Free Torn (Torn Heart) by Annie Brewer Page A

apple off the tray and throw the rest of it away. As I bite into the fruit, I start walking back to the table when a foot kicks out in front of me; sending me crashing to the ground. I saw it too late.
    My apple flies out of my hand and I shriek. “You bitch!” I notice Randa making her way to help me, but already a pair of arms help pull me up. “Thank you.” I tell a very angry Jackson.
    He looks at me once I’m upright, “Are you okay?” I nod. He turns toward Amber, “I told you to leave her the fuck alone, Amber. I’m sick of this shit!” I watch him yell at her, it’s better than me bei ng on the receiving end, but I can’t help find it hot.
    Her face contorts into a cold glare. “It was an accident. Why are you getting pissed at me?”
    I throw my hand up in exasperation. “An accident? You stuck your foot out as soon as I was close enough to you.” I should’ve seen it coming.
    She whips her head toward me, giving me a threatening look. “I wasn’t talking to you, Skylar.”
    I pick up the apple and throw it away before stalking back to the table, sending her a glare.
    Randa joins me, “Dude, did you see that?” We both watch them, still arguing. “He came to your aide…in front of her.”
    “Yes he did.” I shake my head, “Why does he put up with her crap?” It doesn’t seem like a healthy relationship.
    She scoffs. “He won’t be for long if she keeps this shit up.” I don’t disagree. “Next time she pulls that crap, get up and punch her in the face.” I gawk at her. I’ve never been in a fight and I don’t intend to start. I don’t reply. I get up and get ready to head to our lockers. And I don’t bother looking in Jackson’s direction to see if they’re still fighting either.
     
                                                                          ***
    I’m frustrated, on the verge of pulling my hair out. “Ugh, seriously, why do I need Calculus? I hate numbers! I suck at this crap.”
    “Relax, I’ll help you. I’m a master at numbers, you know.” Jared nudges my shoulder, playfully. Of course he is, working at a bank and all.
    I push my book and assignment to the far side of the kitchen table. “It won’t help. I’ll never get it.” I pull open the fridge door. “Do you want something to drink?” I offer.
    “I’ll take…” he squints, looking at the ceiling, “Do you have Gatorade?”
    “No, we have orange juice, apple juice, cranberry juice, tea, water and ginger ale.” I try not to drink soda, it rots your teeth.
    “I’ll take Orange Juice.” I grab a glass and the juice.
    Speaking of teeth, “Hey, I need to get an appointment with your dad. I need a cleaning.” It’s been a year since I was at the dentist. Maybe more, if I’m being honest.
    I hand him a glass of orange juice and fix myself a glass of tea. ”Thank you. Call him; I’m sure he’ll get you in right away.” His hair falls in his face and I find myself wanting to move it. I quickly place my hands in my lap.
    I take a sip of my drink, and sit back. “I don’t want him doing any favors just because he knows me.”
    He stands up and stretches, “Seriously, Sky he’ll get you in.” He finishes his drink, taking it to the sink. “I gotta get home. Talk later?”
    My mother walks into the kitchen and sets a bag of groceries on the counter. “Hey kids, how was your day?”
    He takes a bag from her grip as it starts falling from her hands. “Hey Rose, it was fine, it’s work. How are you?” 
    She smiles appreciatively at him. “I’m good. Are you staying for dinner?”
    “No ma’am, afraid not. Maybe later this week, though.” She pats his cheek, affectionately. She’s always been fond of Jared, as he got older and respectful. He’s always had that going for him, respect. His father raised him right.
    I stand up and walk him to the door. When we step outside, he turns mid-walk and says, “Let me know