Returned to me

Chapter Ten

December 1941,

Joanna walked back home from Allison's expecting to be scolded for not being home by lunchtime. Her mother only barely acknowledged her as she cleared the table. "She didn't leave anything for you," Joey whispers as he walks past. She whips back around upon hearing his words. He was deadpan and as serious as he could be. Her stomach growled upon this knowledge making her regret not coming home sooner. "But, don't worry," He smiles now. "I saved you some." He was like a magician uncovering a plate with her food. She took it from him with a thankful grin before racing towards the porch.

She gobbled down the food before her mother noticed. She sighs leaning back against the wooden post holding the porch upright. Joey came outside meeting her on the porch as he lit a cigarette. "Thank you," She laughs as she pushes back the plate to him.

"You're welcome," He took a long drag on his cigarette. "So, I heard about Jamie's little confession."

"That was some time ago."

"Yeah well I've been meaning to bring it up," He laughs. "You've been avoiding everyone recently."

She twiddles with the loose thread of her cardigan. He was right, she had been avoiding everyone. Ever since that night, she hadn't been able to face Jamie or Alex. After Jamie's confession, Alex confronted her about it. Let's just say they are on break. She had to figure out her feelings before she could commit to a real relationship with Alex. She looks at Joey who is looking off at the end of the driveway. "I'm sorry..." She apologizes bringing his attention back to her. "I didn't mean to."

"It's alright," He smiles. "But are you okay?"

"I don't know," She answers truthfully. "I don't know what to think about it, or what to do."

"Do you reciprocate?"

"I do..." She finally was being truthful with somebody and herself. "But I'm terrified of what might happen if we don't work out."

"How do you know you won't work out until you try?"

He was right, but she still couldn't bring herself to go there with Jamie. "I don't know." She whispers to herself. She looks up when she feels him nudge her leg. She follows his pointing to find Jamie coming through the gate. He was right on time.

"Well, you should figure out quickly what you want," Joey advises gently as he gets up to leave them alone.

Jamie walked up the steps with his hands deep in his jacket pockets. "Can we talk?" He asked once he was on the porch. She nodded her head yes as she got up off the ground.

They walked in silence down to the tire swing. She pulled the tire swing to herself with no intention of getting on. She just needed something to put space between them. A barrier if you will. "Jo," Jamie starts a little awkwardly. Her eyes follow him as he walks over to her. He stands in front of her with the swing as a perfect blockade. He looked at the tire swing dejectedly. "Do you hate me?" He asked surprising her.

"What?" She nearly laughs. It was ludicrous for him to think that. "Why would I hate you?"

He points at the tire swing. She lets it go no longer letting it be a barrier. She walks over to him accepting that whatever needs to be said will be said. He looked nervous and unsure of himself all of a sudden. "I hope," He pauses taking in a deep breath of courage. "I hope what I said a couple of weeks ago didn't ruin our friendship. I just needed you to know, and I needed to get out of that relationship with Alice. I'm sorry if I've made things awkward." She blinked surprised to hear those words.

"I'm the one who should apologize," She starts with a sigh. "I should not have kissed Alex after we kissed. I really should not have gotten in a relationship right after either..."