“I called him and told him I was going for a walk and needed to talk to him. I obviously was upset so he came right away. I knew I couldn’t stand us fighting anymore and I came to the realization that your friendship meant more to me than anything. When I saw him coming I knew I had to go through with it.”

*************************************************

“Hey Baby.” Jason kissed Jess.

“Hi,” she pulled away. “I need to talk.”

“What’s wrong?” his voice was sugary sweet.

“I can’t… Jason, I’m sorry but I can’t do this anymore.”

“Do what? What are you saying?” His voice lost all its charm.

“I don’t love you. I can’t… Aaron means so much… I can’t be with you anymore.”

“Don’t say that!”

“I did say it Jason! And I mean it!” Jess turned to walk away but Jason caught her arm.

“You can’t get away that easy.” His eyes were flashing. Jess had never seen anything so evil. “What’s this about Aaron?”

“Let go!” She tried to get away again but this time her shirt ripped and Jason’s hand left a mark on her face.

“Don’t you dare try that again.” Jason tried to kiss her.

“No! Stop Jason, please!” Jess struggled to free herself. Suddenly she kneed Jason and ran. She ran as fast and as far as she could. When she couldn’t run anymore she crouched in the safety of some trees not even seeing Jason in the shadows behind her prepared to attack.

*************************************************

“All I could think about was that I was going to die with you mad at me. I just prayed to God that you would forgive me. I know that sounds stupid but it’s true.”

“Oh Jess,” Aaron hugged her as tight as he could.

“I tried my best to get him away from me but he hit me with something and I passed out. When I woke up you were walking away from me and it scared me. But I knew when you started freaking out that you forgave me. You were as scared as I was. You make me feel safe Aaron. I can’t explain it but you do.”

“I don’t know what to say Jess.”

“I guess there’s a first time for everything.”

“Hey!”

“Let’s go to school before we’re late.”

“Here Jess, I want you to have this so I’m always with you.” Aaron pulled his chain off his neck and placed it around hers.

“Aaron I couldn’t,” Jess fingered the cross.

“I want you to have it.”

“But it’s so expensive. It was your birthday present.”

“No buts about it Jess.”

“Fine, but you realize you’re crazy right?”

“Absolutely.”