Chapter 9 - I am falling for him
--ANNA--
It felt good to have someone care about me; worry about me. Or I am only happy because it's Jason.
Thinking about that evening still makes my cheeks hot and red. Being close to him should have scared me but it didn't. It only made me happier.
The two weeks that followed had been amazing. It made me learn more about him.
Jason is not just a regular teenager who is carefree and fun loving but also someone who is matured for his age. And friends mean everything to him.
I still remember the first day when he tried cheering me up by saying things would improve which surprisingly did.
Emily and I have become closer; almost like BFFs. It didn't take much time considering it's only over a month since I came here.
For the first time ever, I was not bullied too which may be due to the friends I have now.
Everything seemed to improve including my feelings for Jason which grew with every passing day.
How much ever I tried telling myself that I don't have a chance with him and that I have to leave this place after a year, I still couldn't keep my feelings under control.
He is too good and perfect. Who won't like him?
I am no exception to that.
Nothing changed in our lives though. He is with Cheryl like he always had been. I don't talk much to anyone except the usual greetings we share. No one in our group knows that I am closer to him than to any of them.
During the little interactions we had which were almost nil, I couldn't help but wonder why he didn't want me to call him Jace. It's such a nice name and if he'd allow me, I will always call him that as it suits him more.
Also, I finally got to meet Jamie and it wasn't so bad like I feared. She seemed cool to me.
Although, except me everyone was scowling seeing her batting her eyelashes to get Jason's attention.
It was clear that Jason was obvious to everything but he chose to ignore and turned a blind eye to her actions.
It's wrong to flirt with a guy who is in a relationship, especially when his girlfriend is sitting right beside him.
But don't they say, everything is fair in love and war?
I am 200% sure that girl has fallen too hard for him to let him go.
Though I am sure Jamie liked me, I can't say that once she knows that I like her Jason.
Venom was dripping her words when she talked to Cheryl. It was evident that she was jealous of Jason's girlfriend.
It surprised me when her tone softened speaking to me; like a different person, altogether.
Gabe and Jason burst into fits of laughter when she asked me what was I doing with materialistic bitches like Megan, Cheryl and Elle.
I stayed silent not knowing what my answer should be.
Classes in my new school are awesome. History is my favorite subject after Math.
I strolled into the room and found the first row full, making me occupy a seat in the second.
Though Em and I share the same class, she never forced me to sit with her. It's better this way as I can listen to the class instead of staring at Jason who'd be sitting beside her.
As Ms. Taylor Nelson, our history teacher walked into the room, the class fell silent.
Fifteen minutes before the class ended, she announced a new assignment about the history of different countries. We have to do it in pairs and complete it by the end of next week.
"I am going to call random pair of names from the register who will be doing the assignment together" she said, looking at all of us.
I waited in anticipation as she read names until she finally said Anna & Josh.
Yep. The same Josh who made fun of me on my first day at school.
Lucky me.
I turned around to find an equally shocked Josh who looked like he lost a soccer match.
Guess he's not happy being my partner. That makes two of us.
"Emily and Jason" the teacher closed the register, announcing the last pair "So you will be working with your designated partner and complete it by next Friday"
"And by description, you have to give a brief note on what happened in the last century and what changes took place till it evolved into modern world" She continued explaining what are expected and what are not.
"At least, we have Wikipedia" I heard someone behind me.
Yeah. That's a really good idea.
"And you are not expected to copy paste from Wikipedia because I'll be checking that" she said, as if reading our minds which earned groans from few students.
"It should be a minimum of 15 pages in word document and maximum of 20" she said with a sigh, before leaving the class as the bell rang.
I swerved towards the exit when I heard someone, only to find Josh rushing towards me "You're going to do it"
"What? I have to do it alone?" I asked in surprise.
"Yes. You have to. It's best for both of us" he sighed, adding before he left "Don't forget to put my name"
What's wrong with him?
