Inter team drama. What a shit show.
Even as they played poker on the plane ride to their 'easy' protection detail gig for some US diplomats in France, Metal could see the tension all around him.
Clay seemed to have started up on Vic again. That was irritating to see because he'd thought the kid buried the hatchet on their last mission. Lopez proved himself just fine and as far as working together, he currently didn't mind the greenie too much. Yet here Clay was, circling him like a dog and not just icing the young man out now. He seemed out for blood.
Then there was Ray and Sonny. Metal wasn't a dummy and he'd seen enough things in his time on the teams to be starting to put together his own theories.
It had to do with Davis. He was sure of it.
Up until a few weeks ago, Sonny had been all sunshine and rainbows with Lisa. There'd been no beef between him and Ray then either. Now, suddenly the man was avoiding the woman like she was a shark and he was angry as hell at Ray.
Whatever was going on, Metal was sure he didn't want to know.
Folding and getting up to take a break from the game, he circled round to check on Ray. They didn't often fly without Bravo 1 and he felt obligated to keep an eye on things.
"Need any help?" He asked evenly, eyeing the building plans and maps that Ray was studying.
"Second set of eyes is always welcome," Ray answered. "And your experience is invaluable, big guy."
"Happy to help. What do you need."
"Well-" Ray broke off when heated voices raised up over the game and Clay got up suddenly and stalked away. "Actually, how do you feel about finding out what the hell Clay's got against our new boy? I don't like the idea of going into a mission when all players aren't squared away."
"I'm not big on pep talks-"
"Yeah, well he don't need a pep talk. He needs some good old fashioned Full Metal magic holding him to the fire."
Snorting, Metal nearly rolled his eyes and adjusted his hat growling, "Alright. I'll play team therapist, but only because you're busy. Don't expect me to do this all the time."
"I would never ask that of you, brother."
Crossing the plane, Metal internally groaned right before he sat next to Clay on the jumpseats and said, "What the fuck's wrong with you?"
"Nothing, man." Clay answered shortly.
"Bullshit. What's with you and Lopez."
Clay paused and squinted at him, "I'm surprised you aren't cleaning the floors with him yourself right now after what he did to Jess!"
Previously impassive, Metal went stone faced and rumbled softly, "What did he do to Jess?"
"She didn't tell you?"
"Obviously not if I'm not gutting the kid and you think I should be. What the hell did he do?"
"He showed up at the same coffee shop she frequents and interrupted her time with her friends-"
"Ok, yeah, she told me about that-"
"But did she tell you he scared the shit out of her by saying 'Oh, by the way, Jess. It was a bad one.' and then just walked away ?"
Metal stayed quiet and waited for more, processing the new information carefully.
Taking the cue, Clay pushed on, lowering his angry tone, "She called me, all upset and freaking out because she thought one of us was badly hurt or worse. So I went to the cafe and we went for a walk, during which she told me the guy gives her the creeps and reminds her of her mom. And you know what? I don't blame her. I saw the way he was watching her that first night-"
"You think he showed up on purpose?" Metal asked in a hard tone.
"I don't know." Clay said, twisting his coat sleeves violently in his lap. "I've never seen him at that place before and neither has Jess, so it's a little coincidental."
"Yeah well it sure as hell better be a coincidence because I already told the little shit Jess wasn't interested and to back the hell off." Metal answered darkly. "Right. This can't come on the mission with us, get your head out of your ass and be a professional."
"Seriously?! That's it?!"
"Listen kid, there's enough going on with the team right now and I'm gonna have my own trouble keeping my foot out of his ass without having to keep you in line too. Buck up and we'll deal with this after we get the job done. You hear me?"
"Loud and clear," said Clay, clearly unhappy about it but willing to respect his orders.
"Good." Metal got up and headed back to Ray, muttering darkly, "Got it sorted. Heads are squared away. For now. But you got bigger issues coming after this is over."
"That…is not comforting," Ray called after him.
Metal didn't answer. Instead he flopped into his hammock and plotted how he was gonna make the little shit pay for ignoring his first warning. Heaven help him if Lopez couldn't convince him it truly was a coincidence and didn't apologize by licking his boots for scaring Jess like that.
Two hours after arriving at the dog park, Jess had one extremely sleepy puppy and a content dog to take home. She hadn't meant to stay so long, but Trevor was such excellent company that she didn't want to leave.
