(13) Sick

Chloe contemplated whether or not to call for nearly an hour. The idea came to her during Chemistry class when she overheard Jan talking to Belle about Jason’s three-day absence. She noticed his absence from day one, and found herself annoyingly concerned. Alas, the mystery was solved- bad case of the flu.

Perhaps he needed an encouraging “Get Well Soon!” visit…

As his tutor, it would appear perfectly natural to make sure he was able to stay on track, academically.

So she called after nearly an hour of reciting possible reasons to check up on him, wish him well, yaddi yadda. Heart pounding, pulse blasting inside her head, pacing up and down the stairs as she smiled at the sound of his hoarse voice. Very grateful hoarse voice. “I’ll bring you some soup,” she said sweetly as she sat down in mid step.

Craig raised his eyebrow in concern of her erratic pacing. He wittily commented that she may have just lodged a new pathway on the staircase. She brushed him off rudely, then later bounced down the stairway excitedly once she disconnected the caller. She had the nerve to beg to take Nancy’s Lexus “to visit a friend that’s really sick.” “Maybe it wouldn’t be such a good idea to visit him then,” he tried to reason.

Didn’t matter. Chloe snatched the keys off the end table quickly and whipped on her coat singing, “Adios!!!” on her way out.

******************************

Chloe swung by Tuscany for a take-out order of pasta e fagioli. As she parked on the street in front of his house, a dose of reality hit her. “What the hell are you doing Chloe? Are you possessed?” Yes you are, her mind chuckled. Chloe made her way up the walkway and smiled graciously at the beautiful Jaquiline Wells. “It’s so nice to see you Chloe! Jason told me you were going to stop by to drop off some homework and a little care package. That is so sweet of you. Other than Jan stopping by every day, you’re the only one that has come. He’s been really sick.”

Chloe nodded, “I want to make sure he doesn’t slip on his Trigonometry progress.”

Yeah right, the Chloe devil leered.

“He’s doing so much better now because of you,” Jackie offered thankfully.

“I’m glad I could help Mrs. Wells,” Chloe smiled.

Uh huh, the devil persisted.

“He’s upstairs. His bedroom is in the attic now. His brother moved back into the dorms so he moved in there shortly afterwards. He’s always wanted that room.”

Chloe frowned, “A bedroom in the attic?”

Jackie laughed and touched Chloe’s arm, “It’s not what you think. This house is old, but we’ve done a lot of remodeling, especially in the attic. Actually, that’s where Mike and I slept for several years. We even built in a bathroom.”

Chloe nodded, “Ahhh, I see.”

Jackie smiled warmly, “Go on up and check it out.”

Chloe turned to go and then paused, “Oh, I almost forgot. About your offer, the recommendation to, you know…”

“Model?”

“Yeah, model. I’d like to meet with you sometime.”

“You’re interested?”

“Sorta, I guess. Nothing extensive really. I just want to make some money of my own.”

Jackie beamed, “I guarantee a girl like you would have no problem getting work.”

“I have no clue what to do. Nor do I know if I’d even like it, but I’m willing to at least give it a try.”

“Well, to start with, the agency would have no problem teaching you ‘what to do’, and I’m glad you’re considering it. I think you would like it.”

“I don’t know about that. It seems like you have to have a pretty big ego to be successful.”

Jackie laughed, “You’re right, an ego tends to become an occupational hazard. There’s a fine line between self-confidence and arrogance. Hold on a second. I’ll get you one of my business cards to take.”

Chloe waited as Jackie pulled one out of her purse. She regarded it intently before slipping it into her pocket. “Thank you very much. I’ll give you a call later this week. I want to talk it over with Nancy.”

“Nancy?”

“My mother,” Chloe explained, embarrassed by the impression she gave off.

“Oh, I see. His door is right next to Angie’s bedroom on the second floor.”

Chloe produced an awkward wave and smile as she worked her way up the stairs.

************************************

Chloe worked her way nervously up the dark stairway to Jason’s attic bedroom. He met her at the top, greeting her with a sexy smile as she slowly ascended towards him. She stopped four steps below him and leaned against the railing, blushing. “What’s that in the bag?” he asked huskily.

“I brought you some soup from Tuscany,” she answered softly.

Jason lowered his chin, “That is sweet of you. How’d you know I was starving? I haven’t ate in like four days.”

Chloe shrugged, “It seemed like a good idea.”

