Torn (Torn Heart) (5 page)

Chapter 7

Skylar

It’s Friday, finally. Not that I have a fascinating weekend of plans or anything besides my birthday, but at least have a couple days away from drama. I’m still trying to make sense of Jackson’s actions. He told me he’d keep Amber away from me. He talked to me, nicely. And then he actually smiled. It’s so weird. Maybe it doesn’t mean anything.

When I get to school, my phone alerts me of a text.

Jared: Have a good day at school. We’re going out for your birthday!

I smile. Jared always thinks of me, remembering my birthday. He’s the best!

A knock on my window pulls me away from my thoughts. I look up and see Randa, giving me a puzzled expression.

I roll my window down. “Hey,”

She stands there with her hands on her hips, “Are you coming inside, or are you gonna sit in your car all day? Because I’m all for skipping if you want.” I roll my window back up and open the door.

I give her a half-smile. “Sorry, I
sorta zoned out.” I grab my bag from the seat and lock my door.

“So what’s up, you look like hell?” I contemplate on telling her about Jackson.

I cover my mouth when a yawn slips out. “I’m just tired. I stayed up late, watching reruns of One Tree Hill.” I say. “Oh yeah, Jared wants us to go out for my birthday. Not sure where yet.”

She smiles, “That is a given. We always do something fun on your birthday.
How ‘bout a nice dinner at a fancy restaurant? Jared makes a bunch of money, let him pay.”

I do like that idea, and I doubt he’d complain. I accidentally hit her when I blurt out, “Jackson actually talked to me yesterday.”

Her eyes widen as she rubs the spot on her arm, “What did he say? He was actually nice to you? Has the Apocalypse happened?”

I laugh at her, “I know. Amber wasn’t with him. He just said that he’d keep her away from me and t
hat I should stay out of her way.” I was a little annoyed about that statement. It’s not like I enjoy the confrontation with her. Whatever, I’ll do what he says, anything to get her off my back.

“Well, that’s interesting. Maybe Amber is getting on his nerves, finally. Maybe he’s starting to see you as more than just a nerd, or whatever.”

I mock glare at her. “Thanks, I’m glad you think I’m a nerd.” I stick my tongue out.

She laughs, “It’s okay to be a nerd. You’re a cool nerd. And you do read so.
Yeah, nevermind. I love you.” Her shoulder bumps mine and I bump it back. “I’m out, see ya at lunch.” She walks away.

I continue walking to my first period History class when I’m pushed from the back into another student and all my books fall to the floor.
I really need a backpack.

I already know who it is before she says,
“Oops!” Amber smiles, and walks away.

I feel embarrassed while picking up my items. I look around but don’t see Jackson anywhere. I guess I should feel grateful.

Once I get my stuff off the floor, I find the nearest bathroom and wash my face. I will my tears to stay away. It’s what she wants, and I can’t give in to her. I fix my hair and breathe in and out before walking back out into the hall. That’s when I see him, alone, walking toward me. Why is he all of a sudden paying attention to me? Or maybe he’s just in the same hall as me because it’s where he needs to go. I shouldn’t complain I miss him, but there has to be a hidden motive.

I walk past him, but he turns and falls into step with me. I glance straight ahead.
“Better watch it, Amber will see you talking to me.”

“I don’t care if she sees me. I’m a grown fucking man, she’s not my keeper.”

I stop short; Jackson bumps into me. “What do you want?”

He briefly appears hurt but I don’t relent. He doesn’t get off easily. Before he answers, he glances around us in the halls. The bell is due to ring any minute. “Are you dating my brother?” Stunned and surprised, I laugh
at him. He doesn’t find it funny but I keep laughing anyway. What does it matter if I was? Not that I would; I don’t see Jared in that way. But still, it’s none of his business. “Are you?” He asks again.

I stop laughing and glare at him. “You know, you have some nerve to treat me like an outsider and then ask me a question like that. I don’t bother you about your life, so you should pay me the same respect.” I walk away, irritated. The bell rings and I’m late. That puts me in a worse mood.
Thanks a lot, Jerkson.

