ENTER Millennial Man! - Part 2

PART TWO

Four days later, Julian was back home, still in pain, still with fresh bandages wrapped around his midsection. At least he could breathe easier now without wincing so much. He was also down to only two pain killers a day.

And sweet Dori from next door came knocking shortly after his return. She brought over a tupperware bowl filled with delicious beef, noodles, and gravy. She must've mentioned a dozen times how she made the noodles herself, thanks to her stepmom's recipe.

Gerard was simply a peach throughout the whole ordeal, visiting him at the hospital and then at his apartment nearly everyday. Thanks to him, Julian had a heads up on what was going on at the shop during his absence. The part about some new temp workers made him a bit nervous. Especially the part about the numerous compliments the head boss was giving them.

Fortunately, the pain killers didn't just ease his hurting ribs, they also relaxed him to the point of sound sleep.

Ten days after his return home, he was awoken by the ringing of his bedside phone at 3:36 AM. Groggily, he answered it. The voice on the line sent bitter chills throughout his entire body, and his eyes bulged. It was Nucc. Julian didn't even know loser boy had his number.

"If the cops get there before I do, just send them on their way, sissy boy." It was all he said before there came a booming set of knocks at his bedroom door.

Oh no, he must've called me from his cell phone! He's right outside my door. He's gonna kill me!

Julian tried desperately to move, but he was unable. All he could do was move his head toward the door, and he didn't even have time to scream before the door burst open and Nucc charged in, his face hovering above Julian's own in a split second.

Please, loser boy! I'm so sorry! Please! I'm sorry! He was yelling out the words, but there was no sound protruding from his lips.

Julian's eyes finally opened as he shot upright from his lying position on the bed. He was staring into the darkness of his room, and the first thing he thought of doing was placing his hand to his heart. The blood-pumping organ was beating hard and fast. His eyes were still bulging, as they were when Nucc was banging at his door.

Then, something abruptly dawned on him. When he sat up, there was no pain whatsoever in his midsection. And his breathing was easier than he could ever remember. Aloud, he said, "Oh great. I'm still dreaming."

Hey, wait. If I'm dreaming, then how can I hear myself now?

Then the phone rang. As he reached for the receiver, he noticed the time on his digital alarm clock. It was 3:36 AM. The same time in his dream. Suddenly, he was reluctant to lift the receiver, but for some strange reason, that feeling quickly subsided. He brought the phone to his ear, and before he could say hello, a rather soothing voice spoke to him.

"Hello, Jules. Don't be alarmed, old boy. I'm a friend, and I am on my way over. You and I have a lot to chat about. See you soon."

Click.