Chapter 7:
Look, in like every drama, there's always that femme fatale, the girl everyone assumes the main character will end up with before he suddenly chooses some "nobody."
If you think I was going to say that wasn't me… wrong chapter. That was totally me. I suppose I am part of the drama show now that I've met my romance rival. Is she a rival, though?
Anyway, now the real question is: Am I a rebound? A new experience? True love? Or whatever love even means at this point? She definitely got into my head.
I went home that day feeling anxious about my talk with Faye. Whatever she meant, whatever she didn't say, it stayed with me. It felt like whatever Jack had with her was still pretty recent and precious, and honestly? I was feeling kind of weird about it. What really happened between them?… Who am I in all of this?
Why me? Out of everyone?
He kept saying, "It's just you," but I still don't understand. And now he's nowhere to be found because sweet him has to take care of his little sister.
Wait. Am I even dating someone?
How can I have a boyfriend and yet not even see the guy? Wait, is this what we call jealousy and doubt? I meant I can't blame the guy if he suddenly has to take care of his sick sister, but I think Faye got me in my head now, and I hated it.
I was scratching my head in the middle of the living room while eating with my little brother. He stared at me like I was losing my mind. So I escaped to my room and kept thinking… until I got a message from Jack:
"Hey, what are you doing?"
I replied: "Nothing, you?"
Then he said, "I'm at the park beside your house. Can you come?"
And suddenly, all those deep questions didn't matter anymore. Even though it was late, just the thought of seeing him made my heart jump.
I threw on my shoes, told my brother I was going to "buy snacks," and left the house like a rocket. I even forgot to reply to Jack.
When I reached the park, I saw him sitting under a small light, a plastic bag beside him, wearing a grey hoodie and looking at his phone. His whole vibe was just… cool. Calm. Effortless.
As I walked closer, I forgot to breathe.
He noticed me, so I turned away to calm down and catch my breath, and that's when I realized I'd forgotten to tie my hair; it was a mess. I reached for the hair tie in my pocket when suddenly—
Arms wrapped around me from behind.
My heart dropped (okay, not literally, but I almost screamed). But I recognized his scent instantly.
He whispered softly in my ear, "I missed you."
With that voice? That mature tone? I was done for.
I lowered my hand and touched his arm, gently holding it.
"Me too," I said.
"Let's go sit over there," he said, taking my hand.
We sat, and he handed me something from the plastic bag.
"I brought ice cream," he said. "Also… this is the first time I'm seeing you with your hair down. Did you just take a shower? You smell good."
Not him saying that with a completely straight face.
I turned away, flustered. Bright red face, "How do you just say things like that? I don't understand."
He laughed. "You're getting more comfortable with me. I'm happy."
"I have no choice with you not knowing boundaries or personal space," I muttered, glancing at him from the corner of my eye.
"What do you mean? At least last time I asked for permission, didn't I?" he teased.
"Did you really? I can't remember." I teased back.
"Come on, in what world would I ask my girlfriend if I should touch or hug her?" he said, moving closer.
Before I could react, he grabbed me gently by the hip and pulled me into his lap. My whole body jumped a little at the sudden movement.
"Relax," he said quietly. "Be comfortable with me. You can ask me anything. I really did miss you. And I think I should go home soon before I do something I'm not allowed to yet. But let me just hold you like this for now."
He hugged me, resting his head on my chest. I stroked his hair softly as we stayed like that.
I didn't understand what he meant by "something he's not allowed to do yet," but in that moment, I wasn't anxious. I wasn't nervous.
I was… happy.
His words wrap around me every time.
His touch is warm.
His hugs feel precious.
And leaning my head against his felt strangely natural.
"Hey," I said suddenly, "why did you choose me? I'm not that noticeable or interesting. But you came to me."
Maybe it was because of what Faye said. Maybe I needed to hear it.
Without lifting his head, he answered:
"You didn't notice, but you chose me. I don't want to brag, but I'm a good-looking guy, and I used to be too nice, and a lot of people come to me to take advantage of it. They don't care who I really am. But you… You help, you share, you're honest. You were like me. You're careful not to hurt people or abuse their trust, yet no one ever notices your intentions.
But I do.
I was looking at you more than I wanted to admit."
(Me in my head: He was LOOKING at me??)
"The day I found your necklace," he continued, "I was actually waiting for you."
(Me: WHAT??)
"But a lot happened… and you know the rest."
He gently placed me back on the bench, stood up, and said,
"I like you. You feel real. You're simple. You make me laugh. I feel relaxed with you. I forget everything else."
Now I was the one blacking out internally.
Did I just ask for a full confession, part 2? What is wrong with me?!
I turned away, cheeks burning. "Okay, I get it."
He chuckled. "You ask for something, then get shy about it. I love this expression of yours. I want to be the only one who gets to see how bright you shine."
"Jack… I'm new to all of this," I said quietly. "I think I should say more about what I feel, but… I'm not used to your words yet. They overwhelm me in a good way i assured you. So… give me time, please."
Saying that felt like handing him a piece of my heart. My hands were trembling.
He came close again, lifted my chin gently, but this time held my face, kissed my forehead, and whispered:
"I know. Don't worry. When you're ready… let me know."
And just like that, my heart dropped again.
He held my hand all the way to my house, his big hand wrapped around my small one. I wanted to stop time. I wanted to protect the moment forever.
And washing my forehead? Absolutely out of the question. At least not tonight hihihhi...
I waved goodbye with the biggest smile on my face. He laughed and waved back.
Before you think I am not toughfull i did ask about his sister, and she is getting better. The next day, since we didn't have school, I decided to get a haircut and try wearing my hair down. When I got home, my dad and brother stared at me like I had grown a second head.
"Did you get a boyfriend?" my little brother asked casually.
My dad suddenly looked VERY invested in this conversation.
I panicked. "Why would you ask me that?!"
My brother shrugged. "Well, you've been spacing out a lot, going out for movies, wearing a dress, putting too much salt in the food, and now you have a new haircut. And the other day, I heard you on the phone, and I swear it was a boy—"
I ran to cover his mouth, laughing. "Okay! OKAY! We get it. Relax. Dad, I just made a new friend."
My dad smiled softly. "I'm happy you're talking to people. If you need help or anything, let me know. Your new hairstyle is pretty, sweetie."
"Thanks, Dad."
He added on his way to work, "Invite your friend over sometime. Have a good day."
Excuse me?
JACK?
In THIS house??
My soul left my body.
I stared at my little brother.
This was all because of his big mouth.
That little brat.