“Lizzie, wait up,” a male voice called.
Turning, I spotted Jake coming my way. He was in my design class and shared a love of website design. His girlfriend had already graduated and was starting to build her own website for her florist shop.
Stopping, I smiled and waved as I shifted my backpack on my shoulder. “Hey, Jake.”
“I overheard Professor Smith telling you he had a website design job for you. That is huge!” he shouted, as he waved his arms around.
Laughing, I smacked his arms down. “You are being dramatic,” I teased. “But, it is great,” I admitted.
“If you ever need any help, you let me know. My girlfriend, Jennifer, might need some help too.”
“Wow, that is so nice,” I gushed.
Placing his hand on my arm, Jake smiled a genuine smile. “I am really happy for you, Lizzie. You deserve this,” he said. “I gotta get going. Jennifer and I have tickets to go see a show this afternoon at the Bellmont Casino,” he raved.
“Wow, have fun,” I smiled.
Before I could say or do anything else, I spotted a figure racing toward us at lightning speed.
Chase.
Rushing on us, Chase grabbed Jake by the collar of his polo shirt and shoved him aside. Jake lost his balance and fell onto the concrete path below.
“Get off my girl,” Chase growled, as he stared daggers at Jake.
With wide eyes, Jake just lay on the ground stunned by his assault.
Pushing Chase, I lunged at him with anger spewing out of me. “What is wrong with you, Chase? This is my friend, Jake.”
Still watching Jake on the ground, Chase’s chest heaved rapidly as he let his temper flare. “He had his hands on you,” he seethed.
“Yes, he was congratulating me on getting a job,” I screamed.
Tears were now streaming down my face as I leaned down and helped Jake up.
“I am so sorry, Jake,” I cried.
Brushing himself off, Jake looked at me and then Chase. “It’s ok,'' he stuttered. “Are you alright?” he asked, turning to me.
Nodding my head, I wiped away my tears. “Yes. Jake, this is my…boyfriend,” I said, barely above a whisper. I was almost too embarrassed at that moment to call Chase my boyfriend.
Chase opened his mouth to speak, but I threw my hand up motioning for him to stop. “Jake I am so sorry, Chase can be a little overprotective sometimes. Chase, tell Jake you are sorry,” I said, through clenched teeth.
Staring at me with wide eyes, Chase looked like he wanted to argue, but his shoulders began to slump and his body relaxed.
Extending his hand, he shook Jake’s. “I am sorry. I saw you touch Lizzie and I freaked out. I hope you accept my apology,” Chase said. He sounded sincere and I felt my anger diminish as I looked at the now pained expression on his face.
“It’s ok. I gotta go. My girlfriend is waiting for me,” Jake said. He gave me a sad look that made my stomach drop before he turned and walked away.
As Jake walked away, I kept my composure until he was out of sight.
“What in the hell is wrong with you?” I yelled.
Hanging his head low, Chase didn’t say anything.
“Say something,” I demanded. I was about to walk away when Chase finally opened his mouth.
“I’m sorry, Lizzie. I don’t know what happened. I saw his hand on your arm while I was sitting in my car waiting for you and the next thing I knew, I was shoving him onto the ground,” Chase said, in a low voice.