Somebody Knows
1571 Words
"Kara?"
"Damon..."
"What's going on?"
"I know. I know everything."
Oh god. Did she find out what's going on between us? This can't be happening!
Damon looks at me nervously. "What do you mean, Kara?"
"Remember Patricia Smith?"
"Yeah, sure."
"She's been spying on me. She paid someone to look up my research. That's why she beat me."
Oh, thank god, this isn't about Damon and I. I notice Damon relax next to me. "I'm sorry about that. But I'm sure you'll get through this just fine. You're smart. I know you can improve and when that happens, joke is on her!"
"Thanks, Jalissa. I feel better now."
"Good." Damon smiles, clearly relieved. "So, why don't I make you some food?"
"Thanks, Damon. You're the best."
Damon leaves and I'm left angry. I'm the one who cheered you up, mom. Now you're acting like Damon did all the work. Not cool! I leave before things get uglier.
Deep down, I'm still hurt by how nice he is to mom. I bet the only reason he's not breaking up with her is because he's confused about what to do next. What when we reach the point where we could actually see each other? What a shitshow... I shake my head and drag myself toward bed.
*** Two weeks later: everything seems like a blur. Damon and I have had some s*x now and then, same as before. I still work at the gym and Cody still flirts with me when he stops by and with Hailey... is starting to be good like it used to be.
When I go downstairs, Damon is finishing his breakfast. "Good morning."
"Morning."
"Where's mom?"
"She already left."
"I guess we have some alone time now." I lean in to kiss him, but he steps back.
"I have something to tell you."
"What is it?"
"Kara and I have been distant. I've been sleeping on the couch for days. And I'm afraid she'll realize something is wrong. I hate to say this, but... it's time for me to move out. I can still see you at work, but... us becoming a couple would be an issue with you and your mom. I can't do that. We need to stop."
"No. You can't leave. I'm going to miss you."
"Moving out will be hard for me too."
"Then don't do it!"
"I have no choice."
"You pretend like you have no choice, but you're just trying to avoid the risk. If you do that, you're a coward."
"Jalissa, this is more complicated than that. I've been already dragging my feet."
"I don't want your excuses. I want you to stay, so I can be with you when she's not around. I can't imagine staying with just my mom for the summer. It would be terrible." I feel a mix of anger, fear and sadness. "This house has felt lonely since my dad left. You're the one who makes it bearable for me to stay. Please, Damon. Just until the end of the summer."
He shuts his eyes and sighs. "Fine. I'll stay. It might help me realize if what we have is real. And we can then decide how to... start dating, officially."
"Yes."
He opens his arms. I hug him and kiss him. He kisses me back and whispers, "As much as I want you right now, we need to go to work."
"Oh, s**t! We're late! Let's go!"
*** Later that day:
Hailey: Can we meet after work to talk about Mike?
Hailey: It's urgent!
Jalissa: Uh... sure.
Hailey: Awesome! I'll send details.
I'm on my way to leave when I run into Damon. "Based on your schedule, you're going to stay here for a late training session, right?"
"Yes."
"Well... My shift is over and I'm going to see Hailey. I guess I'll see you later, then."
I smile and when I'm about to walk away... "Wait!" Damon pulls me in for a kiss.
"I wish I could have something more."
"Me too. I can already imagine myself all over you right now."
"Guess you'll have to wait. But don't worry, it'll be worth the wait. I'll see you later."
I walk outside and Damon goes back to the gym. However...
*** RITA: Well, well, well... I can't believe what I just saw!
30 minutes later: "So tell me, why did you want us to meet here?"
"It's an emergency! I just found out that Mike's birthday is tomorrow. I need your help. What do you think he's going to like?"
"You should buy him that hoodie."
"It's kind of overpriced."
"That's another reason to buy it. Mike would be happy to show it off."
