Questions

Cindy’s hand shakes just a little as she opens the door and goes inside, the smell of gasoline and oil hitting her nose. She makes her way to the back of the shop, carefully stepping over hoses and tools. Finally getting to Wes, she squats down next to the car so she can see him. She tries to smile. “Um…do you have a couple seconds?”


Jason’s eyes narrow slightly as Katie speaks, though a strange feeling of dread rises up inside of him. It’s the same feeling he shut out weeks before, the night they’d stayed at his house. Why was she doing this to him?
He closes his eyes briefly, and takes a deep breath, fighting with logic. He’d finally started finding himself. He’d finally started realizing he didn’t have to wear a mask, and his confidence in himself had taken on a new level. And here was Katie, questioning his judgment. What was he supposed to think?
Jason looks at her with little emotion, though her words sting. Had he really hurt her that badly? Knowing the truth by the look in her eye put his stomach in knots. He’d caused that pain on her face. He’d caused that hurt behind her eyes.
As she mentions Jade, a whole new set of questions rises. Was he under obligation to let Katie in on everything? Was that what friendship was really all about? If that was the case, he wasn’t so sure he wanted it as much as he’d thought.
He opens his mouth to give a rebuttal, but it’s too late. As Katie leaves, flinging her final words, he feels like he’s been stabbed in the heart, and speech simply won’t come.

Con stares after her as she leaves, stunned. He knew Katie had been upset, but he really hadn’t thought she’d react quiet like this. He’d been trying to help, but apparently he’d just made things worse. He knew he couldn’t blame himself though, and he looks at Jason with raised eyebrows.

“What?” Jason frowns at him. “You agree with her?”

“I’m not going to takes sides in this one, Jase. I’m just sad things have gone this route. You two would have been good together, that’s all I can say. But if your mind is made up, there’s nothing to be done.” Con shrugs lamely and stands up. “You need something to eat whether you like it or not, so I’m going to the mess hall. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”


A voice at the other end of the line answers. “TJY, this is Reese…”