Love Happens (Stopped)

Nineteen - Why is your face red?

Jason:

Lennox kept talking my ear off. 

Coupled with the noise from the loud music at the party, it was a double assault on my ears. She held a tight grip on my arm as we walked around the place. It felt as though she didn't want to give me a chance to escape, which only made me want to flee even more. 

"This is a great party isn't it?" she screamed in my ear. 

I just nodded in agreement as we walked to the table with drinks. Maybe she'd shut up once she put a solo cup to her mouth. We stood watching several people go wild on the dance floor, Nicki and Kim included, and I could only hope she wouldn't drag me into it too. I never needed to use dancing as an excuse to get physical with a girl.

That's what bedrooms and hidden corners are for. 

Eventually we found a couch to sit on where Lennox chatted to me for what felt like hours on end. The sugary punch did nothing to reduce her energy levels. Plus her giddiness was added to by the fact that she'd arrived at the party with a god.

But that was precisely the problem. I couldn't bare to keep up this charade any longer. You're really gonna break up with a girl at a party? Now or later, it's going to happen anyway. I looked at the girl with her brown eyes beaming at me like I was the best thing that ever happened to her. How could I crush her spirit?

"Lennox, could we go somewhere private for a moment?" I asked. She jumped up excitedly and grabbed me by the wrist, dragging me off the couch. 

I immediately regretted the way I had phrased that since she clearly had something else in her mind but I just wanted to talk. We wandered around the house for several minutes before we found an empty hallway. It was practically deserted compared to the living room we'd just left. 

We stopped somewhere in the middle of the hallway when Lennox turned around and grabbed me by the round neck of my t-shirt. I grabbed her by her wrists, making her pause with her lips only a hair's breadth away from mine.

"We need to talk," I whispered.

"About what?" she asked as her eyes already searching mine for answers. She pulled away and stood with her arms folded. It's time to rip off the band aid.

"Lennox, you're cute and fun and really sweet but I just..." I trailed off, scratching the back of my head. Our eyes met and I could have sworn I saw tears in her eyes. "This isn't going to work," I finished. 

"What? Are you kidding me? You're dumping me at a party? You were my freakin' ride here!" She was angry, and justifiably so. 

"I could still drive you home," I said.

"Forget it, I'll find my own way." She stormed off then as if on second thought she ran back to me. She slapped me in the face. She walked away again and this time she did not return. Just like that the 'relationship' had ended as quickly as it began. 

I decided to leave the party. Maybe I would channel all the frustration I had into another painting or something. I looked around for a back door in order to avoid bumping into Lennox, or anybody else for the matter. She'd no doubt be spreading news around about how she'd been dumped at a party by some douche.

Once I found the back door I was practically about to sprint out of the property. But then something caught my eye in the distance; a shimmering green dress. The girl sat on a bench in a gazebo in the back yard. She was far from all the buzzing and 'fun' inside the party. Her shaky movements meant she was either cold, or crying. 

Curiosity got the best of me and I found myself stepping closer in her direction. My footsteps ruffled the grass beneath, startling her. She looked up and to me. Even with nothing but moonlight, I could recognize that pair of green eyes. 

"Jennifer?" 

"Jason?"

"What are you doing out here?" She didn't answer. Instead she just shifted her gaze to the ground and wiped her face with the back of her hand. 

Yep, she's definitely been crying. 

I sat next to her on the bench. I got a better view of her dress. Even sitting down, it fit her perfectly and not to mention it showed off her legs. But now was not the time to let my mind wander again.  She must have noticed me staring because she pulled down the hem a bit. I decided to shift my gaze to her eyes instead.

They seemed puffy and reddened. A slight jab of pain hit me at the sight of it.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" I asked. 

"I... I don't wanna bother you really," she sniffled.

"It's no bother, really," I gave a small smile. 

"I'll tell you. But only if you answer my question,"

"Which is?"

"Why is your face red?" We chuckled in unison. 

"Um, Lennox slapped me in the face," her face furrowed again at the mention of her name, "I broke up with her."

"Oh." Then there was silence. I was about to tell her it was her turn before she finally spoke up. 

"Well, I'm not gonna go into much detail but... Basically I've learned not to be so naive. A guy who kisses you after only knowing you for a few hours isn't really looking to have a serious relationship," she gave a strained chuckle. 

"I mean, I did my hair and put on this dress for him basically. All he wanted was what's underneath it. I could be at home watching Grey's Anatomy with my mom or something," she chuckled, this time it felt more genuine. '

"If it makes you feel any better, you look great tonight," I said. Now her face was red. 

"Thank you." 

The moon shined on her face through a gap in the roof of the gazebo. She really was beautiful. It felt as though she'd inched closer, tempting me. I began picturing it in my mind; I would kiss her, she would love it, it'd erase all her memory of whatever else happened tonight and we'd start something. She placed her hand on top of mine, as though she was encouraging me to make the move.

But I couldn't.

Right now she just needed her space. It'd feel like I was taking advantage of her. She brought her face closer to mine, a spec of dust away. I could feel her warm breath on my face. I pecked her cheek and got up from the bench. 

"Come on, let's get you home."

A/n: It's been ages since I wrote anything. To anyone reading this, I love you! 

Votes and comments are welcome. :)