Page 31 of Living for Truth
“Hannah, no, wait. That came out wrong. I—”
“No, Mother. I think it came out just as you intended. I’m ending this conversation before we say something else we can’t take back,” I grit out, practically running down the stairs.
Jake is downstairs on the couch with two of his friends, playing a video game in the family room when I rush past toward my bedroom.
“Why is your sister still living at home?” I hear one of his friends ask.
“She just got divorced,” Jake says blandly.
“I don’t blame the guy, who would want to be with such a—”
“Watch what you say about my sister, or I’ll knock your teeth out. She’s gone through a lot of crap, and she doesn’t need judgments from you jerkoffs,” Jake barks, effectively shutting up his friends.
More tears flow down my cheeks at his act of protectiveness. We’ve never been particularly close, but I always hoped he knew I’d have his back if he needed it, and it seems he has mine.
I go quickly through my shower and skincare and slip into some pajamas before I settle into bed and decide to scroll through social media.
When I pick up my phone, there’s a text from Morgan.
Morgan:I got home safe and sound.
Morgan:I also want you to know it means a lot to me you said that. I hope the rest of your night is good.
Hannah:I’m glad you got home safely. Do people not usually want to know their friends get home okay?
I frown when I type the word “friends.” It feels… wrong. It feels like too small of a word for what we are, but what other word would I use?
Morgan:Some people just don’t show it in little ways like that.
Hannah:Huh. Interesting.
Hannah:What are your big plans while Aly’s not there?
Morgan:Lol no big plans. It’s not like I need extra sleep since she’s almost ten and sleeps through the night. I usually use nights like this to catch up on work without feeling like I’m ignoring her, maybe go on a date.
Jealousy stirs in my gut at the thought of him going out with other people. I have no reason to be jealous. He has every right to go out on dates. I have no claim on him. Before I can say anything, another text comes in.
Morgan:I haven’t gone out with anyone since the night I first texted you, and I have no interest in doing so while I’m in a relationship. Fake or not.
Hannah:Now I just feel like I’m making you lose out on something with this fake dating stuff.
Morgan:Hannah, I promise I’m not missing out on anything.
Hannah:If you start feeling that way will you tell me please?
Morgan:I promise, I won’t feel that way.
Hannah:Please.
Morgan:UGH. Pushy woman. FINE. I’ll tell you if it happens.
Morgan:But it won’t.
Hannah:Thank you.
Hannah:In other news, Liam called mymom tonight.
Morgan:WHAT?! What did he say?
