The Song
Odette put away her presents from Jarchi.
There were plenty of outfits for school, and I loved them all.
I wondered if he had fun picking these out considering every single outfit was coordinated.
I’d never had a purse, but now I had one for each outfit.
They even came with jewelry. I couldn’t help but smile.
Once everything was put away, I walked back into the living area as unwanted tears filled my eyes.
This was yet another Christmas spent alone and the loneliness nearly ate me alive.
I used to pretend I had a big family that loved me.
Lux and I used to have the stuffed animals his dad got me as guests at dinner.
Mom got rid of all those when Lux’s dad got full custody of him due to feeling betrayed which I still didn’t get it. Mom didn’t care about me or Lux. What did it matter that his dad loved him? I was happy for Lux that his dad won, I just didn’t understand why he stopped talking to me.
I didn’t have any way to contact him, but he could’ve asked mom for my email or something.
When I cried and asked my mother what I did wrong, she said her and Lux were fine until I came along.
I’d say that’s why she was apathetic about me now, but she was before Lux left too.
I also knew for a fact my brother hated her and called her by her given name, not mom.
I shook off those memories. I looked outside and squealed when I realized it was snowing. I ran outside and spun around. I decided to take a quick walk and explore. I reached a little park when I heard crying. I frowned and followed the sound.
There was a guy sitting on a bench hunched over. I called, “Excuse me, sir? Are you alright?” He looked up and I realized he was probably my age, or just a little older. Then I realized who it was. I groaned, “You called him sir instead of his name.”
He’d been with Keaton’s awful ex that day she verbally attacked Immy about not having a mom. The guy wiped his tears and shrugged in answer to my question. I closed my eyes semi pleading with myself internally, “Just leave, Odette. This is none of your business.”
Did I listen to myself? Nope. Something had me walking towards him. I sat on the bench, but I didn’t say anything. Eventually he said, “Have you ever wondered what happened to your life?” I snorted, “All the time. What’s your name again?” He whispered, “Justin.”
I said, “Well Justin, sometimes we make tough choices, but other times choices are made for us. Life is what it is, and you have to make the best of it. Or I supposed the other choice is to live in misery. What brings you here on Christmas?” Justin sighed, “Lisa asked me to watch you.”
I laughed, “You’re doing a very bad job considering I found you, not the other way around. Also, your girlfriend’s actually crazy.” I subtly pulled my phone out and pre-dialed 9-1-1 just in case. Justin laughed, “You know, she kind of is. Or maybe I am.”
I advised, “So break up with crazy eyes.” Justin put his head in his hands as he pulled at his hair.
Umm was he ok? Justin told me, “I’ve tried.
When Lisa cries it has me caving. She’s my best friend.
We transferred packs together. Our families are close; we’ve played together since we were pu…
” He stopped himself then said, “Babies. Everyone thought we would be mates until Keaton saved her when we were teens.” He said they were best friends so if mates meant friends then they were.
I frowned, asking, “Saved her from what?” Justin faltered, “Umm she was almost kidnapped, but Keaton saved her.” I felt a slight twinge of sympathy for Lisa. Keaton was her Melanie. Except I had no romantic feelings towards Melanie.
It sounded like she had trauma bonded with him. Granted that bond was a weird one considering Lisa couldn’t let either guy go. I could easily see they were all suffering for it. Justin sighed, “When Lisa and I first hooked up, she told me she was done with Keaton and they had broken up.”
I was guessing that was a lie. Justin continued, “Keaton found us together. It quickly became apparent Lisa forgot to tell him they broke up. Keith, his twin, was my best friend until that day. He listened to me when I said she’d told me they broke up.”
“It was the second time Keaton found us together that Keith really cut me off. Lisa was my only friend after that. I kept thinking the fact that she would always come back to me meant we were supposed to be together.”
I told him, “You’re awfully young to think that, trust me. I’ve traveled all over this country so I’m not talking out my ass when I say there’s a lot of women out there in this world, Justin. You should try dating and figure out what you like and what you don’t. Not everyone can be what you need.”
Justin laughed “You don’t understand. If you meet your other half, you will though.” I pointed out, “Well, you appear to be saying Lisa isn’t your other half.” Justin shook his head, “Nope. She’s not mine or Keaton’s.”
