Insecure

Chapter 19

The next morning was pretty awkward between Laura and Jayce. After last night, Laura didn't know what to say to Jayce, and he didn't expect her to. His dad left him at a young age, and Laura was hurt by her father. Why couldn't Laura talk to him about this?
Jayce got up that morning around 9:30 a.m., and he grabbed clothes from his bag to take a shower. He didn't think Laura was awake, but she heard everything he said to himself. She heard his mumbling, "How can I be a good father? I love Laura so damn much, what if I can't give her what she needs?"
After that, he left the room, closing Laura's door, quietly. Laura sat up shortly after that, stretching. She stood up, and said to herself, "Why does he have to be like this? He knows I love him, why can't he talk to me?"
Before she could even answer herself, she heard her door open. Instead of Jayce standing there, it was no other than Mr. Russell. She backed away. "What are you doing here?"
"Wow, you aren't as weak and shy this time," he said, smirking.
She just nodded, not saying anything. "So, I heard about your pregnancy."
"Why does it matter to you?"
"Because I want you to see that there is better guys than Jayce."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm the one for you."
"No, you're not! I don't know why you're doing this."
"I already told you."
"Just go back to your wife."
That clearly wasn't the smartest thing to say. He pushed her against the wall and had his hands wrapped around her neck. She was kicking and screaming, but the only thing that freed her was Jayce storming in the room. He grabbed Russell and tackled him to the ground. While Laura caught her breath, she watched them take their chance to punch each other until she pulled Jayce away.
"You don't have to torture me because your wife left!" Laura yelled. He didn't say anything. He just walked out of her room and out the door. She was trembling a little, but this time, Jayce didn't comfort her since he was shook up himself.

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"You did what?" Nurse Russell screamed over the phone.
"You heard me. Her snotty ass boyfriend and I got in a fight."
"Dammit, just leave the poor girl alone. Can't you see you are putting her through hell? What happened between you and your wife has nothing to do with her..."
"I never said it did!" He rubbed his forehead and sighed. "Look, I am sorry I called you. I will let you go."
"Wait, stop. Look, whatever is bothering you, tell me. I will help you, but you can not keep doing this. You have to leave her alone."
"What if I love her?"
"You do not love her. You think you do because she looks like your wife when she was a teenager when you guys met. Why did you guys split anyways?"
He sighed. "We had a fight over having children. She wasn't ready, and I was. She said she did not want to have another miscarriage, so she was scared to try again. I got mad and left for a couple weeks, and within those couple weeks..."
"Yes?"
"I got fired from being a teacher when I attempted to make Laura mine. I wanted to have sex with her because I was frustrated with my wife, and you're right. I only wanted her because she reminded me of her. I just was afraid to lose her, and she found out of my mistakes. She had enough of my apologies and left. Before I found Laura again this year, you already know I got into drugs, drinking and having a bunch one night stands."
"Do you love Laura or do you love your wife?"
"If I could get my wife or ex-wife back, I would never mess with Laura again."

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"This needs to stop, Laura."
"I know Jayce, I will stop this."
"I'm serious. I do not want that pedofile in this house again."
"I can't control him showing up. I will talk to Nurse Russell tomorrow."
"For what?"
"Don't worry about it. Come on, we have to visit your mom."
"Do you really want to go with me?"
"Jayce, don't you want me to meet her? You're not embarrassed of me, are you?"
"Of course not. I would love for you to meet her, but she's a little..."
She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "If you can deal with my parents, I bet I can deal with yours. Now come on."
They both stood up, slipped their jackets on and headed to the car. "Have I ever told you how much I love you?" Jayce asked, starting the car.
"Maybe."
Jayce smiled and kissed her cheek before pulling out of the driveway. He grabbed her hand and glanced at her. "We will get through this."