Is It Revenge Or Love?

Two Birds, One Stone

~Monroe~

I’ve had trouble focusing all day. I didn’t expect to see them so soon after getting back to the States. On top of that, he didn’t even seem to recognize me. I still haven’t figured out if that’s a good thing or not. Dixon gave me the information I wanted, and the file has been sitting unopened on my desk all day.

I’ve been slightly distracted going through my day. I’ve had meetings after meetings, but that file has been in the back of my mind all day. I’m eager to know what Dixon has uncovered, but I don’t want to know at the same time. Then, I hate myself for feeling so conflicted. After everything she did to me, I shouldn’t care. Yes, I’m being honest that Jaylene is the source of my conflict. I already know that Deon is sh.it and he will pay, but Jaylene….

*Flashback*

“I’ll wait for everyone to settle down.” The noise in the classroom is still on an 8, and Ms. Jenkins looks like she’s ready to rip people’s heads off. I burrow deeper in my seat, trying to be as invisible as humanly possible. I always sit in the back of the room, in the back right corner. It’s close to the second door in case I need to make a fast exit.

I let my eyes travel, and they land on her. My eyes always land on her. She’s been a secret obsession of mine since I got to this school. I watch as she sits, looking at the teacher. Her back is straight, and her side profile is of model quality. Jaylene has to be the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen, and if my circumstances were different, I’d definitely go for her.

He reaches over and whispers in her ear. She giggles and swats at him. Just the sight of him makes my blood boil. Fu.cking Deon Gage is a stain on society. I wish I could eliminate him and everyone else like him. He’s made it his business to make my life a living hell as if it doesn’t already suck without his interference.

The class finally quiets down, and Ms. Jenkins starts her lesson. I’m drifting in and out of awareness, sometimes listening to her and others daydreaming about Jaylene. I know she’d never be interested, but I’ve made peace with that long ago. “Remember, you will have three months to complete this project, so there will be NO extensions.” Sh.it! I had better focus. I need to graduate high school so my life can be what I want it to be, not the mess I’m living in now. “I will call the pairs now, so pay attention.”

Ms. Jenkins starts to call out the names of those working together. I have no hope that I’d get paired with anyone interesting. As long as I don’t get paired with Deon or any of his cronies, I’ll be just fine. “Next will be Jaylene Mackey and Monroe Rivers,” I swear my heart stops when I hear my name. I suddenly feel incredibly self-conscious because all eyes seem to be on me.

“Uh, I think there’s been a mistake; Ms. J. Jaylene should be partnered with me.” Of course, Deon is so full of himself that he truly believes he can get the teacher to do whatever he wants her to do. I won’t be surprised if it works if I’m being completely honest.

“Mr. Gage, I’m entirely confident in my ability to pair students. I’ve made no mistake; Mr. Rivers is paired with Ms. Mackey.”

“No. He can’t be her partner.” Ms. Jenkins steps from behind her desk, taking a few steps toward him.

“Watch yourself, Mr. Gage. I would hate to have to extend your senior year.” She looks at him, almost daring him to say something. When he remains silent, she continues going through the list.”

*End of Flashback*

I had no idea at the time how that pairing would completely change my life. I was more worried about what Deon would do to me after being paired with his girlfriend. I was pretty sure that I’d meet his fist at the end of the day. I was tempted to try to talk to Ms. Jenkins myself to get her to change her mind.

I shake my head and lean back in my chair. This is fu.cking ridiculous. It’s been eight years, and past time to let this sh.it go. I lean forward and grab the file, flipping through its contents. The more I read, the happier I became. I press a button on my phone and wait for a response. “Did you need something, sir?”

“Please come in here, Dixon.” I lean back and wait for him to arrive while digging deeper into the file. It doesn’t take long for Dixon to walk into my office, quietly closing the door behind him.

“Sir?”

“How good is this information?”

“I used our usual person and made sure that every piece of information was verified. Everything is up-to-date and very accurate.” I nod, and my mind starts to work. According to this, Jaylene has never been married and hasn’t been with Deon as an adult. It looks like Deon is on his own with his thoughts of love.

Suddenly an idea hits me, and it’s damn near brilliant. I can kill two birds with one stone if I execute this right. “Did you find her work and home address?”

“Yes, it’s in the folder.” I flip through the pages until I find what I’m looking for on a small index card. I tap the card against my chin, deep in thought. When it makes sense, I sit up straight and look at Dixon.

“I need you to send two dozen roses to this address,” I hand him the card. Dixon lets his eyes travel over the card before looking back at me.

“Should there be a message?” I finish writing on a piece of paper, having already anticipated this question. I hand the paper to Dixon and watch him walk out of my office. I sit back and let my plan sink in. It’s quite simple, honestly. Deon wants Jaylene, and she has things to answer for. I’m going to pursue her. I will break her heart like she broke mine and take her away from Deon at the same time: two birds, one stone.