The day goes by smoothly and normally, and then it is the dreaded time. My 'date' with Jackson at the library. I take my backpack and head to the library. Jackson is waiting for me in a couch. He's reading a book about famous sports players. I groan and sit down next to him. "I'm here." I mutter.

He closes his book and sets it down, "Oh, hi there Tara. How are you?" He grins the gag worthy smile. I throw up a little in my mouth and put on a fake smile.

"I'm good. How about you." I say, trying to act like he would want. The last thing I need is for my secret about Jason to get out.

"I'm good. And happy we could spend this time together. I think we should go outside to the playground." He says, with a smirk.

"Fine, lets go." I reply. We grab our bags and head outside. The sun is shining, but I'm not smiling inside. We put our things by the swings and sat down on them. We started swinging.

"Hey, Tara. This is feeling kind of not like a date." He says with a grin.

"What are you implying?" I ask.

"I dunno, maybe just a quick little kiss would set the mood." He says, with a smirk.

"No!" I yell. I will never EVER do that. I don't care if he tells the world my secret. I am never going to kiss him. Jackson is awful.

"Well, it was just a suggestion. Maybe some...other...time." He says with a wink.

I shudder at the thought of him kissing me. It would be terrible. I hate Jackson, officially. "I'll pass." I say.

The next few moments carry out very awkwardly. He tries to stare into my eyes, but every time I look away. He's like a lost puppy trying to find a way to get what it wants. This is getting pathetic.

"Hey, I should be heading off," I say, "don't want my parents to be worried." I get up and start to walk away.

"Yeah, I understand," he says sadly, "hey Tara, wait!" He adds.

"What is it?" I ask, trying to seem as casual as I can. I really want to leave.

"I just wanted to say bye." He says awkwardly as he runs up to me.

"Ok, well bye." I say with a little wave and a disgusted face. Then I feel something tugging on my jacket.

It's Jackson. He whips me around and smacks his fade into mine, making our lips meet. I try to struggle away, but he just pulls me in tighter. "Let me go!" I gasp.

This struggle continues on for a few more seconds until Jackson finally decides he's done. That happened so fast I couldn't do anything to stop it. But I at least can pay him back the favor.

I punch Jackson in the stomach as hard as I can. He doubles over and wheezes, "Wow, Tara. You pack a punch. Would good with your fist, and your lips." He gives a half grin.

"For that comment," I say, "Here's another one." I then punch him in the stomach again. He falls to the ground and sits there for a minute. Then he sits up.

"Fine. But I just ask one thing, just so this little secret of yours gets out because, according to our deal, I could spill any second now." He grins.

I have a half heart attack. We're still technically on a date. And I just punched him down. He could spill any time because of that. "What is that one thing?" I ask with a nervous smile.

"Hold my hand. Just hold my hand and stand with me for a few seconds. That's all I ask." He says.

There has to be a catch. He just wants me to hold my hand to make up for me beating him up? There has to be more. "Whatever you say," I reply. I hold his hand and we stand there. Then I turn around.

Jason is staring at me wide eyed. I pull a quick "I'm sorry I'll explain later" face, but it apparently doesn't work. He just looks horrified until he looks upset. He just shakes his head and runs off.

"You planned this didn't you!" I exclaim. I break my hand away from his.

"You bet I did." He says with an evil grin.

"I'm done here." I say. I storm off and run to where Jason went. I need to explain! I wish I told him about this! But it's too late. Now he thinks I was lying about not liking Jackson. It's fine for him to not trust me, I understand that. We've only known each other for a few days. He probably thinks me and him was a pity act from me to make him feel welcome at our school. But it's not! I love Jason. I need to make things right.