Red Tiles

chapter 25

  It felt weird being at home. My iguana was gone. The whole terrarium, missing. Must have been my neighbor looking after him for me.

I rested on the couch, thinking of Jinx. I hoped everything would be ok. In the ambulance, they said I'd have to testify against her. I had to but I couldn't betray her. I wouldn't.

I rolled onto my side, burying my face into the back of the couch, groaning. What was I saying? Tommy was right, she kidnapped me, forced me to do things I never would have done, hurt me, and...and loved me.

Then it hit me; she loves me. I looked down at the ring. The silver of the band shone as I moved it, the glare blinding me for a moment. The gems in it were beautiful. It was an Emerald, my birthstone, on one side, a normal diamond in the center, and an Alexandrite stone on the other side. I wonder if that's Jinx's birthstone.

I twisted it around then stopped. Why was I still thinking about her? Is it possible that I could love her after what she did?

My thoughts were interrupted by a loud knock on the door.

I groaned and sat up, fixing my hair.

"It's open," I called. The knob turned slowly and the door opened. Tommy appeared.

I groaned again and laid back down, turning my back to him.

"Jay," he asked softly. "It's time. We have to go. The trial prep is in 20 minutes." I shook my head.

"No. Go away. I'm not going." He sat beside me and put a hand on my hip, gently rubbing up and down. I pushed his hand off.

"Jay, come on. Please. Talk to me. She can't hurt you anymore. Not while I'm here." The concern in his voice put tears in my eyes, but I remained silent.

"Please?" He waited for a response. I sat up and looked at him, tears running down my face.

"I love her, Tommy. I won't help you lock her up! Go away!" I got up and ran to the master bedroom and closed the door gently, falling back against it with a soft *THUD*.

How could he do this? Jinx didn't do anything wrong. I would never betray her.