Torn (Torn Heart) (22 page)

Chapter 27

Skylar

After dinner, we eat pies of all variety; some store bought and some my mother made. I’m still stuffed from dinner, but manage to nibble on a sliver of pumpkin pie smothered in cool whip and vanilla ice cream.

I got multiple texts from Randa and Monica wishing me a Merry Christmas. I replied. But I got nothing from Jackson.

When there’s a knock, my head jolts in the direction of the door. My mother gets up to answer and when she comes back, my stomach sinks. It’s just Brandon. I force a smile though because this is the joyous time after all. There’s no room for sulking, I’ll save that for tomorrow.

He greets us and joins in on the dessert. My dad would’ve loved this. He was always in favor of a big gathering. The saying, ‘the more, the merrier’ rang true in his beliefs.

We soon gather around the Christmas tree and pass out gifts. I got my mom a new designer purse, Jared a new wallet, and Paul a family photo framed of all of us together from three summers ago
, before my dad’s accident. We’d gone camping close by the water. We were all so happy together.

He thanks me with a hug. But then I give him his second gift; a ‘World’s Greatest Dad’ mug. He may not be
my
dad, but he’s a hell of a dad to two amazing boys. That counts, right?

“Here baby.” My mom hands me a wrapped gift. I inspect it before eagerly tearing the paper.

My mouth opens wide as I open my new kindle e-reader. I always preferred reading paperbacks, but this is a great surprise. “Thank you, mom.”

She holds her hand up, “Wait, there’s another one.” She hands me a smaller gift. I tear off the paper, holding a Barnes & Noble gift card.

I look at her in confusion. “You do know these are two different companies, right?” She nods in understanding. “So why’d you get me a kindle and a gift card to B&N?”

She laughs, “I got you a kindle so you can get cheap books on there. And the gift card is for books you want in print. There’s fifty bucks on the card, spend it wisely.”

‘Spend and ‘wisely’ don’t go together when it comes to books. I wrap my arms around her, “Thank you mom. I love it!”

We open the rest. Jared got me a new paint set. I notice Brandon and my mom exchange a look before he leaves the room. They’re up to something, I think.

When he comes back, I see my line of thinking is correct. He hands me a basket wrapped in bows. “This is from your mother and me.”

I lift the very big sheet and tear off the bows, peering into the basket and gasp.
“Mom!”

She points to Brandon, “It was his idea,
I just went along with it.”

I pull the miniature sheltie pup into my arms, cradling the adorable fur ball. I’ve always wanted a pup. I check and see it’s a girl, “I love her
, guys! Thank you!”

Brandon pets the top of her head, earning a lick. “I figured everyone ought to own a dog once in their life.
Your mom said you always wanted a dog and this was your favorite breed.”

I nod, scratching the back of her ear. “Thank you. This is so awesome!”

Jared comes up beside me and pets her too. “What are you gonna name her?”

I kiss her wet nose before I say,
“Bailey.”

Jared and I make a trip to Wal Mart for a doggy bed and supplies. I’ve never owned a dog, so I have no idea what they need besides food and water, and the obvious love and attention. Luckily he’s had a dog once, so his help is much needed. And we only have thirty minutes left before closing, so we grab all the necessities and pay.

“Are you sure that’s everything I need right now?” I ask as the cashier scans the items.

Jared picks out a pack of gum and tosses it down with the rest of the stuff. “Yes. You just need a bowl for food, water, and of course puppy chow.”

“I guess she’ll sleep with me, so I don’t need the doggy bed.”

“You need a crate, though. I’ll go get it.” He leaves the line. I’m next, but the guy in front of me has a lot of groceries.

I scan a magazine, waiting and get involved in one of the stories, so I buy it.

When Jared returns, he puts the crate in the cart. “I also picked up some puppy treats. They love treats, but only give her a treat a day.”

I do the scouts honor gesture, “Got it. Thank you, my awesome buddy.” I give him a big hug.

Lying in bed with my new gift, well gifts since I’m reading a book on my new kindle and Bailey’s cuddled with me and her chew toy, my eyes start to drift shut.

My phone dings and I bolt upright. I peel off the covers and reach for my phone off the nightstand. Bailey’s in my face licking me, demanding my attention. I pet her, looking over the text ten times, well okay, five times. But I strain my eyes, scanning the message, wondering if I’m just really tired or if Jackson’s name is showing up.

Jackson: Merry Christmas. I know you’re probably upset with me, which is understandable. I just want you to know I’m so sorry for being a dick. Give me a few days and we’ll talk. I miss you and hope you had a beautiful day. Sweet dreams.

Should I write him back? Should I make him wait?

My hands write faster than I can think as they’re already typing a reply. I look over several times before I hit send.

Me: You just made my night better. I’ll give you as long as you need
. I miss you so much Jackson. So when you’re ready, please talk to me.

His reply is prompt.

Jackson: I will.

I smile at the notion that he’s finally talking to me. Bailey nuzzles against my
shoulder, I pet her and kiss the top of her head. “Go to sleep, sweets.” With a few more licks and snuggles, she settles at the foot of my bed and conks out.

I do the same.

                                                        ***

It’s been four days since I received the text from Jackson. I don’t know whether to believe it was a dream or a joke. But the proof on my phone makes it obvious that it wasn’t a dream; I wonder if it was a joke. Or perhaps he’s still not ready to talk. Either way, I’m finding it hard to stay positive, especially with the lack of sleep I’m getting these days. Bailey keeps me up at night, needing to go
out every few hours. I let her out and then I can’t go back to sleep. It’s beginning to take a toll on my mental state.

I take a shower and get dressed.
Randa’s picking me up to meet Monica for our shopping spree. Oh yeah, must remember my gift card.