"Okay, then. I guess I'll buy it! Thanks." As she goes to the register, I think... I could buy something for Damon. It would be nice, and I know it'd make him happy. He's always taking care of everyone, it'd be nice if I did something for him.
"What did you buy?"
"Oh, just something for my mom." I hope Damon likes my gift!
"Hey, I'm tired. Let's get some ice cream."
Hailey ordered a sundae and I got a bottle of water. "Wow, who are you? Where did you take Jalissa?"
"What?"
"I thought you love ice cream! I can't believe we came here just for you to get water!"
"Sorry, I forgot to tell you. But I need to watch my diet. I've been having stomach problems lately. I don't want to wake up feeling sick."
"Wait! You're not trying to skip meals to lose weight, right? That's not healthy!"
"Of course not! I love food way too much."
"Okay. Awesome. Have you looked up your symptoms, though? I know checking online can be scary. But I don't think you should ignore your issue."
"I did. It might be something from food intolerance. I'm sure it'll go away."
"Maybe you should see a doctor."
"Oh, please. It's nothing to worry about."
I stay out late with Hailey, and when I get home, it's almost midnight. It's quiet. Looks like mom is asleep. I hope Damon is still awake. I want to give him the present. I don't see him anywhere, but hear a faint nose coming from the garage. I find him there.
"Hey."
"Jalissa. You're home. I tried to call, but..."
"My phone died."
"Oh, I was worried."
"Aww, that's cute." I walk up to him and press my cheek against his arm.
"It's not funny."
"Okay, okay. Relax! I got something for you." I open my shopping bag and give him my present. He unwraps the paper and looks at me with a smile.
"Leather gloves? How did you know I needed these?"
"I've been watching you for days now. Not in a creepy way, of course. Well, maybe but I love watching you work."
"Really?"
"Yeah. It's satisfying. Anyway, back to your question... I noticed your gloves were getting old and worn. So, I thought you'd need an upgrade."
"Yes. Thank you so much."
"Of course. Just show me how thankful you are."
"Are you trying to flirt with me now?"
"Always."
Damon smirks and kisses me. I feel a stream of emotions: passion, affection and frustration. I can feel it in the way his hands roam my body. I know what he wants, but I don't know if I should give in. There is no guarantee that he'd want me as his girlfriend.
"Jalissa?"
Should I distance myself to get used to him leaving or savor the moment? "Hey. Don't look sad... Let me show you how much I cherish you."
He begins to undress me. And he lifts me up on the counter. "You're the finest piece of art."
He starts kissing me. But this time, to new places. Lower and lower. His mouth reaches between my legs and I can barely stay quiet, but I know we need to be discreet. I bit my lower lip and close my eyes, enjoying the moment. He drives me insane. It's amazing. When I'm done, he holds me. "Time to take you to bed and I have no doubt your dreams will be sweet tonight."
*** The next morning:
DAMON'S POV
"Where's Jalissa?"
"I don't know. She hasn't arrived yet. Do you have any idea what's up with her?"
"I think she wasn't feeling well this morning, but I'm not sure. I'll cal her."
"Not so fast, handsome. I know about you guys."
"Uh... What are you talking about?"
"I've seen you with Jalissa the other night. I have to say, I've been desperate for you to leave that woman you're with. So, it's nice to see you've come to your senses. Even if it's through a summer affair with her daughter."
"I'm sorry, Rita. You're my friend, but... you're way over the line.. I'm still with Kara. And I'd appreciate it if you stay out of my love life."
"I understand. But I know you, Damon. You deserve more than just being a trophy boyfriend."
"That's enough."
Rita sighs. "We're still friends, right?"
"Yeah, just... Can't we forget this conversation happened?"
"Sure."
Damon leaves in a hurry, and Rita shakes her head. Why are you so self-destructive, Damon?
Left alone, she dials a number on the phone and presses speaker. After a moment, a woman's voice says hello.
"Hello, is this Kara? My name is Rita. I'm your daughter's supervisor. We need to talk."
- Writer
