Comer Residence
11:59 P.M.

For the first time in months Church actually felt somewhat happy. Which was strange. Not much had changed at all. Really all that had happened was he found someone else who had actually dealt with things in their life similar to his own. Someone who would actually understand where he was coming from. And then, to make things better, they were just as displeased with his ex, upon their first chance meeting, as he was. In fact the memory of their... exchange still brought a rare, genuine smile to his face.

That, however was not enough to make him want to leave the house on his own. It was still a pain to walk around London and see all the happy people. The young couples who couldn't keep their hands off each other, the families with their children. It all made him sick, though he hated to admit it. It wasn't fair. Who were these people, and why did they get to be so happy? It was infuriating. Especially seeing the guys who were obvious jerks; insulting everyone, pushing people (like Church, thinking back a few hours) out of their way. The fact that any girl could find that attractive was mind boggling. But then the female psyche always seemed to be a mystery, an enigma. One minute it seemed as if you had cracked it, made some damn sense out of it, then in an instant it rearranged itself into a whole new puzzle. And that was almost equally infuriating.

The only thing that got him to leave the house anymore was his mothers insistence. Although truth be told Church wasn't sure why he bent to her wishes. For what difference did it make to her if he simply sat in his room reading all day. Simply put, her happiness. And despite everything, Church still wanted to make her happy. If he had the choice too, anyways. One could suppose it was because he loved his mother. Which was true... but then Church also still loved his father for some unknown reason. Church always guessed it was because you were supposed too. Just like parents were supposed to love their children. But deep down he knew it was a large craving for acceptance. Church really just wanted his father to love him, to be proud of him. And he now envied the two muggle boys who were stepsons to his father. Or as he put it 'the two perfect sons he never had.'

Actually, maybe his mother had a point. For when he was around London, doing whatever, his mind often kept from wandering back to these thoughts. And although the amount of time spent away from such things was short, Church had to admit he loved the respite. So tonight he did leave his home, at least for a while. And it was nice for the most part, so long as he avoided certain places that were filled with the before mentioned people on Friday nights. The only real problem was that Church realized he was an hours walk away from his home at about elven. And for some reason he decided to walk home, as oppose to apparate. Actually he chose that option a lot. So finally at about midnight he turned the key and stepped over the threshold into the home he shared with his mother. Idly he wondered if she would be worried.

He assumed she must be, as the lights in the living room were on. She probably stayed up waiting for him. How quaint. Church actually felt bad keeping her up. Alas, nothing would fix that now. So in his usual manner Church calmly walked into the room, casually preparing his explanation. Only, his mother wasn't the only person in the room. This certainly was... curious. Sitting in an armchair, cup of tea in her hands was probably the last person on the entire planet he wanted to see. Ever.

Jeanette.

For a moment Church just stood, eyes disbelieving. But finally, as Jeanette's eyes lifted and met his, Church's once neutral expression turned into a hard glare. "Mother," he said, keeping the rage from seeping into his voice. "Why is she here?" A better question would have been 'why did you let her in, what's wrong with you' but at this moment Church didn't feel like making such a scene. But his mother simply gave a small sigh and stood. She gave him a look that said 'you'll see' and stepped into the kitchen. That whole gesture seemed stupid, but that was probably because Church knew that from the kitchen you could still hear everything being said in the living room. To Jeanette it must seem like courtesy.

So Church turned his fury to the person who actually deserved it. "Why," he repeated. "Are you here?" Again his voice was oddly level. But Church really didn't want her to know how much the mere sight of her annoyed him.

"I just wanted to talk," Jeanette replied calmly.

"Just wanted to... are you serious?" Such audacity! 'Just wanted to talk'. What was there to talk about anymore? The entire situation seemed rather simple to him. She was an impatient bitch who was tired of waiting around, so left him for some other guy. Admittedly another guy who was stupider, and not quite as capable as Church. "Madre de dios," Church muttered.

"Well yes," Jeanette continued, sounding much more nervous, though Church suspected she was faking it. "You see I just thought I'd come over and-"

"Spit it out."

She gave a huff. "I'm sorry." Church blinked. Did he hear that right? Sighing slightly Jeanette set her cup on the coffee table and stood, taking a few small steps towards him. "I was wrong to end it with you. Especially like that. I just... got bored," she admitted, still stepping closer. "And I thought that Zack would make it better, but," Jeanette was now right in front of him, her hands idly tugging on his tie. "I miss you."

What came next probably ruined the girls entire apology. Because for some reason she kissed him. And for a second Church, still in shock, let her. But it was no longer than a heart beat, and he firmly pushed her away, taking a step back. The more space between them the better. This whole situation simply annoyed him now. And the fact that she could still touch him, that  he didn't flinch like he does with everyone else was what bothered the most. Three days ago he thought he was finally over her. And now, Church stood face to face with Jeanette and realized he was still in love with her.

And that was bad.

"Fantastic," Church finally responded. "Thanks. Get out." This time rage seeped into his words. Jeanette simply glared at him. Finally she gave an exasperated sigh and left, slamming the door slightly. Knowing his mother could still hear him, Church turned his head in the direction of the kitchen. "Do me a favor," he said bitterly. "And don't let anyone of my old Muggle friends in anymore."

With that he turned and headed upstairs into his room, pulling off his tie and cardigan and falling backwards onto his bed. His mind raced as he tried to process the last few minutes. She couldn't have been sincere, could she? No, that look in her eyes, the way she left, she was trying to play them both. And actually, if Zack wasn't such a  prick and if he wasn't so bitter to him, Church would probably warn him. But due to the circumstances he didn't see the point. Not to mention he didn't want to get caught up with the damned drama that would follow.

Because honestly, Church couldn't care less about any of them anymore.