“Okay, so this is just crazy. The second day in a row and he’s being all nice to you.” Randa helps me with my hair and makeup, getting ready for my birthday dinner. I picked out a pair of skinny jeans and an orange and white striped tank top. Simple; just like me. I throw my light jacket in my purse, because even though it’s hot outside, it’s always cold in the restaurant. I nod. “Wow, and then he asks if you’re dating Jared? That’s hilarious. You should pretend to date him, or go on a date and see if he gets jealous.”

Appalled at the idea, I look up. “What? That’s a crazy idea.”

She fixes my hair, “I’m just saying, that way you’ll know, if he gets jealous then it’s because he likes you. If he doesn’t say anything, he doesn’t care. Wouldn’t you want to know?” I don’t answer. On the one hand, it would be ideal to see if my dating his brother would bother him. But going on a date with Jared Cruz is just weird. “There.” Randa sets the curling iron down and combs out my hair. I turn my head to the side, admiring her work on both my hair and makeup.

“You look great, Sky.” She says with a smile. “You should take a picture and post it on your page. I’ll bet if Jackson saw it, he’d go crazy.”

I smile in response. “Thanks, but seriously. Enough with this Jackson talk. He doesn’t like me that way. Tonight is a night of birthday fun and I won’t let him or anything else ruin it.” I’m determined to forget about him and his sexy smirk. Gah!

Jared is supposed to pick me up at seven. I check myself out in the mirror, happy with my appearance. I turn to
Randa, “When are you going to meet us there?”

She checks her phone, “Shit, I’ll go now and get ready and meet you at 7:30.” She puts away the curling iron.

My mom appears in the doorway, “Oh honey, you look beautiful.” I smile back. “You should invite Jackson to join you. He always loved your birthday.” Um, he hasn’t come since middle school, mom, I almost say aloud.

I glance at
Randa and she just shrugs. “Nah, it’s better he doesn’t come.”

“I think Jackson is starting to notice your daughter again, Rose. He’s getting
friendlier. But I think Sky should make him jealous and ‘pretend’ to date Jared. That’ll get a reaction out of him.” She wiggles her brows.

I
glare at my best friend, who just ignores me. “Shut up. I will agree to no such thing. I hate those stupid childish games that guys and girls play to get the other to notice them.”

My mom raises a brow, “I love Jackson and I think he still cares for you. He’ll come around.”

I shrug. “Of course you’d say that. You’ve always adored him. He’s the son you never had.”

“Okay, I’m out of here. I’ll see you in a bit, Sky.” She waves to me.
Her and my mother hug. “See ya later, Rose.”

My mom comes inside, touching my hair. She smiles at my reflection. “Honey, you know those boys have been family. I’d do anything for both of them. After Cheryl left, I filled in for her when I could. They needed a mother-figure in their life. This is a hard time for teenagers, especially boys.”

I tell her I agree, just so we can stop talking about them and then she goes downstairs. I get it; he’s gone through crap, abandonment. I can’t imagine what that’s like. But then he should’ve reached out to me more. We were so close for so long. I wanted to be there for him. I lost my dad, so I can relate in a sense. Still, I wouldn’t push my best friend away. When things get so bad, that’s when you need them the most.

The doorbell rings and I take a deep breath. “Honey, Jared’s here.” My mom calls from downstairs.

I walk out of the bathroom, down the steps and into the living room where Jared is waiting, in khaki pants and a nice blue dress shirt, no tie and black shoes. His blonde hair is slicked back in place, perfectly. He’s handsome. Maybe not
as
handsome as Jackson, but he’s still nice looking. They take after their father; all three men are dashing. Wait, does anyone actually use that term anymore?

He sees me and stands up, smiling. “You look very pretty, Sky.” I’m not wearing revealing clothing or dressing any differently than normal, But my hair is curled and my face isn’t bare like it normally is. So I guess it’s different to him. I stopped dressing up when Jackson stopped noticing me, which makes no sense since that’s when girls would normally dress up-to get the guy
to
notice them. But like I said, I don’t play the silly games. Maybe if I had more confidence in myself like Randa, I would.

