Tristan's High School Life - 46. Chapter 46

TJ's POV

"You cursed our son," Jackson shouted.
"No, you moron, his father did," I said tersely.
"What did you call me," Jackson said.
"Your heart," Tracy pleaded.
"Oh, don't push his buttons; he's got a weak heart," I mocked.

I didn't see it coming and never thought he'd do it, but Jackson balled up his fist and punched me.

"You son of a bitch," Jackson said, seething.
"Would you two stop," a weak Tristan said?
"You're awake," I admonished.
"No shit Sherlock," Jackson said.
"You both get out," Tristan ordered.

"I need ice anyway," I said, turning and storming out of the room. "Not like you told them the truth anyhow," I muttered, leaving.
"The truth," Jack said, raising an eyebrow.

I didn't stick around to listen to the shit hit the fan as I left Jackson to explain that shit to his parents. A nurse stopped me, took pity on me, checked out the shiner I was developing and gave me an ice-pack. I was sitting in the waiting room and could hear the arguing down the hall. It was a big thing to keep from them, but I think Jackson was enjoying the attention. I looked up and saw Jack, Tracy, and the mystery guy coming towards me.

"You knew and didn't tell us," Tracy shouted at me.
"It wasn't my place to say anything," I said, shrugging my shoulders.
"So you just lob a bomb like that and leave, so typical TJ," Tracy said.
"Sorry that your precious boy was enjoying all the damn attention," I said and stood up. "I don't have to explain myself to you or anyone."
"When it comes to our boy's health," Tracy started, but I cut him off.
"It wasn't my place to tell you that Hunter figured out how to heal the damage done and that he was perfectly fine," I said.
"There you go taking no responsibility," Tracy said.

I was losing my temper with him and decked him. I heard Jack and the mystery guy gasp, but I teleported out faster than a ball going downhill.

Tristan's POV

I woke up to find everyone in my room arguing, and I kicked everyone but Xander out. I heard the arguing continuing down the hall and then a loud gasp and knew TJ must have done something because I felt it; well, I felt TJ's regret.

"Tris, TJ said you are cursed," Xander said softly.
"Babe, I told you that," I said and smirked.
"You did?" he asked.
"You told me the following day about it, and I told you it had to be a curse," I said.
"Hey, brudder," Hunter said, appearing.
"Took you long enough," I said.
"Well, I was watching the fight. Dad punched Grandpa," Hunter said with amazement.
"He what!" I roared.
"Yeah, thing's haven't been going well; they got separated," Hunter said sadly.
"No way, not T2 and Jawackson," I said.
"Yeah, they did," Hunter said, head hung down.
"So, what do you know about this curse?" I asked.
"Damian is coming to help, but I think we can lift it," Hunter said.

TJ's POV

After punching Tracy, I knew I needed a time-out. I went to the only place I could think where no one would bother to look. Starring out at the lake where troubles always melted away, I had so many emotions flow through me.

"Mini?" I heard my father say.
"Hey, dad," I said and started crying. I felt his embrace even though I know he wasn't there.
"Tough day, Mini?" he asked.
"You could say that," I croaked.
"Listen, Mini, you are not your mother, and you are not me. I know you are struggling to be your own man and have been for some time. Just remember all the happy times you had and not just with us, with Jackson. I know how much you love him and how this is ripping you apart, but you push everyone away when you have problems; I know as I saw it as your father," Dad said.
"I'm not good at anything," I replied.
"That's a lie. You are a wonderful father; you need to stop worrying. I know Jack has his friend here to help you, and I know he's going to," Dad said.
"I can't help but think that my life is so mess up because of Mom," I said.
"She did her damage to you; I'll admit that. I didn't realize how much was going on, especially how I didn't notice how close she and Brayden got. You are not your mother Mini; you are a sweet and loving young man, and I am proud of you," Dad said.
"Thanks, Dad. You think that this guy can help me?" I asked.
"I know that he helped Jack with his struggles, and to this day, Jack still calls him," Dad said.

I felt my phone vibrate and saw it was Jack calling.

"I guess I should face the music," I sighed.
"Jack is a fair and honest man; admit your fault and own up to it," Dad said and was gone.

I didn't answer the call in time, so I had to call him back.

"TJ, are you ok?" Jack said breathlessly.
"I'm fine," I said quietly.
"Is he ok Pop," I heard Jackson ask.
"Yes, Jackson, he's ok," Jack replied. "TJ, where are you? We got worried after the hospital incident."
"I'm in Deep Creek at the house," I replied. "I'm sorry."
"Look, TJ, I know you are, and I knew you had a lot of emotions bubbling up. Tristan told us today is the anniversary of your dad's death," Jack said.
Wow, I hadn't even remembered; maybe that's why I've been off.
"Thanks, Jack; I still shouldn't have punched Tracy," I said.
"I understand; my friend here would like to grab some coffee and have a chat with you if you'd be open to it," Jack said.
"I guess it wouldn't hurt," I replied.
"Super, meet me at the Jolly Goat Coffee Bar," Jack said.
"See you in a few minutes," I replied and ended the call. I was nervous as I didn't know this guy, and I have mixed emotions about everything. I teleported outside the Coffee Bar and saw Jack and his friend headed in my direction.
"You made it," Jack said and embraced me.
"Hi Jack," I said softly, returning the hug.
"TJ, this here is a dear friend of mine, Darren," Jack said.
"Darren, as in Stephanie's friend?" I asked.
"One in the same," Darren said.
"How did you know?" Jack said, perplexed.
"I met him briefly at Stephanie's many years ago during the family get-together; he's Trace's godfather, right?" I said.
"That is right, what a good memory," Darren said and laughed.
"Well, let me leave you to talk; I've got a husband at home licking his wounds and a son who's a basket case," Jack said.
"Is Jackson alright?" I asked, concerned.
"He's worried since he punched you and you hit his father. You seem to be healing fast; I can't tell you got struck. Once you and Darren get things straight and I think you and Jackson should talk. I also think you both should live separately until things are in a better place," Jack said.
"I think that would be a good idea," I sighed.
"Talk with Darren, and then we will talk tonight," Jack said and turned and left.
"Mister Mayor, have a seat, and we'll bring your usual," Will said from the counter with his huge smile.
"Hey Will, thank you, please give Darren whatever he would like, and I'll pay for it," I said and smiled back at him.
"Right away for our best customer," Will said.
"I think he's got a crush on you," Darren snickered.
"You should see him fan-girl over Jackson," I said and laughed.
After going over and telling Will what he wanted to drink, Darren took the seat across from me.
"So where do we begin," I asked.
"Well, Jack filled me in on what's been going on, and I think you needed a friend to talk to more than anything," Darren said.
"Here's your Pour-Over Coffee," Will said, placing the cup in front of me. "Here's your Earl Gray tea, sir, and compliments of my Uncle some of our croissants ," Will said with a wink and walked away.
"See," Darren said, laughing. "Let's get down to business."