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callsign-magnolia · 10 months

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Undiagnosed // Ch. 13

Jake Seresin x Neurodivergent OC

Summary: Katie Blair grew up trying to be the perfect daughter. She always struggled to be the prim and proper little girl her parents wanted. Big personality as a kid, but now at 25, she's the shy admiral's daughter who just keeps her head down and tries to get through law school. So what happens when she's had enough and with help from a certain Lieutenant, she gets out.

Warnings: Emotional abuse, trauma response, abusive parents.

Word Count: 6.3k

Chapter 12 | Masterlist

I scheduled my interview for exactly one week from the day I got my email. I actually had two interviews that day, and I had my interview for United States University the same day I had my call with Bradley. “They asked you that?” He asked and I nodded. “Yes! Like, what does how many friends I have have anything to do with my ability to do my job?” It was the truth. They asked me if I was the type of person to have a small group of friends or a large group of acquaintances. “Maybe they’re trying to see if you’re the type of person who gossips, stirs the pot.” I raised an eyebrow and tilted my head. “Maybe.” I said. “Don’t disregard it. They may offer you a spot and you have to take it if they do.” He said and I nodded. “I won’t.” He grinned at me. “How do you feel about the other two?” He asked. “Pretty confident. I’ve found that I interview well.” I said with a grin. “You weren’t nervous?” He asked and I shook my head. “I guess because I was so sure of my answers but that also seemed like a pathetic interview. None of the questions had anything to do with why I want to do nursing or who I am as a person.” I said, flopping back on the couch.

“That’s probably good because I don’t think I really know who I am.” I said quietly, almost a whisper. “You don’t?” Bradley asked and I sat up. “No.” I said. “That’s funny. I think you’re… strong willed, you’re caring and ridiculously smart. All the things that make up a good nurse in my opinion.” He said. “You think?” I asked and he nodded. “Definitely. Especially since you’ve gotten away from your parents. You may not feel sure of who you are but you know what you want.” My bottom lip poked out at him. “Since when did you get so wise? I guess it’s cause you’re an old man.” I said and his jaw dropped. “Okay that’s crossing the line!” He said but the smile on his lips told me he found it funny like I did. “You really think I’ll get in?” I asked and he nodded. “I do.” I smiled at him and sighed. “I guess I’ll have a little faith in myself then.” I thought about my next question. I didn’t want to ask but I wanted to know. “How’s Jake?” I asked and Bradley chuckled. “Still wondering why you’re angry. He cornered me on the ship the other day.” My eyebrows shot up. “He did?” I asked. “He wanted to know why you were mad and cornered me because he thought I knew.” He said. “But you do know.” I said and he laughed. “Yes. But that doesn't mean I have to tell him.”

“I think you’re getting too much pleasure out of him not knowing.” I said and he laughed. “No, not too much. Just enough.” I laughed at his words. “He’s taking it hard, huh?” I asked and he nodded. “It’s bugging him majorly, and apparently his call with Kelly earlier didn’t go so well.” My eyebrows raised. “Really?” I asked and he nodded. “Let’s just say I heard a lot of yelling coming from our bunk.” I worried my lip between my teeth, gnawing on it. “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that would you?” He asked and I sighed. “You cannot let Jake know that you know.” I said and he pretended to zip his lips and throw away the key. “Kelly showed up and she basically told me I’m ruining her relationship, Jake wants me out of the house and then she actually tried to get me to leave.” I said. Bradley was quiet for a moment, his hand covering his mouth. “She really did that?” I nodded. “Something’s always been off about her to me. I liked her well enough but she always struck me as the jealous type.” He said and I sighed. “And now that I’m living here-” “You’re seen as a constant threat.” I nodded, lips pursed. “Guess that’s why he was screaming and I don’t blame him.” I nodded. “He… he begged me to stay.” I said and he seemed baffled. “Jake Seresin? Hangman? Begging? No way.” He said.

“That’s what it seemed like to me.” I said as I looked down, picking at the polish on my toes. “Well even if he does want you gone you can always come live with me.” He offered and I smiled at him. “Thank you, Bradley. I appreciate that.” He smiled back. “Well I better get off here. Almost time to go to bed.” He said and I smiled at him. “Goodnight, Bradley.” I said and he smiled. “Good luck with your interviews and let me know how they go.” I nodded. “Bye, Katie!” He said and the call ended. I flopped back on the couch, taking a deep breath. It was hard to think about how far I’ve come in the last two months. Since leaving my parents I’ve found out a lot about myself, one of those things being, without a routine I can’t keep myself straight. I was running late all the time for just about everything!

I was determined to not run late for my two interviews so I woke up that morning and immediately got ready. I curled my hair, did light makeup, pulled on a navy knee length pencil skirt and a white tie neck puff sleeve blouse. I looked cute and thankfully I felt that way. I took my shoes downstairs and sat on the couch. I set an alarm on my phone and opened Twisted Love back up. I hadn’t opened it since I read it last week. I blushed simply opening the book but thankfully read on not coming across any other point that made the space between my legs ache. When my alarm went off I stood and slipped on my nude heels, set my book in my bag and went out to the truck. The drive to the University of San Diego was a quiet one. I kept thinking about my last interview and I was hoping and praying this one would be different. I want to really show these people that I want this. I sat in the lobby of what seems to be the administration building and waited with two other girls. My leg bounced and bounced as I sat there. I considered pulling out my book, but what if someone here has read it and knows what’s inside? I’d be mortified if someone knew! One of the mahogany doors opened and a man poked his head out. “Blair?” He called and I stood, immediately walking over. “Good morning, Miss Blair.” He said, holding out his hand to shake. “Good morning.” I said, gripping his hand firmly as I shook it. He smiled at me and opened the door wider.

“Just take a seat at the end of the table.” He said. I sat at the end of the long conference table and set my purse next to me on the floor. Everyone was silent for a minute as they looked over some papers and we sat like that until everyone went around and introduced themselves, ending with the director of the program. “Well, you have quite the resume.” She said, setting her papers down. “Why the change from law to nursing?” She asked. I knew this question was coming and I had decided the moment I got this interview I would be honest. “Law was what my parents wanted me to do. Nursing is what I want.” I said and she nodded. “And why did you do what your parents wanted you to for so many years?” I hesitated. “Well… my parents were very manipulative. They skewed my view of the world, they made me see the world only one way and they did it from a young age. Only within the last few months did I realize all this. So I decided it’s time I do what I want with my life.” I said and she smiled at me. “Do you have a good support system?” She asked and I nodded. “I do now.”

Once the interview was over and I stepped out of the conference room I let out a sigh of relief. A grin sat on my face the entire walk out to the truck and once I was inside I squealed. I stomped my feet and banged my hands on the steering wheel. I felt like I could explode! That interview went a thousand times better than I expected. “One down, one to go.” I muttered as I cranked the truck and left. I headed towards San Diego State and stopped for chicken nuggets halfway there, less messy and less chances I’d get something all over my clothes. I sat in the parking lot of their Allied Health building and ate, finishing up with an hour to spare. I was so worried I would get distracted by my phone in the truck I got out and went ahead and went inside. I sat there, waiting what I thought was patiently but apparently it was impatiently according to the guy across from me. “Will you stop?” He asked rudely and my eyes snapped to him. “Your leg bouncing is annoying me.” He declared.

