Scars from the Impossible

~ Chapter 21 ~

Jerry looked at me. He wanted to know my story first? What could I possibly tell him? Without him hating me?

Was it so wrong to keep a secret from him?

"I can't," I whispered. There was too much for me to say. No, Jerry didn't need to know my story.

Jerry looked at Liam.

There were tears--TEARS?--in Liam's eyes.

Liam started. I expected him to say something about the situation in our families. What happened. To go into specific details. And yet, his words shook me.

"Look Jerry--I can't tell you what happened. You don't understand. You can never understand. You think life is all about sunshine and puppies and that's NOT what it's about. You're luckier than you think. Other people- well, not so much. And I don't care that you like her. Okay? She has completely destroyed my life, she has killed my mother, and she has ruined any chance of me ever having a healthy relationship with my father. Everything is her fault, and I will never forgive her. I do not care what you think. And, well, if you want to be friends with her still...well, I cannot be friends with you anymore then."

Jerry stared at Liam, his mouth agape. I doubted I was any less surprised.

I destroyed his life? I killed his mother? I ruined a chance of him having a healthy relationship with his father? What does any of this have to do with me? How is any of this my fault???

Liam walked away. Jerry didn't try to stop him. He just stood there, his head drooping. I felt bad for him, but what could I do?

I reached out to hug Jerry, but I didn't think he would want a "killer" comforting him.

I heard my foster mom calling my name. She was looking for me.

"I--I should go," I told Jerry. He didn't even respond.

I wanted to stay and explain this to Jerry. I wanted to explain why Liam and I just couldn't be "friends." But it's impossible.