"Well, I uh, hey Wendi. We were just talking about you." Jessie said uneasily. "Yeah. I heard. Who gave you the right to tell total strangers about one of the most personal parts of my life?? I dont remember saying that you could broadcast it. What do you think you're doing telling him about Tommy? If I dont want you talking to ME about it- what makes you think telling HIM is ok?? Next time I want to tell you something- you can bet your life I'll remember this and think twice." Wendi said in a fit of rage. Jessie had never seen her eyes so dark before. It was kinda scary.
"Come on, baby. Lets go somewhere else.." AJ said to her quietly and in a calm soothing voice and he gently led her away from the living room and towards the stairs. "Oh, I am so sorry Jessie! If I had known asking about it would get you in so much trouble.. I am so sorry!" Brian said grabbing Jessie's hand and nearly begging for forgiveness. "Its ok. I can deal with it. I shouldnt have said anything...you're just so easy to talk to." Jessie said with such sincerety, Brian felt his heart go out to this girl. She was so sincere, and so sweet. Watching Wendi yell at her had made him mad... Why?
"Wendi...this way, honey. Are you ok?" Aj opened the door to his room and allowed her access to it. She walked in and sat on his bed. Glancing up, he saw the pain and hurt in her eyes. His heart broke in pieces as he saw one tiny tear fall down her face. He knelt in front of her. "Wendi, dont cry. There is no reason to be sad. You're ok. You're fine. You're safe. No one is going to hurt you anymore.. no one..." AJ stood up, leaned over and put his arms around Wendi pulling her against his chest, safe and secure. "It hurts so bad..." Wendi said before she broke down and cried to AJ. He stood and held her, saying he'd be there for as long as she needed...
Back downstairs, Jessie was still feeling terrible. "No, really, she'll be fine. Dont worry about it." Brian said smiling reassuringly. He patted jessie's hand. "Oh, but I really should have kept my mouth shut." Jessie said pulling her hand away. "Dont worry about it. Think about something else... like, well, how about you? Do you have a boyfriend?" Brian asked, smiling a different smile. His eyes lit up and his voice lifted, making the atmosphere of the room seem happier. Blushing, Jessie replied, "No. I dont have a boyfriend. I'm as single as they come right now." She grinned at Brian... "What about you?" "Nope, just broke up not too long ago. I'm single too." He answered, his smile never wavering.
The 2 continued this conversation about singleness etc., and before too long, it was getting dark. Footsteps were coming down the stair. AJ walked in hand-in-hand with Wendi. Her eyes were bright, but her cheeks were flushed and nose was red like she'd been crying. Catching Jessie looking at her, Wendi's grip on AJ's hand tightened. He nodded a hello towards Jessie and announced: "I'm talking Wendi out for awhile. She needs to get away.We'll be back later." The two walked off and could just barely be heard saying: "Where do you want to go?" "Anywhere. Just get me away from here... anywhere else but here." Brian glanced at Jessie and said " I hope she didnt take the house key... otherwise, you may have to stay here for the night." They laughed, but as Jessie reached into her pocket and came out empty handed, she realized his joke might just become a reality....
