Chapter 66: He Knew

Nelly saw Chad pushed himself up from his leaning position from the corner of her eyes. At one point, she thought that he might say something. His whole being was alert, ready to jump into rescue anytime. But he decided against it and shifted his position, feigning a relaxed posture.

The gears in Nelly’s head turned in full capacity. She had been reading a bunch of psychology books in recent days, those she asked Neil to grab from the neighboring city. Yet, at that moment, her mind came out blank. She tried her best to control her expression but an unsettling feeling twisted at her heart.

“Everyone has different concerns. It’s wise to say that everyone’s definition of bad is different,” Chad finally voiced out. Nelly secretly let out a breath.

“Do you think that what happened to me was bad?” Stacy countered, turning her attention to Chad. Nelly stole a glance at the man, wondering what the man would say. Chad gave her an easy smile. “You hit your head and went into a coma. Nobody knows when you will wake up. I was worried, to say the least.”

Stacy nodded slowly. “How did it happen? What was I doing when it happened?” Chad’s eyes softened as he looked at her. “That’s something for you to figure out. You were already out when we found you alone in the room.”

“The problem is I don’t remember,” Stacy mumbled under her breath. The room was so small, both of them managed to catch her words.

“The body is honest. Trust your body. Give it time. When the time is right, it might retrieve the memory you lost,” Chad’s words finalize the discussion. Stacy finally nodded, accepting his theory. Nelly watched Chad as he handled the situation smoothly. Her eyes shone with admiration.

She looked down at her hands. That was when she felt a surge of determination. All that just happened proved that there was much more she had to learn.

Someone knocked at the door. Chad went to get it. A man whispered something in his ear. When he turned around, Nelly gave him an assured nod. “Go ahead, I’ll be here” Chad hesitated before nodding his goodbye at them and left.

While the atmosphere in the room warmed and settled in a peaceful chatter, the bar was solemn. It was empty and silent before the opening hours. A figure sat at the counter. Jack entered the bar, looking around in search of a certain man before his gaze landed on the lonely back at the counter.

“Why does your back look like your wife just ditched you?” Jack greeted as he moved towards him. “Shut up.” The reply made Jack grin. He entered the counter like the place belonged to him. They were close and Jack always made himself at home whenever he visited.

He poured himself a glass of water before settling down on a stool. Will took a big gulp of his drink. “It’s too early to be drinking,” Jack observed as the liquid in his glass reduced dramatically. “It’s never too early or too late to drink,” Will replied, his voice void of emotion. Jack faked a shiver. “You bar owners are crazy.”

Will gave him a lazy side eye before reaching for his pack of cigarettes. He pulled out a cigarette and secured it between his lips before offering the packet to Jack. Jack eyed the packet in suspicion. “I’ll pass. At the rate you’re going, I’ll ask you to save them for yourself.”

Will retreated his extended hand and threw the packet ceremoniously on the counter. “Suit yourself.” He reached for the lighter instead.

Jack started clicking his tongue and shaking his head. “Coming back to the clubhouse is bad for your mental health.” Will released a puff of smoke slowly. “What’s mental health? I’ve never seen it.”

Jack burst out laughing, his voice echoed in the empty bar. “You know what they say, mental health is like ghosts. You hear all about them but never see one.” He reached for his glass of water.

Will’s eyes followed his movements. “Are you sure it’s not the other way round?”

Pfft! The “water” sprayed out of his mouth. “Goddammit Will!” Jack exclaimed, making Will smirk. “How many times have you fallen for it?”

“Why is everything here alcoholic?” Jack scowled, “I took it from the water dispenser this time. It should be safe!” Will’s used to his antics. “What makes you think so?”

Jack’s eyes almost bulged out of their sockets. “Cause it’s from the water dispenser! Hello?” He moved his hands around in an exaggerated manner. “The water dispenser should contain water!”

“What’s the fun in that?” Will left his cigarette on the ashtray before going around the counter to the water dispenser. He filled half of his glass with the clear liquid before grabbing some other bottles and started mixing his new drink.

Jack glared in disbelief. Will placed the glass in front of him. “Want some? It’s a mocktail,” he said with a straight face. Jack rolled his eyes. “You’re right. If it is, I’ll eat my helmet.”

Will snatched the glass back and took a sip. “Your loss,” he commented nonchalantly before dropping down on the stool.

Jack cast a glance his way before spinning his glass around. “So, who’s that runaway wife?” He waited two seconds before his answer came. “Your mother.”

“I don’t want a stepfather like you,” Jack commented jokingly. There was no reply from Will. Jack didn’t push it. They sat in comfortable silence.

“She’s awake for all that matters,” Jack broke the silence. “What’d you know?” Will glanced his way from the rim of his glass. “It’s something I held on for a long time,” he paused, “you won’t understand.” With that conclusion, Will left to get the bar ready for operation.

Jack stared at his own glass. With a swift motion, he raised the glass to his mouth and gulped down a mouthful of it.

He knew.