I am gaping at the door dumb founded, when I heard Emily "Are you alright?"
I turned around to see a confused Emily and a concerned Jason walking towards me "Yeah. I'm fine"
"You don't seem alright. What happened Anna?" Jason asked, a frown marring his eyebrows.
I didn't reply and he walked towards me; so close that we could kiss if we leaned our heads a bit.
Bothered by his closeness, I took a step back and replied "Nothing. It's just that--um--Josh and I are partnered"
"I know. But please inform me if he is rude to you" Jason replied in a serious tone.
I laughed humorlessly "That won't be necessary because I am doing it alone"
He raised an eyebrow to which I added "He told me to do it alone saying it's best for both of us"
"Why would he say that?" Emily asked, looking totally confused.
I shrugged as Jason said "It's good though; staying away from that a**hole"
Emily glared at Jason "But she has to do it alone now"
"It's OK. I can do it I guess" I answered with a shrug.
They didn't say anything and together, we walked to our common table for lunch where Elle and Kyle are kissing each other.
"Ugh. Kyle, can you please stop sucking my sister's face when I am around" Jason said with a grimace etched on his face.
This made them move away from each other and we joined them at the table.
"Oh, come on. You were jealous" Kyle said with a smirk plastered on his face.
Jason looked at him with a 'Are you kidding me' look and Kyle added "Tell me when was the last time you got laid?"
"Shut up" Jason snapped, his cheeks tinged a light shade of pink.
"Aw. Look who's blushing" Elle cooed with a sly grin.
Jason rolled his eyes while the others joined the table and started discussing about their classes.
"So, which country is in your mind for the assignment?" I asked Emily while the guys are busy discussing about their soccer practices as usual.
She nudged Jason in the elbow earning his attention "Did you choose any country for our history assignment?"
"Huh? No, not yet. Why are you asking me this now? We still have a lot of time to do it" he said coolly.
"Just asking" she replied, turning to me "So Anna, what are you planning?"
"Mm, I don't know. I am thinking China since it's the most populated and one of the largest countries in the world. I can write about their products though I have zero knowledge about them. I guess it would be interesting. If not, then may be Japan or Indonesia" I voiced all my thoughts out loud since the time I heard about the assignment.
Jason and Emily looked at me in amusement; probably because of my longest speech.
In order to divert their attention from me, I cleared my throat and said "So Gabe. Who is your partner?"
He looked at me in disbelief, probably surprised that I tried to start a conversation with him as he finally replied "Err-what? Yeah. Mrs. Ryan"
"There is someone who is married in our class? I didn't know that" I asked, surprised by myself for not not knowing any Ryan.
Isn't that a guy's name?
Gabe, Em and Jason snickered while I looked at them in bewilderment.
"Anns. It's Blake" Jason replied with a smile while I gazed at him in confusion, not understanding how Mrs. Ryan can be Blake .
He sighed "You know Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds" I nodded "His wife's name is Blake Lively, the girl in Green Lantern. Our Basketball team captain shares the same name as hers"
I grinned, finally understanding the nickname they gave for Blake.
Before I could ask more, Cheryl interrupted "Do you know her Jason?"
"You mean Anns?" she raised an eyebrow and nodded "Of course I knew her. We share classes"
"Oh. I didn't know you were friends with her" When Jason cocked an eyebrow, she added "I meant close. I didn't know you are close friends with her"
"We aren't" He replied and I am disappointed hearing that but he quickly added "But we are on our way"
"Oh" she said dully, turning back to Megan who resumed chatting about some guy she saw making out with Zoe; a member of the cheer-leading team.
I turned back to the three who looked at me apologetically and I gave an awkward smile.
We are eating in peace when Blake came to our table, sitting beside me "Long time, no see"
I only shrugged when he added "Why don't you talk much? You have angelic voice and I bet you'd be amazing when you sing"
I grimaced at his open flirting.
"You don't want me to sing. Trust me" I replied honestly.
