Opposites Attract

CHAPTER 12

Jessica's POV:

"Jessica. The guests have already arrived." Mom called from downstairs. With that, I put my phone into my pocket and headed downstairs. Before I reached the bottom stair, I let out a huge breath that even I didn't know I was holding for so long. "Remember Jess. Be nice. One impolite behaviour and mom's whole reputation would be ruined." I said to myself. Then I headed to the living room where I could hear sounds of laughter. My mom saw me first and said: "There you are! This is my eldest daughter Jessica Williams." My mom introduced me to her friends. "This my dear are my friends Mr. and Mrs. Christian." "Pleased to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Christian." I said politely. "No need to be formal dear. Just call us Caroline and Benjamin." They said and I nodded. "You know, we have a son who is the same age as you too." Caroline said. I was just about to ask them who their son was when all of the sudden the door opened and someone walked in. "Sorry I'm late. I just had to attend this phone call." My jaw dropped because Caroline and Benjamin's son was none other than Cody Christian. "Jessica?" He said clearly as surprised as I was. "You too know each other?" Benjamin asked. "Yeah. We go to the same school." I said. "I see. That's good." Caroline said. To change the topic, I asked mom: "Is dinner ready?" She said yes so we all sat down at the dining table to have dinner. Unfortunately for me, the whole seat left was the one next to Cody. So I had to sit there relunctantly sit there and pretend that I wwas happy but the fact was I wasn't. It was so awkward sitting next to Cody and I have no idea why. Halfway through dinner Benjamin asked me: "How do you go to school Jessica?" "I walk." I replied. "Why don't you just follow Cody dear? I'm sure he wouldn't mind fetching and sending you home am I right Cody?" Catherine asked her son. He nodded. I was about to protest but was cut by mom saying: "That's a great idea. Now I don't really need to worry too much about Jessica's safety." So I had to agree for the sake of my mom even though I didn't like the thought of following Cody. After dinner was over, I noticed that Mom was a little nervous. She was whispering something to Catherine and Benjamin and they whispered something in return to her. Cody couldn't be bothered as he was busy on his phone doing who knows what. Not that I care in the first place. I was about to go and put my plate in the sink when Mom said: "Jessica dear, I have something important to tell you." She said nervously. "Go ahead mom. You know you can tell me anything." I said as I sat back down at the table. "It's...." My mom began. I nodded at her waiting to for her to continue what she wanted to say. "It's just that your father has been contacting me lately. He wants to see you badly." "Why would I ever want to see him?" I spat at the mention of my father. "He really wants to start over with you. He says he wants to be more involved in your life." My mom said. "I don't want a jerk to be involved in my life." I said. "Jessica! You shouldn't call him a jerk. He is your father after all." My mom said in shock. "He sure didn't act like my father when he cheated on you with that woman! I can't believe you're still supporting him even after what he did to you mom!" I shouted. Anger boiling in my blood. I grabbed my house keys and walked out of the house fighting the urge to cry.

Cody's POV:

I was busy on my phone but that didn't stop me from hearing the conversation between Jessica and her mom. At the mention of her father, Jessica grew angry and that's what caught my attention. I've never seen her so angry before. Her mom tried to reason with her but she didn't seem to listen. She shouted, grabbed her keys and left. Her mom has been sobbing none stop since she left. It's late and it's dangerous to be out at this hour of time. My parents tried to comfort Mrs. Williams. "It's not her fault Brenda. Jessica's hurt right now. All this has had a hard impact on her. She just needs some space and time right now. That's all." My mom said. Time passed and Jessica had still not yet come home. Her mom grew more worried about her. Sensing her mother's worry, I offered to drive around and look for her. I drove around the neighbourhood searching for Jessica. I was worried about her. I just hoped that she was fine and nothing was wrong with her. I finally spotted her in the park. She was sitting on one of the benches and she buried her face in her lap, hugging her knees. She looked up and I saw tears all over her face. It was so evident that she had been crying for a while. My heart broke at the sight of her. With all I had, I walked up towards her and sat next to her. She still hasn't noticed my presence. I put my hand on her lap and she looked up at me, her eyes full of sadness and pain. At that instant, she didn't something that I didn't expect. She hugged me. I hugged her back as she cried into my chest. I just sat there and rubbed her back, encouraging and comforting. "We should really get back home. It's very late." I said to her and she nodded. We both entered the car and was silent the entire drive home. At that instant, I made a mental note to myself that I will never let anyone or anything hurt her ever again.