The Relationship Status (1)

Jordan

I felt bad for leaving Donnie off like that. It's like when I read the Wizard of Oz but I had to return the book and never got to see if Dorthy got to go home... What's that thing called? Oh yeah! A "cliff hanger"!

Jennifer and I walked home together that day. I don't think I've ever done that with a girl before and it just kinda happened. I was slightly nervous since I never knew if we were gonna have an awkward silence or something in between conversations. But we basically filled it the entire time! We talked about our interests like favorite music, movies, Tryone's sleeping patterns, books, school - all that good stuff.

That's when Jenn brought it up, "Jordan, maybe it's good that you and Donnie are having some time apart. You know, 'cause it seems like stuff's been happening between you guys lately."

"Yeah, but I should've known that wasn't Donnie in the first place. His attitude is never that nasty towards me."

She winced, "Just give it some time and he'll cool off eventually. I mean, he can't be mad at you forever, right?" I tried to just laugh a little in return.

I touched Donnie in a very sensitive subject - his parents. When they divorced, his mom sent him straight to the shrink everyday that year. Sure, it kinda helped him, but he felt sorta embarrassed knowing that he was going to therapy like he was on something. So for a few times he wouldn't go but he'd keep stuff in, and he knew it wasn't good for him. So when he'd let it out at home, he'd let it out physically. But he'd wait for it to build up with the mixture of his mother's pain and Mark's bullying. So he'd punch a whole in the wall and borrow shellac from his dad's construction joint to cover it up.

One time I showed up at his house before his parents got home and I watched his anger unfold right in front me while I just sat there semi-trembling from his rage.

"Right..." I said, "But hey, this gives me more time to hang with you!" Jennifer smiled and blushed a little.

Later that night, she called me later that night and apparently Jennifer and Stephanie are now fighting like Donnie and me. Crap, crap, and double crap. I didn't ask for this! This was Donnie and I's fault, not theirs. Well, now we're really on our own. It's just Jenn and me.

"It's stupid! Stephanie doesn't realize how dangerous Donnie could be!" Jenn said on the other line.

"Well, when he get's angry like that, he can't help it. He was just raised differently, that's all." I tried. I mean, it's not like he intentionally meant it like that. I thought he was Mark and I got angry.

"That wasn't fair of him, Jordan. Look, I need some help with my math homework. After school, can I come to your place and you can help me?"

A rush of adrenaline went through me. She wants to come over. To my house. I know it's for homework, but a girl's never really come over to my house before.

My voice cracked out of nervousness, "Sure!" And blushed as a result. "I'll see you tomorrow!"

After we hung up, I jumped around my room and punched the air in excitement! I crashed on my bed and stared at the ceiling, smiling. I exhaled a breath of happiness, but I got a pang of guilt. I wanted to tell Donnie so bad. He's practically been waiting for this moment. He's like that proud father that sent his kid to kindergarten.

I looked out the window to my left and saw that Donnie's blinds were shut. He's ticked...

Maybe Jennifer's right, he'll probably cool off eventually...

Eventually...

I look out my other window that gets the perfect view of Jennifer's house across the street. She's sitting at her desk probably doing homework, but her window's open so I can say one last thing.

I practically scream, "HEY JENNIFER! YOU WANNA GO TO THE TEEN CLUB!?"