Ties of a Friendship
Chapter 11
It's been a few weeks since I stopped talking to Connor. Things been okay between us…I guess. Whatever you want to call it, after his meltdown I couldn't take it I just barely talk to him. If things couldn't get worse me and Maddie a girl that likes me and Connor likes…were dating. He probably mad as hell at me…scratch that he is mad as hell. What was I supposed to do? I tried to talk to him, but he pushed me away I don't know anymore.
Things gotten even worse when had a conference with his father. We we're already on thin ice after I started to date Maddie, but it got worse when I had to tell my Mom what we did…I mean I didn't tell everything because I was fearful of what Connor's Dad might do. But I don't know maybe I should've told him the way Connor's been treating me is just unacceptable. I'm trying I really am, but Connor is doing too much.
Days went on like normal I went to class like nothing happen. I meet up with Maddie we have our moments. Lunch happens with Connor and Matt, God Matt what do I do with this guy right here he makes fun of me every now and then, but I pay him no mind. I don't let anyone get to me even with Maddie it's still not perfect, but it better than nothing. If I was being honest with myself I really miss my best friend. I know Connor as well misses me, but I can't force him to be my friend nor go to him he has to make that choice on his own and I can't.
I went to my locker later in the day. It was near the end of the day. When I turned the corner I saw Maddie standing at my locker. From the look of sadness that stumbled across her face I knew it wasn't good. I slowly walked over to my locker I felt like I did something wrong I am new at this dating thing I try to focus on her and not Connor, but who knows people are complicated, hell I'm complicated so I can't say anything myself. "Hey," I greeted Maddie. She didn't really reply back she just looked at me with her sad brown eyes you can tell she's been crying, but I wonder why? "Is everything okay?" Without a warning she kissed me, the kiss was a shocking surprised to me because the kiss tasted like a goodbye and sorrowful than anything else. She begins to cry and wipes her tears with my thumb, "What's going on? Tell is everything okay?" Her silent was obvious I think I know, but I can't assume anything yet.
"I'm moving…" Maddie trailed off, "We're leaving this weekend today was my last day. I had to come see you off before I go." She was hurt and upset by this I didn't want to pressure her. In truth I know she wanted me to say I wish she could stay, but I don't know what I could've done to make her feel better. I mean up until now I've always been uprooted with my say so I no one to talk. "It sucks I was really looking forward staying here with my friends. With you…I mean it stupid. My mom got this wonderful job so of course we have to move. I mean really why now?" I give her a understanding shrug I know that we have no power when adults are in control of lives. But Maddie's not in the system she wouldn't understand the constant moving or trying to find a place to stay. She's just moving because her mom got an awesome job offer if Stef and Lena got awesome job offers I would have to move as well, but there no way that'll happen not with Lena being Vice Principal and with the drama of my sister going to the Quinns.
"I'm going to miss you…" I tell her. I really would miss her. It one of those things it'll hurt at first, but I'll learn to cope with it. People being leaving me and Callie since Mom died anyway, but it doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. I pull her into a hug a tight embrace hug as if I would never let her go. I finally release her and she gives me one last kiss with tears streaming from her face. "I'll miss you too…" With that she slowly lets go of my hand and head out the doors of Anchor Beach for the last time. I kinda got teary eyed myself. Not only did I lose a girlfriend, but I lost a friend… it make me wonder what if Connor left then what?
I quite I opened my locker grabbed what I needed and left. I was so far into my head with thoughts I didn't even notice where I was going really I bump into someone. It was a familiar scent then I knew…I looked up and it was Connor! Dammit like I needed to bump into him right now this could not get any worse. "Sorry." We both said it simultaneous. It was bad because I had tearful goodbye with Maddie and I didn't want to talk to anyone about it. But wait I looked into Connor's eyes his brown eyes and I see pain from them what could be bothering him? My best friend side wondered the one that urges to be back with Connor wanted to ask him what was going on, but I wouldn't. "Hey Jude…you okay?" He asked me, it felt like he generally cared about like the good old days, but I'm no fool either so I play it off. "Oh nothing just worried about my math test I took I hoped I passed." Connor looked skeptical of what I just told him. Hell to be honest I would too…I mean who in the hell worries about Math with teary eyes. I tried to walk away from him and he grabs my shoulder, "Jude…" He doesn't say anything else I turn around and look back at him I knew when he said my name he say a lot. The one thing about me and Connor we understand each other better than anyone else even my sister we connect on a different level, but me and Connor it's like some unspoken word between us even my silence said enough to him.
