☫ Chapter 2 ☫

So there's this beautiful girl named Kelly Palmer.

     Yeah, but you see, she wasn't like everyone else. She had this thing where she stood apart from the crowd. Well actually, she somehow forms a crowd around her. Although, I guess that would make sense. She was a cheerleader and the prettiest girl in our school. She was popular and everyone liked her. Including me. It's not that I was crushing on her or anything. I barely knew her. And as you can tell, I had absolutely no chance with her. So when I saw her waving at me I was confused.

     But she was smiling right at me. I couldn't believe it. There had to be a reason behind this. There she was with her brunette wavy hair caressed down her shoulder and her light eyes twinkling with joy. And all that was faced by me. Honestly, it was two feet away but still. She was looking at my direction. She waved and me being a clueless idiot just stared at her. I was sitting down as she made her way towards me.

     I came up with three logical explanations as to why this was happening.

     The first one was the rather obvious one, that being a twisted prank. The people here in school liked doing that. Finding different ways of tricking me. They usually fail but those times where they don't are the worst. Of course, I had to give the benefit of the doubt.

     That's where the second one comes in. She had an ulterior motive. Okay, so I know that's not really giving the benefit of the doubt, but let's be honest and realistic for a moment. I was on the bottom of the social ladder. I barely even made it on the ladder. The other nerds in school didn't even want to talk to me. Gathering all this, you know that Kelly was on the tippy top so there was no way that she was doing this to be nice. She probably wanted me to do an essay for her or let her copy my homework. Something along those lines. Which I didn't really mind doing.

     And if it wasn't the first or second one, well then it has to be the third. Seeing that it's the last option. I'm being extra open minded for this one. But maybe just maybe she's being friendly. I know this is a bit of a stretch and trust me, I don't think it's this one either. Because who would willingly brace themselves with my presence? I'm kind of friendless like that.

     Sadly, I never took into consideration that there might be someone behind me. This might just be the epitome of awkward situations. I even waved back. This is very embarrassing. Now how am I supposed to hide without being obvious?

     Tell me, do you know that horrible moment when you thought that someone was waving at you but it turns out they're not, but you were waving at them? And you come to the realization that they are waving to the person behind you. Yeah, now you're experiencing the second-hand embarrassment no? If you're not it's okay, I'm handling enough of it anyway. To make matters worse she was actually smiling at Jaxon.

     I frowned and facepalmed myself as I let out a groan. Kelly Palmer walked past me, of course not without sending me a look of disgust. She scoffed and flipped her hair as she made her way to Jaxon. I don't think there's a need for an introduction, you know who he is. We spoke about him already. Since you're so familiar with these two and you know how I feel about them I should probably let you know that they are dating.

     This is a subject that I rather not talk about to be perfectly honest. Thankfully, I had to deal with witnessing them together for only one more period. One more dreadful period. How was I supposed to do that when it was Mr. Phillips teaching? See, Mr. Philips kind of gives me the creeps. I know that I shouldn't judge a person based on my own opinion but really. He keeps staring at a blonde girl with such an evil look that I'm surprised no one is noticing it.

     I could just be paranoid. It's a plausible notion but it still makes me nervous. To the point where I try covering my face with my hoodie. I gulped when he looked at me and gave me a pointed look. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he tilted his head towards my notebook, implying that I should write notes. I grabbed my pen and he looked away.Well, then.

     Maybe I should talk to the principal about this. This - as in Mr. Phillips seeming like he's planning something. Actually, no. Mr. Jintin wouldn't believe. Besides he's rather creepy himself too. What's with the weird staff members in this school? I'm just going to assume that I'm highly over suspicious and judgmental. Who would really believe me anyway?

     "Sorry, dude," Kyle whispered.

     I turned my head and realized that it wasn't me he was talking to. Lucas Trevor approached him and took a seat. He had a bundle of food in his hand and gave some to Kyle. I smiled and looked back at the board, being sure to write down everything. I don't know if those two noticed but they're being really loud. Any second, Mr. Phillips is gonna yell at them. And I supposed it's gonna be this very second.

     "Lucas, you know the rules," Mr. Phillips scolded him. He proceeded to remove Lucas's hat and red bull as he said. "No hats. No drinks other than water." He then pushed Lucas's feet off the desk and yelled at him for that too.

