[¥]Chapter 6[¥]

¬£¬ An Old Friend¬£¬ 

       "How do I look?" I asked my dad as I began walking out the dressing room with the third outfit I had picked out; a pair of red skinny jeans and a black shirt with red, grey, and blue desgins.

       "You look cute." My father said with a smile and a nod of approval.

       "Cute? That's it just cute?" I cannot be looking cute! I have to look good.

       "Yeah. You look adorable." NO!!! My face fell as I just stared at him; he just made the outfit even worse. Remind me never to bring my dad a long with me while I shop for clothes ever again.

       "That's it the shirt has to go." I said throwing my hands up in defeat and going back into the dressing room. Guys will never understand the meaning of an outfit, especially when it comes to their daughters.

       "What did I say?" He asked clueless.

       "You said I look adorable." I yelled from the dressing room.

       "What's wrong with what I said?"

       "Adorable and cute are for little kids, and I'm not a little kid anymore dad." I informed him as I changed my shirt.

       "You're right you're not a little kid anymore, I apologize." He called after me, I could picture him rolling his eyes as well. "This is why your mother should've been here." He said exasperated. I could picture him shaking his head and giving me a slight eye roll. I just smiled to myself and laughed. I loved my dad.

       "Okay what about this shirt?" I asked walking out of the dressing room now dressed in a navy blue off the shoulder crop top, that had a giant red heart in the middle. It showcased my well toned stomach and my silver skull and bones belly ring.

       "I like it. It has you written all over it." I can tell he was trying to make up from the last comment he made, so I let this one slide. Besides I really liked this shirt.

       "Okay. I like this shirt too. I'm ready now." I went back in the dressing room, changed back into my regular clothes, and gathered the outfits I tried on and went to the counter, the cashier rung them up and my dad rolled his eyes at the price of everything, but he paid for them anyway. We may not have much money, but my dad knew how to ball on a budget. You would think we had a lot of money with the clothes I buy but we don't, I just know how to save. We walked out the store and stopped by the benches.

       "Where do you want to go next? We still have time for two more stores, that's if you don't kill me first." He said looking through his wallet at what was left of his money. My dad never brings all his money with him only because he know if he did then it would all get spent on a bunch of nothing and he'd be in trouble.

       I let out a small laugh and gave him a wide smile. "Let's go to Forever 21."

       "Alright Forever 21 it is." We walked around until we found Forever 21. Just as we entered I spotted a graphic t that caught my eye instantly.

       Abandoning my dad at the entrance I make my way over to the rack of shirts. "Me likie." I grabbed my size and looked for other cute shirts in my size. Once I found the ones I liked, I went into the dressing room and tried them on. They fit and looked sexy too. I couldn't help but flirt with my own reflection, call me weird all you want but you would have done the same thing if you found a nice shirt that made you look sexy.

       "Are you done yet? You've been in there for almost thirty minutes trying on ten shirts." My dad called out, of course he was exaggerating--it was only five shirts.

       "I'm making sure that these are the shirts I want, because I don't want to buy it and never wear it." I yelled from the dressing room as I tried on my last shirt.

       "Okay whatever you say." With that, he let out a big sigh. After giving a final approval of the shirt and choosing the ones that I actually wanted. I put my shirt back on and headed out.

       "Okay I'm ready." I said coming out of the dressing room. We got to the counter and he paid for them then left.

       "Here is $100, go have fun. Meet me by the fountain in an hour." He said as he handed me some money with a smile. I took notice how his mood instantly changed, and he seemed a bit excited about something.

       "And where are you going?" I asked him with a curious look.

       "To get some stuff for the house and take these bags to the car." He stated matter-of-factly. Mhm.

       "Okay. You better not be picking up any females either." I joked. He just shook his head and walked away. I took the money and we went our separate ways.

