Talk Fast {Jesse Lingard}

12

    I woke up with the worst headache in the world and a glass of water and advil on my bed side table. Marcus left a note saying he was off at practice and would be back around three and it was already two thirty so I dragged myself out of bed. It was almost December and I would be driving home around Christmas with Marcus. I had yet to go shopping for clothes and gifts so I figured this would be a prime time. I threw on some sweats and some casual wear and left a note saying i'd be back.
      When I finally pulled up to the center I started window shopping. I didn't see much at first but after about fifteen minutes I was already on line in a little shop with random things inside. I had gotten Marcus one of his gifts which was a stress head because he is literally a stresser. I got some other few things for our families and figured i'd go to clothes next. I was on my second trip to drop off bags in my car when I passed a really cute jewelry shop. I saw Jena inside looking at bracelets and I was going to approach her but then she moved to the engagement rings. My heart plummeted, that wasn't actually happening was it? I kept walking to the car and dropped my stuff off and called it a day. It was already five so I drove myself home right away to tell Marcus.
     'Marcus I really have to tell you about what I just saw at the center.' I said barging in with three bags on each arm.
     'What is it?' He asked and I noticed Jesse was next to him watching a show.
     'I'll tell you later.' I said, walking to my room and placing the bags on the floor by my closet. I didn't want to see Jesse, not after yesterday and then this afternoon. I sighed throwing myself on the bed when Marcus walked in.
     'Jesse left just now, I told him it would be better if he left.' He half smiled and I really wanted to hug him. He literally knew every possible right thing to do ever.
     'What'd you see?' He asked laying next to me looking up.
    'I saw Jena at a jewelry store. I know it's crazy to assume but she was looking at engagement rings.' I sighed and Marcus jolted up looking at me.
    'No way!' He said in disbelief and I shrugged.
     'I mean maybe she was just looking you know.' I smiled trying to keep hope and Marcus agreed. It felt good that Marcus agreed because maybe there was hope. Dele had texted me but I told him everything and he apologized but I figured if I didn't answer then there was no problem. I just wanted Christmas to come faster, 30 days couldn't go slower.

Week before Christmas
     'I'm am so excited to be heading out tomorrow Marcus you don't understand!' I groaned placing my suitcases by the door ready for tomorrow morning.
     'You've been saying that for the past two weeks.' Marcus laughed flipping through the channels.
     'Have you gotten any shopping done ?' I asked him and he froze.
    'I forgot like two people, I should run out right?' He sighed and got up slipping on some shoes.
    'Want me to come?' I smiled and he shook his head.
    'You did not forget about me.' I said and he shrugged walking out. What a loser. It was five pm when the doorbell rang. I walked over and since I figured it was Marcus I opened it. It was Jesse, who I haven't seen since his birthday. We all went out to eat and it was pretty awkward but that was that. He had red eyes and tears were brimming his lower lashes. His cheeks were red and he looked so upset I just wanted to hug him but I didn't, I was strong. But I was still his friend.
     'Jesse are you okay? What's wrong?' I asked and he shook his head.
    'Where's Marcus?' He questioned and I was hurt that he wouldn't come to me but we've been distant.
    'He isn't here why?' I asked and he was turning to leave but I stopped him.
    'Jesse just tell me.' I said and he shook his head again.
    'I don't want you to know, is it that hard to get?' He spat back and I felt my heart shatter. Why couldn't he just tell me?
    'I don't know what happened but what's the big deal with telling me?' I crossed my arms waiting for a response.
    'I don't want you to hate me.' He said looking down softening his face.
     'Jesse, I tried to hate you remember ? It didn't work.' I laughed and he didn't budge. I grabbed his wrist and brought him inside.
    'What happened ?' I sighed sitting across from him on the couch.
    'I messed up and I deserved it I did. I hate myself so much I don't know what got into me and it doesn't justify my actions. I was stupid and drunk and stupid.' He sighed and I knew where it was going. He cheated on Jena. I wanted to text her to see if she was okay, I wanted to yell at him for even doing it but I needed to hear him.
    'Jesse, relax.' I said and he didn't even look at me when he spoke.
    ' I cheated on Jena with some mom. I was wrong and stupid and I don't know what even happened I was so drunk and I invited her over. It was stupid but Jena found out and I lost her and it's crazy but i'm hurt. I'm the one who hurt her but i'm hurt.' He said and I just looked at him, it was hard to hear him say but this was reality. He wasn't the perfect boyfriend or the perfect person. He was human and he messed up big time.
     'Jess.' I sighed and he looked up at me his face was tear stained.
    'No don't say anything I already know you think I'm a horrible person and you have every right to think that. Even though this was bad it isn't why me and Jena broke up.'