     Everyone in the class watched with amusement as Lucas barely apologized. The others appeared even more entertained when Kyle got away with eating and not receiving detention. Favoritism. I tried shutting myself away from the scene but Mr. Phillips was standing right next to me as he spoke to them. It was incredibly uncomfortable. Luckily the bell rang and we all were able to leave.

     That was until I made my way out.

     "Jeremiah," Mr. Phillips stopped me in the halls. Oh, please no. I visibly shuddered as I turned to his direction, causing him to raise an eyebrow. "You seemed a bit distracted in class."

     I clutched onto my backpack tightly. "Oh? I-I'm s-sorry about t-that." Great job, Jeremiah. I inwardly groaned. Look at you stuttering.

     "It's alright," he chuckled at my nervous reaction. I, on the other hand, did not find it anywhere near funny. "That's actually not why I called you over."

     "W-why did y-you call m-me over?" I stammered with a light sigh. I have this problem where whenever I'm around someone who makes me feel anxious or anywhere near tense I begin to stutter. It's really aggravating. It makes my voice sound squeaky and light. Kind of like the preteen sort of tone. Like when you're about to hit puberty and reach that awkward age of having a raspy voice. I normally don't sound like this.

     "I was wondering if you wanted to enter a part time internship with Mr. Robertson," he smiled.

     This got my attention. My eyes widened and I grinned. "M-Mr. Robertson?! A-at his lab and e-everything?"

     "Yeah," he replied. "He asked the school if there's anyone who would appreciate the position as he continues his study on animals and drugs. Mr. Jitin and I thought to ask you first."

    "Yes," I right away agreed.

     Mr. Robertson was a scientist. A really amazing one. He did most of his studies based on his theories of animals. I remember that back in middle school he came to speak at our science fair. Ever since then I sort of saw him as a role model. Mom used to say that he was innovative but reckless. I thought he was pretty cool. Besides, an internship with someone as known as him will help a lot with my college applications.

     "That's great," he picked up a couple of papers from his desk and handed them to me. "Fill these out as soon as possible. Preferably by tomorrow."

     "O-of course," I nodded and slipped the papers into my backpack.

     "All the information is in that pamphlet," he continued to explain. "If you have any questions at all you can come to me. You both can arrange a schedule that works. And good luck, Jeremiah. I'm sure you'll enjoy the experience."

     "Definitely," I answered and felt proud of myself when I didn't stutter.

☫ * ☫ * ☫ * ☫

     "There was a report that a man threatened a 711 attendant with a gun," a woman said. "During the tragic event, another brave man who has chosen not reveal himself to the police came to the rescue --"

     "Please, lower the volume, Layla," I asked her and continued to cut some vegetables. They already had dinner but Layla kept going on about how hungry she was that I was practically forced to feed her something. She began skipping towards the TV and putting it only one drop lower. I rolled my eyes at that.

     "In the stressful situation, the man stood up and fought the attacker down. The man managed to obtain the weapon and give it to the attendant giving him time to call the police. Witness report that he got hurt in the process but saved the day."

     "Lower," I chuckled and yet again she did it by one drop. It's almost like she's trying to test me. I shook my head and put the freshly chopped carrots and cucumbers on a plate. "You know," I began playfully. "If you wanted my attention, Layla, you could have just asked."

     "Puh-lease," she scoffed and then started giggling. For a six-year old she sure has a lot of sass. "I want the carrots." She began jumping up and down as I made my way over to her.

     "And there you have it. A true hero saved the day."

     "They exaggerate so much," Tobe clicked his tongue in annoyance as he did his homework. "A true hero? Really? What a load of -"

     "Language," I warned Tobe and handed Layla the carrots and cucumber. She thanked me and started munching on them loudly.

     "What about it?" Tobe questioned with defiant. "It's just English."

     I ignored Tobe's comment and shut off the TV. Layla and Tobe were both sitting down around the island that was in the middle of the kitchen. The TV was placed on top of the oven -giving them a full view of the screen. Therefore, a distraction. There used to be a microwave there until a very unfortunate accident occurred. In summation, Tobe thought he can put anything he wants in a microwave. He learned his lesson. Either way, I don't think it was too smart to put a TV there.

     "Argh," Tobe ran his fingers through his light blonde hair. "Stupid dyslexia. I can't read this stuff."