       I checked my wallet and seen I had $150, now it was really time to have some fun. I stopped by a few stores to take a look around, but found they didn't have anything I liked, or that was worth buying. I then decided to head to Victoria Secret to buy some new bras and panties, afterwards I went to Underground Station and got some new Nikes. I checked my watch and I had 30 minutes left so I decided to walk around and possibly find something to buy my mother. As I walked around I found this girl from my dance class-she's nice-and about three other people from school. I didn't stick around long enough to have a conversation with simply because I didn't know them that well, and the fact I'm who they talk about most of the time. So there was no point in saying anything to them.

       I was just looking around when I felt arms wrap around my waist, my body instantly froze in fear that it could possibly be a pedophile trying to kidnap me. Taking a deep breath and preparing to give whoever it was a good punch in the face, I turned around slowly and my eyes landed on the one person I thought--more like hope--I would never see again. My whole body instantly tensed up and my heart dropped to my feet. It was Jason and he looked, happy? I really wasn't sure what to make of the look in his eyes, but I knew this couldn't be good.

       As if my brain had a mind of its own, I had a flashback of when I visited him in jail. He was real angry and mad at the world because he no longer had any freedom to do what he pleased, or the freedom to torment me whenever he felt the need. He said some hurtful things to me and I didn't like it, and it ran through my head repeatedly.

       "Uh Jason?" I spoke finally finding my voice, though I was still in shock and unsure of what to do. I closed my mouth realizing I had been gaping at him like a crazed fan meeting her favorite celebrity in person. Are my eyes deceiving me or am I just dreaming? He cannot be here. Is this a trick? I then looked around us trying to find someone with a camera waiting to jump out and tell me it was all a joke. However, I knew it was as real as it'll get.

       "The one and only." He asked with a smile on his face. "How have you been?"

       "F..Fine I..I guess." I said nervously, stumbling over my words. I cannot believe he's actually here talking to me. I have repeatedly went over in my head how we'd run into each other, and exactly what would happen. This was not one of those things.

       "What's wrong you look like you've seen a ghost?" I finally managed to look at his face, and was caught by his smile and that tiny glint of mischief that's always there hidden in his eyes. I didn't know what to do, or what to say, it is as if my mouth was glued shut and I could not breath. My mouth just couldn't form the words my brain was screaming me to say. The longer I stared at him the more I felt myself wanting to be with him again, and that scared me to no end. Don't trust him. That voice in my head spoke.

       Finally finding my voice I said, "No I'm fine, just surprise to see you. When did you get out?" I asked shaking the terrible thoughts from my mind.

       "Three days ago." He shrugged as if it was just a simple answer to a simple question, and not the fact I just asked about him being in jail. He stuck his hands in his front pocket and began usual examination of my body, as if things were back to normal. I felt so uncomfortable and awkward, with him standing there looking at me like that. Unconsciously I wrapped my arms around my stomach in hopes it'll stop him from staring at me.

       "Oh that's good I guess." I said threw the lump in my throat.

       "So how are you doing? You look great." He said while he liked his lips. If I did not know any better, I would say he was undressing me with his eyes. Now I really feel uncomfortable. I had gained some weight since the last time I've seen him. My size two figure was now a full blown curvy size four. I wasn't fat, yet I wasn't skinny, I just finally reached my peek of development; and with his eyes devouring me, I know felt like a beach wale.

       "I tried texting your phone but I guess you got a new number, I wasn't sure or not so I just took the chance. Someone replied but when they saw my name I guess they didn't know me and never texted back." He said sounding a little hurt. Don't fall for it, it's just a trick to pull you back in. I told myself as I tried clearing the lumb in my throat.

       "I feel great." I confessed with a smile, answering his previous question. "And no, I have the same number; I was just shocked that it was actually you. I just thought someone was playing with me so I just left it alone." I explained.

       This whole time we've been standing there that voice in the back of my mind kept replaying to me what he had said the last time I went to visit him: I am going to kill you if I find out you did this to me! You hear me!?!?!

       "So what you doing walking around here by yourself?" he asked finally taking his eyes off me to look around to see if I was with someone else.

       "I'm actually here with my dad. He is getting some stuff for the house. I'm just walking around looking for more things to buy." I said with a slight shrug I looked over to the side and saw some kids from school and they waved. I, being polite, waved back to them. They then huddled together and began whispering to one another, most likely questioning why I'm standing here talking to Jason, the school god. Or questioning whether it's really him or not.

