by Paige Powers
“A month or two now,” I answered. He nodded, looking at me. I stared back at him, showing him that I wasn’t scared.
“Okay, here,” Jane said, coming back into the room and putting the plate down. He filled it with spaghetti and breadsticks. Jane sat down and started to eat again.
“How was your day?” Jane asked Scott. He shrugged.
“Same, same.”
Jane nodded and took a drink of her water. It was quiet and I ate a little more but didn’t really feel like eating. I was still tense with Scott across from me who I could tell was watching me a lot. It was creepy.
“Are you mute?” Scott asked Jack. Jack looked over at Scott and glared.
“No.”
Scott laughed.
“Your girl here is going to get bored with you if you don’t watch out.”
Jack clenched his teeth. I wanted badly to hold his hand but they were clenched too tightly together.
“No, I don’t think I will,” I said boldly. Scott switched his eyes over to me and I almost gulped. They looked black. No soul.
“Mm,” he said and started eating again. I swallowed a little and took a drink of water. “Do we have any beer?” Scott asked Jane. Jane looked up, her eyes a little big.
“N-no I forgot to get some.” He rolled his eyes.
“Jane!” he yelled. Jack moved a little toward him, his hands ready to punch but stopped. Jane looked scared.
“I’m sorry I forgot. I’ll get—.”
“No! It’s fine. I’ll go get some tonight,” he muttered coldly. He mumbled something that sounded like ‘worthless’. I gritted my teeth together wanting badly to yell. How could Jack not hurt this guy? He was a total asshole! Jane stood up and picked up her stuff.
“I’m going to wash up the plates,” she said calmly, but her voice wavered.
“Good,” Scott muttered but then smiled at me. “She can be that way sometimes, just ignore her.” My mouth almost dropped a little. He was apologizing for Jane? She didn’t do anything! “The game’s on,” Scott said and stood up. He drank down his water in disgust and then flipped himself down on the sofa and switched on the TV. I stood up.
“I’m going to help your mom,” I whispered. Jack stood up, too, and grabbed some of the plates and cups.
“OK.” I took the plates and walked in. Jane stood at the sink, washing.
“Here,” I said and set them down by the sink.
“Oh, thank you,” she said.
“Can I help?” I asked. She smiled gratefully.
“That would be wonderful.” I rinsed and put them on the dish rack. I put the spaghetti in a box and put it in the fridge. “You’re a real help. Thank you.” Jane said kindly. I smiled and rinsed more.
“Yeah, no problem. We have a dish washer and I don’t get to do this kind of stuff. My mom only cooks once in a while and she doesn’t do dishes.”
She laughed until her eyes wrinkled at the sides into crow’s feet. But they were sweet.
“Well, I know a lot about washing dishes.”
I laughed.
“You’re really good for Jack, you know that?” she said, looking over at me. I smiled sadly. “I’m so glad he found a girl. And you are the perfect match for him.” My heart was almost tearing. Too bad I wasn’t that girl. Too bad he doesn’t feel that way for me.
“Thanks,” I whispered. She laughed.
“He needs a woman to put him in his place!”
I laughed.
“Yeah.” Jack came in and leaned on the counter, his teeth still clenched, but less tense. I looked at him and mouthed, ‘Are you OK?’ He nodded stiffly. I gave him a reassuring smile.
Chapter 33
Jane and I talked at the table and told stories. It was nice because I didn’t even notice Scott. Jack stood, leaned on the wall behind me, watching Scott out of the corner of his eye.
“Oh, wow,” Jane said, leaning back on her chair, smiling.
“What time is it?” I asked.
“It’s 10:00 p.m.”
I laughed.
“Wow, um, Jack we should probably get back to my house. My parents didn’t give me a time but I’m sure they’ll yell if it’s too late.” He nodded. I stood up and Jane did, too.
“Thank you for coming over.”
I smiled.
“Thank you for having me.” She gave me a tight hug.
“I want her to come back,” Jane said, letting me go and talking to Jack. He smiled lightly.
“OK, Mom,” he said.
