Page 4 of Chemistry: The Chemist

“I’m leaving,” I announced.

Before I could fall victim to her antics, I pushed past her toward the door that would lead to the roof where a windy chopper was landing and waiting to airlift me to my next destination. I could feel the effects of the blades as I neared the exit. Just as I thought I’d managed to set myself free, umber-colored skin that resembled mine wrapped around me, stopping me in my tracks.

“Just accept it,” Rome demanded.

As cold as she portrayed herself in public, she was almost the warmest. Roaman, the oldest of the bunch, was the epitome of warmth. Her facade was easily tarnished when among the people she loved most. That was when her sleeves were covered with her true feelings, thoughts, desires, and emotions.

“Just accept it, Chem. Don’t fight it.”

The chuckle I harbored began to slip from my lips. Baby was full of love and containing it was too much of a task. She needed to release it every chance she had. Everyone in our circle had been victimized by her bullshit, but we’d dare dismiss her or avoid the very thing that gave us all something to look forward to.

“Are you done now?”

“Not quite.”

She squeezed tighter.

“It’s been days since I hugged you, Teddy.”

Pop. Teddy. Chem. She rotated the three without issue.

“I’d like to leave now,” I expressed.

Turning in her arms, I grabbed the sides of her face and lowered my lips to her forehead. I buried her face in my chest and released everything conflicting with me. Her hugs were healing.

“Okay. See you later?”

“You won’t, but I will see you after your audition to congratulate you on another job well done.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

“You don’t need it. Head up.”

Rome backed away as she nodded, understanding every word I’d spoken.

“I love you.” She sighed.

“In this lifetime and the others.”

Beyond this world’s realm, I had a heart for my people. My love wasn’t conditional. It was relentless and had no limits. In every lifetime, in every world, it was made for Roulette, Roaman, Rome, Rugger, Royce, Rather, Range, Malachi, Mercer, Milo, and Makai.

“I’ll find you there, too.”

“I’ll wait.”

With two fingers, I tapped my chest, finalizing my goodbye. With leaden steps, I ascended the stairs to reach the door where I exited and found a loud, obnoxious helicopter waiting.

“Chemist,” Jason acknowledged me with a head nod as the door of the chopper swung open.

A mirrored response sufficed as I climbed into the rather spacious pit and slid the headphones over my ears. Jason sat beside me, taking on the role of co-pilot after my split decision led my fingers across the motherboard. Waiting as I was airlifted across the city was the initial plan. That quickly changed.

Soundlessly, I began checking off tasks from the list, preparing the aircraft for takeoff. There wasn’t much that hadn’t already been done.

Within seconds we were back in the air, and I was turning out every anxious word Jason spat in order to take a second to admire the beauty of Clarke. It was nearly the largest city in Huffington. It was, most certainly, the wealthiest with Channing placing second.

Sixteen minutes later, I was whisked away from the noisy piece of machinery, cleaning the traces of uncleanliness from underneath my manicured nails as the tires rotated on the city’s paved roads. Once satisfied with my efforts, I gathered my eyelids and explored the folds of my mind.

The sound of crashing waves lulled me. The feeling of cold, aggressive waves pulling me deeper into the ocean’s arms caused my skin to grow thicker, producing small, fine bumps all over.

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