Past and Present Part one. (standard:drama, 802 words)
Author: jenne64	Added: Feb 03 2001	Views/Reads: 3746/2354	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
You can't escape your past as Jessica is about to find out. Feedback always appreciated.

Past and Present.(Part 1) 

By Jenne64 

Jessica stood in the narrow, cluttered hallway, a look of abject horror
spread across her face. She'd never seen Paul like this. His face 
contorted with rage. His fists clenched together so hard, she could see 
the white of his knuckles. He raised them to his chest, obviously 
prepared to use them. Jessica followed Paul’s glassy stare and realised 
the object of his rage. His best friend, Kevin. 

Jessica couldn’t see Kevin’s face, but she could almost feel the anger
radiating from him. The room was heavy with tension, like a rain filled 
cloud, ready to burst and dowse them all. 

It took Jessica a few seconds to register the scene was real. Paul began
to edge forward. Jessica shook herself from her stupor. 

She rushed towards Paul, her voice strained and her eyes wide open, 

"No Paul. NO!" 

She launched herself with all the might her slight frame could muster.
Slamming into the solid wall of his chest, determined to stop him. 
Jessica's eyes never left Paul's face once. With a thud, they landed on 
the carpet. 

She watched Paul try to regain his composure as he rose. 

"Just get the fuck out of here Kevin. Look what you've done, just get
the fuck out!" Paul’s voice shook from the force of his anger. 

He turned his attention to Jessica, dropping to his knees beside her.. 

"Jess, you ok? Why the hell did you do that? I could have handled that
little punk." 

Jessica let him hold her for a few minutes. She shook as they sat in the
drafty hallway, her head buried in his shoulder, trying to erase 
memories from her past. Memories that threatened to break away from a 
well hidden corner of her mind. 

"He just wasn't worth the effort, that's all." her voice barely audible.


"Yeah, but I could have hurt you Jess.  You scared the shit out of me
when you came for me like that." 

"I had to do something. I've never seen you like that before, Paul. You
scared me." She shuddered as she spoke. The image of his rage-filled 
face invading her mind. 

"You’re cold. Come on let’s get you more comfortable. I’m making a
drink. I sure could use one.” 

He stood up, offering her an outstretched hand. 

Jessica hesitated before taking the hand he offered.  As she rose, she
felt a sharp twinge of pain run through her ankle. 

"Ouch." she exclaimed,unable to put her full weight on her left foot. 

"Let's have a look at it then." he offered, helping her over to the old
blue leather sofa that half filled the apartments front room. 

Tenderly he removed the sock. She winced as he placed his large hands
around her swollen ankle, gingerly poking at the flesh. 

"Sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you." He muttered, continuing his
examination. 

"I know you didn't. It was my fault." 

"It wasn't your fault Jess, it was mine and that annoying little bastard
Kevin. He never did know when to keep his mouth shut." He glanced up as 


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