“Be safe!” she called as we went out the door. The stairs were cold, so I wrapped my coat around me tighter. We headed to the car and got in quickly when we saw a group of guys walking from one end of the street. It was silent as we went over the bridge.
“So, that’s Scott,” I stated more than questioned.
“Yeah...he wasn’t supposed to come. But of course the idiot can’t stay away for more than-.”
“Jack!” I said. “It’s OK. As long as he doesn’t hurt you, we’re OK.” He glanced over at me and looked away quickly.
“I wasn’t worried about getting hurt...I was worried he was going to hurt you,” he mumbled softly. I looked at him. His jaw was tight but I swear I could see pink running to his cheeks. I smiled and laughed lightly. I took his hand and brought it up to my lip, kissed it and patted his hand.
“I can take care of myself there, Mr. Walker. If he would ever try to hurt me, I would just open up a can of ‘Whoop Ass!’.” He laughed. We got to the house and I got out. He walked me up the stairs talking about some concert Jane took him to.
“ACDC?” I asked surprised. He nodded and laughed.
“My mom loves them,” he said.
“So, that’s why ‘Back in Black!’ is your ring tone.” He laughed.
“Yeah.”
I smiled.
“You’re really good to your mom,” I said. He sighed but smiled. “I’ll see you on Monday.” I started for the door.
“Wait!” he said quickly. I turned around as Jack came up and kissed my cheek lightly.
“You look beautiful,” he whispered. Shivers ran down my spine. With that, he turned and went back down the steps and got in his car. I smiled and went inside. I heard the car drive away and sighed. Dad was in the living room watching the game when I walked in.
“I’m going to bed,” I said. He nodded. I went up to my room, slipping off my shoes and jacket. I pulled off my dress and got into bed, not feeling like changing. I got my book and started to read, almost in a daze.
Sunday morning, I went downstairs and finished my book. I sighed as dad flipped the channels on the TV. I need a book. I looked at my phone and sighed. No texts from Jack.
“Dad,” I said standing up.
“Mm?” he asked.
“I’m going to go to the library quick okay?” He nodded.
“Be careful out there, though. It’s getting a little icy.” I nodded and grabbed my coat, scarf and my gloves. Mom came into the living room getting a magazine off the coffee stand.
“I need something to read while we’re there,” she mumbled. I headed out the door and ran to my car as I felt the icy breeze. It was going to snow this week. I could tell. I got to the library and went to my favorite section. I moved my fingers across the leather backs and read the last names. I smiled as I pulled out a dusty Mice and Men. It was a tiny book but it was so good. I’d already read it a couple times. I then moved to the next isle and found Stephen King. I smiled as I pulled out a large book with a couple stories in it. I went around the other corner thinking maybe one more book would be good. There was a table in the corner and there was Grant sitting at it. I stopped, frozen, and went to step back around the corner when he saw me.
“Lidia!” he said, surprised. I looked up and smiled.
“Hey, Grant.” He motioned me over. I awkwardly went over.
“So, what are you doing here?” he asked.
I lau
ghed. “Getting books?”
He smiled. “Sorry, stupid question.”
I nodded.
“Are you studying?” I asked.
He sighed. “Yep, history.” He tapped his pencil and nodded. “It sucks.”
I rolled my eyes.
“You were never good at that subject.”
He laughed. “Yeah, not my best.”
It was silent. I shifted awkwardly on my feet.
“Well, I better get going,” I said and headed down the aisle.
“Um, yeah…okay bye!” he called after me.
“Bye,” I said and walked to check out my books. “Awkward,” I muttered.
