You Never Walk Alone

10

I was late that morning. Someone was hogging the bathroom for over two hours. I still made it before the first bell rang though. The faces of the girls seemed brighter. They were back to whispering and giggling. I was able to pull Cassidy out of the pool of students.

“What's going on?“

She scoffed. “He's returned much to your dismay.“ A little dramatic dance was done before Cassidy left my presence. Jake Demidov was back. I smiled a little.

The bell indicating first period rang. I had wanted to see Jake for a bit. I pushed the plan to lunch. My plan didn't have to wait that long because Jake and I had third period together. He sat on the other side of the class. Too far for me to signal.

Mrs. Mercy walked into the class after my third failed attempt to get Jake's attention.

“Good morning class. I have an important meeting to attend.“ There was already a resounding celebration. “But there are some exercises to do. Open to page forty four of your textbook. I'll definitely be back before the period is over.“

I was a teenager. Of course I didn't sit down and do my assignment like I was asked to. Instead, like very many of my peers, I stood up to do something other than what I'm to do. I walked to Jake's table with a small nonchalant smile on my face. He was talking to Vanessa the Barbie. They called her that for very many reasons including the pink Ferrari she had parked outside.

She didn't look quite happy about me interrupting their conversation though. After a little insincere smile, Vanessa left the spot she was at. I took it.

“Hey.“

He stared at me like I fell from the moon or something. “Hi?“

It was awkward as hell and but I didn't stand up from my seat. “Where have you been all this while? Your fan club was convinced I had abducted you or something.“

He shrugged. “I was busy. That's all. I had to travel to Ghana for an event with my family. I'm alive as you can see. Also, there's no way in hell you of all people would succeed in abducting me.“

I huffed. It wasn't necessary but I was glad we were

speaking again. “You underestimate me young man.“

“Believe me Lisa, I overestimate you.“

“What does that mean?“

“Don't think too much about it.“ He shrugged."I've got class work to do now.“

Jake actually opened the textbook ready to do the assignment we were given.

“Since I'm happy you're back, I'll go on just one errand without my usual grumbling. What do you want?“

“Nothing. I'm fine. You have something you should be doing right now anyways. I have my bottle of water here with me.“

Something was off. I could feel it. But, to respect him, I didn't say a word.

***

We started running not only during P.E but every free period we got. Coach wanted us to take it up as a sport we could compete in. I was very excited about it. So excited that I spent half of first period dreaming about me being the record breaker for the fastest woman alive.

We were to go in sets of three so Coach could keep closer record of our progress. It wasn't my turn yet so I was basically lounging in the bleachers.

“Hi.“ I raised my head to see who was speaking to me. To my shock, it was Vanessa the Barbie.

“Uh hey Vanessa. How are you?“ I asked slightly surprised to see her talking to me.

“I'm fine. I want to talk to you. I need your help. It kills me to be asking you for anything but it seems like I have no other choice.“ She did sound desperate. It only heightened my curiosity.

I straightened my back and angled my position to face her. “Okay, I'm listening. It's not illegal right?“

“No. Nothing that could get us expelled.“

She didn't say anything. Looked like she was struggling to speak up. I just stared at her slightly impatient.

“When you said you wanted to talk to me, I didn't know it'd be via telepathy.“

“Okay okay. I'll just say it at once. I like Jake.“

I felt…nothing. It was as if she was telling me the sky was blue. I actually thought I'd have felt jealous. “Uh okay? Congratulations I guess.“

“Wait, don't you like him? Aren't the both of you like dating or something?“

I shook my head rather too aggressively . “No we aren't dating. Why have you that silly idea?."

She joined me to shake her head as well. “Nothing. You know just stupid rumours and all. But can you help me get him to notice me?"

“I saw the both of you talking earlier. Do you need to be noticed even further?“

Vanessa kept her lips in a tight line. " It kills my ego to tell you this, but Jake wasn't actually talking to me. He used me as a distraction so you wouldn't talk to him. He doesn't even know my name.“

That surprised me. "Why didn't he want to talk to me?" My question earned me an annoyed shrug.

“So will you help me or not?"

“Sure."

She squealed so loud my other teammates turned to look at me. I apologized on the banshee's behalf. “Thank you so much Lisa. Be sure I'll pay you when Jake becomes my boyfriend."

That was awkward as hell and I was glad when she left.

“Thompson. You're up next." Time to run and forget about the whole world for a few minutes.

***

When I had changed back into my school uniform, I went looking for Jake,hoping he didn't have a class in that moment. Instead of him, I found Hanson.

“Uh hey. Have you seen Jake? It's sorta important."

“Well Lisa hey to you too. Mr. Demidov wishes not to be disturbed."

I wanted to worry but Hanson's expression wasn't fueling it. “And why not?"

“Because he's throwing a tantrum right now and he wants to do it in the privacy of his car."

Apparently I lost my rationality or traded it for Doritos because I was running to the parking lot. Before the school day was over! A huge ass criminal offence. Jake was not in his car but laid across on the hood of it. He was giggling to himself. Going closer I realized there was an earpiece in his ear. I tapped him and like Hanson, he wasn't happy to see me.

“Hey."

He barely spared me a glance. “Please go away. I don't want to be disturbed."

Little did he know I was more stubborn than a mule. Instead of leaving, I got comfortable beside him. He didn't shift so I guessed he was okay with me.

" Vanessa said you didn't want to talk to me earlier. Is there something I did? “

I'm completely ignored because Jake was still listening to whatever was playing in his ear. I poked him and he flinched like I tried to burn him or something. “Do I really need to repeat myself?"

“No. I just want to know what's up with you. You've been weird since that day. I'm worried. “

Just when I think his standing up is him breaking his resolve, Jake grabbed the finger I used to poke him. “If I have to say it one more time, I'm going to leave this car to you and you'll get me a new one." He's dead serious.

I open my mouth to say something like an argument but he only squeezes my finger even harder. I smash my stubbornness with the biggest sledgehammer in my brain and walk away. Arrogant prick.