☫ Chapter 24 ☫

Do you ever feel like you've entered an alternate universe?

     And it's not necessarily a wrong feeling that you have. It's more of a weird one. Like there's something different but you can't quite point it out. Like when you walk out of a 7/11 with a large Slurpee in your hand that has all the flavors in it. Or when you go to a public bathroom, the strange boxed ones that leave you claustrophobic. And that time period after a movie where you're sort of in a limbo and feeling giddy. There's just something off during all these events. At least, I think so.

     See, that's how I felt the moment my eyes opened this morning. It could have had something to do with the fact that my window shades were wide open, something that was out of the ordinary. It might have had something to do with the way Jeff was looming over me, his hands on my shoulder, shaking me awake. Though I couldn't really see his facial expression, I did notice that there wasn't a frown. His eyebrows were knitted together and his forehead creased.

     He looked almost concerned.

     "Why aren't you waking up?" I heard him mutter, his voice at a low tremble. One that I could barely describe because if I did, I would have said he sounded scared. And Jeff hadn't uttered a word like that since mom was alive.

     "Wha-what?" I answered groggily, my hands subconsciously reaching towards his. His were shaking. I was too exhausted and confused to gather that. "I'm awake." I blinked at him, my eyesight turning clear and then shifting to blurry.

     His blue eyes pierced mine, an emotion frozen. I frowned at him. That's when his expression turned to his usual angry demeanor. He clenched his jaw, avoiding eye contact and seethed at me. "I've been knocking and--" he stopped and snuck a glance. I tried to make out his face. He harshly let go of me almost making me fall back to the bed. "Hurry up and get ready. I wanna get a coffee."

     Before I could reply the door slammed shut. The echo of it entered my ears, sounding louder than it should have. I stayed on my bed for a moment, attempting to figure out what just happened. Because that wasn't normal.

     I reached for my glasses, rubbing the bridge of my nose as I put them on. Instead of coming up with any concrete theories for what just occurred my thoughts went to last night.

     "I'll figure out who this friend is and where the drugs are coming from," Dark Wonder told me as his eyes darted over at the girl. "You figure out who is making them and how."

      My head began to hurt. There was a sharp pain. I glanced at the pile of papers and stacks of notebooks that were clumsily placed on the desk. Right. I sighed. Last night was the incident with that girl. I ended up brainstorming most of the night. I wrote down ways that I could get back to the internship. Just like the night before. Only this time was more urgent. I also wrote ideas on how the drugs could have been made. And then for some reason, during the late hours of the night, I fell down memory lane.

     "Jeremiah!" Grandma yelled, her voice booming.

     "I--" I started getting off my bed, but fell back. "Ugh," I groaned. I saw white for a moment, my vision at a loss and the pain in my head increasing. I rubbed my temples. "I'm coming!" I shouted back, my voice hoarse. It hurt to speak any louder

     I really should work on getting sleep.

     I quickly got dressed, grabbing the nearest shirt and jeans. It might have been the same clothes from yesterday but I couldn't care at the moment. Grandma was still calling for me and Jeff would be pissed if we missed the stop at the coffee shop.

     "Finally," grandma hissed when she caught sight of my breathless state. I stared at her through my lashes, attempting to level my breathing and take in her expression. "How come you didn't take out the trash?"

     I panted. "T-the what?" She gave me a look. I repeated her words, trying to figure out what was happening. "W-why didn't I-I t-take out the trash? Uh...um." I couldn't think. The trash? I was supposed to do that? "I'll do it r-right now."

     "Now is too late!" She countered back. Her eyes were thin and I could feel all the emotions she had against me. I could feel it more than ever. Grandpas eyes targeted mine as grandma continued to talk. He said things to me in silence through his gaze. Stop being sensitive. It was starting to hurt. But it was also making me numb.

     I looked down, almost ashamed. I didn't really know what was happening and everything just seemed to be spinning. But I felt stuck in place. Like I was tied down. A lump built up in my throat. Why am I getting so emotional about this? This is normal. Everything is fine.

