Unexplainable [Original Version]

[chapter four: "an emotional roller coaster"]

"Scott?" I continue placing my clothes in my bag and folding things as needed, not looking up to see him as I speak.

"Yeah, Joli? What is it?"

"I'm not going to explain to you why I had such a hard time seeing Thomas, not entirely. It's not something I'm comfortable talking about, not even after six years of being free of him. But, you dealt with my emotional ass at that horrible reunion, so I'll at least tell you something about it."

Scott walks over to me and places a hand on my lower back, rubbing it softly. Just his presence alone is so comforting.

"You don't owe me anything, babe. If you don't want to tell me anything, you don't have to. I went with you the other night because I wanted to. You're one of my best friends and I had your back, simple as that."

What did I do to deserve someone as wonderful as Scott?

"I appreciate that. Really, I do. When I'm ready to fully talk about it, you will be the first person I come to." I place the last little bit of my clothing before zipping up my suitcase and taking a seat beside of it on my bed. "Thomas was shit to me in every possible way. We were married for roughly four years, starting when I was nineteen years old. He took advantage of me a lot and made feel like feces every chance he got. As soon as our divorce was finalized and I had enough money, I moved here. My own little abode."

As I study Scott's reaction, I notice that he's understandably curious as to what I meant. After all, there are countless possibilities of what it could be that Thomas did to me.

"I knew I should've kicked his ass when I saw him, but I didn't realize he'd fucked you up so bad, Joli."

It's not until one of Scott's thumbs grazes across my cheek that I realize tears have begun to flow from my eyes. Scott notices my obvious shock, as he places a soft kiss on my forehead before sitting down beside of me. I lean into his side once he wraps an arm around me.

"I... I hadn't seen him since our divorced was finalized. I mean, for a long time, I, I thought about what it would be like when we finally crossed paths again. I never wanted it to happen, but when it inevitably did, I had always imagined that I would be stronger than I was, you know? I figured I'd punch that little bitch in the mouth and walk away with a smug smile. But I didn't. I couldn't even look at him."

Scott sighs heavily as he rubs my shoulder, trying to find the right thing to say.

"I'm sorry I dumped all of this on you. It's..."

"I'm here for you, no matter what. You've not dumped anything on me at all; I'm just honored you trust me enough to tell me this much."

I smile to myself as I sit here for a moment, leaning against Scott. Noticing that a few more tears have fallen from my eyes, I wipe them away before I stand up.

"Fuckin' asshole doesn't deserve your tears, babe." Scott grins before he pulls me in for a warm hug. I'm so lucky to have him in my life.

"Thank you, Scott. Seriously." He chuckles as he places a hand on my head, gently ruffling my hair.

"I'll always be here when you need me, Joli, whether it's for some shit show in your hometown, or a nice little emotional talk, or even just a good fuck." Scott gets a mischievous little grin on his lips, one that I know oh-so-well. "I'm sort of kidding on that last part. I know you're more fond of Kev's cock nowadays."

"Oh, shut up." I playfully push Scott's chest as we both laugh. He knows how to lighten any mood and automatically cheer me up. "Let's go put our bags in the car, okay?"

As I grab my suitcase and my makeup bag, Scott gets off of the bed and grabs his bags. As he flings one of his bags over his shoulders, he shoots me an (obviously exaggerated) sad look.

"You're not even going to protest that? No, 'Stop, Scott! I still love your cock even though I'm usually riding Kev's!'"

I blow Scott a kiss as I begin leading us out of my bedroom and out to the garage, unable to wipe the amusement off of my face.

"He's the only one who's been making any moves." I reply nonchalantly, "You've not even tried to get with me since July."

I hear Scott chuckle softly from behind me as I open the door to the garage.

"So, hypothetically, if I were to make a move right now..."

I pop open the trunk and sit my bags inside of it as I watch Scott walk towards me with a smirk on his lips.

"I might just have to see where it takes us."

After Scott has placed his bags in the trunk and closed it back, he pulls me close and starts running his hands all over my body. As I tug at the hem of his shorts, both Scott and I are laughing, trying to find a reasonable place to fuck in my small little garage.

"I've missed this, Joli." Scott mutters as he begins to pull down my pajama shorts and underwear. "I really fuckin' have."

"As have I, Scott. Fuck! As have I."

These past few days have been an emotional roller coaster, but at least I've had Scott here to get me through it. I wouldn't trade our bond for anything in the world.