Chapter Thirteen

             Jen was on her second Jack and Coke by the time fellow bar patrons were cheering the arrival of Mike, Thomas, and some of the football players. The Lobos had won the Homecoming game, this being a first in quite a few years. Jen raised her eyebrows in innocence as she sipped her drink staring at her friend’s disapproving look.

                        “You really think getting drunk is a good way to have a conversation with Thomas?” Lynn asked her.

                        “Yep.”

            Lynn rolled her eyes.

                        “Really, Jen,” Lynn said as she sighed. “I thought you wanted to have a serious conversation. Make him answer all those questions you’ve held onto for all these years.”

                        “I do.” Jen said shortly.

                        “Then why the hell are you sucking down Jack and Coke like it’s your favorite milk shake?”

                        “Because I need the head rush.” Jen smirked as she said this.

            Truth was, Jen was scared to death of the conversation that was coming, and though she was lightweight when it came to drinking, she needed the liquid confidence tonight.

                        “Well,” Lynn said. “I hope, for your sake, it goes well. I’m going to go spend time with my date now.”

Lynn picked her drink and walked off toward Mike. Jen lifted her drink to her as she left. A glass of water appeared on the table from behind her as she sat her drink down. She looked up to see Aaron moving to stand beside her. She gave him a questioning look.

            “The least I can do,” Aaron explained, “is make sure you’re some what sober when you talk to Thomas.”

Aaron took her drink and went to place it on the bar behind them. Jen looked at the water he had given her and tried her best to hold herself in check.

            “I don’t need parenting right now.” She said noticing she wasn’t doing a good job hiding her anger.

            “I know.”

            “Then why are you doing it?” she asked.

            “Because twenty years ago, he caused you to drink and I had to spend the next week reassuring you of everything that did and did not happened.” Aaron told her.

            “You aren’t going to kick his ass again tonight are you?” Jen asked

            “No,” Aaron answered. “One night in jail is enough to last me a lifetime. Of course, what I do will depend entirely on him.”

            “Oh great.” Jen said as she watched Thomas walk over to them. “Maybe you should go ahead and find something else to do.”

            “I’m fine right here.” Aaron said as he too watched Thomas.

“Aaron,” Jen said between her teeth, “go, I’ll be fine. If somethings happens, I’ll find you.”

            “Promise.”

            “Promise.”