Part XVIII: When You Love
Katie went out of her apartment. Her heart was being torn apart inside. She did not dare ask for any explanation from Jessie. She didn't look back.
I…
It took me months to get to this point…
And…
Katie stopped and breathed. She was in tears as she reached the center of the park.
I love you Jessie…
I love you…
But why…
Katie!
Katie stopped she knew the owner of the voice. She didn't turn. She would not let the person know her pain. She continued to walk but was halted by a warm hand that held hers.
"Katie… Please… Let me explain…"
"No Jessie… No need… I have to go… Don't wait up…" Katie let go of Jessie's hand.
"Katie…"
Jessie watched Katie walk away from her. She knew what Katie was thinking. She also knew that she loved Katie. Not Tad. And Katie has to know that.
She will be coming home…
To me…
I know in my heart she would…
Because I didn't mean to hurt her…
She will come back…
Jessie walked towards home.
----
KNOCK! KNOCK!
"Sarah! Open up!"
"I'm up! I'm up! Hell Katie we're on our way… Wait… Why are you crying?" Sarah asked motioning Katie to enter her apartment.
"She… I saw her… With her ex… in our apartment…" Katie sat down the couch and began to sob.
"Katie… Did you talk to her about it?" Sarah asked rubbing her friend's back to soothe her.
Russell had a glass of water with him to serve to Katie. He entered the living room as Katie began to scream.
"WHY WOULD I TALK TO HER? SHE SHOULDN"T BE KISSING HIM IN THE FIRST PLACE! NOT IN MY COUCH! NOT IN OUR APARTMENT!"
"Katie… You're overreacting… What if his ex moved in on her? Without her permission…" Russell replied earning a nod from Sarah.
"OH FUCK THAT! THEY WERE SHOVING EACH OTHERS TONGUE FOR MORE THAN A SECOND! SHE DIDN'T EVEN PUSH HIM AWAY TILL SHE NOTICED I WAS THERE!" Katie yelled again.
She stood up and punched the wall, making her knuckles bleed.
"Katie…" Russell took Katie's hands and held them tight.
"Ok… Katie… You can stay here… Just… Don't hurt yourself…"
"Guess the champagne ends up in my fridge again…" Sarah shrugged as Russell took Katie back to the couch.
----
Jessie stared at the clock. She forced Tad out of the apartment. She had been waiting patiently but to no avail. She began to worry. She had called Grace earlier to tell her to pick up her mother. Taking the black box out of her pocket, she stared at her 'would have' engagement ring. As the clock stroked twelve, Jessie began to cry.
Katie's not coming back…
Just then the phone began to ring.
"Hello?"
Hey Jess. It's Sarah. Katie's here with me. Russell is here too. Don't worry. She's safe.
Jessie frowned but she was still thankful.
"I'm… can I…?" Jessie struggled to find the words.
She didn't want to cause problems with an overprotective ex and best friend.
Come over… She's stubborn right now… But you're the only one she actually needs…
"I… Thank you… I'll be right over…"
Jessie took her coat and was immediately out the door.
----
Katie slept on the couch while Sarah stayed in her room. Russell slept on the living room floor.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
It was so soft only Russell woke up.
"Hey Jess. She's sleeping. I'll get Sarah." Russell motioned Jessie to come in and proceeded to wake Sarah.
Jessie walked slowly and found Katie sleeping on the couch. She sat beside the couch and stared at the brunette. There were tear stains on her pillow.
Katie…
Please believe me…
Jessie gently brushed Katie's stray hair she was careful not to wake her up. Jessie's fingers traced the brunette's cheek, and then held her hand. It was warm. She stared and she held her breath. There was blood in her girlfriend's knuckles. Tears were in Jessie's eyes as she took Katie's hand and gently kissed it. She looked at the brunette who was sleeping peacefully.
Katie…