... Sorry... Thia actually explains a lot. - now she got me even more confused.

- Could you please clarify what are you talking about? - I asked and noticed that this time Roxanne was the one who tried to avoid to look me in the eye.

- Well... You have a pair of woman PJ pants but you don't have a girlfriend, and I didn't see a lot of cosmetics, but I did see a mascara and lipstick. I assume this - she pointed at the pants- is yours. - Roxanne blushed and I could only imagine the color of MY face.

- Hey! Hold your horses! - I said and she chuckled.

- I thought you are the one who owns a horse! - finally... She was back. Or at least a little. Her laughter filled the room and her scent mixed with the delicious smell of baking pizza.

- Those are a friend's stuff.

- A friend, huh? - she asked while she took a seat at the kitchen table.

- Yeah! My best friend usually visits me with his fiance and those belong to her. Actually, they are the one who normally uses the guest room.

- Oh... Sorry again.

- No problem! I'm glad that I could clear my name before anything horrible happened to my reputation in your eyes! - I served the pizza for her and for myself along with some soft drinks. A huge thunder was heard and Roxanne jumped in fear for a second. After our dinner we sat on my couch and turned the TV on. As I expected there was no signal.

- Well, in this case it is time for plan B. - I said and tried to put the USB port into the TV when the lights went out.

- I hope you have a plan C as well. - Roxanne said and we both laughed while I used the flash of my phone to prepare the best impromptu program ever.