(James)
"Come on Betty-Ann open the door" I said.
I had been outside the door for hours and night had fallen so the place was already very dark.
"Mister Taylor you're still here?" Mrs. Jones said surprised
"Yeah. I was just.." I said looking at the still closed door and sighing
"Leaving. I was just leaving" I said but before I could walk off she stopped me
"Mister Taylor it's rather late. I'm sure you haven't eaten yet. Why don't you stay over for dinner?" she said
"Thanks but I really should be heading home"
"Please I insist. Plus it's rather late. I will drop you off at your house after" she said
"Okay thank you" I said before she took out her key and opened the door and directly on the other side was Betty-Ann who's eyes were red
"Good, Mr. Taylor's staying for dinner. I'm making something easy to prepare so I suggest you get freshened up" she said before walking pass Betty-Ann
We didn't say anything to each other we just stood there looking at each other awkwardly
The awkwardness lasted until the dinner ended
"You're an amazing cook Mrs. Jones"
"You sound surprised Mr. Taylor" she said wiping her mouth with her napkin
"No I didn't mean anything by it" I said
"It's fine Mr. Taylor" she said putting down her napkin and picking up her plate
"I will put these away and drop you off after freshening up a bit" she said before walking into the kitchen leaving Betty-Ann and I
"So do you come here often?" I asked
"Only when I want to escape from Beth. So yeah I come here a lot"
"When are you going home?"
"Don't know" she said
"So you're having Thanksgiving here"
"Wouldn't be the first time?"
"Really?"
"Yeah I've spent most Thanksgiving here ever since my Dad left" she said
"You two are closer than I thought"
"Yeah the sad part is she's the closet thing I have to a mother" Betty-Ann said
"You do have a mother" Mrs. Jones said walking back to into the kitchen
"That's why it's the sad part" Betty-Ann said
"Anyways Mr. Taylor shall we head out?" She asked
"Actually I want to talk to Betty-Ann"
"You have five minutes" she said walking away
"What do you want to talk about?"
"Betty-Ann..."
"I don't want to talk about it" she said
"Well I do. You can't expect me to pretend it didn't happen" I said
"Fine, what do you want to say?" she asked
"Did you mean it?"
"I think so?"
"Think?" I asked
"No I do. I love you"
"Since when...I mean when did you confirm it?"
"I can't tell exactly. In some twisted way maybe it's when I saw you drunk"
"You've never seen my drunk" I said confused before suddenly remembering
"Oh" I said in a moment of realization
"Why?"
"I don't know. I just know that when I saw you two I felt the worse pain in my life. But it wasn't until I say you today did I realize what it meant. It hurt staying away from you. Every time I heard my phone ring I struggled not to answer it"
"You went through all that trouble of avoiding me.....because you love me" I said but she didn't respond
"Is that so bad? Is it so wrong that you love me. I'm your boyfriend after all"
"James can you really look me in my eyes and tell me you love me"
"Betty-Ann of course I love you"
"Are you in love with me?"
"That's the same thing" I said
"No a person loves their parents but they are in love with their wives. There is a difference"
"It doesn't matter if there's a difference I-"
"Think before you say anything" she interrupted before I thought about it. She didn't say anything the whole time I was thinking
"Fine." I suddenly said breaking the silence
"I've thought it out" I added
"And?" she nervously asked
"I can't" I said as I watch her face fill with disappoint and a slight grown
"I knew you were going to say that. Is it presumptuous of me to ask why not?"
"Sophie" I answered truthfully
"Oh" she said disappointed and slightly hurt
"But not for the reason you're thinking" I said
"Huh?" she said confused
"Then why did you say Sophie?" she added still confused
"She's the only person I can think of when thinking about the kinds of love I've felt. Be it either familial love or brotherly neither of those have turned out well for me recently. So the only one I can actively compare to is the love me and Sophie had but to be fair you were also comparing yourself to her anyway"
"So when you compare the two of us you realize you don't love me like you loved her"
"Yeah" I said before she sulked before smiling sadly
"I mean I already knew that" she said
"But is that such a bad thing" I said
"What?" she asked confused
"If Sophie and my love was so great why did we break up? Why couldn't she let me get on the bus? Why was she with someone else when I came back? If our love was so special why did it end?" I said
"Maybe it didn't. There are still sparks. Everyone can see it. Everyone knows you will eventually get back together" she said
"Two years" I said
"Huh"
"For two years no one believe that more than me. No one believed more than me that somehow Sophie will realize her mistake and due to some twist of fate that Sophie would find her way back to me and that we'd get back together after a loud round of arguing" I said with a small smile picturing it in my head with my eyes closed
"But do you know what happened in the third year?" I rhetorically asked opening my eyes as she remained silent
"She and Nick broke up. Turns out he cheated and I had thought this was it. This was what I was waiting on; the time that Sophie and I would finally get back together. That the world would finally be right again but when I went over to her house a couple days after. Do you wanna guess what I saw?" I asked and she remained silent again
"Sophie and Nick kissing again."