"Not now Connor I need some more time…" I tell him. He nods as he lets go of my shoulder. I turn away from him and walk home alone. I tell Trey that I had to go home he understood so I didn't have to worry about him being upset. The walk home was draining to be honest I know that's saying something. Eventually I would have to talk to somebody mostly Mama she probably already knows, but not Mom. I could talk to Callie, but she has too much on her plate and I can't blame her she trying to stay with us and now this thing with Robert I don't know if she can handle it. I finally got home and Mom was in the kitchen calling out to me she must've beat us kids home it was just me and her since Callie went somewhere with Daphne. Brandon said he had to talk to the band and they meeting up at some coffee shop I think. Mariana was with Tia practicing dance moves. And lastly Jesus was with Emma at wrestle practice. "Jude, honey how's it going?" Stef asked me her head was in the refrigerator so she didn't see me drag in with this dead look on my face.
"Fine…" I sighed she knew I knew I would have to tell her eventually. Before I could try and cover up the story. Mom had closed the refrigerator giving me the talk look. "Baby what's wrong?" She sat at the kitchen table and signals me to sit next to her. I obeyed and sat down next to her as she took a sip of water from her bottle. I sighed before I could get the first words out I felt like knots were wrapping around my throat, but I took a huge gulp and began, "Maddie and I broke up…." Mom always want to protect us from all the hurt and pain I guess it's her job being a police officer she feels she needs to sometimes it feels like she blames herself for whatever problems we all face, "Baby I'm so sorry to hear that I am. Did she tell you why?" I nod yes, "She's moving away today was her last day…" She pulls me into her arms and hugs me giving me a kiss on my forehead. "Oh love…it's gonna be okay." I knew she was telling the truth.
While me and Mom was having our moment Mama walks in I can hear Mariana behind her. "Stef? Jude? Anybody home yet?" She called out for the both of us. "We're in the kitchen honey." I pull away from her hug and get myself together. I can hear her and Mariana talking about the camping trip this weekend to be honest I completely forgot all about it! "Look Mom I get that this was your idea, but come on really, camping? Where bugs and stuff live outside?" I knew Mariana wouldn't like this not one bit she was too glamorous and girly for camping, but Moms thought this was a good idea and it'll be nice to get away from all the drama we all got going on. "Mariana, for the last time we're going camping and that's final and not another word from you," Mama tells Mariana I can tell by the sass in Mariana's voice she was not having it as she huff and puff. She went upstairs to her room to sulk or whatever I can't tell with Mariana sometimes she surprises everyone with her moods sometimes. When Mama came into the kitchen she knew. She places her keys and purse down on the kitchen island and rushes up to hug me.
"Oh sweetheart I heard the news," She tells me, "Are you okay?" I smile giving her a nod yes, "You know me and Mom love you honey?" Of course I know that all mother's say that when they know there's nothing that can help us get through the pain. "I know Mama I love you guys too." I excuse myself from them and head upstairs to pack for the camping trip I get a weekend away from Connor that's the good news in all of this. I walk towards my share room with Jesus, but I can hear Mariana from her and Callie's room. I go to investigate and I see Mariana with a huge suitcase I'm thinking to myself how many days she think we're going? From the size of the suitcase she thinks we're going away for 2 months or something Jesus Christ.
"Um…Mariana?" I puzzled by all the backing she was doing. She was going through her closet trying to figure out what to wear or what to bring it was amazing to say the least. "Oh hey Judicorn what's up?" Mariana asked me I barely had time to say anything before she was pacing around her room looking for something to wear or to take for the camping trip. "Nothing…I was wondering about you and this camping trip? I mean how many days you think we're going?" She smiles with her sassy smiled, "You never know Jude you have to be prepared I mean if I'm going camping I'm making sure I'm prepare for the worst! I mean yuck ground, dirt, outdoors please as if." I just scratched my head in confusion and let her continue her packing. I go to my room to have some alone time and I just flop on the bed head first. I don't know I wasn't really feeling much today.
Soon I heard a buzz from my pocket it was my phone. It woke me up as well I didn't realize I had gone to sleep at all. I check the time it was a quarter to eight how in the world I slept that long without knowing? I look at my phone I had two missed calls from Connor and three text messages two from him and one from Trey. Before I answered to anyone's message I lifted myself from my bed I felt like a slug worm trying to move. Once I stretched and adjusted myself I picked up my phone to read my messages.
Trey: Hey sorry about Maddie. But don't worry it'll get better try to have fun with your family camping. Talk to you later.
I replied back to his text message: Thanks man I will try. It'll be good to get away from everything anyway.
As much as I dread it I decided to read Connor's message to see what he sent me. God knows I don't need this right now.
Connor: Hey Jude. I just wanted to check in with you I heard the news about Maddie. I just wanted to know is everything alright…you know I'm here for you.
Connor: I know you need you're space right now, but if you get the chance can we talk before you leave on your camping trip?
