Chapter 38: Back to School
*****Monday After Spring Break*****
Leaving his house to go to work, Eli threw a black look at the blue skies and sunny day. Why can't the day ever reflect his mood? The downside to living in Southern California was the annoying, constant sunshine. The chilly, overcast weather he'd experienced in Chicago a week ago would be much more appropriate. Thinking about Chicago brought Jazmin to his mind, not that she was ever far from it.
*****Flashback*****
When Jason and Eli had picked her up from the airport, she looked very sad and fragile. It took everything he had to remain impassive and not react in face of her obvious upset. Jason didn't ply her with questions; he just hugged her. Jazmin had been grateful for his embrace and held on longer than normal. Instead of taking her home, Jason had taken her to her favorite coffee place. There she had filled them in on the ugly scene she'd witnessed with Wallace and his ex. Eli knew his presence had kept her from sharing more. Later that night, Jason came downstairs after spending an hour talking with her. He was seething with barely suppressed rage. When he'd revealed to Eli the full extent of Wallace's betrayal, Eli felt his own anger grow.
"Don't say anything to her. She won't like that I've told you; she'll be embarrassed. However, from what she told me, every single person that went to Vegas, including Alicia and Keith, were privy to the full extent of her humiliation," Jason shared.
"I can't believe Wallace would do this," Eli said.
"Neither can I. I obviously underestimated him and trusted him too much. I won't be making that mistake again," Jason said grimly. "He's going to regret betraying my sister, betraying me."
******End of Flashback******
Eli's black mood could be contributed to Jason's determination to make Wallace suffer. Jason's cold rage reminded him of Veronica's. She never let a slight go unpunished. However, Veronica would never punish a friend, no matter what they did. Logan had turned on her and betrayed their friendship after Lilly died, but she had never truly hurt him outside of planting the bong in his locker—a harmless prank. Veronica's loyalty was bone deep; he knew that first hand. Not Logan's dislike, her father's distrust, or any other valid reason had kept her from helping Eli in high school. Then after graduation, she continued showing up for him by first getting him his first decent job working for her father, then the university. She'd even managed to clear him when a bunch of spoiled rich kids tried to frame him for theft. He owed Veronica more than he owed anyone. Jason didn't understand that. How could he?
Eli pulled up at Hearst and got out of his car. Thinking of the dilemma he faced made him sigh and put his hands in his pocket. Frustrated, he kicked at a rock on the ground. When he thought of Jazmin being in pain, he wanted to give Wallace a beating himself. How could Wallace want to kiss another woman after kissing Jazmin? Eli had only kissed her once, but it had ruined other women for him. He rarely even noticed other women and couldn't fathom Wallace's behavior. Eli hadn't thought Wallace was made that way. The only thing that saved Wallace from Eli's complete contempt was the fact that it had been Wallace's ex he'd kiss—someone he had once loved. Wallace hadn't gone from Jazmin's bed to a complete stranger.
Nevertheless, Eli still faced a difficult choice. Hurting Wallace would hurt and upset Veronica. Not to mention, Wallace had always been someone he liked, even admired. If his screw up had been anything but this, Eli would have been able to let it go. Jazmin's shattered face sprung to his mind once again. Clenching his fists, he went to clock in for work.
******Hearst Gym the Same Morning******
Jason walked resolutely into basketball practice. Practice had already started.
"You're late!" Coach yelled. "And not even dressed! What's going on Jaleno? We start play-offs this week!"
"Sorry, Coach. It couldn't be helped. I've had a family emergency that needed my attention," Jason said. "Unfortunately, I have bad news. I can no longer play for you."
"What?" the coach bellowed. The other players stopped practicing and gathered close to see what the commotion was about.
Wallace eyed Jason warily. Jason was never late to practice. Wallace correctly surmised that his presence had something to do with Jason's tardiness.
"I know this is bad timing, sir. I know you took a chance just by letting me try-out. And I appreciate that," Jason said. "However, you know that although I love playing basketball, it's not my passion. Things have developed in my life the past week that prevent me from being a part of your team."
