Chapter Two: Gotta Get Out of Here
My eyes ache as I open them to the sight of the sun barley peaking through my window. Ugh, what time is it? I look at the alarm clock on my nightstand and it reads 5 a.m. I still have Billy's arms around me and all I want to do is get out of this bed before the tears start-up again. I unwrap myself from his hold and gently make my way out of the bed. As quietly as I can I tiptoe to the door and sneak out without waking him. I audibly let out a sigh of relief, as I turn and see my brother standing in the kitchen. Oh, great now he's going to start asking about last night. I really don't feel like talking to anyone about my problems it's high time I figure things out for myself for once. He opens his mouth to say something, but I put my hand up to silence him. He looks at me quizzically as I walk over to the coffee maker and pour myself a cup. I turn without looking at him and walk out the door. I sit on the steps of the front porch and contemplate about what I am going to do next. It's Sunday morning and I have nothing to do, but sit around and wait for Billy to wake up and start with the questioning. I can't face him now I gotta get out of here before he wakes up. I stand up quickly remembering I'm still in his clothes and shake it off, with my mind set that I am going to go shopping even if I do look like a homeless girl. I'll just wear something out of the store. With that I make my way back into the house, grab my shoes, purse and keys to the Beast as quickly as I can. Noticing that Billy is now awake and in our bathroom.
I high-tail it to the car and jump in throwing my shoes into the passenger seat. I turn the key in the ignition and the car roars to life, I punch the gas leaving tire makers in my wake. I drive fifteen minutes to my favorite thrift shop and park. I slip my shoes on and head into my sanctuary. Thank god they're open this early. Shopping always makes me feel better even in the worst of circumstances. I receive a few weird looks as I enter the building because of my attire no doubt. I shrug it off and start browsing, I find a few thing that I just need to have. I buy all the items including the outfit that I changed into. It's a flared red and white polka dot skirt with a white button up blouse and red pumps to go with it. I also buy a white sun hat and white rimmed sunglasses. I defiantly fell a little better when I'm done, but not by much. I still have the dark cloud of Billy and Gray looming over my head. It's just about lunch time when I finish shopping so I decide to stop by my favorite café to grab a quick bite.
As I'm sitting there eating my salmon steak trying to figure out what I'm going to do about my situation my phone starts to ring. I look at the screen only to see Jeremy's face on it. Jeremy, why on earth is his calling me I haven't talked to him in ages?
I answer my phone, "Jeremy?"
"Helo Jane, how are you," came his pleasant British accent.
I break down and start sobbing. What the hell is the matter with me? I can't go whining about all my problems to Jeremy. But do it anyway.
"Oh Jeremy I don't know what to do. I'm so confused about my life now. So many things are going wrong I just don't know where to turn. I have to get out of this town after I deal with Gray who's probably going to fire me tomorrow," I'm weeping heavily like a child into the phone.
"Calm down love, what do you mean Gray is going to fire you? Why on earth would she do that you've done so much for the company," he asks trying to figure out the story.
"I know India told you that I'm underage Jeremy. You know that it's illegal for a minor to have the job title that I do in the United States. India ended up sending Gray to my high school play that I was design for and well now she knows about my misrepresentation, I just know that Gray's going to fire me."
"Well then I have a bit of good news for you Jane. My line has finally taken off and I was hoping that you would come to London and be my partner. I know it's a lot to ask of you, but…"
I cut him off mid sentence, "When do you want me to come to London?"
There is a short pause before he replies, "That was a lot easier than I thought it would be, when do you think you could get here, the sooner the better really?"
I think about it for a moment. There's only two more days left until summer break I think I can miss them. "I'll book a flight today when I get home and be on a plane as soon as I'm done meeting with Gray," I answer a little shocked at myself for being so eager to leave the country.
"Fantastic darling, I can't wait to see you just text me the time you'll be arriving in London and I'll come and get you," he sounds beyond excited.
"Thanks Jeremy, I will. I'll see you soon," and with that I end the call. My heart is racing a mile a minute. Thank you God for giving me a way out of this mess.
I make my way home happy and sad all at the same time. For one I'll be able to get away from my feeling for Billy which makes me happy. But on the other hand I don't want to say goodbye to my best friend even though I know I have to let him go. I might not even tell him I'm leaving. I'll tell him about the meeting that I have with Gray tomorrow and try to spend my last day here enjoying him. I'll talk to Ben about everything tonight when Billy goes home. With that I step out of the Beast and enter my house as I try to put on my best smile. I turn to find Ben and Billy lounging on the couch watching TV. They both look up at me as I close the door, Billy with a big smile on his face and Ben looking confused.
"Hey Janie, where'd you go so early this morning," Billy asks.
"I just wanted to get out and do some early morning therapy then I grabbed some lunch," I reply nonchalantly.
His smile fades and is replaced with concern, "Come have a seat and tell me what's going on." He pats the seat next to him and I reluctantly sit beside him with a sigh.
Ben stood and said uncomfortably, "Um…I need to go take a shower." Turning on his heel he makes a quick exit into his bedroom leaving me alone with Billy.
"Alright so what's up, Janie," Billy asks turning on the sofa to look at me.
I'm in love with you! I think to myself before answering him. "I think I might be getting fired tomorrow," I answer.
Billy's eyebrows furrow with confusion, "Wait, what? I don't understand, why would Gray fire you when you've save her ass so many times."
"She was at the school last night and I just so happened to bump into her," I reply with tears starting to pick at my eyes. The only thing I can think about is how much I truly do love Billy and how he always wants to come to my rescue. I could care less about being fired by Gray now that Jeremy has offered me a job.
"Wow, I'm so sorry Janie. I know it's your dream job and all, but don't let it get you down there'll be plenty opportunities out there for someone with your talent. It'll work out for the best I promise. Just think of it this way now we'll be able to spend the whole summer together," he tries to comfort me in the way only he can.
No we won't because I'm leaving you. I think to myself as the tears start to sting my eyes once more. No I'm not going to cry anymore, not today at least. He reaches for my face and makes me look at him.
"Come on Janie it's not the end of the world it'll be alright," he tries to reassure me.
I give him a halfhearted smile knowing everything won't be alright. Hugging him tightly I say, "Thanks Billy, you're the best."
"So what would you like to do for the rest of the day? Sky diving, bungee jumping? It's totally up to you. Oh, and by the way you look amazing in that outfit," he says as he holds me close to his chest.
I shrug out of his arms smiling and look into his warm eyes, "You know how much I hate heights Billy. I don't think that kind of thing will ever go on my to do list, how about we go for a ride in the Beast instead. Let's see where the road takes us."
His smile returns as he replies, "Sounds great. Can we pack up some food to take with us though I'm starving."
I go in my room and change into something more suitable for the outdoors, and then I pack up a picnic for the two of us to share. I can't believe this is the last day I get to spend with him. I have to make it the best day we've ever had together. No more moping until I'm on the plane to London. With that last thought we head out the door to enjoy the rest of the day.
