Between the Lines

• Chapter 1 ~ Jade •

Two years ago, the idea of me packing my entire life up to move from Iowa to California would have been comedic. To be going to a college I never expected to be accepted into, and to be able to study something I am so passionate for. But most of all, ending a six year long relationship with my narcissistic boyfriend, Mason, would've made me laugh harder than anything else.

"Jade?" My teacher calls, realizing that almost the whole class is already out of the door.

Damnit, this is embarrassing.

"Yes, Mr. Sutton?" I choke out, already grabbing my items in a rush. I love Mr. Sutton, he makes my class comfortable and he is a great role model.

"I wanted to speak to you about your short story, it was impressive. I do think you have much more to learn, but at the pace you are going.. I can see you having a career with this."

Don't cry. Don't cry. Do. Not. Cry.

A man almost the same age as my father praising me for my work really brings out the worst in me. Not in the boohoo poor me, the girl with daddy issues type of way. The way that I was never praised for my good work whether it was by my peers or friends. Especially by Mason, I could have managed to fold his socks and he would act like I never existed.

"Thank you, Mr. Sutton. That really means a lot to me, I'm glad you enjoyed it, hopefully as much as I enjoyed writing it." I give him a gentle smile, my eyes already feeling glossy from holding back my tears.

He must notice because he decides to cut the conversation short by holding his arm out to the door to direct me out. Thank God.

I rush out of the doors of the university, clutching my books to my chest like my entire life depends on it. Technically it does, they're fucking expensive.

I hop into my newly bought truck, I had to buy a new one because my old one held just too many memories. I blew thousands of dollars just so I didn't have to relive the memories, my only bad decision was buying the same model.

I turn the keys of Chevy, listening to rumble of the engine. My head hits the back of seat as the radio kicks on playing Narcissist by Avery Anna.

Thanks radio, great timing. I think to myself, letting a few straw tears roll down my cheeks as my thoughts trace backwards.

Two & a half years ago...

"You can't just leave me here, Jade." Mason yells at me while I am shoving boxes and suitcases into my truck.

"Tough luck. I'm going whether you like it or not, I can't take this," I gesture around us to express what I mean by 'this.'

"Deal with it, Jade." Mason says, coming closer to me.

Mason is an intimidating guy, overpowering really. What he wants, he will not let anything stop him from getting it. Almost every girl in this godforsaken town wants the man, but they know his attention is only towards me.. most of the time.

I caught him cheating only a couple months ago with one of my closest friends. That's what kickstarted my plan to get the hell out of here and my only excuse would be for college.

I hold my hand out to try to stop him but he pushes right into it, making me feel almost small compared to him. He is only half a foot taller than me, but he can still tower over me when he decides to straighten his back.

"You won't leave me to go to some college and then fuck around with some jocks, Jade Anderson." He growls out, the anger peaking through his eyes. A look I've grown increasingly familiar with.

"This isn't your decision, Mason. I told you that we were done when I caught you sleeping around with Addison. You knew this, there is no going back." I growl back him, slamming my tailgate shut. The sound making me jerk out of shock.

Mason stands in shock, not expecting me to just let out the fact he was sleeping around with another girl. He always tried to play the faithful man type, but damn near everyone knew that he wasn't.

"Jade, you know I love you. It was just a mistake, we talked about this." He takes a step closer toward me, his cologne trapping me.

"No. YOU talked about it, I was forced to hear you, but I didn't listen to a damn word that you said." I take a few steps backwards, trying to regain my power. If I don't get out of here soon, he's going to win this argument.

I stand still only for a few more seconds, trying to recognize the man I loved since freshman year of high school. Six years of my life washed away in the puddle of blood and tears.

I turn my back on him and hop in my truck, turning the key and hearing the motor start up with no problem for once is a relief. The less time I spend here the better. Pulling out of the driveway of the home I once thought would be the place I would raise my kids, I see Mason glaring at the truck.

My heart is pounding my chest wondering what could be going through his mind or what he would do to me if I stick around any longer.

I start speeding past all of the stop signs and barely making it through yellow lights. The sooner I'm out of Iowa, the sooner that I'm in California with a fresh start.

Every Ford Mustang I see makes me think it's Mason, and it feels like the pedal of my truck is going to break from the force of foot.

Suddenly I see the "Welcome to Nebraska: The Cornhusker State" and I realize that this is actually real. Now I just have to make the drive without passing out, or wanting to go back.

I come back into present time, not even realizing that I was driving and sitting idly in my driveway. I found an affordable apartment just off of campus grounds. I have no clue if I ran a red light or a stop sign, but since I'm not in the back of a cop car I take that as a good sign and nothing bad happened.

I hop out of the truck, closing the door behind me. I head inside of the building and get into the elevator and go to the third floor. I was grateful the apartment I managed to get last minute had a window facing the city. I can't see very far past the other complex buildings, but I can see just enough to admire.

Once the elevator doors open, I hear my neighbor laughing and I hear other people laughing. Me and her never talked much, we ran into each other and said hello then went our separate ways. I don't even know her name and I've lived here for over 2 years. As I'm unlocking the door to my apartment, I see hers open, a couple of men in leather jackets carrying helmets head out.

"Bye guys!" She calls out with her body halfway out of the door. She glances over to me and gives me a soft smile and waves. "Hi! I'm sorry if we caused too much noise."

"Don't worry," I let out a little chuckle. "I just got home so I only caught the end of the laughter party."

"Oh, good!" She almost closes her door until she stops herself. "I keep forgetting to ask, what is your name, neighbor?"

"It's Jade.. Jade Anderson." I announce, a little louder than I expected. The boys who were waiting for the elevator doors to open glance over, the tallest one has eyes lingering longer. One of the boys elbow him, and they all walk into the elevator.

"Well, hi Jade! I'm Paislie," she says cheerfully. A little too cheerful for me, granted I just got home from hours of lectures so it's too be expected.

"Hi, Paislie. I have to get some studying done but maybe we can hangout sometime?"

"I would love that! You should check out the bookstore a couple blocks from here, I love going there a lot. Maybe we can go next weekend?"

"I'd love that!" I say, opening the door and sending a wave of goodbye to Paislie. It's a pretty name. I'm going to have to check out that bookstore before I go with her though, I don't want to seem super lost or at least see if it's worth the energy. I could always fake a sickness.

Oh yes, I have a terrible case of 'I'm too damn scared to go to unfamiliar places' there's no cure.

That sounds like an idea that will definitely work.