broken home - j.f✔️

twentyone.

Elizabeth arrived home, immediately searching for some ice to put on her lip. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, seeing a small, purple bruise underneath a cut on her swollen lip. There was some cuts on the inside of her lip, where her teeth cut on impact. She sat on the couch, feeling her pocket for her phone. Pulling it out, she received a message.

Justin: I'm so sorry about your lip. I really didn't mean it.

I know, and thank you, for sticking up for me.

Justin: Anything for you, and I did warn Bryce yesterday. He kept taunting me, asking why I cared so much, and I told him to stay away. And he didn't.

You're very brave, J.

Justin: Why thank you, El. Want me to come over later? I can take care of your fat lip.

That's sweet, but I'll be fine. I have a Spanish letter to write.

Justin: WHO?

Sorry, I can't say. You'll read it when it's completed ;)

Justin: Elizabeth Reyes, you will be the death of me.

I sure hope not. Has Jess said anything about your fight?

Justin: She told me to meet her at Monet's. She heard about it and depending on how this goes, I think I might have to see you tonight.

Good luck, text me the outcome. I'll be in bed studying.

Justin: Okay, nerd.

Giggling to herself, she locked her phone and rested her head against the cushions. She was close to falling asleep, blessing the person who had just texted her, forcing her to wake up.

"I take my blessings back." She mumbled to herself, seeing the message.

Bryce: Party at mine, 9pm, Friday night, bring whatever/whoever.

What a dick. How can he do what he did today, and proceed to invite her to a party?

Zach: Find your prettiest dress.
Zach: We're going to Bryce's party this Friday.

Really?

Zach: I know what happened today was bad, but his house is so big you won't even see him. I'll be by your side the whole time.

Fine. How does Justin feel about this idea?

Zach: I tried calling him, but he said he's talking to Jess at the moment.

Yep, apparently she heard about the fight and wants to ask about it.

Zach: I can imagine how this ends. Do I need to bring some joints?

No, Zachary. We smoked yesterday. He just needs some caring for.

Zach: You're so good.

I try.

Elizabeth waited for the text to appear, from Justin, saying everything went great, or everything went horribly wrong. She'd gotten done most of her letter, even making herself some dinner. She had stored the leftovers, for a day she couldn't be bothered to cook.

Justin: Can I come over?

Of course.

She had brewed some coffee, so it would be freshly prepared for when he arrived. She'd also heated the leftovers for him. Why was she preparing things for him? Her feelings were confusing her? Was she just feeling sympathetic for him? She shook off her feelings as she heard the door open, Justin strolling in after the short walk from Monet's to her house.

"Coffee, and dinner." She spoke, gesturing to the island. He smiled, shaking his head and approaching her with a hug.

"What would I do without you, huh?" He asked, brushing the hair from her face and embracing her. He felt her warmth, and the stress from the last hour with Jessica had melted away. "Jess broke up with me, for good this time."

"Um, I'm sorry?" She consoled, posing it as more of a question due to his expression. He said it with a smile on his face. "Shouldn't you be sadder?"

"I've struggled with Jess for so long," he admitted. "I've stayed with her to make her happy, even if I wasn't happy myself, and I just feel free." He spoke, digging into his food. "I've never felt like this before."

"I'm happy for you, J." She replied. "But what does this mean for me? Am I going to get backlash now?" He shook his head, finishing his bite of food before replying.

"You won't. I'll make sure of it."