A Second Chance. Jen and Brad.

Chapter 48, "Close Friends".

The same night, at the party ;

Jen : Wait.

Jen looks down on her feet, as she sighs.

Justin : What?

Jen : I just... I don't think I can handle everyone right now.

While struggling to hold back tears, she waves her hands around frantically.

Jen : It's just... all the questions, the "are you ok?"...

Justin : Jen.

Jen : It's just too much.

Justin : You don't have to go out there.

Jen : Well... it's my birthday Justin. It's my party...

Justin : I can send everyone home.

Jen : You can't do that...

Justin : I can.

Jen : But...

Justin : Jen, you know they would understand.

Jen stares at the wall while making her mind up, as Justin takes her hand in his.

Jen : Fine.

He nods as she takes a deep breath.

Jen : I mean I wouldn't be able to hold it together anyways.

Justin : Ok, I'll tell them the party's over then...

Nodding, she lets go of him before heading to the staircase.

Jen : Alright... I'll just go upstairs and probably go to bed, so I won't have to think about this...

Justin : Mhm.

Jen : Will you find your way out?

She quickly shakes her head, feeling stupid for asking him that.

Jen : Of course you will... you lived here. We were... you know what, I'm just tired, I...

Justin : Jen.

Jen : Mhm?

Justin : You shouldn't have to be on your own tonight.

Jen : What?

Justin : I'm staying... I'll sleep in the guest room.

Jen bites her lip, as he tilts his head.

Jen : Do you really think that's a good idea Jus?

Justin : Jen...

Courteney : Has he left?

Suddenly, Courteney sneaks up behind them, with Amanda following.

Amanda : Justin, are you okay?

Justin : Oh, yeah... I'm fine.

Courteney : Jen...

Laying a hand on her arm, Courteney hits her with the sympathetic face she was fearing.

Jen : I'm good, I just... need to be on my own right now.

Amanda : Yes, of course.

Jen heads up stairs while Justin turns to the girls.

Justin : Could you guys help me get everyone out?

Courteney : Oh, yeah... sure.

A few hours later :

After spending some time crying in bed, while deciding whether or not she should call him, Jen fell asleep around 11pm.