       "Mind if I walk with you?" He asked snapping me out of my mental shyness. I looked at him confused for a second until his question regestered in my mind, and my face went from confusion to surprise. He wanted to walk with me? I spoke before I could actually think.

       "Uh sure, I guess?" What did I just say?! Okay Khalia calm down it is just for a little while. Once again that menicing voice of his repeated itself over and over, I could help the slight shiver of fear that ran through me. I took a deep breath and we started walking down the hall. I thought I was never going to see him again, let alone speak to him like a civilized person. Yet, here he is talking to me. It seemed like he changed, but I still couldn't trust him. For all I knew this was just a part of his plot to warm me up to the fact that he's here before he strikes and tries to rape me, or worse, kill me. Another shiver ran through me at the thought of his brutality.

       "So you still go to Independence." He asked breaking the silence between us, and pulling me from my mental meltdown.

       "Yeah."

       "How is it since I left?" I just gave him a pointed look before shaking my head. I did not want to answer that, because when he was there it was as the whole school revolved around him, and when he left things just feel apart. No one treated me the same. Everyone respected me simply because I was his girlfriend. Many females envied me because I held that title, and once things were over between us, they wasted no time in showing me just how much they hated my guts. Which was why I became the loner-chick I am today.

       "Okay I guess." I said unsure of my answer. I really wasn't sure what to tell him, or how he'd react to the information for that matter.

       "Why you say it like that?" he asked with a small laugh.

       "Because no one likes me anymore." I confessed in a soft voice. "They treat me like dirt." I told him. See everything is going fine. Do not worry about a thing. I told myself as I began to relax a bit around the more I was around him.

       "Why?" he actually sounded like he cared. Maybe he has changed.

       "I wish I knew. It's been that way since you left and I moved." I was actually talking to him as a normal person would. This is something new. It was times like these I missed with him; being able to hold simple conversations without the touching or the feeling, better yet thet yelling.

       "Oh." It was quiet after that, neither of us knowing what to say or do at this point. We continued walking without another word said, I then checked my watch, and saw that I had about 10 minutes left before I had to meet up with my dad.

       "Well I have to get going. My dad will be expecting me with in the next 10 minutes or so." I told him breaking the silence that fell over us.

       "So see you around?"

       "I guess."

       "Can I get a hug." He asked in the most sincere voice. I could not help but to hug him. When I did, I could smell his cologne. God does he smell good. When our bodies touched, it was as if a spark went off inside of me. I missed the times when he would hold me close to his body, and tell me everything would be okay. I missed the times he would rock me to sleep because I was too scared to sleep alone. I would have nightmares and couldn't explain where they were coming from, yet he'd be there holding me until I was able to sleep again. That was the Jason I missed.

       When we released each other, he kissed me. It took me by surprise because I did not expect it. Although his lips felt nice against mine images of his abuse came crashing down and I immediately pulled away.

       "What the hell Jason?" I said as I wiped my mouth. I looked at him with wide eyes not knowing what to do. The friendly modd we'd just beenin was now ruined by his mischievious ways. I should have seen something like this coming.

       The glint in his eyes and the sinister smile on his lips didn't go unnoticed, not one bit. Time to go. "You know you wanted it." he said still holding onto my body. I tried struggling to get out his grip but he was too strong. Now it all makes sense, he was just trying to get me back. That was not going to happen. I couldn't put myself through the heartache and pain he has caused me once before.

       "No I didn't!" I yelled louder than I anticipated, suddenly feeling embarrassed. A few people who were walking by were now looking at us as they made their way down the corridor.

       "We both know you missed my kisses." He teased, and before I had time to react, his lips found their way back to mine again. This time it was with a lot of passion and lust, something I wasn't ready for. My body wanted to kiss back but I refused, I just could not do it. It didn't seem right for me to kiss him and then have feelings for Kelly. It felt like I was betraying him in some way. I placed my hands on his chest and quickly and forcefully pushed him away from me, but not before I had a chance to feel just how much he has changed. I could tell he was surprised by my actions, from the look on his face and the way he stumbled a bit.

