The three friends stayed in the hospital room talking for hours, until a nurse had to come in and announce that visiting hours were over. Jade promised to come back the next day. "Would you like to stay at our house?" Howie asked as they walked to the parking lot. "No thanks, Howie. I'll just get myself a hotel room. Maybe tomorrow night if I'm still in town ok?" Jade replied. "Sure thing Jay. It was good seeing you. See you tomorrow. G'night." Howie hugged her and walked off to his car.
Jade wandered to her rental car, a cute little red Toyota Camry. She climbed in, turned on the radio and pulled out. It took about 5 minutes to find a hotel, and she checked in. The room was hot and stuffy as she walked in. Shutting the door, Jade went directly to the air conditioner by the window and turned it on high. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, she picked up the phone and dialed AJ's cell number. "Hey baby, its me. I'm at the Best Western down the street from the hospital. I'm in room 68, so if you get a chance, give me a call. The number here is 712-566-8776. I love you, I miss you. Bye." Jade hung up the phone feeling lonely. It had been a little over a year since she and AJ had gotten together, and within the past year- they had been apart no longer than a few hours the whole time. It had been nearly 24 hours since she saw him and God, how she missed him! Easing herself down on the bed, she closed her eyes and didnt wake up till the loud shrill ringing of the phone ripped her from a dream.
"Hello?" she answered groggily. "Hey baby. I miss you." AJ murmured into the phone. His deep raspy voice sending chills up and down Jade's arms. "I miss you, too." Jade said. "When are you coming out?" "I dont know. There's a lot of stuff happening out here to take care of. Another press conference is happening in about an hour. I'm trying so hard to get out there. I miss you so much it hurts." AJ admitted, wishing she was there beside him. "I didnt think I'd miss you this much." Jade said. "I figured maybe the break would feel good, but I'm miserable. And seeing Howie and Jodie together just makes it worse." "Jade, I've been thinking... we need to have a talk about this relationship and where its going." AJ replied. His voice sounded distant and Jade's stomach began to tighten. "Is something wrong, hon?" Jade asked. "No. Everything is fine. Dont worry. I'll be out there as soon as I can. I have to go now. I love you. Bye." AJ said before hanging up. Jade hung up the phone and looked at her watch. It was noon!!
"Hey Jay, whats the matter?" Howie asked the second Jade walked in the room. "Huh? Nothin' Howard. I'm cool." Jade replied shrugging. "Oh, Jade, whats wrong? Are you and AJ alright?" Jodie asked, looking at the frustration and concern on her friend's face. "Oh of course! I just talked to him a few minutes ago, infact. He said he's kind of tied up right now but he'd be out as soon as possible." Jade said struggling to put a smile on for her friends. She didnt even really know if anything was wrong, but something in AJ's voice sounded strained, nervous even. Was he about to break up with her? Jade shook her head trying not to think that way. He had been so faithful, so loving for the past year... what if he was just tired of her? "You're not ok." Howie announced. "I'm fine. Dont worry, man. Its ok. Nothing I cant handle on my own." Jade smiled again, wishing they'd drop the subject. The three again spent the entire afternoon together, laughing and talking, until again, visiting hours were over. Jade again declined the invitation to stay at Howie and Jodie's, but wrote down the address incase she changed her mind.
Quietly opening the door to her hotel room, she smiled. The air conditioner was on this time and it felt good in there. She shut the door and walked into the room. "AJ! What are you doing here?!" Jade exclaimed as she ran over to him. "Came to see you. I told you I would." He replied in a less than affectionate tone. His hug was brief and impersonal. Jade could feel her heart ripping into pieces. "Is something wrong?" she asked. "No. I'm going to get some sleep." AJ said then he stood up, walked to the opposite bed and climbed in.
"Alexander James McLean! What the hell kind of stunt do you think you're pulling on me? If you think I'm naive enough to just stand here and believe you when you say nothing is wrong, think again! Why are you pushing me away all of the sudden? Is there another girl? Have you suddenly met someone else? The least you could do is let me know. Dont string me along and dont you dare fucking play those mind games with me. I'm not willing to put up with it." Jade hissed out. AJ sat up and took a deep breath. His eyes were so cold, yet Jade could see the underlying sadness. Jade's breath began to shake, as she awaited the worst.
"Jade... We've been together for a year. Thats a long time. And, well... touring is a really stressful thing. You meet people, you get to know people, you learn things, ya know?" AJ began. "No, AJ. Dont do this. I dont want to hear it. I wont hear it. I refuse to listen to this. Thats it. Forget I asked. Forget about everything. I'm going to end this before you can. There! Happy now? Its done. Its over. We are through!" Jade shouted as tears ran down her face. Grabbing her bag and keys, she walked out of the room, slamming the door behind her.
