Fallen (Fallen 1)

“You like him.” She noted, smiling at me, but it looked more like a grimace of pain.

“Yeah, I guess I do.”

She didn’t say anything further on the subject.

Jonathon came back with Patrick behind him.

“Janice, you’re awake.” He said smiling. “It’s nice to finally meet you properly. I’m Patrick Pulmer. Jonathon’s uncle.” He said pointing to Jonathon who was now standing next to me. Jonathon grabbed my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

I wondered how many other girls Jonathon had been with. I’ve only had one boyfriend, and he cheated on me with my former best friend. I was heartbroken then but if Jonathon decided he wasn’t interested in me I don’t think I could handle it. However I don’t know why I am so attracted to Jonathon. Yes, he is beautiful. But there is something else. Something I can’t seem to describe. It’s like if he’s not with me there’s something pulling me towards him.

My mom and Patrick continued to talk for the next five minutes. Then Patrick turned to me.

“We’re going to go ahead and release your mom today.” Patrick said.

“Really? Why so soon?” I asked utterly confused.

“We think it will be better for her to be home and in a steady environment. I’ll set it up so that if you go anywhere, such as school, I will be at your house with your mom. She still can’t be left alone for risk of her attempting this again. But we think it would be healthier for her to be at home in a soothing and comforting environment. My volunteer hours are over here for the day. So, if you and Jonathon want to do something together you can. I’ll stay with your mom.”

“Oh! You don’t need to do that.” I told Patrick.

“It’s no problem. I’m going to be setting everything up for your mom to be safe at your house anyway. It’ll take hours. You two have been cooped up in here and school already knows you’re not coming do to the situation. Have some fun.”

“I don’t know. . . Maybe.” He could see my defense was waning.

“Honey, go have fun. I’ll be fine. Patrick will watch me. You have no need to worry. Go,” said my mom with a fierceness in her eyes that frightened me.

“Okay.” I gave in.

“Great,” said Jonathon speaking for the first time throughout the conversation.

It was decided that Patrick would stay with my mom. I walked side by side with Jonathon. Patrick pushed my mom in a wheel chair. Instead of heading to Jonathon’s car we took a detour and went to Patrick’s. Just so I could be sure my mom would be fine without me.

My mom stood shaking slightly. Patrick steadied her and helped her into his Mercedes. The Mercedes’ windows were so dark I couldn’t see into them clearly if I pressed my face into the glass.

Before he closed the door to my mom I said, “Mom are you sure you’ll be fine?”

“Yes I’ll be fine sweetie go have fun.”

“Okay mom. But you have to understand I’m having some trouble trusting you.”

“I know sweetheart. I won’t try anything like that again.”

I closed her door and turned around. Patrick looked at my expression and put his hand on my shoulder.

“She’ll be fine. I won’t take my eyes off her.”

“I trust you. It’s her I don’t trust anymore.” I said nodding to the car.

“She’ll earn you trust back,” he said walking around to the other side of the car.

“I hope so.” I said. He nodded and ducked into the car. The engine purred to life.

Jonathon grabbed my hand and we began walking. The Mercedes went passed us and the horn honked two short times. Jonathon and I both raised our free hand and waved. I dropped my hand back down to my side. But Jonathon held his in front of his face using his shadow to block the sun from his face.

We got to the car and got in. The air conditioner blew my hair slightly. I turned towards Jonathon and he was watching me.

“Kylie, I think it’s time you see Rome the way the Roman’s see it.”