Torn (Torn Heart) (24 page)

He shifts my hair to one shoulder, smiling up at me. “I don’t care, Sky. I love you so fucking much
. I just don’t care. I can’t live without you, so please don’t ever leave me. We’ll get through it, all of it. I just can’t live my God damn life without you.” He grips the back of my neck, pulling me down so our bodies crush together. And our lips connect, urgent and hot. He reaches for the blanket and covers us, keeping us warm as we spend the next however long locked in an embrace. It’s definitely not the New Year I expected to have, because it’s even better.

“Happy New Years, Sky.” He whispers in my ear, sending a shiver through my body.

“Happy New Year.”

Chapter 29

Skylar

School’s been back in session for a few weeks now. I have P.M. off but decided to help out in the library. My classes are easy; my last classes of my high school career. It’s kind of sad to accept that this is the end.
Off to the real world we’ll go.

Talk of prom reaches my ears but I shut it out. I have no interest in attending prom this year. Jackson’s accepted that, even though he wanted to take me. I just think it’s pointless. Either way, he’ll probably be working anyway. Monica’s getting bigger, but she’s also getting ridiculed for getting pregnant in high school. I
wanna punch them all and tell them to move onto someone else and leave her alone. Luckily, she expected this and isn’t letting it get to her. They’re having a boy and very excited about it. Jackson and I were asked to be his Godparents. I can’t say I didn’t cry when she thought of us. It was really touching.

Spring Break is in a month, but Jackson has to work.
Randa and Ian are going to San Antonio. So it’s mostly me hanging out with my pup, who by the way is getting bigger and also more of a pain in the butt. I still love her though.

I step out into the hall, catching Amber coming out of the bathroom. She doesn’t see me at first and it’d be my chance to turn back around and avoid her. But my feet keep moving, in her direction
with a mind of their own.

As soon as she sees me, I don’t miss her sneer and snort and just plain ugly face she makes when she’s in close proximity of me. “What do you want?”

I don’t cower. “I wanna know why you lied about Jackson. You know he’d never hit a girl.”

She rolls her eyes, dramatically. “You need to stay out of my business, little girl.”

I glare at her. “Jackson
is
my business, so no; I won’t stay out of it. He didn’t hit you and you know it.”

She eyes me up and down, “You’re nothing. I don’t get what he sees in you. You’re just a pathetic excuse for a person.”

I cross my arms over my chest feeling self-conscious. “This isn’t about me, Amber.”

She smirks. “Oh, but it is.” She stalks off. I watch her disappear down the
hall; wishing people didn’t have to be so mean.

I let out a sigh and return to the library. I check the cart I started shelving and work some more on it when my phone vibrates. I take it out of my pocket and smile at the text.

Jackson: Dinner with me tonight?

Me: Are you asking me on a date?

Jackson: Maybe.

Me: Well, maybe I’ll say yes.

Jackson: Well, maybe I’ll say I love you.

Me: Okay, I’ll go. Pick me up at 7?

Jackson: Aren’t you coming home with me?

Me: Nope, going
somewhere with Randa first.

Jackson: Okay, fine. See
ya at seven. Love you.

I smile and put my phone back before
I get caught with it out.

At the end of the day, well, right after I finished at the library, I meet
Randa at her locker. “So, what’s the plan?” She asks me.

I look at her funny, wondering the same thing. “Aren’t we going somewhere or something? You said you had somewhere to go.”

She shuts her locker. “I did. But that fell through. What are you doing?”

“I’m going on a date with Jackson later.”

She smiles, “Y’all are like sickingly cute. But I’m happy you two are back together. The happy Skylar is more enjoyable than the mopey Skylar.”

I nod my head.
“I agree.”

Randa
adjusts her bag on her shoulder. “Do you need help getting your outfit together?”

We start walking toward the parking lot. “No, I just
wanna go in my own clothes. I don’t need to dress to impress him.”

We stop in front of her car. “Are you sure you’re not going to the prom?”

“Yes, I’m sure. You guys can go. It might be fun for you.”

She shrugs; we get into her car and drive away from the school. “This is our senior year and you don’t
wanna go.”

“I’m sorry,
Randa. I just don’t wanna go.”

She drops me off at home so I can get ready for my date with Jackson. It seems we don’t get much time together these days since he works so much. I just wish he’d slow down a little bit. He’s not a grown up yet. He can do all that grown up stuff when we graduate. At least he’s responsible, I’ll give him that.

Chapter 30

Jackson

I’m so close to having the money I want for an apartment. I’ve been working my ass off but I imagine it’ll pay off in the end, even if it takes away my time with Skylar.