     "What are you working on?" I sat next to him. "And Layla close your mouth when you chew."

     "Okie, Jeremiah," she said through a mouthful of food.

     Tobe shoved his homework in my face angrily. I looked it over and began explaining it to him. He listened well and nodded his head in understanding. The thing about Tobe is that he actually likes to learn a lot. He wants to understand but he's convinced himself that he can't. I've been babysitting these two kids since the beginning of the school year and I finally realized what it is with him.

     No one is trying to help him enough. They told him that he won't be able to learn and now he thinks he really won't. Which sucks because he's only thirteen and has so much potential. He told me all about how he wants to skip a grade because his friends are going to be in high school while he's still in middle school.

     I honestly think he can do it. He's just going to try a lot harder.

     "Oh, that makes so much more sense," he started scribbling down answers to his worksheet.

     I smiled and took out the papers Mr. Phillips gave me today. Pursing my lips I read it over with concentration. It elaborated more on what exactly it was that I'd be doing. Things like cleaning and assisting him. It went in depth on how I would learn a lot and that the experience will be good for future purposes like I hoped. Next to that was a sheet where I had to fill out information and so did my guardian.

     Grandpa and grandma would not sign this, I thought it over. They don't approve in anything I seem interested in. Hmm. I'll just have to sign in for them then. And so I did just that. I filled out all the information and smiled. An internship, huh? I think I'm going to like this.

     "You done your homework?" I nudged Tobe who lazily nodded his head in response and yawned.

     "You should get to bed then," I suggested. He gathered all his things and muttered a good night. I went over to Layla and woke her up. She wrinkled her nose when I poked her cheeks. "You need to brush those little teeth," I informed her.

     "Mhm," she took my hand as we walked to the bathroom. "Shiny teeth that twinkle," she sang lowly.

     "Just like the stars in space," I continued to sing.

     "Please, just no Jeremiah," Tobe yelled from across the hall.

     "Shiny teeth that sparkle," I sang with Layla. "Adding beauty to my face."

    "You can't sing!" Tobe said with annoyance as he marched his way into the bathroom. He grabbed a toothbrush and started brushing his teeth with Layla.

     "Correction," I replied. "I can sing, but can I sing well? Maybe not."

     Layla giggled while Tobe was unamused. "In your case," he began with the toothbrush in his mouth. "You can't even use that excuse."

     "Oh, I'm not that bad. Right, Layla?" I pouted and gave her puppy eyes.

     She blew up her cheeks and nervously said. "Well, you're not that good, either."

     Scoffing, I put them to bed and mumbled the song to myself.

☫ * ☫ * ☫ * ☫

     "Where were you?" My grandpa asked me when I lightly closed the front door.

     Both my grandparents were sitting on the couch watching some TV series. I put my bag down and slid my shoe off as I answered him. "Um...I-I told you t-that I'm b-babysitting tonight."

     "Hmph," grandma scoffed. "Where's the money?"

     Gulping down the lump in my throat, I took out the money that Mrs. Carson gave me and handed it over to grandma. She took it and put it on the coffee desk. Forty dollars. I sighed and went over to the fridge. It's for the rent, I reasoned.  Licking my lips, I scanned it for food. "W-where's the--"

     "We finished it," grandpa glared at me.

     "Oh."

     They didn't say anymore as I closed the fridge and went to my room. I disregarded the rumble my stomach let out and fell asleep.

  ________________________________________  

A/N

Heyyyy humans!

Look at that! On schedule chapter 2. I'm proud of myself right now. *claps*

Now ya'll getting a feel for what this boy is like and his family.  <-- Pftt. Next chapter is gonna have ish that I think you humans will like. ;)

I'm actually kinda sick right now. Ughhh. Like I woke up every freaking hour last night while attempting to breathe. You get the point. XD I'm obviously trying to pity you into voting. Lol nah.

But I hope you liked this chapter! ^_^

P.S: if you have any tips, ideas, suggestions please pm me, that would be awesome. Any idea is good because I could just base a chapter off of it and update quicker ;-). So if there's a certain thing that you want to happen just comment it!  

 Please vote, comment, live, smile, wtever works for u, it all works for me. :P

How do you feel about our Jeremiah? 

Love ya'll <3

Yours truly,

A N O N Y M O U S