The Academy of Underachievers: Year One

by Alex Dafney

  My hands slide under his shirt, my nails raking up his defined chest as I rise on my tiptoes to slip it over his head.

  He breaks our kiss, pulling it over with one hand before eagerly seeking me again.

  Jet somehow manages to rip my shirt over my head without me seeming to notice, his hands roaming over my bare back as we stand chest to chest. Breaking our kiss, he rests his forehead against my own, our breaths coming fast as we stare into each other’s eyes, both of us knowing what’s to come.

  We lie on our sides, facing each other in Jet’s large, warm bed sometime later, both with satiated smiles on our face.

  “Wow,” I say as my heart rate slows to an average pace after our whirlwind of passion.

  Jet chuckles as his fingertips skim over my side, causing goosebumps to spread across my entire body. “Wow doesn’t seem to be a word to justify what just happened.”

  I shrug one shoulder, giving him a playful smirk. “It seemed nicer than, eh.”

  He narrows his eyes before quickly pouncing at me, his hands moving to my sides as he tickles me without mercy.

  “Stop!” I giggle, clutching at his hands, trying to make him relent.

  “Hot, amazing, incredible, marvelous, unbelievable, astounding, even great, could’ve worked. Yet you choose wow!”

  I gasp a lungful of air, exhausted by the tickle fest. “Okay! All of those!”

  He laughs along with me as his hand stops moving, my chest rising quickly with my labored breaths as he leans over me, his lips brushing mine.

  “You are all of those words combined.”

  My mouth quirks up into a smile as I curse myself. Dammit. I am one of those girls that wants to get lost within the boy that speaks sweet words.

  Chapter Seventeen

  “But, the Academy Bowl is tomorrow, Chasity! You can’t bail on us now. Otherwise, we won’t have enough members to qualify.” My eyes are wide as I stand at the front of the empty classroom we’ve been using to practice in for the last three months.

  Chasity gives me a couldn’t care less shrug before flipping her long auburn colored hair over her shoulder. “Shit came up.”

  I stare after her as she moves toward the doorway, slipping into the hallway and taking our chances of competing with her.

  “Shit, shit, shit.” Taking a seat on the edge of the executive style desk, I lift my hands, covering my face. We have worked so hard, and with just one day before the competition, I’m going to have to pull our team out due to not having enough members to qualify.

  “Hey, babe.”

  Lifting my head, I give Jet a small smile as he strides in the room, his face instantly consumed with worry as his eyes meet mine.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Stepping in front of me, he wraps his arms around my shoulders, my face cradled against his chest as my arms slip around his middle.

  “Chasity just quit.”

  He pulls back quickly, giving me a shocked expression, to which I nod.

  “What the hell? How can she quit the day before we’re supposed to compete?”

  I shake my head, not having an explanation for him. Pushing off the desk, I stand in front of him, wrapping my arms around my center. “I need to contact the board of experts and let them know we won’t be coming.” I start to turn for the door, wanting to make the phone call before the rest of my teammates arrive.

  Jet grips my hand, tugging me back to him as I blink tears of disappointment from my eyes. “Calm down, Briar. Let’s wait until everyone gets here before we make any rash decisions.”

  As if on cue, Colton and Lana saunter into the room, giving us wary looks as they take their seats. Before long, everyone has taken a place, and Jet leaves me at the front of the room, giving me an encouraging smile as he slides in the vacant chair next to Colton.

  Taking a deep breath, I blow it out, twirling the black stone of the ring that rests on my finger as I mentally prepare to address the room. “There’s no way to sugarcoat this. Chasity just quit.”

  Murmurs flow through the room at the unexpected news.

  “That means we’re one short of the required members for a team.”

  I nod at Brad, who wears a scowl on his face.

  “Yes. We’ll have to forfeit if we don’t come up with a solution. Quickly.”

  The football jerks both rise from their seats, shaking their heads and complaining as they move toward the door. “I can’t believe we wasted our fucking time.”

  I step into their path, holding both of my hands up, palms facing them. “Wait. You can’t just leave.”