I thought it was strange Justin seemed so certain about that but decided not to comment. Maybe he realized how awful and hateful Lisa was. I’d met her once so I couldn’t see how Justin wouldn’t notice before when it seemed pretty clear.
Justin sighed, “I just can’t quit her, and neither can Keaton. It’s like we are both moths to the flame determined to be burned by it.” That infuriated me for some reason. I gritted my teeth and clenched my hands as my head hissed. Oh god, not that again.
I counted to ten in my head before saying, “Look, the facts currently are that Lisa’s got you out here, in the snow might I add, practically stalking me. You obviously know that’s wrong since you’re not doing it. It’s Christmas. You should be with your family.”
Justin countered, “Shouldn’t you?” I winced, “We aren’t talking about me. Do you have a family?” Justin nodded. I asked, “And where is Lisa?” Justin shrugged then acknowledged, “With her family.” I raised an eyebrow at him letting him realize how ridiculous that was.
The man immediately defended her, “Lisa needed to be with her family today. They are having a rough time right now. Things are getting out of hand because Keaton is acting weird.” Justin paused then acknowledged, “Actually, he’s not.
Keaton is acting like Lisa’s not his other half. It’s still weird though.”
I pointed out using his own logic, “Given Lisa’s not his other half, Keaton is not acting strange.
” I felt oddly possessive about that fact.
This conversation was so weird. Justin nodded admitting, “I’m actually jealous.
Keaton appears to be done with Lisa for real this time.
He’s said that before though. Once he’s around her more, he’ll get pulled back in, just like I do. ”
I asked, “Where is he?” Immy hadn’t said. Justin explained, “He needed some space and his family was more than happy to give it to him. They aren’t Lisa fans.” I nudged his shoulder, “It doesn’t sound like you are anymore either.”
He weakly denied, “No, ‘I am.” I argued, “You are just lonely, and she’s your friend. It sounds more like Lisa’s your safety net that’s quite frankly not safe. So, let’s say crazy eyes is just familiar to you. It doesn’t sound like she treats you right, either.” Justin sighed.
I urged, “Come on, Justin, you have to see this is weird. Why would Lisa even care about me? I’ve met her one time.
” Justin looked at me answering, “You’re pretty and Keaton will like you.
Hell, Immy likes you. I think you’re beautiful and made the mistake saying so to Lisa.
She’s threatened by you and wants to know more. ”
I gaped at him waiting for him to realize how batshit crazy that was.
I shook myself, “That’s incredibly creepy and controlling.
It’s not even close to normal. Lisa needs to seek professional help.
” Justin sighed, “I should be mad you said that, but you’re probably right.
I would get in so much trouble for this. ”
I’d called the bitch crazy eyes and he didn’t get mad so I’m not sure why offering a legitimate suggestion of professional help would upset him. I acknowledged, “You would. Stalking is a serious crime.”
Justin laughed, “I didn’t mean with the cops.” I asked, “Then with who?” My mom wouldn’t care. Heck, she might give him a key to my apartment. Justin smiled knowingly at me, but I had no idea what he meant.
The man startled asking, “You actually don’t know, do you?” I frowned, “The cops are the ones who care about stalking. So, no I do not know who else you’d be in trouble with.” Justin laughed, “Let’s say the person who would be upset with me is like the chief of police. Or the mayor.”
I asked, “You know the mayor?” Justin laughed again, “You’re funny.
” I wasn’t but ok. I advised, “Get out of here and go be with your family.” Justin retorted, “You should take your own advice.” He seemed like a nice guy, but I wasn’t about to give him personal details about me considering the man was still in the crazy girl’s clutches.
The trusting Odette was gone. I’d lost that part of me when I was kidnapped. I smiled at him as we got up then began to walk away. Justin called, “Hey, I’m sorry if I’m different when I see you in school. I’m different with….”
I interrupted, “When you’re with her. You know Justin, we all have people that bring out our best and worst. If she’s your worst, walk away. Trust me, I get how being with someone when you’re lonely is appealing. Ultimately, you’re better off being alone than with someone like that.”
I added, “There’s nothing wrong with admitting you deserve more than Lisa can give you. Particularly when she’s asking you to commit crimes. Even before this whole directive she doesn’t seem to care about your feelings. Plus, it sounds like she isolated you from all your real friends.”