Kez spent most of the afternoon trying to convince jessie that she was crazy ..
There was no way Jen would even consider Sophie..
Sophie was young for her age.. Carefree.. Incapable of being serious..
Sophie found Jens love of art and seeing the beauty in things boring ..
Which in turn annoyed Jen ..
Jessie agreed to bite her tongue and drop it for now .
I won't cause trouble .. Yet " jessie said.. But I ain't letting it go ..
Jens been so distant towards me lately and I'm making it my mission to find out what the hell her problem is ..
Why don't you take her out? Kez suggested.. Tell her how you've been feeling.. Tell her your worried..
Jessie shook her head .. What's the point .. ? She probably won't wanna go ..
Well ask! Kez snapped leaving jessie alone ..
She didn't like being in the middle of Jen and jessie
She felt she was equal friends with them both and didn't want to take sides ..
One thing she was sure of was that Jen defiantly didn't harbour feelings for Sophie ..
Jen had drove off in a rush .. Not knowing where she was going she just hit the road ..
Before she knew it she was sat on a grassy verge starting out at the sea..
The air was cold and breezy .. The beach deserted apart from a few dog walkers ..
The statues still as always .. Jen had drove all the way to Crosby beach ..
Why she had gone there.. she didn't know .. Of all the places to come when she was trying to forget Tilly .. Was the place that reminded her the most ..
As she sits watchin the waves splash against the sand her mind takes her back.. Back to that moment her and Tilly kissed .. Her imagination playing tricks on her. Because there right in front of her she watched that moment play out
.. Her heart reliving the feeling.. The feeling of excitement and nerves ..
She remembers being so happy that day .. That day she thought she had met someone .. Someone special.. Someone she connected with instantly .. Someone she could see herself falling for ..
The hardest thing of all was .. She actually did meet someone special .. But that someone came with a whole lot of danger.. Jen wonders how her live would be had she kept strong and stayed away from Tilly after the fire at collage ..
Shaking the thought away knowing she couldn't change what had happened .. she stood up heading down to the statues .. Taking in their beauty .. Looking hard at them trying to work out what was so special about them! ? Why she felt such a connection to them..
Truth was she only felt a connection because of the person she shared them with ..
As she sighs heavily strolling back towards the car her phone beeps..
Where are you? When you home ?
Jen rolled her eyes .. Jessie never let up .. She never gave Jen breathing space ..
Jen deleted the message not bothering to reply .. Once she was in her car she sat quietly ..
She knew she couldn't carry on like she was .. She had to make some decisions about her life .. What she wanted .. What she needed..
Jessie had noticed Jens awkwardness towards Tilly .. And felt the need to keep mentioning it . .. It was only a matter of time before things became to hard to hide ..
A few moments later jessie had texted again..
I was thinking we could go out for dinner tonight? Just us?
Jen closed her eyes sighing .. She knew if she said no it would cause tension.. Jessie would strop leaving Jen feeling worse ..
Ok.. Be home in a little while
Was Jens reply ..
She really didn't want to go out .. She didn't really even want To home..
Wow didn't expect that .. Jessie said surprised..
What? Kez frowned ..
Well I did what you said and asked Jen to go out tonight .. Jessie explained .. And she's said yeah..
There ya go then" kez smiled .. See .. You worry over nothing
Mmmm" jessie muttered still unsure..
Well look at it this way".. You and Jen get to spend some time together
She may even put out' Kez winked with a giggle ..
Chance be a fine thing" jessie moaned .
A few hours later Jen arrived home the house was quiet .. She assumed no one was home ..
As she sat in the kitchen waiting for the kettle to boil.. Jessie creeps in ..
Hey" she smiles
Jen jumped .."god Jess .. You scared me ..
Sorry"
Jen shook her head " I didn't think anyone was in..
Jessie made the coffee.." Sophie's at work and kez has gone out" she explained ..
Look Jen " I'm sorry about earlier .. I didn't mean to piss you off ..
You didn't " Jen sighed .. I'm the one that should be sorry .. I haven't exactly been in a good mood lately ..
I've noticed" Jess muttered .. Babe I know I can be a pain sometimes but I don't mean to be ..look The whole Tilly thing .
Jen tensed up.. Do we have to do this ?
No .. No we don't " what I was going to say is .. If your not keen on her it's fine .. I mean we don't have to like everyone do we..jessie said trying to keep Jen calm..
It's not that I don't like her ok" Jen moaned ..
It's just well... I don't really know her .. I know she likes art and stuff but I uh... I just don't find much in common with her .. Jen lied ..
She knew jessie was on to her so she need to throw her off the sent ..
Jess .. I'm stressed out over work .. My boss is on my case .. Nothing's ever good enough for him ..
I hate my job.. I'm unhappy being there ..
Jessie took Jen in her arms stroking her hair ..