“It’s a great idea. And you spoil me with Tuscany too. You are too much!”

Chloe handed the take out package to him, “It’s no big deal.”

Jason smirked, “Sure, if you say so. Come on up.”

Chloe kept a straight face, faking disinterest. She followed him to the landing, taking in the view. It was very nice to say the least- very spacious, fully furnished with carpet, painted walls, beam fixtures, ceiling fan. Jason sat in his chair at his computer desk. He smiled as he opened his soup. “Not the typical attic with mice and ghosts, huh?” he said, noting her surprise. Chloe nodded in agreement, “That’s an understatement. It’s more like a studio apartment.”

“That’s why I’ve always wanted it,” Jason quipped. “You can look around if you want. My dad works in the investment field. But on weekends, he’s all gung-ho about playing sports or doing the Bob Villa thing. He had my brother and I help him remodel this about six years ago. There’s a bathroom up here too if you need it.”

Chloe frowned, “I’m not going to stay long or anything. I just thought I’d drop off your homework.”

Jason did his best to contain himself. This girl was a trip. She was trying to act cool, but it was fake. He could sense the excitement in her voice when she called, “to see how he was doing.” He felt the same way too, but at least his horse voice covered for him. At least he thought so.

Chloe slipped her hands in her back pocket and meandered to the other side of the staircase landing. She took in the entertainment portion of his room: Black leather loveseat, oak entertainment stereo, Bose surround sound system. The walls were decorated with array of football, basketball, and NFL team posters. Chloe’s eyes caught one in particular, Jason Williams from the Sacremento Kings. His idol?

Jason stood up and handed her the remote to the radio and television. “Here, you can listen to whatever you want. I got QROCK on right now, but I don’t care what you turn it too.”

Chloe shook her head gently, “What you got on his fine.”

Jason paused in shock, “You like this kind of music?”

Chloe met his eyes, “Yes Jason, I like this music Why do you act so surprised?”

Jason shrugged honestly, “I thought you were just into opera.”

“Noooooo. Opera is my favorite music, but that doesn’t mean that’s all I listen too.”

“Good for you,” Jason replied as he resumed eating his soup.

Chloe took off her backpack and set it on the floor next the loveseat. Jason nearly choked when he saw her take off her coat and sit down. He decided not to ruin the moment by saying anything. He polished off the rest of his soup and stood up. “Hey, I’m going downstairs to get some water. Do you want something to drink?”

Chloe nodded, “Sure, I’ll have some water too.”

“I’ll be right back.”

Chloe waited until he was down the stairs and heard the door shut. She jumped off the couch to continue her exploration. First, she went to his bed and flopped backwards onto it. Firm, yet not too firm. Navy blue colored comforter. Cotton. Simple, no frills- unlike Philip’s oriental silk spread costing God knows what. Chloe nearly slipped off it every time she did one of her trademark flying leeps. Way too extravagant! She patted Jason’s bed in approval and sat up to regard the contents on top of his dresser.

A current picture of the Salem High varsity football team. Chloe picked out Philip’s gorgeous mug instantly. Poor Philip, he couldn’t even hide his dimples when trying to look bad-ass. Jason pulled it off quite well. Chloe glanced back to the Jason Williams poster on the wall. Familiar bad boy sneer…did he practice that in front of the mirror or what? Chloe laughed out loud and whispered, “Jasons.”

Chloe stood up to get a closer look at the other photos. One was a family photo, taken recently from what Chloe could gather. It was taken outdoors, in a green field with all the Wells sporting the same attire- faded Levi’s and white t-shirts. Chloe marveled at Angie, who was strikingly beautiful and in very close resemblance to Jason. She had long blond hair, flowing all the way to her waist. Matt looking like a handsome Michael Jr. Jason stood between his sister and mother. Momma’s boy Her gut told her.

Then of course, there was a photo of HER.

Had to be one of her model shots. It was a black and white 8X10. Somehow, some way, the photographer managed to reveal a “soft” side of Jan- giving off an air of thoughtful sadness. Looking beautiful as well. Chloe felt the sudden urge to fling the photo across the room- shattering to hundreds of pieces in the process. Instead, she resumed admiring the family photo.

Chloe flinched when she heard the door crack open. She reeled quickly to the love seat and sat innocently waiting. She cleared her throat as he handed her a glass of water. “Thanks.” Jason sat his glass on the small end table, “I’ll be right back.” He went into the bathroom to brush his teeth quickly. He returned and sat next to her.

