Role Reversal

Chapter 10

Jacob heard the knock at his door, but ignored it.
He sat at his desk, staring at the untouched paperwork scattered on it, as his thoughts wandered else where.
The knock sounded again.
"I'm busy"

Zoe opened the door anyway.
Jacob didn't look up as she entered. "I said I'm busy. Whatever it is, go and find Zoe instead".
Zoe rolled her eyes and stood directly in front of him. "That might be difficult".
It was Jacob's turn to roll his eyes as he realised who it was.
Zoe waited for him to respond, but silence continued to fill the room.
"So, are you going to talk to me or what?"
Jacob finally looked up, but still remained silent.
"Jacob?!"
He leaned back in his chair and returned Zoe's stare. "What?"
Zoe shook her head at him. "What is wrong with you today Jacob? I understand what day it is, but I have never seen you like this before"
She was met with a blank stare.

"Are you even listening to me Jacob? Do you even care? You had no right to shout at Connie in front of everyone like that! You can't just go around taking your upset out on people. I have tried to understand and i have tried to support you. For the last 4 years, all you have done is blame yourself more, pushed everyone away a little further everyday, and moped around feeling sorry for yourself. What are you so afraid of Jacob? Why won't you let anyone in? I'm sorry to say it, but you're never going to change the past, so you need to stop dwelling on it and move forward with your life."

Zoe took a deep breath and anxiously studied Jacob's face, waiting for his reply.
Since the accident 4 years ago, Zoe had always been patient with him. But even she'd had enough. 4 years on and Jacob was getting no where.

Jacob's eyes widened in anger and he opened his mouth, ready to tell Zoe to get out.
But he knew she was right. He couldn't find the words to respond.

Zoe turned to walk away. It was pointless even trying.
"Well done by the way. You've done it, you've managed to isolate everyone who ever cared about you"
But before she had turned the handle to open the door, Jacob's voice stopped her.

"Zoe, wait"