𝐧𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐲𝐬 𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐞, gilinsky

Twelve

Casey

I'm currently in Jack's apartment going insane, while Jack's on his way to pick up his parents. I debated on whether or not I should leave and avoid Jack's parents for the rest of the week. I don't want them to make me feel guilty about Jack's attempt to commit suicide. I kind of felt guilty already.

I checked my phone every now and then, but a text from Sam caught my eye as soon as I unlocked my phone.

'You can't get rid of me this fast. I love you. :('

That's what the text said. Sometimes I wonder if Sam's doing this to mess with my mind and ruin my life all over again or if he's actually dead serious and wants me to himself? Either way, he's doing it in a really creepy way, which I don't really appreciate.

My heart started picking up speed as I heard voices in the hallway. They're here, what was I going to do? Out of panic, I decided to lock myself in Jack's bathroom. I tried to stay as silent as I could, but I knew Jack would eventually find me.

I heard his parents telling Jack how proud they are that he's building his own life and future in such a big city as this one. I knew that as soon as they would see me in here, they'd force Jack to move back to Omaha.

I heard someone knock on the bathroom door, so I tiptoed to the locked door and smoothly unlocked it. "Casey, what are you doing?" Jack asked as he let himself in and closed the door behind him. I chewed on my bottom lip, not knowing what to reply. "Jack, I'm nervous." I sighed. "They won't approve of me hanging out with you again." I continued, but Jack told me to shut up. "Case," Jack grabbed both of my hands and caressed them softly. "Whatever my parents say, it won't change my mind about you." Jack assured me, he started leaning in, but before our lips could connect, I stepped back and smiled.

"You're right. They can't tear best friends apart." I told Jack, friend-zoning him once again. I don't know why I was doing this to him and myself, but I knew this wasn't going to end well... Again.

"Let's go." Jack held my hand and pulled me into the living room, where Jack's parents settled themselves. "Mom, dad, I think y'all still know Casey." He kind of introduced me to his parents. I remember when Jack's mom used to love me to death and Jack's dad would always tease Jack and I about our friendship. The looks they had on their faces at this very moment were indescribable.

"Excuse me?" Katherine spoke up, her mouth half open. David just stared at me as if I was the ugliest monster on this planet. "Jack, what is this?" His mom hissed, getting up from her spot. She started walking towards me, causing me to hide behind Jack.

He protectively stood in front of me, ready to argue with his parents. "What's the matter?" Jack asked, his voice slightly louder than usual. "She's the reason you almost got buried 6 feet under the ground and you decide to get her back into your life?" Katherine almost yelled, obviously not caring that I was still in the room. "It's not her fault, it was my own choice!" Jack yelled as I clutched his shirt in my hands.

"Don't raise your voice at me, Jack! What happened to the happy, little Jack?" Katherine questioned, looking at Jack as if he wasn't her son anymore. "That's the thing mom. I grew up, and being unhappy is a part of growing up. You need to dodge so many problems and obstacles, it's unbearable." Jack's voice cracked in the middle of his explanation. His parents were silent by now. They just listened to their son, ranting.

"Mom, dad, y'all don't know half of what happened. It's all my fault, I swear. Casey is completely innocent. She's been through much more than me, yet she's still standing here." Jack continued talking, hoping to get through to them. "Please, don't take Casey away from me. She's the only thing I genuinely feel happy about." I felt a tear slide down my cheek by listening to Jack's speech. I love him, it's true.

"Jack, it's fine." I appeared from behind Jack's back. I smiled up at him with my watery eyes and stood close to his side as I squeezed his hand.

"We need time to think." David just blankly said as he sat back down on the couch along with his wife. Jack interlaced our fingers and lead me to the kitchen, where he let out a big fat sigh. "That was dramatic." He breathed out as I scoffed sarcastically. "Trust me, I've seen worse." I joked about my messed up life. Seeing Jack argue with Katherine made me realise how much I miss having a motherly figure watching over me and telling me what to do and what not to do.

My mom could be bossy at times, but that's what makes her a mom. And in the 17 years of her being my mom, she's done a great job at raising me. She made me a strong, but sensitive woman.

Thank you mom.

{just so y'all know, casey isn't 17 right now. her mom died when she was 17. she's 18/19 by now. :) comment & vote loves.}