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Jared pulled his hand away and turned to look at her. “What do you mean you met someone? What happened? What aren’t you telling me?”
“He kind of surprised me. It wasn’t planned. But when he kissed me, I let him and then I kissed him and I am sorry,” Suzie said, praying the questions would stop.
“WHAT! WHEN? It was the night of the fire wasn’t it? And did you see him again
after that?” Jared stood up and faced her, his face hurt and confused.
“Yes,” Suzie said softly.
“K, I don’t want to know anymore,” Jared said sadly.
“I’m sorry,” Suzie said. “Can we start over?”
“Do you want to, or do you want the other guy?” Jared asked. Then said, “Never mind I don’t want you to answer that question.”
“I am here,” Suzie said and wrapped her arms around him trying to shelter him from more hurt.
“Okay,” he said and let her hug him but did not return the hug. “Do you think you could find your way back yourself? I would like to be alone for a while.”
Suzie nodded and kissed him on the cheek. She walked back to the cabin slowly, unsure what to do. She felt sad and elated at the same time. Sure she had hurt Jared but not as much as if he found out the whole truth and now he wouldn’t have to. Jared would either decide to start over with her or be done but either way it would be on his terms, not by being betrayed by his brother. Jeff, she had momentarily forgotten about him. He had been so upset at supper; she should go and tell him what she had told Jared so that he would not spoil her story. Picking up the pace she decided to stop at the studio and talk with him before Jared came back.
Knocking on the door of the studio it was dark and Suzie was worried Jeff had left. No one answered the door so she stepped inside, calling out into the darkness. Jeff turned a light on and she could see him, wearing nothing but jeans as usual. He was painting, in the dark apparently and it was a new canvas, this one dark with anger. It spoke of passion and heartbreak and pain and his feverish painting of it showed in his paint covered hands and arms. Still saying nothing he went to the sink to wash them.
“Does Jared know you are here?” he asked.
“No,” she replied. “He asked to be alone.”
“You told him about us?” Jeff asked.
“No, but I told him I met someone else,” Suzie said.
“Just met?” Jeff said with emphasis on what she didn’t say.
“And kissed,” Suzie said, unsure why she was blushing.
“That is it. We just kissed?” Jeff laughed and moved closer to her.
“Not us. Don’t you see? Now he doesn’t have to know about you. Now, he can decide what happens without feeling betrayed. Isn’t that great?” Suzie said with a smile.
“How is that great? You didn’t tell him the truth. The truth is you want me,” Jeff said and he stepped right up to her enveloping her in a kiss. She pushed him to let go but he deepened the kiss and touched her where he knew he could get her attention. She moaned and wrapped her arms around him with passion.
A gasp was heard behind them and they pulled apart. Jeff stood still and stared as Suzie whirled around to see Jared looking at them. “YOU! You’re the other guy?”
“I thought you wanted to share?” Jeff made a bad attempt at a joke. It infuriated Jared and he stormed towards them. Suzie put her hands out towards him.
“Jared, wait. I can explain,” she pleaded. He looked at her and stopped like he was ready to listen. Then quick as a flash, he spun and punched Jeff in the face. Recoiling, he moved to punch Jeff again though this time Jeff blocked him.
“The first one, I earned. Now stop or I am fighting back,” Jeff said calmly.
“Fuck you. Your filthy hands were on my girlfriend. What is wrong with you? Of all the girls you could pick, it had to be her? Why?” Jared asked fists still clenched.
“It just kind of happened. You were gone. You asked me to take care of her.” At this comment, Jared swung again and Jeff blocked the punch again. Infuriated, Jared attacked Jeff and they grappled for a while, bumping into things in the tight studio space. “We’re not doing this in Mom’s studio. You want to fight, let’s take it outside.”
“Fine, but I am going to kick your ass,” Jared said storming out the door, ignoring Suzie.
“Not likely, pretty boy,” Jeff laughed.
Suzie followed urging them to stop, not knowing what to do. Outside, fists were flying as both brothers landed punches, grappled and wrestled each other. Their loud shouts of anger and fighting brought over their mom and dad who shouted at them to stop. Finally their dad had to step in separating the two of them and pushing Jared who refused to let it go. Jeff stood at the ready staring his brother down as Jared tried to get past his dad.