"May be. But who would listen to you when they can get lost in your face" He replied smirking at me.
Yuck. That has to be the worst pick up line ever used. Ever.
"Look Mrs. Ryan. She is not interested in you. So, stop flirting" Jason glowered.
"Who are you? Her Dad?" Blake retorted "And don't call me that, again"
"Yeah Mrs. Ryan?" he spat back and Blake glared at him.
I should stop them before situation gets worse.
"Listen Ryan---I mean Blake" Gabe and Jason chuckled while Emily giggled "Listen Blake. I am sorry for what Jason said but it's true. Please stop flirting with me. Please"
"Why? Is it because of him?" he spat angrily.
Whoa. Who is he talking about?
"Is it because of that hot guy you met?" he asked, glaring at me.
"What? No" I replied quickly, not wanting to give any idea to Jason that I like him.
"Then why?" he whined.
"Because I don't date. I don't do guys. I have other things in my mind and I am not looking for a relationship right now"
"What do you mean you don't do guys? Are you----" Jason asked, with what looked like hurt in his voice.
"Jason!!" I huffed in disbelief "I didn't mean that. When I said I don't do guys, doesn't mean I am interested in girls"
Where the hell does he get these ideas? First, he thought I was dumb and now this.
"Oh" he sighed, looking satisfied.
"Clear, Blake?" I asked, hoping that he'd leave me alone now.
"Fine. But we can be friends, right?" he asked hopefully.
"Huh? Fine" I replied, not wanting to hurt him by saying 'no'.
"Why the hell did you do that?" Jason hissed in whisper, once Blake left.
"What did I do?" I asked, not understanding what he meant.
"That you would be friends with him" He replied in a casual tone as if it's the most obvious thing to know.
"I didn't want to hurt him" I answered honestly.
"Really Anns? He is a player and is messing with you. Do you think he cares? He'd flirt with some other girl the minute he left you"
"How can you say that? One should never make assumptions about someone they don't know" I mumbled, remembering the way I assumed things about Jamie.
"But we know him. And I am going to prove it to you" He said, walking away to the other end of the table where Blaise is seated.
He whispered something in his ear and Blaise nodded.
Jason returned to his place while Blaise left, followed by Cheryl and Megan who went in the other direction. A couple of minutes later, other members of the group left bidding their goodbyes leaving only the four of us.
After few minutes, Blaise came back, opening something from his bag which looked like some electronic device used in a James Bond film.
"What is it?" I asked, unable to hide my curiosity.
"That's a receiver. We have to listen to it" Gabe said simply while Emily, Jason and I scooted closer to observe the tiny object.
What the heck is that and why did he bring it to school?
Blaise kept on working, setting it up with Jason and Gabe's help while I turned to Em "What's happening here?"
"Blaise put a transmitter on Blake which will help us know what he is doing once we are done setting up the receiver" Gabe answered.
"What are you planning to know?" I asked, leaning back to my chair.
"You'll know" Jason replied stiffly.
Once they are done setting up the thing, they gestured me to come towards them and I complied.
There is silence for a while which made me doubt if it's actually working. However, a few seconds later, faint sounds came from it which didn't make sense to me but the four of them looked at it with their mouths open, slightly.
I didn't understand what is happening until I heard a small moan followed by a little louder groan making me mirror my friends' expressions.
All of us lied back on our chairs not wanting to witness, in our case listen to Blake making out with some girl. I looked at Jason who had 'I-told-you-so' look on his face.
I shrugged "I don't care how he is. He is nothing to me and only that matters"
"So, you are still going to be friends with him?" Jason asked, glaring at me.
"I would be social to him but won't hangout like friends do"
"That's not fair enough. Stay away from him" He grumbled.
"I can't avoid him, right? We share classes for god sake and he won't stop bugging me if I did that" I cried out.
I know guys like Blake. All they like is a good chase. It's better to friend zone guys like him instead of ignoring.
