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Chapter 17
Last Updated:
2020-07-05 00:54:18Trigger warning: depression, suicide
It took three seconds for the smile on Venus's face to melt away. Three seconds for her to fall apart. Three seconds for Jules to realize what a fool he was.
Just three seconds.
Venus laid back down on the bed gasping. Jules came closer hovering unsure what to do, where to touch, how to make it all better. Their eyes met for a second.
And he was reminded of the unrealistic Bollywood movies his mom loved to watch. Where the actress always had makeup on, no matter the scenario. Wake up from bed? Flawless. Get hit by a car? Flawless. Venus looked the opposite of that.
She looked-worn, tired, pale and small. There was a big lump under the sheet that happened to be her leg. There were a lot fewer wires than the last time he saw her. The bridge of her cheek was kissed by a painful bruise.
She smiled, eyes glassy a watery smile. "You're such a crybaby," she squinted at him
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Jules was happy.It was kind of terrifying really. He was half afraid of that guy showing up. The one that usually swung by when things were finally going right— Life. Yeah, that guy. Fucking terrified. But even more, overwhelming than his fear, was his happiness."So you are my girlfriend?" It sounded like a question because it was."Yes, Jules." Venus sounded exasperated and rightfully so. It had been two weeks since the incident. Not the Venus falling and almost cracking her skull open incident. No, more like the Venus crashing into Jules and completely obliterating everything in its axis— his heart.He'd looked up the definition of incident because it was beginning to be one of his favorite words.Incident: the occurrence of dangerous or exciting things.Jules was stupid or maybe just mad. Because afterward when he tried to remember while looking at Venus talking over the phone. All he remembered was
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"When you said you wanted to paint me. I thought I would be the model, not the canvas." Jules said quietly. His mouth barely opening because Venus's paintbrush was dangerously close to slipping inside.She laughed and since she was so close - literally straddling him, he shivered or maybe spasmed. He couldn't decide, which was the equivalent to the feeling of thunderclouds battling on top his skin."I could have done that, but—""...then you wouldn't be Venus." He finished for her. Wild, beautiful and unorthodox.She smiled like she could read his mind.He opened his mouth to say something but swallowed his words when Venus leaned forward; her face - lips - inches from his collarbone. Her hand moved, paintbrush tracing the arch of his neck, up his Adam's apple - which bobbed and then his jawline.Jules couldn't breathe. When had things changed? When had his Sunday's changed? From watching anime, playing online games and compos
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"A nerve impulse can travel through some parts of your nervous system at a speed of 288km/h.""Are my eyes deceiving me or is Jules Carson actually sleeping in class again," Venus whispered.Jules cracked an eye open and saw her grin. "You say that like you didn't keep me up all night.""Julian," she gasped, scandalously. "What are you trying to imply?""That my girl's— a screamer." He paused for an effect, loving the way her eyes danced and his heart sang. "And...""And?" she leaned towards him smiling."She's apparently afraid of scary movies." He deadpan. "But seriously, I never pegged you as a wimp. Insidious, really? It's not even half as scary as Floater."Venus dropped her head into the crook of his arm, exasperated. "You just ruined my fun." She said, her voice even quieter than before."What fun?""Khloe with a K, was totally ea
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Jules didn't knock at Venus's door he just waltzed right in. Carrie greeted him at the kitchen, looking unimaginably tall and happy. She gave him her customary peck on the cheek that reminded him of his mom. "Oh Jules, your smile is as gorgeous as ever."That made him smile wider and she moved forward to hold him, hug him. It was funny because he just saw her yesterday. It was funny because she did the same thing then too, and every other time. She was hyper-aware of his motherless state so much so that it was almost overbearing. Almost.This was something Carrie and Venus shared, their incapability of watching someone suffer.She pulled away, looking at the laptop in his hands and raised an eyebrow. "Movie night?""Nope, anime night."She laughed then frowned. "Right. I hope V is actually helping you get some work done. It isn't all play no work?""She doesn't even give me the time of day if I get below a B." He st
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Marie pulled his head gently to her chest. Jules felt his self-restraint disappear as drops of moisture left his eyes. "Everyone," he whispered, "everyone has told me time and time again that it isn't my fault. And sometimes I believe them. But then sometimes I have these dreams-nightmares where she gets into the car and dies. Then my dad is shouting over and over that it is my fault. And there is blood on my hands, her blood because," his voice cracked, "I killed her.""No, Jules," she gasped, pulling him closer, tighter. "You can't actually believe that. You didn't kill your mother, she got in that car on her own free will. I bet if she were here even knowing the truth she'd still do it again. And as for your father, he loves you so much, you know that right?"Jules didn't say anything but his silence spoke volumes."Jules," disbelief colored her voice. "You can't still believe Jace doesn't love you. I
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Jules tugged at his hair in frustration. "Damn, this is so hard."Venus touched the hand, clutching his hair. "It doesn't have to be."He shook his head vigorously and water droplets found its way to her. "I don't think I can do this.""Jesus, Jules, can you like not do that?" her face screwed up in what was supposed to be a disgusted look. But Jules found the crease of her nose too cute to take her seriously. "And please enough with the drama. We came here to swim, not to see you agonize yet again on how you're going to end your manga."Jules pouted, "You're so mean today."Venus rolled her eyes, but a small smile was already blossoming and he felt his chest swell at the sight. "I'm always mean.""True that," Merlin chirped from behind him. Jules turned to take in the sight, yet again of both their families having a fun day at the pool.
