Allison
Today was Sunday, and Jayden had been holed up in his room all day. We hadn’t seen him since we got back, and the only sound we’d heard from his room was muffled sobbing. Who would have thought that the strongest playboy with a cold heart was actually vulnerable and soft like this?
That evening, Jayden finally emerged from his room to join the family for dinner. The atmosphere was quiet, with only the sound of utensils clinking against plates breaking the silence.
My mom, her voice laced with concern, asked, “Jayden, is everything okay?”
He nodded, forcing a weak smile. “Yes, I’m doing well now, I guess. Sorry for keeping you guys worried.”
He continued eating, his eyes cast down at his plate. My mom turned to stare at me, and I sighed deeply, focusing on my food.
Tom spoke up, his voice firm but gentle. “Jayden, if you don’t mind my saying so, it’s time to forget about that woman. Let her be. She doesn’t want anything to do with you and I anymore.”
Jayden’s eyes flashed with pain, but he said nothing, his jaw clenched in a mixture of anger and sadness. I felt a pang of sympathy for him, seeing him so vulnerable and hurt.
But it seemed he couldn’t hold it anymore, so he slammed his hands on the table, making the plates and glasses vibrate. The jar of water in the center of the table toppled over, spilling its contents onto the table and floor.
Jayden’s voice shook with anger and sadness as he shouted at his father, “What do you know? What the heck do you know about Mom?”
With that, he stormed away, slamming his bedroom door upstairs. The sound echoed through the house, leaving an uncomfortable silence in its wake.
Mom turned to Tom, her voice laced with concern. “You shouldn’t have said that. You don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes. Maybe Jayden knows more than you think.”
Tom shrugged, his expression nonchalant. “Maybe he’s the one who doesn’t know anything and thinks he does.”
“Honey, please!” my mom groaned.
“Enough, Liz!” he yelled at her, and my sister and I turned to him. “Eat your food and no more words… please.”
The room fell silent once again, with only the sound of utensils clinking against plates breaking the tension, and Tom continued eating, seemingly unfazed by the outburst.
I became a worried mess, my concern for Jayden growing by the minute. I wanted to talk to him, to comfort him.
Excusing myself from the table, I told my mom, “I’m done eating. I’ll head to my room now.”
“Oh, okay then,” she nodded, and I left.
But instead of going to my room, I made my way to Jayden’s door and knocked softly. When there was no response, I knocked again, saying, “Jayden, I know you’re there. Please answer me.”
The silence was deafening, and I realized I had to try a different approach. I went into my room and stood by the wall connecting our rooms.
Placing my mouth near the wall, I whispered, “Jayden, I know you can hear me. I want you to forget about what your dad said. He’s just talking like an old man. I care about you so much, and it makes me sad to see you like this.”
As I spoke, I heard Jayden’s sobbing grow louder, and my heart ached.
“Please stop crying, I beg you,” I whispered urgently.
Just then, I heard a knock, and I quickly turned my head, wondering who it could be.
I opened the door to find my mom standing there with a warm smile. She rubbed my face affectionately before asking, “Can I come in?”
I nodded, and she walked in, shutting the door behind her.
Then, she sat down on the bed, waiting for me to join her. I walked over and sat beside her, and she put a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
“Everything alright?” she asked, her eyes scanning my face.
“Yeah, why?” I asked, my voice soft.
“It seems to me you’ve gotten closer with your brother,” she observed, a hint of curiosity in her voice. “Last time I remember, you both were enemies. What happened?”
I laughed, feeling a bit self-conscious.
“Is that so?” I asked, trying hard to hold in my nervousness.
“Oh, come on,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Anyway, I’m glad that you both changed.”
There was a brief silence.
“So, is Jayden doing okay?” my mom asked, her voice laced with concern.
I took a deep breath before responding…
“Hmm, I think he’s doing fine,” I replied, trying to reassure her.
“Alright,” she nodded. “Just keep a close eye on him and let me know whenever something happens. We’ll talk later.”
I nodded and just as she stood up, I brought up the therapist. Remembering Gideon triggered it. Since he wouldn’t tell me where we knew each other from and how we knew each other, I needed to find out myself.
“Mom, about the therapist… I think I’m ready to see her.”
She quickly turned to me, her face lighting up with a smile. “Really?”
“Yes,” I nodded, smiling back.
“Oh, thank God. You should do that. I’ll get an appointment, and I’ll do everything I can so you both can meet and talk. Finally, you can meet remember that haunted past again.”
“Uhm… Actually, uh, the… the thing is, Mom, I want to remember my past actually, not forget them.”
My mom’s smile faltered after my explanation. Her expression changed drastically, and now, she was looking anxious.
“What do you mean you want to remember your past?” she demanded, her voice shaking slightly. “The past that almost got you killed? Have you gone mad, young lady?”
I sighed deeply, “Mom, just listen to me.”
Her voice was strict, and I could sense her worry. “Shut up, Allison and listen to me! I’m trying hard to make you forget the past that almost took you away from me. I really could exchange my life just for you not to remember even the tiniest thing and you say what?”
She scoffed before continuing, “You want to remember? Like remember that dark past that could do something even worse to you? Hell no, Allison. Heaven knows that I won’t ever agree to this.”
I stood my ground. “You won’t understand, Mom. Besides, I feel it’s for my own good.”
“For your own good indeed!” she yelled, veins popping on her forehead and neck. “How’s that for your own good? Something that almost made you die? Can’t you still see the scars you gave yourself because of self-harm?!”
“Mom…” I whispered, my voice trailing off as tears filled my eyes.
She stood up, her face firm. “If you want to get a therapist for that, I’m sorry, but I’m not going to make you meet her. Good night. You should leave with Jayden tomorrow morning, as soon as possible. Classes start tomorrow, I’m sure.”
With that, she left, leaving me feeling frustrated and confused.
Before I knew it, it was the next morning. Jayden, Sally, and I were downstairs, getting into a taxi.
And Mom and Tom were waving goodbye, but Jayden didn’t even glance at them. He just got into the taxi, his face cold and expressionless.
Sally and I waved at our parents before following Jayden into the taxi. The drive to school was silent, with Jayden keeping to himself. Sally sat between us, making it difficult for me to talk to Jayden properly.
When we arrived at school, we all separated, and I headed straight to my hostel. As I opened the door, I was shocked to see a guy on top of Nina, obviously having sex with her as she was pretty loud and even in tears.
“Oh my goodness!” I exclaimed, quickly running out of the room.
I decided to go somewhere else instead of wandering around. I thought about going to Jayden’s room and staying for a little while, so I headed to his hostel and room. I knocked before pushing the door open.
What I saw took my breath away. Jayden was kissing Yvonne deeply, their lips locked in a passionate embrace, their hands moving fiercely around their bodies.