       "No Jason you're not pulling me back into your lies." I said through gritted teeth as I backed away, trying to gain control over my raging emotions.

       I looked around trying to see how many people were watching our little episode in the middle of the mall. Just as I suspected, there were a few on lookers enjoying the drama that has unfolded itself right in front of them. Yet, when they caught sight of me looking they turned away and continued on with their day. I continued to survey my surroundings only for my eyes to land on the one person I didn't want witnessing this little fiasco; Kelly.

       He was standing by one of the statues looking directly at me. When I looked into his eyes, he had the look of hurt in them, but it was quickly replaced by something darker and I knew I seen his eyes change colors it was kind of scary. Or maybe I'd was just being paranoid and imagined it. Jason was about to say something until he followed my gaze and saw who I was looking at.

       "Who is that your boyfriend?" He asked sarcastically.

       I rolled my eyes finally being able to tear my gazefrom Kelly. "No he's a friend, now leave me alone." I informed him and I started walking towards Kelly to talk to him, and hopefully get him to walk with me until I get to my dad, but Jason grabbed my arm before I could get far. Instantly flash backs of the abuse sudden flooded my mind, making me cringe inside. I felt the words I was all to familiar with rise in my throat, but I pushed them back down along with the tears that threatened to spill along with them. I had to remind myself we were no longer in a relationship, and he had no control over me. I was my own person; no longer attatched to the slim hope of a future with an abuser.

       "And where are you going?" He said as he pulled me back to him making my body collide with his. Instant panic began to build up as I took another look towards Kelly before turning to Jason.

       "Jason let me go." I began struggling to get out of his grip. I hated when he got jealous because it was then he got really possessive and I can see it coming out now. I guess some things are hard to get rid of.

       "Why should I?" Then his grip had gotten tighter and his voice became deeper. I opened my mouth to speak but the years of fear over came me and I couldn't find any words.

       "I believe she said let her go." I looked up and saw Kelly standing there. The look in his eyes was really starting to scare me, as if he was out for blood or something. I did not know what to expect. I just knew I needed to get out of there and find my father and fast.

       "What are you going to do light bright?" Jason teased, though his hold never loosened. I was stuck between the two like a little kid in between a battle between parents. Kelly lifted his shirt a little and something shiny flashed from under it. I tried see what it was but couldn't get a good view since Jason had somehow managed to push me behind him.

       "I'm pretty sure you don't want to cause any trouble so I would advise you to let her go." I tried once more to get a look at what it was but could not get a clear view of it because he had already put his shirt down. If I took a guess, I would say it was a gun, that could be the only explanation, but why is Kelly carrying a gun? He was too nice to be some kind of bad guy. This couldn't end too well. Now I really needed to get away.

       "Okay. I'll let her go." Jason said releasing my arm, pushing me aside in the process. Although I stumbled a bit, I ignored it and just picked up my bags to move further away from him.

       "Happy now." I could see my arm beginning to turn red from his grip. I just sighed and began rubbing the sensitive spot. "I'll catch you next time." He whispered in my ear before walking away, but not before giving my butt a nice firm tap. I glared at his retreating back then looked at my arm. Yes, just as I suspected it was turning red, I hated my sensitive skin for bruising easily. I looked back up at Kelly and he just looked hurt. I wasn't sure what to do.

       "Um, thanks." I said to Kelly, it was the only thing I could offer at the time. I was in shock and scred all at the same time.

       "No problem." He had the sound of disappointment in his voice when he spoke. He looked me in the eyes, but did not say anything. He just turned away and started walking, when I caught his hand. Once our hands touched, it was as if nothing mattered anymore. I felt some kind of energy between us. Maybe this whole friend thing isn't too bad. I might even fall for him if things keep going like this, minus the drama from the crazy ex-boyfriend.

       "Wait. What's wrong?" As you do not know already, what is wrong with him! The poor boy is hurt. The voice was yelling. I ignored it and just pressed my luck. I needed some kind of confirmation that this didn't ruin us, or any chance we had.

