HIM

19.

Jesci sat on the edge of the weathered picnic table, legs stretched out in front of him, taking in a rare quiet moment. The morning sun cast long shadows over the field, and for once, he was content to sit in silence, away from the noise and drama of everything around him. He glanced at his phone, scrolling past notifications that he had no interest in dealing with. His eyes lingered on the empty message thread with Leila, a small part of him hoping she might reach out first.

Lost in thought, he barely noticed Macy approaching until she sat down beside him. He didn't look at her, instead keeping his gaze on the distant trees. "What do you want, Macy?" he asked, his tone flat, already knowing she wouldn't take the hint to leave.

Unfazed, Macy leaned back, crossing her legs as she attempted casual conversation. "Just wanted to see how your night was," she replied, a forced lightness in her voice. "Did you get up to anything interesting?"

Jesci stayed silent, his focus drifting anywhere but on her. The tension between them had become familiar—a strained, tangled mess that neither of them seemed willing to address directly.

Sighing, Macy broke the silence again. "You never used to be like this with me, you know. We used to talk, actually be friends. Why can't we go back to that?"

Finally, Jesci turned to look at her, his expression cold. "You know why," he replied simply, his words carrying a weight that stopped her from pressing further.

Macy hesitated, searching his face for a moment. "I know you went out with someone last night," she said, her tone sharpening. "Dane told me."

Jesci chuckled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Of course he did. Dane's always had loose lips."

She watched him carefully, a flicker of jealousy crossing her face. "Are you going to do to her what you did to me?"

Jesci's jaw tightened, his gaze hardening. "That's different, Macy. What happened between us happened for a reason." He paused, looking away. "And it's over."

Macy crossed her arms, her voice taking on a bitter edge. "Maybe. But remember, Jesci, you're not exactly known for commitment."

He didn't respond, letting her words hang in the air as he returned his focus to the horizon. He had no interest in reliving the past, and whatever Macy thought she knew about him wasn't going to change the direction he was headed now.

As they sat in the thick silence, Jesci's eyes shifted, catching sight of Leila walking across the field. She stood out effortlessly, her dark hair falling softly around her shoulders, wearing his leather jacket like it was made for her. A small smile played at the corners of his lips as he stood up, his focus solely on her.

Macy, sensing his sudden change in demeanor, followed his gaze. Her eyes narrowed when she saw Leila, instantly recognizing the jacket draped around her shoulders—the same one she had wanted to borrow countless times. She clenched her jaw, hurt and anger flashing across her face.

"So, you'll let her wear your jacket?" Macy muttered, her voice tight with resentment. "Funny how that works. You never let me touch anything of yours."

Jesci's expression hardened slightly, but he didn't look at her. "Maybe because you never treated anything like it meant something."

Macy's face twisted in anger. "Right. And this one's different, I suppose? Just like all the others you've paraded around."

Jesci turned to face her, his eyes cold. "You don't know her. And you don't know me—not anymore." His tone was final, a clear line drawn between them.

With that, he stepped away from her, his entire focus on Leila as he began to walk toward her. Macy watched him go, her expression a mix of betrayal and frustration as he left her behind without another glance.