Of course he would care. That's Connor for you sometimes he confused the hell out of me. Times like these I'm actually glad he's my friend. I know he cares, but I don't know if I should talk to him not yet anyway. I'll think about it this is tough right now and it makes my head hurts thinking about it. Suddenly I hear a light knock at my door. I look up and see Callie leaning on the entrance of the door. "Hey Jude…can I come in?" I nod yes and she entered the room. I place my phone on my nightstand so she could talk to me. "Moms told me what happened…I'm sorry Maddie move away…"
I give her a shrug, "Yeah it sucks, but I know she had to move because her parents got a better job, but it's okay." She gives me a hug, a soothing one I know Callie just wants to protect me, but sometimes I worry about who's gonna protect her? "You sure you're good you can talk to me anytime you know that?" Of course I knew that, but right now I just need to some space. "Yeah I'm fine just need a little time to myself is all. Trust me."
With that she took her leave and told me she loved me I told her I loved her too. I went back to settle back down to my bed when Mama called me down for dinner. I quickly rushed downstairs to have dinner with my family. When I arrived I could tell Moms told the family to take it easy on me about losing Maddie, but I didn't want them to treat me any different. As the dinner talk continued everyone talked about their day. Callie was excited about camping as so was I told them that I couldn't wait to get away for a little while it'll be good. Mariana wasn't so sold on the idea at all she was too girly for nature, but with Mariana's personality and sassy the woods would be too much to handle her to be honest. Brandon didn't care he and Stef went camping plenty of times before so this is nothing new to him. Jesus could care one way or another. Lena she was sold on the idea she loved every minutes to be able to be with nature I mean this is my second time going camping. The first time I went was with my 7th grade class after Mama lost the baby.
It was tough to see her in pain and when I saw that pain I knew I couldn't let that weight on Callie and Connor's hearts. It was too much going on for me to push two people out of my life who really care about me. The camping trip actually gave us time to talk everything out. I didn't know how, me not talking to Connor would upset him so much. I don't maybe I'm put a lot of pressure on him to choose me over his father which it wasn't like that I mean I didn't want to cause as much trouble as me and Callie had in previous foster homes. I love my new family I'm glad I was able to fine my forever home I'm just worried more for my sister I wish we could together I don't it's just me and her for so long I don't want to share her with another family other than Adams-Fosters it's not fair. "Jude?" Mama called out to me I was absent minded in my thoughts I didn't hear what she said to me. "Sorry Mama what did you say?" She repeated her question she asked me about my day at school she didn't mention Maddie…and thank God she didn't mention Connor I don't think I can handle that one. I told her it was fine up until Maddie left. Callie asked me about my new friend Trey which I was completely thrown off by because I never even asked him to come over or introduce him to my sister or anything.
Stef's eyes rose in curiosity I mention him once to Lena and then to Callie. "Oh you have a new friend Trey? Does he goes to school with you guys?" Their Mom goes putting on her detective hat on she always overprotected over us. "No he doesn't go to our school he goes to an art school. I met him at the bookstore I remember telling Mama, but I never even though that much about it to be honest…" In truth dealing with Connor was the forefront of my mind of course I forgot to invite Trey over. "Well I would like to meet this Trey guy…" Mom tells me Mama gives her the look as if Mom was up to something, "What I just want to make sure he's a good kid is all." Mama wasn't buying it as much as Mom was trying to convince her it was a good idea. "Oh like Connor Mom?" Mariana blurted out with her sassiness. Great she mentions HIM! Callie laughed at me and I give her a look, "Sorry little bro Moms did the same thing to me with Daphne and Kiara it's your turn to pay up!" I knew she was right Mom wasn't going to let it go. "Okay fine how about Monday afternoon I'll invite him over would that be good?" Mama was okay with that and I knew that pleads Mom thank goodness.
Later after dinner I went up to my room to relax before bed. I've taken a quick shower so I wouldn't hog the hot water. Sometimes I let the hot water wash away all my problems, but not tonight. Once I flopped on my bed I grabbed my phone and saw another text message from Connor. I completely forgot of course I went to have dinner with the family and then took a shower, but now nothing distracting me from texting Connor back.
Connor: Can I come over tomorrow morning to see you off?
Of course he wanted to see me off why not? I knew we were leaving at 9 in the morning it was early, but I doubt that'll stop him from showing up.
Jude: Sure. Does 7am sound good to you? We're leaving at 9am tomorrow morning. I'll be up early if want to come over before I leave.
Once I sent the message to Connor I opened the messages between me and Trey to text him the events of dinner tonight. I can't believe I have to invite him over to the house with all the craziness that happens with this family God knows. I'm quite sure he'll understand.
Jude: Hey Trey. I know this out of the blue, but my Moms want to meet you. You think you're available to meet my family Monday afternoon after school?
Once I sent that I place my phone on my stomach and looked at the ceiling of my bedroom. Then all of a sudden I felt a quick vibration. I picked up the phone to see a message from Connor.