“So how do you feel?” she asked.

“Much better.”

“When are you going back to school?”

“Friday, maybe.”

“I see.”

“Why, do you miss looking at me?”

“Hell no,” she answered quickly, cracking her knuckles.

“That’s funny, cuz I don’t miss you either.”

“Good too know Jason. Good to know.”

Jason did a chin up and bit his nails as he looked around nervously. “You comfortable?” he mumbled. “Yes, thank you.”

“Great. So how’s Philip?”

“Outstanding.”

“Jan?”

“Peachy.”

“Naturally.”

“She usually is.”

“Hmmm.”

The phone rang suddenly. Jason went to his desk to answer it. He smiled, “Speak of the devil. What’s up KIRIAKIS?” Jason covered the receiver when he nearly died laughing when Chloe’s color drained suddenly from her face. He walked towards her, chatting with unnerving ease… making her nearly sick. Jason dimmed the lights on the floor lamp as he “Uh huh, yeah. No shit. I don’t know man, I highly recommended getting a tutor.” He winked at Chloe, “They’re really effective… Yeah.”

Jason sat down next to Chloe and pursed his lips at her. Chloe shook her head, eyes pleading mercy. Jason snapped his fingers and pointed to his lap. Chloe shook her head again, waving her hand in front of her neck. Jason snapped his fingers again and pointed to his lap. When Chloe refused again, Jason became irritated, “Hey Philip.. There’s something I got to tell you…”

Chloe nearly flew into his lap. Jason covered the phone as he cracked up. Chloe mouthed, “You SUCK!” Jason gestured for her to straddle him. Chloe obliged, flipping him a double bird. Jason uncovered the receiver, “Hold on a second K.”

He covered it again and whispered, “You frustrated?”

“Fuck you!” she hissed.

He sat up and waved his finger towards his neck, “I want a kiss,” he whispered daringly.

“NO!” she hissed violently.

“Philip…”

Almost instantly, Chloe’s tongue and lips found it’s way to Jason’s neck. His secret “spot.” He bit his lip fiercely as a flood of hormones swept his body into oblivion.

“Huh. Yeah, sorry. I’m out of it…” This girl was GOOOOD. Struggling with a legitimate, “I just thought you should know that you’re not going to be the only junior starting in the next game. Coach Corpus told me he wants me on the field for sure.”

“You go me so hot,” he whispered into Chloe’s ear.

“Oh, shit. I thought you didn’t know yet. My bad,” he fumbled to Philip.

His eyes fluttered as Chloe made her way to his ear… Her tongue flicking wildly.

Jason rested the receiver on his shoulder to free his hands. He grabbed her hips, pulling her closer to him. “You feel that?” he mouthed to Chloe. Chloe nodded and continued her “forced” seduction. “That’s for you,” he whispered into her ear.

“Huh? Sorry Philip, I just was talking to my mom…” Jason managed. Still maintaining her straddle position, Jason lowered Chloe gently to the floor. He smoothed her hair back and kissed her forehead. He leaned into her ear, “I don’t want to get you sick,” he explained. Chloe nodded and wrapped her legs around his waist.

To the tunes of 3 Doors Down’s “Loser”, and a miraculously continued and rather awkward conversation with Philip Kiriakis, Jason gave Chloe her first dose of “dry sex” on his bedroom floor.

He led her into a variety of positions as his hands roamed eagerly over her fully clothed body. Chloe, who was reluctant at first, soon enjoyed herself immensely. It was, in a sense, his chance to tutor her… On lustful torture. Grinding his manhood onto her through sweatpants WHILE he talked to her boyfriend. Refusing to kiss her on the mouth, but ensuring her ears and neck didn’t feel left out.

“Hey Philip. I’m gonna let you go, I just took some medicine and I’m about to crash…Ok, I’ll talk to you later.” He hit the off button and threw the phone on the couch behind him.

Chloe lay panting beneath him. “I can’t believe you would black mail me like that!”

Jason let out a deep breath and laughed as he stroked her face, “Don’t tell me you really think I’d tell him. Why would I do that?”

“You were going to.”

Jason scooped her up into his arms “No I wasn’t.”

“Then why…” Chloe begged with her brow furrowed in worry.

“Hey, you didn’t have too,” he laughed as he laid her on the bed and hovered over her.

Chloe ran her hands down his back, “That was so evil, you know that?”

Jason kissed her cheek and murmured, “It takes two.”