Chapter 34
I went home that night and read one of my books by the fireplace while dad watched TV and mom drank a glass of white wine. She sipped and filled up again. This happened over and over again. I shook my head and got into the book I was reading. The next thing I knew, Dad and Mom were sleeping and I was alone with the blazing fire. I smiled as I smelled the fresh wood burning. Christmas. That’s what I thought. Christmas. I realized that it was in two and a half weeks. For about 4 years now we hadn’t put anything up but a stupid Christmas tree we got on Christmas Eve. I bit at my lip as I looked up the stairs. Could I? I smiled and put my book down. I quickly ran up the stairs and into the attic. I grabbed the dusty boxes of decorations and ran down stairs, tip-toeing as I went past Mom and Dad’s door. I curved lights around the stair case and put little Santas everywhere. I set fake snow and a manger set on the piano. I hung up our old stockings above the fireplace and smiled. They were torn at the edges. I had made them when I was about 3 or 4 with Mom. I put my hands on my hips and looked around the room. It looked like a Christmas castle. It smelled of cinnamon and musk. But that’s how I liked it. I made a cup of hot chocolate and sat back down with my book. I glanced out the window and smiled as I saw it clouding over. Maybe we wouldn’t have any school tomorrow. I grinned even more. I checked my phone and frowned seeing that I didn’t have a text or message from Jack. I was about to write him, then thought better. Maybe he was busy. Remember, you’re not his real girlfriend. How many times have I reminded myself?
My alarm went off and I groaned and slapped it off. I looked at my blinking cell phone and snatched it off the table and looked. Text message from Candice. I pressed my lips together and sighed. I stood up and took a shower which took a little longer than usual. I got dressed in warm clothes and went downstairs. Mom was packing stuff into a bag from the cupboard. Stuff looking like liquor bottles.
“Honey!” Mom said with a smile.
“Are you guys leaving this morning?” I asked. She nodded.
“Ugh! How much stuff can you pack?” my dad mumbled as he came down the stairs holding 4 suitcases. I rolled my eyes at Mom.
“What? It’s just a few things.” I laughed. She got her bag and I helped them carry their stuff to the car. I put it in the back as the wind whipped at me and I shivered. Mom sighed as Dad shut the back. “Well that’s it,” Mom smiled at me. “Come here.” She pulled me into a hug and I smelled her peach hair. “I love you, sweetie.” I nodded. “There’s money in the jar. If you want to go shopping, the credit cards are on the counter. Call Mrs. Rogers if you have any trouble or just give us a ring. But we probably won’t pick up,” she grinned at my dad, who blushed a little. I raised an eyebrow.
“I don’t want to know,” I muttered. She giggled.
“And no boys after midnight okay?” I rolled my eyes.
“Yeah, I know that.” She nodded.
“That’s my girl.” She got into the car as Dad gave me a hug and said to be safe.
“Oh!” he said turning before he got in. “There’s supposed to be a bad storm tonight and into tomorrow, so be safe on your way home from school.” I smiled.
“I will.” He gave me a salute and I laughed and did it back. They drove off as I waved. I sighed and went back inside and got my bag for school. I looked outside, waiting for Jack. I tapped my foot as the clock got closer to the time I was supposed to be at school. I finally got out my cell and called Jack.
“Hey, this is Jack…leave—.”
“Damn-it!” I muttered as I realized his phone was off. I stopped and frowned. I didn’t remember him ever letting it go dead. I bit at my lip not sure what to do. I looked back out the window knowing if I didn’t leave now, I would be late. I groaned and stomped my feet as I went out of the house, locking the door behind me. I kept looking around for him but he was nowhere. There was a churning in my stomach. Did he just take off? Did he not care anymore? Did something happen? I almost threw up again but I tried to think of other things.
On the way to school I called Jack’s cell 10 times and texted him about 20 messages. I wasn’t feeling good as I walked into English and still didn’t see him.
“Hey!” Candice said as she waved at me while talking to one of her actors from the play. I didn’t smile. “What’s wrong?” she asked as she came up to me. I turned to her.
“Jack hasn’t called or text me. I haven’t seen him since Saturday.” She frowned.
“Doesn’t he always do this?” I shrugged.
“Not really.” She sighed.
“Don’t freak out about it, Lidia. Seriously, guys do that all the time.” I nodded but wasn’t so sure. No, you need to be. You know what! I bet he is out playing hooky and got a couple girls. He ditched me again! Anger rose in me and I slammed my locker door shut.
