“I’m so glad you’re okay, Jessica,” He said and stood next to her, “I was so excited when I was told I would be able to see you now.”
Jessica smiled at him and wondered where Xavier was. Perhaps, he decided not to see her anyway. She would not be able to bear the sight of him, not after everything.
“Thank you,” She said.
“Don’t mention it,” Jerome smiled, “I brought these for you,” He showed the flowers to her.
“Oh, wow, they’re so beautiful,” Jessica said, excitedly.
It was a pity she couldn’t raise her hands to take the flowers without feeling much pain.
“Can I drop them here?” He gestured towards the bedside table.
“Of course,” She answered.
Jerome dropped the flowers on the table and took a seat next to Jessica’s bed.
“I was so worried about you yesterday. I couldn’t sleep throughout the night,” Jerome said, “The news came as a shock to me. What were you thinking, Jessica?”
“Thinking? It was an accident,” Jessica said, but Jerome’s look told her that he didn’t believe her.
“An accident?” He asked, raising an eyebrow, “Was there something wrong with your car? Anything to do with your brakes?”
“Not that I know of,” Jessica answered.
“Is this about Xavier?” Jerome asked, and Jessica fell silent.
Jerome continued, “I know you are angry with him because of what he did to you.”
Jessica forced a smile. “That’s in the past…”
Jerome interrupted her, “He’s very sorry, Jessica. I know Xavier, he’s my son. He didn’t mean to cheat on you. He is just afraid of commitments.”
“Then he shouldn’t have dated me,” Jessica said, “He should have just looked for whores who want no commitments from him.”
“Trust me, Jessica, I know how you feel. I really do,” Jerome said with utmost sincerity, “No one should treat a woman that way. He is really sorry. He came here with me, but he is not sure if you would like to talk to him or not.”
“Okay,” Jessica said.
She really didn’t want to talk to Xavier, but Jerome was a cool guy, and she didn’t want to disrespect him.
“Okay?” Jerome asked, “Does that mean you don’t want to see him?”
“Honestly, I think I need more time, but I’ll see him.”
“I understand you, my dear,” Jerome nodded, “How are you feeling? Doctor Gabe said if things go well, you might be discharged in a week.”
“Ugh, I’m sick of this strong smell,” Jessica grumbled, “I wanna get out of here.”
“Soon, my dear,” Jerome assured her.
The door opened, and Xavier walked in, hands in his pocket. He was dressed in a simple T-shirt and jeans trousers. Jessica thought he looked quite attractive and chided herself for thinking of something like that. She really didn’t want to have anything to do with him again. He had a worried look on his face, but he relaxed when he saw Jessica.
“Jessica, what happened?” He rushed over to her side and held Jessica’s face in his arms, “I was so worried. I thought I would lose you.”
Jessica shook her head, trying to make him stop touching her, “I’m fine,” she replied.
“Sorry,” He let her go, looking disappointed, “I’m just glad you’re okay. What were you thinking? You could have died!”
“Accidents happen, Xavier. And are you here to scold me?”
“Ehm,” Jerome cleared his throat and stood up. “I’m going to let you two talk.” He added and left.
Jessica remained silent and looked at Xavier coldly. She wished he would just leave too, but he just covered his face with his hands and sighed.
“Look, Jessica…” He began, but she cut him short.
“You’re sorry?” She asked, “It’s fine.” But it was very obvious that it wasn’t.
“I know you’re so mad at me right now. I shouldn’t have done what I did. It’s just…” He paused, “I’m scared, Jessica, I really am,”
Jessica remained silent. I’m scared of being so committed. I’m scared of getting heartbroken.”
“So, you thought I was going to break your heart, and then you decided to break mine?”
“I can’t explain it, Jessica. There’s no justification for what I did, so I’m not gonna try to justify myself. Hate me, push me away, but I won’t stop asking you to forgive me.”
“I could just kill you, you know,” Jessica said, “You’d stop.”
Xavier tried not to smile at what she’d just said.
“Why did you, Xavier? I trusted you. I loved you.”
“I was just confused. I’ve never been so committed to any woman like I am to you. That’s exactly why I’m scared,” Xavier said, “Before I met you, I’ve just been a.. a… sort of..”
“Playboy?”
“Yeah, yeah, you can say that,” Xavier scratched his hair, making his neatly combed hair a little bit rough, “But since I met you, things began to feel different. It’s just like you changed me. This has never happened to me before.”
“Damn it, Xavier, cheating wasn’t the solution. You should have talked to me,” Jessica said, tears welling up in her eyes, “You broke me, Xavier.”
“I’m so sorry,” Xavier apologized, but he knew things weren’t going back the same way they were.
“Things can never be the same,” Jessica spoke, as though reading his mind.
“Sadly, I think I know that already,” Xavier said, disappointed, “But I won’t give up.”
“You should,” Jessica replied, “You really should. You’re scared of commitments. I want commitments. We are worlds apart, Xavier.”
“No, no, no, we don’t have to be,” Xavier begged, “I love you, Jessica. Please forgive me. I was so stupid. I can’t lose you.”
Jessica shook her head, “Xavier…”
“Please, give me another chance. I promise to make it up to you,” Xavier held her hands, “I’ve learned my lesson.”
“Good,” Jessica said, “But I would like us to remain friends. Just friends.”
“Friends?” Xavier asked in disbelief, “Why? We can make things work again.”
“I want us to remain friends,” Jessica said firmly, “I forgive you, but I’m sorry I can’t get back together with you. It hurts too much to take that risk again.”
“I know,” Xavier agreed, “I’m sorry for causing you so much pain. I’m a jerk.”
“Exactly,” Jessica replied, “And an unfaithful man.”
“I deserved that,” Xavier said, “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, Xavier. I forgive you,” Jessica said, and she really meant it.
All the anger she felt towards Xavier had suddenly vanished, but she needed to protect her feelings. She couldn’t afford to be hurt this way again.
“But I’m sorry, I can’t remain in this relationship. Please, I hope you try to understand and respect my decision.”