Jagger

"I can get a frame for it."

"I'd like that."

"So...." I wiggled my eyebrows, "You done with me yet?"

"I was done with you the first day we met."

"Oh, come on," I smirked, "You know I bring out the chaos."

"That's what I am not interested in," she said, "I already have chaos."

"Like what? Not knowing what nerdy thing to do today? Live a little, Julia."

"Live? I am living," she shook her head, "This is something I wasn't expecting. Why do you care so much about me anyway?"

"Who says I do?"

Julia

I knew it was an act.

There was no way a guy like Jagger would give time to a girl like me unless he was placing bets or something.

For the last few days, I'd gotten to know more about him than what I had originally ever planned and that was scary enough.

He wasn't scary, but his actions were and I was worried about him.

I was worried he'd go off the deep end and not towards me—towards himself.

Maybe I felt like I could talk him into taking better care of himself..

Jagger wasn't easily changed and I figured that out quickly.

"Get a frame for it then," I told him as I studied his drawing again, "A really nice one."

I frowned, "However, you told me not to tell anyone about this so where would I put it?"

Jagger smiled, "I won't put my name on it."

"Isn't that taboo for an artist? Don't you claim your work?"

"Julia.."

"Claim it or I'm burning it."

"That's a little extreme."

"I guess we can all be that way sometimes."

"No...burn it then."

I sighed, "Alright...let's make a deal. You don't have to own up to it, but you have to go see a therapist with me."

"Fuck off."

"Fine," I said, taking out my phone, "The web it is! You'll get credited."

He jumped from the bed and grabbed the phone, but not aggressively. I was seeing how I far I'd be able to get until he gave in.

"What therapist?"

"It's holistic and off campus. I promise no one will even know about it."

"How can I trust you?"

"Because you can.."

Jagger

Why I actually trusted her was beyond me.

I trusted Moose and maybe a handful of other people, but this girl?

I only knew her through class and the odd smiles or nods we'd give each other every now and again.

Come to think about it—I'd never really done that with anyone else, but her smile was contagious.

"Alright.." I shrugged, "When? Where?"

"Soon and I'll take you," she said, "You can even let your friends think we're off somewhere screwing around."

"You'd...wait—that's not like you."

"Why would I give myself up like that to help you? I don't plan on sleeping with you, Jagger—I only plan on keeping you safe from yourself and you can keep me safe from my ex. Deal?"

I smiled and stretched out my hand for her to shake.

"Deal..but can we seal this with another kiss?"