“You’re probably right.” She laughed.
“Well I got to go. Call me tonight so we can talk.” I nodded.
“Yeah, sure. My parents left me for the week so you can come over anytime.” She grinned.
“Awesome! Maybe this weekend over the holiday break.” I laughed.
“Yeah, party!” She laughed and hurried on her way down the hall. I turned to go to my next class, teeth clenched, hands in fist at my sides, wanting everything to have Jack in front of me so I could hit him really hard for ditching me.
****
I got home that evening just as the snow started to fall. It was amazing, I thought. I watched a flake hit the window, then slide down it and melt. I turned on the TV and started watching the news. From what it sounded like, we were going to get a butt load! Like a foot. ‘No school tomorrow!’ I thought happily. I stood up and turned on the fire to make it warmer as the soft glow formed an orange light around the room. I settled back on the sofa and was channel surfing when I heard a noise. I frowned. Then before I could get up, there was a loud bang on the door, then it opened and Jack fell onto the floor, unable to get up.
Chapter 35
“Jack!” I screamed in horror as I ran over and crouched down trying to lift his face up as the cold winter air came in from the door. His face was bloody with a big wound open on his forehead. A big bruise was forming on his chin. “Oh, God, Jack,” I whispered. I pushed him over trying to see him. He groaned, one of his eyes black and blue and the other was trying to open. “Jack?” I shook him, tears forming in my eyes.
“Lidia…” he mumbled.
“Yes! Yes, I’m here,” I told him. He groaned, his eye brows going together.
“Come here,” he whispered, trying to lift his hand. I bent lower, a couple tears falling from my eyes. “You sound really sexy when you’re scared,” he whispered. I jumped back and stared at him wide-eyed. He grinned but then winced when it hurt.
“You idiot! How can you joke when you’re practically dying on my floor?!” I yelled.
“Ow,” he mumbled closing his good eye. I stood up and shut the front door, seeing Jack’s car parked in the yard. I locked the door. Oh my gosh. What happened? I had goose bumps all over. I had bad feeling about this. I sat back down on my knees, my stomach churning.
“Jack?” I whispered and put my hand on his cheek. He sighed and leaned into it not opening his eye. “You need to stand up okay?” I whispered. He didn’t move. My heart was pounding. Was he dying? Shoul
d I call the ambulance? “Come on! Crack another joke. Please!” I begged. He groaned and moved his head. I stood up and pulled him to me. He was practically lying on me. “Jack, come on! Please help me,” I said. Finally, I got him to the sofa and laid him down. He grunted. I was crying now. I ran to the kitchen and got a glass of water. “Jack, you need water.” I pulled his head up and poured water in his mouth. He swallowed and then opened his eye a little.
“Why are you crying?” he asked. I breathed a sigh of relief. If he was talking, we would be okay.
“You. Silly.” I said, shaking my head. He half smiled but it looked like it hurt.
“I’m fine...just…just give me 5 ibuprofen.”
I frowned.
“You need to rest.” He nodded and leaned his head on the sofa. I ran upstairs and grabbed the medicine and pulled out 5 pills. I got a cup and filled it with hot water and a wash cloth and went back downstairs. “Here,” I whispered sitting on the floor next to the couch. I put the pills in his mouth and grabbed my water bottle and let him drink it down as he leaned up his head. He nodded and I pulled back. He let his head fall back down. His eyes closed. “We need to talk.” I whispered. He was silent. I swallowed hard as I looked across at his chest. I slowly peeled off his jacket then was afraid to see what was under the other shirt. I saw it already traveling up to his shoulder. I slipped off his shirt as he grunted but didn’t say no. I gasped and put my hand to my mouth. There was a large bruise from his stomach all the way up to his shoulder. Then on his arm were hand prints. “Oh my gosh!” I yelled. Jack looked up at me, his eyes looking distant. He gave a short laugh then coughed.
“It’s just a couple of bruises.”
“He did this to you, didn’t he?” I whispered as I sat down on my knees and looked into his eyes. He clenched his teeth and looked down at my hands on my lap.
