Chapter Six

Emi

“The good news is that there is nothing structurally wrong with your eye. The bad news is that it will probably look worse tomorrow. Is it causing you any pain?”

“Nothing I can’t ignore.”

“Good, I’m going to prescribe you some eye drops that’ll number you for a bit if it gets too bad. The swelling should continue to go down, but ice it for a few minutes every couple of hours.”

“Thank you.”

I am happy the doctor confirmed that there was no damage to my eye. It was embarrassing enough to get punched. Since I have the day off, I promised my dad I would see him and Jane for a while.

Jane is Jake’s mom and my stepmother. When they first started dating, I was upset because of the history Jake and I have, but I quickly saw how happy she made my dad and got over it because he deserves to be happy after everything that he has been through. 

The good thing about being out while everyone is working is the lack of traffic, so I made it to my dad’s house quickly. The house I grew up in hasn’t changed. Dad has kept it the same since we moved in. Jack and Tyson’s parents still live next door, and according to Jane, they get together for dinner often.

“Oh my gosh, Em, what happened?” Jane was the first to see it and grabbed my chin, studying my face.

“I tried to break up a fight at work yesterday. It’s nothing; the doctor looked at it this morning and said it was only a black eye and a busted blood vessel.”

“Henry, come and look at Remington’s face.”

Jane has been the only one to go back and forth between my nickname and my real name. I don’t hate my name, but it’s known as a boy’s name and, to be honest, I prefer the name Jack gave me when I first met him. I’ve tried to move on, but every time I date, I feel like I’m wasting their time and the connection isn’t there.

“Are you hungry? Lunch is about made; it’s only sandwiches.”

“A sandwich sounds good. Thanks, Jane.”

“Great, we’ll have lunch on the back porch; why don’t you and Henry take a seat, and I’ll be right out with the food and drinks.”

“I’m glad you moved back.” My dad stated as we sat down. “I’ve missed having my little girl around. Tell me what you’ve been up to.”

“Nothing, really. The first day of work was eventful, as you can tell by looking at my face. I’m settled into my apartment, but other than that, my life has been boring.”

“So, no boy?”

“No, dad. I’m not seeing anyone.”

“Not even the other Dane boy?”

“Especially not Tyson.”

“That’s too bad. Joel and I were discussing how nice it would be if our families became one. With how close you and Tyson were, we figured that a relationship would happen.”

“Sorry to disappoint you, but Tyson and I don’t see each other like that.”

 The rest of lunch was just catching up with Jane and Dad. I found out they are planning a family vacation with Danes over Christmas break to a beach house. The Danes and my family went in on it together.

***

I’ve always been close to my father, for the longest time it was him, and I, and I’m happy that he found Jane. She is wonderful, and I’m kind of jealous that Jake got to grow up with her being his mother. She has always been kind and has welcomed me with open arms, and she takes care of dad. When mom left, it took a toll on him. I was too young to understand, and he was hesitant to date because he didn’t want another person walking out on us and I didn’t realize what he went through until I was older.

I didn’t want to go to this dinner Lauren invited me to. She’s always been catty to me, and I’ve said nothing to her because of Jack. I knew he loved her, and I didn’t want to disrespect him that way or make him hate me more.

I stared into the mirror, looking at my eye. There wasn’t anything I could do, so I didn’t bother putting on makeup. I just made sure my hair and clothes looked nice and left them alone. I’m thankful she lives below me, so I can basically eat and run. I’m only doing this to be civil, if we work together things between us need to be civil, and we won’t be able to avoid each other.

I took a deep breath before knocking on the door, and unfortunately, it didn’t take long for Jack to answer the door. He smiled at me and stepped aside, inviting me in. Lauren’s apartment wasn’t much different from mine. Her apartment is a little more updated, but the same size and same layout.

“I’m so glad you could make it. I know it was the last minute, but I didn’t realize you lived in the same building until Jackson told me yesterday.” Lauren always sounds fake when she’s talking to me.

