Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
“I mean, I kind of suspected that he had a crush on you.”
I snort at the ridiculousness of that statement. “Now you’re just talking crazy?”
“Haven’t you ever heard the expression that when a little boy picks on a girl, it means he has a crush on her.”
I roll my eyes. I hated that analogy because some kids are just rotten and mean for no other reason than to amuse themselves. As a therapist I’ve dealt with all kinds and I didn’t necessarily believe in that philosophy. “I’m sure there are some instances like that, Lea, but that’s not always the case.”
“Well, the thing is, Jackson was Mr. Popular back in school because he’s a good-looking guy and the Champion name. Everyone was scared to cross him, and people would also go out of their way to impress him. If they believed he didn’t like you they would target you. If you think about it, how much of the harassment actually came from him?
“Really Lea? You were there. You remember, he would call me hobbit in front of everyone.”
“You are short.”
“He would tell people to stop talking to me. You saw it yourself. Remember that foreign exchange student from Germany?”
“Oh yeah, I remember that kid. You and I were hanging out in front of my locker and Alex, I think he name was, stopped to speak to you.”
I nod, remembering that moment. “Yes, we had English class together. He asked me a question about a homework assignment. He made some kind of joke and we were laughing and the next thing I know Jackson pops up and tells Alex to pretend I don’t exist. He practically made that kid shit his pants.”
Lea taps her chin. “How I remember it is him telling Alex you’re off limits. Yes, he was excessively aggressive but when Jackson told him, to pretend you didn’t exist that could have just been his way of getting rid of the competition.”
“Why are you defending him Lea. You know how he made me feel back then. Don’t you remember the incident in the cafeteria when he called me out in front of everyone about what I was wearing? I was so embarrassed and went through a whole packet of tissues. I know you must remember because they were your tissues!”
Lea gestures me to lower my voice with her hands. “Hey, let’s use our inside voice.”
Heat rushes to my face when I realize, several people from other tables are staring in our direction.
A tall redhead in a white blouse and black pencil skirt, appears at our table. She’s clearly the manager of this establishment. “Is everything okay here?”
“Yes, sorry. We just got really excited about something,” I explain.
“Well, your food should be out shortly. If there’s anything else you need, please let me know.”
“Thank you.”
I sink into my chair when she leaves. “That was embarrassing. But really friend, you should be on my side.”
“That’s not fair, Zora. You know I’ve always had your back. I got suspended for punching Cameron Daniels in the stomach for shooting spit balls in your hair.”
I sigh, conceding to her point. “You’re right. I’m sorry for implying otherwise but I just don’t get why Jackson is doing all this just to sleep with me. He can have any woman he wants but he’s focused on me.”
“And why not you, Zora? You’re gorgeous. You have those amazing boobs and ass. You have a beautiful smile, a lovely face and you’re one of the kindest people I know. It’s why you’re a therapist, you like to help people. It’s also why you’ve taken on the responsibility of taking care of your dad, when your brother is off God knows where. Maybe Jackson was the problem, but you were also the problem.”
“What are you talking about? Are you saying I deserved what happened to me?”
Lea holds up her hand. That’s not what I’m saying at all. I’m telling you that you’re beautiful and kind and loving. I know for a fact your father dotes on your and thinks you hung the moon. So why weren’t our words enough to lift your up when those assholes at school tore you down? You let them get into your head and you started believing their lies. If you would have listened to us, you’d understand why Jackson is obsessed with you.”
“You make it sound like we were in the middle of some teen melodrama. I know what bullying is and he went out of his way to make me miserable.”
“I’m not going to go back and forth with you about the past since you refuse to see look at the situation from a different perspective. But maybe you should have a conversation with him and ask Jackson why he’s gone to these lengths to be with you. That doesn’t sound like someone who just wants to sleep with you. If that were the case, I’d say he would be done by now. But from the way you make it sound he may want something more.”