Anger Issues

108

Jessica

I got home to a full house. Noah, Mom.. and Dad.

As soon as I shut the door, I was questioned. "You drove to Jersey?" Dad asked.

"What? No," I lied. Noah opened a box of cereal, shoving a handful into his mouth.

"The car has a tracker, Jess, you're fucked," he shrugged. "Hey," mom eyed Noah for his language.

I sighed, tilting my head to the side.

"Since when?" I asked. "Since forever," mom nodded. Dad stuck his hand out, making me roll my eyes.

After all that he's done, he should be the last person to take my phone.. but that's just my opinion.

"It's not like I skipped school, I had last period free. And I'm home before curfew," I pointed at the clock.

"Did you ask us?" Dad asked.

I scoffed, dragging my feet forward before handing him my phone, and heading towards the stairs.

"You'll get it back in the morning!"

Austin

I didn't wanna be mad at Jess. I really didn't. But she was making it so hard recently.. it's like she's leading me on. And I know she's not trying to, but she is. And she never tells me what's going on.

Usually after a while, I'd take the initiative to text her, but I was over it at this point.

Funny enough, as I finished that thought, I got a text from her.

Jess
My dad took my phone until tmr

Jess
I'm on my laptop

Jess
I'm so sorry aus. I promise I'll explain. Please don't be mad at me

Normally I'd answer, but again.. I'm over it. I didn't have the energy to start an argument, I didn't have the energy to act like it was okay, so saying nothing was the best option for me.

"Yo," Caleb opened my door. "Dinners ready in a few," he said. "Okay," I nodded.

So, I continued my day like usual. Just without talking to Jess.

The next day though, would be different. I woke up and got ready, then drove down to Jess' house to pick her up.

She said she'd get her phone back, so I finally brought myself to text her after ignoring her last messages.

Me
I'm outside

I continued scrolling through my phone until I saw her walk down the porch from the corner of my eye. Unlocking the doors, she came in and sat beside me.

"Hi," I could tell she was about to lean in for a kiss, so I put my phone down and looked at the road, before starting to drive again. 

"Seriously?" She sighed. "What?" I glanced at her, even though I knew why she questioned.

"What happened yesterday?" I asked. "I'm waiting for Nikki to text me back so I know if I can tell you or not," she quickly responded.

"Why do you need permission to-" "Because it's not my life and if I were her I wouldn't want people blabbing about it," she cut me off.

I sighed, pulling to a red light.

I felt guilty, honestly. Only because I knew that when Jess came into the car, she was happier and willing to talk to me. But when I started giving her attitude, it reflected back to her.

But, I did have something that could potentially make us both feel better. I looked around outside subtly, before pulling the pen out of my pocket, and turning it on.

"Can you text Corey for me and tell him I'm gonna need a new cart?" I glanced at her, getting a nod.

As I started driving again, I put the metal between my lips and breathed in, hearing the smoke hiss.

"Nikki's pregnant."

"What?" I coughed, the smoke flying out of my mouth as I jerked my head towards her.

"Yeah that's why I had to go see her yesterday," she fanned the smoke away from her face, still looking down at her phone.

How do I always end up being the asshole in these situations?

I pulled over, making her look at me with furrowed eyebrows.

"Are you serious?" I asked, looking at her. She nodded.

"What is-" "Babe I'll explain later, I have a test first period, can you please drive?" She cut me off again.

How could this happen just months apart.. everything I felt then, I was feeling again.

I looked down, still processing what she said. The poor girl.. she's only 15.

I pulled onto the road and started driving again, but an odd silence fell upon us. Like we both wanted to speak, but neither of us knew what to say.

"Corey said it's gonna be $40. He only has one with him so if you want it you have to get to him before class," she spoke. "Okay," I nodded, fidgeting with the pen.

I took another pull, not choking on the smoke this time. Jess held her hand out, signaling for me to give her the pen.

Usually I'd tease her before giving it to her, but she needed it. We both did.

After school, I saw Jess on her phone walking towards my locker. We didn't have many classes together, but my mood was lifted, and I hoped hers was, too.

I reached for her hand, getting her attention. "I love you," I quietly said, kissing the top of her head.

She looked up at me, almost like she was shocked, but I played it casual and kept walking towards the exit.

When we got to my car, I drove about a block away before Jess finally spoke.

"Do you want me to tell you what happened?" She asked, playing with my hand.

I nodded. "Please."

"Remember Angelo?"

And that's how I knew she was going to blame herself for all this.