Lover/Leaver (Jake Kiszka)

Chapter 13: Broken Notes, Chaos, and Courage

Amelia, Jess, and Lisa strolled down the charming streets of Frankenmuth, searching for a cozy café to start their day. The morning air was crisp, and the town was just beginning to wake up. They found a quaint coffee shop with a rustic vibe, complete with wooden beams and mismatched furniture.

"Perfect," Jess said, pushing open the door. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted them, instantly lifting their spirits.

As they settled into a corner booth, Lisa looked at Amelia. "So, Amelia, tell us about your family. We never really get to talk about them."

Amelia smiled, taking a sip of her coffee. "Well, my parents are pretty amazing. They're both teachers, and they've always been super supportive of my music. I have an older brother, Nathan, who's a doctor. He's the overachiever of the family."

Lisa grinned. "Sounds like a solid family. How did you and Jess meet, by the way?"

Jess leaned back, a nostalgic look in her eyes. "We met in high school, sophomore year. Amelia was the new girl, and I was assigned to show her around. We clicked immediately."

"Yeah," Amelia added, "Jess basically saved me from a very awkward first day. She introduced me to everyone and made sure I felt included. We've been inseparable ever since."

"High school seems like forever ago," Jess mused. "Remember the talent show? You blew everyone away with your performance."

Amelia laughed. "I was so nervous. But having you there cheering me on made all the difference."

Lisa nodded. "It's great to have friends who support you like that. Speaking of support, how's your boyfriend, Jess? You haven't mentioned him much lately."

Jess's face lit up. "Oh, Mark's great. He's been super busy with work, but he's planning to come to our next show. He's been really supportive, even though we don't get to see each other as much as we'd like."

"That's awesome," Amelia said, smiling. "I'm glad things are going well for you two."

Lisa glanced at Amelia, sensing there was more to the story. "What about you, Amelia? Any special someone in your life?"

Amelia hesitated, her smile fading a bit. "I did have a boyfriend about a year ago. It didn't end well."

Jess reached over and squeezed her hand. "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."

"No, it's okay," Amelia said, taking a deep breath. "He was really mentally abusive. At first, he seemed perfect – charming, attentive, everything I thought I wanted. But over time, he became controlling and manipulative. He made me feel like I was worthless, like I couldn't do anything right."

Lisa's eyes widened. "That's terrible, Amelia. I'm so sorry you went through that."

"Yeah," Amelia continued, her voice soft. "It took me a long time to realize what was happening. Jess was a big part of helping me see the truth. She never gave up on me, even when I didn't believe in myself."

Jess smiled gently. "You were always stronger than you realized, Amelia. I'm just glad you got out of that situation."

"Me too," Amelia said, feeling a mix of gratitude and sadness. "It wasn't easy, but it made me realize how important it is to have people who genuinely care about you. And now, I know what I deserve – someone who respects and loves me for who I am."

Lisa nodded. "You absolutely deserve that, Amelia. And I'm so glad you have Jess and us to support you."

Amelia smiled, feeling the warmth of their friendship. "Thanks, guys. It means a lot."