Discordant Hearts

Seven.

Jerry stuffed his hands in his pockets as he strolled down the tiled floor of Seaford High. With a new school semester in session, he was already looking forward to a much needed nap in all of his classes. The morning bell had yet to ring and he was excited to catch up with his friends from last semester. He frowned as he approached his locker, trying his best to avoid the gaze of the obstacle in his way.

"You can't ignore me, Jay," Jack pointed out. "We came to school together. I drove you here."

Jerry shrugged, shuffling through his locker. On Jack's left Kim observed with worried eyes. He was certain Kim wasn't used to Jack and Jerry at odds with each other. She hadn't seen their arguments in action yet.

"Hey, Kim," Jerry greeted, ignoring Jack's pointed glare. "We haven't chatted since your welcome back party."

Kim glanced at Jack and then turned to him to continue the conversation. He hadn't meant to put her in between their problems, but he couldn't help it. Milton had gotten used to it over the months. Jack and him had been at each other's throats on and off since August of last year.

"Yeah, I'm so glad to be back in Seaford," she shared, eyes twinkling. "I get to see Jack, you, Milton, Rudy, and Taylor. It is great, you know? But Jerry, what is going on between you and Jack?"

"What do you mean?" Jerry asked, throwing his arm around Jack's shoulders. "We are brothers and we are doing better than fine."

Jack sighed, shoulders slouching as he spoke. "Like he said. We are just fine."

Kim eyed them both, ready to open her mouth, but the bell rang. She narrowed her eyes, finger pointed at them both. "I'm not done with you both yet. One of you are going to tell me exactly what is going on after school, got it?"

Jack chuckled, wrapping his arm around Kim's waist. "Otai hasn't changed you a bit, Kim."

Kim flushed, pushing Jack away. "Jack, I know you are trying to change the subject. I'll see you both later."

She flipped her blonde locks from her face and then gave them a glare each. Jerry laughed at Kim's behavior as she walked up the steps to her next class. Jack turned to him, arms crossed and head tilted to the side. Jerry ignored his gaze and turned away, but a hand on his wrist stopped him.

"Jay, we can't keep avoiding each other. One of these days you'll have to confront me like a man."

Jerry pulled his hand. "Let me decide that for myself. Thanks."

As he walked away, Jerry looked over his shoulder and noticed the hurt Jack's eyes. Jerry turned away, ignoring the clenching sensation within his chest. He never wanted to be angry with Jack for so long, but he couldn't ignore what he had done. He hurried to his next class, pushing thoughts of Jack from his head.

Jerry never imagined he would be used to having a shrink. After some time, he changed his mind about Dr. Thompson. His personal psychologist had been nothing but warm and understanding towards Jerry's predicament. He gave Jerry time to vent his frustrations and concerns. Although Jerry resisted Dr. Thompson's words of wisdom, he considered the man great. He realized talking to a psychologist was like speaking with a friend who couldn't tell anyone anything because of some law. It was awesome.

Jerry stopped by the receptionist desk, eyeing the glass dish of hard candy. He grabbed a handful of candy and then popped a few into his mouth. A freckle faced sophomore in college asked him if he planned to keep his same time for next week. He flashed her a wide grin after saying he would give her a call. She rolled her eyes at him, but smiled either way.

During their session, Dr. Thompson talked about a possible barrier between him and his family. He had given him some advice on how to bridge the gap between them. Jerry snorted, fingers tapping away at his cellphone. He didn't think there was a wall between them. He communicated with his family just fine. He communicated his hate for their overbearing nature all the time. Maybe he should told his family about his experiences with the Martinezes, but he couldn't. They wouldn't understand. He paused at his thoughts and frowned. There was a wall between them and he didn't even realize it.

Before he could think about his thoughts further, his mother's car pulled up. Inside the car, he returned to his memories of his visit.

"Jerry, honey, you alright?" his mother asked, black sunglasses perched on top of her dark brown locks.

"Yeah, awesome," he answered.

"Are you liking your sessions a little more?"

Jerry nodded, reclining in his chair before he spoke. "I mean, Dr. Thompson isn't what I thought he would be."

"How so, honey?" she asked, pulling out of the parking lot and heading toward a sign that said highway.

His mother merged onto the highway, humming a little tune. Apparently, Dr. Thompson was considered the best in their area. His mother had done extensive research on his background and school before she made a decision. She hadn't cared too much about the faraway location. He still wasn't used to the long distance and the traffic.

