Chapter 8

As we drift...

Lori

She lay on her bed, deep in thought. The faint sound of music in the background stopped abruptly and was followed by cheerful voices. The voices soon ceased to be replaced by the music, again. Lori stares at the ceiling.

Beside her, something moves. She doesn't look. The person beside comes into her view.

He grins goofy, ''what you thinking about?''

She shakes her head briefly. He chuckles softly and kisses her neck.

''I'll be back.''

He gets off the bed while Lori is still. He shuts the door behind him, softly. Moments later, a lone tear falls from her eye.

Jack

Eddie was in a mood.

He knew it but, he didn't want to say anything, especially in front of his mom and dad. Eddie's family were everything Jack's wasn't. Warm, loving and loud.

Really loud.

They laughed at a joke his dad said. Jack smiled, he loved Eddie's family. He especially loved the food. His father never cooked like this.

Eddie stared down at his plate in despair for a moment then took a sip from his glass of water.

''So, Jack how well do you think Eddie is getting at Karate?'' Eddie's father questioned.

Jack glanced at Eddie who was staring at him.

''Karate takes dedication and time. Eddie is working hard and by no time he'll be a black belt. ''

Jack meant every word. He smiles and looks over at Eddie who wasn't smiling. He looked uncomfortable.

''Can I be excused?'' he blurted out.

Everyone went silent. His father nodded. He rose and walked out the front door. His mother and father's conversation started back up as soon as he closed the door.

''Uh, I'll go talk to him.''

Mrs. Jones nodded and Jack rose from the table. He didn't know why they were obvious to the fact that Eddie was depressed. Or why Eddie didn't tell them. He just knew that he had to be there for his friend. He closed the door behind him and look to his left to see Eddie leaning on the railing of the porch. He walked over and joined him. They were silent for a few moments.

''What's up, man? And don't you say nothing 'cause it something.''

Eddie remained silent as he stared out at the street.

''I'm so petty.''

Jack looks at him, perplexed.

''Seems like jealousy is the only...''

Jack's never seen this side of Eddie. He didn't know what to do or say.

''I hate myself for feeling like this but... When I saw Drake I saw what I could have been. I was just like him when I was younger. I could sing my little heart out at the drop of a hat. Then I turned 12.''

He chuckled darkly, ''my cousin was raped right in front of me.''

Jack was speechless.

''I lost my innocence that night and my voice. I stopped talking for the longest. Consequently, I started eating my problems away. Needless to say it didn't work... and it hurt me in the long run.''

Jack wished he could say a few words make all this pain go away. He knew it wasn't that easy though.

''My family and friends love me, I know they do but, this is my struggle. I have to figure it out on my own.''

With that he turned and walked back in the house. Jack wished he said something but, he didn't. He should told him that he didn't have to go through it alone. He didn't though and hated himself for it.

Kim

She tapped his name on the screen to reply.

It's really late

He responded immediately.

I know but I need to talk to u

Kim looked away from her phone and sighed.

plzz

Alright, Brewer. just give me a sec

Kim got out of bed and slipped on some sweatpants and a jacket. As she walked down the hall to the stairs she pulled her air into a sloppy ponytail. When she reached the door she zipped her jacket up. Kim opened the door and closed it gently.

''Alright, Jack, what do you want?''

Jack grinned and gestured to the sidewalk. Kim frowned.

''Let's take a walk.''

Kim joined him on the sidewalk then they started on their way.

''I just feel like I needed to talk to someone. Not having the best night.''

''What happened? I thought you went to Eddie's for dinner since your mom wasn't home.'' Kim replied as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

''I did. Eddie wasn't himself so I tried to talk to him.''

Kim crossed her arms as a breeze swept by. Seaford nights were cold.

''I'm so dumb, Kim...''

''Hey, don't talk about yourself like that.''

Jack looked at Kim. It would've been brief look if Jack hadn't started to stare.

''What?''

Jack shook his head but, his eyes said otherwise. Kim felt a burning in her cheeks as she looked away.

''He used to sing. Eddie was a singer.''

Kim looks up at him in shock but, says nothing.

''He didn't tell me everything but, he was so depressed. I never seen him like that. And I didn't say a thing.''

He rubbed his face and then looked down at her, again.

''I... Jack, I think he told you all this because he's asking for your help. He needs you now more than ever.''

''I'm not good at that kind of thing.''

''Are you kidding? Your my best friend and I know you better than anyone. I also know that you know what you are capable of. Eddie is family and when family is in need you help them. No matter what they or anyone says. Alright?''

Kim was facing Jack, looking him in his eyes. They both went silent, enjoying each other company. They stood only inches from each other and neither of them want to back away. Jack leaned down and Kim closed her eyes. The moment was so tranquil she didn't want to ruin it. She also didn't want to ruin the great friendship they had. Kim knew she had to make up her mind though because Jack was closing in.

Kim wanted to kiss him so bad but, she couldn't. She kept her eyes closed. Jack's lips never met hers. She opened her eyes to see Jack looking down.

''I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-''

''It's fine, Jack. ''

His face changed as he took a slight step back.

''I wanted to kiss you.''

Kim stood speechless.

''I really did and you didn't. You didn't want to kiss me.''

Kim was taken aback, her shock over.

''You say that like i'm missing out.''

''I didn't say that.''

''But that's what you meant, right? Gosh, you such a jerk.''

''Kim I-''

''And it hurts so much because I wanted to kiss you, too. I really did-''

''Then why didn't you?''

''I don't want to ruin our friendship, Jack!'' Kim's voice rose.

He shook his head, looking everywhere but, at her.

''I love you, Jack. I have been in love with you since we meet.''

Jack looked at her but, she wouldn't meet his eyes.

''But, I value our friendship and I always will.''

She walks up to him and gets on her tip toes. Kim plants a kiss on his cheek then backs away.

''Goodbye, Jack.''

With that she turns and walks away.

So, how did you like it?

Kind of a filler chapter, every story needs them though. So, please review, favorite and follow. Also, I would love it if you all checked out my other story 'Liberator' and review it. Its really good, I promise.

So, that's all. Thank you for your time. ;D

Bye,

Angel