He asked questions and listened actively, like anything she told him was important. She was pretty sure she rambled for a good fifteen minutes about the properties of Achillea millefolium and how it was used in ancient times for medical purposes plus its potential for modern day use. In turn he told her all about the house reno's he'd been working on and she got a clear picture of his plans for the future reno's to come for the downstairs bathroom and upstairs spare room. They talked about dogs a lot and Jess shared probably one too many stories about her job. Then he talked about an exciting new program for troubled youth that Rob was co-hosting with Trevor's precinct volunteers. Trevor was trying to figure out how to fit it into his already busy schedule.
Reluctant to go, but not loving that the sun was sinking in the sky now, Jess hooked Bruno and Reisa back on their leashes, saying, "I guess I should really get these two back home before I have to drag them back because they've fallen asleep on me."
"Want me to walk you home?" Trevor asked, hooking Luna to her leash as well. Clearly he hadn't forgotten what Scott asked of him.
Feeling bad that the offer was so dang tempting, Jess hesitated to say no.
"Are you sure it's not a bother?" She asked instead, not able to deny that the idea of walking home with the taller, bulkier, skilled individual was attractive given how quickly it was getting dark. He may not have Scott or Jason's build, but he wasn't small by any means. "It's no bother at all! If I remember right, Scott's house is only a few blocks from Sylvia's home anyway. Pretty much right on our way back!"
"If you're sure!" Jess felt a flush go up her cheeks for no reason and she fumbled with the leashes in her hands. "I mean, I have two dogs with me. I'm sure I can- you know- be ok."
"Would it make you feel better having someone else with you."
The way Trevor asked wasn't as abrupt or forceful as Scott or Jason, but it was still firm and pointed.
"Yes," Jess told him, almost shamefaced to admit it now.
He shrugged with an easy smile and said, "Then I walk you home. Easy as that."
Detecting no hint of annoyance or impression that he was only doing it because he promised Scott and feared for his life, Jess finally relaxed and dipped her knees in an awkward kind of half curtsy, saying, "Well, thank you! I really appreciate it!"
"Ah, don't thank me!" Trevor grinned. "You have to put up with me the whole walk there!"
Jess laughed and before she even thought about what she was saying, blurted out, "It's ok. I'm used to Sonny. I think I can manage you."
Thankfully Trevor didn't miss a beat and he laughed too.
"Now that is an interesting fellow there, isn't he!"
"He grows on you."
"The best kind do," Trevor casually switched to her other side when they reached the sidewalk so that she was further from the road. "So how long have you been around those guys anyway?"
"Oh, over a year now!" Jess told him, trying in vain not to tuck in closer when a car looked like it was slowing down past them.
If he noticed, Trevor didn't say anything. Instead he kept the conversation alive and asked, "How'd you meet them?"
"At the Bulkhead, actually. I, ah, I would go there with my previous housemates as their DD and study but because of some shit that went down at the end of high school I was pretty terrified when we went out." Jess chewed her lip, thinking back and feeling like it was ages ago now. "Scott noticed that I was always scared and didn't like it so he introduced himself and told me he'd been watching out for me, that I had good people looking after me."
"Huh. So that's what Brock meant then when he mentioned something about the team taking you under their wing."
"Yeah! I mean, poor Scott scared the shit out of me when he first sat down with me but it worked out for the better after that."
Trevor made a noise of agreement, "Oh, shit, yeah! I'd probably pi- crap my pants if I'd been in your shoes."
Grinning up at him for the quick change to something more polite and for the image it put in her head of Trevor being in her shoes, Jess said lightly, "I highly doubt that."
"You kidding me?" Trevor squawked with good humor. "Scott's a scary dude! I don't want to mess with him unless it's absolutely necessary!"
"That's fair," Jess laughed. "Anyway, he took me in when I really needed people and- well I guess over time I got adopted and he decided that he needed to take care of me. So here we are. I think-"
Jess broke off because this thought was one she hadn't exactly shared with anyone yet in such depth.
Trevor didn't pry, but he gave her a serious, curious look that held no judgment when she brought her chin up to glance at him again. That alone compelled Jess to finish the thought.
