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“Sounds like it. I’d like it if my boyfriend did just one of those things.” She turns away, like she doesn’t want to see my reaction at her mention of Troy. And she called him her boyfriend, which she usually doesn’t do when we’re together.
“So what’d you decide?” I ask. “Is he still going to be your boyfriend?”
“Jake, I don’t want to do this now,” she says, keeping her back to me.
“Why? Because I’m not going to like your answer?”
“Because I don’t have one. I need more time.”
I don’t understand this. Why does she need more time? Troy treats her like shit. Even if he didn’t give her the black eye, he’s still a horrible boyfriend. Who’s the guy that’s with her right now? Taking care of her? Bringing her food? Not her boyfriend. He’s probably still at Sean’s house, wasted, and texting some girl to come over tonight.
Tara turns to face me. “I’m sorry. About earlier. I know you didn’t like seeing me with him. I told him I didn’t want to go over there, but he wouldn’t listen.”
“Let’s not talk about him,” I say, knowing if I do, I’ll get even angrier.
“Are you hungry? We could eat.”
“I’m not hungry, but you can eat if you want.”
“I’ll save it for later.” She puts the food in the fridge.
“So what’s with the sunglasses? Why are you still wearing them?”
“Because I’m embarrassed by how I look.”
“Why are you embarrassed? It’s just me.” I walk up to her. “Take them off.”
“Jake, I—”
“Just take them off. You need to be putting ice on it or it’s going to swell up more.”
She looks down and slowly takes off the glasses. I put my hand under her chin and gently tilt her face up.
“Holy shit,” I mutter when I see how much worse it looks than it did earlier. It’s darker in color and swollen so much I can barely see her eye. “Tara, this is really bad. You might need to see a doctor.”
“It’s not that bad. It just looks bad.”
“Can you see okay?”
“As good as I normally can.”
“Oh, that reminds me.” I go over to my backpack. “I got you something.” I find the fabric case and bring it to her.
“What’s this?”
“Glasses. They’re reading glasses. I got them at the drugstore. I thought they might help you see better. At least until you can save up to see an eye doctor.”
She gives me a sad smile, and almost looks like she’s going to cry.
“What’s wrong? Are you mad that I got you glasses?”
“No.” She looks at the glasses. “I’m just…”
“You’re what?”
“I don’t know why you’re so nice to me.” Her eyes rise to mine. “When I don’t deserve it.” A tear slides down her face.
“Hey.” I rest my hand on her shoulder. “You need to be able to see, so I got you glasses.” I laugh a little. “It’s not like I got you jewelry.”
