(Two weeks later)
Something wasn’t right. JC realized this when Julie started hanging all over Brian. You don’t start hanging all over someone who had abused you unless you were forced. JC knew Julie didn’t like the guy. And he was actually jealous of this slime ball who got her attention. Why are you jealous? JC asked himself. You’re jealous because she understands you like no one else, his conscience answered back. JC saw Julie smile at Brian, but it wasn’t the smile he saw. It was the emotion behind it. And what JC saw didn’t constitute as love. It was pure hatred. And when Julie looked at him, JC saw sadness. Probably from me being rude to her when I had no right to be, JC thought. And when he was ready to tell her everything, she starts hanging all over Brian. The public relationship was forced and it showed.
“Well Julie I have to go. We’re still on for dinner tomorrow.” Brian must have meant for it to sound like a question but it came out like a command. Julie nodded and slumped down on the couch when he left. JC went up to her.
“What’s wrong Julie?”
“Nothing JC. Nothing at all.” Her dejected tone gave her away. JC sat down next to her.
“Julie, you’re always telling me to talk about what’s wrong. Keeping it inside only makes it worse. Take it from me.” Julie looked at JC as a single tear slipped down her cheek.
“I can’t-I’m being forced to-” Julie didn’t finish. Because JC didn’t need to hear anymore to know that he was right. Julie’s face went pale and JC looked over his shoulder. There stood a seething Brian, who stomped up to Julie, roughly grabbed her arm, and dragged her outside into the pouring rain. JC quickly followed but not before Brian had hit Julie a couple times. JC threw a right hook that hit Brian in the nose.
“Touch her again and you will seriously regret it.” JC seethed. Brian walked off and JC knelt next to Julie. Julie had a thin line of blood coming from her nose and she was clutching her stomach. JC helped her up and back inside. She sat down and JC got a washcloth and blanket which he wrapped around Julie.
“What are you being forced to do Julie?” JC asked quietly.
“Be part of a public couple. As in Brian and I. If not, he’ll ruin not only my career but yours as well.”
“I knew it. I could tell when you looked at him.”
”I think I’m ready to tell you what hapened with my ex girlfriend.” JC looked down at the floor.
“I’m listening JC.” JC took a deep breath.
“I had a girlfriend and her name was Kylie. She was a performer. I loved her with all my heart and soul and she betrayed me.” JC’s voice started to waver.
“It turns out Kylie wanted a boyfriend who was with her all the time. You’d think that she would understand, being a performer herself.” Tears were slowly trickling JC’s cheeks.
“She went out a supposed “publicity” date and ended up making out with her bodyguard. They’re married now.”
“I loved Kylie so much it hurt and she betrayed me. How do I know you won’t do the same? I feel much stronger feelings toward you than I did toward Kylie and it scares me.”
“So you shut me out and turn your back on what could be the best thing of your life because your afraid to love? Face your feelings JC and I gurantee that you won’t be sorry.”
“I can’t Julie.” JC stood up and walked out of the room.
************************
Over the next couple days, Julie’s lip healed and the bruises on her stomach started to fade. Things were at a standstill between her and JC and julie could see that he was abttling his feelings for her.
“Get together with him already!” Jessica complained. Jessica couldn’t understand. Things were perfect between her and Joey and they planned to get married next fall.
“I tried but he’s afraid of his feelings.” Julie sighed.
“Sorry Jules. Hey you’re going to visit friends in Miami right?” Julie nodded.
“Just checking. I’ll miss you. I won’t see you for awhile. Have fun Julie.” Julie grabbed her bags and headed to her car. 4 1/2 hours later, she arrived in Miami. Conner was taking classes at the University of Miami and Julie wanted to surprise him. Julie pulled into conner’s driveway and knocked on the door. Conner opened the door, looking surprised.
“Hey Jule. It’s good to see you.” Julie stepped inside and Conner grabbed his keys.
“I’ll be back in a minute. Make yourself at home.” After Conner left, Julie unpacked her stuff and put it in the guest room. Conner had said he would be back in a minute and the minutes turned to hours. Julie turned on the TV to distract herself. The local news was on.
“There was an accident on Highway 24 involving a truck and a red jeep Cherokee. One man, identified as 24 year old Conner McDermott, was taken to the hospital in critical condition.” No, Julie thought. I heard wrong.
“Both drivers were taken to Miami Memorial.” Julie jumped up and grabbed her keys. Miami Memorial was only about ten minutes away but the drive seemed to take forever. When Julie arrived, she ran inside. A steady stream of rain was falling. God, is it raining everyewhere? Julie thought as she went up to the nurses station.
“What room is Conner mcDermott in?” Julie asked, frantically. The nurse gave her a bored look.
“Are you family?”
“I’m his best friend. What room is he in?”
“They’re not letting anybody see him right now. I’ll let you know when you can see him.” Julie sat down in a chair in the waiting room. She read magazines, watched TV and tried to sleep. About four hours later, the nurse motioned for her to go in. Julie cautiously opened the door and stepped inside. Conner was lying on the hospital bed, with dozens of tubes connected to him. Julie pulled up a chair and sat down next to Conner’s bed. Tears pooled in her eyes and soon trickled down her cheeks.
“Are you his girlfriend?” A voice asked. Julie turned around, wiping away her tears. A young male nurse stood in the doorway.
“No I’m his best friend.” The nurse nodded.
“My name’s Jake and I’m looking over him.” Julie shook his hand.
“My name’s Julie.”
“I know. You’re a singer.”
“Yeah I am. Can I know what’s wrong with him?”
“He had some pretty serious head injuries and he’s in a coma. It’s really a tragedy because he’s so young.” Julie nodded and the tears came again, in large torrents that took over her body and made her shake with sobs. Jake quietly left the room as Julie cried for her best friend. Cried bitter tears for him, for herself. And for the way their lives would change.
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