“What I meant was… I want to ruin you.”
___
Those words slipped out before he could think. Damn it! Why did he say that?
“Sorry, forget I said that.” He quickly added.
Morticia, on the other hand, didn’t know how to react. Ruin her? What did that even mean?
A knock suddenly disrupted the tension in the room. Jamie was here. She glanced back at Klaus, anxiety bubbling in her chest.
He might misunderstand the situation. Gawd, what was she going to do?
“Who’s it?” Klaus asked, his voice slurred.
“Uhm, Jamie.”
Hearing the name, a frown settled on Klaus’s face.
“Klaus, you need to leave,” she urged.
“Alright,” he replied without pushing back, and Morticia felt a wave of relief.
Jamie’s smile faded when he saw Klaus leaving as Morticia opened the door. He gave her a questioning look after Klaus was out of sight.
“Nothing happened, I swear,” Morticia explained.
“Then why did he come?”
“He was drunk and just rambling,” she replied, inviting Jamie in, though his upset gaze still lingered on her. “Really, nothing happened. I let him in because he was hurt, that’s all.”
Jamie finally nodded.
After an hour, they were seated on the floor, watching a romantic movie on her laptop. Morticia wasn’t really enjoying it.
“You don’t seem to be into it,” Jamie observed, noting how she fidgeted with her fingers.
“I… I do!” Morticia stammered.
“What’s your favorite show or movie?” he asked.
“Uhm… please promise you won’t laugh,” she chuckled, tucking her hair behind her ear.
“Okay,” he smiled.
“SpongeBob,” she said, pressing her lips together as she awaited his reaction. Jamie just grinned at her.
“That’s cute. Your roommate isn’t home much?” he inquired.
“Yeah, she’s part of a band and plays jazz music for a living.”
“What about her parents?”
“She never talks about them. Her older sister is my brother’s girlfriend, and they can’t stand each other,” Morticia replied.
“Wow, your roommate sounds mysterious.”
“Yeah, she is,” Morticia chuckled, their gazes locking. “Are you mad at me?”
Jamie sighed. “I’d be lying if I said I’m not,” he admitted, and she looked away, guilt washing over her.
“I’m sorry.”
He stayed silent for a moment before asking, “Do you like him that much? Or can you stop liking him?”
“I don’t like him anymore.”
Jamie smiled, revealing his one-sided dimple, which was adorable. “Alright, I’ll take that,” he whispered, staring at her.
“I… I thought you would…”
“Break up with you?” Jamie completed her thought. “I can’t let go of the love I have for you, Morty. I’ve never met someone who makes me feel this alive. I’m not going to throw that away over a mistake you promised never to repeat.” He paused, his gaze intense.
“It’s partially my fault, too. I didn’t spend enough time with you, and that won’t happen anymore.”
Morticia nodded, feeling a warmth spreading through her.
He gently drew her close to kiss her, but just then, the door swung open, revealing Valerie.
Morticia cleared her throat, her cheeks burning red.
“Hey, Val.”
“Hey,” Valerie greeted, her expression blank. She placed her guitar down and flopped onto her bed.
“I’m leaving,” Jamie announced. “It’s getting late, and I don’t want to disturb your sleep.”
Morticia shrugged on her jacket and escorted him out. They chatted as they walked, and she watched him get into his car and drive away.
Returning, Morticia found Valerie munching on pizza.
“You want some?” Valerie offered.
“No, thanks, Val.” Morticia sat on her bed, the weight of Klaus’s words clouding her mind. Maybe she should ask Valerie for advice.
“Val, can I ask you something?” she said hesitantly.
“Sure.”
“If someone said they want to ruin you, what does that mean?”
“Ruin?” Valerie paused, frowning. “Who said that? Your boyfriend?”
Morticia shook her head. “No, not Jamie… a guy.”
“Klaus?” Valerie asked, and Morticia blinked in surprise.
“Wait, how did you know?”
“I just guessed. You’re pretty easy to read, or maybe I’m just good at studying people,” Valerie shrugged, the rings in her nose and ears glinting in the dim light.
“Yeah, it was Klaus.”
Valerie nodded. “It could mean a lot of things, depending on the person and context. If it’s coming from someone like Klaus, it’s probably not good.”
Morticia frowned. “What do you mean?”
“It sounds possessive, like he wants to break you down or control you. ‘Ruin’ can mean taking someone’s innocence, peace, or freedom.” Valerie squinted. “Why would he say that?”
Morticia swallowed, her heart racing. “I don’t know. He was drunk when he said it… I don’t think he meant it that way.”
Valerie thought for a moment, then looked Morticia straight in the eyes. “I know what he meant. And all I have to say is… you should be careful around him.”
—
Klaus got into his apartment to find Vincent immersed in a video game in the living room.
“Hey,” Vincent greeted without looking up.
“What are you doing here?” Klaus asked, removing his jacket.
“Wow, someone’s in a bad mood,” Vincent mumbled. Normally, Klaus wouldn’t have asked such a thing.
“Who upset you? Or are you just having your usual mood swings?” Vincent glared at Klaus. “Dammit, I lost again. This is your fault.”
Klaus sat beside him in silence, closing his eyes.
“You got into a fight,” Vincent said, noticing the small bruise on Klaus’s forehead.
“They insulted Josephine.”
“Your mom. How many of them did you take out?” Vincent asked.
“I’m not like you!” Klaus snapped, disbelief etched on his face. “Well, I broke a few bones. One got lucky and smashed a bottle on my head.”
“You let him,” Vincent added.
“How the hell do you know me so well?” Klaus asked, irritation seeping into his tone.
“I don’t know. Maybe because I love you. We could be gay,” Vincent joked, but Klaus wasn’t laughing.
“Fuck! Vincent, I could beat you up right now and toss you in the trash can outside,” Klaus warned, though Vincent only laughed.