"Well, I mean I thought he would be grey and fat."

"Jerry!" his mother called out, voice bright and warm. "Don't say such things about people."

Jerry gave her a tiny smile in return. She giggled at his behavior before she turned the radio up just a little. He smiled when he realized his favorite station was on. He glanced to the small smile on his mother's lips. He hated to think there was this large wall between them.

"I mean, first off he isn't grey," Jerry said. "And he is in his thirties! He even knows what TTYA is and not many old guys know about that."

"Ah," his mother remarked, voice serious. "So, he is hip and you approve?"

He shook his head. "Don't say hip mom."

"Ah, so that isn't what the kids are saying these days?" she asked, taking a quick swig of her water bottle.

Jerry snorted and reached for his cellphone, flushing at the text he received. He had been trying to chat with Andy at school even after their almost date disaster. Ever since the first day of school, he had made it his mission to get a straight yes out of her. And it looked like his months of trying actually paid off. He will admit he may have strayed along his path, but those three girls he dated were a thing of the past. At the moment, he couldn't stop thinking about Andy.

"What are you smiling about over there?" she asked.

They were at a stoplight, thirty minutes away from home. Jerry noticed the familiar scenery of Seaford pass him by. He sighed, relieved by the text message he saw. He had a date tonight and he was ready to impress.

"I have a date."

Silence engulfed the car and Jerry frowned at the change in the atmosphere. He glanced at his mother, watching her brows furrow.

"Who is she?"

"Andy, Andrea Sanford. She had one class with me last year."

"I see," his mother stated, voice stern. "And when will this date be?"

"Tonight at 7. We are going to go out for some frozen yo," he remarked. "Or the smoothie bar. We haven't decided."

"Oh, I don't know, Jerry. I don't' think this is the best time to be dating or going out so late. You'll have to tell that sweet girl no," she said. "But guess what? I have some exciting news. I was talking to some ladies at work and I told them how much you liked dancing. They suggested a dance studio not too far from here. I went with a friend and took a look around. It is perfect for you. In fact, I asked Jack and he said he'd join your class. It is a Hip Hop class, what do you think?"

Jerry frowned, brows furrowed. He licked his lips as he thought over his mother's words. Not only had she brushed his plans aside, but she also changed the subject. He bit his lip, resting his head to the back of his chair. He kept a frustrated scream from leaking out from between his lips. He knew why she told him no. After all, Jerry would be all alone at night with a strange girl. His mother of course couldn't approve of such dangerous behavior. He knew her concerns were linked to the ongoing investigation. He didn't know the details, but he figured there was something happening.

"You know Jack can't dance, mom. But I'll check out the classes. Anyway, I was thinking I'm going to catch a ride with Milton at 6p. Jack has a group project, so I know he won't be able to take me."

"Jerry, you aren't going out tonight."

"What? Mom," he stated. "I've been trying to get this girl's attention for weeks, months. Okay, she was dating some guy for some of that time and I was talking to some girls, but she finally broke up with the jerk over Christmas. I really think I have a chance."

"Then invite her to dinner at our place."

"To meet my family?" Jerry asked, eyes wide. "No way! That would freak her out. Most people don't meet the family until a million dates later. I might as well drop down on one knee or something."

His mother chuckled, pulling their car into the driveway. When she turned the car off, she looked to him and smiled. She reached out pushing back stray locks from his face. He wanted to push her hand away, but he let her continue.

"Baby, you have to be patient with us. There is a big investigation going on and I just think it would be best if –."

"I have no social life until it is over?" he asked. "Do you want me to be a loser or something? First you rejected all of the parties I was invited to and you only let me go if Jack was invited. And you know how popular Jack is, so he is invited to all the parties. But if Jack doesn't want to go, then I can't go."

"Honey, that—."

"And on top of all that you keep trying to insert Jack into all of my plans!" he said. "It is really embarrassing? No one will care I guess. I mean like I said Jack is popular, but I care. We aren't a packaged deal, mom. So, no I don't want to be patient."

His mother sighed, resting her head to the back of the headrest. She took a few more sips of her bottled water and then reclined in her chair. He wanted to leave their conversation before he spouted anything else he may have revealed at his counseling session.

"Baby, we just got you back," she stated, eyes on him. "Your father and I, just got you back, so please be patient with your parents. I had to tell Jack the same thing. You know sometimes he gets jealous of the attention your father gives you sometimes."

