AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“At least that makes sense. Tara’s reason doesn’t. We’re not as different as she makes us sound. It’s not like I’ve turned into some snobby rich guy. I’m still the same guy I was before. I’m just more focused on school now, and doing something with my life. She should want that in a guy. But instead, she picks Troy, who’s probably going to end up in prison.”
“It’s her decision. If that’s what she wants, you have to be okay with it.”
“But I’m not, because I don’t think it’s what she really wants.”
“Because it’s not whatyouwant. Jake, I know it’s hard, but you have to let her go. She’s made her choice and there’s nothing you can do.”
“If Brook had thought that way, you and her wouldn’t be together right now.”
“Brook knew there was something going on with me. She knew I wanted to be with her but that something was holding me back. She senses shit like that. I don’t know how. Maybe she just knows me well.”
“And I know Tara. And I’m telling you, Dean, something about this breakup doesn’t feel right. When Tara was telling me it was over between us, I felt like she didn’t mean it. She was tearing up as she said it and then she just ran off.”
“I’m sure it wasn’t easy for her to tell you it’s over. If she was tearing up, it meant she had feelings for you. That’s good. It means she wasn’t just using you to fill the time until Troy got back.”
“I thought that too, but then why him and not me? There’s gotta be more to it than what she told me.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. I’ve been thinking about this for days and can’t figure it out.”
“How’s school going? Is this thing with Tara affecting your grades?”
“Maybe a little, but it’s not like I’m going to flunk out of college.”
“Just try to keep up with your school work. I know that’s hard to do when something like this happens, but trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. Things will get better. I know it doesn’t feel like it now, but they will. Try to get out of your room. Maybe go do something with your roommate.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Did you want to talk about anything else?”
“No, that was it.”
“Don’t be making me wait weeks before I hear from you again. I can’t go that long without talking to my brother.”
“Are you saying you miss me?”
“You know I do. It’s not the same here without you.” He laughs a little. “We can go two whole days without grocery shopping.”
“You’re blaming me for why we were always running out of food? Who’s the one who can eat an entire box of cereal in one sitting?”
“I did that one time. I haven’t done it since.”
“Yeah, right.” I roll my eyes.
“Okay, I might still do that, but only when I need to load up on carbs before a game.” He pauses. “Brook’s calling me. I gotta go. I’m picking her up on campus.”
“Tell her I said hi. It was good talking to you, Dean.”
“You too. I hope you start feeling better. Bye, Jake.”
I should’ve called him sooner. I didn’t because I thought he’d tell me he was right about Tara and that I should’ve followed his advice and stayed away from her. But that’s not what he did, and talking to him actually made me feel better.
The door to my room swings open and Rob walks in. “Want some company?”
“Um, do I have a choice?” I joke. “You live here.”
“I wasn’t talking about me. I’m talking about them.” He points to the door.
