Chapter 12 - I like her a lot
--JASON--
Bright light is peering through my windows when I woke up next morning with Anna's arm draped around my waist.
And the funniest thing about our position is that she is spooning me.
I'd have laughed out loud under normal circumstances but stayed calm since I am still drowsy and exhausted from yesterday's work.
Having no intentions to wake her up, I rolled over slowly, so as to face her which made her scoot close to me as her head automatically found its place on my shoulder.
Smiling to myself, I pushed strands of hair behind her ear and admired how adorable she looked.
The position we are in would have been romantic if her drool isn't sticking on my shoulder or if I am not wrapped in her tightest teddy bear hug.
Nevertheless, I don't mind being in this position if I get to see her like this; relaxed and at peace.
I don't know how long I gazed at her, trying to understand Anna Haven's life that made her come to an unknown city when I felt my cell vibrate in my jean pocket.
Ugh. I slept in my jeans?
Sighing, I opened my mobile and found a message from Emily.
From: Em
Why the hell aren't you at school?? :@
That snapped me out of my daze and I checked the time only to be shocked seeing 8:50.
What the hell! I am late to school and today is the last day to submit assignment.
Groaning, I got up quickly from Anna's arms, typing a message to Emily about history class. She instantly replied that it's after lunch and that I can come leisurely.
What the hell!! She isn't panicking. In fact, she is telling me to flunk classes.
What the hell is wrong with her?
Yesterday, she was sick all of a sudden asking Anna to help me and today, she is advising to take my own time when I have to submit our assignment.
Something's going in her mind, definitely.
What is she planning?
Pushing the thoughts away, I patted Anna gently on her arm to wake her up. It's a surprise she didn't wake up with all the noise I am making.
She must have been tired too; poor girl had to do my assign alone when I dozed off.
"Anns. Get up. We're late to school"
She made a whining sound before mumbling "Two hours. Only two more hours please"
Two hours? She said it as if it's two minutes.
I didn't know if I should laugh or get angry at her. Of course, I chose the former.
Chuckling, I said "Anna. We already missed our first class. Don't you want to get to the second one at least?"
"Lemme sleep please. I will quit school if they kicked me out" she whined in a childish tone.
What is she talking?
I am sure conscious Anna would never say that.
Leaving her on my bed, I headed downstairs and surprised to see dad sitting at the dining table, reading newspaper.
"Good Morning dad" I called out.
He gave me a dazzling smiling "Had nice sleep? You still look tired"
"Because I am. The last few days have been dreadful" I complained.
He chuckled "Where's that girl? She said you made her do the project alone"
I smiled sheepishly "How did you know?"
"She came to my office early in the morning to make a copy of your work"
"No wonder she's sleeping like that" I smiled thoughtfully and added as an afterthought "She's a hard worker. I don't understand how she does everything"
"Do you like her?" he asked with a gleam in his eyes.
"What? No!" I said, trying to sound confident but with the amused smile he is giving, I know he didn't buy it "Ok, fine. I like her. In fact, I like her a lot"
"Then what's stopping you from being with her? She looks like she likes you too" he stated and I glared at him to which he added "I mean why would she help if she didn't like you?"
"Trust me, she would. Last time she sneaked food into the library for me, Gabe and Em since we were busy with our assignments and didn't eat" I answered, skipping the first part of his question.
"She seems like a catch to me" He replied.
"She is" I replied honestly, heading towards the kitchen.
Spotting May beside the oven, I told her to prepare breakfast for me and Anna. She smiled that she'd love to and thanking her, I walked back upstairs to freshen up.
After a hot shower, I felt refreshed and got out of the bath room in a moss green towel. I am surprised to see Anna sitting on my bed with her head against the headrest.
I cleared my throat trying to catch her attention when I found her gaping at my torso "You can wipe the drool off your face"
She looked up and blushed seeing my smirk "You—You have a great body"
Surprised by her confession, I didn't know what to reply but finally managed to say "Thank you"
God. This girl never fails to amaze me.
When I thought she'd deny or shrug it off saying she had seen better, she actually complimented me. She didn't try to lie like most women do when they get caught in these kinds of situations.
"I will go out. You change" she said, getting up from the bed.
"Just turn around. That's enough"
She nodded and turned around as told while I changed into blue jeans and white shirt.
"You can turn now" I said, picking up my wallet and placed it in the back pocket of my jean.
"You look good Jason" she said, smiling at me.
If someone else said that to me, I'd have thought they are hitting on me. But knowing her, I am sure she is only giving an honest opinion.
