Anger Issues

fifty six

Austin

Jess broke down while explaining everything to me. I couldn't help but regret how I acted towards her. I could've tried to be more understanding, had I known what was going on.

I talked her into calming down for a bit, but we ended up going upstairs, where she passed out on my chest.

Her hand rested on my shoulder while her head was on my chest. Her mouth was slightly open and she still had slight tear stains around her cheeks.

I didn't want to argue with her anymore, about anything. I just wanted to be there for her in the same way she has and would do for me.

I softly ran my fingers through her hair as she slept. After hearing all that she's been through, she deserved a refreshing nap.

Jess explained everything going on between her parents. How her dad started drinking and that they argued all the time, and what happened to Noah yesterday. It made me feel even worse because if I didn't argue with her yesterday, I could've helped her at home.

The only thing that still bothered me was that she waited so long to tell me all this. I knew that she trusted me but I was confused as to why she kept it to herself. Maybe she felt judged.. which really shouldn't have been the case.

Pushing my thoughts aside, I closed my eyes as well, slowly drifting asleep.

When I woke up, my room was darker, and Jess wasn't asleep. She was sitting up, looking at her phone. She ran her fingers through her hair, making the brown locks flow nicely.

I extended my arm far enough for my hand to reach her waist. "What's wrong?" I asked. She simply handed me her phone, showing me her text conversation with Noah.

Jess
Is dad home?

Noah
Not yet. But don't worry, he will be

Jess
Have you talked to him

Noah
I tried calling him but he didn't answer

Jess
Where did he even go

Noah
I don't know

Jess
Let me know if he comes home

Noah
I will. But calm down. Don't stress yourself over it, it'll be fine

She didn't respond after that, probably because she was already stressing over it.

I handed her phone back and sat up, wrapping my arms around her body. My chest was pressed against her back, allowing me to lean my chin on her shoulder.

"It's alright," I told her. "He'll come back. Maybe he just needed time to himself," I said.

She said nothing in response. All she did was put her phone down, and start fidgeting with her fingers.

"How do you want me to help you?" I asked her. "Actually, I know how to," I said, finally standing up.

Stretching, I extended my hand until she grabbed it. Leading her down to the basement, I opened the door to the studio and flipped the light switch on.

"Austin," she spoke in a tone that explained that she didn't want to do anything.

"Just try. It always helps you," I looked at her, before connecting my phone to the speakers.

I played the song to the most recent dance we learned, dragging her to the center of the room.

She started off bland, but as the seconds passed and the beat picked up, her enthusiasm gradually increased.

I focused on the choreography, but smiled at the same time. We hadn't danced in over a month. Not only was it because of the issue we ran into, but coincidentally, our entire team was on break.

The song ended, making both of us stop in our places. "Told you," I smiled at her.

A small smile creeped up upon her lips, but she tried to hide it, as she reached for her phone.

"He's still not home," she quietly said, as I shut off the music. "It's only been a few minutes," I mentioned.

Her eyes grew watery, but she sighed and looked up, immediately stopping herself.

"I should go," she said. I nodded, knowing she usually left around the same time. After gathering their things, I walked her out to her car.

"Tell me if anything happens, okay?" I told her, wrapping my arms around her. She nodded, softly kissing my cheek before pulling away.

"Aus, please don't tell anyone," she said. I knew she was talking about everything going on at home. I wouldn't tell anyone, anyway, but I nodded my head to assure her. "I won't."

I stepped back as she got in the car, seconds later, driving off.