my prized possession

CHAPTER 2

Billy was in the house when I got home. He was busy with his laptop, working. I greeted him and asked about my mom. He told me she had left for her shift a few hours ago.

My mom works as a nurse at a nursing home. I’m proud of everything she’s achieved. She didn’t grow up with a luxurious life. She made mistakes—one of them being me— but she really did her best, and I appreciate her for that.

I went to the kitchen to grab some snacks because I was starving. Our house is a small two-story place—not as big as Annabella’s—but its home to me. I have my family, even though I’m treated like crap sometimes. Still, I love them. And our little house is our fortress.

I picked up some snacks and headed upstairs. My room was small, but I had decorated it to my taste with Pinterest pictures. The bed was a mess—I had rushed out earlier that morning. I tidied up a bit and then lay down, munching on my snacks as I texted Annabella.

Me: Guess what happened today at the end of school.

She replied:

Annabella: A lot of things happened to you today, Vanessa. Did you see a fairy godmother or something?

I imagined her laughing and rolled my eyes, even though she couldn’t see it.

Me: Quit the jokes, Anna. I’m serious here.

She didn’t reply right away, so I went on:

Me: Jackson asked me to help him study. Can you believe that? And guess what? The study session is at his house.

She immediately Face Timed me. I laughed—she loved a good gist. I picked up, and she was grinning like a maniac.

“What is wrong with you? Why are you smiling like that?” I asked.

She laughed. “This is my excitement face! So go on—what did you tell him?”

“Well, I told him I’d come, but I don’t get why I need to be his study buddy at his house. There’s literally a library for a reason,” I said, raising an eyebrow at the whole situation.

She laughed again. “Do you really think Jackson wants to study with you? I think the only ‘studying’ you two will be doing is... well, you know. Just protect yourself.”

I stared at her like she was crazy. “You think Jackson wants to have s*x with me? Hell no. I don’t believe that. Let’s not overthink things. Maybe he just genuinely wants help studying, that’s all.”

Annabella nodded like she was listening, but I gave her a “Really?” look.

She smiled. “Look, I’m not trying to get your hopes up or anything. Just make sure you protect yourself, okay?”

I sighed. She was too persistent, and I couldn’t keep arguing.

“Okay, fine. I’ll protect myself. But I’m going now—I don’t want to come home too late.”

We said our goodbyes, and I headed downstairs.

Bill was already dressed and ready to go out. He works at a construction site near the neighborhood as an engineer. I told him I’d be out for a while—I was going to study with a friend.

“Be back before your mom comes home. You know how she gets when you’re late,” he said.

I nodded and headed out.

The twins weren’t home yet. They had gone to a friend’s house, claiming they were “studying”—but I knew better. When it came to Chris and Christina, it was never about studying.

I hopped on my bicycle and rode to Jackson’s place. It was about a 20-minute ride. I enjoyed the breeze brushing against me and the rustling leaves along the forest trail. There was a lake nearby, so the air was cooler and fresher.

I live in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. It’s a peaceful area—lots of nature and outdoor activities. But honestly? I’m fed up with this place. I want to leave, to start a life somewhere else—away from my parents, away from the twins.

College feels like the perfect escape. I haven’t really decided where I want to go yet... but one thing is certain: not here.

I got to Jackson’s house—it was enormous. The view alone was spectacular. His parents were quite rich; I’d heard they were both in real estate, which clearly worked out well for them.

I knocked on the door, and an elderly woman answered.

“Hello, ma. I’m here to see Jackson,” I said politely.

The old lady smiled warmly and stepped aside to let me in.

“You’re welcome, dear. Mr. Cooker told me he was expecting a visitor—I just didn’t know it would be such a beautiful young lady.”

I blushed and thanked her for the compliment. She nodded, then told me to follow her.

She led me into a stunning living room. The ceilings were high, and the view outside the large windows was breathtaking. I sat down on the couch—it was so soft, like sitting on a cloud. I ran my hand across the cushion, enjoying the texture against my fingers.

Jackson came downstairs, looking even more handsome than usual. I stared at him without realizing my mouth was slightly open. When I caught myself, I quickly shut it.