She used to talk down to me all the time, and I’m going to assume that hasn’t changed; I just haven’t been here long enough for her to do it.

“Let’s all take a seat; the food is done.” Thank you, Lord. I mentally said to myself. I was forced to sit across from Lauren and Jack, and I hated it because I didn’t want my face to be a thing they were forced to look at.

“How is the eye?”

“It’s good; the doctor said there was no damage, so it’ll just look worse before it gets better.”

“It looks horrendous. If I were in your shoes, I would have covered it up.”

“I tried; it’s too dark.”

“Well, I hope you like shrimp pasta. I got off work late, and this was easy to throw together.”

“It smells delicious; thank you for cooking and inviting me.”

“You’re welcome, Remi.” I didn’t like that name coming from her.

“So, are you happy to be back?”

“I’m happy to be closer to my dad, even though he seems just fine without me.”

“I also didn’t expect you to study education.”

“It wasn’t my first major, but I quickly found out that I loved teaching others.”

“Teaching is a noble field, but it doesn’t pay well. That’s why Jack is going to work for my dad after we get married.”

“Let’s not talk about this right now.” Jack quickly stated.

“Anyway, are you seeing anyone?”

“Nope, but that’s the question of the day.”

Why are people interested in my love life?

“That’s a shame. I could help you; I could give you a makeover.”

“No, thank you.”

“Oh, come on, we can get you some highlights and find some clothes that fit your body type.” 

“Lauren, knock it off; her looks are fine.” Jack seemed irritated, and I’m pretty sure this just led to an argument.

“Of course, you would say that.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“It means that I was right all these years.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about; I’m with you, not her.”

“But you want to be.”

This was getting so awkward. I wanted to leave, but part of me wanted to watch the train wreck.

“Where did you get that idea?”

“The way you look at her, Jack.”

“I think you’re emotional, and you need to calm down; we can discuss this later.”

I looked at Jack, and I couldn’t tell what he was thinking; he looked angry and afraid.

“Thanks for dinner, but I’m going to go now.”

“I think it’ll be for the best,” Jack said without looking at me. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I quickly left and ran to my apartment. That dinner was so awkward, but Jack was right. She has nothing to worry about, he’s with her, and he wouldn’t leave a girl like her for someone like me. I’m awkward, shy, and nowhere near as pretty and polished as Lauren. I think I need to embrace Alyssa’s dating plans for me.

***

Sophomore Year of High School

“Hey, can I talk to you?” Lauren asked as she jogged up next to me.

“Sure.”

I’m a little hesitant because she never talks to me alone.

“I would appreciate it if you left Jack alone. He isn’t into you and it’s starting to bother me.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, I barely talk to him. I only see him during class now. I don’t even sit with you guys at lunch anymore.”

Lauren let out a sigh.

“I want you to not be friends with him. He won’t say anything to you because he’s too nice, but you annoy him.”

I was taken aback by her comment. How can I annoy him when we barely speak?

“I don’t understand.”

“He’s afraid that if he says something to you that you’ll tell his mom and he’ll get in trouble, he doesn’t want anything to do with you anymore.”

I was trying to keep the tears from forming in my eyes and I had a lump in my throat.

“Don’t worry, you can tell him I’ll leave him alone.”

“Thanks, and I’m sorry about this. I know you have a crush on him, which is why I think he doesn’t want you around.”

Her words hurt, but there is nothing I can do. If he didn’t want to be around me, I’ll make sure I stay away.”

***

The only time outside of class that I spend time with Jack is on the way home. We usually ride together, but today I asked dad to pick me up, I only have my permit and I told him I wanted to practice my driving since I’ll be going for my license soon.

On my way out I passed Tyson and Jack but didn’t stop to stand with them like I normally do. As soon as I passed them Jack spoke up.

“Are you not riding with us?”

I shook my head no. “Dad is picking me up.” I didn’t offer any other explanation and left.

Dad was waiting for me in the passenger seat, and I got in the driver’s seat without looking back at them. I know I'll have some explaining to do with Tyson, but for now, I want to get out of here.