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Chidi woke up to the sound of someone banging on his door.
“Ughhh…” He rubbed his eyes. Whatever time this was, it was too early. He eyed his alarm clock.
Two AM.
Who needs something at two AM?
It was probably Jason.
Every day has gotten worse since he asked for his help.
Wait, that’s selfish thinking. Jason asked him desperately, and he was really supportive once you got past the impulsiveness-
A bang on the door broke through his thoughts.
Just get the damn door, Chidi.
He groaned as he put on his glasses. The knocking grew softer as someone mumbled something inaudibly at the door.
He walked over, past the tall bookshelves and perfect book nooks. He truly loved this place. He never wanted to leave it.
The knocking was getting quieter.
He almost opened the door, ready to calm Jason down from some nightmare about his dance crew falling apart. It’s happened before. Maybe not at two AM exactly, but-
“Chidiiiii…”
A feminine voice. He’d recognize it anywhere.
He practically slammed the door open.
The architect of the neighborhood fell into his arms the moment the door wasn't there to hold her up.
He caught her, attempting to steady her. She didn’t even try to stand, pushing her face against his chest.
“Eleanor?” He asked. “What are you doing here?”
“Hiii, chidiiii.” She whispered, breath reeking of tequila.
“Are you drunk? You can get drunk? I thought you were, like, an angel or something.” He asked, mind racing as he walked her to his couch. She giggled as he moved her.
“Here, lay down. I can ask Janet for some water, or I-“ He rambled as she laid on the couch. She twisted to her side and held a wavering finger to his chest, attempting to shush him.
“Shh. No…no Janet. No…” She trailed off, but the message was clear.
Okay. No Janet.
She let her arm fall over the edge of the couch. He rubbed his forehead. What was he supposed to do?
“Okay… ugh, I have a stomach ache.” He said quietly. Something that always popped up at every dilemma.
Eleanor’s smile faded. Then she started crying.
Oh, fork.
He’s made God cry twice.
“What? No, Eleanor, you’re okay!” He tried, kneeling to her level. She messily rubbed her face, barely looking up.
“I’m sorry… I’m sorry… I’m horrible to you…” She slurred. She buried her head into his pillow and continued to sloppily apologize.
Chidi was making this worse by talking. He just needed to support her. He rubbed her back, letting her cry into his couch.
They stayed like that for ten minutes. He timed it. Not much else he could do.
She sniffled, breaking the silence. “Chidi…”
“Yeah?”
“I miss you…”
He tilted his head. “I…what? I’m still here, Eleanor.”
She didn’t respond.
He couldn’t help but wonder about the semantics of all of this. Did angels get drunk differently? Or gods?
Why, the moment she got drunk, did God come to his doorstep?
Why did a god need to drink?
“I’m tired of runnin the neighborhood…” She grumbled. “It’s too much…”
Ah. That’s why.
“I get it. So many people to look after.” He rubbed her back in a circular motion.
“Mhmm… most important people in the universe…”
Chidi sighed. He never really thought about how hard it was to run a neighborhood in the afterlife. He couldn’t help but overthink about everything he’s done to contribute to that.
And if she calls them the ‘most important people in the universe,’ then she really cares about them. That’s good to know.
She moved on the couch uncomfortably. Then she said something he didn’t expect.
“I love you Chidi…I always will…”
Huh.
She didn’t say that like the caregiver she was. She said that like how his exes said that. Like how he wished his soulmate would say.
It’s too early in the morning. He might be delirious.
His thinking was louder than what she was saying to him. He blinked to see her looking directly at her, clearly upset.
He didn’t say it to… well, anyone. He wanted to say it to Simone more than anything.
But Eleanor needs support right now.
“I love you too.” He said. Something felt natural about that. Like he’s said it a billion times before.
She closed her eyes, frown disappearing. She adjusted herself back into the couch.
He walked away and grabbed a blanket from his bed. He draped it over her shoulders gently.
He went to pat her back, but her hand drifted up to him. He grabbed it, bringing it back down. She held his hand shakily, and gripped it, like she was scared to lose it.
He gently kissed her hand.
Maybe he should stay with her. Just until she fell asleep.
It’s the least he could do for her.