“Then good thing it’s my leg and not yours.” I said, ignoring him. “You’re a bitch aren’t you?” He asked. I could only think of Coop, seeing as that sounded like something he would ask. “I can be when I want to be.” I said, still not looking at him. “Uppity bitch.” I snorted. “I’ve been nice. But I’m over that. If you’re going to get your feelings hurt because someone is doing something you don’t like, then maybe nursing isn’t for you.” I said and he gawked at me. “And don’t get your ego hurt when you get beat out by a bunch of women.” I said. His holier than thou attitude will probably keep him from getting in. Most people who have that attitude can’t hide it and these people conduct so many interviews, they’ll probably notice it before he even opens his mouth. “Miss Blair?” As soon as my name was called I stood, walking towards the door without a look behind me. “Hi.” She said and I nodded, shaking her hand. “Hello.” She closed the door behind us and once again I was sat at another conference table. I was asked why the switch from law to nursing again, but the director caught me off guard with her next question.

“Why apply to this program?” She asked. I hesitated, wondering how I would answer this one. "We'll, it wasn't one that I was originally going to apply to." She raised her brows, surprise taking over her features. "Oh really?" I nodded. "I applied to a few smaller schools but I was encouraged to apply to this one. I honestly didn't think I'd get an interview." I said and she smiled. "Well we were impressed with your transcripts. You did all your prerequisite law classes as well as the nursing classes. That takes dedication." I smiled at her. "I also feel like specializing in medical law gave me a leg up, at least in medical terminology." She nodded and gave me a large smile. Once everyone asked their questions I was allowed to leave and was told I would know something within the next two weeks. Jake and everyone else would be home within two weeks. The past four weeks have dragged on, and now that I was waiting on news from school, the next 2 weeks are gonna feel longer! I talked to Bradley just two days ago, so other than email, I would have to wait and talk to him.

I was ready for everyone to come home, but also, I didn’t want to face Jake. He says he doesn’t want me to leave, but what if he gets mad during our argument and changes his mind? I thought about it the entire way home and came to the decision that if he did want me gone, I’d figure it out. I’d make it work. The next few days I found anything and everything that could take my mind off my interviews and Jake coming home. I finished Twisted love and started A Court Of Thorns and Roses which sucked me in and I felt like i couldn’t finish it fast enough. “He told you to stay away from Calanmai, Feyre!” I yelled out and set the book down. “I think if a high fae told me to stay in my room I would listen.” I said as I stood and went to make dinner. I knew as soon as I finished this book I would have no choice but to go buy the others. That’s what I did as soon as I finished the book. In order to pace myself I only bought the second book, hoping it would slow me down so I didn’t finish as fast. I was so engrossed in it I almost missed Bradley’s call. I heard a buzz and glanced up, my phone was lit up with Bradley’s name and I dove across the couch to answer it. “I was starting to think you wouldn’t answer.” He laughed out. “Sorry! I’ve been so engrossed in these books.” I looked at the time and gasped. “I’ve spent the last four hours reading this book.” I said and he laughed. “You really can get engrossed in those stories can’t you?” He asked and I nodded. “Oh, yeah. It plays out like a movie in my head. I see everything.” He raised his eyebrows. “Really?” I nodded. “I guess that’s why I love books.” I said.

“Next you’ll be telling me you have a voice in your head all the time.” He laughed and I furrowed my brows. “You don’t?” I asked and he shook his head. “You do?” I nodded. “Everything I do, read, say. It all runs through my head. There is always a voice in my head.” He chuckled. “You just keep surprising me.” He said. “So you don’t think it’s weird?” I asked, worried that maybe something was wrong with me. “No. Everyone is different in some way, guess that’s one of yours.” He said and I nodded. “Is it your voice at least?” He asked, with a goofy grin and an eyebrow raised. “Yes, it’s my voice.” I said and he chuckled. “Before I forget, I’ve heard some talk that we may have to go dark.” He said and I sighed. “So no communication at all.” I said and he shook his head. “At least there’s only a week and a half left.” He said and I nodded. “How’s everyone else?” I asked. “Good. Except for Hangman.” He said. “What’s wrong with him now?” I asked. “Well he’s still racking his brain about why you’re mad.” He said. “God, it’s not that hard to figure out.” I said and he chuckled. “I know. He still asks me from time to time.” He paused, chewing his lip for a second. “You can’t tell anybody what I’m about to tell you.” He said and I looked around. “Who am I gonna tell?” I asked and he chuckled. “Right.” I nodded. “Yeah, all my friends are in the middle of the ocean.” I answered snarkily. “What about Kelly?” He asked. “You think I consider her a friend after her little hissy fit she had? Hell no!” I said.

“Well good, because what I’m about to tell you is about her.” He said with a grin. “Bradley.” I said and he nodded. “You’re worse than a woman when it comes to gossip.” I said and he grinned. “I know! Anyway, of course when Hangman called Kelly, it was a yelling match.” I raised my brows at him, a little surprised. “I think they broke up.” He added and guilt settled in my chest. If I had never moved in they wouldn’t have had any problems. “Don’t blame yourself.” Bradley said, breaking me out of my thoughts. “I never thought they’d work out.” He said. “Why not?” I asked and he shrugged. “She was needy. If they weren’t together she would blow up his phone and if he didn’t respond soon enough, damn did she get mad.” He said. “Is he upset about it?” I asked and he shrugged. “I think he’s more upset that you’re mad at him.” He said. “I can’t say I’m that mad anymore. I want to be but I’ve never been able to hold onto anger too long, unless it involves my parents.” I said and he chuckled. “I’d be very surprised if you weren’t mad at your parents.” He said. The rest of our conversation flew by and before I knew it we were saying goodbye. I hoped this wasn’t our last conversation till they got home, but I knew it very well could be.

By the weekend I was bored out of my mind. I stopped reading, trying to pace myself. I couldn’t find anything on tv I liked, the house was squeaky clean too. So, I took to the kitchen. I could cook pretty well, but I figured I would figure out some new things to cook. So I decided to try a twist on the pasta Kelly made my very first night here. I used Italian sausage, sun dried tomatoes, spinach and heavy cream to make a creamy Italian sausage pasta. By the time I finished I was starving and moaned as I took the first bite. “Holy shit.” I said. I easily could’ve eaten all of it but I restrained myself. Then I turned to baking. Mom had never been the best at baking, and I was sure I wouldn’t be. I was right. I first attempted a simple chocolate cake recipe and apparently used too much flour. I quickly learned baking was an exact science and made sure to stick with it. After that I was pretty successful. I managed to make pumpkin bread, which was so good. Then I made cookies, freezing half the dough because I apparently made a lot. I eventually had to stop because there were so many leftovers and baked goods in the fridge I had no room for anything else in the fridge. So I went back to reading.

I checked the mail the morning everyone was due to come home and found two letters in the mailbox, one from the University of San Diego and another from San Diego State. I rushed inside, ripping them open and giving myself a papercut in the process, but I didn’t care. I read them both before I squealed, jumping around. Both schools requested me to take their entrance exams, the very last thing to do before I find out if I got in or not. I could’ve exploded from the excitement and I threw myself on the couch, kicking my legs on the cushion. Once I calmed down, I was surprised that no one called the cops because of all the screaming I did, but I sat and stared at the letters, reading them over and over again. But finally I pulled myself away and went back to reading. I was curled up on the couch with a blanket over me, totally lost in the story when my phone rang out loud. I had my volume turned up that way if anyone called when they got home I wouldn’t miss it. I expected Bradley to call at some point, but when I picked it up, my heart felt like it would beat out of my chest. Jake’s name and picture flashed across my screen and I hesitated on answering, but I finally did. “Hello?” I asked, bringing the phone up to my ear. “Hey, darlin’.” I wanted to simply melt at the sound of his voice. I didn’t realize how much I really missed him till I heard it. “Um a-are you docked yet?” I asked knowing it was a stupid question and that they docked an hour ago. “We are.” He said, almost breathlessly it sounded like.