"Don't I always?" I smirked, wiggling my eyebrows playfully at her.
"Yeah. You do" she replied, shocking me yet again.
Clearing my throat, I mumbled "Let's go"
She raised her eyebrows to which I added "Don't you want breakfast?"
"Um---Yeah. I am hungry" she replied shyly.
Together, we went to the dining where I asked her to sit while I ventured into the kitchen.
May gave me a plate of pancakes and freshly cooked bacon which I took back to where Anna is sitting awkwardly.
She beamed "Chocolate chip pancakes?"
I chuckled "You like them?"
"Love them" She smiled and started eating them.
She moaned something like 'yummy' while I smiled at her, amused by her happiness over pancakes.
"Oh My God. These are too good" she said, grinning at me.
"Yeah. They are the best" I said, smiling.
"Your mom prepared them?" she asked and I know my smile vanished the next second.
"No. It's our cook May" I said, a bit disappointed.
"I love her already" she said excitedly, noticing the change in my behavior, probably wanting to change my mood which worked too as I responded with a smile "Me too. She is amazing"
I had both pancakes and bacon while Anna only ate the pancakes.
Both of us are busy eating when May returned with a carton of orange juice. I introduced the two of them and knew May liked Anna instantly.
"Your pancakes are to die for" Anna said dreamily.
"Thank you" May replied with a smile.
"No, really. I mean it. I thought the world's best pancakes are from Mary's diner but you outran them"
"Even I say they are the world's best but she doesn't believe me. By the way, who's Mary?" I asked curiously.
"Um. It's the diner I used to work before coming to this city and she's the owner"
"Oh"
Grabbing a glass of orange juice, I thanked May and we went back upstairs, settling on the bed.
"You're not worried that we missed the class?" I asked Anna.
"No. I'm worried I can't go home now" She said, her eyes narrowed.
"Why?"
"Because I don't have keys" she confessed calmly.
"What? Why?"
"I never needed them" she replied nonchalantly.
"Fine. Go freshen up in my bathroom and wear the same clothes"
She gave an expression of disgust, smelling herself and walked into the bathroom.
Chuckling, I opened my bag and found the assignment she completed while I was asleep.
After checking what she added, I put it back and stared at the bathroom door waiting for her to come out. Few minutes later, I heard a groan and some shuffling noises followed by the opening of door.
"What happened?" I asked, walking towards the door until I saw Anna wrapped in a blue towel peeking through the door, her hair still wet from the shower.
"My clothes are soaked. I don't know what to wear" she whined, fidgeting with the end of her towel that only reached her mid-thigh.
Not wanting her to think of me as a pervert, I looked into her eyes "You can wear mine or Elle's. Don't worry"
She seemed to be lost in thoughts while I tried hard not to drop my gaze down to her long legs when she finally said "But---But-----I don't--I don't"
"What's it Anns? Just say!"
"I don't have B P" she blurted out, blushing.
What? She doesn't have blood pressure?
Isn't that a good thing?
Why is she saying it now and why the hell is she blushing?
Confused at what she's trying to tell, I began slowly "It's good that you don't have BP. You are too young for that. Aren't you?"
"WHAT?" She yelled, looking heartbroken at my words.
"I am sorry I don't know why you are hurt but you are too young to have blood pressure. Don't you think?" I said, scared of her outburst.
She looked appalled "I meant bra and panties, you idiot"
Once the understanding set in, I cracked up laughing, understanding the shit I told her while she lowered her head, blushing with a small smile.
"You can wear Elle's. We'll go to her room" I said.
"What? How can you tell me to wear someone else's---"
"Shush Anns. Calm down. Elle has lot of clothes and she must have new set of undergarments. I will ask her and you can wear hers"
She nodded satisfied while I messaged Elle.
To: Elle
Have you got new set of Bra & Panties and where are they?
She replied quickly, almost in a few seconds.
From: Elle
Why? You've got pu**y?
I groaned at her reply while quickly typing to shut up and reply.
She answered to look in her left drawer. Giving Anna a bath robe, we both went to Elle's room and opened her closet.
"I need to see them Jason. Turn around"
"What? You are not changing here Anns. Why should I?" I whined.
"Just turn Jason. Don't you feel shy to look at a girl's undergarments? That too your sister's?"
"She's not here and trust me, I've seen many" I smirked while she smacked the back of my head and made me turn around.
Hearing her gasp, I turned back to see dozens of boxes yet to be opened.