"Sometimes I think about what might have happened to me if Scott never befriended me. Would I ever have gone to the Amazon. Would my step-dad's crazy ex-partner still have kidnapped me anyway? Would I still be in his hands if that did still happen or would I have long since been forced to move back home to my mom?" Jess shuddered. "He really did save my life in more than one way."
Trevor let it sit for a beat or two before asking in a low, sincere tone, "How have you been doing, Jess? After all that happened, I can imagine it's been a really difficult road."
The understanding and presence of the man loosened up Jess's words and she didn't mask the way she would usually with people she wasn't close to, or even did with some that she was close to. Hell, Pauline didn't know half of it really. The girl seemed so uncomfortable and helpless when Jess was honest with her that she stopped telling her the truth.
"It's been up and down, to be honest. Some days I feel normal and others I'm a wreck that can hardly function."
Trevor gave a nod of understanding as he said with no small amount of passion, "That's ok, though! You've hardly had time to really work through all of it, Jess. Be patient with yourself! It'll come!"
"I know." Jess sighed and paused to get a bag to pick up some dog feces that Resia gifted her. "I just wish I could get better faster, you know?"
"I think what you can and have accomplished since it all happened is absolutely amazing," Trevor told her with utter conviction as he waited for her.
"Really?" Jess quirked a doubt eyebrow at him.
Trevor maintained eye contact even as he reached down to scratch Luna's ears.
"Hell yeah! Do you know how many people would hide away for a good four to six months, just to get their feet back under them? And that's ok! If that's what they need, that's what they need, but you're just- you're back out here! Crushing every fear and facing the impossible!"
"I guess. You make it sound so heroic.
"It is heroic!"
Jess laughed off the serious pronouncement and shrugged, "I don't know about that. I think it helps that it happened in another country, you know?"
"Yeah, I get that." Trevor's expression got slightly lost, as if he knew all too well what she was talking about. "Makes a lot of sense."
Suddenly feeling bad, Jess tossed the bag she collected in the nearest garbage can and they kept walking.
"Anyway," She brought her shoulders to her ears. "Not to just, I don't know, info and trauma dump on you-"
Shaking his head adamantly, Trevor stuffed his hands in the pockets of his black jacket.
"Not dumping anything. I asked, and not much can really phase me. I've seen and heard a lot."
"I bet, and that makes it worse though," Jess groaned inside as she thought about how much he must have to deal with every day at work. "You should be able to have a break from all that!"
Trevor looked up at the sky and breathed, "Yeah, but this is different and I don't mind at all. I'd deal with ten of you over one or two of my 'frequent fliers' at work."
"Really?" Again, Jess was skeptical.
"Trust me," He grinned at her then. "You get real tired dealing with overgrown children who are drunk and disorderly on the reg and have no respect for authority or rules."
Frowning, Jess mumbled. "Um…you've had to deal with me when I've been drunk and disorderly."
An easy laugh erupted and Trevor shrugged again, glancing down as they came to the last bend before her street.
"That was easy," he said. "Wasn't like I had to deal with Scott or Sonny being drunk!"
Jess's eyes slowly widened at the ground and she nodded seriously, "Yeah, drunk Scott is terrifying."
"Oh?" Something in Trevor shifted slightly, like his questions were too careful now and alert. "You've had the pleasure?"
Not paying much attention to the change, Jess said, "Just once. He was so upset about it later and it really wasn't that bad, but he's hardly drank anything around me since and gets pretty growling with the others if they get too rowdy with the booze when I'm there too. I think that other night at the Bulkhead was the most he's had since then and the only reason I knew was cause he asked me to drive home."
"Not a bad thing," Trevor told her seriously. "You don't want to be around when things go south and big guys like them go off the rails."
Somehow, Jess didn't take that comment as a criticism of her family or belittlement of herself. The concern was genuine and he was right. She didn't want to be around if any of them ended up acting like totally terrifying idiots.
"Yeah. Scott works really hard to make sure I feel safe. Poor guy."
"You're lucky to have him." Trevor told her with a soft, half smile. "He's a good brother."
"He is!"
Three more steps of comfortable silence ended their conversation.
"Well, this is me!" Jess stepped reluctantly into her driveway. "Thank you so much for walking me home!"
"Of course! Trevor ran a hand through his fluffy dark hair. It was a lot longer than when she first met him. Curlier too in the slight humidity. "Like I said, I'm house sitting and it's not far. Do you still have my number?"
