I rest my hand atop of his and squeeze. My way of saying yes and no. While I feel fine, my mind is in a tizzy. Jake studies me for a moment and I notice that the fathers are leaning back in their chairs with stomaches full of good food. With supper complete and appetites satisfied, Jake stands, takes my hand, and excuses us.
In my room, Jake sits on the edge of the bed as I stand between his knees with his hands resting on my hips. I lay my forehead on Jake's and close my eyes.
“What's going on?” his quiet, deep voice asks.
“Holidays are hard. I'm fine, I am trying to keep myself in the here and now. It's good. I'm good.”
“Sounds like you're convincing yourself.”
My eyes shot open and green ones stare back at me.
“Jake,” I begin.
“Sweetness,” Jake starts, but I know where he is going with this.
“I'm not hiding anything from you. I'm fine. Let's go join our family.”
I take his hand and make him stand. His body presses against mine and his scent wafts upwards consuming my senses. A chuckle brings me back to life. Slight irritation rubs me the wrong way and I leave Jake behind in my room as I stalk out. Of course, that just brings on a hearty laugh.
The rest of the boys are lounging around the living room watching football. I sink into the couch and ignore Jake when he sits beside me. His hand possessively rests on my thigh and for spite I push it off.
Jake's head snaps towards me and I can't help but smile at his reaction. His hand returns to its place and he gently squeezes. This time, I let his hand stay. Football, quite frankly, bores me. Resting my tired body against Jake, with my back leaning on him, I fall asleep after a hard day's work.
***
We are returning to Charlotte a day early. I kiss Dad on the cheek and give him a bear hug.
“I'll let you know when we get there. I'll miss you.”
“I'll miss you too. I love you, honey.”
“I love you too, Dad.”
I walk to my car and wave before getting inside. I have already said goodbye to Drake. Jake's Mustang is parked on the curb, waiting for me. With one last call of goodbye, I get in my car and head to Charlotte.
Hours later, maybe fifteen miles from home, a car cuts me off and slams into my side of the car. Panic grips me as my car runs off the highway and rolls into a tree.
Groggily, I open my eyes. My surroundings show me that I'm in the hospital. But why? The last thing I remember is my boyfriend Conrad dropping me off at my house. What could have happened between then and now?
“Emily,” a deep voice whispers.
I turn my head and see an unfamiliar face. He has the prettiest green eyes and slightly curly black hair.
“Who are you?”
Terror runs through me as I realize that a stranger is in my room and I have no clue what has happened to me. Sad eyes blink three times before he answers.
“It's me. Jake.”
“I don't know any Jakes. Where's Conrad?”
“The doctor warned me this might happen. What's the last thing you remember?”
“Conrad dropping me off at my mom's. Where is he? Where's my mom? Why are you here? What are you talking about?”
“Shh. Calm down.”
“No! I want Conrad! I need to know what happened to me.”