"You're kidding?" the Coach said. He looked at Wallace, knowing they were tight. "He's kidding, right?" Wallace shrugged, suddenly feeling queasy.
"No, sir, I'm not. I can't play on this team any longer. I'm sorry," Jason said. Without waiting for a response, he turned to leave.
The coach's glare served as a silent command. Wallace followed after Jason. "Jason, wait up!" he hollered.
Jason ignored him. Wallace jumped in front of him as he reached the edge of the court. "Get out of my face, Fennel," Jason ordered coldly.
"Are you quitting the team because of me?" Wallace asked.
"I said get out of my face!" Jason warned in growing annoyance.
"Look, I'm sorry, man. You gotta know that. I never meant to hurt your sister. I care about her," Wallace said.
Jason's temper finally broke. He pulled back and slugged Wallace. Wallace was caught off guard by the sudden violence and lost his balance. His hands broke his fall. Jason knelt down and said quietly, "I told you to get out of my face. I also told you when you started dating Jazmin what would happen if you hurt her. Not only can't I stomach playing on the same team as you, but just looking at you makes me sick. If you didn't want to date my sister, you could've broken up with her. I would have understood that. Her feelings would've been bruised, but she would not be shattered the way she is now. You cheated on her, humiliated her, and betrayed her trust. You betrayed us both. My family doesn't take betrayal lightly." He straightened back up and gave Wallace one last scornful glance. "No one hurts my sister and gets away with it. Remember that. Consider us broken up, too."
Jason left the silent gym. The entire team had stopped to watch the drama unfolding. "Fennel, what did you do? I told you to talk to him, not piss him off!" Coach yelled.
A teammate helped Wallace to his feet. Wallace rubbed his jaw. He had a feeling things were going to get worse before they got better. His dad's warning about the Jalenos rang in his ears. Wallace had honestly thought Jason wasn't anything like his criminal father. Now he had a sinking feeling he may have misjudged Jason.
******Elsewhere on Campus******
Veronica faced the return of school with growing trepidation. "What do you thinks going to happen?" she asked Logan as they got out of the car and headed to campus.
"I don't think it'll be pretty for a while, but like with Dick and Mac, things will eventually settle down," he replied.
"Yeah, but Mac didn't have an angry brother to contend with. I know Wallace and Jason are good friends, but I don't know if that will help or hurt the situation," Veronica said.
"Well, from my experience betrayal from a friend hurts more. Don't be surprised if Jason throws a punch or two," Logan said.
"You can't let that happen!" Veronica ordered.
"I can't? I don't think it has anything to do with me," Logan pointed out.
"Of course, it does! Wallace is my brother now. We can't let him be hurt!" Veronica insisted.
They stopped walking, and Logan turned to face her. He put his hands on her shoulder. "Okay, snookums, we are not going to fight about this. Wallace caused this. If I stepped out on you and your dad punched me out, you wouldn't be expecting any of our friends to get in the middle of it. I'd deserve it," he said.
"Yeah, but my dad isn't the son of a Chicago mobster. There's no telling what Jason might do!" Veronica complained.
"Do you really think Jason is the kind of guy to really hurt him?" Logan asked.
"I don't know. I just know that Jazmin has mentioned more than once how family is everything, and no one goes against the family. That's like imprinted on them. And that's not even bringing into consideration how close she and Jason are," Veronica said.
"If Jason's in class today, I promise I will talk to him and see if I can get a read on him," Logan said.
Veronica smiled happily and put her arms around him and gave him a hug. "I knew there was a reason I kept you around!" she teased.
He grinned. "I hope that's not the only reason," he replied.
"Of course not! You're pretty!" she exclaimed.
"I'm more than just a pretty face," he grumbled.
Veronica reached up and kissed his cheek. "Yes, but it's such a pretty face!" she said with a grin.
"I feel so used," he complained.
"You love it when I use you, and you know it!" Veronica countered.
