A Hidden Truth

A Little Broken

    My students started arriving and I got them seated with the topic sheets. For science, we would focus on what they could and couldn’t remember. I had the review sheets for the different types and my students had color coded papers so I could see which we were studying.

    “Juni? You okay?” Clayton asked.

    I hadn’t even realized he’d arrived. What was the right answer? I wasn’t okay, but they needed me to be.

    “Don’t worry, Clayton. I’m fine. Just tired. Finals tutoring is more intensive and requires a lot more energy. Find a spot and grab a sheet. They’re labeled. Just circle the things you can’t remember.” I smiled.

    He pulled me into a hug that threatened to break my resolve. Clayton had been my imaginary boyfriend for years, but this was the first time I’d actually felt his arms around me. It was nice. Not noteworthy in any other way. Just a nice hug. I pushed him off and shooed him to the couch.

    I knew I did my work and I was confident in what I was teaching. I knew it was correct and solid information. Nothing else occurred to me. No other information seemed to seep in. I had no idea where Kendra was. I only knew Garrett was in his room, because it was where he’d agreed to be while I was tutoring.

    The timer went off and everyone, but Clayton, packed their things. He was focused on his textbook and the review sheet. I sat in one of the armchairs and drew my knees up to my chest. Jaxon didn’t really love me.

    Why had I put myself out there? Was it because he was smart and seemed sweet? Was that all it took and any man could have me? Why did Hank have to ruin me so I couldn’t tell the difference?

    When Teddy came home, he was his usual cheerful self. I smiled and helped get supper served. I didn’t really feel like eating though, and excused myself to go lie down. There was no point in eating. The smell of the food made me sick.

    I set a timer so I’d be able to get up in time for the AP study group. Just one more hour of forcing my brain to work and I’d be able to relax with my friends. My life plans had to change. I couldn’t be in Austin with him. Not if he was using me. I’d probably let him.

    The community college would be good. Then I could have a friend and not be so far from home. I’d move to Texas State or something after my associates. A master’s program was only a couple years long. He’d be gone before I transferred in. It made sense. Just stay away from him. But my life was entwined with his right now, that would make it hard. All I could do was try.

[Jaxon]

    Carson dropped me at Bobbi’s. I’d walked to the sheriff’s office to talk with him about the plan and about Juniper. He hadn’t spent much time with her since Sunday and I wanted to make sure he took some time to get reacquainted with her. I encouraged him to go see her Saturday before lunch.

    I went to my room to shower and change. I’d have supper with my family, then head to the Shade Tree to get Morgan for the club. Teddy hadn’t wanted to ask Juniper so Kenny decided she would. I’d been upset with her, but it got us where we needed to be.

    After I left the bathroom to dress, I saw I’d a missed call. It was from Gary. There was a text from Kenny as well. She said she f****d up. I got angry. Kenny was a loose cannon and could make things good, then, really, really sucky in a matter of minutes. 

    I called Gary. When the line picked up, I could hear yelling in the background.

    “You need to get out here. Now.” He said and hung up.

    Worry set in. I threw on my clothes and ran out to the car, letting Bobbi know I’d be back late. What the hell could Kenny have done to mess up this badly? Gary wasn’t usually short with me. He must think part of it was my fault.

    I was waved through by the ranch hands and drove to the house. I parked out front and ran inside as fast as I could. Kenny was on the couch and looked like she’d been crying. Gary and Teddy were at Juniper’s door trying to coax her out of her room. Clayton was standing over Kenny and glaring down.

    “What the hell did you do, Kenny?” I growled.

    She sniffled. “I just asked her some questions. I don’t even know what happened. She was fine, then angry, then just shut down and wouldn’t talk to anyone, but the other kids and her brother.”

    Teddy came hauling out of the alcove. “She asked Juni why she quit ridin’. Then asked her how she managed to attract you when she wasn’t your type AT ALL! Like my Juni-bug doesn’t have enough bullshit to deal with! How could you say that to her?! You dumb b***h! I want her out of my house, Jaxon. Keep her away from my sister.” He snarled. 

    Gary held Teddy against him and looked at me. He gave a brief nod that told me Teddy wasn’t wrong. I went to Juniper’s door. It was locked and I could hear sniffling and hiccupping. She was crying.

    “What did you ask?” I asked, looking at Kenny.

    She told me what she could remember. Being upset always made her memory spotty. Gary filled in the details. Teddy just glared at Kenny the whole time. I needed her away from him so he could calm down. If Juniper didn’t trust me to be her anchor anymore, I needed to make sure someone was levelheaded enough to be there for her. As much as she liked Gary, he wasn’t as bonded with her as Teddy was.

    “Clayton, take Kenny to see the horses.” I commanded.

    He grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the house. Kenny tried to fight, but gave up when she saw I wasn’t going to change my mind. She may not have meant anything by it, but Kenny always pushed things too far.

    Turning back to Juniper’s door, I knocked. There was no answer. I needed to get in there and fix this.