“Aren’t you going to stop them? They might go home with bloody faces.” Jessica whispered to me
“Don’t! Not one of you should stop them or call them out. Let them sort it out themselves.” I said facing them
“What if one of them gets hurt badly? Can’t you notice that they are holding each other's collar tightly? I can feel a strong tension here.” May whispered
“What’s going on? Why are you blocking the way?” Vladimir who just came asked
“I will say it again, do not interfere. Just watch them here and let them do what they want. If they want to beat each other to death then let them be. It will help them get that anger out.” I said
“Great! I haven’t watched a fist fight before.” Vladimir said
“So are we just going to watch them and hold on to these foods,” Jessica said
“Yup or you can go and sit down on the sofa first. We will begin the barbecue once the two of them are on good terms or finished sorting things between them.” I said
Five minutes have passed but the two of them did not throw punches at each other while glaring and pulling each other’s collars. I don’t know what they talked about while we were away. I just saw them holding each other's collars when I was about to go out.
“Is no one going to throw the next punch? I have been waiting for both of you to beat each other for five minutes now. If you aren’t going to do that then let each other go so we can start the barbecue. I can’t stand being hungry.” I finally said to break them
As if the two of them snapped from their worlds the both of them looked at me confused. I held my collar to remind them that they should let each other go. They did as they were told and then moved away from each other.
“You can go all go out now and start the barbecue. I need to deal with those two first.” I told the others.
“I want the two of you to get inside,” I said pointing at Jackson and Allyson
The others understood what I wanted to do, so they busily went out to cook the food for dinner. I tapped on the sofa to let them know that I want them to sit down. They glared at each other one more time before sitting down.
“Let’s see if any of you got some injuries. I don’t want to be blamed when one of you has a bruise going home.” I said while checking on their faces
“I am all good but you should check Jackson’s knee. He might have scratches there.” Allyson said
“So are you on good terms now? Have you talked it out already?”
“We are all good. I will go and help outside now.” Allyson said before leaving
“Show me,” I said to Jackson
“I am okay. No need to worry,” he answered
“I will go and grab the kit and some ice packs. You should have rolled your pants when I get back.” I said
I went to the kitchen to grab the necessary things needed to clean his knee. I also got some ice packs since some parts of his knee might be bruised.
“So tell me what happened there while I was away?” I asked
“Nothing,” he whispered
“Does that mean that you think I am being nosy?” I said before pressing on the alcohol pad
“Ouch! Why would you do that? That stings.” he shouted
“Fine. I will not force you to tell me if you threw punches there but you should tell me if Allyson has a bruise somewhere so we can apply some ice packs.” I said
“No, we didn’t throw punches. I just hurt myself when I slipped and fell on my knee,” he said
“Then why were you holding each other’s collars?”
“We are both mad with each other but we don’t have the guts to punch. I guess we were both thinking about you because you might not want to see us bloody,” he explained
“I wouldn’t mind if you wrestle each other on the ground as long as you get along again,” I said
“I think you need to talk with him. I can sense that he has something he wants to talk about. It would be better if he opens up to you.” he said
“I will check on that one later. I’m not going to pressure him into confiding. He will share if he thinks it is necessary.” I said
I had just sent Jessica, May, and Daniel home when I noticed Jackson walking wobbly towards the house. He had left an early while ago after he was done eating dinner saying that he had an important errand to do. I closed the door slowly and waited for him to knock.
“Who is that?” Jackson asked
“I thought you said that your Nana wouldn’t be home tonight that is why we stayed behind to play.” Vladimir also asked nervously
“Do you have to be that nervous? You can say hello if grandma is here. You are acting like you aren’t living here even if grandma is here. You are always hanging out in here like it is your house. Why are you pretending that you are nervous?” I smirked
“You do have a point.” Both of them nodded then went back to playing a game
I opened the door and immediately smelled alcohol and cigarette as Allyson stumbled inside. He stared at me while blinking slowly. I immediately caught him but since he is heavier and taller I cannot keep my balance.
“Jackson!” I shouted
“What?! What is happening?” Vladimir said as they both came running
They hurriedly assisted Jackson who was giggling while looking at me. I wanted to get mad at him for leaving early and coming back drunk. I remembered Jackson’s words so I tried to keep my cool.
“Why are you pouting?” he said before grabbing my cheeks and pressing them like I am a baby.
I would have twisted his hand if he was sober but since he is drunk I am allowing him to do what he wanted. He was smiling wide as he played with my cheeks. I rolled my eyes and glared at him to stop him. Vladimir’s eyes widened and he pursed his lips when Allyson suddenly hugged me. I shook my head to stop the two of them from pulling Jackson away from me even if I have my hands raised because I don’t know what to do.
“Is everything okay?” I asked because it felt like he was crying
I caressed his back when I heard him sobbing. Jackson and Vladimir are shaking their head and hands to ask me what is happening. I mouthed I don’t know to them. It took some time before I felt his head slipping on my shoulder.
“I think he is asleep. He really must have a big problem for him to get drunk and then come back here.” I said
“What do we do now? I cannot spend the night here since I already had dinner here.” Jackson said
“I will spend the night here. I don’t have company at home anyway.” Vladimir said
“Then can you bring him to the guestroom so that he can sleep properly? It would be better to sleep there so he won’t be disturbed even if he will sleep in.” I told them
I tucked Allyson into bed before going out. The boys were in the kitchen drinking cold water while sweating buckets.
“I need to get going as it is getting late,” Jackson said
“Is it okay for you to go home alone?” I asked
“It’s fine. Our town is peaceful so there will be no problem.”
“Goodnight then. Send me a message when you get home.” I said
“Make sure to ask Allyson what is wrong when he wakes up as he might not remember what happened today,” he whispered
“You can use the guest room or should I say your room since you are always sleeping there. You must be tired so you should also go to bed and rest,” I said to Vladimir
“Good night. I will see you tomorrow then,” he said before closing the door
I had a light sleep that night since I had to check on Allyson in case he doesn’t feel okay. I get up at 6 since I feel so awake. I went down to the kitchen and started thinking about what to prepare for breakfast.
“Good morning,” Allyson said before sitting down in front of me
“How are you feeling? Should I get you something?” I asked
“Cold water please,” he said wrinkling his nose
“Should I cook you something to make you feel better?” I asked handing the water to him
He shook his head and then closed his eyes. I poked him when he wasn’t responding to make him go back to bed. I cannot have him sleeping at the dining table as I move around.