12. confession

I was staggered by the humbleness of Jack's mother, that welcoming smile, glow .It was no doubt that Jack got his eyes from his mother. Her eyes wore strokes of kohl gracefully with a beautiful cherry red dress and the matching sandals; anyone could believe her as our passed-out senior. She was a mixture of modernity and modesty. Hailey Roosevelt: "Hello, ma'am." Liela Harrison: "Hello, Hailey, welcome to our home. We have been hearing a lot about you." Jack: "Mom, please..." Hailey Roosevelt: "Yes, it's like things were pretty messed up earlier, but times have brought us together." Jack: " yess Hailey and Mom, let's sit in the living area.". Liela Harrison: " haha I can understand Hailey; please feel free to give a call in case..." Jack: " mommmmmm..." Liela Harrison: "Alright, I would leave you two." Then it was us alone in Harrison's royal living area. I was stunned by so much historic beauty. Beautifully crafted with the theme of Qatar. I was getting the vibes of a socialist-themed movie starring a big lawyer fighting for ordinary beings. I never knew I could read limited editions. My mind diverted me, but my heart was yet pumping. I didn't know how to start. Jack Harrison: "So what would you like to drink, Ms. Hailey?" .(playfully) Hailey Roosevelt: "Jack, I wanted to talk to you." Jack Harrison: "Sure, Hailey." ( Jack orders his cook to make two cold coffees.) Let's catch the left coffee here. Hailey Roosevelt: " oh you remember." Jack Harrison: " it bothered you, right?"? Hailey Roosevelt: " oh by the way, how is your health now?" Jack Harrison: "Hailey, I didn't want to, but I had to hide it from you.". I am absolutely well; I was restricted for three days. Hailey Roosevelt: "What the hell?" Why didn't you call me in the office"? Jack Harrison: "That's why I didn't tell you." Hailey Roosevelt: "Jack, leave all this. At first I need to talk to you about Emma". Jack Harrison: "What happened, Hailey?"? Hailey Roosevelt: "Jack, just tell me the truth. Did you know what was going on between Emma and James"? Jack Harrison: "Yeah, just a bit of chit-chat. Nothing much, Hailey". (raises his eyebrow) Hailey Roosevelt: " like seriously, Jack? Chit chat or trying to exchange nudes"? Jack Harrison: "What are you even saying, Hailey?" (angry). Hailey Roosevelt: "Look, Jack, I got to know James is a predator, and this is not the first time. Please keep my sister away from all this.". Jack Harrison: "I am sorry, Hailey; this is very embarrassing.... Let me take the charge; don't you worry. I thought he changed.... Hailey Roosevelt:And what is s that ... scandal ..about?"( fumbling). Jack Harrison: "Hailey, this is the most embarrassing moment of my life. Alright. I have to tell you, and it would be your choice if you want to still talk to me. (shame and uneasiness). Author's note: ❤ Now the story goes into flashback when the scandal happened; the story goes to Jack's first year at Gordon. Flashback from Jack's first year: (Jack narrating to Hailey) There I was; this wasn't the place where I belonged; the feelings weren't the same. After all, we don't get what we want usually, but my faith in destiny led me towards Gordon, not for the med but for law. Gordon's and my first summer of 2021 was the most energetic, memorable, and shocking. I still remember how immature themes were naturally present. A pinch of color in monochromatic scenery. Grayish blue building with black gate and queue of newcomers. The funky jeans fitted onto lower ends, caps,caps and mirror selfies were the real hype. The old Harrison with wavy hair, a little beard, and a blue shirt and fawn pants. Lol, this was the most dapper outfit I had. I wore Ray-Bans. James and I were brothers, but we weren't seen much together. He befriended seniors, passed outs, and almost the whole campus, regularly posting "no cape" jokes over the internet. I was not very flexible; still, my looks became the most talked-about subject in college. That was the first time we ever saw July, the girl with crop tops, denims, and heels. Wrapped in luxurious brands. July Abied, daughter of our principal. James was the official chocolate boy, and I was the lover one. James became friends with Julie, and they never looked back. Slowly they were becoming the most rumored couple in college. From their first kiss to sleepovers, all the rumors were spread by her friend Nikki, who secretly liked James. Nikki and I became friends when I was waiting for James at the parking lot. I still remember our first conversation. Nikkie: "Hmm, Jack Harrison, law 1st year?"? Jack: " what about you? I have seen you with Julie sometimes.". Nikkie: " first year, 'Oh yes, with your sister-in-law "? Jack: "What? I mean, yes, but we are still young.". Nikkie: "We are; we make mistakes." Jack: "What do you mean?"? Nikkie: "Anyways, I was just here to return her lipstick." Jack: "Oh, okay." Nikkie was pretty strange, I guess. July and she were definitely having some issues; they both started drifting away. She spent most of the time with James. James was a social bee; he never really got out of Riz. Even after being with July, he had plenty of requests over dating apps. One day his phone flashed at night; it was a fake ID that sent a video. We were casually sitting next to each other. James: " Bruh,look I am getting confessions from anonymous IDs now.". (laughing) Jack: " show me, brother.""(After opening the video, my phone fell from my hands.) James: " are you mad?"? ( Jack snatches James's phone, panics) . James sensed that something was definitely wrong. James opens the video again and starts shouting, cutting himself, and scratching himself. Mother Lyla comes to the rescue, and James is soon sent to the hospital for high blood pressure. That video contained a clip where a girl was pressed by another girl to a wall, making out. There were no faces, but the tattoo on the right arm read "July" and a cloud. I knew things could get uglier if it was him, but alright, this was a crime. I had no option other than telling my mother about it. James, in anger, accidentally sent the video in our boys group, which spread like fire. It was deleted by me. I slapped James. Julia came to our house creating a fuss. My mother wasn't sure if it was right to file a case on July or her son. She hated them both. July's dad grounded July; he asked my father to get me married to her. July's tattoo was removed. My father heartily apologized to Abied, but he refused. Later on, after a few months, Abied and Dad united over a case, and things became normal for once. July never showed up again; she joined her father, and James turned into a playboy, and I was struck forever to believe in morality, to support breakthroughs. Even the lawyers were destroying exhibits.

Author's note Looking for the clause? Read the previous episode. ❤ Let's see what's coming next.