Logan smirked. They resumed their walking to class. Then he asked, "So what did Wallace say when you talked to him yesterday? I know he spent time with Jackie after Jazmin left, which by the way, we should keep to ourselves. It will only make things worse if Jazmin hears that."
"You should be telling Dick that. He's the one with foot-in-mouth disease," Veronica said.
"True. But it's always under control when he's with Mac. She's good for him," Logan said.
"I know. I am so happy they got back together. Did you hear them last night? Talk about enthusiasm!" Veronica explained.
"How could I not hear them? You should've taken me up on my offer," Logan informed her with a leer.
Veronica burst out laughing. "I am not going to try and out-sex Dick and Mac! That's absurd, and our sex life is our business!" she exclaimed.
Logan just grinned and refused to comment. "So back to my original question. What did Wallace have to say?" he asked.
"Wallace told me that spending time with Jackie made him realize that he wasn't in love with Jazmin. If he had been, he wouldn't have been so willing to kiss Jackie like that," Veronica shared. "I don't think he knows yet what he really wants."
"So is he going to try to have a long distance relationship with Jackie or what? I don't think that'll work," Logan said.
"We don't know that. If both of them really want it, it could. I just want Wallace to be happy. I'm disgusted with him and the way things turned out, but I also know Jackie. I know she initiated the entire thing," Veronica said loyally.
"So that's how you're dealing? Blaming the whole thing on Jackie?" Logan asked.
"Works for me," Veronica replied flippantly. "Besides, Wallace feels really bad about everything. It wasn't like he planned it or meant to hurt Jazmin any more than Dick meant to hurt Mac."
"Well, Mac and Dick were broken up, and Dick was hammered. Wallace got Jazmin into bed and then the very next day was caught making out in public with his ex. It's not the same thing. Your tendency to put on those rose colored glasses with the people you love is going to lead to disappointment like it did with Duncan," Logan warned.
Veronica looked sullen at his pointed remark. "Wallace isn't Duncan. He never screws up. He's allowed to make a mistake. We've forgiven a lot worse from each other and all our friends," she defended.
Logan didn't want to argue with her. It wasn't like he condemned Wallace. It was just that Veronica's selective memory sometimes bugged the hell out of him. "Hey, isn't that Jazmin going in your bio class?" he asked, pointing.
"Yeah. Jazmin!" she yelled, trying to get her attention. Jazmin looked back when she heard her name; however, she didn't stop. "Did you see that? She saw me but went in without stopping. Do you think she's mad at me?
"I think she's upset in general, and you probably remind her a bit too much of why she's upset. You shouldn't take it personally; it's not about you," Logan assured her. He gave her a hug. "I'll see you after class."
Veronica hoped he was right. She went into class and saw that Jazmin was not sitting in their usual spot. Instead, she had elected to sit between the wall and someone else.
"Hey, Barbie! Over here!" Veronica looked at Daisy who was waving at her. Veronica headed toward her. "I wish you wouldn't call me that. Or at least not bellow it across the room!" Veronica complained.
Daisy just grinned, unapologetic. "It's a compliment. Growing up in Puerto Rico every little girl carried around a Barbie doll. I begged my parents one year for a Barbie dream house," Daisy revealed.
Veronica was surprised. "Really? I can't picture you carrying around a Barbie doll!"
"When I hit puberty, I was heartbroken when I realized I wasn't going to look anything like Barbie. It was only when they came out with Puerto Rican Barbie that I quit being dissatisfied with my appearance," Daisy admitted.
Veronica laughed. "I can't believe that! You never cease to surprise me. So when you call me Barbie, you're not really trying to insult me?" Veronica asked.
"Well, maybe at first. I learned to get over my Barbie fetish by realizing how unrealistic her figure was, especially for someone like me. When I first met you, you looked so much like a Barbie with your long blond hair, blue eyes, and a tiny figure that I hated it. I didn't think anyone could come close to Barbie," Daisy said.
"I am not a Barbie! I'm too short for one thing," Veronica said.
