The Iso-Stasis Experiment (The Experiments) (21 page)

Grabbing the door knob to Cal’s room, Jake opened it and stepped in. Stopping cold in his tracks, concern left him and anger and jealousy took over when he saw Cal. Jake’s eyes closed, his heart sank, and his head dropped.

The kiss, the long kiss, immediately stopped. Jake’s entrance was heard, his presence was felt.

Cal stepped back immediately, bringing the back of her fingers to her mouth.

Carlos quickly lifted his hands from Cal. “Does he always just barge in here?”

Jake was going to justify his entrance and his appearance with a comment but instead he stood silently, staring down at Carlos through the tops of his eyes.

Carlos backed up. There was something frightening about a big man with angry jealousy in his eyes. That was what he saw on Jake. Though he had never encountered someone in that state, he didn’t want to
chance
it. “I’d better go.” He walked to the door. “Cal . . . Jake.”

Jake opened the door wider. Once he saw that Carlos was completely free from the door frame, Jake slammed it loudly.

Cal looked at Jake. He couldn’t possibly be mad. She had to be imagining it. “Jake, what took you so long, I . . .”

“What the fuck was that?” Jake asked loudly, barking her back a foot.

“Excuse me?”

“That shit.” Jake’s hand pointed to where they were at. “When I walked in here? I thought I told you to stay put in the gathering room.”

“He didn’t want to stay.” Cal said.

“So you brought him back here?”

“Oh, you can’t possibly be upset about this.” Cal neared him. “You told me to keep him busy.”

“I didn’t tell you to sleep with the guy.”

“I wasn’t sleeping with him.”

“Would you have?”

“That’s none of your
fuckin
’ business.” Cal scolded.

“You’re right.” Jake threw his hands up. “It isn’t any of my business. And you know what? I’m sorry I interrupted you.” He stormed to the bathroom door.

Cal quickly snatched his arm. “Jake, stop this. Just stop. Let’s not fight, please. There’s no reason to fight or be jealous.”

“I’m not jealous.” Jake argued. “Jealousy is an emotion not worth wasting your energy on.”

“Then what is it?”

Jake stopped before going into the bathroom. “I’m pissed. Pissed because I told you I don’t trust him. I told you to stay away from him.”

“I know you told me that. But you have to remember, you have no right to . . .”

“Bullshit!” Jake’s hand extended downward, then to the side of his face. “Don’t tell me that. I have spent every single moment with you this past month…every second. Don’t tell me I have no right, because I have every right to worry about you.” He turned back around. “I can’t talk right now.”

“Jake. You are way too upset. Stop,” she said as she followed him in the bathroom, “stop!”

“What?” He spun back around.

“You needed time. I got . . . I just maybe went about it the wrong way.” She saw him turn. “Wait.” She called out in desperation. “Since we are standing here yelling at each other, was it worth it? Did you get the book?”

“Yeah I got the book. It’s useless. It’s the same as ours. You were right all along. Happy?” He headed to his room.

Cal stopped his door from shutting. “Jake, fine I was right. But you can’t be mad at me.”

“I’m not mad at you, Cal. I’m mad at myself. Because this is the first time in my life I have ever felt this out of control and I can’t handle it.” He closed his door on her.

^^^^

Jake was quiet, as quiet as he could be, when he entered Cal’s room. He saw her sitting on the floor, fixing the platform city. He knew she had to hear him. She probably was ignoring him. And rightfully so, he had been an asshole to her, and stewing for three hours in his room didn’t help much.

Softly he walked up to her as she sat Indian style on the floor and squatted behind her. As he lowered himself, he lowered a bottle of beer in front of her. “Truce?”

“Truce,” she said and took the beer. “Thanks.”

“I missed our platform city time, huh? I like your church.” He stayed close behind her.

“I felt inspired after today’s episode with Fr. Dan. Have you heard him all day?”

“Yes. He keeps knocking on that door, knocking.” Jake shook his head. “Cal, listen.”

Cal watched him slip his hand over hers and it made her smile. A smile he couldn’t see.

