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Jocelyn came face to face with Delilah, her eyes glaring and ready to fight. Delilah however wanted nothing more than to run, but she couldn't be a coward. She'd have to face this head on. Jake and Ronnie moved in front of her, as if they were her protectors. She even felt Sam behind her, a hand close by.
"You ruined my relationship," she yelled, breathing out harshly. The whole world had stopped and listened. A few even took out their phones, hoping for a fist fight.
"Jocelyn -"
"No, Jake! She did. This pretty blonde skinny girl came in and took you from me. Just like they always do." She went to go at Delilah but Emery held her back.
"Jocelyn, you need to stop," Emery struggled. Josh quickly grabbed the other side of Jocelyn. Delilah suddenly felt sorry for her. She was right, she came her out of nowhere and then Jake and her break up. She felt guilty again too. She pushed Jake to the side softly and met Jocelyn face to face.
"Dee-"
"It's okay. Let her go." Emery and Josh were hesitant, knowing what she could to do the small Delilah. She nodded at the two with a small smile.
Once she was free, Jocelyn was in her face like a bull. Her eyes were wide, with her nose flaring. If only she had a nose ring, she thought. "You ruined my relationship. You came from wherever and then made Jake leave me." Delilah made a face of confusion, but said nothing as she watched her eyes water. "Why'd you even come here?"
Delilah answered truthfully, "I had cancer."
Jocelyn, plus everyone around them, were in shock. Cancer was common nowadays, but people never thought that it would be the people that they knew or cared about.
"..what?" Jocelyn had quieted down. Delilah looked everywhere else, looking at the people.
"The shows over!" she yelled at them. "You can go now." People were quick to move while some still waited to see what would happen. Delilah sighed, "Once you have cancer you have a chance to get other ones. So, my family and I decided to leave Phoenix." Delilah felt a chill and crossed her arms to keep herself warm. "It is one of the most polluted areas so it would have made lung cancer a higher chance. So, that's why we moved here. That's the reason." She finally looked back at Jocelyn. "I would never have intentionally broken up a relationship, but I should have stayed out of your business." This time, Jocelyn put her head down. The whole group was silent. "Jocelyn, there's a lot more to life than bad relationships and letting it control you. Trust me, I've let cancer control me for the past three years. And apparently, there are some underlining of past trauma that's stopping you from trusting your relationships."
"I know," she said so softly. "I'm sorry.. I."
"You didn't know. So there's no need for an apology. Really, I should be sorry." Jocelyn looked up at her. She was trying to hold in her tears, but it wasn't working. Her face was red as were her eyes. She walked away, with Emery close behind her. For a moment, Josh was hesitant, but then also followed. The rest of the group didn't know what to do or say.
"I really hope you don't get it again," Ronnie whispered, breaking the tension.
"Me too." She looked over at Jake who was staring at her; like he couldn't believe that she had had cancer. "I think it's time for me to go home."
"I'll take you." Jake was quick with his answer. She nodded and followed Jake. Along the way, she smiled at Sam, giving him a nod as a thank you. He gave one back, having a small frown on his features.
Jake was a gentleman and opened the car door for her. On the way home, they were quiet. Not until they were in her driveway did they talk.
"I had a good time." Delilah smiled.
"Even with the whole Jocelyn thing?"
"Yes. But I think she needed to know why I came here. I mean, you are in a famous band."
He chuckled, "True." But his smile dropped, "You had cancer?"
"I did."
"Will it come back?"
"Possibly. But I try not to think about it. Even though I keep people at a distance."
"Mm, i've noticed."
"Hey."
"Come on. The first time we met you barely talked to anyone. And the only person you do talk to is Ronnie, but even then, she is still kept at a distance. You haven't even talked to her about what's happening did you?"
"No," she hadn't said much of a word to Ronnie about what happened between her, her father, and Rose. It was too embarrassing.
"I didn't think so." His tone wasn't exactly nice.
Delilah became frustrated, "Okay, I know I have flaws. And not putting myself out there, but you have no idea what I went through okay." She went to open the door, but he stopped her, putting a hand on her arm.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I know that I have no idea. I want you to talk to me about it. That's what I was saying, darlin'. That you should let someone in."
She sniffed a little, "Well let's think about it for a second. Who was it that I talked to about my problems? Who had defended me? I believe that was you. I don't let people see me cry, Jake, but you've seen me cry. I think that shows I've let you in." He smiled.
"I'm sorry for hurting your feelings." He brought her close and hugged her. "I've kept you long enough. Have a good night and sweet dreams." She kissed his cheek before getting out.
"You too, Jake." She shut the door and made her way inside. It wasn't usually dark inside, but the only light that was on was the living room. She slowly walked in, "Mom? Dad?" She heard rustling and an 'Oh crap' coming from the living room. When she stood outside of it, she saw something rather disgusting.