"What?" Jerry questioned.

"Jack loves you dearly, but he is a teen boy and the bond between a boy and his father is strong. He was starting to get a little jealous about it. He wasn't used to sharing the spotlight, but he is getting used to it amongst other things. And you'll be just fine, Jerry. But for now, we are going to have to all be patient, okay? So no, you can't go out tonight."

Jerry's mouth hung open as he watched his mother exit the car. She motioned for him to leave the car as well. He wanted to go against her wishes, but their conversation left a sour feeling in his mouth. He was suddenly disinterested in his date. His heart grew heavy at the truth from his mother's lips. Until the investigation was over, he wasn't going to have a normal teen life. That was all he could remember from the conversation.

His parents would be hovering over his life forever, inserting Jack into all his plans. He groaned, dragging his body into the house. He sent Andy a quick text and winced at the angry reply.

Over the next few days, he began to see more and more of his parent's ridiculous behavior. Any time he left the house, he had to be in Jack's company. If he wasn't with Jack then he had to be with Milton. And even when he was with Milton he had to call and let his mom know. Milton was a little insulted by it but didn't mind too much. He understood. Unfortunately, Jerry was bothered by it all.

Jerry reviewed the past few days as his family gathered around the table for dinner. He tried to push the troubling thoughts from his head, but failed. His sessions with Dr. Thompson became more heated and he advised him to open up to his family. He told the man he talked to his mom in the car all the time, but Dr. Thompson stated he needed more. He rolled his eyes. He didn't know how much more was needed.

"Jerry, dear, I was thinking maybe you could start your dance classes next week?" his mother said, scooping a helping of mac and cheese on his plate. "Jack is excited to join you, right honey?"

Jack looked up from his cellphone and nodded, a wide smile on his lips. Jerry surveyed the warm faces at the table and wanted to puke. He wondered when the walls began to close in on him. He gave her a silent nod as a response before he attacked his meatloaf.

"Who knows, maybe I can be known for dancing too?" Jack said. "I remember when you tried to teach us to dance before and then we just turned it into a karate routine. But man, Jay, you know how to dance. I kind of want to figure out your secret."

"Or you just want to make sure I actually go to the dance studio and don't run off," he muttered, eyes on his plate.

"What?" Jack asked, brows furrowed. "What do you mean by that?"

Jerry shook his head, eyes bright, forcing himself to speak as if he was excited. "Nothing, dance class is going to be great. I talked with the instructor and he is well known in the area. He learned from the best!"

Jack grinned.

Jerry's stomach lurched. He needed time to himself. He craved time to himself. He had been thrilled to know his mother had told the police to tone down the meetings with him. They stated they had gotten all the information they needed. He didn't know what he would do if he had to deal with the police and his overbearing family. If he had to deal with both of them, then he knew he would roll over onto his side and cry. After dinner, he snuck up to his room and drifted to sleep.

"Jerry, I thought I told you not to ask me to do this again?" Milton asked, eyes narrowed.

"Milton, man, you are my only hope," he stated, gripping on to the sleeve of Milton's gui.

Milton walked toward his locker and retrieved his cellphone. He made a quick call to his mother and then turned to him. Milton rested against his locker, arms crossed. He gestured for him to continue his spiel. Jerry powered on, heart thundering in his chest.

"I just need a few hours."

"A few hours?" Milton asked, brows raised. "Where do you think you are going that needs a few hours?"

The sun drifted into the dojo, casting a glow on Milton's freckled face. He snorted as the redhead tried to shield himself from the light. He had the urge to unleash his latest prank idea on the taller male, but decided against it. He needed Milton's help.

"Look, I'm just going to Phil's."

"Why didn't you say, so?" Milton asked, muscles loose and brows relaxed. "I thought I was agreeing to something heinous in nature. If you ran away and I knew about, then I think I would have a heart attack."

"Run away?" Jerry remarked, eyes wide. "Do you think I am a troubled teen? I don't run away from anything."

"Yeah you do," Milton stated, amusement in his voice. "You run away from your responsibility as a student all the time."

Jerry nudged him in the shoulder and then continued to throw his backpack on. On his way out, Milton stopped him. Jerry paused and then sighed as he turned to face the other. Milton bit his lip, and played with his fingers before focusing on him.

"Can't you just let your parents and Jack know where you are?" Milton asked. "I mean, he knows you are here, because you both walked in together, but –I don't like how you've been taking advantage of his group project for the month. I mean you know his attention is divided."