“I’m sorry.” He gripped her hand. “I’m sorry I acted like that. I was wrong. And . . . I was jealous…very jealous.” Jake slipped his fingers comfortably in between hers. “It’s just when I saw you kissing him combined with the fact it was Carlos,
 
it bothered me.”

“I’m sorry, too, Jake. It shouldn’t have happened. I’m sorry it bothered you.”

“It’s behind us.” He removed his fingers from hers.

“Jake, it’s time for dinner.
 
Do you want to go with me?”

“Cal.” He brought his mouth close to her ear. “Can we not go to the dining room tonight? I don’t feel like being around anyone.” He spoke softly in her ear, not realizing that his warm words caused her body to tingle. “Can we have dinner here tonight? Just me and you? Alone?”

Cal rested her head back on his chest. “Yeah, we can.”

“Yes, Barb . . .” Stan held the phone tightly to his ear, his head resting back as he made faces. “Yes, Barb, he apologized . . . that’s what we think . . . no, no.” He stuck his tongue out and pressed his middle finger to the mouth piece. “I’ll call. We’re here to midnight. Tonight’s the night.” He handed the phone to Lyle. “You tell her.”

“Hey, Barb.” Lyle moved his mouth making a bitchy face, imitating Barb. “They had dinner, alone in her room . . . right now?
Battleships
.” He pulled the phone away from his ear. “No, it’s not romantic, but they’ve been drinking.” Lyle smiled. “Goodbye.” He stood up and hung up the phone. “God is she such a bitch. She is so worried about this bet. If they do it tonight before midnight, she gets it. After that, the Jake and Cal poll is Aldo’s.”

“That’s the breaks.” Stan pulled out his notebook. “What’s the beer and shot count?”

“Um . . .” Lyle reviewed. “Post dinner, four beers Jake, one shot, Cal two beers, two shots. If they keep going they’ll be slamming by eleven. Barb said she’s giving us a tip.”

“We’re winners either way,” Stan said, “so let’s root them on.”

“Miss,” Cal said and smiled at Jake who sat on her floor across from her, their
Battleship
boards between their legs as they played their own ‘back and forth’ version. “B-14.”

“Hit.” Jake grunted and brought his bottle of beer to his lips. “J-9.”

“Miss.” Cal picked up her bottle and brought it slowly to her lips. She saw Jake watch her. Maybe she was a bit more pronounced then she needed to be, but she had to do something. Jake certainly wasn’t going over the edge. It had been a month already and the closest thing they had to being intimate is when he chickened out on kissing her. Cal thought for sure he’d make his move after dinner. He was so quiet, staring. He had that look in his eyes. But she knew she really misinterpreted his offer to let loose when he retrieved the
Battleship
and beers for the evening. “All right, Jake. C-14.”

“Ah . . . hit.” He bent and slid his leg inward towards his body brushing against Cal’s thigh as he did. “J-7.”

“Miss.”

“No. Cal, what the fuck is going on?” Jake slammed his hand down. “I have
fuckin
’ pegs all over this place and you’re going to tell me I haven’t hit you yet?”

“Nope.” Cal closed her mouth tightly and shook her head.

“Oh, bullshit, you can’t tell me this whole entire time you’ve sunk three of my ships and I haven’t even hit one of yours. You’re cheating. Let me see your board.” Jake reached out his hand to it. “There is no way I’ve missed every single turn.”

“Sore loser.” She closed the lid of the game as he reached for it and clutched it to her chest.

“I cannot believe how immature you are that you would sink to the level of cheating in
Battleship
. And . . . you won’t even own up to it.”

“Fine.” She handed him the board.

Jake lifted the lid and his mouth dropped open. “This can’t be. How could I have missed every time? Cal, I apologize for calling you a cheater. I guess I am a sore loser.”

“No.” Cal scooted closer to him, grabbing the board and setting it on the floor. “I’m a cheater. I kept moving my boats.”

“Ships . . . and I knew it.” He reached over and shut the lid on the game again. “Well, I just refuse to play
Battleship
with you again.”

