Ginger Fox Part 2
“Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!” I turn around angrily and give him a lost look. I glance toward the bedroom door and see that the one connecting our rooms is open. “What are you doing here, Jon?”
His cheeks redden, and he avoids looking directly at me, shrinking his arms in fear.
“I heard the noise in your room and thought you’d arrived. I didn’t mean to scare you, Gim.” I feel guilty at the frightened tone, so soft, coming from his throat.
I rub my face with the tips of my fingers, still clutching the towel in front of my chest.
“Jon, just wait outside. Next time, knock on the door and call me.” He nods quickly, acknowledging what I said, and leaves the bathroom.
I grab a shirt hanging behind the door and put it on quickly. I didn’t even know he was already here! Since when has he been in his room? Lira told me he wouldn’t arrive until after lunch. I leave the bathroom and see that he’s no longer in the room. I pull my hair up into a bun and head to the door that divides our rooms. Jon is sitting on his bed, wearing headphones, tapping his feet on the floor.
“Jon,” I call him and sit next to him. He turns his face toward me and takes off his headphones, looking bashfully at the floor.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.” I try to smile at him, stroking his hair.
“I know it wasn’t on purpose. Just don’t do it again, okay?” I pinch his pale cheek, eliciting a smile from him. “What time did you arrive? I didn’t see you come in.”
“I think it was around 10:40. Grandma had to travel unexpectedly. I went to the library when I got here, but you weren’t there. So I came to the room and ended up falling asleep. Why?” His youthful face tilts to the side, looking at me confused.
“Didn’t you hear the commotion in the mansion? The paramedics’ helicopter?” Jon shakes his head, lifting his headphones.
“I was asleep. What happened?” He places his headphones in my hand, and I hear the loud static from the device. I know Jon disconnects when he’s wearing his headphones.
In a way, I feel relieved looking at them. I didn’t want Jon to see the state Bob was in, amidst the blood.
“Bob had an accident. It looks like he fell down the stairs…” I direct my gaze to Jon, who is silent, his shoulders hunched and his gaze lost. “He’ll be fine, Jon… I promise. Everything will work out.”
I’m not sure if Jon understands what I’m trying to tell him, but seeing him so scared, I pull him into my arms. He rests his face on my shoulder. I can’t make sense of why Baby would lie about Lorane or why she wants to protect Jonathan from the truth about Bob’s actions, but amidst all the chaos, lies, secrets, and doubts, the only certainty I have is that I will protect Jon. As long as I’m here, I will protect him! His slender arms wrap around my waist, seeking comfort in my embrace. Although Jon has the build of a fifteen-year-old, here, in my arms, he’s just a lost boy. I kiss the top of his head, rest my chin on his black hair, and silently look at the door. Even though I worry about Bob’s condition, a sense of relief washes over me. For tonight, Jon will be safe.
“I will always protect you, Jon.” We sway slowly, tightening my arms around him. “Always…”
Jon is the only logical thing I cling to. The affection I’ve developed for him serves as a lifeline amidst the chaos surrounding us.