by Paige Powers
“Honey,” Jack said in a sweet voice.
“Yes, baby?” I asked touching his arm. He looked surprised and cleared his throat.
“I’ll take your books so you don’t have to worry about them,”
I smiled.
“Sure,” I smirked as I handed over all my books to him. They were heavy and he grunted slightly.
“Come on,” he muttered. I took his hand which unbalanced him but I didn’t care; I wasn’t carrying my books.
Chapter 5
People asked us all sorts of questions. It was interesting to see their reaction to us as a couple. It was even more interesting to see how surprised they were about the change in me.
“I changed because I wanted the best for my baby.” I squeezed Jack’s cheek causing him to smile painfully and glare at me as they looked away. Next was lunch. We hadn’t seen Grant and Kendra but we were informed that they knew. We were the talk of the school. So before we went into the cafeteria I pushed Jack in a hall without kids and sighed. “Man, this is so tiring.”
“You think?” he said as I massaged his hand. I grinned.
“You squeezed it so hard I thought I was going to lose it.”
“Oh get over it, baby,” I teased.
He looked at me.
“I like it when you call me that.” He winked and I rolled my eyes.
“Tell me again why I wanted to do this?”
He thought for a moment. “Because you’re truly and madly in love with me deep down?”
“Nah,” I snorted.
He frowned and pouted.
“Come on, I look good today. For you.”
“You don’t look that good,” he said. I laughed.
I grabbed his hand and he winced. I loosened my grip. “Come on.” We went into the cafeteria and took a deep breath. There, in the corner, were Kendra and Grant. They were feeding each other pudding. Ew! “Let’s get something first and then we’ll go over there,” I said. He nodded and stared at them as we got in line. I hit him in the ribs.
“Owe!” he complained.
“Pay attention to me!” I muttered. He laughed and then I could feel his breath on my neck.
“Why? Are you jealous?” Goose-bumps rose on my arms and I tried to act like it didn’t bother me. What are you talking about? It didn’t! Of course it didn’t...why would it?
“Ew, no!” I said and laughed. We got our food and walked to their table.
“Hey guys!” I said cheerily. They both looked up at us with wide eyes. Especially at me. Kendra had a spoonful of pudding on its way into Grant’s mouth but it dropped to the table.
“Lidia?” they both asked. Jack put his hand around my waist as I gave them my best smile. Grant’s eyes glazed over as he looked at me.
“Yeah silly! Hey can Jack and I sit with you guys?”
Kendra’s eyes went to Jack and they bulged while Grant, suddenly looking parched, drank his water.
“What….” She stammered.
“Oh! Sorry, Kendra. I totally forgot to tell you! Jack and I are together now.”
Grant suddenly spat out his water and some came out through his nose. Jack swallowed a laugh but I could feel his body shaking a little.
“You’re what?” they both exclaimed, staring at us. I smiled.
“Aw, you didn’t know?” They both shook their heads dumbly. “Jack asked me out as soon as Kendra dumped him.” Jack bumped me in a rough way. I smirked slightly. “So, we’re together now. Can we sit here?” I asked sliding into a seat next to Grant. He still stared at me dumbfounded. Jack took the seat next to Kendra. He didn’t even look at her. I could see a vein on his neck bulge as I looked up at him but he didn’t even look up.
“Jack, baby?” he finally looked up. His eyes were a little sad but something wasn’t right.
“Yeah?” he asked.
“You want to come over after school? Remember, my parents are gone. It’ll be fun.”
He smirked a little. “Sure.”
I frowned slightly then turned and smiled at Grant. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be to see him. I started to eat and felt uneasy about why Jack wasn’t talking. But who cares! I’m only stuck with him for a while and then Grant and I will be back together.
After lunch, I went to my locker to gather my books. Jack said he would meet me at the door but he wasn’t there when I went. I looked out the window and saw Kendra backed up against Grant’s car looking flushed and excited. I gritted my teeth together.
“I hate that girl!”
I jumped and turned around.
