Triple trouble

Chapter twenty - I owe you all

Jay's POV:

Things between my mom and me are not great. I told her everything, but she was not happy. I warned her. The woman didn't want to listen. I can't do anything else. Now, I'm staying with Kally in her house. I'm surprised that she agreed on that. I was sure she would reject me. Her parents didn't say anything. Since I'm with her, my brothers come home. We are still grounded. I don't believe it, but I don't care. I have too many things on my mind to worry about that. I won't lie, it's a bit awkward. Kally and I have been alone, but I feel as if I don't know what to tell her. She is doing so much for me. Maybe I should say too much. I didn't tell her. Well, I appreciate her. She is a good friend. The girl is right about one thing. She is too nice to people. The good news is that I'm not like her ex. I won't use her. It's not like we'll date. I'm not dating anymore. I can't do this to her. She deserves something better. That won't be found in me. I hope that we can be good friends.

My brothers came to Kally's house an hour ago. She let them spend the whole day outside as long as they were home on time. I decided to stay with her. When I'm not in the mood, I don't go out. She made coffee for both of us. I don't know how she came up with this idea, but this is the best coffee I have ever had. She pulled out some snacks and sat next to me. Since I came here, I was wondering if I should tell her. I promised not to talk about it. I feel like I can do it with her.

- Hey, are you ok? What is going on in your head?

- Nothing.

- You can tell me.

- I had the same story as you.

- What?

- I was in high school. Sometimes, we think they are the one.

- I know. What happened?

- She played me.

- Why would she do that? I don't think you have done something.

- I made my biggest mistake. I gave her all.

- I'm sorry.

- She is the reason I created rule number four.

- What are these rules?

- These are things between my brothers and me.

- Alright. What is number four?

- We play, don't date.

- I know she hurt you, but what do your brothers have to do with that?

- I didn't want the same thing to happen with them.

- Is this why you changed your vision for me?

- We have the same story. I felt horrible for you.

- You loved her a lot, didn't you?

- I did. It never meant anything.

- Will a hug make you feel better?

- No, but I won't deny one.

Honestly, that felt good. I thought there would be a reaction, but no. She didn't say anything. That probably made her think of her story. There was no happy ending for either of us. My brothers said they would eat outside. I bet they separated. I told Kally not to cook anything. We'll eat whatever she has in the fridge. I know it was her idea to do it, but she can rest today.

- Have you seen her since then?

- Occasionally. I guess the town is not big enough for both of us.

- I know you have probably heard this, but not everyone will be like her.

- I did. You are the proof of that.

- Me? Why?

- You didn't do anything to me and my brothers, no matter how we treated you.

- There is no need for that. It was in your interest.

- Please, don't remind me.

- Will you ever date again?

- No.

- Why are you so harsh on yourself? One bad breakup is not the end of the world. Look at me. I'm still here, fighting for the unknown. You'll be fine.

- You take things a lot easier.

- That is the scariest part.

- Why?

- I'm a girl. I should be more hurt than you. What happened made you the person you are today.

- You can read me like an open book.

- Don't you think it's time to move on?

- I can't do that.

- Maybe I can help you with that.

- How?

- That is a secret. You have to trust me on this one.

- Surrounding me with girls won't help.

- Who said that I'll let anyone else close to you? - she asked, and I laughed

- What?

- I have to keep my territory.

- Really?

- No, but you fell for the trap.

- I owe you all. You are helping us a lot.

- You don't owe me anything. I hope you won't forget about me when the babysitting thing ends.

- No chance to happen.

Talking with her feels so easy. I never thought I would share this with someone else. I know why my brothers left us alone. They have told me this. I appreciate it, but I don't think something will happen. In the afternoon, we watched a movie. Well, mostly, we were talking. The movie was a background noise. I'm starting to think we have more in common than I thought.

- He never liked you, did he?

- Honestly, I don't know. I thought he did. Now, I'm not sure.

- It's his loss.

- That was her loss as well.

- Thanks.

- Why did you replace the good person?

- Because no one appreciated him. It's like your situation. You do so much, but who did something for you? Except for your parents.

- I never thought of that. Addie does a lot for me.

- That is because you do it for her. Someone else?

- My contact list is not that big.

- You can add someone else there.

- Who?

- Me.

- I don't want to have duplicates. That takes up too much space.

- Thanks.

