Ask Me For It

Chapter 4 - Jack & Brent

Jo's POV

"BRENT!!!" I shout excitedly as I fly down the stairs to the front foyer, where Brent has just finished greeting our parents. I jump up and give him a big hug, tightening my one arm around his neck and sliding down, forcing him to bend over and submit to a headlock. "I missed you, bro!" I say, ruffling his hair. Freeing himself, he quickly charlie horses me, "and I didn't miss you at all, loser!" He says with a big grin on his face. "Stop roughhousing and let your brother get settled," Dad speaks up from behind me.

Mom and dad are in the family room, straightening things up, as I enter and take a seat on the couch. Brent joins us and makes his way over to the chair off to the side. "Can we discuss this Jack situation, guys?" Dad nods and takes a seat on the same couch as me but grabs the remote, turning on the T.V. Passive as expected, he'll never put his foot down about anything mom so passionately pursues. Mom remains standing in front of Brent and me, arms crossed and an annoyed look on her face. Great, she's already defensive!

Before another word is spoken, I pull my phone out and play the video of Jack and me from our horrendous date night. Brent's face turns red in anger, and he glares at mom, "Why the fuck are you forcing Josephine to go out with this low life?" He booms. "This is so out of character. He would never behave like this! His mom goes to church with me and participates in all the community support activities just like I do. I know she raised a good son. This doesn't make any sense!" mom retorts. "Josephine must have done something to provoke him!" I cannot believe she just said that! Tears start spilling from my eyes in disbelief. "That's enough. She's not to be around him anymore, mom! You're placing her in harm's way. Why can't you see that?" I've never seen Brent this upset before, but I'm glad he's here to support me.

The doorbell rings, announcing Mia's arrival. She came over to watch a movie and get my mind off of the Jack drama, bless her. Dad lets her in, and her eyes immediately land on me as she picks up on the tense vibe she just walked into. "I'm just going to go wash up," I tell her as I head to the washroom. 

The doorbell rings again. Mercy must be here now so we can ditch my family and head upstairs. As I head back into the family room, Mia walks in, followed by Mercy, holding a try with three white chocolate mochas. "Hey Mercy, no Starbucks for me?" Brent teases, causing her to blushes profusely. "I'm fine, thanks! I mean good, I mean I didn't realize you'd be here, actually no I did but... shoot, I didn't think to get you anything! You can have mine!" She rambles faster than the speed of light. Brent is smiling ear to ear at her embarrassment, and I'm cringing so bad it hurts. Thank God for Mia, who takes Mercy by the elbow and guides her up to my bedroom. "Let's go get settled, Mercy..," she says loud enough for everyone to hear and, pressing closer to Mercy's ear, continues, "...and don't say another word until we're safely in Jojo's room!"

As I'm making my way to the staircase, the doorbell rings again. What is this madness? My internal question is quickly answered when Jack Fucken Cooper walks through the front door held open by my dad, whose sole job in my life, it seems, is just opening the front door. Jack is holding a bouquet and a box of chocolates. His eyes look sunken and tired, as if he's been up all night. He probably has been up... on the toilet. I laugh to myself. Brent steps forward, grabbing Jack and shoving him against the closed door. "You're not welcome here, especially after how you treated Josephine. Stay the fuck away from her, or else!" Brent threatens.

Mom rushes to Jack's rescue releasing him from Brent and bringing him into the family room. "Seriously, mom, why the fuck are you taking his side? You saw the video I took!" I cry out, instantly regretting it as Jack's head snaps in my direction. He's a quick motherfucker, though, because he manages to turn the entire situation around in seconds. "Liz, allow me to explain my behaviour and apologize for hurting your trust." Mom nods, encouraging him to continue. "You see, Josephine's been slipping things in my food and drinks over the past few days, and I think it's causing an adverse reaction creating neurotoxins in my system. I believe I've been acting out of character because of it. It isn't really a good excuse, but I do sincerely apologize. I'm just not sure what I've done to upset Josephine and am willing to do anything for another chance with her. I can't help my feelings for your daughter." I think I just threw up in my mouth a little!