“The hell, Jack!” I yelled. He laughed.
“No, actually, it’s just school, but close enough.” I snorted and rolled my eyes.
“I can’t believe this. They don’t even seem fazed by seeing us,” I said, shaking my head in disgust.
“I’m not surprised. It’s going to take a little more than that for them to want us back.”
I nodded and sighed. “I guess.”
“Do I still have to come over to your house though?”
I looked at him and raised an eyebrow.
“Yes! What if someone sees you out? They’ll know we are lying.”
He grinned. “So you’re really starting to enjoy this aren’t you?”
“Yeah right!” I said and scoffed, turning so he couldn’t see a little pink in my cheeks.
Jack took me back to my house and I got out of the rust bucket.
“It’s not a rust bucket!” Jack said jumping out of the car. I looked at him and threw my head back and laughed.
“Yeah it is! Look at the bumper. It’s about to fall off! And your mirror has a creak in it.”
He pouted.
“You’re not a very supportive girlfriend,” he muttered. I shook my head.
“That’s for school….not now.” I unlocked the door and went in. He followed. I dropped my bag and took off the boots sighing with relief.
“Ha-ha!” he said and plopped himself down on the sofa. I rolled my eyes.
“This isn’t your house! Get your feet off the sofa!” I growled. He laughed and kept them there, taunting me. I narrowed my eyes at him. “Jack, get them off. If my parents knew….they would slaughter you.” He raised an eyebrow.
“What are you going to do about it, Princess? Claw me with your fingernails?”
“You little—!” I ran over there and grabbed his feet. He looked surprised. I threw them off but just as they went off he caught my arms and pulled at me.
“Freaking...tough….” He grunted, trying to get me down. I hit at his arm by flailing around my wrist. I then kicked him in the ribs with my foot playfully. I laughed and almost fell back. I tried to run but he caught my ankle and yanked me back and I landed on top of him. He grunted and I hit him in the chest.
“You’re a tough one,” he said. “And heavy!”
I gasped.
“Ass wipe!” I yelled. He laughed but grunted. I pushed at him and we both fell off the sofa. He was on me and I let out a huff.
“Yeah you are, too there, big boy! Now get off!” I yelled. I pushed at his arm and he laughed and then stopped as it gave out and he fell closer, his face now inches from mine. His deep blue eyes looked into mine and I swallowed. His body was warm above mine. His chest was tight and muscular and it tempted me. His lips were inches from mine and I kept looking at them. They looked so soft….my breathing was heavy and a piece of his hair touched my cheek. He looked really good….I felt….good. What is wrong with you?! Eww its Jack! I shook my head a little.
“Jack get off!” I yelled in his face. He frowned then jumped back.
“Gosh, you’re such a prick,” he said, laughing and shaking himself a little.
“Me? You’re the one who wouldn’t get your damn feet off my sofa!” I said giggling.
He laughed.
“I’m hungry,” he said suddenly and went into the kitchen. I gave out a sigh and stood up. �
��You’ve got to get yourself together Lidia! You’re practically lusting over the first guy you have in sight since Grant. Get over yourself! Get a life! This is fake and it won’t last long. So don’t get used to it!’ I went into the kitchen and Jack was drinking out of the milk carton.
“Hey!” I yelled. He smiled and a drip of milk slipped down his chin.
“Ah!” he said in delight and put it back in the fridge, wiping the back of his hand over his mouth.
“You’re sick,” I said and grabbed a granola bar from the cupboard. I sat on the counter and nibbled at it.
“Maybe we should go on a double date with them….well after a week or whatever. Just to show them that we’re serious,” I thought aloud.
“Yeah, we could do that,” he said, shrugging. His hair came down in front of his eyes and he pushed it back. My stomach did flips...for some stupid reason! It was the granola bar! That’s it. Yeah maybe I shouldn’t have eaten it. It was making me feel sick.
“We should probably lay low for a while. Then when we see them, we act like the perfect couple,” Jack said. I nodded. He moved his shoulder and winced. I grinned.
