With A Full Heart

x || chapter thirteen

x || chapter thirteen

         By the time I arrive at the Hanson household, both the twins and the baby were down for the count. Jack has tucked himself away into the comfort of his own room, the soft beat of the music and soft chatter was faintly heard. I settle into the warmth of the couch, pulling out my book and doing my best at occupying myself. But no matter how hard I tried at keeping my curiosity at bay, the need to know what Jack was doing overthrew all the warnings.

I once again halt my reading, set the book down, and creep my way towards Jacks room. The voices weren't limited to just guys, now female voices were soft and giggly. I silently cursed the creaky wooden floors as I continued my way towards his bedroom. I hadn't exactly decided what I was going to do once I got to his room. As soon as the door handle started to turn, I knew it was too late, so I did the first thing I could think of and lifted my hand up, acting as if I was already going to knock.

The music is too loud. That was going to be my excuse.

"Lucia?" Margret, a cheerleader I'd gotten familiar with at many games answers, smiling and clearly tipsy. "I just came out here to look for Jack, h-have you seen him?"

"He's not in there?" I ask.

"He left the room as soon as you got here, said he 'needed to be' and walked right out." She stumbles, grabbing onto to door frame. "If you find him, tell him I'm looking for him. We're almost out of alcohol."

I nod, letting all the dots connect as Margret shuts the door. I knew he would never leave them here alone with his sisters, and the only place we used to go as kids when our parents were being too adult was the attic. There was a window that made it feel like you were in outer space, revealing the stars. It was beautiful, and it was exactly where Jack would be.

The attic door had a small set of descending stairs that had to be pulled down from the ceiling. It took a lot of struggling, but eventually, I got the string wrapped around my pointer finger and was able to pull the stairs down.

But the time I got up there, he had already acknowledged my presence and was waiting for me with an extended hand, ready to help me up the rest of the way.

"I'm guessing this isn't a friendly visit?" He laughs, moving away from the staircase.

"Depends on if you've done anything wrong."

He shrugs, "I'm doing it all wrong."

I sit in an old rocking chair, flurries of dust flying into the air. Jack tips over a dusty suitcase and sits across from me, a half-empty glass of beer in his hand. He takes a swig and sets it down next to him.

"I know you don't care, but ever since I got back, everything has been harder than it was when I left. It just seemed easier then, you know? Everything wasn't always competition, I could just be myself. " He sniffs, "but now I have to keep up this doomed and groomed charade because you and everyone expect that from me."

I shake my head, "is that what you think? Because if it is you're so wrong. I'm angry with you because I felt abandoned, Jack."

"I didn't have a choice, I had—"

"You had too, I know. But it was like you fell off the face of the earth."

"Y-You seem to have done just fine without me." He chuckles, sipping his beer.

"God!" I cry, shooting up from the chair. "I hate that you think that."

"Then what's the truth, Lucia?" He stands up, "because I'd love to know."

"Would you? Really? Well here's the truth Jack; I've been terrible. I've been pretending, with everyone. My dad barely sees me anymore because I remind him too much of my mom, who's by the way, slumming it up in California and won't even so much as return my texts. And you? You coming back has been the worst thing, but I can't listen to my own advice and stay away from you. I can't do that because no matter what, you're my best friend."

Jacks emotions are hidden under the blank face of confusion because, like me, he doesn't know what to feel. The moment is topped off with thundering silence as both of us move closer, hearts pounding. As the tip of our shoes' touch, I find my arms wrapped around him, embracing his scent and his warmth like it was for the first time. 

He squeezes the life out of me, but I couldn't care less. This was where I needed to be, with him. It's where I've needed to be for a long time.

====

HEY LOVELIES, sorry for the character switch, it was definitely needed. if you aren't familiar with the change, check out my cast chapter for the update. sorry if ya'll think they were going to kiss, just kidding i meant for that. thank you for the love i'm receiving, enjoy reading!!

Vote, comment and follow!