A little over a week later, on a Monday morning, when Aaron got up for school, Jess got up with him. “What are you doing up?” Aaron asked when she sat next to him at the table.

“I want to go.”

“Are you sure? I mean, are you ready?”

“I don’t want to fail. I want to graduate next spring.”

“Eat your breakfast,” Aaron smiled at her.

“Thank you Aaron.” Jess hugged him and poured a bowl of cereal.

“Eat all of it.” Aaron laughed nudging her.

They sat in silence; the munching and chewing deafening until Aaron suddenly turned to Jess and spoke. “Why don’t you talk to anyone else?”

Jess turned to him startled.

“Why just me? What makes me better than your mother… or brother? Why do you keep quiet when I know you want to scream at the top of your lungs?”

There was a long pause then Jess turned to him and whispered, “People don’t ask questions when they don’t expect an answer.”

Aaron turned away from her in shame, “I’m sorry.”

“Aaron if you don’t leave soon you’ll be late for school.” Mom walked into the kitchen followed by Dad.

“Okay, um, Jess is coming with me.” Aaron lifted his bag off the floor and onto his shoulder not even looking up.

“Okay.” They hugged Jess and she gently kissed her parent’s cheeks.

Once they were in the car and on their way Jess turned to Aaron. “I talk to you because… you saved me and all I have to do is see you and I feel safe. I’m not scared of everything when you’re around. I don’t know why but that’s how it is. I don’t try to hurt anyone, and I’m sorry that I do but this isn’t easy for me.”

“I know it’s not Jess, but it’s not easy for your parents either. I’ve heard them talking… you’re their baby Jess. They feel like you don’t love them anymore.”

“But I do Aaron. I’ve always loved them, and I always will.”

“I know you do. My point is that you’ve got to show THEM. They need that reassurance. It’s not the same coming from me.”

“Why did he have to ruin my life? What did I do to deserve it?”

“Jess it wasn’t your fault.”

“Yes it was. I should’ve listened to you from the beginning.”

“Jess…”

“No Aaron! You were right! You were right the whole time and I was too blind to see it! I should’ve seen it coming! I should’ve known not to go alone.”

Aaron calmly pulled the car to the side of the road and turned to Jess. “Are you ready to talk?”

Jess leaned over and wrapped her arms around Aaron, her tears soaking his shirt. “Yes.”