A Broken Life

Chapter 15

"I can't believe out of all the people in the world, you were the one to knock Giselle up then leave her in the dust." Tommie's face is red, and as I look at Jackson the anger slowly starts to show. "You and Giselle were best friends. Everybody saw you as the dynamic duo. I can't believe you're such a jackass! When the whole school made her feel like nothing, you were there to help her. Now? Now you are the school, and guess what Jake," He leans in and pokes Jackson in the chest, "Now I'm replacing you, I'm here to make sure she doesn't feel like nothing."

You could physically see Jackson snap, but he kept calm. "You do not get to accuse me of being the bad guy here. You don't even know half the story. Giselle may have pushed me away, but I LOVE her so much, and you will NEVER have the relationship her and I had. She will never love you."

Tommie takes a step towards Jackson, and I have to grab him and remind him the audience we have. Jackson's face is stoic, and I have to struggle to persuade the two to leave.

"Jackson, please." My voice is soft, and I can see his stone cold face slowly dissipate. Those two words are all it takes for him to leave.

Tommie glances at me to make sure I'm okay as if I'm the one who almost got in a fight. I give him a sad smile, and grab a box of Toaster Strudels, grab Tommie's hand and we abandon our full cart and go pay for our box of pastries. 

* * *

Watching UP, I can't help but think about what Jackson said. He flat out told Tommie his feelings for me, no hesitation. He's right I do care for him, a lot. And he's right; I don't feel the same way about Tommie. My feelings for Tommie truly are a best friend/family kind of love. So is he right? Should I not have pushed him away so quickly? Should I face the truth and let him in?

"Why didn't you tell me?" Tommie's voice is quiet and it's hard to see his face in the dark. The T.V. illuminates on his face for a bit, and he's staring at his lap.

"I don't know. I guess I just wanted to forget." My voice is the equal volume, and then we both look at each other.

"What he said... About you never loving me... is he right?" Surprise hits me. Does he really see me that way? We've barely even spoken before the party, why would he care about me loving him?

Silence is looming in the air, and I think about what to say. I take a big breath, "Honestly Tommie, I don't know. You're such an amazing person, and you've help me with so much, but," I stop.

"But?"

"But Jackson's helped me so much more. And I have grown this relationship with him that's so unique, and indescribable. I- I don't know." I place my face in my hands, stress and confusion filling my head.

Tommie rubs circles on my back soothingly, "Hey, don't worry about it, I get it."

I look up at him. "How? How can you understand when I can't even fully understand it myself?"

He sighs and looks sincerely into my eyes, "Iz, he's the father of your child, and your best friend. Everyone at school always thought you two would end up together at one point. I know you are having conflicted feelings, and I'm okay with that." He grabs my hands, "I think you need to let Jackson in, and I'll fight for you in a fair manner." He smirks and I can see his eyes smile.

I blush, "No please, don't fight over me."

"Awwww that's no fun." He pouts, then we both laugh, and he agrees not to fight over me.

"But, I still want to help you, in any way I can."

I smile, relieved on how this went, "Ok, deal."

He smiles, and sits back down. I rest my head on his shoulder, and we watch the rest of UP in a comforting silence.