She smacked my head yet again and scolded me for not listening to her. Picking up a set, we strode back to our room.
I gave her a t-shirt and jeans of mine which are old and tight to me for which she thanked and walked into the bathroom.
"Why don't you wear Elle's clothes? These are bit baggy" I told her, once she stepped out.
"I won't fit in her clothes. She's too lean" she replied with a frown.
"But you fit in her---ow ow " Before I could complete my doubt, she smacked my head for the 3rd time that day.
"That's free size. And don't you dare say that to anyone. Especially Em"
"Fine. But please don't beat me" I pouted.
She smiled "That depends on your behavior"
I smiled back, observing her face "Anns. Did you lose your specs the other night?"
She looked taken back but nodded slightly "Yeah. I lost them when I was trying to get him off me"
After watching TV for a couple of hours, we went to school after lunch period.
Em and I submitted the assignment along with the others and thanked Anna for helping us.
****
The next week our history teacher gave our assignments back, surprising us with 10 out of 10; the only group to have got full marks apart from Chelsea and Beth.
"Congratulations heroes" Anna chirped, giving me and Em her biggest smile when we sat beside her during lunch.
"We couldn't have done without you" I said, offering my own smile to her.
"Please. You could've done without me. I am so happy for you" she said, grinning ear to ear.
"Yeah. We can see that on your face" Em replied, grinning back.
Though I am busy chatting with Gabe and listening occasionally to Emily, I didn't miss the glares Cheryl's sending towards Anna.
Not wanting to start a fight in front of the whole group, I waited until everyone left and told Cheryl to follow me, leaving Gabe behind.
"What's your problem Cherry?" I spat angrily.
"What did I do now?" she retorted.
"I saw you glaring at Anna. What did the poor girl do to you?" I asked, as calmly as possible.
"Oh really. So you think she's innocent too?" she said in an annoyed tone.
"Shut up. You don't know what you're talking. And FYI she's innocent" I snapped.
"You don't get it, do you? I know you've been spending too much time with her"
"So what? She is my friend"
"Oh. So now your friend has become more important to you than your girlfriend. When was the last time we went out on a date? When was the last time we spent time together?"
Argh!! When did she become the jealous type?
"I was busy. With stuff" I glowered.
"Yeah? Is that stuff called Miss Goody two shoes Anna Haven?" she sneered.
"She is my friend and has been helping Em and me with our assignment unlike my girlfriend who didn't seem to care. If you have a problem with me hanging out with her, then try to get over it because I am not leaving her anytime soon"
This seemed to shut her up as she walked away from me, giving one last deathly glare.
****
As weeks passed by, Anna gradually opened up and talked with almost every member of our group apart from Cheryl who's giving her cold shoulder.
Cheryl and I sorted our problem after she apologized to me one day for her rude behavior but said that she can never be friends with Anna.
I am OK with it as long as she isn't rude to her. We went out a couple of times but something seemed off. Though I never loved her, I always enjoyed spending time with her but these days I feel like I am being with her only because I don't want to hurt her.
School is the same. I still suck at Math and planning to ask Anna's help but since she is busy, I don't know if she can help me.
Classes are boring until one day principal came and all of us waited in anticipation of what he wanted to say that he personally visited our class.
"I heard no one from your class gave names for the quiz competition this year" he stated as of a matter of factly.
Oh. The quiz.
Every year before Thanksgiving, the school held quiz for each class where people of a class compete in groups.
Last year there were 2 groups from our class. This year, it seems not even those people are interested.
"Your class has had the worst participation last year and this time, there isn't even a participation" he said, frowning at us while we stayed silent.
"So I thought I'd ask your suggestions on what topics might interest you"
Seeing all of us calm, he groaned impatiently "How would I know what to choose unless you speak up"
We still remained silent and he continued "Ok.. How about sports? I know you guys like sports"
We shook our heads which ticked him off but he continued "Geography? History? Chemistry? Just suggest something. We can have it as the topic"
After few more seconds of silence, he called out Gabe and asked to give his opinion.
"Quizzes are boring sir" he replied lazily and the whole class burst into laughter.
Even the principal had a smile on his face as he said "So let's make it interesting then. That's the reason I am asking all of you to suggest something"
Seeing the whole class silent again, he called out Anna who looked shocked and tensed.
"So what do you say miss? Do you have any idea?" he asked coolly.
She looked like she is about to pass out "Ha--Ha---"
"I am not able to hear you. What are you saying?"
"Harry Potter" Once she uttered the word, her eyes widened and she closed her mouth with both of her hands.