"Oh James" she said sympathy evident in her voice
"I had never told anyone this but I spent the whole junior year secretly crying because I knew that Sophie and I were really over. So even if there are still sparks of that special love it will never reignite that flame. That's why I started this year determined to not even look down that road. There's no going back to that even if it meant avoiding her until I headed off to college" I said
"But you guys still ended up together" she said
"Well I can't exactly avoid my lab partner"
"Yeah and now you two live together"
"Not by choice. None of those were under our control"
"But isn't that what fate is?"
"Whatever fate is. It lost its chance to do whatever it wanted. Sophie and I have grown. We've passed that"
"I have question."
"Go ahead"
"The kind of love you're comparing me and Sophie with is relational love right?"
"Yeah"
"Well aside from boyfriend and girlfriend what other relationship do we have?"
"I'm sorry what?"
"You and Sophie are together even though you're not dating because you guys were friends before you became a couple. What about us? What were we before we became a couple?" she asked.
Now it was my turn to be lost silent. What were we before we started dating. Oh yeah we were
"Friends with benefits? A one sided crush? None of those are relationship built to last"
"So you're saying if we hadn't done it that night we would have had a shot"
"That's not what I'm saying. I'm just saying if you want to be more than friends you should at least be friends first"
"Okay" I said
"Okay?" she asked confused
"I know what we have to do" I continued
"What?"
"Break up" I said
"I guess I should have expected that" she said getting up before she started walking away
"Can't you let me finish before walking away" I said before she stopped
"When I said we should break up I meant for now."
"For now?"
"Look Betty-Ann" I said getting up and walking over to her and holding unto her hand
"I know I can't tell you I'm in love you right now but I'm sure one day I will be able to say it and really mean it. I don't know how long that will take but until then why don't we try actually being friends. One sided crush? That relationship ended long ago. Friends with benefits? I had thought that chapter of our story had ended when I moved out but I guess we were both wrong. That relationship will truly end tonight. What relationship we have in front of us we'll have to wait and see"
"So what we're starting over?" she asked smiling with a tear running down her cheek
"If you want to think about it like that"
"Then we should start at the every begin"
"Do you mean like introductions or back to when we first met again"
"In detention" I smiled
"Yeah" she smiled before Mrs. Jones walked back into the kitchen
"Hey Debby can you do me a favor?"
"What do you want now?" Mrs. Jones groaned
"Would you mind watching detention?" Betty-Ann asked confusing Mrs. Jones
But surprisingly she agreed and then we moved to Mrs. Jones study that we sat up like a classroom for two.
She sat staring at me while Betty-Ann waited outside
"Are we suppose to reenact everything that happened in that first detention?" I asked
"That would be quite tedious, trivial and downright unnecessary but considering it is Betty-Ann that we are dealing with quite possibly"
"But I don't think I remember what happened exactly" I sighed before she suddenly threw a pen towards the door
"Would you mind picking that up?" she asked
"But why did you throw it away?" I asked
"Don't ask questions. Just go for the pen" she said sternly
"Great" I murmured sarcastically as I got up
"No standing Mr. Taylor you'll disturb the detention"
"But you just...oh yeah" I said realizing what was happening and then played along
"Disturb who?" I asked, "I'm the only one here"
"That's because no one is stupid enough to get detention on the second day of school except you two"
"You two?" I asked feigning confusion
"It's been awhile hasn't it James" she said walking into the study
"Betty-Ann. Betty-Ann Turner?" I said pretending to be shocked. Betty-Ann giggled I'm not sure whether it's because of my bad acting or because she did at that time as she picked up the pen
"Is that all the greeting I get? It's been what four years" she said
"No conversations. You're still in detention"
"Yes Debby"
"It's Mrs. Jones to you" Mrs. Jones said.