“You know, there are other things that we can do.” She moved closer, letting the slight effect of alcohol give her nerve. “You do know that.”

“Oh, sure.” Jake swallowed as he watched her inch her face closer.

Cal stared at him. He looked scared. She moved her lips so close to his, speaking softly as she did. “Tell me what you want to do, Jake. Anything you want to do.”

Jake couldn’t take his eyes off her and he knew his nervousness was showing. How could he answer that question? With a deep breath, reaching his hand up, he slipped it behind her neck. “Cal I . . .”

“Dudes,” Rickie yelled from outside of her door. “Dudes, can I come in?”

Cal pulled back and gave a ‘sorry’ smile. As she stood up, she felt Jake run his hand down her arm when she walked from him.

Fuck!
 
Jake rubbed his eyes and knew he’d have to wait—again—for Cal to make the move.

“Dudes . . . whoa it smells like a brewery in here.” Rickie held his nose, like he had nerve to complain about any smell. “You guys having your own private party. I got some weed if you . . .”

“No!” Jake stood up, he just wanted Rickie out. The longer he stood there, the more what almost happened would slip form Cal’s mind. “We don’t do drugs. But thanks.” He gave a snarling look.

“Just asking, dude, just asking,” Rickie said as he held up his hands. “Hey, are you two like done with the
Battleship
yet. There are others who want to play. I’m afraid if I don’t bring it back someone else might go for my throat.”

Hurriedly Jake bent down to the floor, grabbed the boxes and handed them to Rickie. “
Here.
Pegs are inside. Bye.” He reached for the door.

“Excellent.” Rickie lifted the lid up on the one. “Whoa. Whose box was this?”

Cal smiled. “Mine.”

Rickie shook his head at Jake. “Dude, you suck at this game. You didn’t hit one of her boats. Man for a big military guy, Sergeant and all, you really have no strategy.” He closed the lid and backed out. “Remind me not to go into war with you. I’d be dead.”

His ears began to burn in annoyance. Rickie’s rambling. Cal’s laughing. All tested Jake. “Rickie!”

“I’m leaving.” Rickie tried to imitate a fake intellectual voice. “Perhaps something a tad easier would be better for you. Something on the teenage level like
Truth or Dare
?”

“Out!” Jake shut the door cutting off the laughing wave Rickie was giving Cal. He grunted loudly and leaned on the door. “I’m getting another beer. You want one?”

“Jake.” Cal folded her arms. “We were . . . yes, a beer will be fine.” She listened to him bitch about Rickie the whole time he was in his room.

Jake stopped in his stride in the bathroom. He stared at the beers he had in his hand. He knew he shouldn’t be drinking. Jake took a deep breath before stepping into Cal’s room. He wanted to hand her the beer and asked her where they let off. But what were the chances that Cal would drop down to the floor and say ‘here’? “Anyway . . .” He stepped in the room and handed Cal her beer. “Why didn’t you tell Rickie you cheated?”

“What? And ruin my reputation, please. I’d rather have you look bad.” She took a drink. “So, where . . .”

“And what is that about Rickie telling me to play
Truth or Dare
? Like I couldn’t kick your ass in that one?”

“Excuse me?” Cal nearly choked on her drink.

“Of course I can’t figure out how you would cheat in that.
 
The trick would be to make it something that would force you to talk or lose.”

“I would answer anything. You on the other hand, would not.”

“Right.” Jake brought his bottle to his lips. “You game?”

“
Truth or Dare
? Jake, what the hell are you going to dare me to do? There would have to be an ending.
 
We could dare each other all night. Something like, maybe truth or . . . shot.”

“Nah.” Jake folded his arms and looked up. “You drink like a fish. That would be no threat for you to answer the question.”

“I’d answer them anyhow and you’d end up smashed. What about, truth or . . .” she looked up at Jake and then eyed him up and down, “. . . strip?”

“Strip?” Jake wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “You mean like take off an article of clothing if won’t answer the question?”

“Yes. Are you afraid?”

“Who me? No. It’s just that I’m wearing a tee shirt, shorts and boxers. You have much more clothing on.”