The whole class cracked up while the principal thoughtfully said "You want Harry Potter as the topic of your quiz? But that's not a subject. And what's there to learn from it?"
"I-It will be inte-interesting. There will be more participation. W-who doesn't love Harry Potter?" she said slowly.
"But it's not---" The principal thought for a while before turning to all of us "Who will participate if Harry Potter is the topic?"
More than three fourths of the class including Anna raised their hands and the principal, satisfied by the result announced "Then Harry Potter it is"
The class cheered while Anna stood with her mouth agape in shock.
Once he left, the only topic of discussion is the upcoming Harry Potter quiz.
It still surprised me how he agreed so easily about HP as the topic. He must have really wanted participation from our class if he is OK with any kind of topic.
After Lunch, I asked Cheryl if she would be my partner in quiz.
Of course, I want to participate too. Like Anna said, who doesn't like Harry Potter?
"Yeah. I heard about the quiz too but already asked Beth to be my partner. She's very good at Harry Potter stuff. I'm sorry darling" she said, before leaving me.
Sighing, I walked to the class, planning to ask Gabe who is standing by the class' entrance "Hey.. So, are you planning to give your name for the quiz?"
"Yup. Emily asked me to be her partner" he replied.
"Oh. Good"
So, now I am the only one without a partner for the quiz.
We walked into the class together where we found Anna with a hurt look on her face. Telling Gabe to sit at our place, I walked towards her.
"Hey. What's wrong?"
"Nothing" she replied, lowering her sad eyes.
"Tell me what's wrong? You seem off. What happened?" I asked in concern.
"It's that there is a HP quiz and I won't be able to participate in it"
"What? Why can't you participate?"
"I don't have a partner Jason. All my friends are participating and I am not" she said, wiping a stray tear across her cheek.
"We can be a team. I don't have a partner too and I am disappointed you didn't ask me" I said, feigning hurt which surprisingly she bought.
"I am so sorry Jason. I thought you will participate with your girlfriend. I didn't mean to say you're not my friend or anything---"
"Anna. Anns. Stop rambling. I am kidding" I said, giving her a smile.
"Idiot" she muttered lowering her head.
"I still prefer sweetheart or darling" I said with a smirk to which she blushed instantly.
"So. What do we do now? I mean the quiz is next week and I don't remember anything" I said, worried that we might get last place in it.
"Don't worry. I got it" she replied confidently.
"You do?" I asked, not sure if she's serious or joking.
"Of course. I love Harry Potter and they are the only books that I read apart from Percy Jackson which are pretty good too"
"So, you think we can beat everyone's asses?" I asked with a smirk.
I really want to see Cheryl's face if we win.
"I won't say we will win definitely but I am sure we're going to give tough competition. I will read the books again and you try to read them too. Is that clear?"
"Yes ma'am" I said, mock saluting her before leaving to my seat.
The next day we gave our names for the quiz and I'm surprised when I didn't find Gabe or Emily's name in there.
Something's definitely up with the two of them.
After the class ended, I pulled Gabe along with me to an empty class room and asked seriously "Why isn't your name in there Gabe?"
He looked taken back and cleared his throat "You're mistaken. We gave our names Jason"
"I checked it properly and the list didn't have your names"
He stared at me in silence, contemplating what to answer and I added "If both of you didn't want to participate, then why the hell did you say to me that you have a partner?"
He sighed "Um.. There's no point hiding it anymore. So, here's the truth. We wanted you and Anna to be partnered but since we know both of you will come to us, we thought it will be good if we said we already had partners"
I glowered at him "So you set us up?"
"Oh come on, you like being with her. Both of us know you like her but you're stupid to not realize that. So we thought if we can---"
"When will you stop meddling?" I asked seriously.
"When you stop being a douche" He replied with a smirk.
Groaning, I said "If you want us to be partnered, you could've just told both of us you're not interested. Why did you lie?"
"Because Anna is going to convince one of us to participate at least as a silent member" he answered as if it is the most obvious thing to know.
"Have you set us up before? And don't you dare lie" I snapped at him.
He shuffled uneasily which can only mean one thing. Grabbing the collar of his shirt, I shouted "When?"
"That day--" he started reluctantly.
When I nodded to continue, he sighed "That day when Anna came to your house to help you, it was-- it was Em's idea. She faked being sick so that Anna would come to your house and you'd get to be with her, alone"
"What the f**k" I yelled in confusion "Why would you do that?"
"We are sorry Jason. But we did what best friends need to do" he said, smiling sheepishly.