We never made the friendship official, but it was there the whole time. Maybe there is no need for that. Her dad came before my brothers. Hopefully, they will be here before my mom. She has to pick them up. The whole thing is so messed up.

- Where are your copies? - her dad asked, chuckling

- Outside. Your daughter let them have a free day.

- Does your mom know?

- She doesn't need to know everything. If you love your daughter, you can close your eyes on this one.

- I think your mom already knows.

- But she still pays her.

- That is between them. Where is Kally?

- In the shower. I can call her, but I won't.

- Why?

- I still want to stay here. - I said, and he laughed

- We can understand each other.

For dinner, everyone was talking. I'm glad that her parents let me stay here. I don't know how long I plan to be in her house. Right now, I don't want to talk to my mom. Kally's mom served the dessert. That is so good and sweet. I haven't eaten that much sugar in a long time. I shouldn't eat a second piece, but I want one.

- Don't be shy. There is more cake if you want.

- I shouldn't.

- But you want it.

- Yes.

- Give me your plate.

- Don't make me fat, please.

- My house, my rules.

- You can't argue with my mom. Her charm always wins.

- At least I know where you took that from.

- What?

- Nothing.

- I'll pretend that I didn't hear that.

- Good.

- Here you go.

- Thanks, miss. It's so good.

- I have some skills.

- I can tell. You can transfer them to your daughter.

- I believe she won't learn now.

- Hello. I'm still here.

- I know. That's why I said it. - I said, chuckling

- Be careful if you want to sleep well.

- Are you threatening me?

- No, of course, not. That is a friendly reminder.

- Boy, you better watch out. As much as I know my daughter, you will get in trouble.

- It won't be my first time. That is the reason she is still working.

- Don't worry. We can have fun together. - Kally said

- No, thanks. I'll pass.

- Are you rejecting me?

- What? No, I.

- You are so easy.

- It's not funny.

- I'm having fun.

After dinner, I went to their backyard. The sun is almost down, and I can enjoy the warm weather. During the day, it's too hot. I don't know what my brothers do outside all day. Mom probably knows about this, but she hasn't said anything yet. Soon, someone sat next to me. I was so sure that it was Kally. My bad.

- Are you here to annoy me more?

- Excuse me?

- I'm sorry. I thought it was Kally.

- No, it's not. She is watching TV with her dad.

- Great.

- How are you? I have noticed that you don't talk much about yourself.

- I have nothing to say. I probably look like the bad guy from the streets to you.

- I never said that.

- There is no need to. I can see it.

- I don't think that badly of you. Neither does anyone else here.

- No offense, but why are you here?

- I saw you sitting alone. Kally does it only when something has happened.

- It's not only her.

- Will you share? Is it because of your mom?

- I don't want to talk about her.

- Avoiding the problem won't solve it.

- What is the point? She doesn't want to listen to me.

- Talking didn't help.

- No. She thinks she is right for everything.

- Since you don't want to see her, you can write her a letter. Your brothers can give it to her.

- Why should I do that?

- To make her understand how you feel.

- Maybe. I don't know.

Isn't this weird? Kally's mom understands me better than my own. We talked for about an hour. I went to bed around 11 pm. It's not like I can fall asleep. I'm fully awake. My thoughts won't leave my head. There was a slight knock on the door, and Kally came in. She didn't say anything and laid down next to me.

- Feel free to do it. - I said

- How are you? Mom filled your head, didn't she?

- Honestly, I like her.

- She will be happy to hear it.

- At least she listened to me. Mom won't do that.

- She heard what you have to say.

- But she didn't admit her mistake.

- Maybe it will take her some time. Such things are not that easy.

- It's not that hard either.

- You don't want only an apology, do you?

- I don't want anything from her. It will never be enough.

- Why are you so sure?

- Because it's too late. I don't need her now.

- You need her a lot more than you think.

- Yeah, right.

- It's true. I can see it in your eyes. You are hurt that she ignored you.

- Kally, you are not my therapist.

- I don't need to be.

I don't think this girl can be wrong about something. I can't forgive my mom. I'm sorry, but I can't. If I had to compare her with Stacy, she might be even worse. Too many things happened. At least Kally and her parents are on my side. She stayed with me for a while. The good thing is that I can talk with her about everything. Unlike some people, she won't judge me. Sometimes, I think she deserves to be surrounded by better people. At the same time, I don't want her to go away. She might be the only real friend I will ever have. I hope that we won't lose this friendship.