My weakness

Chapter 21 : Physical touch.

You said you'd never forget her
And she said she could change your life
It happened on the day you met her
A love at first sight made you blind

But I warned you she wasn't who she claimed to be
And no one could love you like me

Cause nobody does it better
I know you're sittin' at home cryin' cause you miss me
Nobody does it better
You must be out of your mind, boy, what was you thinkin'?

Don't throw your heart out in a letter
Cause I already read your mind
You know you missed out on forever
And settled for a waste of time

But I warned you she wasn't who she claimed to be
And no one could love you like me.

In the midst of an evening spent with Lara, Jesse's phone suddenly rings, breaking the tranquility of the moment. The late-night call comes from an unexpected source - Billie. Jesse's heart quickens as he answers the phone, sensing an urgency in her voice.

Jesse, concerned: "Hey, Billie. Is everything okay?"

Billie's voice trembles over the line, revealing a vulnerability that Jesse hasn't heard before.

Billie, anxiously: "Jesse, I... I'm having a panic attack. I don't know what to do."

The gravity of the situation unfolds as Jesse glances at Lara, conflicted between the present company and his instinct to be there for Billie.

Jesse, torn: "I'm coming, Billie. Just hang in there."

As Jesse hurriedly answers Billie's call, Lara, who was understanding initially, begins to feel a twinge of jealousy. The realization that Jesse's immediate response is to Billie's distress causes a surge of emotions within Lara.

Lara, frustration evident: "Jesse, you always prioritize Billie. What about us? Why does she get to come first every time?"

Jesse, torn between the two, tries to navigate the delicate situation.

Jesse, apologetic: "Lara, it's an emergency. Billie needs me right now. Can we talk about this later?"

Lara, with a mix of frustration and vulnerability: "Jesse, do you still love Billie?"

Jesse, caught off guard by the directness of the question, takes a moment before responding.

Jesse, sincerely: "Lara, I care about Billie deeply, but it's complicated. I need time to figure things out."

Lara, gently: "Jesse, if Billie has a panic attack again, maybe she could call her family or someone else for support. Why would she call you ?"

Despite the complexities of their relationship, he finds himself compelled to be by Billie's side. The desire to comfort and shield her from whatever causes her pain becomes a powerful force.

Jesse, torn between emotions: "I can't shake the feeling that I need to be there for Billie. I want to go to her house, make sure she's okay."

This internal struggle highlights the depth of Jesse's protective instincts, an instinct that transcends the complications of their relationship.

As Jesse, driven by his protective instincts, decides to leave Lara's side to comfort Billie, Lara confronts him with a mix of frustration and hurt.

Lara, upset: "Jesse, you're leaving to be with Billie again? What about us? Are you always going to choose her over me?"

Jesse, torn and apologetic: "Lara, I can't ignore Billie when she's struggling. It's complicated, and I care about you too. I just need to make sure she's okay."

Lara, feeling overlooked, expresses her frustration.

Lara, with a hint of anger: "It feels like I'm always second best. Is that what I am to you, Jesse?"