| Chapter 8 Angela finished packing her things, and AJ took her things with him to his place. She didn’t know where she was going to live, be it with AJ or find an apartment, but she knew she wanted to make this as smooth as possible. She didn’t even kiss AJ goodbye, because she wanted to make this a clean break. She stubbed out her tenth cigarette, which she stole from AJ, put it in the ashtray and looked at the clock. “He should be home soon.” She heard Joey’s car pull into the garage and open the side door. “Honey I’m home!” He walked into the living room. “Angela? Whew, it smells like an ashtray in here!” He picked up the full ashtray. “I thought we agreed that smoking is bad for ya Ang, especially with you recovering and all.” “No, you decided to have me quit.” “Sorry honey, I don’t want to fight. So, how does it feel being somewhat mobile again?” “It’s OK.” “Good, because we’re going out to eat. I invited the guys to go out with us to dinner, plus it’ll be good that the public sees you’re OK. The fans have been e-mailing me non-stop asking how you are. So wear that black pants suit and let’s get going.” “I’m not going,” Angela looked down. “Why? Come on, it’ll be good that you get out.” “Joey, we need to talk,” Angela patted the spot on the couch next to her. “What’s up babe?” Joey sat down next to her. Angela took a deep breath. “I’m not going out to dinner with you because I’m leaving.” “Leaving where?” “Leaving you. Joey, I think it’s time that we end our relationship.” Joey looked as if he had been slapped in the face. “Why! Everything is going so great for us! We have so many plans!” “No, you have so many plans!” Angela screamed, but calmed herself down. “Joey, you have always been the one who makes the decisions, you tell me what I can and can’t say, do, and feel. When we’re in public and I want to kiss you or do something crazy, you say it’s bad for your ‘image.’” Angela took a deep breath. “You want the perfect girl, with the perfect image, and I’m not it. I like to go out and be loud! I want to have the right to kiss off someone who treats me like shit. I want to have the right to say whatever I want and not be admonished for it. I like to smoke, and when I do, not have someone give me the third degree.” “I don’t want the perfect girl, I want you!” Joey stood up, pacing back and forth. “Why is all of this coming on?” “I’ve been realizing this for a while I guess. I don’t want to keep living a lie anymore,” Angela grabbed her crutches and stood up. “Joey, you have been there for me throughout this whole thing. You introduced me to some many new things, new experiences. You were the first person I ever loved. I wouldn’t have made it if it weren’t for you, and for that I will be eternally grateful. I do love you, but we were having problems long before the accident, and you know that.” Joey looked down. “I just thought that after the accident, we could smooth things over, start fresh.” “And if we did, we would still be fighting over the same bull shit. Joey, please understand, I would rather have you as a friend for life than live the rest of our lives together in misery.” “Is there someone else?” Joey asked. Angela looked away. “There is, isn’t there?” “Yes,” she whispered. “Let me guess,” Joey looked up. “AJ.” “How did you know?” “I noticed it when he first visited you in the hospital when you were in the coma. He looked absolutely crushed, the same way I felt. I thought it was just my emotions kicking in, but in my heart I knew. Has this been going on before the accident?” “No, we never acted on it. He told me the night of the accident that he loved me, but he wanted me to stay with you. He wanted me to fix our relationship, because he wanted me to be happy.” “So, is that why you drove home in a frenzy, to leave me?” Joey’s emotions surged. “No…” Angela didn’t want to tell him the truth about the reason why. “I had so many things racing in my mind I spaced out.” Joey took a deep breath, tears streaming down his face. “I’m not mad Angela, I could never be mad at you. But, you’re right. There are too many differences in our lives to have a lasting relationship. I’m not mad at AJ either, you guys are… right for each other. That hurts like hell to say it, but I know it’s true.” Angela was crying by this point. “I love you Joey,” she dropped her crutches and fell into his arms. “I… love you too,” Joey enclosed his arms around her and gave her a kiss on her forehead. “But don’t think I’m gonna lose you totally you know. You’re my best friend.” “For life,” Angela smiled. “Will you be OK?” “Yeah, I’ll be fine. More than fine. It’ll take time, but…” “You’ll find the love of your life, who could resist such a face? You’ll have girls climbing all over you.” Joey smiled. “You… need help packing?” “I packed already,” said Angela. “AJ took my stuff in his car.” “You living there?” “I don’t know yet. I have a lot to think about. Sarah is picking me up in a little while.” “You know if you ever need anything, you call me. I’ll always be here for you.” “Same here,” Angela heard a car beeping outside. “I have to go.” She tried to grab her bag but Joey stopped her. “Let me,” Joey got her bag and walked with her outside. Angela put her bag in Sarah’s car along with her crutches. “Goodbye Joey.” She gave him another hug. “Goodbye,” Joey whispered. He took her face in his hands and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. Angela got into the car as Joey closed the door behind her. Waving, the car pulled away. “Good luck,” Joey whispered as he walked inside his house. Chapter 9 Contents Chapter 7 |