      "Sorry," I mumbled, my cheeks turning slightly pink.

     She was glaring at me. I watched her mouth open, noticing the way her lips curled as she was about to speak. I flinched, preparing myself for whatever rebuke I was going to be given. Before she could manage a word, Jeff took a hold of my backpack strap, dragging me to the door. I stumbled a little as I hurriedly tried to keep up with his pace. My feet went afloat for a moment and I could feel myself panicking.

     Quickly, I made sure to ground myself.

     "We're g-getting your c-coffee now?" I asked, my eyebrows furrowed.

     He didn't answer me. I wasn't exactly shocked by that and didn't bother feeling disappointed at this point. I was tired and didn't even make breakfast. Grandma's probably going to yell at me for that later and grandpa will most likely back her up. And then I'll just stand there. Always just standing there.

     The drive was the usual, but entering the coffee shop wasn't. Again, I felt like I was in an alternate universe. My breath hitched at the sight of the long line of customers.

     I fiddled with the loose strings that were at the hem of my shirt. Everyone was either on their phone or laptop, busying themselves before they had to head to whatever it was. Could be for a job. Could be school. I looked down at my watch and read the time. Right, there's school. We still had a while until classes would start. I guess that's good. Mrs. Birch would be so upset with me if I were to be late to her class again.

     I yawned, stretching my arms as I rolled my shoulders. That had to be like the fifth yawn today.

     My stomach growled.

     "Get me a large caramel frappuccino," Jeff said while texting someone on his phone.

     He didn't look at me when he handed over a crumpled five dollar bill. I stood still, smacking my lips together with dread. I know it's ridiculous to be on edge for something as simple as this but I can't help but be nervous. To be perfectly honest, I'm not even sure why I get so anxious in these situations. Maybe it's having to confront a stranger with a request or maybe it's the big crowd.

     Either way, I was uncomfortable.

     My face fell as I turned to Jeff with a helpless expression, silently begging him to just get the drink himself. I could feel my legs becoming heavy, freezing in their place. He's much more capable for this type of thing, why can't he do it?

     His eyes lifted away from the screen and then shifted over to me sharply. With a scowl, he pushed me into the line. I yelped and received a glare once he spoke. "Well, hurry up!"

     "O-okay." I didn't dare look back at him.

     I inwardly repeated his order, attempting to memorize it so I wouldn't sound completely clueless by the time I was supposed to give his order. Large caramel frappuccino. I nodded my head and tapped my foot against the tiles, continuously reiterating those words in my mind, engraving them.

     "Next!"

     "Uh, hi...um." I scratched the base of my neck, my mind blank. "Can I get a l-large uh..." What was it?!

     She raised her eyebrows at me, one hand holding the clear plastic cup and the other with a black marker between her fingers. She probably thought I was a complete idiot since all I did was stare at her dumbly, my lips apart like a fish. At this point, the people in the line are going to get annoyed. I need to hurry.

     I cleared my throat and looked down, struggling to make out my words. "Al-large...um..." The words got caught in the lump of my throat. It went dry.

     "A large caramel frappuccino, please," Jeff finished for me.

     I could feel his presence coming from behind me. My face burned with embarrassment. Really, Jeremiah? I blew my cheeks up. You couldn't just say that? I grew frustrated with myself. I'm not incapable. I sighed and gave her the money. I could feel Jeff's heavy gaze. I'm sure he's upset at me. I breathed in, closing my eyes and pinching the bridge of my nose. Ugh.

     We waited a couple of minutes for the drink to be done.

     I contemplated the meaning of life during those few short moments. No, that's not really accurate. I exaggerated there. What I really thought about, was what was going on in my life currently. I thought about the uncanny connection between Lucas and Dark Wonder. Then the internship. Then the realization that I need to figure out how I'm getting back to it.

     My stomach churned.

