Author's Note:
I thought it was best to combine these five chapters before releasing them on Literotica. Be warned, this is a very dramatic section of the series, and it doesn't contain many erotic scenes. The sex will resume later on in the story. A much bigger warning; There are very sensitive topics in this story regarding mental health. Everyone ends up okay, but I don't want to trigger any sensitive topics for my readers.
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CHAPTER 15
The brunette sat in Jake's car, smiling from ear to ear. "That was a great movie!"
Jake looked over and returned a smiled. "That wasn't too bad, I guess."
"It was nice to get out and see a movie with you. I can't remember the last time I went to an actual theater."
"I would have preferred to stream a movie at home," Jake pointed out. "But I'm glad you had fun."
"I enjoy going out on dates with you," Linda replied. "I've been a lot happier since we started doing stuff like this."
As they got out of the car and started walking to Jake's apartment, the frat guy asked, "So, do you not like going to parties anymore?"
Shrugging her shoulders, the cute brunette responded, "Of course I like parties but I especially like spending time alone with you."
Jake winked and gave a cheesy smile before responding, "I like being alone with you too."
"Do you know what else I especially like?" the young woman prompted. "I really like that you are visiting for Christmas so my parents and friends can finally meet you."
"Oh... about that," the frat guy started, scratching his head. "There's actually a huge fraternity function I forgot about."
"During Christmas?!" Linda asked, furrowing her eyebrows.
"Yeah, sorry... I should have told you about it earlier but it completely slipped my mind."
The younger woman placed her hands on her hips, growing ever suspicious at the older man's antics. "So, you mean to tell me there's some kind of frat event during Christmas so you can't visit me the entire winter break even though you promised me you would?!"
"Babe, it's not like that," Jake explained, putting his hands on his girlfriend's shoulders. "I'm an important guy. With my role in the frat and my position at the gym, things just kind of... come up."
Not in the mood, Linda brushed his hands off her. "I know you have stuff going on but I told you how important this is to me!"
"Cut me some slack," the muscular guy said, looking completely unfazed. "I've done all the other things you wanted me to do lately. You should be happy."
The cute young woman just rolled her eyes, not wanting to respond. Just when she felt they were making progress, she was left with the revelation that her boyfriend viewed her wants and needs as chores.
After Jake opened the door, he placed his hand on Linda's back to guide her into his apartment. "I know you're upset now. Believe me, I'm just as upset as you are. But I'm sure we'll both feel better in the morning."
Linda shook her head, looking visibly shaken by the entire situation. "No, Jake... I don't feel like going inside."
"Where are you going to go?" Jake asked, laughing in disbelief. "It's late. You might as well just spend the night here, even if you're upset again."
"I just... I don't feel like being here right now."
"So, you're really leaving? Over something as little as this?"
"Yeah... I just want to be alone right now."
Jake took a peek at his phone before chuckling to himself. "Fine, Linda. Go ahead and leave if you want. I think I'll be just fine without you."
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As Linda walked alone back to her dorm, depression began to rain over her. Though they had argued regularly, there was something different about this time. Not knowing what else to do, she called Jesse, hoping her best friend could make her feel better.
"Linda?"
"Jesse, you'll never guess what happened."
"What's up?"
"He totally flaked out on me again!" Linda explained in a frustrated tone. "He promised to meet my parents for Christmas, but something with this fraternity came up, like it always does."
"How did something come up over Christmas?" Jesse asked.
"That's what I was wondering," the young woman responded, scratching her head. "But it just pisses me off how he doesn't seem to care about my priorities."
"I'm really sorry, Linda. I don't know what's going on with him, but I hope you guys can work it out. You seem to really care about him."
"I do, but sometimes he can be such a jackass!"
"If it's any consolation, you can hang out with me during Christmas break. I'll make sure you have a good time with or without him."
With a tiny glimpse of a smile, Linda replied, "I'd really like that."
Remembering what happened the previous time, Jesse was hesitant to bring up another party at Alex's house. However, she thought it would be a good idea to float it out. "If you'd like... Alex is having another party. I know we left early last time because Max was there, but we can try it again if you're up for it."
Suddenly, the name "Max" started to ring in Linda's head. Thinking about the possibility of seeing him there, she replied, "I want to go..."
"Oh really? Well, okay! We can do that. I mean, I know the parties back home are nothing compared to the college ones, but I think they are still fun."
"I think they are fun too," Linda said, nodding her head as the smile grew a little more prevalent. "Maybe I'll text Max and ask him if he doesn't mind me showing up again."
"Uhh... I don't think you need to ask him. He was okay with it last time. Why wouldn't he be this time?"
"It's just the polite thing to do," the young woman responded, unable to hide her smile any longer. "Yeah... I'll text him."
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As Max lay in bed that night, getting ready to fall asleep, he went through his phone to make sure his alarm was set for the next day. However, before he could put his phone away, he noticed a message pop up on his screen.
Whenever he got a text, he automatically assumed it was Allie. Much to his surprise, it was actually Linda this time.
"Hi," the text message read, with a smiley face attached to it.
Max was almost more confused by the smiley face than anything else. "Hi," he responded, feeling his heart pumping with adrenaline.
"I heard Alex is having another party over Christmas break. I hope you don't mind if Jesse and I show up."
Max raised his eyebrows, surprised once again that she was taking his feelings into consideration. "I don't mind," he responded. "I didn't mind over the Thanksgiving break either, remember?"
"I know, but I figured it was best to ask again, instead of just assuming it would be all right every time."
"You don't need to ask me every time," Max responded, wanting to assure it was truly okay for some reason.