2. Jaden
1320 Words
SUMMER'S POV
Being popular in school comes with its perks, because even though the parking lot was already full, Alessandro’s spot remained untouched. We made our way out of the car and into the school building. Alessandro flung open the double-decked doors and practically bounced into the hallway. He always did carry a cocky attitude around like an accessory, basking in the attention like it was sunlight for his ego. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at the girls drooling and flirting with him, while I trailed behind, trying to blend in with the wall. He stole the spotlight— not that I had any to begin with.
He escorted me to my locker, and like the caring best friend he was, waited while I retrieved my books. Then he walked me to my first class of the day before disappearing off to hang out with his friends—he had no first-period lesson.
High school was never going to be a memorable chapter in my life. Sure, I was best friends with the school’s quarterback, but that didn't change the fact that I pretty much sucked at everything. I never tried out for the cheerleading squad—balance isn’t exactly my strong suit. I’ve never gotten drunk at a party because even if I wanted to, I had to make sure Alessandro and I got home in one piece—he gets wasted easily. I’ve never had a girls' night out because, surprise, I’ve never had a female friend. And s*x? Yeah, that’s a restricted zone—no guy’s ever even said hello to me. Can you blame them? I either dress in skinny jeans or baggy trousers. I wouldn’t ask me out either.
The classroom buzzed with chatter as students milled about. I sighed, praying the torment would end soon. I wasn’t lumped in with the nerds or bullied by the cool kids—mostly because everyone feared Alessandro. I never really tried to make friends; being a loner came naturally to me.
“Hey… can I sit here?” a smooth, deep baritone asked. I glanced up.
Jaden Acker.
My heart nearly flipped out of my chest. I had to be hallucinating. What was an elite doing here? Didn’t they have their own private class or something?
God, this guy was a masterpiece—chiseled jaw, abs pressing through the fabric of his shirt. “Uuh, can I sit…?” he asked again. I kind of zoned out, too busy drooling. Why was someone like him talking to someone like me?
He dropped his backpack on the desk beside me and sat down, his cologne a heavenly distraction. He didn’t even wait for my response.
I was too preoccupied with his presence to notice the death stares I was getting from his fan club, but I didn’t care. I didn’t have a crush on Jaden, but I wasn’t blind either. The boy was walking trophy-boyfriend energy.
He looked at me in a way that made my skin tingle. His eyes raked my body top to bottom. I was just about to call him out when the teacher walked in—Mr. Brooks Cooper, a.k.a. the class monster. The moment he entered, the class quieted without him even saying a word.
“Mr. Jaden, what are you doing here?” Mr. Brooks asked with a raised brow, though he actually looked excited.
Class began. Literature was usually my favorite subject, but today’s topic wasn’t doing it for me.
I fought to stay awake, forcing myself to keep my eyes open. Jaden kept sneaking glances at me from the corner of his eye. I ignored him. Okay… maybe I didn’t. Maybe I liked it.
My phone buzzed inside my locker. Sandy Crush flashed across the screen. I declined the call instantly. I could feel Jaden boring holes into me with his eyes.
Normally I’d answer a call in class, but not with Mr. Brooks. Detention with him was a one-way ticket to academic doom.
"Send a text, Mr. Brooks," I muttered under my breath.
I texted Alessandro, and seconds later, a buzz came in.
“Class will be over soon. Meet me at my locker,” he wrote. I quickly typed, "ok."
Then another buzz.
“Don’t keep me waiting. I’m damn hot and wet for you.”
I snorted. Alessandro and his constant flirting. The guy never missed a chance.
But then I heard someone cough beside me. My eyes widened.
Jaden had seen the text.
Oh God. What would he think? I hoped he didn’t believe I was Alessandro’s bed buddy. I rolled my eyes. Whatever.
Finally, the bell rang.
Waiting for Mr. Brooks to leave was agony, but eventually, I slipped out of the classroom. I didn’t have any more classes for a while, so I headed toward Alessandro’s locker.
Then someone grabbed me.
“Hey… wait up.”
I nearly jumped out of my skin. Thank God we were alone. Jaden Acker wanted me to wait?
“Hi…” I said, staring at him, trying to act unfazed. But my heart was doing somersaults.
“I’m Jaden Acker.”
He let go of my arm and offered his hand for a handshake. I glanced around. I didn’t care much about people’s opinions, but I also didn’t need drama today.
“I know who you are, Jaden,” I said, avoiding his eyes.
He chuckled and dropped his hand. “Feisty, I guess.”
I shot him a look.
“I don’t know how to say this, but… I need your help.” He scratched the back of his neck like he was nervous. It felt like a joke—Jaden Acker needing my help?
“I want to pursue fashion design in college.”
His face lit up as he said it, but I was still lost. He must’ve seen my confused expression.
“My parents want me to study business admin, but designing is my life.” He sighed and leaned on the railing. Though part of me felt for him, I still didn’t see what this had to do with me.
“Sorry if I’m boring you,” he continued. I stood awkwardly, unsure what to say. “Especially when I know someone’s wet for you.”
My eyes widened. Embarrassment flushed through me like fire. Seriously? Did he have to go there?
“It’s not what you think,” I muttered quickly, thanks to Alessandro’s unfiltered texts.
Jaden raised a perfectly sculpted brow. I might be hopelessly in love with Alessandro, but I didn’t want Jaden thinking I was just another one of his hookups.
“We’re just really close, and he writes like that to annoy me.” I pouted.
He smiled, and something like relief shimmered in his eyes.
“You look really adorable,” he said.
I frowned, hugging my arms to my chest.
“Are you hitting on me? Is this some kind of bet?” I hissed. I didn’t want to jump to conclusions, but I had to protect myself.
“It’s not that,” he said, running a hand through his hair. He looked frustrated.
“I’m not like that. I might be a lot of things, but I don’t play with hearts. Believe me, Summer.”
The way he said my name made my heart skip.
“Woah there, mister—you know my name?” I gasped.
He opened his mouth to reply, but my phone started ringing.
Alessandro.
Crap. I’d forgotten he was waiting for me.
“I gotta go. My friend’s waiting.”
Jaden chuckled. “I’ll see you at lunch, Summer. Save me a spot, will you?”
I nodded and rushed down the stairs before Alessandro exploded.
At the bottom, I turned back.
Jaden winked and smiled before walking away.
I rolled my eyes and took the corner into the hallway, my heart pounding a little harder than usual.
- Writer