  The captain folds his arms over his chest, giving me a challenging look. “We’re going to the bar. If you can figure this out, let us know. We’ll be ready tomorrow morning.” Stepping around me, they disappear through the entrance.

  The next half hour seems to get away from us as we brainstorm, make phone calls to every student, and hoping we can convince someone to join our cause.

  “I hear you need someone to compete.”

  My head snaps up from the list that sits in the middle of the table, finding Angie propped against the doorframe, her hand resting on her hip, and a snarky smile on her face.

  Lana pushes her chair back; it scraping loudly against the tile floor. “Oh, hell, no! If the wicked witch is in, I’m out.” She hastily shoves her belongings in her bag as I continue to stare at Angie with a shocked expression.

  “Wait, Lana. Let’s hear her out.”

  My eyes snap over to Jet, glaring at him for even considering letting her join us.

  He shrugs one shoulder up, leaning his head toward me to whisper. “Do you have a better idea, babe?”

  I narrow my eyes at him, “fine,” I grit through my teeth.

  Angie shoves off the frame, sauntering toward us. “I’m up to speed on all the material, and it looks as if you all are short one person to qualify for the Academy Bowl.” She stops in front of our table, giving me a wicked smile. “Unless you want to forfeit, it appears I’m your only hope.”

  I scoff loudly, even if she is right, I’d rather quit than have her join the ranks. “You’re not the only student that has been going to classes. I’m sure we’ll find someone.”

  She lifts one eyebrow, a coy smile pulling to her lips as she backs toward the door. “Have it your way, Briar.”

  My name leaves her mouth as if it has left a bad taste.

  As she exits, I glance around the room, a stern look on my face. “Call everyone you know.” Without another word, everyone goes back to their phones.

  Two hours later, I sit back in the straight back chair, my head throbbing with a tension headache.

  “I’m beat, y’all, and I’m starving.”

  I look over to Lana, who gives me a sympathetic smile as she rises. “We tried, butternut squash.”

  A soft chuckle escapes me at the unusual term of endearment, knowing that’s exactly what she was trying to accomplish.

  “Maybe someone will agree to help us.” Colton offers as he wraps an arm around Lana, starting to lead her toward the exit.

  Everyone else seems to follow suit, and before long, only Jet and I remain in the quiet classroom. He reaches across the table, resting his hand on the wood top, palm facing upward. Sitting forward, I place my hand in his, giving him a soft smile.

  “I’m sorry, babe. I know how much this means to you.”

  I wave a hand toward him like it’s not a big deal, yet the whole while fighting back the tears. “Why don’t we grab something to eat and head to my room?”

  I nod in agreement as I stand, shoving my notebook in my bag and swinging it over my shoulder. Jet offers me his hand, which I take without hesitating before we move into the hallway. We both remain quiet as we slowly move down the three flights of stairs toward his room. I keep my gaze on the floor as we stride along the third-floor side by side.

  “Hey.”

  My eyes jerk up at the sound of Angie’s grating voice.

  My brows pull together as I
stare at her standing next to room 301, Jet’s dorm room.

  Jet squeezes my hand gently. “What do you need, Ang.”

  His shortened name for her makes my stomach tighten, even though he’s never given me a reason to be jealous.

  Angie lets out a long sigh, turning her focus to me. “I’m sorry.”

  I lift one eyebrow, giving her a skeptical look.

  Dropping her gaze to the floor between us, she clasps her hands in front of her. “I’m sorry I attacked you. I was jealous that Jet found you endearing and looked at you as if you hung the damn moon.” She lifts her eyes to mine, a surprisingly authentic look in her eyes. “I’ve been told as long as I can remember that Jet belongs to me, and he always has until you came along.”

  Her eyes flit over to Jet, giving him a shy smile. “Except you never belonged to me. You were just a damn good friend. A friend that I miss dearly.”

  His hand tightens on mine, but he stays silent.