Connor: Sure! I can come over at 7. You sure you're going to be up if I come over?
Jude: Really?! Connor If I told you, you can come over at 7am why wouldn't I be?
Connor: Idk you didn't answer my early messages I knew you fell asleep. So you never know with you?
Jude: Haha very funny…not! The question will you be up early enough to come over before we leave for the weekend?
Connor: Nothing can stop me!
Soon me and Connor are texting back and forth until I got a text from Trey. I exit Connor's messages and go to Trey messages to see what he says.
Trey: Sure thing! I'm not busy. I'm not in trouble am I?
Jude: LOL no! Like I said before my Moms wants to meet you that's all. I forgot to tell you that one of my Moms is a cop I think it's her overprotectiveness that worries her. I really haven't had friends over at all only Connor actually…
Trey: Its okay I understand man trust me. My mom's the same way so I know how you feel. But I got to go gotta work tomorrow I'll see you and your family Monday. Night!
Jude: Night!
I look back over to Connor's messages. That's Connor for you he always got to have the last word when we're texting.
Connor: You're welcome to try, but you'll never beat me!
Jude: Really? Never say never because I can keep this up all night!
Connor: I heard that before! We both know it won't change!
Our usual talks, this always happens I don't know how. Whatever problems going on between each other even if we got into a fight or whatever, we go right back to being friends or talking like nothing happen between us I don't know how we do it. At this moment right now in this time I needed to smile and laugh and I'm glad I have Connor for that.
It's was 5 that morning I was known for being up early. I quickly got my clothes together for today so I can take me a steamy hot shower it was just what I needed. Once I finished showering and got myself together I had to pack I completely forgot I packed for an at least four days just in case you never emergency happens and you never know always better safe than sorry. Once my suitcase and backpack was packed I headed downstairs it was 6:38 which gives me twenty minutes to myself. I headed to make me some breakfast it was some toast cinnamon toast yummy love it. It didn't take me that long to make it either which was good. I sat down at the table and I can tell the family was awoke well I knew Mama was she more excited than anybody. I know Callie would be up as well she always up as soon as she feels the sun baked across her face. Jesus and Brandon would oversleep and Mariana would extend her beauty sleep she called it.
Mama came downstairs she was already ready just like I was. "Hey bud. I see you're up before everybody else…again. You got everything back for the trip?" She gives a quick kiss on my cheek before heading over to the cabinet to make her some coffee. "Yes I just finished up I'm supposed to me Connor before I leave he said he wanted to see us off." As her cup finished brewing she grabs the mug and added some cream and sugar before facing me, "Oh really that's wonderful honey. Is he on his way now?"
I look down at my watch on my arm, "I think so I told him I'll be ready at 7 this morning and he said he'll be here so we'll see." Mama understood, "Okay then let me get the rest of the family ready I don't want anyone sleeping in." With that she took her leave upstairs.
My cellphone went off it was Connor I answered he told me he was on his way and I told him cool before I hung up the phone. Within a few minutes he was knocking at the door and I quickly answered. I opened the door and there he was standing in the doorway. I quickly invite him in. "I see you actually showed up. I thought it might be too early for you." He chuckles as we head out to the backyard. "Well I did tell you I was coming didn't I? I don't know why you doubted me in the first place." We sit on the edge of the porch that connects to the backyard near the plant where Frankie is. "So what's up?" I asked Connor. I mean he did ask to come over so he might want to tell me something. Connor smiled quickly turns to a guilty sadden look. "What is it Connor?" He exhaled before saying anything and then say those words like he normally do, "I'm sorry Jude…I'm sorry about snapping on you about talking to your mom about the indent with the tent I know you were trying to help and didn't want her to lose her job over what happen between us." I place my hand on his shoulder giving him an apologetic smile, "It's okay I didn't mean for this to get out of hand none of this…"
He cuts me off before letting me finish, "No I'm sorry you know I was just angry I would never say something like that to you. You have to believe me!" I believe him Connor knows how to apologize and mean it unlike most people so I knew he really meant it. "I heard about Maddie though…how are you holding up?" To be honest I really didn't know how to answer that.
I sighed trying to process my thoughts to something to tell Connor, "I'm holding up fine. How about you I know you liked her and I didn't want that to come in-between our friendship." He nods his head no, "It happens Jude we can't get mad a little things like that. At least we have each other am I right?" "At least we have each other am I right?" I wonder did we have each other. I don't want to lose anyone else and I don't want to lose Connor, but sometimes it be too much, "Yeah at least we have each other…" He smiles, "You what today is beautiful wouldn't agree Jude?" I nodded yes and we sat there until it was time for to go just enjoying the morning sun and morning breeze it was the peace I needed for a bit. For both of us this was just what we needed. "It's absolutely wonderful…"