     Jeff took his drink with a grunt, sending me a look as he did so. I didn't know what to make out of it. So I decided not to let myself ponder on it for too long. I offered the barista a meek smile, mumbling a sorry and bid her goodbye. We walked out of the cafe and headed towards the car, Jeff speeding away from me with his steps. I watched him take a sip, as I came up with different theories. Would Kyle be Captain Underpants and Jenna be Lois Lane? I do see it.

     Jeff's expression changed drastically and morphed into disgust as he spat out the drink. He gagged and wrinkled his nose.

     "It's horrible," he said, his lips curled in disdain. "You drink it." 

     I frowned when the drink was rushed onto my hand. It felt cold against my fingers. Jeff leered at me, threatening me with just his eyes. I brought it towards my lips, preparing for a foul taste. My eyes widened. It's sweet. I gulped down the drink. It tastes really good, sort of refreshing. I let the cup hide my curiosity when I raised my eyebrows at his action with confusion.

     "Seatbelt," Jeff warned, his tone demanding.

     "R-right." I nodded, putting the seatbelt on.

     The ride to school was as per usual. Jeff clicking his tongue in aggravation as cars cut him off and me staring out the window to avoid any eye contact with him, however still finding his attitude amusing. I continued drinking the frappuccino feeling content and more awake. Jeff switched on the radio. I expected some Russian song to play but instead, it was a radio talk show.

     "Can you believe that there are superheroes?" A guy spoke with excitement, the car making him stutter with static. "It's crazy to even think about it. People are actually flying!"

     My cheeks went red. I sunk into my seat and snuck a glance at Jeff. He was composed. His face remained neutral as his fingers drummed against the steering wheel. He whistled and made a sharp turn. I clutched onto the seatbelt while he calmly went on with his reckless driving.

     "Well, it is 2016. If we're not gonna have flying cars I guess flying people work too," a girl answered with a laugh.

     "So first we got Dark Wonder who seemed like the bad guy and now we have Blue Gravity," the guy started. It sounded like he was about to give a lecture. I cracked a grin at that. "I'm not so sure how I feel about Blue Gravity."

     "You know, he did CPR on a hit and run victim?" The girl interjected. "And last night Dark Wonder and him saved a teenager who was under the influence of what people are calling the super drug."

     So it's already a known thing? I looked down at the drink, playing with the green straw as I thought about it. The super drug? Hm. That's a pretty fitting name.

     "This isn't the first case of the super drug. Kids are getting them more and more. No one knows where they're coming from--"

     Jeff changed the station a tsk escaping his lips.

     Something came over me. Though, I was still lacking confidence I tried to have a conversation. I shifted my position multiple times, facing his side and then turning back with pursed lips, unsure if I should bother to approach Jeff with a question, to begin with. He didn't take notice of it. I opened my mouth and then closed it, hesitating to let myself talk to him. This process went on repeat until he turned and looked at me. I quickly averted my eyes, fidgeting with my fingers and blowing my cheeks up. I probably shouldn't ask him this let alone start a conversation.

     "Can you stop it with your jittering?!" He yelled and snarled at me. Right. I bit the insides of my cheeks. He hates when I do that.

     I winced and clasped my hands together, making sure not to play with them. "I...sorry," I apologized, biting my lips.

     He breathed out a long sigh. "What is it?"

     "W-what's what?" I blinked, my heartbeat quickening.

     This time he rolled his eyes, almost slipping in another sigh. "What do you want to ask me?"

     How did he know? "I was...I was just curious on--" I gulped and he raised an eyebrow in response. "--what you t-think about the s-superheroes?"

     There was a pause. I started to think he wouldn't respond. He usually doesn't and that's why I usually don't bother. I looked back at him through my lashes. His eyes stayed on the road when he answered.

     "I think they're doing good." Was what he said.