I'm sorry .. I don't realise .. I thought you .. Well.. Jessie shook her head .. It doesn't matter ..
What! ? Jen frowned " what doesn't matter ?
Jessie bit her lip feeling stupid.. She couldn't believe she actually thought Jen wanted Sophie ..
Of coarse she didn't ..
Well I .. Jessie swallowed .. I feel really stupid for even thinking it now .. but I .. Well I .
Jen smiled .. You what?
Jessie cringed .. I thought your problem with Tilly was that maybe you had feelings for Sophie ..
What!? Jen gasped .. Are you kidding me .? God nooooooo
I know " jessie laughed .. I'm an idiot .. I can't believe I thought that ..
Sophie? Really? Jen laughed ..
Yeah yeah ok .like I said . I'm an idiot .. But seriously .. If you hate your job so much .. Quit
I can't quit .. Jen moaned .. We have bills to pay..
Ok well start applying for other jobs then" Jess suggested ..
Mmmmm" Jen sighed..
I can't believed you thought I fancied Soph" she added changing the subject .
Yeah I know " I'm silly .. Not as crazy as kez though.. She said maybe you fancied Tilly ?" jessie laughed ..
Jens face fell..,her eyes widened ..
Luckily Jess hadn't noticed the chance in Jen ..
You know .. You could always start applying for teaching jobs again.. Jessie said carefully knowing it was a no go area for Jen ..
Jen looked out of the corner of her eye .. " maybe..
I mean you are qualified and it's kinda wasted if you don't use your degree ..
I said maybe .. Jen snapped not wanting to go into things .. So dinner?
Jessie nodded .. She never really understood why Jen held back on teaching .. Why she wasted her talents and passion on a job she hates.. Taking photos for the local paper want exactly rewarding ..
Once Jen was ready she poured herself a glass of wine .. As usual she was waiting for jessie ..
Sophie entered the sitting room laughing on the phone..
I know .. Well you do work far to much .. I forget what you look like ..
Ooooo Doctor Evans.. She giggled blushing slightly ..
Jen sighed heavily pouring the glass of wine down her throat ..
Ha ha Tilly .. Behave .. Sophie swooned down the phone .
So your off tomorrow?
Good you coming to see me then? I'm missing you ..
Jen tried her hardest not to listen in but it was difficult when Sophie was so loud ..
Right well for your cheekiness when I get hold of you I'll show you who's boss ..
Jen couldn't listen no longer
Jessie" she called out .. I'll wait in the car ..
Sophie quickly finished her call
Hey Jen" she called out .. " are you two ok?
Jen nodded ..
Good" it's just kez said you two had a bit of a tiff
Wasn't really a Tiff" Jen corrected her ..
We're fine .. In fact we're going out for dinner ..
Oh can I come" Sophie asked
No you can't " jessie answered coming down the stairs ...
Oh!? Sophie sulked .
If it's ok with you I want my girlfriend to myself" jessie smiled stroking Jens hand..
Yeah yeah " alright " Sophie moaned leaving the two of them to head out
..
Dunno about you but I fancy a Chinese ..
Jen and Jessie's evening was pleasant they chit chatted through their meal..
Jessie doing most of the talking..
So I was thinking " she smiled ." Why don't we go away for a week.. Some where hot?
Jen fiddled with fork .. Dunno.. Maybe
Maybe? Jessie frowned .. I would of thought you would of loved a week away .. No shitty job to go to ?
Yeah but it's work isn't it? Jen moaned..
Well we don't have to go soon" .. I mean we can have a little look about see what's out there.. Maybe go next month or something ? Jessie suggested ..
Jen nodded .. Ok..
Jen felt trapped ..a holiday was the last thing she wanted .. As jessie talks Jen looks deeply into her ..
Why isn't she enough? She thought . . Why can't I just fall in love with her and live happily ever after ..
Jessie was good looking . She had a good job. She was funny and kind.. Caring and sweet natured with a little bit of an edge thrown in..
You listening to me? Jessie asked tapping Jen out of her daze..
Uh yeah " Jen smiled .. Yeah I am ..
Right " jessie laughed . So what you having ? Handing Jen the dessert menu..
Oh uh ... Um.. You chose.. I'm popping to the loo...
As jessie browse the menu her attentions drawn to the bar ..
There were a few girls laughing loudly
.. One she recognised..
Approaching the bar to order their desserts she turns to the small blonde hairs women
Uh Esther isn't it ? She smiled..
Esther turnt to fact jessie ..
Uh Yeah" she frowned looking confused before remembering who the brunette was ..
Jessie right ? Esther smiled ..
Yeah yeah it is
Are nice to see you again" Esther said looking around to see who jessie was with .. Tilly and the gang not here with you ? She asked ..
Oh no.. Jessie said waving her hand.. Not tonight .. I'm out with my girlfriend ..