"I do!" Jess was surprised that she didn't even have to stop to think about that. She'd put his number in her phone the same day he'd given it to her after the ambush by her mom at school. Never thought to use it, but never lost it.
"Well, I'm in the area the next four days and Luna sure loves playing with Resia! Shoot me a text if you want to meet up again! I'd be happy to swing by and walk you to the park and back if it makes things easier for you while Scott's away."
Deeply touched and grateful rather than embarrassed, Jess melted a little and said, "Thank you, Trevor! That's really kind of you! I think that last text from Scott said he's gonna be gone maybe about a week, so I might just take you up on that!"
"Please do!" Trevor smiled again, pointing at Luna. "It's hard to tire this dog out and I could use all the help I can get!"
"Sounds good!" Jess found herself smiling too as she took Bruno and Reisa toward the house. "See you around!"
"Bye, Jess!"
It wasn't till Jess was inside and locking the front door that she noticed Trevor lingered outside long enough to see she'd gotten in safely and there were no issues inside. Then he continued on his way, goofing around with Luna and talking to her in a 'doggy' voice.
Warmth flooded her and she started to hum softly as she unclipped the dogs.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket for the fourth time since leaving the park and she dragged it out.
There was another set of messages from Pauline.
Guilt flooded her and Jess had to face up to the fact she'd been avoiding answering lately.
"Better to just bite the bullet and get it over with, right guys?"
Bruno huffed at her and went to lay down on the couch, right in Scott's spot. Reisa went and drank a bunch of water then flopped out on her side in the middle of the floor.
Heading to the fridge to make something, Jess put in her earbuds and started the call to Pauline.
"Hey!" Pauline's tone was mildly strained on the other end of the phone.
"Hey! Sorry, I figured we kept missing each other via text and it would be better to call you."
"Yeah, you seem to be really busy."
Ok. Casual but a little icy. Something was going on.
"I have been!" Jess answered as lightly as possible. "With work and then the support group thing I joined and then the dogs-"
"So you wanna hang out or not."
"We could- I guess tonight could work? Do you wanna come here?"
"I actually have a bunch of chores. Could you come here instead and we could chat while I do them!"
Hating the idea of leaving the house after dark and when Scott wasn't home to check on her, Jess paused.
"Charlie really misses you. We could ride after!"
Putting a hand to her forehead and leaning on the counter, Jess reluctantly said, "Ok. I can come in an hour or so. Does that work."
"Sure! Can you pick up some take out on your way? We could order sushi!"
No. No she couldn't. That seriously felt like one too many things today, but she knew Pauline wouldn't get it.
"I suppose so."
"Awesome, I'll call it in to that new place on-"
"No." Jess interrupted sharply. "No new places."
"Ok?" Pauline's previous enthusiasm faltered with slight annoyance. "Why?"
"I just can't. I can't do a new place today. Can't we just get it from the place we always do? I can do that! I- I just can't do something new today."
"But this place has a great deal and-"
"Well if you want it so bad, go get it yourself!" Jess cried, emotions escalating suddenly.
Bruno lifted his head from the couch and growled softly, looking around for whatever it was that upset her.
"Ok, ok, you don't have to get so upset about it. I'll go pick it up. If you didn't want to go get it you should have just said so."
"I'm sorry!"
"It's fine. See you in an hour?"
"Yeah. I'll be there in an hour."
No sooner did Jess end the call did the doorbell ring. She froze.
Why? Why did that have to happen now!?
Bruno growled and hopped off the couch, trotting to the door. His movement and the noise jolted Reisa out of her deep sleep and she leapt to her feed, stumbling along half asleep to follow the bigger dog barking fiercely even though she didn't know what they were upset about.
Seconds later a text message came in.
~ You home kid?~
It was from Jason.
Quietly, Jess crept to the window and peeked out. Relief flooded her bones with jarring clarity when Jason pivoted sideways to wave at her. Apparently he spotted her easily enough.
She waved back and went to let him in. Bruno's attitude changed to excitement the moment she wasn't scared anymore and he danced happily out onto the front porch.
"Hi! Sorry about that! I wasn't sure who it was and then I forgot you were still home and-"
"Hey! We're all good, kid." Jason stepped into the house, practically buzzing with restless energy and getting the dogs all excited. "Just thought I would stop in and see how you were doing!"