"Yes Mrs. Jones" Betty-Ann said rolling her eyes
"Since my role is now over. Can I take my leave or do you two plan on knocking me unconscious again" she said
"How did you....You know what of course you knew" I sighed
"Thanks a lot Debby you can leave" Betty-Ann said before she left
"So how have you been James?"
"Great, I actually just got out of a relationship"
"Really? How was it?"
"It was fun while it lasted. She was a little insecure and to be honest I was a bit insensitive" I said
"You know I actually just got out of a relationship too"
"Really?"
"Yeah he was a nice guy"
"So why did you break up?"
"I wasn't sure we'd last so I had to end it before I fell any deeper"
"Why?"
"I guess I was scared that love wasn't mine to have"
"That's too bad"
"Why?"
"Because you're the kind of girl anyone would love"
"Thank you for saying that"
"Well I have to go. It was nice seeing you again Betty-Ann"
"Same to you" she said
"Hey before I go my mother's hosting a thanksgiving party. Do you want to come with me...as my friend of course?"
"I'd love to." she said
"Good" I smiled
After our little play ended I left the house and saw Mrs. Jones waiting for me by the car
"You two finished?" she asked
"Yeah"
"Good" she said
"Let's go it's really late" she said
"Thanks" I said
"What for?"
"The help"
"Mr. Taylor I was the one that insisted on you staying it's only fair that I drop you off"
"That wasn't what I was talking about"
"If not that I have done nothing warranting appreciation" she said
"Still thanks" I said before she sighed
"Let's go" she said.
She drove me all the way back to the hotel and I got out and went to my apartment where I was greeted by Sophie who was sleeping on the couch
"Hey I'm home" I said
"Finally what took you so long?" she asked rubbing her eyes
"I saw Betty-Ann at her house"
"Oh That's good. Have you eaten? I made dinner. It is in the microwave" Sophie said
"That's alright I've already eaten" I said
"That's good to know"
"Were you waiting for me?" I asked
"No I just fell asleep watching T.V" she lied making me smirk
"Sophie the T.V's off" I informed her
"Oh" she said embarrassed, "How did that happen?"
"I don't know" I said smirking before she faked a yawn
"Man I'm so tired. I should go to bed" she said running towards the stairs
"Good night" I said not getting an answer.
As she left I went into the kitchen and opened the microwave. I smiled at the dinner she left before heating it back up and going for a fork
(Martha)
"Aren't you going to invite us in James?" his father asked
"Come on in" he said coldly
"This is quite the small place you're living in." his mother said walking in
"If you guys don't like it you can always leave" James said
"Why must you be so hostile Jamie?"
"I want to know why you're here" he said
"Well Evelyn told us that you said if we wished for you to return we would have to come ourselves. That was your wish so here we are" his mother said
"I never expected you to actually come" he said
"Well we did" his father said
"Look if you guys think that this will get me to come back you're crazy"
"Let's not have that conversation now. For now we are just a couple of parents visiting their only son for Thanksgiving" his mother said
"Really?" he asked skeptically
"Yes in fact we promise not to talk about your return the whole day tomorrow" she said
"I'll believe that when I see it" he said before his father looked at me
"And who is this?" his father asked
"This is Martha"
"Martha?" his mother said looking at me. She looked at me up and down judging me
"And what exactly is Martha doing here?" his mother asked
"Well she's my..... Martha's my..." he said
"His maid" I said
"What?" His father asked
"Last time I checked a hotel normally comes with people to take care of the rooms" his mother said harshly
"Yes but I'm currently going through a harsh time with my divorce so James offered to give me money and a room. I couldn't accept it for free so we ended up in this situation" I explained
"I see. That is unlike Jamie who knew he could be so kind" his mother said
"To someone other than Eve" his father added
"Where are you guys staying?" James changed the topic
"We bought some land and a house. We'll be staying there for the weekend. Here is the address" his mother said handing him a note
"Alright I'll see you tomorrow. You guys can get going now" James said
"Why are you in such a rush to send us off? Can't we at least stay for some tea. Hey you" his mother said
"Me?" I asked
"Yes you. Get us some tea" she ordered
"Yes Miss" I said before going to the kitchen.
