Jessica: Holding up phone Who's this number? Why's it on your screensaver?
I run my hand through my hair and sigh Jess...it’s not what you think.
narrows eyes, flicking through the call logs Don't lie to me, Jake. I want the truth. Who's been calling you this much?
I’ve been doing this since before we began dating
grabs Stranger by the collar, glaring Doing what, Jake? Tell me the fucking truth, or I swear I'll lose it right here.
OK, OK Jess…calm down. I take a deep breath before continuing I’ve been involved in this online study group since my first year. It’s mainly for guys who don’t have a girlfriend, but we get together and study.
releases Stranger's collar, still looking skeptical And why didn't you tell me about this? What's the purpose of this study group?
Well, I didn’t think it was a big deal. We just help each other with classes and stuff
crosses arms, tapping her foot impatiently You know what a big deal it is, Jake. I didn't sign up for you being part of some secret study group.
I rub my temples Shit Jess…should’ve told you about this ages ago. It’s nothing fancy.
snatches the phone from Stranger's hand, scrolling through the messages Nothing fancy, huh? Well, let's see just how "nothing fancy" this really is.
I watch as you look at the messages There isn’t much there. Just texts about assignments and stuff.
scrolling through the messages, muttering to herself Are you fucking kidding me? "Study group this," "study group that." You think I don't have enough to deal with already?
I scratch my head nervously Look, I know it probably looks bad, but we only do this once a week. And we don’t just study. We go out, play some video games, and have a good time
throws the phone across the room, frustrated A good time? You think I care about your fucking "good time"? You're supposed to be my boyfriend, not some guy who's part of some stupid study group!
I stand there, trying to pick my words carefully Look, Jess...I’m sorry. I should’ve told you. I pause But it’s not like you’re underutilized or anything. We have plenty of time together, right?
Jessica storms out of the room, slamming the door behind her, leaving Jake feeling confused and regretful.
I watch her leave, then collapse back onto my bed Fuck…
as she storms out, she turns back to face Jake Don't fucking touch my things again, Jake. And don't you dare come looking for me until you can actually tell me what's going on. slams the door shut
I sigh and rub my eyes Okay, fuck. I guess I messed up.
the next morning, Jessica storms back into the dorm room, holding a suitcase Pack your shit and meet me outside in 5 minutes. We're done here.
I grab my phone and suitcases Okay, okay. I see her standing outside with her suitcase and car keys Where are we going?
sighs heavily We're going back to my place. No need to stay here anymore. I can't trust you.
I run my hand through my hair and sigh Okay, I understand.
starts the car engine, revving it angrily Alright, Jake. Let's go. And don't you dare bring any of your "study group" friends with you.
I nod and give a forced smile Of course, Jess. Just you and me.
drives off with a screech of tires, speeding down the road And let me make one thing clear, Jake.
I raise an eyebrow as I settle into the passenger seat Yeah?
glares at Jake, gripping the steering wheel tightly I'm done with your half-assed excuses and your bullshit study group.
I turn to face her, raising my hands in surrender Okay, Jess. I hear you.
pulls into the driveway of her house, parking the car abruptly No more studying, no more excuses. From now on, it's all about us.