"You're not that short. Just compared to men. For a woman you're just slightly below average. At least to me. Puerto Rican women aren't overly tall as a rule," Daisy said.
"Okay, we've officially exhausted this topic!" Veronica said. "How was your break?"
"Fine. Me and a cousin drove to Santa Barbra. Nothing too exciting but the drive was nice. How about you?" Daisy asked.
"It was wonderful in parts and not so good in others. The wedding was perfect, but Jazmin and Wallace broke up," she revealed.
"I was wondering why she wasn't sitting with you. Is she mad at you?" Daisy asked.
"I don't know. She won't return my phone calls. I know she's upset. Jackie, Wallace's high school girlfriend, was staying at our hotel. We caught him kissing her," Veronica shared.
Daisy winced. "Ouch! Poor Wallace!" she said.
"Poor Wallace? Don't you mean poor Jazmin?" Veronica inquired.
"Well, I can imagine the scene that occurred afterward and the anger he faced. Jazmin strikes me as a powder keg. Italians aren't much different from Puerto Ricans when it comes to temper and betrayals. I take it she was mad," Daisy said.
"Mad would be an understatement. Let's just say, I wouldn't ever want to piss her off. She slapped Jackie and Wallace so hard that I felt it!" Veronica said.
"Really?" Daisy gave Jazmin a contemplative look. "She actually slapped them? I'm impressed!"
The professor came in, and they had to cut the conversation short.
After class, Veronica headed to the door, determined to catch up with Jazmin. Daisy trailed after her, always wanting to see drama unfold.
"Jazmin, wait up!" Veronica shouted.
Jazmin stopped and turned to face Veronica. Eying her warily, she said, "What's up?"
"What's up? That's what I want to know. You haven't returned my phone calls, and you made a point of not sitting with me. Are you mad at me?" Veronica asked.
Jazmin's expression softened. "No, of course not," Jazmin said.
"Then why have you been avoiding me?" Veronica asked. "You know I'm mad at Wallace, too, for what he did. He feels awful about it."
Jazmin's face hardened. "See that's exactly why I've avoided you. I don't need you to defend Wallace to me or explain him. He's your family now. I get that. You and I haven't known each other all that long. I figured it'd be easier if we took a break, too," Jazmin said.
Veronica looked upset. "You and Wallace broke up. You and I didn't. We were friends before you and him started dating, or did you forget?" Veronica reminded her.
"No, I didn't forget. Being friends with you has meant a lot to me. You're the first real girlfriend I've ever had. You and Mac have been such good friends to me. But seeing you now hurts me. I just think of Wallace," Jazmin admitted.
"I'm not Wallace. We don't look anything alike!" she joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Jazmin didn't smile; she just looked sad. "I know you're not Wallace, but he's your best friend and now your brother. I'd never expect you to be on my side against him. Family is everything. I'd hate to think of my life without Jason, so I don't expect you to take my side."
"Why do I have to take sides at all? What's going on with you and Wallace has nothing to do with you or me," Veronica told her.
Jazmin sighed. "I'm sorry, Veronica. I'm not trying to hurt you. I just need some time. I can't separate you and Wallace right now. I know it's not rational, and it's not fair to you. But nothing about this is fair to me either. I'm sorry. I'll call you when I'm feeling better," Jazmin said. Then she turned and walked away.
Daisy saw her leave and walked up to Veronica. "I take it things didn't go very well," Daisy observed.
"No. She says I remind her of Wallace, and she needs time," Veronica said morosely.
"Look on the bright side," Daisy said.
"What's that?" Veronica asked.
"You still have me!" Daisy said as she threw her arms around her affectionately.
Veronica laughed and rolled her eyes. "Like you're such a prize!" Veronica exclaimed.
"I'm an acquired taste, like fine wine," Daisy remarked.
"More like escargot!" Veronica countered, smiling.
Daisy wrinkled her nose. "Snails? Gross! You know I'm growing on you," she insisted.
"Well, I live with Dick Casablancas so what's that say about me and my taste?" Veronica said with a laugh.
