Skeeter smiles and waggles her eyebrows at me when I take the empty seat behind her. I shrug, causing her to roll her eyes.
“You’re hopeless, Jaz.” She rolls her eyes
dramatically. “Who’s the hottie that you left with at lunch?”
“Oh, you mean my brother? His name is Henry.”
Her eyes nearly pop out of her head. Am I really that bad looking that my brother being ‘hot’ is so strange and shocking? I mean, I know I didn’t apply much make- up today or do anything special with my hair. But I thought I was at least pretty.
“Can I hang out at your place before school? I’d love to see that freshly showered,” she says while fanning herself.
“Oh wow, gross.” I scrunch my face, but then I laugh because Skeeter wants to be oneof the ‘fan club’ girls. A few minutes into class, the door swings wide open with a bang. I slowly look over and talk about a “hottie,” standing there is an extremely handsome boy, if you can even classify him as a “boy.” He has short, curly, dark brown hair, eyes as green as grass, a strong chiseled jaw, and the body of an NFL football player.
The kind of guy that makes your eyes bug out, your mouth water, your heart beat out of your chest, and your brain turn to mush. And I have all of those symptoms. Ilook down at my desk as my cheeks heat. I wish I’d taken the time to dress to impress instead of comfort. It’s my sister’s favorite band t-shirt. I wanted to feel close to her. I missed our traditional first day of school breakfast, chocolate chip pancakes and preparatory first-day insults. I ignore those thoughts and try focusing on the next problem.
“Making an entrance, Mr. Neill? Take your seat and begin with the problems on the board,” Mr. Wolfe says. Mr. Neill makes his way towards my side of the room silently and sits in the empty seat behind me. I stiffen, and might even be holding my breath.
I wonder if he’s looking at the back of my head instead of working on the problems Mr. Wolfe listed. I wonder if my hair is sticking up all demented looking or with a French fry sticking out of my hair. I fidget throughout the class, run my hands through my hair, straighten my shirt, and shift in my seat.
When Mr. Wolfe announces the end of the lesson, Skeeter turns in her seat to face me. “So, Jaz, I’m curious. How do you know Leland Jefferies?”
That’s one question I’m not ready to answer, maybe not ever.
Leland’s a local celebrity and was active in the community with my mom, well, before the accident. If Skeeter figures out he’s my uncle she’ll know exactly who I’m and what happened to my family.
“Skeeter, itsJasmine’s first day. Can’t you wait for her second or third day to get her life story?” It’s the distractingly hot guy behind me who says it.
I turn in my seat and openly stare at him.
He knows my name.
Oh God, he knows my freaking name.
He smiles, “I didn’t mean to startle you. My name is Seth. I’ve been hearing your name a lot today.” Crap.It’s probably my runaway act or because of the argument with Derik before lunch.
He has a gorgeous smile, and I find myself smiling back at him.
What else am I supposed to do?
The green of his eyes is so beautiful, incredible even. It’s like I’m hypnotized by them. I can’t seem to look away. I just hope I remember to breathe.
“What class do you have next?” he asks me. “Uhh…” Damn! Why didn’t I take the time to memorize my schedule?
“She’s got study hall with Mrs. Kling,” Skeeter answers for me and breaks the spell. I look at her with surprise written all over my face. “Sweetie, your schedule is in your hand, and close your mouth. You don’t wanna drool,” she whispers before walking over to the group of kids standing by the door, leaving me with Mr. BrainFreeze-Inducer, himself.
“Could I walk you to class? I have study hall with Mrs. Kling too.”
Think Jazzy…work your puddle-brain and your mouth to form a sentence already!
“Yeah, su-susure.” Oh my God! I can’t believe I actually stuttered.
When the bell rings, he points me in the correct direction to get to our class.
“So, how do you like it here so far?”
“It’s um…great?” That really came out sounding like a question.
I’m pretty sure my cheeks are going to be stained red for eternity.
He laughs at my answer. “That good, huh? Well I have to say, Derik Little isn’t the best person to bring out the welcome wagon. Good thing you stopped his advances.”
He heard about that. My face is probably plaid by now.
My foot catches on something and I lose my balance and start falling. I close my eyes just as my arm starts tingling.
“Woah, there,” Seth says.
He caught my arm and stopped me from falling.
“Thank you.” I smile to him.
I didn’t think it was possible, but I feel my cheeks get redder.
I turn to see what I tripped on and a short little redhead is glaring at me. I recognize her from the volleyball team. Pretty sure she was the one that tried to use her face to block my spike.
I smile at the memory and to her. She huffs and walks away.
Seth moves his hand from my arm.
My smile falls and my mood plummets again. Weird. I feel just like I have been feeling all day.
I shiver and cross my arms over my chest. I was just truly happy. Something I haven’t actually felt in months now.
Henry suddenly storms over to us. He takes in my stance and I’m sure, the confused look on my face, and glares at Seth.
Seth holds out his hand to shake. “Hey man, I’m Seth.”
Henry glances at his hand, then looks back up to his face. “I’m Henry, and I’m getting sick of punks messin’ with my sister.” I stare at him horrified, and he grabs my arm and starts pulling me towards my class. “Let’s get you to class Jazzy.”
“Henry, I’m fine, just embarrassed.” I try shaking him off me. “Some girl tripped me and Seth caught me,” I whisper harshly. I wish he could read my mind so he can see that Seth isn’t being rude.
“Just lookin’ out for ya, Jazzy. I’m a little on edge since lunch.” He shrugs one shoulder. I know he thinks he’s being a good big brother, but he’s really embarrassing me.
“I know,” I sigh.
“Okay.” He grins. “See ya at the car, Jazzy!” He calls over his shoulder as he walks away again.
I smile apologetically at Seth and he returns a smile of his own.
“I have a question for you,” Seth asks as we head to the door. “Do you prefer Jasmine or Jazzy?”
Oh thank God! This I can answer! “I prefer Jaz, actually.”
I go talk to the teacher and she tells me there’s no set seating chart so I can sit wherever I’d like.
I choose the seat next to Seth, and he smiles at me.
All I can seem to think about is that smile of his and those lips. What would it feel like to have those lips on… Stop it Jaz!
I pull out my English book and force myself to think of anything else besides the strange, gorgeous boy sitting next to me.
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