Tomorrow was going to be Monday after a long week and too short weekend, Jess couldn't ignore Alex forever. Eventually she'd have to face him. With everyone knowing that she and Alex were hooking up, not too long after Nick's death, it was practically the talk of the town. Half the people called her a whore and a cunt, the other half said that she deserved to be happy instead of having Nick Wheeler, as if they were actually allowed to have an opinion on her life. That being said, Jess let it get to her. She wanted Alex, but she couldn't handle all the words and the stares. It made her too nervous. Especially knowing that someone other than Alex could possibly know about what Nick did to her that night.
She was on edge, she was too afraid to leave her house. When Monday came, she stayed home from school. Assuring her parents she would go tomorrow if she felt well enough— though there was nothing wrong with her— and she wouldn't get behind on her work. She was an honors student, and she always maintained high A's. She was a good kid. Her parents never really had a problem out of her, but they never really knew what she was doing anyways. They just trusted her, which she was mature and responsible enough to handle herself.
A: So you're not at school today? Does this maybe have anything to do with what went down? With the pictures? Or is it me? Both?
I thought we could talk to each other. Xx
She sighed, shutting off her phone and continuing to watch TV. Since she was pretending to be sick, she had to stay in bed all day and watch TV. Then pretend to take the medicine her mother gave her, but really just throw it away when she leaves the room. She was pretty good at lying and hiding stuff from people.
JB: Hey, Alex says he hasn't heard anything from you and he's worried. Should I be too?
JV: No, I'm fine. I just don't want to talk to Alex, don't tell him I said that please.
JB: Sure, no problem. Always got your back. Can I ask why though?
JV: I just don't feel like talking to him right now. I don't want to talk to anyone, I just didn't want to worry you guys any longer.
JB: Something's been up with you lately. Do you remember when you used to stay the night all the time, before Alex came, and we would get drunk and sit on my roof until the sun came up? And we'd talk about anything and everything? We use to be so close. What happened to that? :(
JV: I'm sorry, Jack. You're right. I don't know what happened. Maybe it's the fact that my boyfriend killed himself.
JB: I'm taking off practice tonight, I won't tell the guys you're coming over.
JV: But I'm not coming over.
JB: You are as of now. Come on, Jess. You're my best friend. You owe me this for all the solids I've done for you. I really miss you.
JV: Fine. I'll try, I don't know if my parents will let me leave the house. I miss you too.
JB: Yay! I have plans, but it's all a surprise. It's supposed to cheer you up.
JV: Thanks J, but you don't have to.
JB: I know, but I want to. See you later, say 6?
JV: I'll be there.
So, Jess showed up to Jack's house around 6. She was already in her pajamas. She was excited to hang out with Jack, it turns out. It was going to take her mind off everything, and she knew she'd always have a good time with Jack. Seeing as he's wild and everything. Probably one of the wildest people in Baltimore.