Oh nice .. Esther nodded..
Yeah she's lost popped to the loo " jessie explained..
Same place I'll be heading "Esther joked " this some goes right through me ..
Jessie laughed " ah she's coming now .. Nice to see you again..
You too " Esther grinned looking round to see who Jessie's girlfriend was ..
Jen took her seat" so what did you order ..
Cake" jessie winked .. I was just talking to Tilly's friend over there ..
Tilly's friend ? Jen frowned looking around .. Her eyes meeting Esther's ..
Jens felt dropped into the pit of her stomach..
Her chest feeling tight..
You ok? Jessie asked
Jen spun around "what? She swallowed " uh yeah.. Yeah .. Um shell we get this cake to go! "She asked almost begging ..
Oh" jessie sulked .. I thought we could of stayed out for a bit .. Do you wanna meet Tilly's mate? She asked waving Esther over ..
What? No .. No jessie please .. Dont
Jes... Jen sighed
Esther this is my girlfriend Jen" jessie smiled introducing them .. She wasn't with us the other night ..
Esther nodded.. Hi.. She said confidently ..
Jen looked up forcing a smile " hi..
Esther was quite smug seeing the fear in Jens eyes..
May I ? She asked pulling out the chair taking a seat ..
So you two on a date huh?
Jessie nodded
That's nice " Esther said sarcastically " so where's tills tonight ? Out with Sophie is she?
Jen took a deep breath unable to look at Esther ..
No I think Tilly's working " jessie answered.. We haven't seen her for a few days ..
Aaaaaah" Esther nodded .. And Sophie how is she?
Good yeah" missing Tilly .. Jessie joked
Awww bless her ". I'm sure Tills is missing her .. She's lovely is Soph.. I think her and Tilly make a great couple ..
Don't you ? Esther asked aiming her question at Jen ..
Jen knew Esther was playing games with her and wasn't about to entertain her ..
Yeah " she tutted.. Yeah I do.. She answered looking straight into Esther's eyes ..
And what is it that you do Jen ?
Jen fumed ..
Jens a photographer.. Jessie grinned proudly ..
Oooh" Esther nodded smiling .. Nice ..
She's actually an art teacher but she's taking a break" aren't you babe.
Art Teacher? Esther grinned .. Wow that is amazing .. She teased swigging her wine .. How come your on a break? She asked smugly ..
Jen felt herself getting emotional .. The lump in her throat was getting bigger by the minute ..
Esther didn't give Jen chance to speak .
. God I remember my old art teacher.. She was bloody good at her job .. But then she stupidly had it off with a student and got sacked..
Wow" jessie gasped
Yeah .. Esther giggled .. Pleased at herself for making Jen feel uncomfortable .. Right guys I've took up enough of your time .. You uh.. Enjoy the rest of your night "
And with that Esther left leaving Jen broken ..
She's chatty aye? Jessie laughed
Jen nodded begging her tears not to fall..
She'll we go ? She asked
Ok.. Jessie nodded getting up off her chair ..
You ok ? You look a little pale?
Jen shook her head .. I'm ok .. Come on let's go home ..
As Jen tried to hurry out of the bar .. Esther stood in their way ..
Tell Tills I said hello and that I'll call her.. Maybe we can all go for a drink next time I'm here ..
Yeah that be great " jessie smiled "
As they left jessie panicked .. Oh babe I forgot my umbrella .. Wait while I go get it ..
No" Jen snapped .. I'll go .. She offered not wanting jessie to be anywhere near Esther ..
Jen hurried in grabbing the umbrella as she headed toward the door Esther stopped her..
I take it she don't know about you and Tilly " ?
That's none of your business Esther .. Jen answers trying to leave ..
Maybe I'll make it my business " Esther teased..
Maybe jessie needed to know who you really are .. What you really are !
Oh ? And what's that ? Jen spat..
Esther laughed.. Your the silly cow that ruined your own career ..
Because she copped off with her teenage student .. The one who got arrested for it ..
The one who broke Tilly's heart so badly she couldn't let her guard down with anyone else..
Jen swallowed the lump in her throat.. There was no way she was going to let Esther beat her down
She had punished herself enough over the years ..
Go on then " she spat.. Tell jessie .. Tell who ever you want.. But your lose your friendship with Tilly ..
Don't you think if she wanted anyone to know they would by now?
Tilly doesn't want it to be public knowledge no more then I do.. Jen stated ..
So go on.. Do it ..
Esther looked out at jessie then back to Jen .." Poor cow don't know what she's letting herself in for ..
Jen didn't retaliate.. She just walked out of the bar .. Hurrying jessie down the street as far was from from Esther as possible ..
Her head spinning and her heart pounding .. She felt like the walls were closing in on her and she was powerless to stop it ..