"I'm ok," Jess pulled her sleeves down over her palms and crossed her arms over her stomach. "You?"
Jason gave her a searching look before shaking his head, "Uh uh, nope. What's going on?"
Shrugging and dropping her eyes to the floor, Jess said, "Nothing new. Just got spooked by the door and- well Pauline wants me to come over so now I have to pump myself up to do that and she was mad that I didn't want to stop at a new place to pick up take out for us."
"Yeah, well, sounds like a her problem and like you could just say no and stay home." Jason was already pacing the kitchen, surveying the space as if he were looking for something.
"So, what are you doing here?" Jess asked, half wondering if Scott sent him to spy on her. The thought warmed her a little. Having an over protective housemate and brother did have it's perks, especially when she was as paranoid as she was these days. "Didn't you have surgery or something?"
"Something like that." The answer was distracted, like he was avoiding the topic.
"Either it was a pretty minor surgery and you're doing great or you didn't get it," Jess commented, hoping to keep his attention off her and away from her problems. The energy coming off the man right now wasn't exactly something she could handle if it started to poke with well meaning insistence into her current problems. He clearly had his own shit he was handling, just like Scott mentioned.
"No, I didn't get it yet."
Perching on the edge of the couch, Jess folded her hands on her knees and watched him, unconsciously mimicking the way Scott would get her to talk to him sometimes.
"Look, the surgery- well it doesn't have a 100% success rate and if it doesn't work I won't ever operate again so I just need time to really think it through."
"Oh. Ok." Jess tilted her head, eyeing the way he was favoring his one side as he walked. "Can I ask what it's for?"
"Ligament repair in my leg."
"Oh. So…you can't work until it's fixed?"
"Yup. Been sidelined until I do it."
Frowning and not entirely sure if she was overstepping, Jess said quietly, "Um...but if it's gonna get you back to doing the thing you love, why aren't you just going and doing it?"
Jason started pacing more, growing agitated, "It's not a guarantee."
"Yeah, but neither is it a guarantee that you're coming home every time you get spun up and you still run into the fire." Jess's knees started to bounce and she gripped her hands tighter together. "Statistically the odds are way better with this procedure and what's the point in stalling the inevitable. You either get it and it fails and you're in the same place you are now, or you do it and it works and you're back to normal. Either way, it sounds like surgery is inevitable. May as well just get it over with, right?"
Somehow, Jess wasn't intimidated this time. It was weirdly like the man was reaching out, looking for help and in an odd way, she felt capable of offering some support.
"Yeah and what would you know about the procedure?" Jason asked her, not meanly at all. He was genuinely curious and half expecting her to say she didn't know anything about it.
All the same, Jess faltered and said shyly, "Well, I was researching about this one plant and did you know they use an extract from it for the sutures?! Anyway that took me down a rabbit hole because it was interesting and I read for like an hour about ligament repair for leg injuries. The new techniques they have are pretty cool and super effective!"
Pausing in his pacing, Jason peered at her and then he smiled a little.
"You would go from plants to leg surgery, wouldn't you. Ah hell, you're probably right. It's coming for me whether I like it or not."
Sensing the unspoken confession there, Jess added gently, "It's ok if it's scary."
Looking at her sharply, Jason said, "Who says I'm scared?"
Jess shrugged and dropped her attention to her hands again, ignoring the ticking of the clock in the background and sound of dogs snoring.
"It's just- you aren't the kind of person to put off doing something that makes sense, so I just thought maybe you were a little scared because you're putting your future and your health in the hands of people you don't know, and you don't have any control over this situation and there aren't really any choices. I'd be scared."
The man stopped short, hands on his hips as he stared at the floor, jaw clenched.
"You're right," He admitted. "I am scared. But it's fine. I'll work the problem. Now, what's got you all upset? Sounded like you were talking to someone when I got to the door."
Groaning silently, Jess figured it'd been worth the try, keeping him distracted from her stuff. Never worked though.
"Just Pauline. That's all. I should probably get ready to go see her- unless you ne-"
"Nope, I'm good, just passing through! Just wanted to check on you." Jason was already headed for the door. "Hey, you call me if you need anything, got it?"
"Got it."