“Thank you. You lo
ok nice, yourself.” He talks to my mom for a few minutes while I gather my purse and phone. “Alright, it’s time to roll.” He nods to me.

She walks us to the
front door and waves. “You guys have fun tonight.”

“Thanks.” I say as he’s shutting my door. I buckle up. When he gets in, I tell him, “
Randa will meet us there at in about thirty minutes.” We’d decided on Olive Garden in the next town, since it’s my favorite place to eat.

“So are you feeling any older yet?” Jared asks to break the silence lingering in the car.

I look at him and shrug a shoulder. “Not really.” I look out the window. “Have you noticed any changes in your brother?”

This gets his attention and curiosity.
“No, why? You mean aside from him being an ass? Yeah, that was years ago.”

I slouch in my seat, staring out the windshield. “Funny. But…I mean something is going on with him.” I watch the road passing by quic
kly. “He’s acting weird, like he’s going through something.”

“Seriously?”
Jared sounds surprised. I nod. “Hmm, that is interesting.” I laugh; he sounds like Randa.

Twenty minutes later, we pull up to the restaurant and I’m glad I brought my light jacket because when we walk in, a chi
lly breeze bites at my skin, making me shiver, bringing the goose-bumps along my arms.

I sit on the bench, a long wait from the looks of it. Jared puts in our name before joining me. We smile at each other, his eyes a calm brown
ish color. It’s so weird to see him with blonde hair and brown eyes, while Jackson has dark brown-almost black-hair blue eyes. I never really thought about it before.

“So,” I start, remembering what
Randa said at school. “Is this dinner on you, since it’s my birthday?” I grin wide.

He laughs, “Well, technically it’s not your birthday until tomorrow. But of course, I’ll pay.” He sits beside me and leans back, turning his head toward mine. “But I’m not paying for
Randa.”

I laugh now. “Don’t worry, she doesn’t expect you to. That’s what she has Ian for.”

“Jared, party of two.” The hostess calls out and we rise from the seat and follow her to our table. I pull my phone out and text Randa.

Jared, always the gentleman that he is,
pulls my chair out and I sit down.

The hostess smiles, “Your waitress will be right with you.” She hands us our menus and saunters off. I scan the items, hoping to find something to make my stomach rumble to answer my “what do I want” question. It all looks appetizing. It all
is
appetizing. I love Italian food.

Jared licks his lips, “
Mmm, these all sound really good.” I find myself staring at him longer than I should be. “You’re not going to find the answer to what you’re looking for on my mouth.”

I blink and meet his eyes. “What?”

The corner of his mouth lifts slyly, “I saw you staring at me, or more accurately, at my mouth.” I immediately look down, embarrassed I got caught. They’re both hot, why do they both have to be hot? No! Damn you, Randa! He’s my best friend, that’s it!

I look up just as my
other best friend approaches our table. “Hey guys, sorry we’re late.” Randa plops down next to me and smiles. She’s just dressed in jeans and a tank top, but her hair is up in a high bun. Ian sits next to Jared, dressed in jeans and t-shirt.

Our waitress comes over to the table. “Hey guys, I’m Destiny. I’ll be taking care of you tonight; can I get your drink order?” Her pen poised on the pad of paper.

I smile. “I’ll just have tea please, with lemon.”

I look at Jared, since
Randa and Ian are still deciding on what they want. “I’ll take a Jack and coke.” He meets my confused gaze and chuckles. “I was just kidding. I’ll have root beer.” He tells Destiny and then he looks at me, “Geez, I can’t wait until I’m twenty-one. I’d like to be able to order a Jack and coke for real when I’m out.” Pause. “Not that I’m a big drinker.”

I make a sour face. “Ugh, I hate alcohol.” Whoops, I should’ve kept that comment to myself. Not that I worry whether Jared knows Jackson and I used to sneak some of their dad’s beer
in the garage when we were 14. And it’s not like he’s never done anything rebellious.