“Yeah but Jake, according to you, you’d answer anything. So why worry?”

“OK.” He nodded. “You’re on. Truth or strip it is.” Jake, in a nervous twinge, raised his eyebrows as he took another drink of his beer.
God why am I putting myself in this position?

“Good. Let’s make this interesting though. Let’s ask the question first, put each other on the spot, then we get the chance to answer or strip.”

“All right, I’ll do you one better.” Jake pointed at her with his beer. “You have a coin? We flip for each question. Heads is easy. Tails, anything goes.”

“You’re on.” Cal laughed, walked to the desk, grabbed a penny and handed it to him. “And just to add pressure,” she grabbed his hand and led him with her, “we’ll play on the bed.” She sat down and folded her legs. “Of course you have no modesty. You probably won’t have any problem being naked in front of me.”

“If I’m naked, then I’ve lost the challenge.” Jake sat down across from her. “I don’t like to lose.”

“Tell me about it. OK.” Cal straightened herself up. “Because I have more articles of clothing, you go first. Ask away.”

Jake smiled at her and set his beer on the floor, he flipped the coin and it landed on the bed. “Heads. All right . . .what was the rudest thing you’ve ever done?”

“Strip.” Cal winked and removed a sock. “I have leeway.” She took the coin and tossed it. “Heads again. Jake, how many relationships have you had in your adult life?”

“None.” He grabbed the coin.

“None? Jake, are you a virgin?”

“No, I’m not a virgin.” He shook his head, took the coin and flipped it. “Tails. How many relationships have you had in
your
adult life? Full blown. Intimate.”

“Three.” She took the coin. “Heads. What is Major Graison’s ideal woman?”

“Tall . . . brunette . . . dumb and . . .” Jake smiled with a wink, “and huge breasted.”

Dejected Cal took a quick look at her body and said, “Asshole.”

Jake flipped the penny.
 
“Tails again . . . Today when you were kissing . . .”

“Strip.” Cal took off her sock.

“I didn’t even ask the question.”

“So I know where it’s going.” She tossed the coin. “Yes! Tails. How many women has Major Graison been with?”

Jake debated, grabbed the edge of his shirt and then remembered it was Cal. “Don’t laugh. Four.”

“Four?” Cal smiled. “And you never had a relationship, no one you really cared about?”

“There was this one girl I really liked. I never slept with her though.”

“Why not?”

“We were nine.” He took the coin, watching her laugh at him. “Easy one. If you were stranded up here alone with only Rickie, would you sleep with him?”

“He does have the condoms. Hmm. No. My turn. Heads. Do you ever want to have any kids?”

“I never thought about it. And if I did . . . I can’t.”

“What?” Cal looked shocked, almost saddened. “You can’t have kids?”

“Nope. I was on a mission and when we were in the jungle I was ambushed. When my assailant jumped me from the brush he knifed me . . . let’s just say, he missed it, but caused damage that couldn’t be prepared.”

“Jake, I’m sorry. Does it work?”

Jake was shocked by her question. “Of . . . Yeah . . . I guess. I haven’t had any real practice since the incident though.”

“Well. Just because a car starts, doesn’t mean it’s going to make it up the hill.”

“Give me the coin.” He glared at her. “It’s time to get tough with you—time to lose some clothes.” He nodded his head at her when he flipped tails. “While you’ve been here, have you had any sexual thoughts about . . .?”

“Strip.”

“Go ahead, Cal, strip. Which is it? You’re shirt or your shorts?”

Cal lifted her shirt from her shorts. Stuck her hand under it, undid her bra and pulled it out from her sleeves. She whipped it across the room. “Ha! Watch out.” She tossed the coin. “Tails. OK, Major Graison, I read that you were isolated in a room for a month by yourself. Did you jerk-off to pass the time?”

Jake’s mouth dropped open; a stunned look that Cal had never seen hit him. “Strip.” He took off his shirt, tossed it to the floor and tried to ignore her laughter. “My turn. Same question as last time.
 
Have you ever had any sexual thoughts about . . .” he moved his face closer, “. . . me?”