Point Of View 2 [*Do not read until you've read the same chapter of ATW]

Chapter 55 Cry, Cry Baby

"James wanted to visit Julia." I sigh.

"So why are YOU here?" He asks, still a bit confused.

"We were running errands. But Julia has been on his mind all day, so he conned us into taking him. I sure as hell am not stepping foot into that place though."

"You sound mad about having to bring him here, Trish." Nate states in irritation. "You know she's going through a lot, right? She probably feels like she's losing her best friend right now."

"She'll get over it."

"That's a very unattractive quality you have. You know that?"  He backs up, ready to head inside. Oh my gosh, everyone is so on edge lately.

"Actually...." Casey speaks up now. "Nate, do you mind if I join you? I'd like to see Julia too." She looks at me nervously. "Sorry. I really want to see her."

Is she serious?

"Whatever. I'll wait here by myself then." I cross my arms.

"Seriously? You won't come in to see her?" Nate presses on. He knows I can't go in there.

"Right now? With all that is going on? She will tear my eyes out. No thanks."

"Well, you could, you know, talk it out with her. Have a real conversation with Julia."

"Again. No thanks."

 "Cmon mini-Julia." He shakes his head at me as they head inside. Whatever. I'll just wait here, by myself.

*****

*James*

Julia and I have never experienced awkward silence. Not like this. We sit outside on the grass near the garden while Maggie runs around and gets some fresh air. Usually, we can sit in silence and be completely content with it but today I want to hash this out. I want to stay on good terms with Julia. I love her. I don't want it to be like this.

"Julia. Can we please talk about this?"

"What's there to talk about?" She shrugs.

"Everything. There's everything to talk about. I miss you. You're my best friend. I hate that you're sad because of me." I nudge her a little, trying to get a smile out of her. "And then to find out you admitted yourself here as a resident?!"

Julia pays no attention to me bringing up her permanent residency here. She jumps right on the Trisha topic. It's eating at her. "Why her? How did it happen? When?" Julia pauses and looks at me. "Are you sleeping with her?"

I look down and begin pulling at the grass. I didn't think she would ask me this. I thought maybe she just assumed. But now I can bring myself to make eye contact because I know this hurts her.

"Got it." Julia nods and stands up.

"Babe, c'mon."  I grab her hand and pull her back down, so she is sitting on the grass between my legs. She drops her forehead to my chest and begins to cry. 

"Aww sweetie. Don't cry." I hold her tighter.

"Why Trisha? You could pick anyone else, and I wouldn't have a problem. Anyone else. I want to see you happy. You know that." 

"It just sorta happened. And I feel bad. Because I know how you feel about her. I know how she makes you feel. Remember, you and me, we tell each other everything." I kiss her cheek.

"She's never going to love you the way I love you. She's going to break your heart."

"I hate this." I mutter while wiping Julia's tears. "I hate that I'm the one making you cry."