Lines of Devotion; The Closing pt 2

/Astra pt 3./

"Astra.."

The way my name rolled off her tongue did something to me. It was like answering a calling and just like that I just drifted awake to her face. Offering a half awake smile was about all I could do.

" Hey what time is it.?"

" You only slept for about an hour so no worries. I just finished with the last of my group."

"Sorry I didn't think I would pass out.."

" You needed the rest and you look better for it. So ready to go .?"

" Go ?.."

" Come on it's not far and trust me you could use it."

Just like that I was swept up in her tempo, I didn't even know the steps. But I was sure an adventure was ahead of me, I wish I knew where she had gotten so much energy from... The walk was nice and the company was pleasant. Normally I try to avoid interacting with people, it always felt safer to keep people at a distance if possible.

"So quiet Astra what stories do you have.?"

"Stories?...Like a comic full of superheros or something.?"

That laugh of hers was cute and dangerously contagious.

" Sure tell me about....the hero Astra."

" Oh...can we not put it that way that's so embarrassing..."

" Stalling must mean our super hero Astra lived like the other super heros...Which makes me curious what secret do you hold."

I couldn't help but laugh at her antics God why was she so adorable. I can't handle this kind of brightness...it has been so long since I have seen something so bright.

" Alright I will tell you anything just stop with the super hero Astra bit please ."

" I will hold you to that..... unfortunately we have arrived you are a master at stalling. But I will surely get to the center soon enough."

God did she just make a Tootsie lollipop joke.....she is gonna be the death of me. When we first entered this building I was really amazed that I never visited before, the decor was really nice. The air was filled with a strawberry fragrance, a bathhouse for sure. And I somehow never even knew it existed.

" Earth to space hero Astra...."

"Huh oh sorry Gina..."

" It's alright so how about we settle for some food then relax to a nice soothing bath.?"

" Where are we gonna get food at in a bath house?."

"Upstairs...where I live of course."

" Wait you live above a bath house is that why..."

Don't you dare finish that sentence Astra...keep the eyes on her face please.

" Well come on let's go have some dinner and talk."

She had to know where that was heading why didn't she finish it...and When's the last time I had a date ...

"wait is this a date"

Shit I spoke that out loud.

" Yeah if you don't mind we can count this as a date."

Once we entered her apartment it was definitely smaller then mine, Maybe even a studio converted into a living space. It was cozy and bright it reflected her personality so we'll. I decided to sit on the sofa while she was cooking up a surprise since I was banned from the kitchen ...and that's when I got a surprise of my own... A ball of fur popped up on my lap and made itself comfortable. It was a cute kitten with white and black spots for fur. As I ran my fingers across it's back it purred happily at the attention I gave it.

The smell of food definitely made me alert and famished. I couldn't help but listen to the sound of a Melody every so often while she was cooking..... it was soothing for sure .. She was definitely a happy person with tons of energy to spend without pausing. Moving the sleeping kitten off to the side I decide to peak into the small kitchen area. I swear I was in a dream this all felt so unreal to me I just couldn't even imagine this being real.

" Hey how's the cooking need any help."

" Nope this is a date remember. I have to show the kitchen skills and be impressive."

"Ha I think impressive is covered easily enough by you. You could let me help ."

"Could but I am almost done so grab some plates and take a seat and look you are helping..."

She couldn't resist laughing and as contagious as it was I could not help laughing so sincerely it's so hard to laugh like this lately.. Following her guidance I managed to find the table ware and set the table for the date dinner...am I really ok with this...is this ok I feel so out of place but in place all at once.

" Hey no need to space out Astra I have arrived with food."

"Uh..Sorry Gina, thanks it looks great."

" Well dig in tell me what you think."

At first I didn't know what to think or expect but after taking a bite I couldn't compare it to anything.... I never cooked for myself and no one ever cooked for me so I had no reference. I just know it was really good.

" It's amazing Gina what is this.?"

"Stir FRY with a twist...family secret and all that jazz.. So you been spacing a lot today everything alright .?"

And here it comes the talking part something I don't know how to really do...

"Just a rough night sorry I keep spacing out.."

" No no it's fine we all space out..

So does last night have anything to do with a table, a mean right hook and a swollen hand.?"

"Yeah you could say that."

" Wanna talk about it I am a pretty good listener you know."

" Just some old drama and wounds that shouldn't be coming back around. I wouldn't wanna spoil the date with this talk after all."

I gave the fakest smile I could but why did I feel like every defense I built was shattering around me with her....Am I really a map after all..

" You are really bad at lying you know, I mean it is cute but surely you know it would help to talk about it. Bottling is really bad and leads to bad decisions."

I think I am tired.

" Cait who joined the gym with me .. I am in love with her... ever since I met her in highschool and so much has happened through our lives it's like the world is directing everything it can at us..."

" It's okay to talk about it you know..

My step dad's a lot like you. Shouldering the world trying to save everyone he can. But inside he just felt so hollow. That's you right Astra?.....Just remember even super heros needed help."

" Yeah that's probably the best summary of how it is for me but I just wanted to save her.... I just"

Interrupted by my phone vibrating in my pocket I just answered it...I thought it was Cait calling finally..

"Astra... It's Jean.... Cait is gone. She left her apartment and everything. Dan's driving up to her parents house to see if she's gone home..Astra can you hear me ?."

He was speaking but I couldn't speak and soon I just lost all my strength at once. My eyes filled with so much water I started to feel submerged in water. I couldn't speak I felt like I was choking on air while drowning. The phone crashed into the floor but I was paralyzed stiff...Cait left me without a word so what do I do now....Maybe she's here somewhere.... Yea I can still find her if I start running now....