Chapter 6: Lost in the Storm
Lena sat on her couch, tea cold in her hands. Her eyes were red, face wet from tears that wouldn't stop. The rain outside pounded like her heart, heavy and broken. She clutched a cushion, trying to breathe. Sarah sat beside her, arm around her shoulders, voice soft but firm. "It's okay, babes. You can Let it all out. I'm here," she said, rubbing Lena's back.
"He lied to me," Lena whispered, her voice cracking. She gripped Sarah's hand tight, nails digging in. "I thought Jax was different. But that woman, Ella, said she's his girlfriend. I ran out of his apartment. I can't believe it. I trusted him."
Sarah's jaw tightened, her brown eyes flashing with anger. "I warned you, Lena. Random guys like him always hide something. You don't deserve this pain." She pulled Lena into a tighter hug, her voice lowering. "We'll figure it out together. Block him if you need to—cut him off."
Lena shook her head, staring at her phone on the table. It buzzed again—another text from Jax: Lena, please. It's not what you think. Call me. His calls kept coming, lighting up the screen, but she didn't pick up. She wanted to believe him, to hear his voice and feel safe again, but Ella's cold smirk burned in her mind. Her chest ached, like someone had ripped her heart out and left it bleeding.
Back where Jax was staying, he paced the room, rain soaking through an open window. The space felt empty without Lena's presence. Ella lounged on the couch, scrolling her phone, acting like nothing happened. "Why'd you say that?" he yelled, his voice shaking with rage. "Lena's not just some girl I picked up! I like her—really like her!"
Ella rolled her eyes, not looking up. "It was a joke, Jax. I didn't know she'd cry and run off like that. Chill out. I'm your sister, not her enemy. What's the big deal?"
Jax froze, his hands balling into fists. "Sister? You think lying about being my girlfriend is funny? She trusted me, Ella! You don't get it!" He grabbed his jacket from a chair, storming toward the door. He didn't know where Lena was, but he had to find her, had to make this right. The rain stung his face as he stepped outside, guilt eating at him like acid. He loved Lena—her shy laugh, the way she messed up her flower drawing, the warmth of her touch. Ella's stupid prank had ruined everything, and he cursed himself for not warning Lena about his wild sister.
Back at Lena's apartment, Sarah stood in the kitchen, making more tea. The kettle whistled as she poured, glancing at Lena. "Eat something, at least," she said, pushing a plate of toast toward her. Lena picked at a corner, her appetite gone. Her mind raced with questions. "What if he's not a cheat?" she mumbled, more to herself than Sarah. "What if Ella lied to mess with me?"
Sarah sighed, leaning against the counter. "Maybe she did. But why risk your heart again? You've been hurt before—remember that jerk who left you crying for weeks? Let Jax explain, if he can, but be careful. I'm not letting you fall apart."
Lena nodded slowly, the weight of Sarah's words sinking in. But her heart pulled toward Jax, tugging at her despite the pain. His hands on hers, his voice whispering her name—they felt real, not like a lie. She reached for her phone, hesitating with her thumb over the screen. Another text popped up: Please, Lena. Meet me. I'll tell you everything. Her fingers trembled as she typed, Where? and hit send, holding her breath.
Jax's reply came fast: Park near town. 30 minutes. She looked at Sarah, who was wiping the counter. "I'm going," Lena said, standing. "I need to know the truth."
Sarah frowned, drying her hands on a towel. "I'm coming too. For backup. You're not facing this alone." Lena hugged her, grateful for the support, and they grabbed their jackets.
At the park, the rain had stopped, leaving the ground and benches wet. Jax stood under a tree, hair damp and sticking to his forehead, his eyes filled with worry. Lena approached, Sarah a step behind, her presence a quiet strength. "Talk," Lena said, her voice cold and steady despite the storm inside.
Jax stepped closer, hands out like he was surrendering. "Lena, I'm so sorry. Ella's my sister. She showed up at my place unannounced. She joked about being my girlfriend, it was a joke. I didn't know she'd do that. I'd never cheat on you."
Lena's heart skipped a beat, hope flickering. "Sister? She said girlfriend. Why should I believe you now?"
