8.109 Defining the Relationship

Julian was not the same after Jeannette left him for a second time. And, this time he knew why. He felt terrible although it wasn’t his fault that Rose came over unannounced. It’s not like he had the opportunity to speak with her since coming to terms with his feelings for Jeannette. However, if he would have been more keen all along, perhaps none of this would have occurred. He knew Jeannette was deeply hurt from discovering that someone else was in her place, and he had to make it right. Luckily, Mr. Opportunity came to him.

The day after Jeannette left, Julian kept to himself to be alone with his thoughts. He received a couple texts from Rose, but he didn’t return them. That night, she called him.

“Hey,” he answered in a listless tone.

“Aww! You sound terrible. Are you still in pain,” she asked.

“Yes.”

“I’m sorry…”

She knew that he was frustrated with her, but she did’t know why. Shortly after Jeannette left the previous night, he sent Rose away. Now she felt like he was ignoring her. She thought that maybe he was still traumatized from his accident and needed time to get over it. He definitely didn’t sound like he was in a talking mood, and she struggled with where to take the conversation.

“…So, would you like some company? I can bring a movie…or, we can just get cozy–”

“No. I’m not feeling up to it,” he said sharply.

“Oh. Ok. Are you all right? You sound so…gruff.”

“I…no. I’m not all right.”

“What’s going on? What can I do,” she asked in genuine concern.

“You can leave me alone.”

“Oh. Good grief, Julian! I know you’re not feeling the best, but you don’t have to be rude about it!”

“That’s not what I meant,” he clarified. “I would prefer that we not see each anymore.”

“Excuse me??”

“I’ve been thinking about my life, and I need to make some changes.”

“You must be on some really strong pain meds. You’re just drugged up…I’ll let you rest and talk to you tomorrow.”

“No! You’re not listening to me! This isn’t working for me anymore.”

“What’s not working? Are you trying to break up with me??”

“I don’t recall ever asking you to be my girlfriend, Rose.”

“Oh, now you want to get technical? You don’t seem to care much about our relationship status when you have your tongue in my mouth!! How dare you!”

“Ok,” he sighed. “Rose, I think it’s time we had the ‘define the relationship’ talk. We had fun, but we don’t have a future together, Rose. I’m sorry. We are no longer an item–officially or unofficially. There!”

“Oh. I see what’s going on,” she said in a mischievous tone. “You and that Twinbrooks trash looking thing were plotting this before I walked in. Is that what it was? Did I mess up your little plan, Julian??”

“Don’t talk about my friend that way,” he warned.

“She’s not your friend, Julian,” she mocked. “She walked out on you, remember? You don’t have anyone now! Not her, and not me! I hope you’re happy with yourself, you piece of llama snot! And if you ever get her back, I hope you and that trash are–”

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