       "Nothing. See you later on tonight." I do not know why but something inside of me was hurting to see him like this. I actually like him now. He was about to leave but I still held his hand and did not let go.

       "What?" He asked when I didn't release his hand. His tone was now one of annoyance. I cringed on the inside just knowing he's upset with me.

       "Talk to me." I pleaded. I knew my time was running out, but I just couldn't leave things the way it was.

       "What is there to say? You made it loud and clear that you didn't like me the way I like you, and now I see why." He said anger and hurt laced deep in his voice. Pushing the pain deeper in my chest.

       "What are you talking about?" Earth to Khalia it's obvious as to what he's talking about. The voice called out again. He just looked at me with a blank expression. "You mean what just happened?" He nodded. I just knew it was too good to be true. Jason always finds a way to turn something good into something bad. I let out a frustrated sigh before I answered him. I looked down and noticed I still had his hand. I didn't want to let it go but I knew I had to.

       "Look Kelly." I started. I slowly released his hand from mine and continued. "That's my ex. The one that I told you was in jail." He looked at me as if the information wasn't important. When I noticed he was not going to speak, I continued to explain. "I was walking around and he just showed up out of nowhere. We talked and did some catching up that is all, nothing else." I finished.

       "What was with the lip locking?" He asked with attitude. He is not making this any easier for me. I took a moment before I spoke, because I was afraid of what may come out. I felt my anger and confusion rise and I knew if I didn't get a hold of them quick I would end up saying something I'm sure I would have regretted. Hell I really didn't understand why I was feeling this way in the first place. When I got my thoughts situated, I gave him an answer.

       "He kissed me. I didn't kiss back, because I didn't want to." I felt myself beginning to tear apart. I hated the fact that I could easily brake under pressure. Less than twenty-four hours ago, I only pictured him as a friend and nothing more. Now that I know how he really feels about me, I think I feel the same way. I'm just too scared to admit it.

       "So do you still have feelings for him?" When he asked me that question, all I could do was look at him in shock. No words came out my mouth. I had my answer straight I just could not say anything because I was shocked and it was unexpected. I finally got it together and said,

       "No and never will." He just looked me in my eyes, and I could hear myself falling apart inch by inch. "Do you know how bad he's made my life?" When I asked that question, his facial expression lightened up a little.

       I felt my eyes getting watery. I looked away and fought back the tears that were attempting to come out from the memory of Jason's abuse and mistrust. He couldn't see me like this, not here and not now. I turned my back to him, ran my hands over my face, and let out a frustrated and heavy sigh. The look in his eyes became one of concern and it made me feel a little better to know he was no longer angry with me. I waved off the question as if it really didn't matter any more.

       When he spoke, I turned and faced him. But I held my head low not wanting to look at him. "Evidently not." He said softly as he lifted my head up to face him. I immediately looked into his eyes and I was clam again. His eyes always made me feel like there was no trouble in my life. They weren't angry anymore, and that made me feel a lot better. He held concern, yet something else, something deep inside. I just wasn't sure what it was. "I'll be at your house around 7 to pick you up."

       I smiled slightly towards him and said, "Okay, and thanks again."

       "No problem." He replied in that cool and collected tone of his. He wrapped his arms around my waist, and tried to kiss my lips, but I moved my head and he ended up kissing my cheek instead. I just couldn't let him do that after Jason forced his grimy lips against mine. I'd need to scrub them good before we went out. Then he tightened his grip around my waist and gave me a hug. Of course I hugged him back, it felt great to be in his arms again. He was like my source of security now, someone that could protect me if danger were to come. He smelled so good. I just wanted to stay in his arms forever. He tightened his arms around me pulling closer to him, I felt something hard on his side. Before I had a chance to make out what it was I felt his body stiffen against mine and he quickly pulled away, gave me another kiss on the cheek, and turned to leave. Yeah that is most definitely a gun, but why.

       "Kelly wait." I called out before he could get too far, I wasn't ready for him to leave just yet. He stopped and turned to me giving me a concerned look. My first question was to ask about his hidden weapon, to seek answers I knew I had no business finding out.