He pulled out his phone, scrolling to a photo. It showed him and Ella as kids, grinning with missing teeth, arms around each other. "See? She's family. I should've told you she was coming, but she's a pain in the ass—always teasing. I swear, it's you I want, Lena. Only you."
Sarah crossed her arms, her voice sharp. "Prove it. Words are cheap. Show us."
Jax nodded, his jaw tight. "Come with me. Meet her. She'll apologize. I'll make sure of it." His eyes pleaded, soft and true, cutting through Lena's defenses.
Lena's chest tightened. She wanted to run again, to hide from the hurt, but his look was raw and open— it pulled her back. "Okay," she said, her voice small. "But slow. I need time to trust you again."
They followed Jax to where he was staying, Sarah's footsteps steady beside her.
Ella opened the door, her face falling when she saw Lena. "Lena, I'm sorry," she said, her voice small and shaky. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm Jax's sister, not his girlfriend. It was a stupid joke. Please forgive me?"
Lena stared at her, tears prickling her eyes. Ella's dark hair and sharp features looked softer now, regret clear. "Why would you do that?" Lena asked, her voice trembling. "You don't even know me."
Ella looked down, twisting her hands. "I tease Jax all the time. It's how we are. I didn't think you'd take it so hard. I'm really sorry."
Jax stepped forward, squeezing Lena's hand. "She's a mess, but she's family. I'll keep her in line, I promise. You don't have to decide now."
Lena nodded, unsure but relieved. The room felt warmer with the truth out, the sketches on the walls a reminder of their time together. "I'll think about it," she said, turning to leave. Sarah stayed close, her presence a shield.
Outside, the air was cool, rain lingering in the breeze. Sarah glanced at Lena as they walked. "He's not a cheat," Lena said, her voice quiet. "But I'm still scared. What if this happens again?"
Sarah hugged her, her grip firm. "Take it slow, like you said. You're strong, babes. If he hurts you, I'll deal with him. But if he's real, give him a chance."
At home, Lena sat with Sarah, the silence heavy. Her phone buzzed—Jax again. Thank you for coming. I appreciate—see you soon? She didn't reply, staring at the words. Her heart softened, the storm inside calming a little. She thought of his touch, his sketches, the way he looked at her. Maybe he was worth the risk.
Sarah handed her a blanket. "Rest," she said. "You've been through enough today."
Lena curled up, the rain tapping her window. She closed her eyes, Jax's face in her mind. The hurt was there, but so was hope. She didn't know if she could trust him fully yet, but the storm wasn't over—it was shifting, maybe into something new.
Meanwhile, Jax sat in his room, Ella gone for the night. He sketched Lena's flower, the lines shaky from his nerves. He hated himself for letting this happen, for not protecting her from Ella's chaos. He'd prove himself—slowly, but surely.
The night was quiet, but his heart raced with determination. He'd win her back, one step at a time.
The next morning, Lena woke to sunlight filtering through her curtains. She felt a little stronger, but the ache remained. Sarah was already up, making breakfast. "How you holding up?" she asked, flipping pancakes.
"Better," Lena said, sitting at the table. "I keep thinking about him. What if I'm wrong to doubt?"
Sarah set a plate in front of her. "Doubt's smart after what happened. But if he's showing effort, watch him. Actions matter more than words."
Lena nodded, cutting into the pancake. Her phone buzzed—another text from Jax: Thinking of you. Can I call later? She hesitated, then typed, Maybe. Give me time. She hit send, her heart pounding. Sarah watched, smiling softly. "Good choice," she said.
Later, Lena walked to the park alone, needing air. The wet grass crunched under her shoes. She sat on a bench, replaying Jax's words, Ella's apology. A part of her wanted to run to him, to feel his arms again. But another part held back, scarred from the past. She pulled her jacket tighter, the cool breeze brushing her face.
Jax, back in his room, stared at his phone, later he grabbed a pencil, sketching her eyes; bright, hurt, hopeful. He'd wait, he decided. He'd show her he was worth it. The rain had stopped, but the storm in his chest lingered, driving him to fight for her.