"I mean it. And don't let Pauline bully you into doing anything you don't want to."
"She isn't bullying me."
"Yeah, well, she's pretty pushy and you don't have to just go along with whatever she wants."
"I know."
"Good." Jason paused to give her a hug. "Stay safe. Be smart. Maybe shoot me a text when you get home."
A small smile slipped onto Jess's face and she heard herself say sassily, "Yes, dad."
That brought a proper grin to Jason's face and he left with less moody energy than he walked in with.
Once he was gone, Jess released a long breath and said to the house, "Well, that was fun. Next."
As missions went, this one wasn't so terrible. Surveillance and protection details for pompous politicians usually weren't fun. The time spent was tedious and boring with all the people watching, recording events that were mundane and waiting to see if one of the occupants of the apartment overlooking the plaza was an assassin.
Given that Metal was already tempted to kick Vic out the window, he tried to keep his attention completely focused on the work in front of him and ignore the 'life lessons' that Ray was giving the kid. He'd already slipped up throwing the pack at the kid when he asked about bathrooms and what they usually did when one wasn't available.
Over the coms he could hear reports of 'what appeared to be' people going about their regular lives.
Over the years they'd seen all kinds of things doing this sort of duty.
"Mighty Mouse appears to be back." Sonny's voice came over the coms and Metal perked up.
The young woman was in her twenties, worked diligently and seemed to be a student who worked hard, studied hard and stayed up way too late. She also led an animated and entertaining life. She reminded him of Jess which made it hard not to keep a closer eye out. Her 'name' came from Sonny watching her drag a couch that was delivered to her in from the street all by herself and then manage to get the monstrosity into her apartment alone. She'd been so proud of herself when she accomplished it and did a victory dance on her balcony, completely unaware people were watching.
"Mighty Mouse appears to have just walked into an open door." Trent reported. "While singing into a butter knife like a microphone. The sandwich has been abandoned."
"Again?" Brock's voice came through suddenly, reminding everyone he was still on the ground, observing in the streets.
"Second time today," Metal murmured, more to himself than anyone else. He absently hoped Jess had eaten something today.
"Is it just me, or does she remind you of someone?" Ray asked, chuckling as he too scanned briefly over the clear view of 'Mighty Mouse' walking in circles, trying to locate her phone, which was in her back pocket.
"Yeah, there are some similarities." Metal answered shortly.
"Who?" Vic asked, his innocent baby face lifting from the notes he was writing.
"No one you need to concern yourself about," Metal growled, still scanning the windows and roof. He circled back to their 'friend' and tried to tell himself it was his job and not an invasion of privacy. She was seated in the window with papers and books mounded around her, tapping her pen on her knee as she twirled her hair. Abruptly, she threw the pen across the room, flopped over onto her back and silently yelled at the ceiling while covering her eyes.
Yeah. That hit too close to home. For two seconds he saw Jess instead of the other girl.
"You ready to switch out, Metal?" Ray asked, meaning for Vic to take his pace.
Feeling strangely opposed to the young man keeping an eye on the same person he'd started to see pieces of Jess in, Metal shook his head.
"Not yet. I'm good for a bit." He waited till 'Might Mouse' left the window and disappeared into one of the back rooms before switching with the greenie. "Baldie is back at his desk again. Got his coffee, just like clock work."
If Ray picked up on how cold he was acting toward the new kid, he didn't say anything. What he saw in him, Metal couldn't say. He was wide eyed, innocent and knew exactly what to say to Ray, hell even Jason, but ever since knowing that Jess saw shades of her mother in him, Metal couldn't let his guard down.
Little shit was gonna have to earn that trust by trials and lots of boot licking.
Flicking a look back over the window of 'Might Mouse' Metal wondered more consciously if Jess was doing ok. He rarely had time to worry about her on most missions, and now, here was a stark reminder mocking him through the lens of his gear.
"Let's go out!"
Pauline announced it suddenly after Jess just finished trying to be a little more honest with her about how hard things had been lately.
"Seriously?!" Jess put down her chopsticks and the last piece of sushi she'd been about to eat. Chores were done, they'd gone riding, all that was left was to spend time and she could go home after that.
"Yeah! You need a drink and a good time, so do I!" Pauline was already headed for her closet. "Let's hit the club! You can borrow some of my clothes!"
