Stephan(32)
*****
Stephan
“She never friggin' listens, Dad. I swear I’m going to strangle her.”
My dad chuckled and patted me on the back. “Give her space, boy. She’s been home for three days and you’ve done nothing but hover.”
“Do you know she told me she was going to school on Monday? She chucked a fit that I have missed over a week of school. Of course I wasn’t going to school while she was in the hospital or when she got home. Who would have helped her?”
“I’m sure your mother and I could have he—”
“Dad, whose side are you on?”
“Er, yours, son.”
“Well tell Mum to stop encouraging her. The two have gone off this morning and she didn’t tell me where.”
“I’m sure your mother is taking great care of her. She told me she was taking Jade to have a spa day. Why don’t you go out and see your friends. I think some time apart will be good. You’ve both been in each other’s faces way too much.”
I sighed, my dad was right. I’d barely left Jade’s side since the beating. “I do need to go see Cassie. Jade’s birthday is less than a month away and I want to get everything organized.”
“It’s not exactly what I meant but if it gets you out of the house and stops your pacing, I’m fine with it.”
*****
I’d called Scott because I didn’t have his sister, Cassie’s, phone number. They were both at home. I drove there and Scott answered the door. “The others missed you at the games. We lost today.”
“Sorry, man, but my girl comes first.”
“I understand.” His eyes narrowed and he smirked. “Come in. Cassie is watching a movie.
I went into the house and to the back family room. Cassie sat on a huge L shaped sofa. She had tears running down her cheeks and tissues all around her. I looked to Scott in alarm. He waved his hand.
“It’s all your fault. You haven’t let her see Jade and she’s been blaming herself for not noticing anything with her grandfather. She thinks you won’t let Jade be friends with her or some shit. She’s been watching all these girly movies and crying. I only let you in so you can do something and end this crap.”
I stared at my best friend shocked, he hadn’t mentioned anything about this to me. He hadn’t told me he was pissed at me either.
Fuck, I wasn’t good with this emotional stuff. And right now I didn’t have the energy to deal with this. I slowly approached Cassie. “Um hi, Cassie.”
“Oh, Stephan, I’m so sorry. I should have seen it. I mean, she never liked being home, I just thought she really liked me. I’m such a bad friend. How bad is she? Am I not allowed to see her?”
“Cassie, I wasn’t keeping you from seeing her. I just forgot to ask you to come and visit. I’m here now to get your help for her birthday.”
“You’re not angry? You want me to help?”
“Sure. Look, why don’t we sort out her birthday stuff here so it’s a surprise and then you can come back to my house and see her. She had a spa day with my mum.”
“She had a spa day and I didn’t get invited?” Cassie started sobbing again and I looked at Scott begging him to help me. He just gave me an evil grin. “Ah, um…I’m sure Jade would have invited you…it’s just that…just that…it was a mother/daughter thing.” I waited, hoping I’d said the right thing.
Cassie sniffled and blew her nose. “Okay. Let’s get her birthday sorted out so I can go see her.”
I felt like a real douche. Not only was my best friend pissed at me but I’d upset my girl’s best friend.
*****
I drove Cassie to my house and was surprised at what we both came in on. Jade had the music on in the kitchen and she was dancing around as she mixed with a big cooking bowl. My mum sat on a kitchen bench stool singing along, watching my girl smile, laugh, and sing.
Not daring to move, I watched Jade. I’d never seen her so happy. Her guards were down and she could sing. My heart beat faster as I listened to her beautiful voice and I fell even more in love. She was gorgeous, her hair was down and flying around her, her eyes shone with life and love. I couldn’t tear my eyes from her even if I’d wanted to.
The song finished and Cassie clapped beside me. “You have an amazing voice, Jade.”
Jade dropped the bowl on the bench and ran to her friend. “Cassie!” She gave Cassie a one-arm hug.
Cassie started crying again. “Oh my God, look at you. Jade, I’m so sorry. I wish you’d told me. You could have stayed with me.” Cassie ran her hands over the still healing bruises.