“When will you be home?” I asked and he sighed. “Well, I was gonna ask you about that.” He said and I raised a brow. “Oh?” Why would he be calling me? “Would you come pick me up?” He asked.”What about Kelly?” I asked, a hint of annoyance in my voice. “She’s apparently staying late at the office and can’t get away.” He said. “So what do you say? Come get me, darlin’?” I smiled at the name. “I guess. Since you so desperately need me.” I teased. “You have no idea.” I giggled. “I’ll be there soon.” I said. “See you soon, darlin’.” I hung up and changed into a floral sundress and brushed out my hair. We still had to talk when we got home and I was still a little angry with him, but a part of me still wanted to look good. I slid on my shoes, grabbed the truck keys, my purse, and the letters before making my way out of the house. I was nervous the entire drive there, and I was practically shaking as I turned into the parking lot. I got out, looking around in the sea of white uniforms, hoping to spot him. But I knew I never would. I kept my head low and leaned against the front of the truck, not wanting anyone to spot me, especially anyone who would tell my dad. I sent Jake a text, telling him I was here and where I was parked. I would’ve called him but if he was having any conversations I didn’t want to interrupt. It was another twenty minutes before I heard a voice calling my name. “Katie!” I looked up seeing Natasha waving at me. I waved back and she rushed over, Bradley and Bob not far behind her. She yanked me into a hug which caught me off guard, but I quickly returned it. “I'm so glad y’all are home!” I said as she let go and I hugged Bradley. “So you did miss us.” He said and I scoffed. “More like you keep me entertained. A girl can only read so much.” I said and they laughed before I hugged Bob. “How was it?” I asked. “We all came home alive, that’s all I really care about.” Natasha said.

I noticed some scratches on her face as well as Bob’s but I didn’t say anything about it. “Well I’m glad everyone is okay.” I said. Out of the corner of my eye I saw movement and spotted Jake making his way over. “Alright, let’s let Romeo have his moment with her.” Bradley said and they all said goodbye before walking away, leaving me with a blush on my face. As he came closer I could see the smile on his face and once he got close enough he dropped his bags and his arms went around my waist. My arms wrapped around his neck as a reaction and he lifted me off my feet. I could feel his breath on my neck and I was worried he would feel my heart beating rapidly. His face was buried in his neck as he squeezed me tightly. “Fuck.” He muttered. “I missed you.” I was caught off guard by his words but I couldn’t deny that I missed him too. “I missed you too.” I said as my fingers gently messed with the hairs at the base of his neck. I didn’t think he would ever let me go, but after a few minutes he put me down, grinning at me. “How was it?” I asked. “Hard, but we’re all alive and I’m finally home.” He said, smiling brightly. “Anything interesting happen while I was gone?” He asked. “Actually,” I started, grabbing the two letters and handing them to him. He read over both of them and smiled. “Congratulations!” He yelled, sweeping me into another hug, making me laugh. “I interviewed for both of them two weeks ago and I guess they thought I was good enough for their entrance exams.” I said. “Hell yeah you’re good enough! Why didn’t you tell me?” He asked. “I didn’t really tell anyone except Bradley and Natasha. I wanted to keep it to myself for the most part.” I said and his face fell slightly. “Oh well… that makes sense.” He said. “Well, I’m sure you’re ready to go home.” I said and he nodded. “Yeah and uh, I guess we need to have that talk.” He said and I nodded. “Yeah. We do.” I said quietly. “Well, come on then.” He tossed his bag in the backseat before opening my door for me and helping me in.

The ride home was quiet and the awkwardness was growing. But I was a little annoyed as well. He left without a word and comes home acting like nothing was wrong. Hell, when he mentioned having that talk he was grinning like a fool. It unnerved me, him acting like nothing was wrong and this was going to be a little friendly chat. When we got home I let him set his bag down and take care of some stuff before he came back down stairs in a white t-shirt and jeans. “So…” He said as he walked past me, heading for the fridge. “Why did you- holy shit.” He said as he looked inside. “Were you cooking for the entire Navy?” He asked, looking at me with a grin. But when he saw my face, not smiling, his fell. He grabbed a water and closed the fridge, leaning on the counter across from me. “Why did you think I wanted you to leave?” He asked. “Kelly was pretty convincing when we got into it.” I said and he huffed. “Yeah, we talked about it.” He said. “Look, we need to be really open and honest here. I feel like every time I turn around I’ve pissed you off or upset you.” I told him, hoisting myself up onto the counter. “No. I just don’t know what to say to you sometimes.” He said and I felt bad. “I don’t know how to deal with someone being so nice to me.” I told him. “Well I don’t really know how to tell you to deal with it.” There was no venom in his voice, he was sincere and for some reason that bothered me. “I don’t want you to tell me how to deal with it.” I snapped. “I can figure that out myself.” His eyes widened in surprise.

“That’s one thing we need to talk about. I am so nice to you, but sometimes you get so angry at me and I did nothing. You just blow up out of nowhere!” He said, his voice growing louder. “I blow up because sometimes I don’t know what else to do!” I said, my voice leveling with his. “Then figure it out!” “It’s not that fucking easy!” I yelled back. “Then what? Do you want me to walk around and tell you I’m not mad every five minutes?” “No! I just need you to not ignore me! Don’t stomp around the house after we’ve had a conversation!” I could feel the heat in my face, blood rushing to it from anger. “I do not stomp!” My eyes widened at his words. “Oh yes you do! Like when I came in late from Natasha’s the night before you left!” He slammed his water bottle down on the counter, making me jump. “Because I was woken up in the middle of the night!” He said. “I didn’t force you to sleep on the couch! You didn’t have to wait on me!” I said, hopping down from the counter.

“Of course I did! Do you know what I’ve been doing the past six weeks? WORRYING ABOUT YOU!” He yelled and it felt good. This is what I was used to. “I NEVER ASKED YOU TO WORRY ABOUT ME!” I screamed. “WELL TOO DAMN BAD! BECAUSE I FUCKING DO!” We were nose to nose at this point, both of our faces red in anger. I stared up at his face, his green eyes shining and I watched as they flicked down to my lips and mine did the same. “You’re acting like a child.” He said quietly. “WELL I WONDER WHY!” I yelled, a step back. “ME TOO! BECAUSE I CAN’T FIGURE OUT WHAT THE HELL HAS HAD YOU PISSED AT ME FOR SIX FUCKING WEEKS!” “YOU’D BE PISSED TOO IF SOMEONE YOU CARED ABOUT LEFT FOR A MONTH AND A HALF WITHOUT SAYING GOODBYE!” My words seemed to send him reeling, so much so he leaned back, eyes wide. “What?” He asked. “You asked if I wanted you to wake me up the morning you left, and I said yes.” Tears formed in my eyes and I felt stupid for it. I’ve been mad about this for this long and now I cry? “I woke up the next morning, alone, and you were long gone by that time.” I said, wiping my cheeks. “Oh, Katie.” He said, stepping closer. “No, darlin’. I was gonna wake you up, but you never answered when I knocked on the door, and when I opened it, you were dead asleep and I hated to wake you.” He said.

