Chapter 12:
As the weather gets colder, people always look for something warm, something that comforts both their lives and their hearts. But for us students, cold weather only means one thing: a new semester and new class arrangements.
I was thrilled when I saw Lily would be in my class again. But that joy faded the moment I realized Jack had been placed somewhere else. Rest assured, we all passed the first test.
Well, after everything that happened this morning, I really needed to talk to him. And honestly… I was already missing having him close enough to annoy during class.
I tried to catch him while everyone crowded around the board, but there were too many people. I gave up.
While everyone went to their respected class, someone grabbed my hand and led me to an empty class. "Jack," I said relieve it was only him.
" I just wanted to charge a little since we are not in the same class."
I looked at him, confused, like what do you mean charge...
Before I finish my world, or though he put his head on my shoulder and said, " Just five minutes, Lea."
It was totally unexpected, and I was just there trying to hold my emotions and nervousness. Then he stood back up and said, " Thank you, you should go back to class now."
I giggle like a broken robot and find my way to class looking like a ripe tomato.
Surely I was refreshed from his absence in class. But at least I got my favorite spot, right beside the window. Lily sat beside me, and Matt was right behind us. Speaking of him, he was back to his usual calm and quiet self.
Our first period was art, and we were told to draw nature. I started sketching a playground at a park, blue sky, flowers, the type of peaceful scene I love. When I glanced at Lily, she jumped up from her chair.
"Wow, you guys are amazing! But Matt… he's like an expert."
I turned to see his drawing, and my jaw dropped. He was drawing a park too, but the details were unreal. It looked alive.
I started bombarding him with questions: what pencil he used, how he shaded, how he held his hand, everything. I didn't even realize how close I got until I looked up and saw his green eyes staring right at me, flustered and a little shy. It was weird, he's usually the one invading my space, not the other way around.
Before he could answer, the bell rang. The teacher told us to pack up.
I stood and told him, "I'm serious. You have to teach me."
He just nodded and walked out as lunch started.
Lily signalled "rooftop time," but she stopped by the bathroom first. I walked ahead… and that's when I saw three girls waiting in the hallway. I recognized them from class.
I tried to pass, but one of them stuck her foot out. I hit the floor before I even understood what was happening. My lunch spilled everywhere.
My heart pounded. I wasn't scared, I was terrified. Why did I suddenly have bullies?
The girl clapped her hands. "I thought you were the quiet one who knew her place. But Jack this morning… and now Matt? How big is your heart to want them both?"
I was speechless. I honestly didn't understand.
She leaned closer. "Just tell me, is it true that Jack is your boyfriend?"
Another one said," Surely he did not go this low to have a girlfriend." They all nodded their head in agreement.
Still on the floor, I finally said, "You could… just ask like a normal person. Why put me on the ground?"
She scoffed dramatically. "What? How can you accuse me of that? You fell on your own, right, girls?"
They all nodded.
Then she bent down again. "So? Yes or no?"
Another said:" Does it even matter, even if it is yes, she is just an amusement, i am sure."
Before I could answer, a voice cut in.
"What's happening here?"
Faye.
Immediately, the girl changed her attitude, helping me up, and her friends gathered my ruined lunch.
"I don't know what happened," she said sweetly. "We were talking, and she just fell. I was trying to help her."
Faye stared at them, eyes cold. "Is that true? All I am seeing is a bunch of jealous girls that knows they will never have the attention of Jack, now you are putting it on her. That is just too sad. You'd better move along before the whole school knows that you are not only useless but you are now bullies."
They immediately walk away. Why would they be afraid of Faye, you might ask, well she is what we call a popular girl, part of the school community, so she can just end your school life with her words.
"You're bleeding," she said quietly.
"I don't th—"
"Just look at your knee." She cut me off again.
I looked down and finally saw it. And then I felt it — the sting.
" I believe my job here is done. Make sure Jack doesn't know about this; he can be quite the annoying hero when he wants to." She said it while she was on her way.
" Thank you for your help," I said quickly, she stop but continued to be on her way.
Shortly after Lily came and helped me go to the nurse's office.
The nurse wasn't there, lunchtime, of course.
Lily went out to look for one and left me there. I was thinking, why would Faye help me? I am supposed to be her rival, right? Someone she hates for being with the person she loves. And again with her small word saying I shouldn't say anything to Jack, of course i wasn't going to disturb him with jealous girls. I hated that it felt like she was controlling the direction of our relationship.
" What are you doing here?" Matt suddenly appeared.
" Nothing, just a small crash that is all," I replied.
He immediately took a chair and sat in front of me, cleaned the wound gently, and without realizing it, I grabbed his shoulder for support. His real shoulder. Not the sleeve. It hurt a lot, i coudn't bear it.
When he finished placing the bandage, he said softly, "You can let go now."
I snapped my hand back. "Sorry. And… thank you."
He held my gaze. "Thank you? For what? This is exactly why he shouldn't have said anything this morning. He should've known."
"What are you talking about? How did you know?" I asked.
He brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, eyes full of something I didn't understand, something too strong.
"Why do you always look at me that way?" I whispered.
But before he could answer, someone cleared their throat.
We both turned.
Jack stood at the door.
And he looked furious.