My Love From The Canvas

Chapter 13: Don't ever talk about Jamie that way! part 2

Patrick's POV

After the lesson Jamie stood up to leave and only then did I realise that I had been holding Jamie’s hand throughout the entire class seeing Jamie’s blush I’m certain she hadn’t realised either. Wanting to be bold I adjust our hands weaving my fingers through hers as I get up and make my way to Jamie’s next class pulling her along behind me. Giving Jamie time to explain my existence to her next teacher I wait outside which I’m still wary of considering how the last time went however Jamie is in and out quickly enough for my worries to be unfounded.

The rest of the morning classes are uneventful in terms of unwanted attention from disrespectful people that don’t know when to shut up. It appears I’m still a little angry. Though the lessons themselves are incredibly interesting. Walking towards the cafeteria for lunch I slip my hand into Jamie’s and she does nothing to move away. And when she shifts her body closer to mine and I can’t help the smile that breaks out on my face.

Once we get into the room I go get us seats and she goes to get us food. Looking around the room, I catch a few women watching me from across the room before they all get up and make their way over to me in almost identical mini skirts and tops with matching sandals. As they walk they sway their hips more than necessary. They quickly fill up the empty seats at the table I’m where I’m sitting. One of the women speaks first, drawing my attention to her “Hi, my name is Maisy what’s yours?” She is not unattractive with curly blonde hair that reaches her shoulders, blue eyes with long lashes and full pink lips and even with all that she is not nearly as beautiful as Jamie “I’m Patrick.”

She smiles and reaches her hand towards me which I reluctantly take. It’s warm but I don’t get the same pleasant tingles that I do when I hold Jamie’s hand. I let go just before another of the women speaks “I’m Amber. What are you doing here Patrick? I know you don’t go here. I definitely would’ve noticed you before.” Her hazel eyes flick over my face before a smirk forms at the corner of her thin lips. Then she brushes her long chocolate coloured hair over her shoulder and leans towards me with an outstretched hand which I again take with great reluctance praying that Jamie will come back soon.

“I’m here visiting a friend. I don’t go here.” I say as my eyes scan the women around the table they are very different from Jessica warmer and friendlier. “Lucky us. Who is this friend you’re visiting?” Maisy asks. “Oh and by the way this is Bella and that is her sister Stephanie.” She gestures to the last two unknown women at the table; they look almost identical with matching black hair and blue-green eyes however whereas Bella has long straight hair and a scattering of freckles matching Jamie’s Stephanie’s hair is in tight curls and she has fuller lips than her sister.

“Now back to my question who is this friend you’re visiting?” Being reminded of Jamie makes me turn to where I last saw her and I see she is making her way over to me. I smile before turning back to the women around the table with me and say “You might not know her Jamie Madden?” I see a twinkle of recognition and disappointment flash through their eyes “Oh Jamie we know her.” They visibly deflate before continuing “So are you two close?” Before I can answer I feel her small hand on my shoulder and then I hear her beautiful voice say “Yeah we’re close. How are you guys?”

They smile politely at Jamie and Amber replies “We’re good. But how about you? We heard about what happened at the museum. Are you okay?” The concern in her voice sounds genuine “Yeah I’m good, I spent a week in the hospital so it’s good to be out. Thanks for asking.” I stand and get a chair from an empty table for Jamie. I put it right beside mine and she smiles before taking it. We’re close enough that our sides are pressed together and still I somehow want her closer.

“So Jamie, where have you been hiding this adonis? Trying to keep him all to yourself.” Jamie glances at me from the corner of her eye she seems flustered when she answers “Um… He’s an old family friend we just recently reconnected. Turns out we still have a lot in common. And he might want to come study here so I thought I would show him around the campus.” The girls seem to regain their vigor when Jamie says that I’m an old friend once Jamie finishes speaking Bella turns to me and says “If you ever want a tour from a different perspective you can let me know.” She finishes with a subtle wink and smile.

We chat with the girls for a little while longer before they leave and go back to their own table. Once they’re gone I turn my whole body towards Jamie’s which causes her to blush. That happens a lot and it makes me so happy when she does but when she tries to move away I quickly grab her chair and pull her back she sounds incredulous when she asks “What are you doing?” Deciding to be bold for at least today I say “I don’t want you to move just yet I like being this close to you.”