I ran out the door. "Mel, please wait. I can explain."
She got into her car and turned the ignition.
I was standing outside the driver's side window. "Mel, I didn't mean that. I-"
"Jackson! Shut up!"
I did.
"I can't believe you. You have a wife. You have a son! You…I can't…I don't have anything to say to you, Jackson." With that, she pulled out of the driveway, heading off.
I called after her. "Melissa!"
Why did I say that?
I rested my head against the window, staring blankly at the passing cars.
After a while, the car turned, then came to a stop.
"Thanks for taking me home, Nathan."
"Any time."
I got out of the car and headed into the house, taking a deep breath.
Melissa was sitting next to Dallas at the table, angrily chewing her food. She glared at me when I stepped inside.
"Melissa, will you please let me explain?"
She got up and headed toward me.
I relaxed a bit, thinking she was finally going to listen to me.
All of a sudden, Melissa's fist made contact with my face.
I held my nose. "Mel, why'd you do that?!"
She didn't answer, just walked into the room and slammed the door shut.
I went to the door, knocking. "Mel, please let me explain."
"Go away!"
"Baby, I didn't mean it like that."
"Leave me alone!"
"Please open the door, Mel."
"I don't wanna talk to you!"
I was getting frustrated. I banged my fists against the door. "D***it, Mel! Open the f***ing door!"
She was sobbing now.
I sighed. "Mel, I'm sorry. I wasn't…I…I didn't…" I gave up, taking a seat on the couch.
All of a sudden, I slammed my palm against the coffee table. "D***it!"
"Jackson?"
"Daley, we need to talk."
"Sure. Come on in."
I followed her into the living room, then took a seat. "Daley, I just wanna make sure you know that I didn't mean what I said." I thought for a moment. "I mean, I did mean it. I do love you-but as a friend…just a friend."
"I know that, Jackson."
"So…we're cool?"
"Absolutely."
I sighed. "Good. Well, I gotta go. See ya, Daley."
"Bye."