my prized possession

CHAPTER 4

I got to Jackson’s house, and surprisingly, he was the one who opened the door.

Was he eager to see me? I asked myself.

He told me to follow him to his room, and I agreed, curious about what he had planned today. As soon as we got there, he apologized for the rush and explained that his mom was around, and he didn’t want her to see me.

I froze.

That reason hit harder than I expected. Why was he hiding me from his mom?

Was I not good enough for her to see?

A sharp sting shot through my chest—it felt like heartbreak.

Is this what heartbreak feels like? Because I don’t want to feel this ever again.

I nodded, trying to hide the pain in my eyes. But why am I even hurt? He’s not my boyfriend. I’m just his tutor, that’s all. The faster I accept this, the better for me.

We started studying. I taught him the parts I knew and helped him with his assignment. A few minutes in, I noticed Jackson staring at me. It was making me a little uncomfortable.

Why is he staring so much? Do I have something on my face?

Then he smiled.

“You’re beautiful,” he said.

That one word exploded in my mind. Butterflies erupted in my stomach like fireworks. I smiled at him and muttered a soft “Thank you,” trying to keep my cool—but inside, I was having a full-on celebration.

So this is what it feels like when your crush calls you beautiful.

We went back to studying, but not before exchanging a goofy smile. Maybe Annabella was right—maybe Jackson does like me. Maybe he’s just shy… or maybe he doesn’t want anyone to know.

My mood soared, only to crash just as quickly.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Keep the excitement inside and stay grounded. Focus on reality

After what felt like hours, we were finally done with studying. I said my goodbye to Jackson and left his room. He didn’t even walk me out.

I was hurt—but I told myself to let it go.

As I entered the living room, I saw a beautiful woman sitting in a reading chair, holding a book. She looked up when she noticed me and smiled. Her smile was stunning—warm and graceful. She stood up and walked toward me. She was slender, shaped like a model.

“You must be my son’s tutor,” she said, extending her hand for a handshake.

I was confused. How does she know me? I thought Jackson hadn’t said anything about me.

She noticed my expression and introduced herself.

“My name is Pamela, Jackson’s mom. The housekeeper told me a young lady comes here regularly to tutor my son. You must be her,” she said, still smiling.

So... the rush earlier wasn’t even necessary. I was known all along.

“Yes, ma’am. My name is Vanessa Parker,” I replied politely.

“You’re very beautiful,” she said teasingly. “Are you sure tutoring is the only thing you’re doing with my son?”

I blushed—bright red, like a tomato. Why would she say something like that?

Oh right… she’s Jackson’s mom.

She noticed my embarrassment and quickly added, “Sorry for making you uncomfortable. Would you like something to drink?”

I politely declined, explaining that I needed to get home early since my mom wasn’t around.

She nodded in understanding. “Next time you come, you must have a drink with me,” she said.

I smiled, thanked her, and said goodbye.

On my way home, I kept replaying everything that had happened—Jackson calling me beautiful, meeting his mom, and her being so warm toward me. She didn’t seem to have any problem with me being around him.

In fact, she wanted to have drinks with me.

And somehow, that was oddly comforting.

When I got home, the twins were already back, and my stepdad was warming up dinner. I mouthed a “thank you” to him before heading to my room. I laid on my bed for a while, lost in thought—thinking about my whole life.

Then the question Annabella asked me popped into my mind again: What will I do if Jackson doesn’t feel the same way about me?

Would I move on? I don’t know. Maybe I’d find a distraction—or better yet, just leave the state.

But where would I go?

I don’t even know what college I want to attend. Gosh, my life is so messed up… disorganized.

The only thing I’m sure of is—I want Jackson.

I woke up early the next morning, even before my alarm went off. I freshened up and headed to the kitchen to make breakfast. I managed to finish cooking before my stepdad came down.

As I was cleaning the dishes, he walked in, looking surprised.

“What happened to you last night? Were you swapped?” he joked.

Ouch. That stung a little. Have I really been that irresponsible?

I told him I wanted to be a responsible adult—that I wanted to get my life together. I said taking care of the family while Mom was away felt like a good first step.

He smiled and told me he’s the adult here, and I shouldn’t worry about taking care of everything. I should focus on myself and let him handle the rest. “You’re still growing,” he said, “and you have a lot to learn. Don’t burden your young mind with too much.”

I smiled at Billy. He truly was a Godsend. A real father figure.

I hugged him and thanked him for being there for Mom and for us.

We needed someone like him.

The twins came downstairs and saw us hugging. They gave us suspicious looks and asked why we were hugging. I rolled my eyes at their silly question.

Dad just smiled and said, “I’m hugging my daughter,” then gave them both forehead kisses.

I smiled at his reply.

We all had breakfast together, and then Dad offered to drop us off at school, which we happily accepted. When he pulled into the school driveway, he told us to have a great day and drove off.

As I walked down the hallway, I saw Annabella talking with Jackson.

They were both smiling.

What were they talking about? I wondered.

I walked toward them. Jackson noticed me first and said something to Annabella that made her turn to me.

“Hey, you,” she said, grinning. “We were just talking about you.”

Talking about me? My heart skipped. Oh no… I hope she didn’t spill all my secrets to him.

Jackson smiled at me, said goodbye to us both, and walked away.

I quickly pulled Annabella aside.

“What did you say to Jackson? And why were you both smiling?” I asked.

Annabella gave me a warm smile.

“Don’t worry. I didn’t spill your darkest secrets,” she teased. “He just told me his mom likes you—and that’s a green light for him.”

I blinked. “A green light for what?”

“To ask you out, silly,” she said, still smiling.

And in that moment…

The whole world paused.