Forever and a Day

CHAPTER 8

ZOE’S P O V

                I can’t believe what had just happened. Everything I once believed in was now a huge lie. I know now what I once knew was wrong and I had to compose myself into a new life. I can’t help but ask myself questions. How long have Jake been dating another gargantuan girl? What part of that girl did he like in the first place? Am I any better than her? And more importantly… did he ever truly love me? These questions were seriously bugging me… but I had better things to do. I pulled over a convenience store and bought a couple of medical supplies for Toby. He was hurt… but Jake took a beating. Toby always goes to the gym and practice boxing and taekwondo. He had a sharp edge over Jake. Why am I so worked up about that jerk anyway? After what he did to me, I shouldn’t even think about him anymore. I didn’t deserve any of this shit.

                I pulled up to our driveway in silence. It’s a good thing our parents had their business trips so we had the house to ourselves. When dad finds out what Jake had done to me and Toby, he’s gonna go nuts and throw a bomb at him or something.

“Can you walk?” I asked Toby eyeing him with concern.

After all, it was all my fault that he got beat up.

“’Course I can. I’m not as weak as Morgan,” Toby replied sternly.

Okay, so big loving brother phase is over. He’s back to being the usual pain in the ass. We walked to the house in silence but I felt him lean closer as we walk… he was trying to keep my safe. What a sweet act.

                He slumped down the love seat and put his palms over his face. He let out a little groan and I quickly unpacked the medical supplies and took care of him. After I was done mending his wounds and bruises, he pulled me into a sly hug.

“Thanks,” he muttered sincerely.

I hugged him back and pulled away after a short while.

“Are you gonna be okay?” He asked looking away as if this conversation was as awkward as a conversation of two people who just met.

“Of course I am. It’s not like crying a million tears would change anything. I mean, he already k… kissed her,” My voice broke slightly on the word “kiss” and I almost broke down in tears when the memory of Jake kissing the gargantuan girl flashed back as if it was happening right now.

My cell phone rang and Jake was calling. The caller ID still read “BABY” A wave of a million memories suddenly rose and washed over my strength. Without any more control, I harshly pressed the end call button and burst into tears. Toby pulled me in another hug again.

“That’s okay… Just let it out. I won’t let him near you again, okay?” Toby patted my back and kissed the top of my head. He pulled away and looked at me.

“Big brother’s got you, okay?” He said reassuringly and smiled.

“But of course… you’ll owe me for this,” He added jokingly.

I wiped away the tears with the back of my hand and let out a forced smile and laughter.

                I gave him a slight nudge and told him I wanted to call it a night. He made a couple of bad puns then let me go up to my room. When I was finally alone I let it all out. The tears fell nonstop and I sobbed along with it. I was always a brave person and I usually never cry. But how can I be brave when my courage’s gone? Every breath… every smile, laughter and tear has come to this. Every bit of love has come to an end. I really thought he was the one but it was over before I even felt it begin. Who am I going to lean on when times get rough? Jake was all the courage I had. Without him, I feel vulnerable. I now feel like I am open to all the dangers the world has to offer. Who am I gonna lean on when times get rough? The sensation of safety and security suddenly vanished in midair.