At AJ's house:
Nick and Brian hurried to the door, while Jess followed sullenly behind. Denise, AJ's mom, opened the door, smiling. Brian and Nick immediately asked "Where's Age?"
"He's up in his room," Denise repied. "What's wrong with Jess?" she asked quietly, looking at the sad girl.
"I'll tell you later," Brian replied hurriedly. "Right now, we gotta get Jess to AJ." Denise nodded and sighed. Nick took Jess's hand and led her upstairs.
"Hey guys!" AJ greeted them warmly. Then he made eye contact with his girlfriend. His eyes widened. "What's wrong, Jessie?" he asked her. She jsut looked up at him with tear-filled eues. He pulled her into his arms and looked questioningly at Brian and Nick. Nick looked briefly at his best friend before telling her story.
"As you know, we went to Sea World today," Nick began. "Well, we were having a blast. Donna even showed up at one point. Anyway, in the parking lot, who else should run into her but Pat." Nick pause, seeing AJ close his eyes in pain, knowing Pat was AJ's only competition for Jess's love and affection. "He was incredibly surprised," Nick continued,"...but not necesarrily in a good way. He said 'hey' to us, then practically bolted away from us, so she thinks Pat hates her."
Jess's back suddenly stiffened, her posture becoming perfect. "She can speak for herself," Jess said in a low, throaty voice. They guys' eyes' widened. "Just leave her alone. Oh, and stip this baby! She won't shut up!" Once again, Jess's position changed- this time back to what it used to be. "Hey AJ?" she asked in her usual voice, only a little bit weaker.
"Yes, Jessie?" he asked.
"I don't want you to leave," she said, looking into his tear-filled brown eyes.
"I don't wanna leave you either," he said softly, especially after what just happened he thought. He gently kissed her forhead. "But I have too." he whispered, his voice hoarse. Brian and Nick looked sadly at each other abd went downstairs to discuss what just happened with Denise.