"Not good enough. You are staying away from him. That's it" He snapped at me.
"And who are you to make choices for me?" I blurted out.
The moment those words left my mouth, I regretted. The look on Jason's face made me feel more guilty.
Before I could apologize, he snapped yet again "You know what? You're right. I am nothing to you. But, remember one thing. Just because you are good to him, doesn't mean he will be the same. So if you want the same thing as him, then GO. I won't stop you anymore because I don't care"
With that, he left the table and walked out of the cafeteria. Though I wanted to run after him, I couldn't, since he is so angry and I am scared that he might snap at me again.
"Am I that bad?" I asked the only people in our table, Gabe and Emily. I can only hope Blaise left before our argument.
"He'll come around. Don't worry" Gabe replied in an assuring tone.
"He is so angry" I croaked dryly, realizing that this is my first fight with Jason.
"He'll get over it. He is stubborn but he can't be away from his friends for long" Gabe responded with a small smile.
"I hope so" I sighed.
Once the bell rang, I rushed to my next class with Gabe, in hope of seeing Jason in a better mode. But he is sulking in the last row with a sour look on his face.
Stealing glances at Jason didn't help my foul mood. Through out the class, I hoped he'd look at me with that breathtaking smile of his. Sadly, it didn't happen.
I almost gave up on him until Gabe told me that he would help me get back Jason.
In an instant, my mood brightened and I almost felt like dancing. Almost.
"Thanks Gabe. I Love You" I exclaimed, kissing him on the cheek and gave him a tight hug.
I don't know what made me do that. He is Jason's best friend and this is the first time we had an actual conversation.
But one look at his face, rushed all the doubts out of my mind. His cheeks are flushed red and he had a huge grin on his face.
"I Love you too, dear. But, I am sorry. You are not my type" He replied cheekily.
I fake gasped and brought hand to my chest, feigning hurt and he laughed at my fake disappointment. We walked to our next class with his arm draped over my shoulder.
When all the classes ended, I waited for Jason at his locker as Gabe said he'd make Jason stay at school until everyone left.
School ended thirty minutes ago and the corridors are empty except for me.
A few minutes later, I found Jason coming in my direction, not noticing me.
Once he saw, he retreated back to the way he came in but I quickly responded and ran after him.
"Jason wait" This didn't stop him as he increased his pace hearing me.
"I am sorry" I mumbled slowly, almost in a whisper but he seemed to hear me as he stopped walking which made me stop running after him.
"I am sorry Jason. I didn't mean it. I was a bit irritated and it came out like that. Please forgive me"
No reply again.
"Please forgive me Jason. Emily and you are the only friends I have here. Please don't leave me. I will be alone again. Don't be mad at me. Please" I said, not caring that I am almost begging him.
He turned around and looked at me in the eye which showed no hints of anger. Grabbing the chance, I ran up to him and wrapped my arms around his shoulders burying my head in the crook of his neck.
He hugged me back as he whispered "You are forgiven and I am sorry too"
"I won't talk to Blake. I won't do anything that you tell me not to. I won't--" I rambled on, not knowing why and what I am trying to explain.
He chuckled "Anns. Stop blabbering. I am sorry. I didn't want to see you hurt. I was only--"
"Looking out for me. I know" I completed for him.
"Yeah. I was only--" he trailed off, not bothering to continue and we stood there in the isolated corridor in silence in each other's arms.
I missed the warmth of his body once we let each other go and continued walking down the corridor towards the grounds.
As I trotted beside him, I couldn't help but think how different my life turned out to be.
This is definitely not something that I planned to do. Though I am scared of the outcome after few months, I still want to have friends.
Why Jason became so important to me?
Though I know nothing about him apart from his friends and sister, it feels so right being with him.
Nothing makes sense anymore.
But I definitely know one thing now.
I am falling for him. So hard that the consequences are not scaring me anymore.
---
Thank you for reading. Please consider voting if you liked the chap.
-Janaki
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