I hate that we still haven’t been able to go on our mini road trip. Spring Break’s the perfect time for that but I promised Mick I’d help him at the shop. Some things require sacrifice.

I pull up to Skylar’s house; she’s already greeting me at the door. Bailey comes out to greet me as well. She’s become as attached to me as I have to her. She’s so adorable. I’ve had two dogs growing up and considering getting one for my apartment, since Skylar will be gone all summer, I’ll need a companion.

Skylar leans into me, giving me a lingering kiss. “I’ll be right out.” She hands me the leash, “Can you take her?”

I do, “We’ll wait for you in the car.”

Taking her to the dog park was my idea. I saw one a couple weeks ago, which I never knew existed. We took her there once and she loved it.

I open the door, “Get in, girl.” She happily hops in the back seat with her tongue lolling out of her mouth. “Don’t chew on my interior, or you’ll be in the dog house.” I close the door and get in on my side.

Skylar finally gets in, glancing back at the pup. When he gaze returns to me, she smiles. “So, how about dinner with my mom and Brandon next weekend?”

I pull away from her house, reach over and place my hand on her knee.
“Of course. Is that when you’ll meet his daughters?”

“Yeah, but I was also going to ask your dad and Jared to come.
Along with Randa, Ian, Monica and Jake.”

I chuckle, “Let’s bring all of your neighbors while we’re at it.”

She faces the window. “I’ll get right on that.”

We show up at the dog park and it’s not as busy as it was the first time we came here, but there are enough dogs to interact with Bailey.

Skylar bends down, petting her. “You like it here, don’t you?” Bailey licks her face, jumping up on her. She unhooks the leash, letting her free. “Go, be crazy. Go find some new friends.”

I find a seat on the bench, watching all the dogs in fascination. I look to my left, where Skylar’s still standing, watching her pup.

She senses me watching and glances back at me, a grin tugs at her mouth.

The whole issue with my mom and trust isn’t going to coincide with my relationship with Skylar again. That woman won’t fuck with my future as long as I can help it.

She finally joins me on the bench and I put my arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer. We watch the dogs play; Bailey comes over to us and jumps up wanting to be pet.

Skylar sighs contentedly, “I didn’t realize owning a dog would be so fun. Tiring,” she adds, “But fun.”

I joke, “They’re a lot like babies.” I bump her shoulder.

She looks at me, serious. The playful expression wiped away. “We’ll just have to find out one day, won’t we?”

I just smile in response.

We mingle with the other dog owners. Skylar gets insight on the different breeds and which ones require more care and attention. She’s taking in every word as if putting the information away for another time.

I hear bits and pieces, “which is good for children?”, “are they easy to housetrain?”, “what’s their lifespan?”

We stay another thirty minutes before we take Bailey on the trail close by. She barks at everything, pulling on the leash, but she only pushes so far before she gives up the fight.

I finally break the silence and ask, “Are you excited about Europe?”

“Yeah, I’m pretty excited.” She replies. “I’m not excited about leaving you, but hopefully the summer will go by fast.”

I snort-laugh, “Please, you’re gonna be in Paris and totally forget that you even have someone waiting for you.”

She shoves me playfully. “Don’t even say that. I mean, it could happen, but don’t say it aloud.”

I take her hand, “Just bring back some cool weather, will ya?” I kiss her palm.

“I’ll see what I can do.” She squeezes my hand. I squeeze back.

After I drop her and Bailey off, I return home for a nap.

                                                        ***

The week passes by in an uneventful blur; classes, work, home, sleep…repeat. I hardly had any time to see Skylar. Thankfully she understands but I can tell she was just as frustrated as me.

Since I’m off during P.M., I’m working, which means, she usually gets a ride home with Randa. But I finally took a day off to spend with the family. Even Rose seemed happy to see me.

“When’s he coming over?” Skylar asks her mom of Brandon.

We’re sitting on the couch in the living room with Bailey curled up between us, her head in my lap. I caress her fur

“He’ll be here in thirty minutes.”

Skylar taps my leg, “Is your dad coming?”

I lean in to whisper in her ear, “Yes, he’ll be there.” And then I kiss the spot behind her ear, making her shiver.

“Behave.” She scolds.

I shake my head, “Never.”

When Brandon arrives, we put the dog in her crate and pile into our cars. Everyone is meeting us at the restaurant. This should be interesting.

Chapter 31

Skylar

When we pull up to the restaurant, no one’s there yet. But with a reservation, we’re seated at the back. We just wait for everyone to show up.

Jackson places his hand on my leg, “Why are you so nervous?”

I glance at him and stop the incessant bouncing of my leg I didn’t realize I was doing. “I have no idea. I’m just fidgety.”

“Really?
Is that what that was?”

