Free (Sequel to Through The Dark) Complete

Chapter 44

Julie had been home in LA for a few days before anyone even knew she was back.  She wanted it that way.  She got a phone call about three days after she'd returned, from Panda.  Harry had spoken to Niall, and that's when Amanda had found out that Julie was back in LA.  It was a brief phone call, because Julie did not want to get into too many details.  She needed to work through all of that she was feeling and thinking by herself.  She was pretty sure she knew the answer.  She was pretty sure she knew what was right.  But there was just a little bit of confusion left, and she needed to deal with it.  Without the craziness of Panda and Jaime.  She's avoided his calls, too.  She had just put everything in her bag and was about to leave to go see Marcus when the doorbell rang.  She had no clue who it could be.  She opened the door and just about fell over when Jaime practically tackled her.  "What the hell!"  She exclaimed and then started to laugh.  "Why are you here?"  She asked as he pushed the door shut with his foot and then held her by her shoulders and looked at her.

"You've been avoiding me for over a week.  So, I decided enough was enough, and I was coming to see you."  He said shaking his head at her.  "No fair.  I want details of everything, and you just avoid me."  He pouted as he led her to the couch.

"Uh, Jaime, I was actually just on my way out."  She told him trying to stop him from pulling her to the couch.

"Well, it can wait for a few minutes.  Sit your gorgeous ass down and talk to me."  He said as he pushed her into a seated position and sat beside her.  "Start with Jamaica, and don't stop until your ass landed back in LA."

"Jamie.  I seriously don't have time for this.  I have something to do, and then I have to meet Amanda and Niall at some party I promised I'd go to."  Julie said looking at the clock on the wall.  "And I'm already cutting it close."

"Well, then start talking."  He gestured to her and then sat back and crossed his left leg over his right and clasped his hands over his knee.  When she just stared at him, he took one hand and gestured to her.  "Come on, speak."  He laced his fingers back together and waited.  He nodded along as she told him the story of their travels.  Her face lit up when she talked about first getting to the island and how beautiful it was.  How perfect that first night had been there, and then how great Harry was the next day showing her around.  He watched her cheeks turn pink when she mentioned a moment behind a waterfall.  He used his own imagination when she wouldn't go into details for him.  He smiled nonstop when she went through her time with her elephant.  And then came the end.  He frowned and listened to her.  This girl.  "Well, through most of that vacation, I was extremely proud of you.  But what the hell were you thinking even taking Marcus's call?  And what the fuck is the deal with needing to talk to him?  Girl, do you drive yourself as crazy as you drive me?"

"Probably."  Julie said.  She did.  She drove herself mad more times than not.  But she couldn't seem to help it.

"Why?  Anyone who knows you and sees you when Harry's around knows how crazy in love you are with him.  Look, I get your reluctance, somewhat.  I know you've been through shit no one should ever have to go through.  But stop, seriously.  Julie, listen to me."  He sat forward and took her hands and waited until she looked at him.

"We all get that you're scared.  All of us that know and love you.  Even Harry knows it.  I get why you don't want to let him in.  But, maybe he WON'T hurt you again.  If you decide to go with someone else, just because you're afraid of what could happen, to protect your heart then look at the other side of it.  Look what you could lose out on if you don't go with your heart.  That boy loves you."  Jaime said as he play-pouted.  "He must love you a lot.  He ignored my advances completely."  He had to lighten the mood some.  He could see the tears filling Julie's eyes.  And it worked.  He heard a light chuckle come from her.