Daisy just snickered. Veronica parted her company in much better spirits. Who knew that Daisy end up being someone that'd lift her spirits?
*****Mac and Dick*****
Mac and Dick walked out of anatomy holding hands. "I can't believe that our professor is already talking tests when we just got back from break!" Dick complained. "I don't want to spend my free time studying the anatomy of a pig!"
"It's college. They don't care about our social life," Mac said.
Dick eyed her suggestively. "I'd much rather study your anatomy!" Dick said.
"And you may. After class!" Mac said with a smile. "Look, there's Daisy." She waved. Daisy saw her and walked toward them.
"Hey, chica. Dick. How's it going? Or do I need to ask. You two look happy," Daisy said.
"We're back together," Dick said proudly, throwing his arm around Mac and pulling against him.
"You finally put him out of his misery I see," Daisy said to Mac, smiling at the happy picture they presented.
Mac looked lovingly at Dick. "Let's just say I put us both out of our misery!" Mac said.
"Veronica told me that your Vegas trip had some unexpected problems," Daisy said.
"That's one way of putting it," Mac replied dryly.
"Wallace got bitch-slapped!" Dick said with a grin.
"Dick, don't go bragging about that to people. Wallace doesn't need the reminder," Mac admonished.
They spotted Jason and Eli across the quad talking heatedly. "Look at the two of them," Dick pointed. "It can't be a good sign. I told Wallace not to mess with Jackie."
"Do you think they're plotting ways to punish him?" Daisy wondered.
Dick looked startled at the suggestion. "I hope not!" Dick said.
"You both are wrong!" Mac defended. "First of all, Eli would never hurt Wallace no matter the reason. And second of all, Jason may be mad at Wallace, but I can't see him making plans to punish Wallace."
"I hope you're right," Dick said. "'Cause Wallace is my friend. Not to mention Ronnie would go nuts, which makes Logan nuts."
"Well, I don't have a class to go to. I'll go over there and see what's up," Daisy offered.
"Come find me in the cafeteria if you find out anything," Dick said. Mac said goodbye as Dick walked her to her computer class.
Daisy sauntered toward Jason and Eli with only a hint of nervousness. The last time she'd spoken with Jason hadn't gone so well. "Hey, boys," Daisy said, greeting them.
They looked at her without a hint of welcome. "Hey, Daisy," Eli said. "I gotta go. We'll talk later," he said to Jason as he walked off.
"So stranger, what were the two of you talking so intensely about?" Daisy inquired.
"Nothing that concerns you," Jason said brusquely.
"Wow! I see spring break did nothing for your manners," Daisy said.
"My manners are just fine, thanks. You're the one butting in on something that doesn't concern you," Jason said pointedly.
"You know I used to think you were charming. Obviously, first impressions are often false," Daisy said in annoyance. She turned to leave.
Jason reached out and grabbed her arm. "Wait a sec. I didn't mean to be rude. I just go a lot going on right now," he said.
"Yeah, I heard about Jazmin and Wallace. Tough break," Daisy said.
"Is that what you'd call it?" Jason said in distaste.
"What would you call it?" Daisy inquired.
"I'd call it the last time Wallace ever treats a woman so shabbily, especially not my sister," Jason said.
Daisy laughed at his hypocrisy. "You're something else!" she exclaimed.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Jason asked, annoyed at her amusement.
"You want to condemn Wallace because he treated your sister badly, but you thought nothing of sleeping with me and then forgetting I exist. Talk about a hypocrite," Daisy said mockingly.
Jason's expression darkened. Whether in anger or embarrassment, Daisy didn't know. "You and I hooked up one time. I didn't realize you were looking for anything more. It's not the same thing at all," Jason defended.
"I wasn't expecting hearts and candy, Jason. But no woman likes to feel like she's forgettable. A phone call the next day is just good manners. When you don't call and pretty much disappear after getting what you wanted, it makes the woman feel cheap. For someone with a twin sister he claims to adore, you're pretty clueless," Daisy said with disdain. "Luckily, I found out how shallow you are, so there's no real harm done." Without giving him a chance to reply, she walked away, leaving him looking after her. "Always leave them wanting more," was her motto.
