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“No,” I said, “not exactly”.
“Well if it’s not true, then how would Taylor get wind of something like that?”
I started to explain again but turned toward the harpies instead, “Do you mind? This is a private conversation.”
When I turned back around, Jules had already worked her way to her car and was in the driver’s seat. She slammed the door shut and started the engine. By the time I got to her she had started to drive off. I pounded my fist on the driver’s side window but she raised her hand and closed her eyes, when she opened them I saw the tears. I let her drive off and ran back to my truck.
“You’re a horrible person Taylor Williams,” I said before turning to Marisa, “and if you’re not careful Marisa you could become one too.”
As I drove off, Taylor’s expression was one of smugness but Marisa looked genuinely concerned. I hoped it helped her see Taylor’s deceitfulness and maybe change the direction her life was heading toward.
I went to Jules’ house first but she wasn’t there and no one answered the door. I stopped by my house and my mom said that Jules never came by. I peeked into Thatcher’s then Sadie’s windows but she was nowhere to be found. I was hoping that she wouldn’t have gone to the rock bridge but was pretty certain that was the first place I should have gone. It was a dangerous place to go by yourself.
I drove toward the creek and felt ill to my stomach. I trekked through the forest to our little secluded spot and saw her standing there on the edge of the bridge, her hands folded into herself, her hair flurried with the changing wind. She closed her eyes and breathed in the crisp air.
“Jules!” I yelled a few feet away.
She turned my way, her eyes were swollen from crying. I’d seen other girls cry before and the result was never something that attractive. Her salty tears had a youthful affect on her. Her eyes were brighter as well as her cheeks and her throat looked flush with life.
“Oh Jules, please babe. There’s been a misunderstanding sweetheart. Please let me explain.”
I finally made it up the flat marble of the rock bridge. She stared into the creek below. The sun was starting to set and I cursed myself for forgetting my flashlight. She stood quietly waiting for me to speak.
“Jules, listen, I was really upset with what happened last night and wanted so desperately to speak with you about it. I had tried to pick you up for school but you had gone so that just increased the irritation I had for myself and at lunch you weren’t there and that just sent me over the edge. I basically took it out on Jesse at lunch. I know I should have chosen a more private venue for the conversation. Plus, our topic wasn’t the one Taylor gave you the impression it was.
“I was trying to talk to Jesse about how upset I was so I told him what happened,” I watched a tear fall down her cheek, “but I was discrete about it! I told him what you meant to me, that I am just as responsible for you as you are for yourself. I wanted him to know how it’s supposed to be and that the way he is acting is self-destructive.
“He got really defensive and condescendingly brushed me off. I stood and let him know what I thought of him and the cafeteria caught the latter end and it spiraled out of control from there. That’s why Taylor was out there, she was trying to take advantage of a weak moment. Please don’t let her do that to us Jules.”
Jules turned toward me, wiping her eyes as dry as she could get them. I took her hands in mine and they were freezing. I warmed them by bringing her body in closer for a hug. I was wearing a t-shirt with a button up flannel over it so I took her hands and put them inside my open shirt and onto my back. I wrapped my jacket around her body and kissed the top of her head.
“Jules?” I asked after a moment.
“Yes Elliott?” She asked, her voice cracked from crying.
“Why did you leave me last night?”
“Because,” she said.
“Because why?” I prodded.
She sighed, “Because I was ashamed and so embarrassed, not that what you did was wrong or anything. It’s just, there is nothing more humiliating than being rejected, especially when you put yourself out there like that.
“I was so vulnerable and I felt like I’d been scolded like a child. I know I was too sensitive about it but I was so exposed and I felt like I needed to guard myself again. The only way I could do that was by getting out of there. The rejection damaged my heart a little. I felt slighted and unattractive, like you didn’t want me.”
“Oh my God Jules! That is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard,” I said laughing.
She pulled away and gave me the dirtiest look I’d ever seen her give.
“You’ve done it again!” She said, pulling away.
I grabbed her and put her back as she had been. She resisted but I forced her to.
“Jules, I meant that it’s stupid to ever think that I’d never want you! Do you have any clue how difficult it was to stop myself? I have never wanted anything so badly in my entire life like I want you but I would never compromise you for it. It’s my duty to protect you, even sometimes from yourself, and especially from me. I want you forever Jules and waiting a little while isn’t a big deal to me. Our time will come and...........Jules?”
“Hmm?”
“It will be the best times ever.”
