Martha treated us all to a lovely and fresh dinner after giving everyone a chance to rest up. Thanks to her relations with Thomas and James, she had access to all the fresh foods that the Lobsters had to offer. George had refused to rest though, and insisted on spending time with his family which I had to understand, and the 3 other Washington's very much appreciated it. The children were all given a room to share which they enjoyed, plus Georges, Phillip, and Theo liked having 2 more playmates. Martha gave Lafayette and Hercules a guest room on the first floor so that Herc wouldn't have to transverse the stairs as much, and Aaron and I were both given our own rooms, something I truly missed having while being on the road. Sleeping in an actual bed and not on the floor or on a couch was a major plus too. After dinner most people went back to bed after thanking Martha for the amazing meal, but John and I stayed awake. John excused himself to go outside and I stayed in the living room until I was the only one left, so I decided to go check on John to see if he was alright. Besides, it was about time we talked a certain something through...
I found John out on the back porch, leaning on the railing and looking out over the forest at the edge of the property line. "So. We're finally here" I called as I went to stand behind John as he looked over his shoulder at me "It appears so" He said before going back to his brooding. He tended to brood a lot it seemed. "Frances looks better" I said, trying to make some sort of small talk but it appeared John wasn't gonna have any of it. "Why are you out here?? Shouldn't you be sleeping??" John asked as I shrugged "I'm not tired. You know me, I don't sleep even if I was tired" I said as John sighed "You're impossible-" he muttered as I rolled my eyes "What's gotten into you man?? We're finally almost out of this godforsaken wasteland and you're just out here brooding" I said as John stood up straight "It's none of your business Alex" he said as he brushed past me and left to go down the porch steps and into the backyard proper
"Stop just brushing this aside Jack, it's clear something is bothering you" I called as I followed John down to the backyard. "Even if something was bothering me it's still just none of your business" John snapped as I heaved a sigh. "What's up with you man?? We see each other for the first time in years and you're mopping and aloof" I asked and John was silent for a moment "Let's just say not everyone got the blessed life you had before all this shit went down" John finally said as I pursed my lips, though it was hidden by my mask. "Jack- Martha's been dead for almost 8 years now. And I lost my Betsy and Little Angie when the volcano blew. We've all been through hardships, and you still have Frances" I said as John spun on his heels to glare at me "For someone so smart you just don't fucking get it do you?!" John snapped which took me aback
"John- what the hell are you even talking about??" I asked as John stayed silent but avoided eye contact with me. "Jack. Jack what the hell is going on??" I asked as I crossed my arms while staring at John, waiting for his response. "Alex.." John began after a minute of silence "Alex I-" he tried again before sighing "I've never really moved on from college-" he finally said and my face fell. Of all the things- that was definitely not what I was expecting. "You what..??" I asked after a moment. "John- that was years ago. You've been hiding that from me for what... nearly 10 plus years??" I asked as John stayed looking at the ground "Jack- Jack we broke up over 10 years ago and moved on!! We both married and had kids, what do you mean you still haven't gotten over it?!" "I know it's wrong!!" Jack snapped "I just can't fucking help myself alright?!"
My head spun and my emotions went completely haywire. How the fuck had John not moved on, and why hadn't I noticed anything."John- you loved Martha, you were crushed when she died, did all of that mean nothing to you or something?!" I asked as John turned away from me "Of course it meant something to me" John snapped. "I just... I don't know... there was something about what we had.. something I wasn't ready to let go of.." I had no words, what the hell was I supposed to say to all of this?? How could I tell John that I didn't feel the same way?? "You don't have to say anything else... you've made your position clear enough.." John said, still facing away from me. "You can go now.." "Jack I-" i tried to say, but it was clear John was done talking "You can go now Alexander" he said and I sighed before retreating back into Mount Vernon
I understand why John wanted to tell me his true feelings, but at the same time I wish he hadn't. Don't get me wrong,I know how important it is to get things off of your chest, but still... I guess I just didn't understand where John was coming from, and I don't think I ever will. I sighed heavily as I began to climb the stairs, only to run into George who was coming downstairs. "Ah, Alexander, I didn't think you'd still be up" He said as I took my mask off of my face "Yeah, well I'm going to bed now, what're you doing up??" I asked as George's face turned a bit red "I um- I just needed to ask Marquis and Hercules for something" he said as I tried to hold back a laugh "Well good luck, hope they aren't fucking for your sake" I said and waved goodbye to George before climbing the rest of the stairs as he went downstairs. Poor guy, I hope he doesn't walk in on Laf getting his guts rearranged. But then again, what could George want from-
Oh
Dear god
Could tonight get any worse??
YOU ARE READING
Ashen Heart
AdventureEveryone knew it was coming, but when it came, no one was prepared. The Yellowstone Volcanic eruption took out much of the Unites States, except for parts of the Eastern Coast which luckily took a minimal blow. Years later though, things have change...
