Free Learning to Live by R.D. Cole Page B

Friday night, huh?” She
looks around and notices the same older woman looking our way.
“ Geez ! Do you mind? We’re in the middle of a very private and
important discussion. So butt out!”
The lady just huffs and leaves the coffee shop while I smile at my
crazy ass sister. Man, I’m happy it’s no longer me getting her anger.
“Look, Jazz. Ashton might be telling people that we stayed together,
but we didn’t. I stayed with my friend Mason because I knew the party
was just getting started and I wasn’t feeling it. Okay? If she stayed
with someone, it was definitely not me.” Now I’m glad I decided to
head over to Mason’s mom’s apartment. When I did return to the
house the next day, it was trashed.
She is deep in thought, and I can’t hold it in any longer. “Jazz?”
When she looks up I ask, “How’s Trudy?”
She clears her throat and answers with a soft smile. “She’s happy
to be working and making it on her own. I haven’t broken her down to
telling me much about her, but I think her story runs deep Jax.” She
shakes her head while she thinks of how much to tell me. “Something
happened to her. I can tell from her nervousness and sometimes at
night I can hear her crying.”
This news confirms my suspicions about her. She seems scared
but tough all at once. Hearing Jazz talk about her crying at night makes
me more determined to get to know this enigma of a woman. “How do
I get to her, Jazz? I need to talk to her. I have to explain that I’m not
with Ashton or anyone, but I don’t want to scare her away.” I take her
hand in mine and beg her with my eyes to help me.
“Man, Jax. I’ve never seen you like this. You must really like her,”
she says with a sad smile. “All I can say is be her friend first and let
that be enough for now. I don’t think she’s had a whole lot of them in
her life.”
Jazz takes a sip of her coffee then continues before I can say
anything. “I’m going to tell you something, but you have to swear you
won’t tell anyone. Got it?” I nod my head, eager to hear anything
involving Trudy. “She was put in foster care when both her parents
abandoned her at the age of six. She almost starved to death, but
luckily the landlord came for the rent and noticed she was there by
herself. The only person she really talks about is a Ms. Freeman who
fostered her for almost 6 years.”
Pissed doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel right now. Rotten
people that are supposed to be parents are unfortunately more common
than people think. Just ask my brothers and sisters. I take deep breaths
and keep my hands clenched in my lap so I won’t knock the shit out of
some undeserving person. I sit there and listen to Jazz continue to tell
me how Trudy just turned twenty and graduated this past May. She
started school late because she didn’t begin until she was put into the
system. I can’t believe how smart she is. She’s on a full scholarship
here and taking advance classes.
I finally build the courage to ask the real question on my mind.
“So who’s this Benji guy and does she like him?” I end the question
with a snarl on my lips.
Jazz starts giggling and almost spits her coffee all over the place.
“The answer to the first question is he’s just a guy who offered her a
ride home that works with her. The answer to your second question is no . She doesn’t want to date right now, but even if she did he’s not her
type.”
I think about this for a moment, and I’m relieved she doesn’t like
him. “What’s her type then?” I’m starting to sweat as she watches me
over her cup of coffee, and I can tell she’s smiling.
Before she answers me she stands up and grabs her purse. I don’t
think she minds seeing me nervous like this. In fact, I think she’s
enjoying herself. Finally, she answers as she gets ready to walk away.
“You.”
I leave the coffee shop with a smile on my face and a skip in my
step. I don’t care if I look like an idiot because I