Never had there been something that Jess wanted to do less than go to a club wearing her best friend's taste in clothing.
"I am really not in the mood for that and I have never liked that, Paulie, you know that!"
"Uuughhh…it was worth a try." Pauline rolled her eyes and headed for her liquor cupboard. "Ok, well at least let's drink here! It was so fun last time!"
"Uh, the cops got called!?"
Brushing it off carelessly, Pauline laughed, "And we got to see that cute cop! What was his name again, Bailey? It was a win win situation just to see his pretty face again. And that ass? Man. Even drunk I could admire that thing in those pants all day!"
Bristling at the idea of someone talking about Trevor like that, Jess snapped, "It was humiliating and dangerous."
"Wow." Pauline set the two shot glasses she'd just pulled out down with a heavy clink.
"What?!" Jess ground out.
"Nothing!" The other girl answer flatly.
"No, clearly there is something, you've been acting weird all evening, so spit it out!"
"You know what?" Pauline rounded on her, glowering. "I'll just say it. Ever since you moved in with your Seal Dude roommate you've turned into such a- I don't know? Snob?"
"A snob."
"Yeah. You clearly think you are better than everyone else, and I think they're a horrible influence on you."
Heart thumping now and not believing what she was hearing, Jess bit out, "Why? Because they give a shit about my health and look out for me?!"
"No!" Pauline's mouth twisted. "Because they make all your decisions for you and you are utterly dependent on them!"
"I am not!" Jess retorted hotly.
"You don't pay rent. You hardly pay for food. Your fucking dog is completely payed for. You tell one of them where you are and what you're doing all the time as if he was a jealous boyfriend, then you default to 'oh well they wouldn't like that so I won't do it' for literally anything! You're like their little pet project!"
"None of that is true and you know it!" Jess answered, getting up off the couch and balling her fists up. How dare she insult her family like that?! What the hell was going on?!
Pauline snorted and smiled at her disdainfully, "The fact you can't see it is really concerning me. And then what, they introduce you to 'better' friends, who you're spending way more time with, and encourage you to just ice me out-"
"They didn't introduce me to anyone! I made those friends myself, thank you very much, and frankly you are starting to sound like the obsessive boyfriend now! What the hell, Pauline!?"
"We used to be close. Like, really close. And now? Now I don't even know what's happened to you!" Pauline scoffed. "And you have no idea what's going on with me! You didn't even ask how I've been since Jeff and I broke up!
"Who the hell is Jeff!?" Jess exclaimed, frustration boiling over now.
"See?!" Pauline flicked her hand at her. "You don't even care enough to know who I'm dating!"
"No offence, Paulie, but you're with a new guy like, every other month." Jess couldn't stop the sharp edge now. "How was I supposed to know there was a new one! Last I heard his name was John! Do you even know what's going on with me?! Because you just suggested going to a club after I just finished telling you how bad a week it's been!"
Baring her teeth, Pauline hissed, "You're acting like you're better than me, and like I'm the bad guy, and like I've never been there to support you when I've been the only one to stick by you through it all! I even moved my whole life out here so you won't be on your own!"
"Don't do that." Jess's voice dropped like a stone.
"Do what?!"
"Don't hold coming out here with me over my head like that. You didn't have to come."
"Yeah, I did, Jess! You wouldn't have made it on you own!"
"You're starting to sound like my mom!"
"Fuck you, bitch! I just care about you and I'm trying to tell you that you've been a shitty friend, and you're hurting me by shutting me out and judging me when I'm just trying to help you!" Pauline was puffing now, face hot with emotion. "What happened to you?! You never used to be like this! The Jess I knew would have just come and had a good time!"
"I GOT KIDNAPPED! AND DRUGGED! AND HELD HOSTAGE!" Jess yelled, taking a step toward her. "YOU THINK THAT MIGHT CHANGE SOMEONE?!"
There was a long, strangled silence as both girls stared at each other.
Finally, Pauline murmured, "You've never yelled at me like that before."
"First time for everything." Jess could barely control the rage that sat on the surface, bubbling in her chest. "I'm gonna go."
Pauline replied stiffly. "Yeah. I think you better."
Getting up, Jess collected up her stuff and without another word, headed out the door.
It wasn't until she was on the highway that she burst into tears.