JESSIE: I sat in the diner and waited, looking at my watch and rubbing my sore arm alternately. "Come on Abbey.." I muttered to myself, thinking that if Tay knew I had taken even one step out of Dave or Jake's sight, he'd be angry. I finally ordered my breakfast, thinking she wasn't going to show after all. As the waitress set my plate of eggs and toast in front of me, refilled my coffee cup and managed to get me to sign an autograph for her, I saw Abbey breeze in the door. "There's my friend.." I smiled. "Could you please bring her some coffee? I'm pretty sure she's dying for a cup." "Sure thing, Ms. Lee..I mean, Ms. Hanson." she grinned. "It's Jess. And Thanks." I said as she walked away. Abbey stood a little awkwardly in front of me, fidgeting with her fingers. I had to smile, that was one habit she hadn't broken since we were in school. "Abbey...it's only me, Jess. Stop that and sit. You don't need to be nervous with me." I told her and she gave me a weak smile as she sat. The waitress brought her coffee, then declined something to eat. "Looks like you had as rough a night as Jakey.." I commented, hoping she'd talk without me having to pry it out of her. I took a bite of my toast and looked at her. "Jess..." she began, "I know why you wanted to have breakfast with me. So what exactly do you want to know?" she asked with a large sigh. "Only what you want to tell me, Abbey. You're still my friend and I thought you might need one. This can't be easy for you either." I said. "No, it's not." she said softly. "Abbey, WHY? I mean..." I sighed and set my fork down. "Why don't you tell me what he told you.." Abbey grinned wryly. "Abbey. You know that jke and I haven't got any secrets. Besides, he was wasted when I came in and he spilled his guts. It doesn't matter Ab. He loves YOU. He's a wreck.." I told her honestly. "Jess. You know I love Jacob. That's not the point." she said. "It is to him." I answered. "That's all he would say. 'I just want her to marry me.' I haven't known that he's my brother for very long, Abbey, but I have known him for a long time. I've never seen him like this. Maybe you should talk some more." I suggested. "Ugh! Jessie! What is there to talk about? I cannot have children and Jake wants a whole freaking army of 'em. How can I marry him and ruin that for him? He'll make a great daddy someday, I don't want to take that from him, family is everything to him, Jessie. Which is why I am happy he at least has YOU." she sniffled. "ABBEY!" I exclaimed, "There are other alternatives and Jacob wants to spend his life with you. YOU. And I'm crushed that you're depriving me of another sister I always wanted but never had. I," I stressed the word, "love you too. I know you guys can work it out." I tried to comfort her, but she actually looked angry. "Abbey, what?" I was taken aback. "That so EASY for YOU to say, isn't it Jessie? YOU are already pregnant. YOU didn't even realize it. YOU have been beaten by a man twice and still that baby is in there, not budging.." Tears poured from her eyes and I was instantly sorry. "Abbey. You're right. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.." I got out of my seat and slid into the booth beside her, putting my arm around her shoulder. "I'm sorry Abbey. You're right. I just hate to see you and Jake apart when you love each other so much." I said and pulled some tissue out of the side pocket of her purse. "Forgive me and my big mouth, please. That was totally insensitive of me. I have no idea what I would do if I were you, Taylor wants an army too." I sighed, and rubbed her shoulder. "I just want you two to be happy. Just talk to him again before we leave, please Abbey?" I practically begged. |
| JESSIE: "Aren't you guys leaving early? Like NOW?" she sniffled. "Nope. Couldn't have gotten Jake to wake up anyhow, and he'll have one helluva hangover too. I rescheduled our flight. We don't leave until after lunch. Don't just end it Abbey. He loves you. Talk to him, he won't be so busy after the next two horrendous weeks are over. Maybe you guys could go away together for a few days and just TALK. Work things out. Please?" I did beg this time. "Jessie, okay! God! Does Tay know that you're this much of a nag?" she chuckled when I nodded. "Come back to the hotel with me then. He should have had a shower by now and he and Tay will string me up if I don't get back in their line of vision soon." I rolled my eyes. "I was a good girl and left Jakey a note though." I grinned sheepishly. I reached across the table, grabbed the bill and my coffe and looked in my wallet for my card. I winced and yelped when she grabbed hold of my newly tattoed arm. "What the hell is THAT?" she giggled. "I got it to cover that damn scar Alex left on my arm. Drew says it ROCKS." I giggled. "You know I hate it when the have to doctor up my photos too much. And I have to squeeze so many shoots in to such a short time frame.." I babbled, then wanted to kick myself when a pained look crossed Abbey's face. "I'm sorry, Ab.." I said softly. "It's okay, Jess. I really am happy for you and Tay. I am." she smiled. "Everything will work out, Abbey." I said and hugged her. "It has to." "We'll see. I hope so Jessie. You are my comic relief for everything." she grinned. "Oh good lord. Zac is a better one for that than me." I laughed. "Or the two of you together.." she laughed and we left the restaurant, Abbey following me back to the hotel in her car. I sat in my bedroom trying not to listen to their conversation, but cheered when Abbey agreed to take a trip with Jake once all my photo shoots and interviews were finished. One look at Jacob's face when I emerged and I knew that they would be married within the year. "Get your crap together knucklehead." Jake blinded me with his beautiful smile. "I'm gonna ride with Abbey though, okay?" he asked. "Duh, Jacob." I rolled my eyes and grinned, then reached for my jacket and yelped when Jakey grabbed my arm. "Damn Jess." he grinned. "That's cool..is it big enough?" he asked sarcastically. "Tay's gonna have a heart attack, you know." he shot Abbey a sideways grin, making her smile. "Oh he will NOT. It's our NAME for crying out loud and he won't have to look at the stupid scar either." I turned and grabbed my wrist, then flexed my arm, grinning. "Well...I didn't know you were so talented." he teased when he watched my tattoo seem to enlarge slightly. "Jess...you're insane.." Abbey giggled. "Not insane. Just miss my husband like crazy." I smiled. "Zac will be the one to bounce off the walls over it though." I laughed as I slung my bag over my shoulder. |