Her House, My Rules

Chapter 63

"Who is it? Hazel?" I asked, furiously. "Answer me."

"Look, It's Jack" She was telling the truth. This time. "He probably called your phone and couldn't find you." The tone of her voice crafted a little honesty. "Do you want to call him back? He's calling me again." She showed me her phone screen.

"Yeah." I agreed. "Let me answer." I picked up. Jack was screaming on the other line. Like he won an award or something. He was happy for sure but he didn't want me to know about it. He just kept telling me that everything is going to be alright. He was going to explain everything when he gets here. I know it was about that stupid prophecy. He didn't tell me anything but I knew deep down that he wasn't at the mall, buying clothes. He hates shopping.

He was probably digging for more secrets.

'I'll call you back. I love you, brother' His words touched me. Jack hung up. He didn't even give me a chance to say it back. He knew the truth. He knew that he was really important to me and I was willing to do anything to keep him safe.

"Is he okay?" Hazel asked, curiously. "Why that face?"

"Everything is fine." I gave her the phone. "He's coming home soon."

"Do you want me to leave?" She asked, nicely. "I don't want to give you more stress. I can come by tomorrow if that's okay with you."

"You came here to talk, right?" I coughed. "So talk." My last two words were as dry as my phone. "What's the difference between today and tomorrow? You're still going to give me headaches anyway." I sighed, boringly. "Talk, Madam."

"Happy birthday, Hawk." She sat next to me on the bed as she tried to give me a pop kiss. "What's wrong?"

"Please, don't kiss me." I turned away. "I'm not in the mood right now." As rude as my words sound, it wasn't really how I felt about the whole situation. I was dying to kiss her but I was weak. I didn't want to give in. I wanted her to deal with the consequences. I wanted her to know that she can't just walk out of my life and expect me to just take her back the next day. I wanted her to know what a real relationship is.

She was all about games.

I wasn't.

I wanted something real. I wanted us to fight for our love but how can I do that if she doesn't want to cooperate?

"I'm sorry..." She apologized as she backed away. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I'll keep my hands to myself from now on."

Stop Hazel. Don't do that!

Don't play the victim card here. You made me like this.

"If you're here to wish me a happy birthday then I appreciate it." I tried to be nice. "But don't expect me to believe your words or your excuses anymore. As I said earlier, I'm done with you." That lie killed me, completely. "And I don't think we should be together right now."

Oh God! That part murdered my soul.

Forgive me, Hazel. If I don't protect my heart, who will?

All you do is break it like it's some kind of useless glass.

"If you don't want to be in a relationship with me, I understand." She handed me a box. "But you can't say I didn't try."

"What's that?"

"Your present."

"Obviously." I snapped. "But what's in it?" The question perpetuated my mind, shockingly. "You didn't have to buy me anything." I was being honest. "A birthday without my dear father means nothing to me. Last year, my father got me a gold chain. It was a horse. That tiny little horse around your neck, Son, is a blessing from me. He said, smiling. One day, I'll be that white horse watching over you. That was the best birthday gift ever.