Page 100 of The Second Kiss
He smiles, “No. It means you’ve been through a lot and you need time to heal. I think that going home would be good for you. I’m going to recommend a good counselor and sign your discharge orders.”
“When can I go back to school?” I ask. “It’s the end of my senior year, and I have finals and projects and—"
The doctor pats my hand. “You need to take it easy for a while. Try not to over-exert yourself. Baby steps.”
“Yeah, sure.” I wonder how long it will be until everyone stops treating me like a baby.
After the doctor leaves, I slump onto the pillow. I’m frustrated to the point of tears, but I can’t let Jacob see me cry. He sits on the chair beside my bed, leans forward and looks at the floor. He won't look at me.
Finally, he says, “Why didn’t you tell me what Brad tried to do to you at that party?”
I stare across the room, focused on a "pain level" chart on the wall, considering where I fall on the chart, even though right now, the worst pain isn't physical. “I didn’t tell anyone.”
“Why?” He takes my hand in his and starts tracing over the top of it with his thumb.
“I don’t know. I felt stupid, embarrassed, afraid. I didn’t want to be a narc. I was confused about what really happened. I got away, no harm done, right?” I glance at Jacob, but he’s looking down at the torn-off nails from my ruined prom manicure.
“If I had known… if you had told me, I would have taken him out the first time I saw him. I should have anyway. You said something when you got your wisdom teeth out, when you were still out of it. I wondered, but I…I didn’t know what to think.” He breathes out. “I should have asked more questions, done something then. I’m sorry.”
I reach up and cover his hand with mine. “You saved my life, Jacob. There’s nothing to be sorry about. If you hadn’t come over when you did...”
“I know,” he swallows hard. “I can’t think about that.” He grips my hand tighter. I don't tell him that my hand, like everything else, hurts. “I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to you.” He still won’t look at me. I study his face, but I can’t read what’s written there.
Mom walks in. “The doctor just told me the good news. You get to go home.” She sets her coffee down on my bedside table. “Oh, Jacob. I didn’t know you were here.”
He stands up. “I just came by to check on Jess. I can’t stay.” He leans over me and for a second I think he’s going to kiss me, but he just brushes the hair back from my forehead. “Take care of yourself, okay? Remember what the doctor said, baby steps.”
I roll my eyes at him. He smiles back.
As he walks out, Mom catches him in a hug and leans into his ear. She whispers, “Thank you for being there.”
fifty-one
Defense
Mr. Harris, the attorney my parents hired, shuffles the papers on his desk. “Mr. Wilson told the police that Sergeant Ricks caught himself and Jess in a compromising position in the barn. According to his statement, Sergeant Ricks got mad and threw Jess to the ground. Then Mr. Wilson and Sergeant Ricks fought, and Jess picked up the gun and shot Mr. Wilson.”
“That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard." I can't keep from speaking up. "Why would I shoot him if he were defending me? And then why would I lie about it?”
“A lot of abused women go to great lengths to protect their abusers.” Mr. Harris says.
“But I’m not an abused woman. And Jacob is just...” I swallow hard and try to judge the distance between me and the shiny silver trash can next to his desk. A move that would require climbing over my dad and then Jacob. “... just a family friend.”
My mom nods. “Jacob’s always been like a brother to Jess. They’ve known each other since they were kids.”
“Is that true?” The lawyer looks from me to Jacob. “So, you two have never had any kind of romantic relationship?”
“Yes... I mean no.” I’m confused by the question and everything else, so it sounds like I’m lying.
He turns to Jacob with the stare he probably uses in court to intimidate witnesses. “No, sir,” Jacob answers.
Mr. Harris nods, but keeps his gaze on Jacob. “If that’s the case, what were you doing at Jessica’s house that night and how did you get there? As I understand it, your brother had borrowed your car, and you were out with...” He thumbs through his paperwork.
“Laini Sheraton,” Jacob supplies.
“Right. So at what point did you leave Ms. Sheraton and exactly how did you end up in the Ricks’ barn?”
It’s something I’ve been wanting to ask Jacob, but I haven't had the chance. Mom and Dad must have been wondering too. They both lean forward like they’re waiting to hear what he’ll say.
