One Day

Part 27 - Missing You

"What?" I think to myself as I toss the pizza in my car and scramble to find my phone. I grab it and realize that Kate hasn't stopped yelling.

"...and she's driving me crazy! I'm packing a few things for tonight but do you think we could come get the rest of my stuff this weekend?" she says as I hear her sigh and unzip a bag. "I practically live with you anyway so it really won't be any different. I have zero money for rent, though."

"Kate, its fine. You know I don't care if you move in. I'm heading home now so just meet me there," I reply as I get into my car to head home. "We will work out the details but you know there are some ground rules."

"I know, I know," she quickly replies. "I can't believe Mom is just going to let me leave but I think she knows it's for the best of both of us right now. I'll pay my rent by keeping the house clean, deal?"

I laugh, "Deal. As long as that includes doing the dishes. You know how I hate doing the dishes."

"Great! See you in a few. Oh, and did you say you were going bowling this weekend or something? I'd like to go but I have to work," she replies as I hear her start her car.

"Yeah, we are," I say as a pit in my stomach forms. "I've only hung out with his friends a few times so I hope it goes well. They were all really close to January so I hope she doesn't get brought up."

"Good luck!" she says laughing. "I'd love to be there to see it all!"

"Thanks," I say sarcastically. "I'll see you in a minute."

"Bye," she sings as she hangs up. I shake my head and wonder what in the world I just got myself into, again.

-----

It's 4:30 on Saturday morning and I want to throw my alarm clock across the room. I'm not sure how I can feel so much anger for an inanimate object. I turn it off and climb out of bed knowing that I didn't give myself any time to hit snooze this morning. If I don't get up and get dressed right now, I'll be late for work. And if I'm late for work, the store doesn't get opened.

Saturday mornings are always incredibly slow but the day picks up as the sun comes out driving people to want to enjoy the last days of mild weather. I'm happy when 3:00 finally rolls around as I clock out and make my way to the parking lot. Kate is pulling in in her beat up Honda and waves me down before I get into my car.

"Hey, girlie!" she says happily as she pushes open her door and starts gathering her things. "Thanks to your sweet man we got everything moved today!"

I unlock my door and fall into my seat, "Good stuff! Are you closing tonight? I'll probably be in bed by the time you get home."

"Yeah, I'm not unpacked though so excuse the mess. I'll clean it up tomorrow," she smiles and walks towards the building. "Have fun tonight!"

I shake my head and wave as I close the door and head home to relax before we go out with his friends.

I pull into the driveway and see Jace on the phone walking around the backyard. He paces when conversations turn serious, not able to sit or stand still. He is so engrossed in the phone call that he doesn't even hear me pull in. I gather my things and head for the door when his words stop me in my tracks.

"I'm sorry that I miss you," he snaps. "I just wanted to see how you were. You won't talk to me, you won't respond to my texts." He pauses as he listens. He readjusts his hat and looks down at the ground. "I know it was me! That doesn't mean that I don't care!

It's obvious he is on the phone with January and my heart rate speeds up a bit. I'm frustrated that he still can't let go and the fact that he admitted to her that he has been actively seeking her out breaks my heart a little.

January and I couldn't be more different and I start mentally comparing the two of us. Her curly blonde hair falls all the way down her thin shoulders and back and her blue eyes shine against her pale skin. She's athletic but her small body makes you think otherwise. Her whole demeanor screams innocence and her sweet smile lets you know she is genuine.

I, on the other hand, don't have a poker face and wear my emotions on my sleeve. My brunette hair is stick straight and long but on most days is pulled back into a braid, messy bun or ponytail. My bronze skin is even darker after spending the entire summer outside which I can thank my Cherokee ancestors for. I have to fight hard to maintain my athletic build and even harder to look as if I care about what others think of me.

He still hasn't realized that I'm home so I turn around to walk inside. I'm exhausted from fighting about it but I'm also tired of his inability to let it go.

"Hey, babe!" he yells as I walk inside and slam the door, not realizing how angry I am.

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