     I bit down on my lips, attempting to hide my smile. My dimples went deep and I wasn't quite sure why I was so happy with what he said. Maybe because it felt like it was a subtle approval from him. Sort of like he inadvertently accepted me but still, he accepted me. I don't know. But there was one thing I did know. This was one of the first actual conversations we had in a while. I spoke and he replied. It was real. I bit down on my lips harder, turning my head to the view out the window.

     I wondered if that would happen again.

☫ * ☫ * ☫ * ☫

     Jude was staring at me. I was feigning ignorance to that as I scribbled things down. It's not that I'm being overconfident or even arrogant with the title of the page being slightly melodramatic and in capital letters written, 'The Plan' but I had to do something to psych myself up. Convincing grandma and grandpa already felt impossible but I need to get back to that internship.

     There must be some kind of connection between Dr. Robertson and his lab and the superdrugs going around. I'm not saying that he's an evil scientist. There was no way. He doesn't even have the right hair. Heh, I'm kidding. Though, there is something.

     And it can be anything at this point. Somehow, someone, somewhere is using Dr. Robertson's research and selling drugs to teenagers. If I can get a stop on what's happening then things could start looking good and people won't be taken advantage of or unconsciously destroying things. Plus, I'll get to go back to the internship which I really want anyway so I guess it's like a side bonus there. Or not really but... whatever.

     The abridged version of 'The Plan' is nothing out of the ordinary. It's a little something like this. Predicament: Grandparents don't let me go to the internship. Reason: Probably something shady, to be perfectly honest but it's not too relevant. Logic: I'm going to have to convince them otherwise. Conclusion: Anxiously awaiting--as in, undiscovered.

     As you can see, there are things that I still need to finalize and fill in but this is what I have now.

     "The plan, ey?" Jude tilted his head at me as he leaned forward and tried to grab a hold of the notebook in a nonchalant manner. His eyebrows were raised, making his piercing arch as well.

     I quickly clutched onto my notebook, having the palm of my hand cover the little notes I jotted down. They were useless ideas I managed to come up with when I was brainstorming after outlining the situation. Ridiculous things, yes, but definitely a start from what I've been working on these past couple of days.

     Jude's fingers were still gripping on the notebook, now by the metal spirals. I narrowed my eyes at him and shook the notebook, almost like I was shooing him away so he would get the hint to let go. It didn't seem like he caught on.

     "Jude," I hissed the warning, my eyes thin.

     He sighed and let go. "I can't be bothered looking at it without permission. I'll wait until you show me yourself."

     And he did. He crossed his arms over his chest, one foot resting on his knee as he bounced them up and down. Almost impatiently. His eyes bored into mine like he knew I would cave in eventually.

     It's not that I didn't want him to see because I was embarrassed or anything similar to that. I mean, to a certain extent it's somewhat awkward to be in such a situation but that's not what made me close the notebook and avoid eye contact. Jude and I were friends. Fine. I've been letting myself believe that. And yeah, we talked and would crack jokes and do things that friends do I suppose. But would it be weird to ask him to help for something like this?

     It's more of a personal dilemma, isn't it? Would it be strange?

     I spared a glance at him.

     Now that I think about it, Judes pretty good at convincing people. If anything, I'm evidence towards that statement seeing as he swayed me with his deals in the past and most likely will keep doing so knowing him. I nibbled on my lower lip. It's only been a minute or so but the way Jude looked at me made it seem like I made him wait forever.

     "I have a deal," I suddenly spoke up, my voice cracking. My face became flushed and I scratched the base of my neck. Why was I getting nervous about asking for help?

     What if he says no?

     "That's quite a nice introduction," Jude said and did a wave with his hand, gesturing for me to continue. "Go on."

     I looked down, quickly glancing at my notebook and then darting my eyes back at him.

     "So there's this issue," I began, attempting to remain neutral despite how scratchy my voice came out. I decided to cut my explanation short. "Essentially, I just need to persuade my grandparents to let me continue with the lab internship I've been doing. And you're good at that stuff so..."

