A World of Two
Jack stepped into the elevator and swiftly shed his coat, draping it over their heads.
Sheltered beneath the fabric, they continued to kiss passionately, releasing all their pent-up longing and desire.
"Ding..." The elevator stopped.
Stepping into the hallway, Alison undid another button on Jack's shirt, revealing a broad expanse of his chest.
He kissed her softly and murmured, "Sweetheart, we're almost home."
The word "home" made her heart flutter, reminding her of Emily.
"Jack, how...how is she?"
"Silly, she was taken by Rock. Why else would I have gone to the rooftop? You're overthinking again, aren't you?" His voice was gentle.
"Emily and Rock, are they getting married?" she asked, tilting her face up.
"Yes, they are," he replied, opening the door.
The moment the door swung open, he swept her into the apartment.
He carried her through the bedroom, kicked open the glass bathroom door, and flipped on the dim light inside.
"Don't turn off the light, Jack." Her voice trembled in the darkness, but he ignored her, unwilling to let her see the wounds covering his body.
As the fabric fell away and their skin met, he turned on the faucet.
The water washed over their bodies. Each splash brought pain to his skin, but he endured it silently.
Soon, he had washed them both clean.
The trickling water stopped. He picked up a towel and dried her body as he walked toward the large bed in the bedroom.
Suddenly, his body began to tremble.
Damn it! The craving was hitting him.
He rushed back into the bathroom and doused himself with cold water.
...
"Sleep. Don't think too much. I'll be with you, Alison," he reassured her. However, he planned to leave immediately after she fell asleep to endure another round of withdrawal.
"Jack, do you like boys or girls?" she asked softly, clutching his hand.
He rested his head against her belly and listened to the baby's heartbeat.
"What about you? Do you want a son or a daughter?"
"A daughter," she said.
“Why?” he asked.
"Because a son would definitely be like you. After growing up, he'll leave. Then, his girlfriend would come crying to me, demanding him back.”
"All right, a daughter." His breath fell softly on her belly.
She drifted off, her eyes closing.
After she fell asleep, Jack sprang to his feet and dashed out of the bedroom as if flying.
Curled up on the sofa, he pounded the sponge in his hand, fighting to stifle the sound.
The night slipped away silently.
At dawn, Alison stretched lazily and opened her drowsy eyes. Her hand drifted beside her.
"Jack..."
"Mm, I'm here." Jack was lying on the bed, holding a cigarette.
"Go smoke on the balcony."
"Okay."