I slap him in the chest, just as Paul walks in the room. Soon after, Jared and Hannah show up, along with the rest of the group. We all start conversing.

Brandon’s daughters still haven’t shown up, thirty minutes later and I start to wonder if they’re ever going to.

Randa
and Ian tell us about their San Antonio trip, Monica and Jake announce their possible baby boy names; Brayden and Andrew.

“I’m in favor of Brayden.” Jackson tells them.

I say, “I like Andrew,” and stick my tongue out at him.

He reaches out like he’s going to grab it before he says, “Put that thing away, before I bite it off.”

I hit my knee hard on the table when his hand comes too close to my inner thigh. “What the hell?”

He snickers.

Finally, the girls walk in; Vanessa and Ashton. One is blonde, the other brunette, one is smiling, the other, frowning. Both of them are beautiful, though.

Brandon stands up, “I’d like to introduce my daughters,
Nessy and Ash.” He glances at them, “Girls, these are everybody. They’re a tight knit family, very friendly and wonderful.”

“Hi.” Vanessa, the older one smiles at each of us. “I’m happy to meet all of you. My dad talks kindly of you.”

We all smile. I glance at Ash, the frowny face girl.

I get up, “I’ll be right back.” I tell Jackson with a peck on the cheek.

I move to the empty seat beside her, “You look a little sad. Wanna talk?”

She glances at me briefly, “I’m not five. I don’t need to talk.”

I flinch slightly, “I’m sensing you’re not happy with this arrangement.”

She crosses her arms, the frown replaced with a scowl.

I try a different approach, “My dad died a couple years ago. My mom hadn’t dated or talked to anyone since then. I wasn’t happy about her dating at all. But then I got over it. I had to because her happiness is more important than my bitterness.”

She sighs, uncrossing her arms. “I just don’t understand why my parents had to split up. If you’re
gonna have a family, you should stay a family. Right?”

I’m not sure how to respond not having any experience in this, so I just shrug. “Sometimes people outgrow each other. They don’t mean to, but it happens.
It’s human nature. But they both love you very much, no matter what they’re going through themselves. They’ll always love you and your sister, first and foremost.”

She watches our parents, a small grin making an appearance. “Your mom’s pretty.”

I shift my gaze to her, “Thank you. That’s my mama.” I smile.

She finally looks at me, “I’m sorry about your dad.” I nod. “But my dad really likes your mom.”

We sit in silence, watching everyone else. My gaze connects with Jackson’s from across the table. He winks at me, observing us.

“I’m guessing that’s your man?” She points to him. I nod. “He’s pretty hot and he’s been watching you. It’s obvious he loves you.”

“Thanks. I love him too.”

We return to the table and start ordering our food. I reach for Jackson’s hand under the table and place it in my lap. He smiles at me, mouthing,
‘I love you’.

I do it back, squeezing his hand.

“Alright let’s dig in, everyone.” Paul says in a chipper voice.

                                                        ***

Later that night, lying in bed with my kindle and Bailey at my feet, I look up when there’s a tap at my window.

I get up and lift it so Jackson can climb through.

He pets the dog, “Hey, Bailey.” She attacks him with kisses and licks and nips, like she always does.

I plop down on my bed again. “What brings you here?”

He climbs up and lies beside me. “I
wanna see you for a little bit.” He nibbles on my neck. “Unless I’m bothering you.”

I shake my head, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound irritated. I’m just tired. Of course you’re not bothering me.” I move to my back so he’s hovering above me. His hands hold him up, as he stares down at me.

“I’m going fishing with my dad next weekend.”

I smile, “That’d be nice. You need to do more stuff with your father.”

He kisses a path down my throat, making me forget what I just said. But then the dog starts licking me too. I begin to laugh, and it kills the moment.

“Bailey, you’re interrupting us.” I scold, she’s still licking me, and so I pet her.

Jackson tries to glare at her but he ends up falling onto the bed in a fit of laughter. “Oh shit, so this is what it’ll be like when we have kids. Never having sexy time.”

I sober up and glance at him curiously. “You sure do speak a lot about kids now, don’t you?”

He props himself up on his elbow, leaning close to me. “I told you, I want kids with you. Not now, but in the near future.”

I touch his cheek, feeling
a slight stubble from not shaving a couple of days. “You’ll make a great dad.”

He smiles, shyly.
“Yeah?”

“Yeah.
But you’ve been blessed with a great teacher. I love your dad.”

His expression turns wistful. “He’s quite fond of you, too.” I lay on my side, his arms tight around my middle.
“You’ve got the best teacher to be a great mother.” He says into my ear.

A moan slips out, or more like a sigh of content. “She is pretty great.” I agree.

He kisses my temple, while holding me. I fall asleep just like that.