     "What makes you think that I'm good at that type of stuff?" He furrowed his eyebrows at me, genuinely curious. He was eating a lot of food again only this time he had incorporated some vegetables and fruits to his meal. My eyes landed on the carrot. I looked at it and back him, not seeing the difference between colors.

     I shook my head, focusing on what needed to be done now and replied. "You were able to convince me to do things I'd never do."

     He laughed at that, covering his mouth just a bit and then shoving another fry in. "Yeah, but that's because you're easy."

     I huffed and rolled my eyes. "Maybe--"

     "Here, let me see this notebook that you're holding onto so tightly—" He inched his fingers to the notebook. Tilting his head up, he made sure I was okay with it. I blew out a sigh and nodded, letting loose of it. "—And I'll see if I can help out."

     I felt self-conscious when he scanned the paper. I wondered if he could even read my handwriting; it's quite messy. Things are all over the place too. It's not so organized as much as I wished for it to be. I mean, at least the title is pretty legitimate. I'm kind of liking it. It's growing on me.

     "I had no idea you did an internship," Jude mumbled. There was a little click at his tongue like he was annoyed.

     "Guess it never came up?" I shrugged it off.

     "So you do an internship, babysit and you're part of drama?"

     I thought it best not to mention that I was the main role or that I was a part-time superhero as well. His head seemed to be already spinning. I could relate. My head was reacting just the same. After lunch, I had drama practice instead of study period. Technically, when electives start to become serious they take over study period. Since drama has everything ready to start practicing for the play it's officially reached that level. I didn't mind. That meant I wouldn't be bored during study period.

     "Well, currently I don't do the internship," I mentioned, biting into my sandwich. "That's the whole problem."

     He set the notebook down. "And you really like it?"

     "Mhm." I nodded with a small smile. "I do."

     "Do they know that?"

     I scoffed, recalling the conversation from a couple nights ago. "Of course they do. That's probably the reason they don't want me to do it and besides—" Oh, I'm ranting. I cleared my throat. "Y-yeah they know."

     He hummed to himself, thinking over everything. I jerked forward, startled when he got out of his trance and spoke.

     "Okay, here's the deal." He propped his hands on the table, taking this more seriously. My lips curved upwards. "I'll help you and you continue with the fighting classes we worked on before."

     "You...you mean the b-boxing?" I asked, confused about the deal. Why did I think that he would want me to drink or get high or even for me to do both? And why was I mentally preparing myself for that? "Yeah, boxing. Okay. I can do that."

     I totally forgot about that, to be perfectly honest. Now I don't even bother with hand to hand combat and just sort of throw people off with gravity. Both literally and figuratively. Heh. Little joke there. But still, it would probably be helpful for me to really learn how to fight. It might build some stamina and skills. I do need that.

     "Is tomorrow night good?"

     I pressed my lips together, my eyes wandering to the corners as I did a mental check on my schedule. "Should be fine."

     "I'll text you," Jude said, taking his phone out. "Wait, what's your phone number? How come I don't even have it?" He did that thing again. Clicking his tongue in aggravation when he didn't know something. Like he couldn't believe it.

     "Probably because I don't have a phone?" I suggested with a light chuckle. "I mean, I can't be sure but that might just be it."

     Jude turned his gaze to me, a smirk spreading across his features. "Is that it?" He questioned, his tone playful. It was interesting to see Jude act like this rather than his cool and unfathomable expressions. "Alright, I'll get you one."

     "You'll get me one?" I stared at him, bewildered, my eyes wider and mouth apart. He simply nodded, muttering a "Yeah". Why did I have the sneaking suspicion that he wouldn't get it the traditional way? I shook my head. "No, that's okay, Jude. You don't need to do that."

     "No worries, bruv."

     I gave a smile as I fiddled with my thumbs. "See, the thing is...I kind of am worried though."

     He laughed.

     "I don't want to seem rude but I feel like you're going to mug someone to get it." I offered a quiet laugh, trying to make sure I didn't just make this conversation awkward.

