Torn: The Decision |J•D|

08

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"Yes" I stand up, fixing my dress and hair. "To keep in touch when I go home" Johnny sits up, swiping his hair from his face. "So what does this mean?" I frown at the question. "What do you mean?" Johnny stands up, grabbing a hold of my hips. "You know what I mean. I've waited all this time to have you back, I don't want to turn into distance friends that just, keep in touch"

I look down, realizing my reality at home. "What if that's all I can manage right now?"  His lips pull togther, fixing my fallen dress strap. "Well then, I'll need to be paient"  Johnny palms my cheek, gazing deep into my eyes. "All I know, is that I don't want to be without you"

"I'm sorry for leaving like that, It was easier that way"

"Those were the lonliest years of my life. But thats the past, it's irrelvent now"

We start walking towards the party. Shoes in hand and Johnnys arm around my waist. "I never wanted you to wait for me. I could never ask you to do that"  Johnny nods, holding me close.

"I know. I just- I couldn't see myself with another woman" he smiles down to me.

"You're it for me"  I look up meeting his gaze. He leans closer, planting a soft kiss on my lips. 

"Johnny!" Bethany yells from across the field. "Ugh, I'll be right back"  I watch as he runs over to her, running into her loud, aggressive tone. The two of them go back and forth, arguing.

*phone rings*

I roll my eyes answering the phone.

"Yes, Lewis?"

"Hey baby doll, How was the wedding?"

"It was a nice ceremony, I can't talk right now, I'm at the reception."

"I'm sorry doll, I'm missing you too much. I'm starting to get backed up, when can I see you?"

"When I get back home"

"but when?"

"I don't know Lewis, I have stuff to do when I get back."

"Well then send me a picture, I need to see that beautiful face"

"You have pictures of me already"

"I want one from today. I'll send you a picture of the load when I'm done"

"Please don't. I'm good, I gotta go"

"Don't forget about me"

*ends call*

Trust me, you'll never let me do that. I hold my phone out, taking a seductive selfie. As I lower the phone I notice Tommy standing alone, smoking a cigar. The thought of going over to talk crosses my mind. I shouldn't, he clearly hates my guts. But maybe he just needs clarity, If I don't start the conversation, then who will? I swallow my pride and head in his direction.

Heart pounding with each step, mouth drying with every second. What do I even say? Tommy notices me and looks in the other direction. "Can we talk?" No confidence whatsoever in my voice. Keeping his head turned and gaze diverted he coldly answers. "You can talk"

"You're hurt because I left, I'm sorry. But can you try to understand from my point of view?" No response, just another drag from his cigar. "Tommy, leaving for Texas was the toughest decision of my life. Do you have any Idea what that was like?"

He looks through me with furry in his eyes. "Really? It's nice to know that picking my brother over me was one of the easier decisions in your life" His sleek ponytail leaving his face open to enturpitation. Tense jaw and a pulsating vain on his temple, Tommy faces me head on.

"I didn't choose anyone over you. I left you both, that wasn't easy Tommy."

He huffs, shaking his head in disbelief. "Sure it was Melissa. Cheat on me with my brother overseas, come home and act like nothing happened." Taking a moment to make a thinking face, Tommy continues. "Except something's different. Oh! That's right, you couldn't even touch me without cringing away."

"Tommy-"

"You weren't going to tell me, I know you. You're selfish."

"That's not true" shame fills my voice. "I just needed time to think-"

"ABOUT WHAT?"

Growing anxious,  feeling of more eyes watching us. "You don't get to try both and act torn between the two. You already had me" Face red, eyes dark and blazing. Heaving with anger, Tommy keeps consistent eye contact. I look away with nervous fiddling fingers. "This was a mistake" 

"Seems like the theme with you"

I open my mouth to respond but the sight of Calla's swaying hips makes me reconsider. She approaches Tommy from behind, instantly wrapping around his  body. Rich black fabric loosely draped over her curves. Prefect medium brown skin, reflecting golden light.

Calla gently grabs his chin, stealing his attention. "You okay baby? , do you want to leave?" Tommy grabs her hand placing a kiss on her knuckles. "No, I'm fine love- I was actually about to come get you, My parents are waiting for us."  She smiles "Okay, could you grab me another drink before we go?" Tommy kisses her lips. "Of course"

Tommy walks away, without a second glance my way. Calla takes over Tommy's cold demeanor asking  "What are you doing?" 

"I was just trying to talk to him, clear up some things."

"Do you have any idea how painful this is for him? I don't need to be an attorney to see how your being here is brothering him" she moves closer, lowering her voice to keep between us. "I don't know what happened between the two of you and I don't care." She empathizes with her hand and dominates our eye contact. Face growing colder by the second. "Stay away from us. He made it clear how uncomfortable he is around you. Letting him enjoy his sisters wedding night is the least you could do."

With that she walks away joining Tommy on the other side of the party.

I feel small, insignificant and out of place here. I don't know what I was expecting. For him to swoon at the sight of me? To pick up where we left off? That's not realistic. I should just go home, forget all about this dumb trip. 

I grab my things, leaving the party without saying goodbye to anyone. Weddings are suppose to make you happy. I haven't felt this shitty since that morning on the highway.  Tommy hates me, Johnny endured eight years alone because of me. I'm finding it hard to like myself right now, so much for meaningful connections.

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Woooo!!! I'm back baby!

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGMENT !!!

1.Tommy is...

2. Calla is..

3. What should Melissa do about Johnny?

4. What secondary character would you like to see more of?

5. Predictions?