“I was gonna wake you but Kelly said since you got in so late you were probably exhausted. She said she’d go into work late and come back here to tell you why. But I guess that didn’t happen.” He said. “No. It didn’t.” I said. He reached up, his hand resting on my cheek as he wiped the tears from it. “Darlin’. I’m sorry. Is that why you thought I was mad?” I nodded and he sighed. His hand moved from my cheek to the back of my neck, pulling me into him and his lips landed on my forehead. I immediately relaxed into him and my arms went around his waist. “I’m sorry, darlin’.” He muttered against my forehead. We stayed like that for a few minutes before he released me. “Is that the only reason you were mad at me?” He asked and I nodded. “Good. Now, I’m starving so what all is in this fridge?” He asked and I laughed. Of course he was hungry, he’s probably hardly eaten all day. We fixed some leftovers and sat down at the table to eat. “So, what do you need to do before these entrance exams?” He asked. “Need to study?” I nodded. “Well SDSU sent me a word document with a study guide and USD sent me a link to a study book. I guess I just need to review them both.” He nodded. “I have two weeks off, but if you want, you can send them to me and I can print off physical copies on base.”

“I don’t wanna make you go to base during your time off.” I said and he shook his head. “I have to go tomorrow for a mission debrief, so I can do it then.” I nodded. “Okay. That’ll work.” I grinned at him. The next day he came home from base with stacks of paper. “How many pages were there?!” I asked in shock. “Not a lot. I just made multiple copies.” I took a few from him to lighten the load and set them on the table. “Well thank you.” I said as he sat the rest down. “Want some help studying?” He asked and I shook my head. “No, I do my best studying alone.” I said and he nodded. The next two weeks I spent almost every waking moment studying. Bradley and Natasha quizzed me one day when they came over and I felt like I was doing good. “Hey Jake?” I asked, peeking my head into his bedroom as he grabbed his laundry. “Yeah?” He asked. “Do you mind helping me study on Thursday night?” I asked. “I just wanna make sure I know everything before Friday.” Both of my exams were on Friday but thankfully I could take them here on Jake’s computer. “Yeah. I don’t have any plans.” He said with a grin. “Awesome! I’m pretty comfortable that I know it all, but I just want to make sure.” He walked by, nudging me as he did. “You’re pretty smart, I think you’ll do great.” His words of encouragement made me grin and I leaned against the doorframe, watching him head downstairs. What the hell am I doing? I have to get my feelings in check.

Come Thursday I took a break from studying, giving my mind a rest before the tests tomorrow. I slept in, and spent most of my day curled up on the couch or my bed reading. But just around dinner time I gathered all my study materials and went downstairs. I set everything up on the dining room table and grabbed a water and some watermelon I had cut up yesterday. I found when I study, I constantly want to eat and it helps with keeping my attention. “Hey, Jake!” I called up the stairs. “Yeah?” He asked as he came downstairs. I was a little surprised at his attire. Grey slacks, black button up and dress shoes. “What’s got you all dressed up?” I asked. “Date with Kelly. I’m running late and I still have to grab flowers.” He kissed my forehead before rushing off towards the door. “I’ll probably be home late. Don’t wait up, darlin’.” With that he dipped out, locking the door behind him and leaving my standing between the dining room and living room. Tears immediately started down my face as I saw his headlights flash in the window and his truck tear down the road. He forgot. He had a date with Kelly and forgot that he said he’d help me study. “God!” I yelled. “Quit fucking crying over everything.” I told myself before I sat at the table, pulling my papers closer. I don’t fucking need him to help me study, I’ve done just fine on my own for two weeks so far so I don’t need him now.

I sat at the table and attempted to study but I could hardly pay attention. I huffed and tossed my pencil onto the table before standing. Just as I did that the rain started to pour outside, thunder with it. Maybe now with the constant noise of the rain I’ll be able to focus. I sat back down and was able to get a lot of studying done until suddenly the power cut out. I let out a yell as it did, and sat up straight. “Dammit.” I groaned. I grabbed my phone and turned on the flashlight on my phone before standing and going into the kitchen. “I swear he told me there were some candles in here for emergencies. I rooted around all the drawers and cabinets before climbing onto the counter and looking in the cabinet above the fridge and found some. “Thank god!” I yelled before grabbing a few and getting off the counter. I lit two and put them in the living room, one at the dining room table with me and one in the kitchen. I sat back down and started studying. “Guess I gotta do it the way my parents did.” I remarked. My parents seemed old enough to have done everything by candlelight. I sat there for about half an hour, the storm raging on when I thought I heard the front door. I looked up, attempting to see through the dark but was startled by a voice. “Hey, darlin’.” I jumped slightly at the voice but instantly relaxed when I realized it was him. I just glared at him for a second before turning back to my papers.

“C’mon, darlin’. Just hear me out?” He asked and I sighed, deciding I might as well hear him out. “What?” I snapped. “I realized as soon as we sat down at the restaurant what happened.” He said. “And what was that?” I asked. “That I forgot I’d help you study.” He said quietly. “But as soon as I realized, I ordered our food to go. Then I stopped and got that wine you like, and some flowers.” He held up a beautiful bouquet of roses. “Please let me make it up to you?” He asked. “When you said ‘our’ food?” I asked. “Mine and yours.” He said. “And Kelly?” I asked. “She was pissed when I told her, and my mother would shoot me for this, but I kind of left her stranded at the restaurant. I got our food and left.” He said. “She tried to argue with me. Telling me that if I left it was over.” A part of me felt bad for Kelly but the other part of me, the immature part wanted to laugh in her face. “But I didn’t care. I’m tired of being given ultimatums.” He said. “She’s done it before?” I asked and he nodded. “Not with you but with other girls. She even tried it with Natasha.” He said. “Can you forgive me?” He asked, a soft smile gracing his face. “Help me study and maybe I’ll consider it.” I said, taking the bouquet from him. “Thank you.” He said and I leaned over, kissing his cheek. “Now let’s eat. I can’t seem to study on an empty stomach.” I said and he grinned before jumping up. He got the food ready, poured the wine and sat down with me. It was hard to not find some romance in this. Eating Italian food together by candlelight, some wine and roses? I just hoped I could keep my hopes down. Because if I didn’t the heartbreak was inevitable.

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#undiagnosed #jake seresin #jake hangman seresin #hangman #top gun maverick #jake seresin top gun #jake seresin x oc #neurodivergent oc #jake seresin x neurodivergent oc #adhd oc

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callsign-magnolia · 11 months

Text

Undiagnosed // Ch. 5

Mature Content 18+

Jake Seresin x Neurodivergent OC

Warnings: Emotional abuse, trauma response, abusive parents.

Word Count: 7.0k

Chapter 4 | Masterlist

After his apology, Jake was a little more eager to hang out with me while I study. His presence became calming almost. Any time Coop came in the room, one glare from Jake and he was turning around and leaving. It filled me with joy to see him running with his tail tucked between his legs. “Katie!” I whirled around in my seat to see Jake rushing over, a sly grin on his face. “What?” I asked and he motioned me to follow him. I stood, following him to the window where he yanked the blinds up. I never realized you could see the tarmac from here. “Okay… I see jets.” He laughed, pointing down towards the right corner. “Look down there.” I leaned over, looking and I saw two bodies by the jets, with another small body standing in front of them. I adjusted my glasses and realized it was Blake and Coop, with Maverick standing before them. Maverick’s mouth was moving but I obviously couldn’t hear anything. “Two hundred and fifty burpees. Mav is not taking this lightly.” I observed as they jumped in the air before dropping to the ground and going into a push up. “Why though?” I asked. “They screwed up. Left Bob and Phoenix to fend for themselves against Maverick. Then he got tone on them.” I nodded. “So you all have to do burpees if you mess up?” He shook his head. “No. Everyone else has to do two hundred pushups. It’s hard but not as hard as two hundred and fifty burpees.” I chuckled, watching them struggle. “I shouldn’t be laughing.” I said, turning back to the table.