     He looked at me straight in the eyes, his tone solemn and his fingers no longer occupied on his phone. "Is there a problem with that?"

     I blinked. "Well, yeah."

     "You hesitated."

     "Only because I'm shocked you're even asking that!"

     All he did was hum and then he turned to me, head to the side. "I don't suppose you have a problem with shoplifting too?"

     "Of course!"

     Jude's expression changed, his poker face cracked and he suddenly smiled, a chorus of laughter escaping his lips. I was pretty much stunned. He kept trying to hold his laughs in but after the failed attempts he gave up and continued to laugh. I blew up my cheeks, unsure of why he was laughing but knowing that it definitely had to do with me.

     "Blimey, Jeremiah," he said breathless, speaking in between his chuckles. "You really are uptight."

     I glared at him. This only fueled his laughter. I had to admit, it was the type of laugh that was contagious. You can clearly hear the 'ha' in each laugh. I found myself sniggering.

     "So how am I supposed to like..." He stopped talking mid-sentence and did a gesture. I figured he was asking me how he should contact me if necessary.

     "You can email?" I offered. The computer in my room works well so I think that's a plausible notion to suggest.

     He smacked his lips together, eyes squeezed shut and once paled face now colored. "Email?" He held in his laughter. He opened his eyes, amusement shining in them. "Who even emails anymore?"

     "It's convenient." Was my argument. Truth was, I wouldn't know the answer. I only use emails for signing up to things. I don't really contact anyone anyway.

     "Fine then," he said, no longer laughing. "But you should work on getting a phone. That shi-- I mean that stuff is important."

     I sighed. "I've been trying. I was thinking about getting one of those burn phones that are disposable. They're pretty cheap and I'll still be able to call people."

     "Yeah, that makes sense. You don't need a smartphone." He got comfortable in his seat. "What about the babysitting job? Don't you get a good amount from that."

     The corners of my lips tugged downwards. "I do. But that money goes to my grandparents."

     He scrunched up his nose. "Why?"

     "It's sort of like rent."

     He didn't say anything for a while. For a second I thought I rendered him speechless. He took a breath and looked me in the eye, stating simply, "I don't like your grandparents."

     I pursed my lips. He didn't even know them.

     "Anyway, now that we settled this deal let's work on what you have here." He pulled his chair more in, leaning closer to me and the notebook. He tapped his chin in thought.

     "I have more," I suddenly announced, feeling like I wasn't offering enough to make a plan. "I've been thinking..." I paused and zipped open my backpack, taking out a folder. I took the pencil from my temple and pointed to different things. "I can't do any of the normal persuading methods."

     I looked up at Jude. His eyes were wide. He scanned the now filled table and then gawked at me. "I don't know if I should be impressed or just depressed.

     "Heh, that rhymed."

     I received a flat look.

     "You're really serious about all this." He said like it was questioned yet made it a statement.

     I nodded my head, feeling heat creep up my neck. Maybe I was too serious. I do that sometimes. I blew up my cheeks and played with the pencil. "The internship means a lot to me."

     "Did I already tell you that I don't like your grandparents?"

     I felt myself getting defensive. "It's not their fault though. I shouldn't have gone behind their backs and signed those papers for them. It's forgery and wrong. So it's my fault."

     "I feel like going behind their backs for something educational like that isn't a problem, Jeremiah. The only reason you went behind their backs is because you probably thought they wouldn't let you go. Which means, either way, you'd be in this position of having to convince them."

     "I think that's the most sentences I heard you say at one time." I chuckled.

     "Shut up," he replied sharply, agitated. I was taken aback. "They need to piss off. I'm sure most parents would be more than happy about what you did."

     "Really?" I played with the corner of the paper, thinking about that for a few seconds. I shook my head. "Either way that's not the point."

     "So how about you make a deal with them? But when you do it, make it appear like they came up with it and that they have the upper hand. Almost like you're the one losing. I'm sure these sadists will want to do it then."