"I know, isn't it great? I hope he keeps dropping me off. I'll get to do whatever I want for longer." he said. "Well, anyway, like I said. Just lie. Tell him I'm not studying with you again. He seemed to really like that one."

"Don't do this. I have a bad feeling."

Jerry waved the redhead's concern away. There was nothing to worry about. He stepped out from the dojo, breathing in the fresh air. His heart was light and his mind was clear. He crossed over to Phil's.

Jerry hunched over a smoothie with too many clumps to be deemed smooth. A half-eaten tray of mozzarella sticks kept him company. Maybe he shouldn't have forced Milton to lie about his whereabouts. Although, he was certain Jack would come looking for him if Milton didn't lie. He couldn't let that happen.

"You again?"

Jerry tensed at the voice and relaxed. Visiting the deep recesses of his mind never failed to disconnect him from reality. He glanced at the amused grin on Carson's lips. He rolled his eyes. Carson took a seat across from him without any invitation.

"What now?" Carson questioned, littering a few tokens on the table.

"Not really any of your business."

Carson nodded. "Fair. You smell real bad by the way."

"Well, I was at the dojo sparring."

Carson shrugged. "But you usually smell bad, especially when the socks come off."

Jerry narrowed his eyes. "I don't want you to sit here anymore."

"Too bad."

"I'm beginning to think you have no friends," Jerry shared, eyes on the other. "What happened? Didn't Ty ask you to join years ago? Shouldn't you be hanging out with them?"

"So you heard Ty's offer that day? I would have thought after I was banished I was no longer interesting anymore."

Jerry shrugged. "I like eavesdropping."

"Didn't they ever tell you curiosity killed the cat," Carson responded, a quirk to his lips."

Jerry raised a brow. "Now, I really don't want you to sit here."

Carson laughed and Jerry smiled. The last time he sat down with Carson, one on one, it was after a brutal sparring session. Being the more experienced of the two, Carson had flipped him without problem. Jerry remembered the day well, the bruise was still there, in a way.

"No really, you ordered a clumpy smooth. There is something wrong."

Jerry shrugged. "Hey, I like clumpy smoothies."

He took a generous sip of the smoothie, enjoying the rich chocolate taste. It may be the only thing that didn't give him aches after.

"Really nothing new is going on. My parents and my brother keep getting in my face. My friends encourage them."

Carson nodded. "I think I see their reasons. Now before you yell, hear me out. You were kidnapped at four right?"

"I thought you saw my news story over the summer?" Jerry asked, a brow raised.

Carson dismissed his question and continued. "Think about it hard, Jerry. Jack was there with you. I can imagine a six year old watching that could really mess them up. If I were in Jack's situation I would feel the same. And your parents lost a son, which will also mess someone up. And I know you understand them. You just feel smothered that is all."

Jerry frowned.

"But I can't say your family is approaching the situation right. Have you talked to them?" Carson asked.

"No. Well, not in detail. I mostly yell at them about things that bother me. Then again, the big investigation probably isn't helping."

Carson opened his mouth to ask a question, but Jerry interrupted with an explanation. He knew Carson had no idea what he was talking about. This would be the second time they were sitting down with each other since the beginning of the school year. Speaking with Carson always put him a little bit at ease.

Carson nodded at the end of the explanation, palms flat on the table. "I can see why they are worried."

Jerry groaned. "I don't want to talk about this anymore."

"Sure."

Jerry sighed heavily and then gave Carson a cautious look when the teen stated it was time for him to head out.

"I know this is kind of weird. And we aren't nearly as close friends anymore but –?" Jerry asked.

Carson nodded, keys in hand. "Come on."

Jerry got to his feet and followed Carson out the door. He may have answered Jack's texts with well-crafted lies, but he couldn't be bothered to care. He just needed a few more minutes of freedom from everything.

Hello, I hope everyone is doing well. Here is the newest chapter! Hope you liked it.

My favorite scene of the story is at the end. I'm a big fan of Carson. I had to re-watch the episode he was in a few times to get his character right. Hopefully, I've done that.

The next chapter is 15% (estimated) of the way done. I'm truly excited about the chapter, so stayed tuned.

I have one question for you all. What do you think about Carson? Knowing what you know from that episode, what do you expect?

I would like to thank everyone reading, reviewing, following, and leaving favorites. You all are super!

Until Next Chapter,

Bye