Honestly, I don’t know what Jackson wants from me—but in that moment, I felt like I was ready to give him everything.

He was wearing grey sweatpants and a white singlet that hugged his body perfectly. He looked absolutely delicious. I couldn’t help but notice the tattoo on his left arm—it made him look even more irresistible.

Jackson walked toward me and said, “We won’t be studying in the living room—we’ll be in my bedroom.”

I blushed instantly, a million thoughts rushing through my head about what might happen in his room.

Oh my gosh, Vanessa, get your head out of the gutter, I silently scolded myself.

How could I think like that? Then again, he was looking like a s*x god right now.

I quietly followed him to his room, trying not to let my imagination run too wild.

We got to his room, and honestly, I wasn’t surprised—it was just a typical guy’s room. His bed was pretty messy, his video game was still on, and a few clothes were tossed over the chair. But I didn’t care. He was Jackson, and somehow, nothing ever seemed wrong with him.

Jackson apologized for the mess and started tidying up. As he moved around, I noticed something on the floor—a balloon-like object. Curiosity got the better of me, and I walked over to his bed to pick it up.

The moment I realized what it was, my eyes nearly popped out of my head—it was a condom. A used one.

Jackson quickly snatched it from my hand, muttered an apology, and threw it in the trash. He didn’t even seem embarrassed. If I were in his shoes, I’d be praying for the ground to swallow me whole. But that’s Jackson for you—carefree, like s*x is no big deal.

But to me, it is a big deal.

I just hope he doesn’t know I’m still a virgin. A total novice in all this stuff. Well, okay—maybe not in my mind. My mind isn’t a virgin. Up there, I’m practically a pro.

Let’s just leave it at that.

We began studying. I taught him some things we’d learned in class and also helped him with his assignment. He was very attentive. I couldn’t help but steal a glance at him—he was the most beautiful guy I had ever seen. His face was perfectly sculpted, his lips plump—I could kiss them every day. His body... I can’t explain how it makes me feel. Just being this close to him, I already felt satisfied. I was willing to wait for him until he was ready for me.

Jackson looked at me, and I immediately turned back to my book, my cheeks bright red. He didn’t say anything—he just smiled. He had been doing that for a while. I wondered what he was thinking. I wished I could read his mind.

We continued to study until it was time for me to go home. I couldn’t help but feel disappointed—nothing happened between us. I shouldn’t get my hopes up like this.

He walked me to the door and smiled again, which completely melted me inside.

“See you tomorrow, then,” he said.

I smiled back. “See you tomorrow.”

I got on my bicycle and rode home.

When I got home, Mom was already in the kitchen making dinner, while the twins were nowhere in sight. Where were they? I asked myself. I went into the kitchen to greet my mom. She asked where I had been. I was shocked by her question. Billy, my stepdad, walked into the kitchen and told my mom I had gone to a friend’s house to study. He gave her a peck on the cheek, then went to the fridge to get himself some water.

My mom sighed and asked why my friend couldn’t come over to study instead. It was pretty late, and she didn’t like me being out at that hour. I knew she was worried about me. To calm her down, I gave her a peck and promised that next time, I’d leave earlier so I could come back sooner. She smiled and told me to call the twins down for dinner. I nodded and went up to their room.

They were on their phones, laughing—that’s the peak of being the coolest kids in school: everyone wants to talk to you. I told them why I was there and then went to my room to get ready for dinner.

At the dinner table, we all ate together as a family. Billy was strict about that—he always says, “A family that dines together stays together.” Well, if that’s what he believes in, I’ll support him.

But honestly, I don’t think just eating dinner together keeps a family together. It’s about connection. No matter how many meals we share, if there’s no real bond, no effort to understand one another, we can’t truly stay united.

Then Mom shared some news—good news. She had been hired as a nurse for a wealthy family. We were all happy for her; the pay was great and it was a big step forward.

But then came the catch: the job was across the state. That meant we wouldn’t be seeing her often—just on weekends and some holidays, if her employer allowed.

I was proud of her, truly. But I also knew what her absence meant. I would automatically become the “mother” of the house.

Let’s see if life decides to get better from here.