Behind Closed Doors (New Version)

Chapter 22

Third person
(Part 2)
(Continuation of Chapter 21)

The air outside Maddie's house was cool, a stark contrast to the storm raging inside Jenna. Her steps were hurried and determined as she approached Maddie's front door. She knocked, the sound echoing her frustration and confusion. When Maddie opened the door, her concern evident, Jenna blurted out, "You're right."

Maddie's eyes softened, and without a word, she pulled Jenna into a tight hug. Jenna clung to her friend, her body shaking with suppressed sobs. Maddie guided her inside, closing the door gently behind them.

"Come in," Maddie said softly, leading Jenna to the living room. They sat on the couch, Maddie's gaze never leaving Jenna's face. "Tell me everything."

Jenna took a deep breath, the words tumbling out in a rush. "Liv's been hiding pills, and i caught her. We had this huge fight. She's so angry and I'm hurt, and I don't know what to do anymore. And... I'm pregnant."

Maddie's eyes widened, and she pulled Jenna into another hug. "Oh, Jenna," she whispered. "I'm so sorry you're going through this. But we'll get through it together. You're not alone."

Jenna nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I just don't know what to do. Liv's falling apart, and I'm terrified for her. I love her so much, but she's pushing me away."

Maddie held Jenna tighter. "She's scared, and she's in pain. We need to help her see that she's not alone either."

After a long conversation filled with shared fears and hopes, Jenna felt a bit lighter. Maddie's unwavering support gave her the strength to face what was coming next. They decided to go back to Jenna and Liv's house together, hoping their combined presence would make a difference, and Maddie could fix things with Liv.

Meanwhile, back at the house, Liv sat in the wreckage of the closet, her mind a whirlwind of despair and determination. She couldn't stay here any longer. Everything was too much. The confrontation with Jenna had broken something inside her, and the idea of facing it all without her mechanisms was unbearable.

Liv stood up, wiped her tears, and began to pack a suitcase. She moved mechanically, her mind numb to the chaos around her. She packed clothes, toiletries, and a few personal items. Her hands shook as she zipped the suitcase closed. This was it. She was leaving.

With a heavy heart, Liv walked toward the bedroom door. As she reached for the handle, the door opened, and Jenna stepped inside, Maddie following close behind. Jenna's eyes were red and swollen from crying, her expression a mix of determination and desperation.

"Where are you going?" Jenna asked, her voice trembling.

Liv ignored her and tried to push past, but Jenna grabbed the suitcase from her hand. "You're not leaving," Jenna said firmly.

Liv's eyes flashed with anger. "Give me my suitcase, Jenna."

"No," Jenna replied, her grip on the suitcase tightening. "I'm not letting you go."

Liv clenched her fists, trying to keep her anger in check. "Jenna, give it back."

Jenna shook her head, her own tears falling freely. "No, Liv. I'm not letting you run away from this."

Frustrated, Liv lunged for the suitcase, but Jenna stepped back, opening it and throwing everything out. Clothes and belongings are scattered across the floor. Liv stood there, stunned and furious.

"Jenna!" Liv shouted, her voice cracking.

Jenna moved toward Liv, her eyes filled with sorrow. "I'm not letting you leave me, Liv. We can get through this, but not if you run away."