Because Jake and Jack had work in the morning, Dillon said he'd drop by a little after 2. I took the bus to the Market, grabbed some groceries, then headed back to the apartment.
I checked the apartment… nothing looked out of place. I had just enough time to eat something, then hang my laundry before Dillon should arrive.
As I came out of my room I stared at my counter.
I'd bought seven bananas… ate one… but now only five were left. Since I didn't have a garbage can, I'd left a bag in the far corner. Hesitantly, I checked it… two banana peels…
I closed his eyes, counted to ten. I must have eaten the second banana, I'd been ravenous… that's all.
I'm fine. I just remembered wrong. If Robby were here, he'd say I needed to stop listening to so much true crime. I was becoming paranoid.
Then I saw… potato peels. I hadn't eaten any potatoes. Slowly, hands trembling, I opened the bag of potatoes and counted them. 24… I'd counted 30 yesterday.
I closed my eyes, fuck… if someone is stealing my food… I crouched down trembling… was… is someone breaking into the apartment?
Had they seen me? Jesus Christ… no wonder Dillon wanted out… Damn it. Damn it! Of course it had been too good to be true. Just look at the neighborhood…
Knock. Knock. Knock.
The knocking had caught me so off guard I had to stifle a scream at the last second. Slowly, slowly I looked around for anything I could use as a weapon.
My heart was racing as I stared in horror… the bolt was still in place… no one should be able to get in… even with the keys. I stayed silent, trembling, hoping whoever it was would just go away. Damnit, I should have bought a bat. Damnit.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Just as I was praying the person knocking would just leave, my phone announced a text message. The knocking suddenly stopped. I held my breath as I reached for my phone. If… if they didn't go away, I could call for help.
Trembling, I unlocked my phone. The message was from Dillon.
"Hey Max? You home mate?" Dillon called from outside the door.
The relief was so instantaneous I wanted to collapse. I wiped my eyes as I went to open the door. "Uh.. yeah, just, distracted." I said trying to steady my voice.
Jesus Christ… I really was becoming paranoid… seriously… what had I thought was going to happen. No… I am missing food.
Dillon hesitantly walked in with a green shopping back, "You okay Mate?" Dillon glanced around with narrowed eyes, "Anyone giving you problems?"
My breath stilled… I'd almost, a tiny part of me, had really hoped Dillon had come by unannounced. "Uh, just, long day."
Dillon gently grabbed my shoulder, "Max, are you okay? Did something happen?"
I bit his lip as I lowered my head, "I, I don't know. I, is, can we go?" I didn't want to talk about it here. I just wanted to leave. I could deal with a little food going missing later.
"Okay Mate, I brought some bagels, we can have them at my place. Come on, need to grab anything before we go?" Dillon asked softly.
I just shook my head, then nodded. Keys, wallet… I quickly darted into the bedroom and threw them in my backpack, along with my old computer. Just in case. Then I quietly followed Dillon out.
Dillon was watching me out of the corner of his eye, but didn't continue to ask. "So, Jake and Jack will be there around four. I sent a text, but reception is kinda shotty sometimes. My vacay ends in two days, so wanted to unpack as much as possible."
I just nodded along as Dillon kept talking. Slowly I started to relax, Dillon's chatter was comforting… especially after knowing someone else might have access to the apartment.
As we pulled into the parking lot I tensed when Dillon turned the car off, but didn't unbuckle himself. After a long moment of silence, when I was sure he'd ask, Dillon took a deep breath, then started getting out of the car.
I hadn't even realized I'd been holding my breath, but I let it out as I silently followed Dillon past security to his apartment.
"So… do you like bagels?" Dillon asked as I set my bag down, head still bowed as if Dillon wouldn't ask if I just refused eye contact.
"Uh, yeah. Bagels are good." I agreed quietly, honestly how was I supposed to ask, Hey! Its an awesome apartment! But, is it haunted? Or is there some creep who sneaks in the reason you're practically giving it away?
I might have thought a critter made off with my food if the banana and potato peels hadn't been in the garbage bag, or if my phone hadn't moved back into the cup.
"Coffee good or something else to drink?" Dillon asked turning to the freshly brewed pot.
I'd been so distracted I hadn't even noticed the smell, but now that I did I breathed it in. "Coffee would be great."
Coffee, that's what I needed. Maybe… maybe I'm so caffeine deprived I started sleepwalking. That made more sense than someone breaking in to wake me up while I'm bathing. Or why I didn't remember eating a second banana, or… peeling potatoes…
"A man of good taste, I just add a little cream, how do you like yours?" Dillon asked winking over his shoulder as he pulled out two starwars mugs.
"Um, cream is great." I agreed trying not to sound desperate as I awaited the elixir of life. How long since I've had coffee? Days? More than a week already.
I felt like Gollum as I accepted the steaming mug. Closing my eyes, I took a moment to just breathe in the smell, then took my first scaldingly glorious sip.
Dillon tossed three bagels into his toaster oven as he pulled out a pan, "I was going to be lame and just have it with cream cheese at your place, but since we're here, I'm thinking bagel sandwiches, I like my eggs over easy, how do you want yours Max?"
I hesitated, "Uh, whatever is easier." I saw Dillon stiffen for just a moment, but he didn't turn around.
"I like runny egg yolk, otherwise with bacon is a bit dry, but I know a runny egg anywhere near Jack is a declaration of war. I can cook it all the way through or soft yolk, it's all the same for me Max." Dillon offered as he slid six large, thick cut slices of peppered bacon on the pan. Using a spatula to make sure they didn't stick as the pan quickly heated over the open flame.
I hesitated, "Uh, soft then, anything I can, uh, do in the mean time?" I asked glancing at all the empty boxes along the walls. I could start breaking them down or unpacking more.
"Chill Max, I'll put you to work soon enough. It's sacrilegious to do anything before the first cup of coffee." Dillon teased, "Grab a seat, if you've got some music for background noise that would be great."
After a glance around, I pulled the rolling countertop away from the wall, opened the ledge and found a soft rock playlist. Mostly older songs. I mostly listened as Dillon kept up the chatter, occasionally offering opinions or my own small stories.
The bagel sandwich was amazing, crispy bacon, fried egg, a slice of ham, melted cheese all on a perfectly toasted bagel. After their second cup of coffee which led to debates on the best brands, we started unpacking more.
I hummed along to the music, glad to just not have to think about the other apartment. For now, just doing something.
I emptied the dishwasher then loaded freshly unpacked dishes. Soon we fell into a good rhythm, I handwashed easier dishes, folded laundry, and broke down boxes while Dillon decided where all his things would go.
When Jack and Jake arrived, Dillon ran down to escort them in. They were both in almost identical outfits again, overalls, bandanas, boots, but no gloves today.
"Hey Jake! Hey Jack!" I greeted with a grin, it was nice to see their gruff but familiar faces.
Jack was mid nod when his eyes abruptly narrowed, after kicking his boots off he walked to stand directly over me. "What happened?" His voice had a low growl as he narrowed his eyes, looking me over repeatedly. Half a moment later Jake was doing the same.
My grin stiffened as they towered over me, not because they were intimidating, but because their question brought back all the anxiety and fear about the other apartment. Had Dillon said something?
"You're tense, why?" Jake demanded.
I tried to blow the concern off, "I'm, uh, fine, really, just, I just scared myself."
Dillon shoved his shoulder into Jake, who in turn stumbled into Jack. "Relax boys, give him some room. Let's get those shelves up first. That way we can get the books out of the boxes and make some room in here." Dillon pushed the two larger men half playfully.
Jack glanced over his shoulder but moved as directed, "Are you hurt?"