     "Sadist?" I reiterated with a quirk of an eyebrow. I narrowed my eyes at him. "That's very manipulative."

     His voice became more serious. He said this slow and to the point. Like he wanted me to really pay attention to his next words. "They're the ones who manipulate you. Guilt tripping you, making you feel obliged to do things. I think it's only fair. It's bloody messed up if you ask me."

     My heartbeat quickened.

     "They don't do that, though." I frowned at him, unsure where he came up with those ideas.

     "Okay." He sighed like he was done with me. "So are you gonna go through with the plan?"

     I played with my lips, thinking about it and how I could use what he said to the best of my abilities.

     "Pretend like you're acting," he added. "You're good at that. It'll be easy peasy." Lemon squeezy, I thought.

     "Fine. Now we have to figure out what they want from me." I ran my fingers through my hair.

     "Chores?"

     "I already do that."

     "Cooking? Maybe breakfast or dinner?"

     "That too."

     "Run away."

     "Yeah, I do th--" I stopped, my eyes widened. "What the heck?! No, Jude."

     "You're grandparents are trash okay. I haven't even met them properly which seems like a privilege. You do everything for them and they can't even grant you this?"

     "Chores and cooking isn't everything." I rolled my eyes. "They're my family. They took me in when I had no one. They already gave me so much. Trust me."

     "Hmm, emotional guilt as well I see." Jude grabbed my pencil and wrote it down on my notebook paper.

     "Hey." I erased it and gave a pout. "What does that even mean?"

     "Do you feel the need to love them?"

     I smacked my lips together as my forehead creased. "The need? What do you mean? Of course, I love them."

     "Ugh, forget I even asked." Jude started to mumble incoherent words under his breath. He looked over at me, genuinely curious. "Do you even hate anyone or anything if we're gonna go there?"

     "I don't like school very much. But who really does?"

     He rolled his eyes. "I meant like...Jaxon. Do you hate Jaxon?"

     "Why would I hate him? Or anyone?" I fixed my glasses and reasoned with him. "It's not good to hate people."

     "I think it's healthy to hate people," he said and then went on, elaborating his point. "Because if you hold in your emotions and don't let yourself hate someone who deserves it, you might start hating the wrong person instead without even realizing it."

     I didn't fully understand where he was going with this. I was about to ask him to explain further but then the bell rang.

     "We'll talk more about this later." Jude shoved his phone in his pocket. He scanned the cafeteria, his eyes landing on mine before he got up from his seat. "I need to go somewhere."

     "Wait, we have class now," I reminded him as I packed my things.

     He chuckled, like the idea of going to class was ridiculous in itself and waved goodbye. I sat there for a few more minutes. Thinking about the conversation we just had and what he might have been attempting to imply.

☫ * ☫ * ☫ * ☫

     Everyone was doing something. I saw Alex painting a background with a few other students. They looked like they were having fun with the paint brushes. Parker and his crew were designing clothes and checking the sizes that everyone needed for their costumes. Raven was occupied with Mr. Brown, the teacher in charge of drama. She still had on her headset.

     And then there was Kelly and me.

     Kelly was thinking long and hard about the dancing situation or more of issue really. Her lips were pursed and she was tapping her index finger on her chin. Her ponytail was higher than usual, making her hair look longer. I bit my lip, awaiting for her next instructions. See, she had come to the realization that dancing isn't my forte. Rather, the complete opposite. So now I'm gathering she's coming up with some ideas for this. I, on the other hand, was thinking about something else entirely.

     Finn and her seemed to be much closer yesterday. He was acting strange also. Maybe that had to do with Kelly and he also kept looking away from me.

     "Jeremiah," Kelly said, snapping her fingers in front of my face in order to gain my attention. "You teach me math and I listen. So now you listen to me when I'm teaching you." Her cheeks went red. She quickly looked around. I thought maybe she was checking if anyone heard what she said. She appeared to be satisfied when she saw no one was looking our way.