“I think you have every right to laugh.” He said as I sat down, looking up at him over the rim of my glasses. “What they did was wrong on so many levels. So go ahead and laugh at their pain.” I giggled at him as he sat across from me. He smiled and stared at me for a minute. “What?” I asked. “You wanna go out on Saturday?” My smile dropped as I looked at him. “Are you fucking serious? You have a fucking girlfriend.” He sat back, wide eyed and shaking his head. “No! No, no! Dammit.” He ran his hands down his face before taking a deep breath. “I meant, do you want to go out with the team and I on Saturday? We’re all going to the Hard Deck for drinks.” I let out the breath I was holding. “Sorry. I was just caught off guard. Um, I think my parents and I have plans this weekend.” He nodded and proceeded to help me study. “Medical law really is boring.” I nodded in agreement. “What would you be doing if you didn’t have to do this to please your parents?” I didn’t even have to think about it. “Nursing school. I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was a little girl.” He smiled at me. “I think you’d be a good nurse.” I smiled at him. “Thanks. I’ve never had someone tell me they thought I’d be good at something.”

“You mean, your parents never told you that they thought you’d be good at something?” I shook my head. “Well, my mom had me in pageants as a kid and my talent was usually gymnastics. She told me I was good at it, but then I went and broke my leg.” He chuckled as he leaned back in his seat, fingers tapping the table. “It’s not like you did it on purpose. How’d it happen?” I sighed, setting my pencil down. “My mom set up the little balance beam we had. She had placed the mats down next to it so if I fell I didn’t hurt myself. But she didn’t secure them and I messed up once so they shifted. I went into a back handspring and I went sideways. We’re still not completely sure how it happened but I snapped my femur in half.” He looked at me wide eyed. “How old were you?” I shrugged. “Seven I think. Mom yelled at me the entire ambulance ride and I was grounded for three months for ruining my chances at winning.” His jaw dropped. If this were a cartoon it would’ve broken through the table with the way he looked. “Wait, wait, wait. You mean to tell me that you snapped the strongest bone in your body at seven years old, and you were in trouble. You realize that’s technically her fault and not yours.” I sighed, shoulders dropping. “It’s in the past now, Jake. Let’s just drop it.” He could tell I didn’t want to talk about it anymore. “You realize there’s a pattern right?” I nodded. “Is this how it’s been your whole childhood?” I huffed in anger, slamming my book shut. “Yes, are you happy? Is that what you wanted to hear?” I raised my voice as I stood. He stood as well, coming around the table and standing mere inches from me as he leaned one hand on the table. “No, darlin’. Of course not. I just-it’s wrong.”

My face flushed at the nickname, not used to being called anything other than Katie. I cleared my throat, stepping back from him as he looked at me in confusion. “I should get back to studying. I have my last exam before finals coming up.” He nodded, moving so I could sit back down and once again I buried my nose in my book. The air in the room changed after that and we went silent, only speaking when he left and told me goodbye. He bugged me on Saturday, asking if I was sure I couldn’t come out. It’s not because I didn’t want to. I’d love to go out with other people and have fun, but it’s just not something I’m able to do. But ever since then, every Friday and Saturday night I would get a text from Jake, asking the same thing.

Wanna join us for drinks tonight?

I had to explain that it wasn’t because I didn’t want to, but more on the lines of convincing my parents to let me out unsupervised. He of course sent the eye roll emoji but in the end told me he understood. But that didn’t deter him from asking. Which made me feel good, like maybe my answers hadn’t annoyed him to the point he just stopped trying. But I planted the bug in my parents ear after the first time he asked and for weeks I’ve been dropping hints. “Hey mom?” I asked, sitting her drink next to her as she read her book in the family room. “What?” She snapped. “While I was in class today-” “Speak up! God, Katie. When are you going to learn that no one can hear you when you mumble!” I took a step back as a reflex before clearing my throat. “While I was in class, Professor Dunlap mentioned that the Hard Deck was doing a true crime trivia night this next Saturday, and they’ll have a lot of law questions. So if I go, I can get extra credit.” She scoffed at my question and I started pulling on my thumbs behind my back, trying to keep myself calm. “It’s also supporting a local charity.” She looked up from her book, raising a brow at me. “What’s it for?” She asked and I had to bite back the smile that was growing on my face. “Childhood cancer.” My mother is always doing events for various charities but her biggest one is childhood cancer. It’s a good cause but mom does it solely to show people, ‘how giving we are.’ In reality she doesn’t care, it’s all about image, just like everything else in our lives.

“You always say I should be more involved in charity, this would be good for me.” She seemed to think about it for a minute. “Let me discuss it with your father.” I nodded, turning and going up to my room where I felt like my chest was going to explode with excitement. For the next two weeks I’ve been kicking ass at studying, even allowing my parents to quiz me and showing them that I’ve done the work. I also went out of my way to do things without being asked, thinking maybe if I show some responsibility and maturity they’ll let me go. I was in the middle of studying when my mom came into my room Friday night. “What are you doing?” She asked. “I’m studying chapter thirty-six.” She raised a brow. “I thought you were on chapter thirty-three.” I nodded. “We are. But I finished it and I feel confident about it, so I worked ahead. Which means I’ve done the next two weeks' assignments.” She seemed impressed, looking around my room. “Your room needs a little work.” I nodded. “Yeah I need to wash my laundry and my bedding.” She nodded, turning to leave. “You need to dust and vacuum too. Your father and I were invited to a formal luncheon tomorrow and it’s just your father and I. We’ll have to leave you here… so if you can get this room straight, you can go to the Hard Deck.” She dipped out of the room after that and I grinned, excitedly reaching for my phone, shooting Jake a text.

Got plans tomorrow night?

I buried my nose into my textbooks, working hard to keep my mind busy. But I kept picking up my phone, hoping he replied. After twenty minutes his reply came through.

Same plans as every weekend, darlin’. Why?

How would you feel about adding one more person to your plans?

I didn’t even have to wait for a reply, as if he sat there and stared at his phone, waiting.

You’re not messing with me are you? This isn’t some cruel joke?

I had to cover my mouth to hold back my laugh, not wanting to alert my parents to anything.

No joke. My parents have plans and for some reason, they’ve allowed me to leave the house unsupervised.

Awesome, we’ll be there around seven!

I was so excited to go out! So much so I barely slept that night. The next morning I got up, stripping my bed and tossing everything into the washer. By twelve my parents left for their luncheon, giving me strict instructions on what I could and could not do. I was putting my sheets back on my bed when my phone rang. “Hello?” I asked, holding the phone between my cheek and shoulder. “Hey, darlin’.” The southern accent greeted me. “Hi, Jake.” I said, tucking my fitted sheet over the corner of my mattress. “You’re not gonna bail on us are you?” He asked and I giggled, shaking my head. “No. I just have a few things to do before I go.” He hummed. “Like what?” He asked. “Uh, I need to dry my comforter, wash and dry my clothes and put them away, then I need to clean my fish tank.” I could hear rustling on the other side. “How long is that gonna take?” I looked at the clock, seeing it said twelve-forty five. I did the math in my head. “About four and a half hours.” It went silent for a moment and I thought maybe the call dropped. “Jake?” I asked. “Four and a half hours for laundry and your fish tank?” I nodded. “Yeah, an hour to wash my clothes while my comforter dries, an hour to dry my clothes and maybe fifteen minutes to fold all of it. Then I need about two hours for my fish tank. But after that I have to shower and get ready.”

