Time to Move On

The Next Day (Sunday)

I took out my phone and called Jo first thing.

"Morning Jo!"

"Hey Cathy!" a pause grows between us...

"I told him."

"Cathy that's good! You're improving!" Jo rejoiced.

"I talked to him about Jax after our swim."

"How was that by the way?"

"Hard but doable. The water was a little cold, but the scenery made up for it." I smile.

"What was Chris's reaction?" she asks, with a hint of uneasiness.

"He was so understanding, it was cute." I said coyly. "We strolled by the water and we had a moment."

"That's so romantic Cathy! I'm so happy for you!"

"Ok we have to go back to school. I need a break from all this, ok?"

"Yea, I wasn't planning on doing the concert anytime soon. Oh, and I'm feeling better, thanks for asking!" Jo sarcastically said.

"OMG, I'm so sorry. It's just that alot was on my mind."

"No it's fine. I get it. We are bffs afterall."

"Ok, see you at school tomorrow."

"Bye!"

Just as I set my phone down, BUZZ!  I look and it's a text from Chris:

"Hey, you ok?"

"Yea, wbu?"

"I'm doing fine, just wanted to check on you "

"Thx for understanding, it really helps"

"Np"

The rest of the day went by in a blur. I binged watched some Stranger Things, ate a box of pizza by MYSELF (accomplished), and treated myself to a tub ice cream. By dusk the house started getting dark. Mom came home and is preparing dinner.

"How are things going with Chris?" she asks abruptly.

"Mooooooom." I sigh.

"Hey, I just want to know."

"Great actually, if you want to know so badly." I roll my eyes.

"Good! Did you tell him about Jaxson?"

"Yes and he was sympathetic and understanding."

"That's great!  He's a keeper." Mom says. I laugh knowing that she's right. I go to bed early today to get ready for school tomorrow. I toss and turn in bed that night. Nightmares back and forth haunt me of Jax. A fuzzy picture where I'm only clear. I turn and look around confusingly. I don't know where I am. There are many colors surrounding me. And lots of noise. They almost sound like drowned out cars. Moving images make it harder to comprehend. Then all of the sudden a loud crash. Something explodes and I shield my face. Everything feels real, though I know it's not. Then I realize it's Jaxson's death. I wake up screaming and I find Mom in my room. "Jaxson" I softly say. "Come back". My mom holds me as I cry in her arms. "Oh honey,"