A week later

            Jonathon whistled as he came through the door.  Everything was finally right—except for the whole baby thing. At least he could keep an eye on Elizabeth, since she’d moved back into her room. He smiled at that. It really was her room now. At least he knew she wouldn’t go back to Vincent. He smiled as he sang “All My Friends Say” by Luke Bryan. He stopped suddenly when he saw Lizzie on the couch crying. Jonathon rushed to her and sat by her on the couch. “Lizzie?” he asked concerned.

            She just shook her head. “W-What?” he asked scared now.

            Lizzie looked up at him, but that only made her cry harder. “OK, Lizzie, you need to tell me what’s going on…is it about the baby?”

            “N-No,” she said shaking her head.

            “Then what is it?” he asked gently.

            But instead of answering, she got up and headed to her bedroom. “I didn’t expect you home so soon…” she trailed off as she shut the door stopping further conversation.

            Jonathon sat there puzzled and then decided to call Virginia. She’d know what was wrong. He dialed the number and smiled when he heard his twin’s voice. “Hello?” she said cheerfully.

            “Hey, Vi.”

            “J.T.!” Virginia exclaimed. “I’ve missed you.”

            “It hasn’t been that long,” Jonathon said.

            “A whole month is a LONG time compared to seeing you everyday of my life.”

“You’re right. Look I called for a reason…”

“Oh, sure…we can’t just call to talk to our sister…we need a reason.”

“Look, Vi, this is serious.”

Virginia instantly changed her teasing voice and said, “What’s up?”

“Elizabeth is pregnant…”

“Who?” Virginia asked. “You mean your ex-girlfriend Elizabeth?”

“Yes, now…she was crying when I walked in the door, but she won’t tell me why…” Jonathon said defeated.

“It’s probably just her hormones…”

“She said it didn’t have to do with the baby.”

“Maybe she didn’t know why she was crying. Did you ever think of that? Seriously, men!” his sister said.

“Look, Vi…I know that you’re trying to help, but this isn’t that easy…”

“If you didn’t want my help, then why did you call?” Virginia asked getting angry.

“I don’t know…I’m desperate.”

Virginia was quiet a moment. “Vi, are you there?” Jonathon asked.

“You’re in love with her,” Virginia said.

“What?!” Jonathon exclaimed, more because she read him that easily.

“Aw, J.T., I’m so glad…though, she has hurt you before…Be careful, OK? I have to run.”

“Bye, Vi…I love you.”

“Love you too, bro.”

♠

            Lizzie sat in her room and listened as Jonathon told someone that he loved them. How could I have been so stupid? He’s seeing someone else. He loves someone else. She sat on her bed as more tears spilled down her cheeks. How could I have been so careless? He wasn’t supposed to see me crying…ever! What am I gonna do now? She got her answer when Jonathon knocked on her door. “Go away, Jonathon.”

            “So we’re back to ‘Jonathon’ again?” he asked through the door.

            Elizabeth bit her lip. “No, we’re not. I just wanted to sound stern and J.T. doesn’t make me sound stern…”

            Jonathon chuckled outside the door. “That’s true...if you want to talk, I’m here, OK?”

            “’Kay,” she said softly.

            “Night, Lizzie.”

            “Night.”

            Lizzie flopped back on her bed and sighed. Would he ever love her? A quiet voice edged its way into her mind. He did love you, remember? Three years ago, when you cheated on him with Vincent…same guys different times. Lizzie clamped her hands over her ears, but the voice continued. At least you didn’t get pregnant last time…Why do you push him away?  Lizzie put her face in the pillow and screamed. Leave me alone! “Leave me alone!”

♠

            Jonathon moved towards Lizzie’s door as he heard her talking. He pressed his ear to the door blocking out the little voice in his head. “Leave me alone!” He heard her say, before she broke off in a sob. Jonathon didn’t even think, before he burst into the room. There she lay on her bed, face in the pillow, not even noticing that he’d come in.  Maybe she’s talking to herself…There’s no phone…that I can see. He was about to leave when he heard her crying again. Jonathon knocked softly on the door. “Lizzie?”

            She looked up at him and tried to smile but failed miserably. He came towards her then hesitated. She looked at him trustingly, so he continued towards her. Jonathon sat down on the bed and looked at her. She still looked beautiful, even though her hair was crazy and her make-up was smeared. He lay down next to her and wrapped his arms around her. She stiffened then relaxed into him. 

            Jonathon smiled. This was where he belonged. What are you doing? He asked himself. You’re in bed with her. Get out! I won’t do anything, he argued. She doesn’t feel that way about me.  He sighed knowing his mind was right and got up off of the bed. 

            Lizzie looked at him confusion and hurt written on her face. “I’m sorry,. Lizzie…I can’t…” he trailed off.

            Anger took over her face. “How dare you!” she yelled.

            “Wha-what?” Jonathon asked.

            “Are you saying I’m not good enough for you?” she demanded.

            “What? No! That’s not what I meant at all. Look, Lizzie, I just can’t be in here…OK? I can’t be tempted like this,” Jonathon said putting himself out there.

            Her face lit up then crashed back down. “Get out!” she screeched.

            He bolted from the room. What had happened in there?

            He sighed and went to his room and fell asleep.