Chapter 52 Positive?

Chapter 52 Positive?
Jared went and picked MJ and Jessi up from their last class. He told them what the coach said.

“How is that possible? You don’t do drugs. Did they mess up? Get your name mixed up or just incompetent?” MJ asked. 

"Yes, this smells set up big time." Jessi agreed.

“I don’t know. I just hope the other test clears my name.” Jared replied. 

MJ is shocked. She can’t believe this is happening. If he’s found guilty on the other test too, he’ll get kicked off the team and lose his scholarship. Where will that leave them? Jared takes her silence as doubting him. 

“You do believe me?” Jared asked. 

“Of course I do. Could over the counter drugs give you false positives?” MJ asked. 

“No, they test for specific drugs.” Jared replied. 

“Then how can it be positive? I don’t understand it.” MJ said. 

“You’re doubting me, aren’t you?” Jared said. 

“What? No, I’m just trying to figure out what’s going on. Jared, I love you. I will stick by your side no matter what.” MJ said. 

“Even if I’m found guilty?” Jared asked.

“Jared.” MJ said. 

“I’m going to go home for the next week until the coach gets the report. I need to clear my head.” Jared said. 

“Away from me you mean?” MJ said. 

They don’t say anything else. They get to the apartment and MJ sits on the couch. Jessi sits beside her holding her hand. MJ refused to let him see her cry. He packed a bag and left. 

After the door closed, MJ went and took a shower and let the tears flow. She sinks down to the floor bringing her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms around them. She buries her face in her knees and continues to cry feeling her heart rip apart. 

Later, she’s not sure how long she heard Marty hollering her name. She got out of the shower, dried off and put on a robe. After MJ filled Marty and Madi in on what happened. They were both shocked and speechless at first. The Marty blew up furious at what she told him.

"What the hell is going on?" He demanded.

"Honey, he's just upset and confused right now. Can you imagine what he's going through being accused of doing drugs and getting kicked off the team. Not only that if he does, he'll lose his scholarship. He'll come around once he clears his head." Madi explained.

MJ couldn't say anything else. Her heart was hurting too much. And she was worried he won't and it being the end for their relationship.

MJ called her aunt Talia and asked if she could look into the local test. She knows something isn't right. There's no way Jared did drugs, she'd know. She was caught off guard by Jared asking if she believed him. Of course she did. She couldn't understand him questioning her loyalty to her.

She sent him a text. "Hey, hope you arrived home safe. Love you, miss you."

Jared didn't respond. Monday, MJ went to classes as normal. Her focus was gone, her heart was still breaking. She still had not gotten a reply from Jared. Not a text nor a call.

Jessi went home a couple of days later. Her and Jake were still arguing about him joining the club. She decided to go home for a visit and talk to him. 

MJ was walking through the hall mindlessly. Not noticing anyone or paying attention to anything. Greg walked in front of her stopping her.

"Hey MJ. I heard about Jared. Tough break." Greg replied.

"Yeah. His name will get cleared. I know my boyfriend." MJ responded.

"Where's he at? Haven't seen him in class." Greg asked.

"He went to visit his parents while we wait on the test results to prove his innocence." MJ explained.

"I see. Well, I don't have lunch plans if you want some company?" Greg asked.

“I’m afraid I’m not very good company right now. But thanks for the offer.” MJ said. 

Each day Greg asks MJ and she refuses. It’s Thursday and once again she refused lunch with him. He wasn't taking her rejection well.

“Hey, you don’t have to talk. Just sit with me while I eat.” Greg grabbed her wrist. 

“Let go of me, I said no!” MJ yelled. 

She jerked her wrist free and Greg looked mad. He got ready to say something, but just then Marty walked up to them. Jessi was behind him along with Madi.

“Is there a problem here sis?” Marty demanded. 

“No, I was just looking for you. I’m ready.” MJ said. 

“Okay, let’s go.” Marty said. 

Friday night Sam and Cindy came over for girls’ night. Trying to lend their support over the whole Jared situation. 

“Still no response?” Sam asked. 

“Nope.” MJ said. 

“That sucks.” Cindy said. 

“Yep.” MJ said. 

"He'll come around." Jessi responded.

“Honey, I am so sorry.” Sam said. 

“Cindy, has your brother had problems with girls?” MJ asked. 

“I’m not sure what you mean?” Cindy said, confused. 

“Problem with not taking no as an answer?” MJ said. 

“I really don’t know. Our parents separated when I was 10. I lived with my mom, and he lived with our dad after the divorce.” Cindy explained. 

“Why?” Cindy asked. 

“Well, he keeps asking me to lunch. I keep saying no. Then yesterday he grabbed my wrist hard trying to keep me from leaving. Then Marty showed up.” MJ said. 

“That’s weird.” Cindy responded. 

They all chat for a while. Until Sam says something that catches MJ’s attention. 

“So did you ask your brother to put in a good word for me at his work?” Sam asked. 

“Yes, he said he would.” Cindy answered. 

“Are you trying to get a job?” MJ asked. 

“The lab, they have an entry position open.” Sam responded. 

“Your brother works at Labco?” MJ asked. 

“Yeah, for 2 years now.” Cindy replied. 

MJ’s wheels in her brain start spinning. She called Talia and told her. Talia said she’d contact her investigator. He was supposed to contact her today anyway. 

He had to let her know what he had found out about the lab and the investigation. Talia agreed that Greg was someone they needed to look into. She promised to be in touch asap.

After her call, she got up and ran to her brother’s room. Him and Madi were in bed but luckily in pjs. She jumped on the bed with them. 

“What the hell sis?” Marty yelled. 

“MJ seriously?” Madi said. 

“You guys have to listen to this.” MJ said. 

“Fine, what?” Marty said. 

“Greg, Cindy’s brother, works at Labco.” MJ said. 

“The douche that grabbed your arm yesterday?” Marty asked. 

“Yes, plus he has been asking me out every day.” MJ said. 

“What? Wait a minute. Last year we heard him and another guy at the water cooler during practice. At the time we didn’t pay it much mind.” Marty said. 

“What did he say?” MJ asked.