       "Can you walk with me until I meet my dad?" I asked softly. I could see his body visibly relax as he smiled and nodded his head. In truth, I only wanted him to walk with me so I wouldn't risk the chance of coming face-to-face with Jason once again. We began walking again when my phone rung. It was my dad. "Hey daddy." I answered.

       "Where are you? I'm waiting by the bench now."

       "Right around the corner, something held me up. I'm on my way right now." I told him as I turned to steal a glance at Kelly. He seemed lost in his own thoughts, though I was grateful for the company.

       "Oh, okay. Take your time. Just making sure you're not getting lost." We both laughed and he hung up.

       We passed by a store and saw Jason talking to this girl, and then they kissed. I just shook my head in disappointment. How can he try to play me but then go and play someone else? I really hope she knows what she is getting herself into with him. Yet, the kissed did seem a bit intense and passionate, like they were already in a relationship. I shook the thoughts from my mind, not wanting to think too much on what it all meant.

       I saw my dad at the fountain waiting for me. I turned to Kelly and thanked him. He gave me a smile and a quick hug before walking off. I walked the rest of the way to my dad, we both went out to the car, and headed home. Things were silent between us the first few minutes there. I took a quick glance at my arm and it was beginning to swell up. I pulled my sleeve down and looked out the window. I cannot believe Jason's back.

       "What's wrong?" My dad asked, cutting into my thoughts.

       "Nothing." I said softly. I don't know why because they can always tell when I lie, especially my father. Even when I have a straight face, they see right through it. I just figured if I told him nothing he would leave it at that and let me talk to my mom alone. I knew if I talked to him about it, he'd go into over protective mode and I won't be able to get anywhere with him.

      "Yes there is. I can tell when something is bothering you. Now I know we haven't been connecting since your grandmother died but that don't mean we do not love you. Now tell me what's on your mind." he pressed. Guess it's now or never.

       "I would rather talk to mom about this, but since you are concerned." I started to say. I took a deep breath. I didn't know how to tell him so I just said, "I saw Jason today. He's out of jail." Even I could hear the hurt in my own voice.

       "When did he get out?" he asked as he turned the corner. I took a quick glance at my father and seen he was trying to keep himself under control.

       "Three days ago, so he says." I told him.

       "Did he hurt you?" he asked. We then pulled up to a red light and he looked at me long and hard trying to see if he could read anything on my face. I'm pretty sure he saw everything I was feeling.

       "Not really." I replied. I could tell he knew it wasn't the truth, but shook his head as if he was getting rid of the thought he had. "We just talked and did some catching up that's all." I touched my arm where my bruise was and it felt swollen still. It should go down by the time I get ready to go to the movies with Kelly. I took a deep breath and looked at my dad. The light turned green and he proceeded to drive. "He tried to kiss me." I confessed. He didn't respond right away maybe because he was taking this entire in.

       "What did you do?" he finally asked.

       "I pushed him away. He just came right back and kissed me again." I took a deep breath and continued. "I told him to leave me alone but he wouldn't."

       "Oh." was all he could really say. I was waiting for him to say more but he did not. This is why I needed to talk to my mom about it. I knew my father too well, and when he end things with a simple one word answer he's plotting a way to harm someone.

       "Kelly saw it and now I think he's mad at me." I confessed. It was quiet for a while until my dad spoke.

      "Do you like him?" He asked, curiosity lacing his voice. I could tell he was trying to think of something other than Jason. He was never a big fan of his anyway.

        "Who Kelly?" I asked as I felt a small smile tug at my lips.

        "Yeah."

       "I don't know." I replied with a shrug. "At first I didn't, I only liked him as a friend. Now I don't know what to think. As we talked in the mall, I think I started to catch feelings for him. And now I'm starting to think I really like him." I confessed.

       "Don't worry things are meant to happen for a reason." He said as we pulled up to the house. We got out the car and grabbed our bags. We went into the house and I brought my bags to my room. It was only 4:30 so I thought I would take a quick nap before it is time for me to get ready, just to pass by the time.