That night, Isis left Jackie’s with tears streaming down her face. She walked a few blocks to sit on a park bench; she needed to pass some time so her parents wouldn’t ask why she was home so soon.
Isis wanted nothing more than to tell her mom everything and be held in her loving embrace. But she knew her mom would probably call the cops or child protective services. She didn’t want to make Jackie even more angry, or worse, ruin her life.
Should she tell Roman? It seemed like a personal thing and she didn’t want Roman to view Jackie differently. She also knew Jackie would be pissed if she went around telling their friends.
She thought of calling her cousin Natalia but knew Nat would drop whatever she was doing to come to her. She didn’t want to feel like a burden with such a heavy problem.
When her sobbing slowed and the cool night air dried the tears on her cheeks, she took some deep breaths and decided to go jogging. Her parents were big on fitness and she regularly worked out with them. She knew physical activity could help clear her mind.
As she was jogging, she kept replaying the mean things Jackie said to her. Her feelings were SO hurt. Did Jackie even want to be her friend anymore?
When she finally headed home, thankfully her parents were in bed. But the next morning at breakfast her mom asked if everything was okay.
She was sure her mom could tell something was going on, but she wasn’t going to be telling her, yet. She wasn’t used to keeping things from her parents and purposely took a big bite of toast so she didn’t have to answer her mom’s question. She just nodded with a mouthful of food and attempted to smile with her eyes.
After their fight over the weekend, Isis didn’t see Jackie at school on Monday or Tuesday. She was extremely worried for her friend. She had sent texts, and the messages showed as opened, but she didn’t get a reply. If Jackie didn’t show up to school tomorrow, she would go to her house to check on her.
Roman also sensed something was wrong and she told him it was just “girly hormones” but deep down she was so conflicted about not telling him what had happened.
On Wednesday Jackie showed up for school. Isis was so relieved when she spotted her at lunch, sitting at a table with a kid she didn’t recognize. She was about to go sit next to her, but when Jackie saw her coming her way, she gathered her stuff, got up, and left the kid sitting there. Isis watched her walk outside and sit at the outdoor cafeteria tables.
Isis decided to leave her alone, even though her heart was aching.
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