Page 81 of Diluted Truths
I smiled as I looked at my beautiful stubborn woman. “Ophelia Jacqueline James, I love you. More than you will ever know.”
Her response was to crush her lips into mine. I had kissed this woman countless times now, and it only ever got better. It was as if there were actual sparks flying. As I cradled her jaw in my hands, I knew if I died in that moment, I would die a happy man.
I had never believed in love, I never had an example of love, but this woman, especially when she was kissing me, could make me believe in anything.
Slowly she pulled away, and mirrored my stance with framing my face in her hands. “I love you, Will. Probably too much.”
“Impossible.” With that, I picked her up and kissed her with all my might. With her lips attached to mine she wrapped her legs around my waist and we got lost in each other’s touch. I would have stayed out there for the entire night if I could, but the sounds of Violet cut us off.
“Mama says to knock it off! Little eyes are watching,” Violet yelled as she peered her head out of the back of the car window.
Jackie laughed when she saw her sister and niece in the car as I set her down, very begrudgingly I might add.
“You brought Theo and Vi? I was so distracted I didn’t even notice.”
“Theo and I decided it was time to head home. There is nothing left for us here. We grabbed your stuff, it’s in the car,” I responded as I grabbed her hand and guided her back to the car just as Theo jumped out.
“I’ll drive Dad’s truck back if y’all can follow me. I plan on dropping it off and immediately leaving,” Theo stated as she grabbed the keys from Jackie. “You really made quite the exit there, Jack. I am thoroughly impressed. I think Dad’s face is still red right now.”
Jackie laughed as she walked with Theo to their Dad’s truck. We were going to get out of here as soon as possible. Something about Grantsvillewas… off. I couldn’t tell if it was the town or the James parents, but it didn’t feel right. I was more than happy to get Jackie out of here as soon as possible, and far from her parents.
Those thoughts continued as we drove to drop off the truck. Kai was outside waiting and the remaining James siblings embraced each other with everything they had. Each promised to call more and show up more. After a few more tearful goodbyes we were on the road back to Eugene, back to home.
I looked at Jackie sitting in the passenger seat next to me. She had drifted off to sleep somewhere in Idaho, which was good because she desperately needed it. She also hadn’t let go of my hand since we started the drive. I gave it a slight squeeze, promising to her and myself that I would do everything in my power to keep her.
She was my lifeline.
Chapter 24Georgia by. Phoebe Bridgers
Jackie
Ismiled listening to Theo’s not-so-dulcet tones as she sang to the radio. Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Go Your Own Way’ was playing. Violet knew many of the words, showing just how often Theo listened to this song. Even Will was singing along.
We were getting close to Eugene. I would estimate maybe two hours away at this point. I woke up in Boise, confused about how I slept so long. But I guess yelling at your parents all of your frustrations really tuckers a person out.
It felt like an entire weight was lifted off of my shoulders. I had listened to their crap for fourteen years. I knew they didn’t care for me, that they didn’t love me. I knew they blamed me for Nate’s death. But for the first time, I also knew they were wrong. I wasn’t responsible for his death, I was cared for, and damn if I wasn't loved.
I looked at Will who was jamming out, his tattooed arms on display but barely visible in the night light. His eyes shined bright when he looked at me as he continued to sing, holding my hand and using it as a microphone.
This incredible, gorgeous, kind, brilliant man loved me. And damn did I love him, with everything I had. I couldn’t help but join in on the tiny concert we were having.
We could have taken a flight back home, but we were all anxious to get out of Utah as soon as possible and I think we all needed the break the drive gave us. It felt like a pause in our reality. I didn’t have to worry about my parents, about the case, about Griffin, or about Fai.
We slowly winded down and the radio was turned down as Vi slipped into a deep sleep. I chuckled to myself at her snoring.
Will kissed the back of my hand that was still clasped in his. I wasn’t ready to let go, but I did theorize his fingers were completely numb.
“You okay?” he asked as he glanced between me and the road.
“Yeah, I really am,” I responded with a smile. I turned to Theo in the backseat. “What about you? Are you okay?”
She shrugged. “Mostly confused. They kept rambling on about a plan and roles we need to fulfill. Do you know what they were talking about?”
I shook my head. “I’ve never heard them talk about stuff like that before. Maybe Kai does, we can give him a call and ask when we’re home.”
That was the only sad part about leaving. I already missed Kai. We had all let our grief get in the way of our relationships, but I wouldn’t allow that anymore. He was my big brother. I needed him. We had promised to do better at staying in touch and I was going to fulfill that promise.
“Yeah, speaking of home,” Theo began. “I think I want to move to Oregon. Eugene, specifically.”