“Hey honey.”

I grab a cup of coffee, and sit down. “Owning a dog is exhausting.”

She joins me at the table with her cup of tea. “Do you
wanna get rid of her?” She’s so casual about it, which takes me by surprise.

Just then, Bailey saunters up to me, licking my hand. I scratch under her chin. She’s so adorable; how could I get rid of her? A smile appears on my face.
“Nah,” Her breath in my face, puppy breath. “I can’t get rid of her just because she’s a lot of work. That’s like saying I’m gonna quit painting because it’s messy and takes time and concentration.” I look up at her, “You don’t give up something just because it’s hard. Nothing in life comes easy, and when it does, it’s usually not worth it.” Bailey lifts up on her hind legs scratching me with her claws, but I can’t bring myself to care. She’s too cute. “I do need to clip her nails, though.”

My mom watches me with pride in her eyes. “We did well with you.” She pats my hand before getting more tea. “So when’s
Randa coming?”

I check the time on the microwave. “In about twenty minutes.” I finish my coffee, putting Bailey down. “By the way,” Bringing my cup to the sink to wash, I ask. “What are we
gonna do with her for the summer?”

She thinks about it for a minute, her lips pressed together in concentration. I lean against the counter, thinking I could ask Jared to watch her but a dog in an apartment isn’t the best case scenario.
Especially a pup that whines a lot and scratches everything.

Finally she says, “I’ll ask Brandon to watch her. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”

I watch the pup throw her chew toy up in the air and chase after it. She runs in circles, chasing her tail. It’s very odd to have an entertainer with four legs, it’s also pretty exhilarating. I should’ve had a dog as a kid.

“I need to finish getting ready.” I pad up the stairs, the puppy on my heels; barking.
Or yipping. “Hey! I have to go, quit being annoying.” I chide, playfully. Her tail twitches back and forth.

“Honey,
Randa’s here.” I hear my mom shout.

“Coming.”
I grab my purse and phone, turn the light off and reach the living room.

Randa’s
face lights up when she catches sight of Bailey. “Who’s this?”

“Bailey.
A Christmas present.”

She falls to her knees when Bailey jumps on her.
“Hey, sweet thang. Aren’t you the cutest thing, ever?” She coos. Bailey playfully nips at her. Randa rolls on the ground as she’s attacked, laughing.

I wrap my scarf around my neck and throw my coat and gloves on. The weather’s been crappy; lots of rain but no more snow since that one day we had it. Still, it’s better than having a warm
winter. “You ready to go?”

When she’s finally over her initial excitement of my newfound furry friend, she stands up, fixing her clothes and messy hair

My mom walks us to the door, opening it. “You guys have fun. Tell Monica I said hi.” She kisses my cheek.

“Will do.”
We wave to her as we reach the car.

On the drive to Monica’s, Randa plays her Alanis Morissette CD. We sing along and shake our heads. I blast the heater on my face. It occurs to me that depending on where I end up, we won’t get moments like this too often once we graduate. A dull ache settles in my chest.

When
Randa notices my change in mood, she turns the volume down. “So, what else did you get for Christmas?”

Grateful she doesn’t ask for an explanation, I smile and say, “My mom got me a kindle and gift card for B&N. Jared got me a new
paintset. Paul got me a new sweater and a gift card for Kohl’s.” I check my purse then, to make sure I brought them.

“Who got you the pup?”

“Brandon and my mom.” I put my purse back on the floorboard. “But it was mostly his idea.”

“Awesome. He seems like a winner.” He definitely is.

I text Monica to let her know we’re almost there. But when we pull up, a different kind of ache settles in my chest when I see
his
car parked behind Jake’s.

Monica hops it the back, bundled like a pregnant
eskimo. I never realized how cute baby bellies are.

I turn toward her, “Hey Mon. You look warm.”

She removes her hood and gloves. “Yep, and you guys got me on a good day. I was sick the last two days. I finally feel more human today.”

Randa
pulls out of the driveway, onto the street.

I try to stop myself when the question, “How’s he doing?” slips out of my mouth.

Monica doesn’t need an explanation of the
who
I’m referring to. Before I can take it back she says, “He’s been sick for a few days. He came over today after work only because Jake convinced him to. He’s been pretty out of it. I think he’s working too much, and not sleeping enough. He didn’t come to Christmas dinner like he’d planned. Jake’s worried about him.”

I look down at my phone, contemplating a possible text. But then it looks suspicious since he probably knows Monica is with us. I don’t want it to look like we’re gossiping. But is it really gossip if I’m concerned for his well-being?

“Jake’s gonna talk to Mick about cutting back his hours a little. It’s wearing him out.”

I shrug. “He’s saving up for an apartment; I doubt he’ll appreciate anything getting in the way of his goal.”

Randa glances at me, “He’s trying to get out now, too?” I nod, desperate for a topic change. And of course, Randa knowing what I need when I need it, turns the volume back up, and we all sing and sway to the music the rest of the drive.

I turn it down and smile at Monica. “My mom got me a kindle.”

Her face lights up in excitement, “So did mine.”

We talk about the books we
wanna buy which range from 2.99-5.99 each.

Randa
makes a face and scoffs. “You girls are such nerds. And I feel so left out.” She pulls into a parking spot, giving us both the evil eye.

I bump her shoulder with mine, “Hey! I’ve needed a book buddy, don’t be jealous. At least I’m not making
you
read.”

Monica laughs, earning a glare from her. “Hey, I’m with Skylar. I tried to get Jake to read but it got ridiculous. He’d read a couple of lines in a seductive tone, which only made me laugh instead of feeling the proper emotions of the story. I finally told him not to bother.”