Behind Closed Doors (New Version)

Chapter 92

Jenna's pov
(Same day as chapter 91)

I've been sitting here for what feels like hours, not moving, just thinking. My mind is racing, and yet I feel completely numb. I never wanted this... another break, another argument. But what else am I supposed to do? Liv won't listen to me. Every time I try to talk to her, it's like she's already decided how the conversation will go before I even open my mouth.

I love her so much. More than anything, I want to keep this relationship going, to have our family, to be happy together like we planned. But right now, I don't even know how to reach her. It's like she's drifting farther away, and no matter what I do, I can't pull her back.

I heard her earlier when she pulled out of the driveway. The engine of her Challenger roaring louder than it should, speeding off like she's got a second life somewhere. That sound... it makes my heart drop every time. I just wish she'd stop driving like she has nothing to lose. I wish she understood how scared I get when she's out there on the road, driving fast like nothing else matters.

I grab my phone, not even sure who to call. I think about calling my mom, but then I remember she didn't pick up earlier. I sit there for a moment, staring at the phone, before scrolling through my contacts and landing on Liv's mom. I need someone to talk to, someone who might understand.

The phone rings a few times, and I almost hang up, but then Beth's voice comes through.

"Hey, sweetie," she says, her voice soft and comforting.

"Hey," I say, barely above a whisper.

"How are you?" she asks, and the kindness in her voice almost breaks me.

"I don't know," I reply honestly, my voice shaky. I don't know how I'm supposed to feel anymore.

"What's wrong, darling?" Beth asks, concern lacing her words.

I take a deep breath and start telling her everything. I tell her about the car, about the argument we had not even fifteen minutes ago. I tell her how I just wanted Liv to understand why I'm so scared when she drives like that, how I can't shake this feeling of dread every time she leaves the house in that car. The words tumble out, and I feel a little lighter just talking to someone who knows Liv as well as I do.

"Where is she now?" Beth asks after I finish. I get up from the bed and walk to the window, looking out at the empty driveway, and the tire streaks from when she pulled out of the driveway earlier.

"She left," I say, sighing as I walk back to the bed and sit down again.

Beth lets out a soft chuckle. "She's just like her father. He loves cars too, and he never listens. I used to have to beg him to sit down and actually hear what I was saying."

I let out a small laugh despite myself. "I just wanted her to understand where I was coming from with the car situation. She doesn't drive safe, and I get scared and worried every time she leaves the house. I just want her to understand that."

"I know, sweetheart," Beth says gently. "But Liv has a mind of her own and you're gonna have to sit her down and make her listen to you. That's the only way she'll be able to understand. But don't give up on your relationship, okay? It makes me so happy to see you two together.

I close my eyes, letting Beth's words sink in. She's right. As much as I'm frustrated, as much as Liv and I have been going through hell lately, I can't give up. I won't give up.

"Thank you," I say softly, my voice cracking a little. I'm trying not to cry. "It's just so hard sometimes."

"I know it is," Beth replies, her voice full of warmth and understanding. "But you're strong, Jenna. You and Liv both are. Just don't let this drive a wedge between you two. Keep talking, even if she doesn't want to listen at first."