  Angie looks back to me, rolling her shoulders back. “I didn’t want to eat crow in front of the entire room, so I’ve been waiting for you here. I know the two of you have still been staying the night together, but I haven’t said anything. That has to count for something, right?”

  I arch one brow upward, not responding.

  Angie lets out a huff, flinging her hands up to her side. “Look, I’ve always wanted to compete in the Bowl games and the only reason I didn’t join the team when you started all this is just that. You started it. You’re the ringleader, and I know you don’t like me, so I figured you wouldn’t let me in your freaking club.”

  I shake my head lightly, “I never said I didn’t like you. You’re the one that came after me.”

  She nods in agreement, her shoulders slumping forward as she looks at the ground. “You are right. I truly am sorry for my actions. You seem to be a nice girl, and you didn’t deserve the way I’ve treated you in the past.”

  We all remain silent for a few moments, seeming to be processing this sudden turn of events.

  Dropping Jet’s hand, I take a step forward, outstretching my hand to her. “I think we should start over. I’m Briar.”

  She rolls her eyes as she places her hand in mine, shaking lightly. “Angie. I used to be Jet’s best friend.” Her eyes move over to his, a sheen of tears forming as we drop hands. “I’m sorry, Jet. I’ve always known we were never going to be more than friends, but I let the blood contract blind me. In some delusional way, I thought we could learn to accept our fate.” A sobbed breath escapes her as she averts her eyes from his, wrapping her arms around herself.

  My lips dip down at the corner as I see the anguish on Jet’s face as he watches her silently. Even though I feel as if I will regret this, I move next to his side, placing my hand on his back and pushing him toward her. He gives me a questioning look, but I nod to Angie, who seems on the verge of a complete meltdown.

  Jet tilts his head back, letting out a heavy sigh to the ceiling before moving toward her. He places a hand on her shoulder, hesitantly. “Thank you for apologizing.”

  Mine and Jet’s eyes both widen as she wraps her arms around him, sobbing against his chest, neither of us expecting it. He keeps his eyes locked on mine above her head as I give him a shrug.

  After a moment, Angie seems to collect herself, pulling away from him as she wipes her fingers under her eyes. “I’m sorry. It’s just been lonely without you.” She gives Jet a small smile, him returning it as he moves to my side, lacing his fingers with mine.

  I force a smile onto my lips as I look between them. “Well, I guess we should let everyone know we’re going to the Academy Bowl.”

  Angie gives me a look of surprise that quickly turns to delight. “Really?”

  I nod, clearing my throat to speak. “Yes. We’d be grateful to have your assistance tomorrow.”

  After exchanging a few more words, Angie excuses herself, leaving Jet and me to enter his dorm. As he closes the door behind us, he turns to me, a hesitant smile on his lips.

  “That was unexpected.”

  I let out a long breath as I move into the room, dropping slowly on the worn leather sofa.

  Jet drops down next to me, placing his hand on my thigh as he sinks back, his head resting on the couch.

  “Do you think she was serious? Or was that some kind of act?”

  Jet slowly moves his head side to side, squeezing my thigh with his hand. “I honestly don’t know. Angie isn’t the same person she was when we first met, but that reminded me of the girl I once called my best friend.”

  Again, that jealous feeling sits in the pit of my stomach as I spin the ring on my finger, staring across the room blankly.

  “Are you jealous?”

  I move my eyes back to Jet, finding an amused smile on his face as I wrinkle my nose at him.

  “Holy shit! You’re jealous!”

  I smack his hand off my leg, folding my arms over my chest as I scoot away from him, turning my back to ignore him.

  A shriek escapes me as he jerks me back, my head landing in his lap. He arches one brow, giving me that damned crooked grin as he looks down at me. “You have nothing to be jealous about, Briar. Angie and I used to be friends, but I never loved her.”

  My eyes widen at his choice of words, him seeming to find my look of bewilderment amusing.

  Offering me his hand, I pull myself to sitting, attempting to make a run for it at the heavy topic at hand, but he instantly stops me. Grabbing my waist, he lifts me to straddle him, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me to his chest.

