JADE
I felt a thorn plucked out of my side once I told Perrie the secret I have kept on my own for some time now. I never thought that doing so would lighten its burden upon me. Her listening to me like this made me appreciate her presence all the more. Though that did not mean that I am ready to face him yet.
Hard as it is to admit, Perrie was right. Jesy needed some guidance, help in controlling her anger. And I need to be away from her since I am the very target of that anger. We thought of getting a helper.
When I got home the morning after the incident with the cabbie, I submitted an ad to get someone employed as my help. And the first person to contact me was an old friend of Jesy's. Demi was Jesy's block best friend but on third year, she decided their course wasn't what she really wanted in life so she moved to another town to pursue caregiving. On consulting with Perrie, I felt happy that it was someone Jesy had known and was close to, aside from having not been involved in the accident at all. She is the perfect person to be helping with Jesy.
Perrie always reminded me to never again sleep on the living room couch or in the living room at all, worried that Jesy might end up killing me in one of her fits. I keep that in mind, but somehow, my human nature falls down that couch after a really tiring day, without my intention. So, whenever I get home, Perrie would ring me and remind me to get up to my room and lock up. I'm not sure if it was my absence from the living room at night to hurt me or the bit of ignoring her after bringing her a daily meal or the fact that I have installed locks on the plate cupboards that some mornings, I find no mess to clean up. Whichever is the real reason, it obviously relieved Perrie to know that I haven't had any bad encounters with Jesy ever since. I personally felt less stressed out.
At last, the day came when Demi messaged me that she is travelling back to our town. A wave of relief washed over me. But also, there is nerve. How can I tell her that she might not be able to see Jesy since my sister never opens her door unless it was to go wreck the kitchen?
Perrie offered me the answer. She would go with me when I meet up with Demi, to support me so I don't break down telling the tragic story.
We met Demi at the train station just as she arrived into town, and headed to one of the cafes nearby. With Perrie by my side and holding my hand, I felt confident and strong enough to tell details to Jesy's old friend. But there was something that made me feel uncomfortable having her here. I could have regretted having her come along-it was as if Demi came here for her. She was staring at Perrie while I was telling her about Jesy, and I swear I even saw her send a flirty wink towards my blonde. Even though I have not officially got myself in a relationship with Perrie, I felt a pang of jealousy seeing that. My hand gripped a bit tighter on Perrie's hand under the table.
After I have given the important details to Demi, I told her to go on ahead to her lodging while I and Perrie are picking up something at my studio. I was somehow glad to see the glint of disappointment in Demi's eyes.
Perrie drove us to the studio after parting with Demi not knowing that there is really nothing to pick up. As soon as the door locked behind us, I turned around and wrapped myself around her. No hiding it anymore.
PERRIE
As she embraced me, I also put my arms around her. I could get used to these embraces. But the next thing, it may get a lot to wrap my head around. She leant upwards and placed her lips on mine! My heart jumped at that and my lips had a will of their own responding to the sensation. And I realized how she gripped my hand when that Demi girl winked at me. Is she jealous?
When we broke apart to breathe, I saw it in her eyes.
"What was that for?" I asked as innocently as I could sound.
She sighed. "I can't hold it anymore than I ever did. I hated that she's flirting with you."
I chuckled. "Can't help if I'm that attractive."
Her hand flew to her mouth as she gasped. "You liked her?"
I pulled her back into my arms. "Would I be here with you instead if I liked her?"
She shrugged.
"Jade... I turned serious. "I know you've told me before..."
She looked up at me, some new confidence shining in the brown of her iris.
"Perrie, isn't it clear to you yet?" Her smile showed her genuine happiness. "You caught me already before I could fall, and I'm continuing to fall."
Wow. I have waited to hear this from her. I guess Leigh was right, patience goes a long way.
I cupped her face gently. "You have no idea how much this means to me now." The joy in my heart is overwhelming that I could not believe this is really happening. Jade has let me in.
She came to me and kissed me again to make me believe it without saying the words. Just that simple gesture made me alive. This means she is giving me a chance after all. We can't label us for now, but someday I'll ask her to be my girlfriend. That would be a glorious day. Though with what I just got today, this is glorious as well.