“My books are heavy aren’t they?” I asked innocently. He glared daggers at me.
“You have no idea.”
Chapter 6
One week later
One week later and we still hated each other. Probably more than the week before! Everyone asked us questions about dating and how we figured out we were so called ‘in love’. We made up a lot as we went along. Jack was a total jerk to me! Outside of school that is. We fought like brother and sister.
“Honey!” Jack cooed coming to my locker. I smiled but I gritted my teeth together.
“Jacky!” I said nicknaming him. He glared for a moment then leaned against me on the locker. I hated when he did this!
“How was your day?” he asked. I pinched his side to get him off me but he just jumped and smirked.
“Fine, baby. Now, can we go home?” People were smiling and laughing at us.
“Nah, I thought I’d just leave you like this…it’s much more relaxing.”
“Ooh! Go Walker! He’s got Taylor pinned on the locker!” one of his friends shouted. I smiled but it was forced. He saw and grinned. His leg was pinning my leg. Finally, I went for another attempt. I put my arms on his shoulder and grabbed his hair forcefully. He gave out a slight squeal but smiled.
“Lidia,” he said.
“Kiss, kiss, kiss!” they chanted. He smirked.
“Not going to happen,” I whispered and pulled at his hair.
“Ow, ow, ow,” he whined.
“Let me go,” he huffed and pulled back.
“Awe!”
I laughed.
“Let’s go baby.” I grabbed his arm and he squeezed it tightly. I winced and he smirked. See! We were always at each other’s throat. We walked out of the school, Jack and me, trying to kill the other’s hands.
“Hey!” Kendra said running over to us. I clenched my teeth.
“Hey,” I managed to say. Grant smiled and waved from his car. I nodded. Ugh! They act like nothing’s wrong! They don’t even look the slightest bit jealous. This wasn’t working!
“Do you guys want to go to the movies or something this weekend?” I looked at Jack who looked shocked for a second then regained himself.
“Sure, Kendra,” he said calmly. She looked up at him and swallowed a little.
“O-oh okay,” she stuttered. “Then we’ll meet at the theater at 8 tomorrow night?” I nodded. She left quickly and I looked at Jack who gave me a smug look.
“What’d you do?” I asked. He looked down at me.
“I think she misses me.”
I laughed and dropped his hand and headed towards his car.
“What? She was! She was looking all over me!”
I laughed again and we got in the car and started for my house.
“Are you staying?” I asked. He shook his head.
“No, I can’t. My mom is having a friend over and she wants me to meet him.”
I frowned. “Him? You never talk about your mom.”
He shrugged.
“She’s a great woman, my, mom. My dad left when I was about 10 so I took care of her. She dates every once in a while.” His words were quiet and sad and somehow I respected him.
“That’s nice,” I said watching him.
He shrugged again. “Sure, I guess.” I bit at my bottom lip.
“Actually, it really is,” I said sincerely. He laughed.
“So, what now? You’re going to go around telling people I’m some Momma’s boy?” he snorted.
I frowned.
“No, I wouldn’t do that.” We made eye contact and we both froze. He quickly adjusted his eyes to the road.
“Thanks,” he said quietly again. I nodded.
We got to my house and I saw my parents’ car parked in the driveway.
“Oh crap, they’re home.” I mumbled. Jack laughed. We got out and walked to the front door. I went in and mom and dad were in the kitchen talking. “Mom? Dad?” I called.
“Oh sweetie!” Mom came running out, but stopped short as she saw me and Jack...and my different clothes. “You’re a girl!” My mouth dropped and Jack burst out laughing.
“Yeah, mom I actually am. Thanks!” I yelled.
“Oh, I didn’t mean it like that!” she said waving at me. She came over and gave me a big hug. “You look so pretty!” she gushed. My mom and I had the same hair color but hers was more like a bimbo. Fake boobs. Fake nails, fake hair extensions. I was the opposite of my mother. “Jack, it’s a surprise to see you. Are Grant and Kendra coming over?” she asked. My heart dropped a little realizing she didn’t know.
