Maybe forever

Jasper takes charge

*Amelia*.

“Hey, sweetest girl, what’s wrong?” Jasper’s voice reaches me, filled with concern as he finds me curled up on the couch, crying my eyes out.

A small sob escapes my throat, and I push the tabloid into his hands, cradling my head in my arms again.

He scans the article and the accompanying pictures, then looks at me with a mix of compassion and worry. “Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry, but are you sure there’s really something going on?”

“It says so, and you can see the pictures.” I sob, feeling utterly pathetic. There’s a gaping hole in my chest, like the old scar from our breakup has been ripped open.

Jasper squats beside me, wrapping his arms around me. His touch is soothing, but it doesn’t fill the emptiness inside. “I take it your reaction means you won’t try to deny it anymore?”

“That would sound just a bit hollow now, wouldn’t it?” I whisper, my voice shaky.

He brushes a strand of hair from my face. “I told you sweetie, you still love him.”

“Well, it doesn’t matter now, does it?” I say, wiping my eyes with my sleeve. “He’s moved on, clearly. He’s with someone else, even though he said he wasn’t.” I glance at the article again, my heart sinking further at the sight of Cory with that beautiful blonde.

Jasper hands me some paper towels. “But sweetie, maybe it isn’t serious. You can’t let a bimbo like that take your man!”

“Jasper, I’m not going to make a fool of myself. He’s clearly moved on.”

He sits down next to me, his determination unwavering. “Well, maybe they’re just very good friends.”

“Jasper dear, friends don’t kiss like that.” I point to the large picture of them locked in an embrace.

He snatches the magazine and strides towards the trash. “I don’t care what some sleazy magazine says or that he might be kissing some bimbo. I’ve seen how that man looks at you.”

“Jasper, I know you’re trying to make me feel better, and it’s sweet, but it’s over. That’s probably for the best. We weren’t good for each other the last time.” I stand, trying to shake the heaviness from my heart.

His gaze is fierce, filled with a determination that both comforts and annoys me. “Now you go take a shower, sweetie. Get some cold water on that face, then put on something sexy and make yourself gorgeous. I promise you, he’ll forget that hussie.”

“Jasper, I’m not going! Tell him I’m sick. I can’t do this today. What if she’s there?” I shake my head, panic rising in my chest.

He grabs my arm, pulling me toward the bathroom. “Nope, sorry darling, you’re going.”

“Jasper, please be nice. Don’t force me to go. I can’t look him in the eyes.” My voice is pleading, desperate.

He looks at me with love, and it makes my heart ache. “I’m doing this as your friend. If you really love him, then show it. Fight for him.”

“Okay, okay, I’ll go, but I won’t say anything or do anything, and you’re keeping your mouth shut too.” I give him a stern look.

He sighs, resigned but still determined. “Yes, yes, sweetie. Just go get ready, so we can get going.”

I take a long shower, hoping it will help with the red, swollen mess I’ve become. I apply light makeup to mask the evidence of my tears, then braid my hair. The thought of dressing up feels absurd, but I slip into a loose summer dress over my bikini because Cory mentioned swimming in the pool.

“That wasn’t what I had in mind, but you know what? You’re so damn beautiful no matter what,” Jasper says as I walk into the living room, his voice a warm balm against my fraying nerves.

I sigh, feeling hollow and empty inside. “Thank you, Jasper. Let’s go and get this over with.”

We slip into the elevator, and I let Jasper take the lead. I’m not focused enough to drive; I just want to retreat to my bed. The last thing I want is to talk and eat with people I don’t know. I hope Jasper will agree to leave early. But deep down, I know I have to face this. I have to confront the feelings I’ve been trying to ignore.