  His lips find mine in a slow, tantalizing kiss.

  A whimper escapes me as he pulls away, gazing deep into my eyes.

  “I love you, Briar.”

  My mouth slowly slides open, not sure how to process the words he’s saying.

  He lifts one hand, rubbing the back of his neck nervously as his eyes flit around. “You, uh, I just, um.” A long sigh escapes him, his eyes moving back to mine. “I don’t expect you to say it back, I just, well, that’s how I feel, and-.”

  I cut his words off, sealing my mouth to his. “I love you too, Jet,” I whisper against his lips before our kiss becomes more feverish.

  My whole body tingles with nerves as I stand in front of Jet’s bathroom mirror, a dark blue towel wrapped around me. I open my mouth in the shape of an O, widening my eyes as I apply my mascara. My nervous energy extends to my hand, shaking the brush and leaving a black streak on my eyelid. “Dammit.” Grabbing the cloth that rests on the edge of the sink, I wipe my eye, for the third time.

  A soft knock at the door has my glancing through the reflection as Jet sticks his head inside, giving me an excited smile.

  “Are you almost ready? We need to be leaving soon.”

  I let out a heavy breath as I refocus on applying my minimal makeup, trying to tame my shaky hand.

  Jet moves behind me, wrapping his hands around my middle and resting his chin on my shoulder as he watches in the mirror.

  “Calm your ass down. You’re making me nervous.”

  I shove an elbow back, catching his side as he chuckles. Rolling my eyes, I take my previous stance, mouth, and eyes wide to attempt this one more time. I blink quickly as the black liquid dries, finally not a smudge in sight.

  Jet grips my hand as I place the tube to the sink, spinning me to face him. He gives me that crooked smile that he wears so well. “You’re going to be amazing today, babe. Just take a deep breath.”

  I do as he says, inhaling deeply and exhaling a few times with my eyes closed.

  His hands slide to my hips.

  I continue my breathing exercise to calm myself.

  “You have done an outstanding job building our team. Colton has spent more time in the harem with Mistress Aurelia than should be legal, so we know he’s prepared for his role. The jocks have learned just enough to pass the admittance test, but they’ll do well in the physical competition. With you, me, Lana, Brad Pitte, and Angie on the scholar side, we’re a fo
rce to be reckoned with.”

  My eyes slowly open, meeting a small smile on Jet’s face after his pep talk that has helped to ease my anxiety. I press up onto my tiptoes, pressing my lips to his.

  As I lower, I give him a snarky smile. “Most days, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  He waggles his brows at me, causing me to giggle as I spin, moving into the room to get dressed. I yelp as his hand smacks my behind, narrowing my eyes at him over my shoulder.

  “Good thing you’ll never have to find out.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Name, and Academy.” The woman sitting behind a podium states with a bored tone as we step into the foyer of the Paranormal Academy of the East.

  Stepping up to the wooden desk, I give her a bright smile. “My name is Briar Knotwood. We’re from the Academy of Underachievers.”

  She glances up from the paper that rests in front of her drawing her brows together as she looks over our group of twenty.

  “I didn’t think y’all would show.”

  I keep the smile plastered on my face as she lets out a laugh that seems like she’s laughing at us, not with us.

  “Here. The exam room is that way. Follow the signs.”

  She pops a bubble of gum, pointing over her shoulder with one hand and extending a packet over the desk.

  Taking the envelope from her, I clutch it in my hand as we move down the corridor, following the large banners that guide us to where we need to be.

  Stopping outside of the doorway that has a large white poster board taped to the window, the word exam scrawled in neat font, and I turn to face my teammates.

  Jet gives me an encouraging nod as everyone else stares at me.

  “We’ve worked just as hard as anyone else. We deserve to be here as much as the next person.”

  Everyone glances over as laughter sounds loudly. A group of boys and girls stand just at the end of the hallway; all dressed in black with a school crest on the breast pocket of their shirts. The boy in the front of the pack moves toward us, his arms folded over his chest in arrogance as he smirks at me.