Fighting

chapter two

"Jenny!"

"Hey, Elaine!"

"Do you need help?"

"No, I think we got it. I'll introduce you to my boyfriend once we get inside."

"Okay! Well, get in here, silly!"

We gathered our bags and headed up the stairs leading to the front door. I could already smell vanilla and I was so glad I could finally find something I recognized.

"There are rooms upstairs for you two," said Elaine. "Okay. Thanks, sis." I said.

After I set my stuff down, I waited for James to get settled before I introduced him.

"Ready?" I asked. "Yep!" he said a little too quickly. I knew he was nervous, he would be staying here for a few days and he wanted to make a good first impression.

Once we got downstairs, Elaine was waiting for the introduction I promised. "Elaine, this is James, my boyfriend." I said nervously. "Hello James, nice to meet you!" Elaine said as she outstretched her hand. "Nice to meet you, Elaine." he said as he met her halfway for a handshake. This was going better than I expected, I think I was more nervous than anyone else in the room.

Since James has never been to Colorado before, I decide to take him on a tour of the town. We were in Fort Collins and it's a cute little town, and I know he wants to explore. I decide to show him around the outskirts first and take him to old town once it gets dark. We went up the mountains a little ways. The crisp cool March air was definitely refreshing. I could never understand why my parents decided to move away. Maybe I'd be like Elaine and come back eventually and start a family. Oh, who am I kidding, my life is a mess. I can't even decide whether I still love my ex or not.

"This snow is incredible!" James exclaimed. I had forgotten that he's probably never seen 5 feet of snow piled up in March. It really was incredible though. The chill, from the cold radiating off of the snow, that ran down my spine make my whole body shudder. James grabbed my waist and pulled me into his coat so that we were sharing the same body heat. He smelled wonderful. He smelled like crisp clean mint soap, his favorite. I would've stayed in his arms sharing our heat forever, but I knew we had to get going. He has the whole town to see!

"I love you, Jenny."

"Wh-what?"

"I love you."

"What? How? You can't."

"Oh, but I can. I can love you to the moon and back, and there's nothing you can do about it."

"I don't know what to say, James..."

"You don't have to say anything. I just want you to know how I feel." Oh great, he's in love with me and I'm not sure I even like him. How can this be happening? My life was so perfect before, and now I'm not sure I know right from left.

"I think we should get going," I said, "It's getting really cold, and I'm sure Elaine is making dinner."

"Okay, let's go." he said.

The drive back was quiet and awkward. He might not have felt the tension, but I sure did. Now I have another thing to add onto my guilt. He loves me, and I know I don't feel the same. How can you even love someone after a few short months? Sure we spent almost everyday in each other's company, but that didn't make someone fall in love, did it? It took so much for me to fall in love with Scott and I know it was real for me, because I still love him. I feel like there's only space in my heart for him, and he doesn't want it. We really need to get back to Elaine's so I can figure out what to do. Thankfully, we're almost there and James remembered what street to turn onto.