Chapter 2
I thought Jed would wait for me to give in first, just like he always did. But the next day, he knocked on my door.
"I warmed up some milk and a sandwich for you. Come and eat while it's hot," Jed said.
Holding my growling stomach, I opened the door and sat down across from Jed.
Just as I took a bite of my sandwich, he spoke up, "A friend of mine is getting married today. I want you to come with me."
"But I'm not feeling well today," I said.
I rubbed my aching lower abdomen.
It was the first day of my period. Normally, Jed would stay in with me, let me rest, and make me honey water.
This time, he didn't even remember.
"Are you still mad at me?" Jed asked. "Hazel said being around people would help you feel better. I'm only doing this because I care about you. Laura, I saved your life. Can't you just do me this one favor?"
Jed's words were cold, each one chipping away at me.
I gritted my teeth.
"Fine, I'll do it. But this is the last time," I said.
After this, I wouldn't owe Jed anything anymore.
My phone suddenly lit up with a message from Melvin. [The company approved my leave. I'll be there by the day after tomorrow at the latest. Get ready to pick me up.]
I replied with a quick "okay."
When we arrived at the wedding, Hazel was playfully making a fuss about wanting to try on the bride's veil.
As soon as she spotted Jed, she ignored everyone else and sweetly called him over to help her with the veil.
"Laura, Jed and I have known each other for ages. If we were meant to be more, we would be. So, I hope you're okay with that," Hazel said.
I didn't say a word, just watched as Jed walked over to Hazel, his eyes gentle as he adjusted the veil for her.
"Laura, Jed and Hazel are just buddies. If it really bothers you, I'll apologize on her behalf. Sorry about that."
"Oh, please. With your big heart, you'd never stoop to being angry about something so small."
Two of Hazel's friends bantered back and forth, smoothing things over with a few lighthearted words and moving on like nothing happened.
During dinner, not wanting to kill Jed's vibe, I ended up drinking half a glass of ice-cold orange juice. My stomach cramped up instantly.
Sweat broke out on my forehead, my face went paper white, and I just barely made it to the end.
The moment I got up, everyone was staring at me, looking weirded out.
I looked down and saw a bright red stain on the chair, which was impossible to ignore.
Jed looked as if he'd just woken from a dream, a flicker of pain crossing his face.
"Laura, I..." But before he could finish, the people around us interrupted.
"Gross, she knew she was on her period and still couldn't even be careful. That's just embarrassing," someone muttered.
"What a jinx. If this were my wedding, I wouldn't hesitate to throw her out!" another person said.
*****
Jed's face darkened as he took off his jacket and tossed it at me.
"Laura, are you seriously trying to embarrass me in front of everyone?" he snapped. "Go clean yourself up right now. Don't make me throw you out."
I just hung my head, feeling like a guilty kid who'd messed up.
Just then, Jed's phone lit up with a text from Hazel.
[Thanks for bringing Laura over to be my guinea pig, Jed.
[Guess I've confirmed it. Even with all this excitement, people with depression just can't really feel happy.
[How about I slip into some new lingerie for you tonight as a reward, Jed?]
My heart twisted with pain, and I was so angry my hands were shaking.
Turned out Jed's whole "I'm doing this for you" act was just a lie to keep Hazel happy.
This time, I didn't freak out or scramble to apologize like I always did.
Instead, I grabbed my bag and tossed out a casual line, "Whatever."
Jed looked absolutely furious as he flipped the entire table over right in front of me.
Soup splashed all over me, and shards from the shattered dishes left a gash on my calf.
Blood welled up instantly.
I couldn't stand being there for another second. I didn't even stop to check my leg and just turned and bolted for the door.
The more I hurried, the worse my wound tore open; every step felt like I was stepping on blades.
Amid the chaos, I heard Hazel calling out to Jed. "Jed, you seriously can't even deal with a girl like her?"
"Don't be ridiculous." Jed sounded absolutely sure of himself.
I made it home before Jed, patched myself up, and started gathering my things.
Soon, Jed came in with Hazel and someone I'd never seen before.