Love Lessons

Chapter Thirty Two: Forever & Always

32 | Cole

                ~*~ Forever & Always ~*~

                We stayed in the hospital for three hours before I tore Jess away from her sleeping father. I wanted to stay there until he woke up, but I wasn’t sure, when that would happen; it could be tonight or it could be tomorrow night, there was no definite answer. Jess had calmed down and talked to her father, telling her about Thanksgiving and old memories that they had together. It broke my heart, but I knew Jess needed to be around her father because of all those negative thoughts she was having. I didn’t let go of her hand as we drove home, and it wasn’t to calm her down, it was for me.

                I only talked to my father for a couple minutes today to fill him in on what was happening. Since I only knew so much information, the conversation didn’t last long. I didn’t ask about my mother, but he told me she was crying and throwing a fit when he made her move out today. I was surprised that he even forced her to move out; I assumed he was going to leave everything as it was. I didn’t tell Jess about my life at home because that didn’t matter now. What mattered were her father and his current state of health, not my family separation.

                She was too distracted to cook and since I didn’t feel like it, I decided to go through the drive through of Taco Bell, knowing she would be all too happy with that choice. She gave me a real smile- her first of today and giggled with excitement as we pulled up to the menu. I ordered my food and waited patiently for her to decide.

                “Just get your usual.”

                “I don’t want to get my usual.” She groaned.

                “Well, can you decide soon?”

                “I’ll get cheesy nachos, one soft shell taco, one hard shell taco and a chicken quesadilla.”  She said happily, sitting back in her seat. I shook my head and drove to the window, handing the poor teenager my money. As they handed over our food, Jess smelled the bag in pure happiness.

                “I didn’t know you were that hungry.” I commented.

                “I’m always hungry.” That was a fact.

                “You’re eating for two.” I laughed at her.

                “Yeah, well.” She shrugged.

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                “Cole, you’re going to break your back trying to carry me!” She scolded as I hauled her over my shoulder and huffed it up the stairs. She was a little heavy, but I did not mind because I loved seeing her squirm. I barged into her bedroom and tossed her on to the bed, making her shriek.

                “Cole!” I laughed at her and planted myself on top of her, my pelvis landing between her legs.

                “You love it.” I snickered, kissing her softly on the lips. She rolled her eyes but kissed me on the lips, running her fingers down my back. I felt my skin tingle but instead of shivering, I just looked into her bright blue eyes. They held so many emotions that it was hard to decipher them, but I still could not stop looking into her eyes.

                “What are you staring at?”

                “You’re beautiful.” I whispered. Jess rolled her eyes again and snorted, smacking me lightly on the back.