Haunting Memories • J. Hughes

The Downfall

Jacks POV
I went home late at night thinking about what Kaileigh said. I thought for a while in the shower. When I got out it was four in the morning. I laid in bed unable to sleep. Then I realized it wasn't anyone's fault and it was everyone's fault. I read her note one more time. One line stuck out to me. You have plenty other people who love you and support you. I didn't. I thought some more. She had people who loved her. One was me. I hadn't seen her in a month. A second was Kai. They hadn't talked in months. And she had the boys. But they haven't seen her in nearly 10 weeks. Now for the positives. I texted her everyday. She texted Kai before she died, so she still trusted Kaileigh. And as for the boys they were always there for her a few were texting her and asking about her.

She had so many people who loved her.

I looked down at the bracelet Tatum gave me and I smiled.

After our fight last week I couldn't help but think about what she was doing right now.

Tatum's POV
I was sitting on my couch and doing a sketch of my favorite picture of Jack and I. I missed him. Just as I reached for my phone to FaceTime Jack his name lit up on the screen. I smiled.

As soon as I answered Jacks face came on the screen. "Hey Tati." He said. I always loved when her called me Tati.

"Hi Jacky." I said quietly.

"Babe, I just called to say I'm sorry. And I shouldn't have gotten so upset." Jack said with the most sincere voice I had ever heard from him.

"It's my fault. I shouldn't have blamed you because it's not your fault. I should have thought before I said anything." I said with so much love in my voice. "You can come over if you want." I said "I have something to give you!"

"Ok I'll come over." Jack laughed.

Jacks POV
I thought about that. I forgave Tati for everything she had done. I didn't care that she had blamed me for the wedge formed between her and Kai. I knew it wasn't my fault and I knew she knew it wasn't my fault. I loved, no I love Tati and no one can change that.

I didn't sleep that night and I got out of bed and made some avocado toast. I had a new outlook on life. I felt like I found some answers and I knew why Tati was gone. I missed her and I felt like there wasn't a good reason for her to be gone. She said she didn't have anyone who loved her. She had so many people who loved her.

"Morning." Luke said walking into the kitchen.

"Morning Dukes." I said trying to sound excited. "Want some toast?"

"No I'm good, I'm gonna make some juice." Luke replied.

"Alrighty I'm going over to Alex's house for a while." I told him. I would just show up at Alex's. He wouldn't care. I texted our group chat that I had with the boys, Tati and Kaileigh. I told them to meet at Alex's.

Turcs🐢
Why my house??

Johnny🏖
Cuz we like your house

Patty💰🖖
Welp can't turn around now trev and I are here

Turcs🐢
Ugh 😑

Kai🔆
Sucks doesn't it

Cauliflower🥦
Immmm heeerrreeeeeee

Huger🤴
Oh my god

I arrived at Alex's house and everyone was already there.

"There's the man of the hour!" Trevor yelled.

"Stop yelling." I laughed.

"Guys is Kai coming?" Cole asked hopefully.

"I don't know am I?" Kai laughed.

I went to sit on the couch next to Trevor and Alex. "Hey turcs, Hey trev."

"Hey Jacky how ya been." Alex asked.

"Pretty good. I was thinking for a while this morning. It's not my fault. It's everyone's fault." I told Alex.

"Glad you finally figured it out and came to terms with it." Alex said.

"Me too." I said "me too."