Worth It

(36) Annoying Phone calls From Annoying People

"Let me guess." My brother says, not bothering with niceties. "You were with - what was his name? Sam? Nick? - I know it was some average name like that." I roll my eyes. 

"What does it matter who I'm with?" I reply. "Aww. Are you jealous, big bro?" I mock. "Don't worry. No one could replace you." 

"Fuck off." Zayne says and I can just imagine him flipping me off. "I just," I hear him gulp, clearly uncomfortable with what he's about to say, but saying it anyway. "I know how you usually treat  your boys that you're with and I've never said anything because I figured you were just experimenting and would get over that when you got older. Maybe even want a relationship, but it never happened." He pauses and I want so bad to just hang up, but I rarely get to talk to him and even if I hate this conversation, he's still my brother.

"And then I heard that guy on the phone. His voice had actually shook with worry and I knew that he would push mountains to keep you safe. That's why I'm not going to insist that you come home because I know that he'll take good care of you; Make sure you're safe. You are safe, right?" He questioned.

"Yeah." I begrudgingly admit. Except for my leg being sprained, but I don't want to unnecessarily worry him, especially since my leg will be back to normal in three weeks. 

"I thought so." I can sense his damn smirk. Fuck! Even from all the way in New Jersey, I still want to wipe that smug expression off his damn face. "I may not know that guy personally, but I know that he's a keeper. Please, don't push this one away. You'll regret it." Zayne pleads. My brother actually pleads!

"Oh yeah? Like you don't push Anita away with all your bullshit?" I counter. Fuck him if I'm gonna sit on this damn taxi and listen to Zayne tell me how to live my life! No way.

"At least I go back to her." He retorts. Like that makes it any better? He knows Anita deserves better than what he can give her, but he's not ready for a big commitment yet and yet, he can't leave her and she can't leave him. Messed up, right? 

And then, by some miracle the taxi stops at the school. "I've got to go, Zayne. Talk to you later." And before he can protest, I hang up and put my phone in my pocket. I give the dude his money and then I struggle to get out. It's always fun walking in crutches. Not.

"Need some help?" I look up to find the last person I expected willing to help me. 

Jo; the girl I punched in the face.