The Throw-Aways

When we got home, I quietly made a move to go to the guest room where I resided. Austin had asked me who Jack was dating, but I made an excuse that Jack hadn’t told me yet. Gritting my teeth, I shoved the device into the charger, throwing it onto the table. Jake looked up from his spot in my room at my angry movements.

This was all Jay’s fault.

She wanted to ruin my life.

Jay knew that I was one armed. I read her tweets on twitter, saying I killed my father. She wanted to bring me down. Now she had gone too far. Jack was one of my good friends and since she couldn’t strike out at Nico, Skars, Dante, or Kk, she would strike out at Jack.

And she would tear me down by using him.

But I guess that was okay-as long as she didn’t hurt Jack. As soon as she hurt him or Alex, or even Rian or Zack, thing would get serious. Hurt me all you want, Jay. Just don’t you dare touch them.

Or all hell will break loose.

I opened up my twitter again, yanking the cord charger out of my phone. I couldn’t seem to be content with one thing or another. With quick flicks of my thumb, I opened up my notifications and scrolled down to find the person I was searching for.

@Evry1LuvsJay: @LittleBlackBird can’t hide behind her injuries forever. Time to come out eventually.

Tears dotted my frail eyelashes. With a quick peek down at my empty sleeve, I let a single tear fall. For a brief eternity, my vision was blurred. Trembling fingers set my phone down as I rolled away from the door. A window let in little slits of cool evening air. A small gust, like a reassuring hand, stroked the hair away from my eyes. Jake wiggled his still silver little butt and hopped on my bed. The ampersand logo had faded a little, but was obvious nonetheless.

A knock on the door sounded and when I didn’t answer, the hinges squeaked. I knew Austin was coming in from the soft footsteps. The springs groaned quietly as he sat on the edge of the bed.

“R, I know you’re awake.” He murmured. I turned over to face, him, quickly wiping away a tear.

“Yes?”

“You went up to your room awfully fast after we got home.” He murmured, his hand lightly stroking my hair. I gave him a weak smile. The emotion felt strained from what had just happened.

“Yeah, I just felt tired.” I sighed for extra effect. He raised his eyebrows in suspicion, but didn’t otherwise question me. Jake snored on in the background.

“Well, do you want to watch a movie?” He asked. I nodded without enthusiasm. This would at least try to distract my brain from what was happening to Jack. Austin took my hand and pulled my downstairs. We gathered together on the couch as he popped in a mysterious disc and started up the screen. It was Austin’s turn to pick the movie, so I was a little curious as to what it would be.

After a moment of hesitant silence, the screen popped up to the menu of Fast and Furious Four and I settled next to Austin’s side. He snaked an arm around my waist, pulling me closer.

The natural lighting dimmed as the moon rose and the sun left our little city. Through the movie, I attempted to enjoy the action scenes, but I was too frazzled. All I could think about was Jay and Jack, together. I had to know more about their relationship, what had happened, where they met, and what they were doing right now.

I think Austin could tell that I wasn’t focused on the movie because he kept looking down to me, like I was about to explode if he didn’t watch me at every possible moment. As soon as the end credits rolled, I made a weak excuse to go to bed. Without a moment’s hesitation, I took off up the stairs and dove into my room.

As much as I tried to sleep, it never graced my nervous mind.

Notes

When Jay came into our lives again: