Second Chances Don’t Look Like You — Episode 2

But looking at his dropping number, the pain faded. I was just asking. I wasn't going to control him anymore. That walk back to Oakbrook had never felt so long.

I only brought it up to fill the silence. I already knew. Jack and I weren't happening. I had no right to care, but Jack's face darkened.

You know, you weren't asking. I haven't had a single female friend since I was a kid. He always used to just go along with it. It is only recently that he started pushing back.

Then go ahead. I won't control you anymore. My voice wasn't loud, but Jack's breathing suddenly grew heavy. Veins popped on his hand, gripping the umbrella.

He opened his mouth to speak, but his phone rang. Avery flashed on the screen. Jack didn't answer, holding it frozen in his hand. He stared down at me with heavy eyes.

Old me would have thrown a fit. made him recite the boyfriend rules, then snatched his phone and hung up. But now, I stared for a few seconds and looked away. The phone finally stopped ringing.

Hey, Jack. Could you walk me back to my dorm? Not going to control me anymore, is that it? I said nothing.

I stared coldly at the number above his head. I'm really going then. I nodded, pulled an umbrella from my backpack, and opened it.