A Different Light

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Jackson's POV

A lot of people asked me how I was after the break up. I would smile and respond that I'm fine and doing well but deep down everyone knew that was a lie. To say that I was angry would be the understatement of the year. I was mad that she was so quick to jump to conclusions without solid evidence. I was mad that she judged me before talking to me. I was mad that despite all of the memories we made, she was able to throw it all away over something another girl said to her. 

I saw her the other day, she looked good. She was walking into her building carrying a cup of coffee. I was going to stop and talk to her but I noticed something. On the side of her cup, a phone number was written. But instead of being angry I felt empty, alone and depressed. The past couple of games I've played like crap, my coach even put the second string in. But seeing her move on means that it was time for me too. Monday night we pulled off a big win against the Green Bay Packers. Everyone was so hyped that we all went out. The team forced me to come along, and being in a good mood, I happily obliged. We walked into the club and everyone turned to look at us. Being the star I gave a short speech.

"Thank you everyone, Tonight the giants pulled out a great win over the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers being a good friend of mine had a great game, but it could not compete with the power of New York!" I exclaimed, the club erupted in cheers for the great city. 

"But now, we party!" I finished. I felt a small presence on me and looked down to see Sapphire clinging to me with a huge smile. She had been hanging around the team a lot and we had grown to like her. I was so hyped up on adrenaline that I leaned down and kissed her as the team poured into the club. I pulled away and went to grab us some drinks. Hopefully tonight I was going to get lucky, God knows I need it. A smoking hot girl was working the tap today, I struck up a short conversation before getting some drinks and of course her number. She told me her shift ended at one but then she was all mine. I winked at her and descended into the crowd looking for Sapphire. When I found her she had her back to me and was talking to some girl.

"Sapph, who are you talking" I stopped mid sentence, I recognized those legs.

"To." I finished. She looked astonishing in her tight silver dress. She had makeup on that accentuated her features. I couldn't help but notice the excessive amount of cleavage she was showing. 

"Jackson," She said looking anywhere but my face.

"Ava, what are you" I started again but was cut off.

"Ava? Hey there you are I was looking for you." I good looking guy said coming up to her. He looked at the scene that was unfolding in front of him. 

"I'm sorry man, was I interrupting." He said sheepishly.

"Nope, we were just talking," I spat. I tried to keep my facials cool and collected but on the inside I was freaking out. My hands balled up in fists, if he said anything lovey dovey I think I'm going to punch him.. 

"Actually we were just finishing up, you ready to go, babe?" I felt my stomach drop to a pit. A part of me knew they were together but most of me hopped it was just another brother. Hearing her call him babe broke me. I dropped my gaze to the floor defeated. I thought that I was better and on my way to recovery but that girl knew exactly where to hit me. Way to kick a guy when he's down. 

"Yeah Sweetheart. Let's head out. It was nice to meet you guys." He said. I watched them intertwine their fingers and turn to head out. Ava said nothing but smile up at him. Before they disappeared from sight, Ava turned around to look at me. Her face was hard to read, a mixture of happiness and sorrow. I could feel Sapphire tugging on me to go dance with her. I didn't have the heart to hurt her so I did. 

I put on a happy face all night and danced with her. People came up and congratulated me but my mind was focused on their hands. How they seemed to fit so perfectly together and how she fit just right next to him. I wondered what he had that I didn't, was he an actor or someone famous? I excused myself after a little while from Sapphire to use the bathroom. Instead I sat down in the VIP room. I contemplated whether or not to text her or call her. I knew I needed some answers but what do I start with? I typed in something quick and sent it to her.

 J: So when were you planning on telling me? 

Short and sweet. I knew I was going to be a wreck so I sent Sapphire and Evan a text and left the club. I drove aimlessly around New York stopping here and there to get different things. I drove past her apartment and saw her lights were dark. She was still with the guy. I needed a break so I drove home and went to bed. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day for me.

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Needing a break from the big city I decided to visit home for a while. I landed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at around 3 AM. I had a car take me from the airport to my house outside of Green Bay. There, my folks and sisters lived on a farm. I grew up here working day and night on the farm to help out my parents as well as playing football. We didn't have much money growing up so a big college wasn't really an option. Both of my sisters went to the community college for agriculture then lived at home. But when Auburn offered me a full ride, I just had to take it.

I talked to my Pa on the way home but I wanted to surprise my Ma and sisters. The driver pulled up to the farm around 6, he gave me a look but didn't ask any questions. I got out of the car paid him and grabbed my stuff. Everyone was already up working the fields and milking the cows so I figured I would make them breakfast. After the morning chores everyone eats together at the kitchen table. I made scrambled eggs and bacon along with cinnamon rolls and freshly squeezed orange juice. At 7:30 I rang the breakfast bell that my Ma usually rang. I hid and watched as they all looked around confused. My Pa just ushered them into the house for breakfast. The door opened and my family walked in just as I finished distributing the eggs. My mom dropped the basket she was carrying and ran towards me. 

"Oh my, my sweet Jackson's finally come home." She cried, squeezing me tight. My Pa gave me a clap on the back before pulling me in to. Both of my sisters were late coming in. I heard footsteps and the opening of a door, in pranced my german shepherd Lacy, she stopped when she saw me before jumping at me and licking me all over. Lacy was my dog, no matter what my sisters said. 

"Lacy!" Annabeth called coming into the house. 

"Gosh darnet... Jackson!" She screamed and ran to me. Annabeth was younger than me but liked to act like she was the boss. I wrapped her up in a tight hug spinning her around. Grace was the last to enter the house. She was older than me by two years and by far the most invested in the farm. 

"Jackson, my little brother." She said pinching my cheeks. Grace was about 6'1 and built like a brick. While Annabeth was a little bit smaller but still strong. My family was all pretty big so when we went to church, we had to sit in the back so we wouldn't block peoples view. The main reason I had come home was that I heard things with Annabeth and Stephen were getting pretty serious. 

Someone knocked on the back door and stepped in. Stephen was about my height but not built as big as myself. He was a good guy, an old family friend. 

"Stephen!" Gracie squealed jumping at him. He laughed and hugged her, kissing the top of her head.

"Jackson, my man." He said, we did a bro shake. My whole family sat down and enjoyed the great breakfast I prepared. It felt nice to be with my family again, away from the stress. The Giants had a bye this weekend so I had a nice long week ahead of me.