“What if I came over and helped you?” I was caught off guard by the question. “Um, I don’t know.” I ran my hands through my hair. “Come on, Katie. I’m sure that fish tank is heavy too.” I huffed, looking at the tank. It was twenty gallons and it was heavy, empty and full. “Okay. But you need to get here fast and you have to be gone before three-thirty. My parents will be back at four.” I heard him jump to his feet. “Send me the address, darlin’. I’m on my way.” I bit my lip, fighting back a grin at the name he seems to have given me. “Okay.” My voice was airy as we said goodbye and hung up. I text him my address, leaning against my door as I did so. My parents would literally kill me if they found out I had a male in general in the house without them here. But for Jake to be under my father’s command? That was a whole other realm of problems, especially considering the rumors that flew months ago. Maybe I should call him and tell him not to come? That would be the best thing to do. I broke away from my thoughts to grab my phone, but I was interrupted by the doorbell going off.

I made my way downstairs, peeking out the window next to the door, swinging it open when I saw the familiar head of blonde hair. Jake smiled at me as he leaned on the door frame. His hair wasn’t perfectly fixed, hanging messily in front of his eyes. He had on a black shirt with some blue gym shorts slung low on his waist, and damn, have his arms always been that big. “It’s weird seeing you in casual clothing.” He said and that’s when I realized I was in a baggy shirt and shorts. “Sorry. I didn’t see the point in dressing up just to clean.” I said as I stepped back. “Come in.” He did and I shut the door behind him. “Want anything to drink?” I asked as he looked around. My house was by no means small, and my mother wanted to show off to anyone and everyone, so it always looked grand. “I’ll take a water.” I nodded, walking to the kitchen as he followed me. I grabbed a glass from the cabinet, filling it with water and handing it to him. He chuckled, looking at the glass. “No bottles?” I laughed, filling my own glass. “No, we’re too good for bottles according to my mother.” He chuckled. “How long did it take you to get here?” He shrugged, setting the glass down. “Like twenty minutes.”

I sat on my floor, against my bedroom door for twenty minutes? I shook the thought off, motioning him to follow me. “You can sit here while I toss my clothes in the washer, then we’ll tackle the fish tank.” He looked around my room before turning back to me. “I can help.” I laughed as I grabbed the basket full of clothes. “It’s putting laundry in the washer. It’s kind of a one person job.” He flashed me a smile, and I laughed. “I’ll be right back.” As I was tossing my clothes in, I was grateful that he didn’t insist on helping me. That would mean he would’ve seen my panties, and for some reason, that made redness flare across my cheeks. I never thought things like that would make me blush. Every woman wears panties. Right? I shook the thoughts away and went back upstairs. I walked into my room to see Jake looking at all the pageant trophies my mother kept on display. “This was really you?” I nodded. “That hard to believe?” He shook his head. “No, you just look so young but so mature at the same time.” I nodded. “Lots of makeup, lots of spray tan.”

“So who's who?” He asked, leaning down to look into the tank. “You wanna know their names?” He nodded. “I mean, I’m about to remove them from their home, figured I’d know their names first.” I laughed at his words. “The two goldfish are Splish & Splash, I actually bought them together.” He nodded. “How can you tell them apart?” I pointed at Splish as she swam by. “That’s Splish. Not long after I got her, Georgie, the guppy with the veil shaped tail over there attacked her. They were still little at the time and he damaged her left fin. She’s fine but I really thought I was gonna have to separate them into separate tanks.” He nodded. “So Splash is this other one that’s next to her?” I nodded. “Georgie was the very first one I got, my parents got him for me. But then I got Splish and Splash. Simon is my angelfish over there and after him I got Ripley.” “She’s a neon tetra right?” I nodded. “Most people don’t know their species names.” He chuckled, standing up straight. “My nephew has a fish tank and it’s full of them.” I smiled at him. “Fish tanks are very relaxing, and I’ve learned alot from having them.” He raised a brow. “Like what?” He asked and I went into the bathroom, grabbing the container I put them in when I cleaned their tank. “Like goldfish have no stomach and can live to be forty years old.” “Forty years?” I nodded. “They also have short memories, but not as short as people think. It goes about three months and they can recognize people's faces.”

He seemed surprised as I climbed onto the small step stool I keep in my room, placing the container in the water. “Hand me that net?” I asked, pointing to the other side of the tank. He handed it to me and watched as I corralled them into the container before I pulled it out. “You just herded them like cattle.” I laughed and nodded. “It’s routine now. They know when they see the net to move towards the container.” I said as I went into the bathroom, setting the container back onto the counter so they didn’t get knocked around. I used another container to empty more water until there was virtually none left. “Okay, just grab an end and lift.” He held his hand out, grabbing the tank long ways and just lifting it off the table. I couldn’t help but stare for a moment as the muscles in his arms rippled. “Jake! Please be careful! Please don’t spill any of it!” He carried it as if there was no problem. “Where do you want it?” He asked. “In the tub.” He nodded, carefully setting it down. “Thank you, but I would’ve helped you carry that.” He shook his head. “You carry that on your own?” I nodded. “No one helps you?” I shook my head. “They’re my fish, my responsibility. Why would anyone help me?” I asked, pulling out all my supplies. I could feel the tension in the air and his eyes on my back, but when I turned back around he just smiled at me.

We got to cleaning out the tank. I stood in the large tub on one side of the tank and he sat on the edge on the other side. We were halfway done when he decided to splash water in my face. “I know you did not.” He laughed, looking up at me. “You said you needed a shower anyway. Figured I’d help you get started.” I splashed water back in his face. That started us tossing water at each other. “Stop!” I squealed as he soaked my glasses. I took them off, shaking them out. “And now I'm blind.” I joked, handing him my glasses to set on the counter behind him. As he did I looked past him, catching a tall form in the doorway. Even without my glasses I could tell it was my father, and I could tell he was mad. “Daddy.” The words escaped my mouth as I backed into the shower wall, wanting as much distance between us as possible. It helped that Jake was between us, but I was still scared. Jake looked up at me, seeing the fear on my face and looked behind him, standing as he saw my parents in the doorway. “Commander.” “Why are you in my house Lieutenant?” My father didn’t miss a beat in asking him.

Jake opened his mouth to answer. “I asked him to come. I really wanted to go to the Hard Deck tonight and asked if he would help me finish everything so I could go.” My dad’s jaw ticked as Jake looked back at me, but I barely shook my head, telling him to keep his mouth shut. “You need to leave, Lieutenant.” My heart thudded in my chest as he looked back at me before stepping over the edge of the tub and making his way out downstairs. I couldn’t hear anything except my blood rushing in my ears, but when I heard the front door shut everything caught up with me. My mother took off to the left towards her room and my father surged forwards. “NO!” I screamed, attempting to duck away from him but he caught my hair that was piled in a bun on top of my head. I screamed as he pulled it, causing me to trip over the edge of the tub and crash to the stone tiled floors below. “GET UP!”

I pushed myself up but he was faster, grabbing my hair again and pulling me up as a scream escaped my lips. I couldn’t get my feet under me as he literally tossed me out of the bathroom. I couldn’t get my hands out in front of me fast enough and landed face first on the carpet, blood immediately pouring out of my nose. I sat up as I heard something metal behind me, but as I went to turn and face my father I caught sight of the front door that was at the bottom of the stairs. Green eyes met my own as an angry look overtook Jake’s face. He took his hand off the doorknob and turned for the stairs, but the pleading look on my face made him stop. He couldn’t get involved, not now. “YOU’RE A FUCKING WHORE!” My dad yelled, bringing his belt down on my bare thigh making me close my eyes and scream. When I opened them I saw Jake was gone and I curled into the fetal position as my dad continued to bring his belt down. Once he left me lying on the hallway floor, I managed to get up, my entire body aching as I did so. I finished the tank and got my fish back in before I crawled into the hot shower. My back and legs stung as I gently washed my body, spotting a whelps that was lightly bleeding. He’s never been that angry, he’s never hit me with his belt. I shook at the memory, curling up on the shower floor for a minute, letting the scalding hot water wash over my body.

