A Tortured Soul

Chapter 44

Late that night JT and Jessie retired to their room upstairs leaving Tatiana downstairs with Justin. He noticed she was upset, (probably about the fight she and her ex had earlier) so he sat down next to her and stared at her playfully. Every time she looked at him, he would wink and smile at her causing her to smile and laugh a little. “What’s wrong babe?” he asked. “It’s nothing, I’m sorry.”
“No need to apologize, I know your upset. I can see it, talk to me.”

She paused and took a deep breath before speaking. “Do you know why I moved in with you and JT?” she asked, believing that was the best way to start the conversation. “Not really, no.” he answered shrugging his shoulders and taking another sip of vodka. “Mom and dad thought it was a good idea for me to be here because they believe you and JT can protect me.”
“Protect you? Protect you from what? Do you have a mafia after you or something?” he joked. She let out a slight laugh and said no. “Why do you need protection?” he laughed again finding sexual humor in his question.
“Because of Jonathan.”
“What do you mean?” Justin stopped laughing and felt a serious and uncomfortable conversation emerging. “Well, do you remember a long time ago when we were kids, you found me in the slide hiding and holding my face?”
“Yea. Oh shit, please don’t tell me what I think you are about to say.” He said putting his cup down so he wouldn’t get pissed and throw it across the room to shatter spilling what little bit of vodka he had left in the cup all over the wall and floor. “He is the one that hit me. We have been dating since we were young. At first, he was so good to me, but I don’t know, something happened, and he became a different person. I have tried for several years to get away from him but no matter where I go, he always seems to be there. He has been abusing me for a long time.
“You got to be shitting me.”
“Nope.” She said shaking her head slightly, giving him a serious and sad look.
“I know exactly what changed him.”
“What?”
“His dad.”
“Was his dad abusive or something? I never met him. Jonathan wouldn’t let me.”
“No, he was a great man, he was all Jonathan had, he got sick, Jonathan found out and freaked. Next thing you know his dad passed away; they were really close.”
“How do you know that?”
“Well, if the man was still alive, I wouldn’t be able to answer that question but since he is not, I guess I can tell you. When I ran away, he is the one that found me and took me in. I lived with them for a few years until he got sick, then I left.”
“What?”
“Yea, well, come on you can sleep with me tonight! Don’t worry I’m not going to bother you! I just feel like we could both use some company, lets go.”

For the next few days JT and Jessie began noticing that Justin and Tatiana started getting close. They sat next to each other a lot, (well, more like she was sitting down somewhere, and Justin would flop down next to her). To Jessie it seemed like they had a thing for each other, she and JT both knew Tatiana liked him and has for a very long time. To JT (being just as oblivious as Justin), it just seemed like Justin was breaking her out of her hard ass shell, helping her learn to enjoy life again, and smile again. Justin was always fun to be around, and he figured Justin was just being his normal goof ball self because he noticed her depression mode; JT missed seeing his sister happy, she hadn’t smiled like that in a long time.

They also noticed that Justin didn’t drink as much since the two began talking more. Jack and May stopped by frequently to check up on things, to make sure Tatiana was ok, and just to sit and chat for a while. On Tatiana’s birthday JT, Jessie, Justin, Jack, and May celebrated with her. May brought a large buffet, confetti, (because even though confetti was slightly childish, it was Tatiana’s favorite part) loud music, thanks to JT, and of course drinks, thanks to Justin. “Come on Justin, nobody likes their punch that strong!” JT joked. “Pansy!” was Justin’s only response.

A loud thud on the door pulled everyone’s attention from the festivities. “Who the hell is beating on my door like a damn cop?” Justin yelled as he turned the music down; no answer. JT opened the door since he was closest. “Jonathan?” He said loud enough for everyone to hear and prepare for a bad run in. “Oh, hell no! You were not invited! Get the hell out of my house!” Justin yelled. Jonathan stepped in and closed the door softly. “Oh, come on Justin, don’t be like that! After all my father has done for you! You don’t wasn’t to invite me to my girl’s birthday? What a shame.” He said smiling. “I don’t want you here Jonathan! Go away!” Tatiana said taking a few steps backwards to stand near Justin.

Jonathan, Tatiana, and Justin were the only ones that knew what Jonathan’s father had done for Justin. “You heard her Jonathan, now go!” Justin said grabbing Tatiana’s hand and stepping in front of her to keep Jonathan back. “What is this? Are you two dating now?” Jonathan asked feeling his heart begin to race. “What does it matter? She is single she can be with anyone she wants!” Justin said making it clear that she was single. Jonathan paused and felt a deep urge to destroy, pass over him. He reached behind his back and pulled out a gun, took aim, and fired.