Forget Me Not [Original]

Chapter 19- Dylan

Jen

I wasn't overwhelmed with the desire to see Shawn. Of course I hadn't seen him since yesterday, but I didn't expect to see him every single day just like I didn't expect to see him today. It was a day without him which was refreshing but at the same time difficult. I was ready though.

We exchanged a few texts, most of his reminding me of my meds and to be careful. I don't know why he is so persistent on making sure I am cared for. His company is missed and grately appreciated, but I like to be independent. I like to know that I'm able to hold my own.

"There you are!" A voice came. It was a voice I hadn't heard in ages and with everything that had transpired within the past 2 weeks, it was a voice I desperately needed.

"Dylan?" I gasp in disbelief. I don't know how long it's been since I've seen her. I stare as she sprints toward me, her straight blonde hair flows behind her and she looks concerned, her dark brown eyes scrutinizing my body. I recoil in response to her rapid approach but hug her once I realize she's not going to run me over.

"I've been so worried!" She gushes. "And so has Jay! How come you never texted us? I left a ton of messages!" She exclaims, pinning me with an accusatory glare.

"I never got any of your messages." I say confused, "And I've been busy trying to catch up on school, not to mention the cops." I rub my forehead sheepishly. I had totally forgotten to contact her. The detectives and school had taken up my time. Shawn did too, but she doesn't need to know that. I don't plan on hiding him, she will just have to meet him later.

"Where's Jay?" I ask, peering over her shoulder in hopes of finding his lean form. His copper hair is nowhere in sight and I can't help but frown.

"Detention." She answers rolling her eyes. That was typical for him. He was the athletic type, never wanting to do homework and completely engrossed in lacrosse. I had offered to tutor him, but unfortunately his ego and pride declined. He was the stereotypical jock minus the rude attitude. He was very respectable to everyone, just lazy. He was the kind of guy who knew what he wanted and didn't want to do, but at the same time was considerate of others.

"That's unfortunate." I say, scanning the lot for my father.

"Yeah. I was hoping we could catch up tonight at my place? I'll make sure Jay is there." She said, shooting me a confused look. Her confusion only resulted in my confusion, but I brushed it off, answering her question instead.

"I'll have to make sure it's okay with my dad." I reply.

"Your dad?" She asks skeptically. She glances me over once more almost making sure that I was in good condition.

"Yeah, why do you ask?"

"You just never talked about him before. You never talked about either of your parents." She says softly. Her brows are scrunched together, pity pooling into her onyx eyes. The look she is giving me is defeating, making me realize how everything has changed.

"Oh." Is all I say. It completely slipped my mind that he used to be an alcoholic, drowning in the depths of liquor bottles and beer cans. It also didn't occur to me that I didn't mention my mom. Should I have?

I ponder over this for a few moments, trying to gather intel on the many conversations that I've had with my friends. I guess I did never mention them before. But then again, why would I? My dad was always an intoxicated mess and my mother was just gone. It never made sense to me why I would feel the need to bring them up.

"We're still on for tonight though? I can pick you up if you want?" Her voice was gentle and coaxing, almost as if she were afraid I would back out.