I only got out when Mom banged on the bathroom door, telling me to get out. Once I was dry and in my pajamas, I went into my room, closing the door. I fed my fish and then crawled into my bed, not caring that it was only six o’clock, my muscles screamed at me as I pulled the covers up to my chin. Tears soaked my face as I listened to my phone buzz for the thousandth time. I knew Jake was blowing up my phone, and probably Natasha and Bradley as well. But after what happened earlier, I just didn’t wanna talk to anyone. I should’ve anticipated them coming home early. We could've avoided this. Eventually, I dozed off listening to the filter in the fish tank, but I was woken up not long later when my bedroom light turned on. “Get up!” I screamed as my dad grabbed the back of my shirt, yanking me out of bed. He dragged me over to my desk before slamming me down in the chair. “If you’re going to be a whore, you’ll at least be an educated one.” He said before walking out of the room and slamming my door shut behind him. Tears dripped onto my textbook as I cried. You knew better. You knew the repercussions of inviting him over. I attempted to shake the thoughts away but it was no use. Just admit it. You’re desperate for friends, desperate to not be alone.

I cried the rest of the night and well into Sunday. By Monday I was too numb to cry, I couldn’t feel anything and I wore a long dress to cover my legs and the whelps that covered them. I don’t remember much of the day, only really comprehending anything until Natasha sat across from me, placing her hand on mine. I jumped from my chair, staring down at her for a second before I relaxed, only to jump again when a hand touched my back. I turned, tripping over my chair as Bradley grabbed my arms. “Katie. Hey?” He stood me up and bent down to look me in the face. “You okay?” I didn’t say anything, I just nodded and sat in the chair, tucking my hands between my thighs hoping the pressure would keep me from drifting off in my own head. “Katie we heard what happened.” Natasha got up, opting to take the chair next to me. I dropped my head, looking at the floral patterned dress that covered my thigh. “Katie, Jake was so pissed he called out today. He said he was sick, but really if he saw Commander Blair he might’ve lost it.” Bradley said as he squatted down next to my chair. I didn’t say anything, I didn’t know what to say. “What happened, Katie?” Natasha asked and I shook my head. “It was my fault.”

“How was it your fault?” Bradley asked. “I shouldn’t have let him come over. If I had just told him to stay home it wouldn’t have happened.” Natasha grabbed my hands from between my legs, taking them both in hers. “This is not your fault, Katie. It doesn't matter what you did, no one deserves… oh my god.” I realized my dress had shifted, the slit on the side revealing one of the whelps. “Oh-” I went to stop her but she moved my dress, revealing part of my thighs, the whelps becoming even more visible. “Katie.” Her voice sounded so sad and Bradley looked livid. “You have to get out of there.” He said as he towered over me. He’s never hurt me before but he scared me hovering like that. “Sit down.” Natasha said quietly and he did, sitting in the chair at the end of the table. “Katie-” “I have to figure this out on my own. If anything happens, I don’t want anyone else tangled up in my mess.” They seemed stunned. For months since we met, I’ve been saying I don’t need help, but now I know I do. “If my dad finds out that Jake knows, this whole thing will take a turn and I don’t know if it’ll be for better or worse. So I need to do this myself.” I said as my eyes trained on this one spot on the table in front of me. Natasha sighed, but Bradley nodded. “I get it. But if you need help,” I nodded. “I’ll call if I really need help.” He nodded as my phone buzzed. I looked at it and gasped. “Fuck! My dad texted me five minutes ago to meet him in front of his office!” I quickly gathered my things. “God, he’s gonna kill me!” I said as I made my way to the door. “Katie! You’re not serious are you?” Bradley yelled. But I didn’t turn around and answer, mainly because I wasn’t so sure if he would or not.

That night after dinner I sat up in my room, my parents wanted me to be studying but I’ve done so much of it I’m five chapters ahead. I can slack off some, so I did. I sat in my bed, curled up with another Stephen King book, this time it was The Stand. I had dived into the picture of the world this book painted but was startled out of it when my door slammed open, the door knob putting a hole in the wall. “Why the fuck are you not studying?!” My dad yelled as he saw me, and I shook in my bed. “I’m five chapters ahead and I’ve done the work for the next four weeks.” He was red in the face and let out a loud yell before he swiped all the pageant trophies off my dresser. I didn’t really care about them but I was terrified, backed against my headboard as I watched him. “I’m sick of having a lazy good for nothing daughter who can’t even do the simplest things she’s asked! God! It’s like you’re stupid or something! Where the hell did we go wrong with you?!” He smashed everything as he screamed. My stack of CD’s, he tipped my bookshelf over and even yanked my comforter off my bed. “You are so ungrateful! We’ve given you everything! And you sit there as if you don’t owe us anything for it! YOU WOULD BE NOTHING WITHOUT US!” He screamed as he got in my face. “I don’t need you!” I screamed back.

I yelled out as his nail scratched my face as he ripped my glasses off. “I guess if you aren’t gonna use these to study,” He said as he sat my glasses on my desk, grabbing my fattest textbook. “YOU MUST NOT NEED THEM AT ALL!” “Daddy! Stop!” I jumped up, attempting to grab the book from him. But I was too late. He slammed the book on my glasses, crushing the lenses and destroying my wire frames. I grabbed his arm and he slung me around until I fell over, crashing into the table with my fish tank. “And these fucking fish! I’m so sick of them!” My heart stopped as he launched the book at my tank, glass shattering and water pouring into the floor. “NO!” I screamed. All five fish lay flopping on the floor, gasping for breath. I jumped up, rushing into the bathroom to grab the container I use when I clean their tank. I opened the tap in the sink and filled it with water. It felt like it took ages to fill up but when I finally had enough I left the water on and rushed back to my room, not caring if I spilled water in the hallway. I dropped to my knees, sobbing as I picked them up one by one and put them in the container. “Come on, guys.” I said as I picked up Georgie, gently setting him in the container. “Come on!” I yelled as my dad stood over me. None of them moved, laying on the bottom of the container. He lightly kicked my hip from where he was standing, making me look up and glare at him. “Get the hell over it.” He growled out as he walked over towards my bedroom door. “And clean this shit up.”

He shut my door and looked back down at the bowl, crying when I realized none of them moved. My body shook with sobs as I took my finger, nudging Ripley in hops he would move but he didn’t. “You can’t be dead.” I whispered as I sat back, pulling my knees up to my chest, sobbing. I can’t do this anymore. I should’ve left before now, maybe then they would still be alive. I eventually dragged myself up from the floor, grabbing the bowl and setting it on my desk, next to my crushed glasses. I went into the bathroom, grabbing the broom from there and sweeping up as much glass from my carpet as possible. My parents went to bed already, their closed bedroom door making it obvious. If I cut the vacuum on, who the hell knows what’d happen next. I got up what I could before going back to my room. Everything else could wait until tomorrow morning. I was too scared to lay in my bed, scared he’d come back in and do something to me. So I moved my chair to the other side of my desk so I could see the door and I crossed my arms in front of me, laying my head on them. I stared at the container in hopes it was just stress or the water parameters keeping them on the bottom. I would give them till the morning. My eyes shifting over to my glasses, my bent frames looking like a bent up metal sculpture. I couldn’t hold back anymore tears, letting them fall down my cheeks until they soaked my arms and desk. The next morning was hell. I stepped on a piece of glass, slicing my foot wide open. I was yelled at for missing my first two classes because I had to clean my floors, get up the glass and water, and none of my fish survived. Just like the day before I felt numb, barely remembering how I got to class, and to base. Let alone how I saw to get anywhere, I didn’t even remember walking into the rec room. But I stared at my papers anyway.