Jason's face flushed in anger at her jab. He knew she had a point; he had behaved badly with her. He had planned on making it up to her. Now, however, he couldn't focus on her. Jazmin needed him more. The timing with him and Daisy never seemed to be right. His eyes full of regret, he watched her walk out of sight.
******The Food Court******
Veronica was sitting with Duncan when Logan joined him. He kissed her and sat down with them. "So what's up?" he asked them.
"You tell me. What did Jason say?" Veronica asked.
"Nothing. He wasn't in class," Logan said. "This is the first class he's missed all semester. I don't think that's a good sign."
"Do you think he's avoiding you?" Veronica asked. "Because I was just telling Duncan how Jazmin ignored me in bio and then after class informed me that seeing me reminded her of Wallace."
"I'm sorry to hear that. She just needs time," Logan assured her.
"I hope you're right," Veronica said. "I just hate this."
Dick arrived and joined them. "We just saw Jason and Eli looking very intent," he shared. "Daisy thinks they may be plotting revenge."
Duncan refrained from commenting, knowing he couldn't be impartial.
"Let's hope not," Logan said.
"Eli would never hurt Wallace," Veronica said confidently. "He was probably trying to make Jason see reason."
"You're forgetting Eli's own feelings for Jazmin," Duncan reminded them. The men looked grim at the reminder while Veronica appeared worried.
Veronica looked for a change in topic and glanced around the cafeteria. She spotted Parker and Piz across the way. They appeared to be arguing. "Piz and Parker look upset, too," she observed.
The group looked up. Dick looked knowingly at Duncan. "Maybe they're arguing about the hot-tub magic you and Parker produced in Vegas," he said.
"What?" Veronica asked in shock. She looked at Logan who shrugged. "First I've heard of this," Logan replied.
"Don't look now but the Pisster is coming your way, and he looks pissed," Dick warned.
They looked and saw Dick was right. Piz looked mad; Parker was trailing after him looking upset.
Piz marched up to the table looking very angry and determined. Parker grabbed his arm. "Don't, please," she begged. He shook it off. "If you're going to be with me, I'm not letting this slide."
He turned to the table. "Duncan, you and I need to talk. Stand up and face me like a man. Not like the cheating sneak you've shown yourself to be!"
Duncan and his friends looked surprised by Piz's demand. Duncan got to his feet. Before he could say anything, Piz shocked them all by taking a swing and connecting with Duncan's face. "You had better keep your damn hands off of Parker. She's my girlfriend, not yours!"
Duncan didn't react, figuring he deserved one punch at least.
Piz looked at Logan. "I never understood you, man. But now I do. I didn't love Veronica enough to fight for her. I realize that now." He turned back to Duncan. He reached for Parker's hand and pulled her to his side. "Parker told me about what happened between you two in Vegas. She also told me that she made it clear that she loved me and wanted to be with me. Is that clear?"
Duncan looked at Parker, who looked embarrassed and apologetic. "It's clear," Duncan replied.
"Don't forget. When you see Parker, keep on walking!" Piz ordered angrily. Then he turned to leave. Parker mouthed a silent apology to her friends. She locked eyes with Duncan, an unspoken communication flaring between them. Looking sad and regretful, she turned and followed after Piz.
Duncan rejoined his friends who were looking shocked by the events that just occurred. "Oh my God, dude! You were just Piz-slapped! Wait 'til I tell Mac what she missed!"
Duncan looked after the departing couple. Piz had surprised him. He hadn't realized the man had it in him. Duncan couldn't blame him. If their situations were reversed, he'd have done the same thing. It looks like Piz loved her enough to fight for her. He had to respect that.
****To Be Continued****
Did Piz surprise you? I know he's not a popular character, but I decided to give him a bit more of a backbone. Without it, it's no real competition! More to come!