The Reality of Our Lives

Reverse Back to You

Jaden drives across town to the house where Shanae is staying with her aunt. He has been calling her repeatedly since leaving Peyton's house, but she has not answered once.

When he finally arrives, he walks to the front door and knocks several times. Shanae opens it but stands in the doorway, blocking him from coming inside.

"Why are you here?" she asks, clearly surprised that he showed up unannounced.

Her expression changes when she gets a better look at him. His shirt is stretched and partially torn, and scratches run across his chest. Several bruises are already becoming noticeable against his bright-red skin.

"Did you get into a fight?"

Jaden looks at her with sadness in his eyes. "Yeah. I don't have anywhere else to go."

Shanae hesitates. Despite everything that has happened between them, she still has a soft spot for him. She steps aside and allows him to enter.

"Come in before somebody sees you."

Jaden sits on the couch while Shanae closes the door behind him.

"Do you need anything?" she asks.

"Can I get some water?"

Shanae walks into the kitchen, fills a glass, and hands it to him. She sits beside him as he begins explaining everything that happened at Peyton's house. He tells her about drinking with Princess, falling asleep beside her, and waking up to Peyton dragging them out of bed.

Eventually, the conversation shifts to Chelsea. Jaden admits that their relationship is over and that Chelsea has moved on with Caleb.

Shanae stares at him. "But that's who you chose."

Jaden lowers his head and nods. "I know."

A short silence passes between them.

"I'm sorry," he says.

Shanae appears confused by the apology. She is not accustomed to hearing Jaden admit when he has done something wrong.

"It's kind of ironic," she says. "The same girl who caught us together and ran back to tell your baby mama just got caught in bed with you by her own daddy. I knew Princess liked you when she kept throwing shade at me that day I came over."

Jaden shakes his head. "Nah. I think she was just drunk and mad at Brandon."

Shanae rolls her eyes. "You just can't keep it in your pants."

"Yes, I can," Jaden argues. "I didn't even want that to happen. I told you I stopped it. We kissed, but that was it. We were drunk and fell asleep."

Shanae gives him a doubtful look.

"Even with me being sloppy drunk, I still didn't take it any further," he continues. "And believe me, it's been a long time. I haven't been dealing with anybody else."

Part of Shanae does not want to believe him, but her feelings for him are still there.

"Why not?" she asks, staring into his eyes.

Jaden takes a sip of water before answering.

"To be honest, I've been heartbroken. I never expected Chelsea to leave me and be with another dude."

His response catches Shanae off guard. She expected him to lie—to tell her that he should have chosen her or that she was the person he truly wanted all along.

For once, she would have been okay with the lie.

She had grown accustomed to Jaden manipulating the truth whenever he wanted something from her. This version of him is unfamiliar. Instead of telling her what she wants to hear, he appears determined to be honest, even if the truth hurts her.