Heartache

Chapter 23 - With him, Yet without him

Chapter 23 - With him, Yet without him

Libby's P.O.V

"Morning girls" A soft voice called from above the covers. I removed the duvet off my head to reveal Mag holding a tray of food. I smiled at her while she walked towards me. I nudged Kate who was sleeping soundlessly beside me. Her eyes fluttered open.
"Mag's here" I said, we both shoved ourselves up leaning against the headboard.
"What's that?" Kate asked, her eyes fixed on the oak tray Mag still held between her hands.
"Breakfast" Mag said putting the tray on our laps. "I thought maybe you girls needed some pampering today. You've both had a rough time" she said. We gawked at the food like hawks.
"Thanks Mag. You're the best" I said reaching my arms out for her. She came closer and hugged me kissing me on the forehead.
"Enjoy, and Libs hun, Jason's mum said he won't be able to come over as he just got out of hospital but you can go over when you like" she said then left the room closing the door behind her.

"Are you sure you're ready to see him" Kate asked as I got dressed into black jeans and a pink knitted jumper. I looked at her as I was finished doing my hair in a high pony tail.
"No but I need to know the truth" I said walking back to the bed where she was sitting.
"Okay. Just know I'll support your every step. Do you want me to come with you?" she asked.
"No it's fine. I need to face him alone. I'll call you though" I said bending down to give her a hug.
"Okay, hey you don't mind if I stay in bed a little longer do you?" she asked innocently

"Sure, stay as long as you like. I'll let Mag know" I grabbed my bag and opened the door. She waved at me as I left the room. Before leaving I met Dave and Mag then left.  As I began walking to the bus stop I was feeling nauseous. It felt like results day all over again! It was 2 in the afternoon by the time I reached Jason's house.I walked slowly down the pathway leading to Jason's house. I hadn't been here for a long while yet nothing changed, everything was in its original position as if they never left home. Taking a final deep breath I knocked on the door and waited patiently.

"Libby. Come in. We were waiting for you" Mr. Peterson said opening the door wide.
"Thank you. Erm where's Jason" He laughed
"Relax Libby he's not going anywhere. I haven't seen you for a while, come let's sit" he said taking me by the arm. I smiled nervously as he sat me down in front of him. It had been at least 20 minutes since I came and all I did was smile and answer yes or no questions.

All of a sudden Mr. Peterson stopped mid-sentence looking behind me, I turned my whole body following his gaze. Jason. My heart rate increased as my eyes met his face. He looked different. He was shirtless and wearing only thin plain black cropped shorts. His skin was a white ghostly colour, the prominent dark cycles beneath his eyes. He looked thinner than before, his hair was scruffy, his beard growing more than usual. I noticed that his body was crouched, using the stair post for support.

"You was supposed to tell me when Libby gets here" Jason said his voice discreet. If it wasn't for his angry facial expression I wouldn't have been able to tell whether he's angry or happy.  
"And you are supposed to be in bed. The doctor told you to have plenty of rest" Mr. Peterson said looking straight at Jason. I saw Jason clenching his fists.
"Why don't do mind your own fu**in business and do as you're told" He growled holding the post a little tighter.
"Jason!" I shouted surprised by how he was behaving. He was defiantly different.
"It's okay Libby." Mr. Peterson said putting his hand on my shoulder.
"HEY don't you DARE touch her" Jason shouted coming towards us and with full force he threw Mr. Peterson's hand of my shoulder. I quickly stood in front of Jason stopping him.

"That's enough" I said softly. My eyes met his. His eyes and body obeyed.  I turned around looking at Mr. Peterson again.
"Sorry Mr. Peterson, I apologise on Jason's behalf" He smiled at me and nodded.
"There's no need to apologise. I'll see you soon" He said still smiling then walked away leaving me with Jason... ALONE. Panic filled my mind.
"Libby" Jason said his voice soft again. Something I yearned for a very long time. I turned around dramatically.
"When you get into your bed then we'll talk" I said not looking at him. I wrapped my arm around his waist and held his hand to support him. His skin was scorching hot, no wonder he wasn't wearing a shirt. We took baby steps as we walked up the stairs and the entire time I felt his eyes pierce through me.