"What if Anna takes it the wrong way? What if she thinks I've other motives and planned to get her--"
"Jason! This is Anna we are talking about. That girl practically worships the land you walk. Why would she take it the wrong way and how the hell would she know about our plan?"
"Shut up Gabe. Just shut up. Don't say 'our' as if I am on it. And don't you dare plan anything like this again. Got it?"
"Yep" he replied, while biting his lip to stop smiling.
"What's there to laugh about?" I scowled.
"Today, you never once denied when I talked about your feelings for Anna. Looks like you've made little progress here" he smirked.
"Shut up Gabe. I don't want to talk about it"
"I know you accepted your feelings Jason. But that's not enough. You have to tell her that. And what are you doing these days?" he said with a disappointed look on his face.
"What am I doing?" I asked, confused by his words.
"I know what you're doing Jason. You're trying to get past your feelings for Anna by spending more time with Cheryl"
"No, I am not" I snapped at him, though every word he said is true.
"Stop lying to me Jason. I know you more than you know yourself. What I don't know is why you are being so stupid. Why deny your feelings when you can accept them?"
"It's not easy Gabe. What about Cheryl? I realized that she loves me. Knowing that, how can I leave her because something better came? It's not right Gabe. It's just not"
"So, you are going to be with her because she loves you? To be in a relationship, you have to love her too dude"
"No, not just that. What about Anna? She's pure and kindhearted and a really good person. Though she didn't tell me anything I know her life was f**ked up. I don't want her to be in my f**ked up one too. She deserves better; much better"
"Jason--" He began sadly.
"I like her Gabe. I do. Here's the confession you want. I like being with her, waking up next to her, teasing her and even watching her saying nothing. And I know I took it far, for someone who wants to be away from her, but I can't" I sighed, defeatedly.
"Jason. I am sorry. We are sorry"
"No. Don't be. I know both of you did this because you love me, but please don't do this again. I don't want to hurt either Cheryl or Anna"
"Okay. But I want you to know that if you're doing this only for Anna, then don't because that girl has already fallen for you"
"No, she hasn't. She likes me only as a friend" I said as a matter of factly.
"You're so naive sometimes Jason. Can't you see the way she looks at you? Like you're the only thing that matters to her?"
I scowled "Stop manipulating me Gabe. I don't want to think about it"
Like I can stop thinking about that.
Is he right? Does she like me?
What if he is wrong? Do I want him to be right or wrong?
Argh!! I don't know. Why is it so complicated?
"I am not and it's true. She is the same shy and innocent nerd who sneaked food into the library for you, ditched work to help you with your project, couldn't stay calm because you were mad at her and most importantly thinks you're hot"
"She sneaked food for all of us, helped me because she thought Em was sick and told me that she likes you and thinks you're hot too" I replied bitterly.
He looked at me as if I am mad but like a light bulb flashed in his mind, he grinned suddenly "Whoa dude. Were you jealous of me?"
"Wh-- What? Why would I?" I said, trying to look at him as if he's stupid.
"Oh My God, you were" he stated with an amused smile.
How does he understand everything so easily?
Because he is your best friend, my mind answered.
Looking me sad, his smile vanished as he asked me seriously "Why were you jealous of me?"
"She said she likes you and thinks you're hot. I thought maybe you would turn straight and like her back" I said feeling stupid.
"Are you crazy? Jason---We're not in a cheesy love story where a person can change his sexuality so easily.. I would definitely go for her if I was straight but I am not. I love her and she's become a really important person in my life but trust me I would never do that to you"
"Though it would be fun seeing you sulk" he added teasingly
I grinned at his reply but it was wiped off the next second when he said "But I can't assure you someone else wouldn't go after her"
I know it would be painful seeing her with some other guy but at least she would be happy and her life would be less complicated.
"You know I am glad we had this conversation" Gabe says smiling.
"Yeah, me too. Like a shit load has been lifted off my chest" I replied honestly.
"Since we missed the next class, why don't we sneak out of school and go to my house?"
"Sounds good to me" I replied grinning like a fool.
---
Thank you for reading.
I love Harry Potter so much that I couldn't resist writing this one. We had a HP quiz few years back which is my inspiration for this chap but since it's fiction I am going to add a bit of drama. Not too much, just a bit.
Please consider voting if you liked this chap. Dedicated to every Harry Potter fan like me.
Thank you Arnav_Khushi for your support and love. I hope this chap lived upto your expectations
Please Vote, Comment and Share
-Janaki
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