As I was taking out the cups James came walking into the kitchen
"Why did you say that?" he asked
"Isn't it the truth? I'm just your maid"
"We both know you're more than my maid"
"But you couldn't say that" I said
"Martha I...."
"It's fine James I understand."
"No you don't. Martha I didn't tell them because they'd be angry. They might be smiling but they're really pissed at me. If they find out you're the reason I'm staying they'll aim that anger at you and trust me my mom's scary when she's angry"
"Why should they be angry?" I asked sarcastically
"Martha"
"James we're from different places and to be honest I'm glad you didn't say anything. My situation is difficult as is. I shouldn't add another complicated thing right now" I said before the pot started whistling
"Listen Martha if you're upset I will go tell them how I feel right now" he said as I put the pot on the tray
"No it's fine" I said before walking out of the kitchen
"Here is your tea?" I said putting down the tray as he walked out
"Thank you dear" his mother said
"If that's all I should head to my room" I said
"Don't you have anything else to do. It is the middle of the day after all" his mother added
"No there isn't much to be done around the house"
"I find that odd my son is quite the slob" she said
"I assure you his room is clean"
"Then you should at least head to the supermarket to get ingredients for dinner" his mother suggested
"Sure" I said turning to pick up my bag
"Martha" James said
"It's fine" I said before heading towards the door but when I opened it I heard James say
"When she gets back. I want both of you to be gone"
(Trudy)
"I can't believe I ended up staying so late" Jake said looking out at the night sky
"Is it really alright if I stay the night?" He asked
"Yes it's fine. I mean I am the reason you stayed so late it's the least I can do" I said handing him the sheet
"Thank you. And it's not your fault I volunteered" he said reaching to take them but as caught them our hands touched and I found myself looking into his eyes
"You were a lot of help today" I said
"No problem I'm glad to be of service" he said not breaking eye contact
"You're a great friend" I said
"Thank you" he said before suddenly out of nowhere I kissed him and he kissed back before pushing me off
"I can't. I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that" he said
"No it's okay. I'm the one who kissed you" I said stepping back
"I.. I should get some sleep. Sorry again"
"Can you stop apologizing?"
"Thanks for giving me the guest room"
"Would you rather I let you sleep on the couch?" I chuckled
"You'd be surprise how many times I have" he chuckled before we made eye contact and went silent again
"Anyways good night" he said
"Yeah good night" I said as he left.
I watched him until the door closed before flopping down my bed. A brief thought of the kiss brought a smile to my face so I looked towards the door before sighing and closing my eyes
(Sophie)
"Argh" I groaned as I rolled to my side
"Ugh" I said rolling back unto my back before opening my eyes and looking at the ceiling
"I need some milk" I said after five minutes of silence.
I got up and walked out but as I stepped out I saw James walking out of his room too
"Sophie, you're still up?" he asked
"Yeah I'm just heading for a glass of milk"
"Can't sleep either?" he asked smirking
I had noticed he had been doing that more lately like he's seeing through me
"No." I said
"Me neither" he sighed
"Hey wanna watch some T.V?" I asked
"Sure" he agreed before we went downstairs and turned on the T.V.
"Hey Frozen. Wendy's favorite movie" he said
"Yeah I bet she'd curse us for watching it without her" I laughed
"How do you think she is anyway?" he asked
"She should be fine. While I'm not sure about my mom I know your dad will take good care of her" I said
"Oh yeah what did your mom want to talk to you about?"
"She wanted us to keep Wendy for a while"
"Really"
"Yeah but then I refused"
"Why?"
"We still have school and a lot of stuff to do. Why should I keep her so they get...." I said before pausing. Should I tell him. No I'll keep it to myself for now
"Why did you stop talking? Did something happen?"
"No it's fine. I just don't want to talk about them anymore."
"Me neither" he shrugged
"I'd much rather hear about what happened with Betty-Ann"
"We talked"
"And how did that end up?"
"We broke up" he answered with a smile
"You seem happy about that" I said
"It's only temporary.
"And how are you so sure?"
"I'll explain it to you later. For now let's just watch the movie" I said before we stay quiet and the movie while laughing and singing to some of the songs. After part 1 finished we finished Frozen 2 and then went to Aladdin. We ended up having a Disney Princess Movie Marathon until we passed out.