With a Little Helps From My Friends - By Angela
Part 9
Angela looked at Jack, her face pained. He sat brooding on the fire escape steps, his back turned to her. She closed her eyes as the tears began to roll down her cheeks and drop off her chin. "I feel so stupid." she said, her voice quavering slightly. "God, I've just been doing everything wrong lately." she breathed, sounding frustrated. Jack slowly stood up and turned to face her. She looked at him warily, expecting him to still be upset. He studied her face for a long time, not uttering a word. Drawing in a breath, he murmured, "Talk ta me."
Angela sighed and wiped her eyes. She sniffed and looked up, smiling weakly. "I lost." she gestured helplessly with her hands. "I've been fighting it, but...I can't win. There's nothing I can do. I...I just managed to screw everything up." She looked down at her hands. "I don't know how I'm supposed to get through this." she sighed, defeated. Jack leaned against the railing, staring at the skyline. "With some help. Ya get through it with some help." Jack shrugged and turned to face Angela. Angela sniffed and nodded. "Yeah." She smiled slightly, looking into Jack's eyes. Jack forced a smile and sighed. Leaning forward, he pulled Angela toward him and kissed her. "I'm gonna miss you so much." Jack said hoarsely, pulling away. Angela nodded, "I know...I know." Angela leaned against Jack's shoulder and laughed weakly, "Still sorry for falling in love with me?" She looked up at Jack's face. Jack smiled. "No." Angela grinned. "Neither am I." Jack studied Angela's face thoughtfully. It was good to see her smile again.
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Angela stood on the train platform, clutching a traveling case in her hands. She numbly watched as the rest of her families' luggage was loaded into a private train car. She stared at the train dejectedly, her eyes glassy and her face blank. Johnny gave her a sidelong glance as he took her suitcase. They hadn't spoken since their father had left for Boston. He had sent a telegram upon his arrival in Boston, requesting that Johnny and Angela be sent by train immediately, the help to follow soon after. Angela shook her head slightly. This was it.
"Hey," a voice said softly. Jack placed a hand on Angela's shoulder. She turned around, startled. "Hey." she smiled. She nodded dismally and looked down. "So," she murmured, "this is it." Angela sucked in her breath and looked up at Jack. Jack studied her, his face prostrate. "Yeah," he said, his voice barely audible, "I guess so." Angela smiled slightly. "I'm gonna miss you so much," she whispered. Jack nodded, "So'm I." he said, choking on his words. He blinked, trying to hold back the tears. It was as if his entire universe was being ripped away from him. Angela stepped forward and wrapped her hands around Jack's waist, leaning her face against his chest. Jack ran his hands through Angela's dark hair, tipping her face upwards. He stared into her eyes for a long time, studying her face, as if to forever commit it to memory. He shut his eyes, feeling a tear slide out, he leaned forward and kissed her intensely. This kiss was going to have to last a long time.
Angela wiped her tears and looked up and Jack, forcing a smile. "I'll be back. I promise you. Here," she said resolutely, slipping a silver ring off her finger. It was set with a deep red oval garnet. It had once been her mother's ring before she died. "hold onto this," Angela looked deep into Jack's eyes as she pressed the ring into his hand. "I'll be back. I will. Until then, I want you to keep this for me. Promise?" Jack looked at her slightly perplexed. He nodded, understanding. "I promise." he whispered. Angela smiled grimly. "I have to go." she whispered, her voice cracking as fresh tears began to roll down her cheeks. She turned and started to walk towards the awaiting train. Everyone was waiting. Waiting for her to say goodbye. Angela bit her lip and felt her face contort as she began to sob.
"Wait!" Jack cried, grabbing her hand before she could leave. Angela turned back, wishing with all her heart that she didn't have to leave. "Hea'," he said, wiping a tear off her cheek, "Take dis." He reached up and untied the bandanna from around his neck. Angela opened her mouth slightly in surprise. She had never seen Jack go anywhere without that bandanna. He handed it to her, his eyes imploring her. She nodded silently and took it. She gave him one last look and sighed. Slowly, she turned and boarded the train.
Angela
I stare out the window at the fleeting landscape. I keep twisting Jack's bandanna in my hands. It's all wet from my tears. I know I have to get though this but all I can think about is how. How it the world am I supposed to make it? I smile a little, remembering what Jack had said to me earlier. He said I would get through it with some help. Some help from my friends. Oh, but I've come to a grim realization. These last few days, I have been doing everything wrong in so many ways. I have been cutting off my relationships with everyone; doing damage I may not be able to reverse. So, I'm supposed to get through this with a little help from my friends...well, that's something I don't have.