Chloe closed her eyes, forgetting their argument as Jason’s hands journeyed to “prize between her thighs.”

Chloe let out a soft moan as he massaged her skillfully. She pulled his head towards her eagerly, yearning for the touch of his lips. Jason shook his head, “I don’t want to get you sick Chloe. You have no idea how badly I want to kiss you, but I won’t.”

“I don’t care,” she breathed.

“I know you don’t, but you should”.

“Please,” she breathed desperately.

Jason buried his head into the crook of her neck as he massaged her to orgasm. Chloe moaned uncontrollably as her body trembled- the sound of sweet, soft, erotic music filling Jason’s ears. He ran his fingers through her hair, and in an ever-so-gentle break down of self-control, he brushed her lips slightly. “Did you have fun?”

Chloe stared at him in an odd mixture of disgust, wonder, and exhiliration. She nodded absently as her body throbbed in the famous afterglow. She let out a deep sigh and stared at the arched ceiling. Jason’s eyes widened suddenly when he heard the familiar voice at the bottom of his stairs. Chloe sat up when she heard Jan call out, “Jason?”

Chloe jumped off the bed instinctively and crawled underneath. Jason pulled his blanket back and climbed under the sheets, fumbling with the comforter to ensure Chloe wouldn’t be seen. He gasped when his eye caught her coat and book bag near his loveseat….

It was too late… Jan was at the top of the stairs already.

Jan walked over to his bed and felt his face, “Your face is all red. Are you ok? I though your fever broke last night?”

Chloe lay beneath the bed listening as Jason delivered a believable excuse… Damn that boy was quick on his feet. Chloe sighed and rested her cheek on her hands as Jan spoke in loving concern…. Offering him, of all things, soup. Chloe shook her head when she heard this.

She closed her eyes and waited anxiously to be relieved of the crazy situation…The reality suddenly hitting her in a deafening blow- causing her to feel immense sorrow for Philip and, to her own amazement, Jan.

Most of all, the lowest depths of guilt.

Several minutes passed until Jason was able to convince Jan that he needed to get some rest. Chloe heard him refuse to kiss her on the mouth…Followed by a smootching sound, to her cheek or nose probably. “Thanks for stopping by. Sorry I’m kind of out of it right now. If I would have know you were coming over, I wouldn’t have taken that shit that makes you all drowsy.”

“It’s ok,” the Jan said sadly as she hugged him, “Get better soon.”

“I will, sweetness,” the hoarse voice responded.

Jan turned to go, pausing slightly as her eye caught the image of the familiar coat. Jan gulped and descended the stairs, head pounding with the ugliest of revelations- #1. Chloe was in her boyfriend’s bedroom, hiding either in his bathroom or underneath his bed, and #2. Jason’s ability to lie to her so easily regarding that fact... Which explained Jackie’s persistence that Jason shouldn’t be disturbed, blah blah blah. Not that it bothered her the numerous times she stopped by unannounced.

Jan let herself out of the house quietly, making a solemn vow to herself as she walked home in the cool darkness. They made the BIG mistake of playing her for a fool. They would pay greatly.

Both of them.

*********************************

Once the coast was clear, Chloe scootched her head and shoulders from beneath the bed. Jason leaned over to her side, “I’m sorry about that. I had NO IDEA she was coming. I SWEAR, Chloe.”

Chloe rubbed her hands through her hair, “This is so crazy Jason. We really have to stop.”

He traced his fingertips over her lips, “I know, but I can’t, and neither can you”

Chloe pulled her self from under the bed completely and stood up, “This is so wrong.”

Jason followed her to the loveseat where Chloe put on her coat and fumbled inside her back pack. She pulled out a piece of paper with his homework assignments and dropped in on the end table. Chloe avoided his eyes as she zipped up her bag.

He grabbed her hand as she walked off, “Hey.”

“What?” Chloe begged irritably.

Jason said met her eyes, and said nothing. He pulled her towards him in a sincere embrace, running his hands along her back and hips, stopping briefly to play with her hair. Chloe gave in, wrapping her arms tightly around his shoulders, resting her head on them, eyeing the other Jason on the wall…Here we go folks, a Tale of Two Jasons. A tale of two rebels…

Jason squeezed her tightly, lifting her slightly off the floor. Chloe released herself and mumbled a “Get well,” as she headed for the stairs. Jason followed her, his heart sinking as the door closed behind her….