“Why are you struggling so hard?” Jake asked when he saw me squinting at the papers in front of me. “Where’s your glasses?” My body froze at his question, my chest getting heavy. “Hey, what is going on?” He asked, squatting down in front of me so he could look up at my face. My hands were between my thighs, the pressure grounding me. “Nothing. I’m fine.” He shook his head, standing and looking at me. “No, you’re not. I know you well enough now to know you’re not okay. So, what is it?” He asked. I took a deep breath, trying my hardest to not dump everything on him. You always run your mouth, at least try to keep this to yourself this time. I shook my head. I don’t run my mouth, and someone should know about the way they treat me. “Um...” I started but immediately stopped. If I start carrying on about this, he'll think I’m weird, he’ll walk away like everyone else. “You know you can tell me, right?” I sighed. “He broke my glasses last night.” It was a whisper. My voice not able to be any louder. “What? Your dad broke your glasses?” I nodded, tears welling in my eyes. “I just- He was yelling at me, and I snapped back. He yanked them off my face and slammed them into my desk before taking my textbook and smashing them.”

I started crying at the memory, he was so angry. The yelling always set me off. “There’s no excuse for him to do that, darlin’.” I shook my head. “No. I wasn’t focused like I should’ve been. I have to pass the bar and I couldn’t keep my nose out of this book I was reading.” I said as my arms crossed over my chest, squeezing myself. “He took them, saying if I wasn’t going to use them to study, I must not need them.” I choked out. “That’s not right. No, That’s not right. He can’t just do that.” I shook my head. “He pays for them, so he can-“ “That is not how that works, no matter what he tells you.” I shrugged. “What else did he do?” I furrowed my brows. “What makes you think he did something else?” He sighed, sitting on the desk in front of me as I started picking around my nails. “Usually once you get something off your chest. You get mad. You’re still upset.” I sighed as he gently gripped my chin, tilting my head up so he could look me in the eyes. God, those beautiful green eyes. “What is it?” I sighed, more tears streaming down my cheeks. “He broke my fish tank.” I choked out. His face immediately fell, and I turned my eyes back to my lap.

“Honey, I’m so sorry. Did any of them-“ I cut him off with a sniffle and a shake of my head. “None of them survived.” I said as I started crying. He pulled me into him, my head resting on his chest as he rubbed my back. “I’m so sorry, darlin’.” After a few minutes I sat back, wiping my tears. My eyes locked onto the small chip on the table in front of me as I spoke. “I’m sorry. This is all so stupid. They were just fish.” I said, trying to play it off like no big deal in hopes he wouldn’t find me weird. “No, it's not stupid. They were your pets; some you’ve had for years.” I felt better, knowing he didn’t find it stupid. Now I felt like I could be upset about it without feeling like I had to keep it all in. But I still furrowed my brows. “You remember that?” He nodded. “Of course, I do. You would go on and on about how much you loved them and the set up you had for them.” I was shocked, I never expected him to remember all those times I talked about them within the last few months. We sat there for a moment, me still crying a little.

“I’m going to say something to him.” He said as he got up, walking out the door. “No! No! No! Bad idea!” I said as I ran in front of him. “What are you going to say anyway? To your fleet commander no less, your new one at that!” “I’m gonna tell him that you don’t deserve this.” I shook my head. “Jake, I’m going to have to ask you to not get involved in this.” I said holding up my hand, but I was shocked when he grabbed it, holding it between both his hands. “And I’m going to have to deny that request.” He said firmly, looking into my eyes. “Why?” He chuckled, looking at my hand, his thumb rubbing my knuckles. “Would you believe me if I said it’s because I care about you?” He asked, taking a step closer. I was shocked, my breathing getting heavier and heavier. “I really do. You have pulled me in with these cute little things you do. Like when you pull on your thumbs, when you scrunch your nose. That little eyebrow quirk-Yeah, that one!” He said as my brow went up. “The way you get excited about little things, and you can’t help but wave your hands around and you do this little dance. I want to do this, because I care about you, Scarlett. I care about you a lot, and I hope you care about me too.”

“I do Jake, I never thought you’d become one of my best friends, but you did. I’m glad you care, but I can’t have anyone else involved with this. I have to figure out how to get out of this on my own.” He shook his head. “I’m done, letting you deal with this alone. You need help.” He said, running his hands through his hair. “Jake, I know. But I have to lay low and be complacent for a while. I just have to let them keep doing this until I find my opening to leave. I’m watched like a hawk twenty-four seven.” His face seemed to turn red in anger. “Be complacent? Be complacent?!” He yelled. I backed into the wall and immediately tears streamed down my face. A reaction I’ve gained over the years. "They don't get to treat you like that!" He yelled as I slid down the wall, tears coating my cheeks. "They're my parents, Jake! They have me trapped financially; I can't do shit about it!" I yelled back, tossing my head back into the wall. “I have to have somewhere to go, Jake. In case you haven’t noticed, I have no life skills! I can’t just leave!” He immediately calmed down, turning to face me. “I have a three bedroom house.” I furrowed my brows, standing from my spot, looking at him. “Jake-” “Come stay with me. I have the room and your parents would never guess, you’d be completely hidden away from them.” It almost sounded too good to be true. “Katie. Seriously, this is your chance and if you don’t take it,” He stopped, standing tall and looking down at me. “I’m just gonna have to force you to go with me.”

This was it. My one chance. One that would probably never come again. Someone who was willing to let me live with them and not tell anyone. “Katie-” “Okay.” I said and immediately my heart started pounding in my chest. “Seriously?” I nodded. “When can you leave?” I asked. “Now. Mav let us out early.” I nodded, pulling my laptop and keys out of my bag, leaving them on the table, tossing my phone in between them. “What are you doing?” He asked as I hoisted my bag onto my shoulder. “My parents can and will track me with my phone and laptop. If I take the car, they’ll report it stolen. Better to just leave it all here.” I said as I turned, motioning him towards the door. “Won’t you need your phone?” He asked and I shook my head. “Better to start over.” I said and he nodded. “God, how are we gonna get out of here without passing my dad’s office?” I asked and he smirked at me, twirling his keys. “I park out by the hangar, all the way on the other side of the base.” I smiled at him. “You’re a genius.” I said and he led the way, rushing through the halls until we got out to the hangar. We rushed towards a black Chevy Silverado, Jake unlocked the doors, helping me into the passenger side before he jumped into the driver's seat. My heart beat thrummed in my ears and I felt lightheaded from the adrenaline as Jake backed out. “You okay?” He asked as I had my eyes locked on one of the jets. “I think so. This is weird and in all honesty I'm scared.” He chuckled, stretching his arm along the back of my seat before he looked at me. “You’ll be fine. I promise.” And for the first time ever. I felt like I could truly trust somebody.

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#undiagnosed #top gun maverick #jake seresin #jake hangman seresin #jake seresin x neurodivergent oc #hangman #jake seresin top gun #top gun #neurodivergent oc #ADHD OC

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