A Different Path

Chapter 18 - Methods

"Dozens of others," I finally said, making both of them smile. 

"Well, I think this method words just right for you." Race said, looking at Jack. "So, when he's upset, just let him rant for a bit before you say anything." Jack nodded, his smile growing. "I'm headin' in for the night, but just let me know if youse need anything else, alright?" I nodded this time, and Jack turned to look at me. 

"I had no idea he made you feel like that," he said once Race had left, both of us laying down.

"Yeah, it's sorta hard," I mumbled, looking at Jack.

"I didn't know you were that unhappy, either," he continued, pushing my hair from my face.

"I'm a lot happier now," I smiled, but he didn't smile back. "What's wrong?"

"I'm just worried 'bout you." He said bluntly, breaking my heart a little.

"Why?" I asked, and he paused to take a deep breath, clearly picking his words carefully.

"I don't want you to... Hurt yourself or somethin'," he got out, getting quieter.

"Jack, I won't. I promise." He still seemed unconvinced, still not smiling back at me. "Maybe it doesn't seem like it to you, but I am so much happier now that I'm here. You quite literally saved my life." A smile finally began to grow on his face as he looked at me, sighing.

"You really mean that?" He asked, and I nodded.

"I'm positive that if you hadn't taken me in that I'd either be dead from those kids or from something I did to myself," he smiled some more, kissing me on the forehead.

"I'm glad I found you," he said once he backed up.

"Me too," I scooted up to him and got ready to sleep, exhausted. "Get to bed, it's late," I mumbled, feeling him put his arms around me. I fell asleep quickly after, a smile still on my face.

The next day went better than usual for me, as I felt a little better already after getting all that stuff off my chest. I was extremely excited for game night with all the fellas tonight, as I hoped that I wouldn't have some breakdown during it. I waited a little impatiently for Jack in the penthouse, smiling at him once he showed up. 

"Someone's in a good mood," he said as he walked over to me, sitting down and starting to eat.

"Mhm," I leaned against him, and he chuckled a little. 

"Good day?" he asked, looking at me. I nodded, looking up at him. "You excited for game night?"

"We're gonna kick Race's butt," I joked, making Jack laugh even more. 

"Is that smack talk coming from Crutchie?" He teased, making me giggle. He smiled even more as I did so, making my face get hot.

"What?" I said, sitting up.

"Your giggling is cute," he finished his dinner, looking at me.

"Stop lookin' at me like that!" I whined, only making Jack laugh at me more.

"You embarrassed?" He nudged me, and I rolled my eyes. 

"Maybe I'll have to be on Race's team so I can teach you a lesson instead," I tried sounding tougher, but as Jack laughed, I knew I failed. 

"You're so bad at this!" He teased, and I pushed him a little.

"You could at least pretend that I sound cool!" I said through my own laughter, and Jack stood up.

"C'mon tough guy, let's go," he put his hand out to help me up, smirking as he did so.

We were nearing the end of the night, our team taking the lead. As always, Race got up and called for a smoke break, allowing everyone to hang around for a bit while another group went out to smoke with Race. Jack looked at me, likely checking to see if I was doing alright since I tended to get overwhelmed quickly in loud rooms like this. To his surprise, though, I smiled at him, doing just fine.

"How're you doing?" He asked, likely wanting to make sure that I was okay.

"Good," he smiled back at me, turning to me fully. 

"Is your arm hurtin' you at all? I realized I had forgot to ask earlier," he said, speaking quietly.

"No, only if I bump it. But it's real tiring to walk," I sighed, but making sure I kept smiling.

"Is it gettin' easier though?" I nodded, but before I could say anything, yelling started to come from the opposite end of the room, making everyone turn to see what was going on. "Fuck sake," Jack said, getting up. It was then clear that two kids were fighting, however I didn't know their names. Jack walked over to help separate the two, and I felt my heart begin to pound and I tensed up. I then thought back to the previous night, trying to remember what Race had said.

Have you ever tried to take a step back from whatever is happening, allowing yourself to realize you're okay?

As I stared at the commotion I tried calming my breathing, focusing on the advice Race had given me. I took in what was happening, grounding myself. Nobody is mad at me. Those two are fighting with each other, and not coming for you. Jack is helping, not getting angry with you. You're okay. I felt my heart start to beat normally again, and I stopped tensing up. After they were separated Jack rushed back over to me, knowing I'd be upset.

"Hey, you're alright," he said immediately, but I smiled, realizing I wasn't scared.

"I know," I said in disbelief, and Jack stared at me.

"What?"

"I know, I'm okay," I repeated, and Jack smiled back at me, sitting down. 

"You sure you're alright?" He confirmed, and I nodded.

"Mhm," I smiled some more, turning my attention back to the group. Jack did the same, and we were able to finish the night in a good mood rather than ending it with me sobbing.

(word count - 2378)