Jaded

Chapter 7

Jade had sent Smoke home, telling Tomas that the night between them was just a one-off, and that he should not try that again. The Edenian had also told Smoke that she was not ready for another relationship with him or anyone else anytime soon, and that whatever happened between them did not mean that they were back together.

The next morning came, and Jade waited for Kung Lao to stop by. The Edenian looked at the clock and realized that it was already half an hour past their scheduled meeting time. She began to worry. Oh I hope he's alright… Jade thought to herself.

This was certainly not like Kung Lao to be late. The monk had always seemed like a very punctual man, and very considerate of others. The fact that he did not call, or had not shown up yet made Jade worry.

The Edenian waited nervously another thirty minutes, fidgeting and bouncing her leg up and down as if she had restless leg syndrome. She was really worried now.

Jade couldn't wait any longer and decided to give Kitana a call. After a few rings, the Princess of Outworld answered.

"Hello?"

"Hey Kitana, it's Jade."

"Jade? Hi! How are you?"

"Worried…"

"Worried?" Why? What is it?"

"It's Kung Lao. He was supposed to come meet me at my place an hour ago…"

"Ooooo a date huh? That's excellent. Although I cannot understand why he would be late to come and see you. Judging by how much he is in love with you, I would've bet my life on him showing up to your place an hour early. I hope he is okay… is there any reason why you might think he would be? I would never count on him standing you up."

Jade's heart sank as she realized that Kung Lao may not have recovered from yesterday's early morning drama.

"Well…" she trailed off.

"Well? There's a 'well'? Oh please, do tell. What did you do?"

"It's kind of a long, and awkward story…"

"Awkward? Even better. Spill it out, Jade."

"Damn. Fine. Here it goes. The evening before last, Smoke stopped by in the middle of the night-"

"Smoke?! What?! Ooooo this is getting good. Go on…"

"Tomas came by unexpectedly, and poured his heart out to me, claiming that he is not over what we shared. He was very forward and so attractive, that when he got physical with me, I just couldn't resist. You obviously know what happened next… I was weak and caved in…"

"Oh. My. Elder Gods! Jade, you didn't! You street-walking slave girl! You're an even bigger promiscuous woman than Skarlet is!"

"Hey! It's not like Smoke is a random. Just to remind you, we did have a long and serious relationship you know…"

"I know, I am just bugging you…"

"And how dare you compare me to Skarlet!? I am not even close to that blood-sucking-slave-girl! I can't even believe that she is playing three men at once! Poor Ermac, Noob-Saibot and Scorpion! They have no clue…"

"Gossip is, that she is looking to claim Sub-Zero next, and adding him to her list…"

"Oh no. Skarlet will never get Sub-Zero. No girl can. He is so cold, mysterious, and silent… He cares about nothing other than coming after Scorpion for killing his brother… And those blue eyes of his?"

Both women then sighed. "So dreamy…" Jade said.

"What a hunk. He's more elusive than you are. He wants nothing to do with anybody, no matter how many women throw themselves at him."

"I know. We would be a perfect match."

"Nope. You're not getting him either. Even if you did, Smoke would not be too happy with you being with his best friend."

"A girl can dream though…"

"Yeah. Just like how Kung Lao dreams about you…"

"Shoot. I had better go find him. I feel so horrible…"

"It's not your fault Jade. Well, it is your fault… now go find him and fix it."