     "S-sorry," I stuttered an apology. "What was th-the move?" I asked and tried to copy what she did, tripping over my own two feet as I did so.

     She caught a hold of me and sighed. I could feel my heart get caught in my throat and face burn. She didn't let go right away. "This isn't going to work."

     "I--I can maybe--"

     "We're gonna have to do this in a way you understand," she stopped me. She pointed her foot in front of her and said, "Ninety degrees angle right?"

     I tilted my head. "G-geometry?"

     "Like what you're teaching us." She nodded to me, showing me how to do the position. "Now it's a hundred and twenty degrees, right?"

     "Y-yeah." I felt myself smile.

     "So when I do this--" she twirled, a full circle. My eyes widened. She did it so gracefully. "That's a three sixty."

     My smile grew and I mumbled, "You really listen."

     "I listen because I want to pass," she quickly answered, almost like she didn't want me thinking of any other reason. "Not because of anything else." She scoffed and crossed her arms over her chest.

     We did the steps like that. Her teaching it in a way that I would understand and then positioning me in the correct way. I felt myself, growing more confident and excited. I didn't feel utterly clueless. It was starting to make sense and not become too difficult.

     Kelly took a water break and went over to Raven. I grabbed my water bottle and took a couple of sips. They were conversing and glancing over at me quite a few times. I pretended like I didn't notice and focused my eyes elsewhere. I could see Jaxon up by the lights. Apparently, that's what he was in charge of. I furrowed my eyebrows when I saw his hand connect to the lights and sparks form. It didn't look like it hurt. More like he was in control.

     Then the lights began to flicker throughout the theater. It went dark and back to light multiple times and then suddenly everything went pitch black. 

________________________________________

A/N

Heyyyy humans! (づ｡◕‿‿◕｡)づ

So yes I'm sorry it's been forever but this chapter is more than 6000 words so cheers. I've been stuck with this chapter for far too long! Lol alsoooooo so many hints guys I cry myself to sleep. I hope you liked this chapter. I was trying to establish some things here and show some growth between characters and ish like that.

Jeremiah has a lot going on right now and it doesn't help that he doesn't have a healthy diet or sleep schedule which is important so you know. Let me know if you caught some things or have theories. I love getting your comments. It literally gives me life.

Hehehhe.

Anway, yall wanna hear a wild story? Tehee. STORY TIME: I smile at strangers. It's a thing I do, a thing I'm sure you do, it's a normal thing to do. thing is, i tend to like laugh after the smile is returned. It's part of me being an awkward human and like I kind of hate it because then it looks like i'm laughing at them which is rude. So I'm explaining this to my friend right? And were on the bus while I explain this and then an old guy, I mean not like super old, like 40 I guess, sits by us. And I smile at him and he smiles back and guess who freakin laughs. This gal! That's right. Yay. And then I turn to my friend and go "see, I hate it." and hes like, "wait, do you not want me to sit here?" and im like "no no no, that's not it." And basically explain everything and he's like. "I think it's cute." And i pull on a jeremiah and my face burnnnnnns. Like i blush for days in that second it's terrible. And when I blush my eyes get watery so it sucks much more and then he says. "If this was 20 years ago I would ask you on a date."

And then I blushed even more and it that moment I felt so bad for all the times I make Jeremiah blush because I get it boi. lol so that's one story of many bus stories. Like one time I almost got ran over but instead just scraped my knee on the floor rale and the bus stopped right infront of me so that was great. You know, cuz im clumsy af and somehow still live. And then one time I offered an old couple my seat and the lady was like "I'm not dead yet." and I just didn't know what to do with myself so I pointed at the sign that said it's for handicap and elderly but it just said handicap for some reason and everything just got worse.

I'm an akward eff face yall.

Anyway!!! I hope you guys liked this chapt. I enjoyed writing it <3

Please vote, comment, share, smile, live life!

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!

Love ya'll <3

Yours truly,

A N O N Y M O U S