Page 122 of Now and Forever

“Is this about a woman? Is it Yvonne? Or someone else perhaps? Is it someone I know?” My unending string of queries most likely pressured him more, but I did it out of love … and curiosity. Who was the woman who affected him so much it had made him lose his way? It was damaging him, and if this kept on, what if it became too late to fix anything?

“It’s all bullshit. I don’t feel like talking about all of that.” He stood up and softly placed a kiss on my forehead. “I’ve gotta pack. I love you, Chlo. I know I don’t seem it, but I’m happy you’re here.”

“I love you, too, Jacks,” I murmured, watching him stroll back to his bedroom.

That last bit—that small exchange—made me somewhat tearful. Jackson was obviously going through an upheaval, and it was something huge. Call it growing pains or what of it, but it was affecting him more than he cared to admit. Worried would be an understatement.

It was beyond aggravating to see someone you love going through something life-altering when there was nothing to be done other than simply being there for them and praying the hurdle would soon pass.

Obviously, whomever this unknown person was, it surely wasn’t Yvonne. So who was it? Apart from her, I hadn’t seen him hang out with a female counterpart. I would have known if the woman tormenting him were from back home, so it had to have happened here. Whomever that woman might be, if I ever found out her identity, I would definitely give her a piece of my mind, and it sure as heck wouldn’t be black or white; it would be oh so colorful she would be blinded by it.

With a dejected sigh, I began to gather my bearings and move toward the kitchen. Since Jackson was preoccupied with tomorrow’s trip and packing his things, I didn’t want to intrude by asking him if he wanted dinner. He seemed as though he needed space to breathe.

I rummaged in the fridge for something light to stave off hunger. Quite honestly, after the long day, all I wanted was a long bath and some deep sleep.

Not willing to prolong my agony and with little selection to choose from, it wasn’t a hardship to pluck a small bottle of chocolate milk before I limped back toward my room to unwind, reflect, and reassess today’s events.

There was quite a lot to ponder.

With Jackson gone over the weekend and with Drew avoiding coming home, it looked like I would be spending it all by myself. This was a predicament I hadn’t expected. My current situation hadn’t ignited any new and promising friendships in the two days I had attended classes, so I supposed I would just go through Netflix until boredom settled in.

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