“Actually, Mom,” I looked back at Jack who was speechless for once. He looked me in the eyes and nodded. “Grant and I broke up and now Jack and I are together.” She raised an eyebrow.
“You’re the Walker kid right?” my dad said from behind my mom. Jack nodded.
“Yes, sir,” he extended a hand and my dad looked impressed for a moment. They shook hands.
“Awe, well that’s sad, but don’t worry Jack. We like you,” said my mom, giving him a pinch with her fingers on his cheek and he grinned widely at me. I rolled my eyes and started for the stairs, not caring if he was coming or not. I went to my room and I heard him skipping up the stairs.
“Your mom is hot!” he said, coming in through my door. I turned to face him and let out a dramatic sigh.
“You would!” I said and shook my head.
“Your mom loves me!” he said and wiggled an eyebrow at me. “When we split up I’m going for her!” My mouth dropped and he came over and fell down onto my bed.
“Aren’t you going to get together with Kendra?” I asked. He looked at me for a second, then looked away and shrugged. I hit his leg to move it and got my history book out from under it. “Don’t you have to go home?” I asked and sat down. His leg hit my back and I rolled my eyes.
“Not right now. I want to annoy you more.” I looked back at him. He had his arms crossed under his head and he grinned.
“Well, I’m going to bore you because I’m doing homework.”
“You bore me anyhow.”
I scrunched up my face and he laughed. I sighed and looked at my book while pulling off my sandals and throwing them in the corner. I pulled my hair back into a pony tail trying to get it out of my face and then started reading. “It’s going to be weird tomorrow,” Jack clarified.
“You think?” I muttered.
“I think we should make out during the movie.”
I scoffed.
“Like I already told you, no! I’m not doing that!” I exclaimed.
He rolled his eyes at me.
“They aren’t getting jealous or didn’t you realize that?” he yelled.
“I know that! Maybe it’s just because they are ok with it. Maybe we should just give it
up.” I sighed.
He rolled his eyes.
“You’re so damn dramatic,” he said, putting his fingers on the bridge of his nose.
“No, I’m being logical!”
He shook his head with his eyes closed.
“Well logic doesn’t always work!” He opened his eyes and looked at me. They were blazing like a blue fire. My heart beat started going faster.
“F-fine,” I said giving in. He looked surprised. “But I don’t want to like make out, make out. Maybe just like kiss once or twice... Ewe I can’t believe I just said that!”
He looked bored.
“Yeah, same here, but I want Kendra back.” I looked at him and could see he was mad. Why would he be? But see, Lidia. He just wants her back. So just kiss him once or twice and you’ll have Grant back. No worries.
“Ok, but don’t like…” I tried to explain but I couldn’t. He laughed.
“What? Don’t what? I know how to kiss stupid. I'm probably better then you.”
I gasped. “You’re such a jerk! Probably not! I’ll show you how to kiss, you little ass.”
He raised an eyebrow but didn't object.
“Well, then, come on. Show me,” he said getting comfortable on the bed.
“I don’t think so—!”
“Dry lips?”
I gritted my teeth together.
“Fine!” I dropped my books to the floor and got on the bed. I straddled him and his eyes got wide. I smirked.
“This is how you kiss,” I leaned down and he stared up at me. I can’t believe I’m doing this! Get a hold of yourself, Lidia! Get off him and tell him you’re done with this whole fake relationship! But I couldn’t. His lips looked so soft and sweet. I leaned down and he lifted his head a little. Our lips touched softly and my stomach did flips. They were soft. I forced open his lips and sucked on his top lip. Now this was showing him! His hands wrapped themselves around my waist holding me closer. They were burning me. His lips, his hands….a moan almost escaped my mouth but I held it in. He tasted of peppermint and cigarettes. I didn’t want to end the kiss and I could tell that he didn’t want to either. I was quickly losing my breath and my head was getting foggy. I really wanted to take off—.