Stitch These Wounds With Me Tonight

It’s been a excruciating journey, but it’s almost done. I keep reminding myself there are only three more days of classes; I’m nearly finished and have it in the bag! Now I just need to remind Jake about graduation, I hope he can make it, I haven’t seen him in years. Now where the hell did I put my phone? The house is spotless, minus the table I’m studying at, so it must be on there somewhere. I start putting away my guides and books I’d finished with already. “Ah ha! There you are you little bastard!”
Come on Jake, pick up… “Hey Jessa! How ya doing?” “Bubby, I miss you so bad lately.” “Miss you too Sissy. I hate that I’ve missed out on so much with you.” “Then come to my graduation! I don’t care what it takes, just come! You’re the only family I’ve got other than dad, and he can’t make it. I need you to be there for me Jake.” Oh God Jess, don’t start, you can’t let him know something is up. “It’s next week Jake, I know you and the guys are busy, but please?” “I’m sure it can be arranged.” We continued talking about anything and everything, and before I knew it, we had been on the phone for nearly two hours. “Shit, Jake, I have to go. Dylan is about to be home and I’ve got to get some stuff done before he does.” “Okay Jessa, just remember this for your last few classes, I’m so proud of you and love you.” “Aww, thank you. I love you too Jake! I’ll call you after finals are over.”
I hear Dylan’s keys jingle as he fumbles to get them in the lock, as I place my phone down in the kitchen. “Fuck, fuck, fuckity, fuck!” I whisper while making a feeble attempt to clear my study materials from the table. The front door flies open, I can hear Dylan stumble a bit before slamming the door shut. I have a sinking feeling in my gut.
“What the hell Jess? I went to classes all morning, and work all afternoon, and the apartment looks like a fucking hurricane went through! What did you do after classes? Sit on your fat, lazy ass? You sure as hell weren’t thinking about taking care of your loving boyfriend… Is dinner even done yet?” “No Dylan, I am so sorry. I came home and studied, then talked to my brother for a little bit. I’ll start it now.” He looked like he had spent a little too much time at the bar after his last final and work. I could smell the cheap whiskey mixed with a faint hint of cheap perfume. The look in his eyes was white hot rage. I didn’t think fast enough, his open hand struck me across my cheek. “This will not happen again, we’ve been over this before.” I ran to the kitchen with tears in my eyes and got to work. He’s right, I should have known better. I should have managed my time better. What was I thinking?
I find Dylan in the living room, even more intoxicated, and half passed out in the recliner. I plated his dinner, got him a water with aspirin, and took it in to him on a tray. “Dylan sweetie, I got your dinner and something for your head.” “It took you long enough! Make sure everything is cleaned up and get out of my sight. I don’t want to look at someone as thoughtless as you!” I ducked out of the way in time to dodge the empty beer bottle. “Yes babe. I’ll make sure it’s all done and get to bed.” It was well after one in the morning when I finally finished getting all the broken glass out of the carpet. I decided to stay in the guest room and away from him for the night, I know he didn’t really mean any of it. Maybe I should talk to Riley in the morning, she’ll be able to help me sort out my thoughts.

Notes