→ 1 Month Later → Aaron

Ever since that day after Erica and I made up and our long past has been revealed. Some of it at least. Things have been a bit strange between us. By strange I mean we will occasionally look at one another and look away. Or other times one of us will try to avoid the other and one gets clumsy when around the other. And it shows among the other kids in school. For some reason, I've been the topic of conversations in school. Mainly, I'd say my school life is starting to change. Even more, people seem to approach me now and Erica's cheeks seem to puff up when people approach me. Especially girls. Brilliant right? As if I didn't have my sister now I have to worry about her.

Jasmine seems to have gotten a bit more aggressive with her advances. Which I'm guessing is probably due to last month when we ran into one another in the stairwell. She has calmed down more when she catches me in the hallway.

"Aaron, try not to be late for class. I'll see you later."

That's what she usually says. It's the craziest thing how much she's changed within a month. But lately, I've been paying more attention to her for some odd reason. This is all just weird for me.

"Aaron, Aaron."

"What is it, Dave?"

Yeah, this little turd is in my seventh-period class with Mr. Adams. Computers by the way. I don't like his class and he doesn't care for me at all. So it all works out. 

"Rumor is you're dating that Erica chick or rather something is going on between the two of you."

God his breaths smell so bad. Oh, by the way, Erica isn't here today. She texted me earlier this morning before school.

EE_...Hey, I don't feel so well today. Can you tell the teachers I won't be in?

[~~~]

AW_...Hope you get better. Sure thing!

EE_...Thanks :)

[]

"Completely false. We happen to get somewhat close since I was helping her get acquainted with the school. Nothing more."

"So she's still up for grabs huh?"

"I mean if you want to put it that way, then yeah."

What is this guy up to? Of all the day's Erica isn't here he has to annoy me. He wasn't even like this in the third period.

"Sweet."

"Although I've heard she hates the smell of cigarettes. And she's very difficult to pursue, but good luck."

"Excuse you, do you have something against me?"

"What will you do about it if I said I did?"

Dave gave me a weird eye. That's right you lazy ass I said it. You smell and she's not going to want that. There was a part of me that wanted to say, you know I've known her since we were little. You'll never have a chance with her. But after I saw Jasmine coming back from the bathroom I decided it wasn't best to brag. Oh, yes Jasmine is in my class as well. 

"Excuse me, Dave, can you get the hell out of my seat?"

"This isn't even your seat. Go sit somewhere else."

"Ok, can I at least have my belongings?"

"..."

"I was sitting here before I went to the bathroom. So can I have the seat or my belongings?"

"Well, I don't hear pretty please."

"What was that?!"

Oh great, he's going to get smack. Yeah, I forgot to mention, but Jasmine does have a bit of a temper if you can dig at her buttons. Dave certainly knows how to do that. It's probably best that I intervene before things get blown out of proportion. Then again this is somewhat first-row seat entertainment. It's like watching a drama up close. 

"You heard me, say pretty please then I'll think about it."

"Like hell, I will. Now get out of my seat! Hey, keep your hands off me."

Ok, now I'm going to...huh is that Dj?

"What do you mean? You're the one that was reaching."

"Well, since you're not  moving I need to get my stuff."

"Well, what do we say..."

"Get the hell out of her seat Dave." 

"What was that? Who are you to tell me what to do Dj?"

Ah, one of the guys from my track team. This will get interesting. Seems like the drama just got scandalous. A love triangle? Ah, I need to stop watching those dramas late at night with my mother. Well, more like my mother turns on the TV and I watch from afar. Anyways, Dj has a little crush on Jasmine. Looks like I don't need to involve myself after all. He'll handle it. 

"You heard me. If you won't give her the seat back I'm going to throw you off this chair right now. Or you can give her belongings back." 

"Haha, you're too funny Zak. Come try it."

"You have no right to call me that. Only people I know call me that and my friends."

"Dave, give back her seat, please. Your ranting is becoming very vexing."

"The hell did you say, Wheeler?!"

"I'm not one to repeat myself, but let me say this. You touch him naturally I'm going to get involved. I stand up for my teammates. And you lay your hands on her again, we'll then maybe you can ask your buddy Marcus what transpired the last time. Your choice."

Without a thought, Dave moved out of the seat and went back to his own. Can you believe all this took place right in front of me? It was a nice show, but I couldn't handle it anymore, so I spoke up. The whole thing was just weird.

→Dave

Man, Aaron is something else. That guy isn't normal, his eyes just became dead. He thinks he has so much power in this school. No wonder Marcus is out for him. You just wait Aaron, you'll get yours soon and I'll be there to laugh my ass off when you do. 

[Ding, Dong, Ding, Dong]

→Aaron

Finally, I thought the horrible class would never end. Time to head to free time *cough* study hall.

"Thank you, Mr. Hero, for taking my glory. You're one scary dude when you want to be."

"Sorry, Zak, but all of you were becoming quite vexing. Especially right in front of me at least have some decency for your classmates, let alone your captain. And scary? I only look out for myself."

"Ah, yeah. And come on Captain, you know how much I like her."

"You realize she's had a crush on me for a long time right?"

"Well, yeah so what? That doesn't mean I can't stop trying."

"This is true. Watch your step."

"Ah, gross is that gum?"

"No, that looks like vomit Zak. Anyway, being the hero. Doesn't always work out, that's only in overdramatic drama movies or superhero movies."

"You know Captain, you are blunt and honest as always. Why can't you just fib just a bit for my sake?"

"What type of Captain does that? Besides, that's not in my vocabulary to lie. Sometimes that is."

"I just want her to be mine."

"Well, you'll have your chance in a few months on the school trip. Isn't that next month?"

"No, it's in May and it's only March. Speaking of which isn't your birthday next month?"

Ah, yeah I almost forgot it's on April 13th.

"You would be right about that. Well, this is me, Zak. I'll see you out on the field after school."

"Alright brother, I'll see you then. Thank Jesus it's Friday."

"Haha, never heard that one before."

Yes, study hall, the place that's a free for all. Like I've always said it should be changed to free time since no one ever studies. Of course, I have no upcoming test or anything major, but some teachers of mine like to give surprise quizzes. Or it might just be me being paranoid. Whichever one it is, I don't really...

"Aaron."

"Jasmine. Well well, look who's running late to class, hehe."

"I was trying to catch up to you in the hallway, but I got stopped by Valerie. It's not my fault I ran late and besides, I'm excused from tardiness. Can I sit here?"

"Well, you're already here might as well."

"Typical smartass Aaron."

"And like I tell everyone better than being a dumbass. So what subject did you need help with?"

"How did you know?"

"Well, we never sit in the study hall together. You're usually sitting over there across from me and making glances every chance you can get. You either need help with your assessment or you're here to give me an ear full about roaming the halls. You didn't catch me today so that's been eliminated. So the only conclusion is you need help with an assignment."

"I'm going to ignore what you said in the middle of that sentence. But yeah I need some help."

Watch it's going to be math.

"With math."

"Ah, yes math. Alright, bring it over here."

"Did you have something else you were going to do? If so, I don't want to waste your time."

"Nope. I don't have any homework for the weekend so it's alright with me."

→ Jasmine

"Alright. Thank you"

"No problem."

Why is he so dreamy? I only pretend to not understand the topic to sit next to him. Ever since that Erica girl transferred here she's been getting closer to him. I'm afraid I'm losing to her. That's why I won't give up! You hear me, Aaron I'll make you look at me, at least I think it's been working. If only our school didn't wear school uniforms, I would show you my style of clothes. Hm. Even he would be impressed. Ok, Jasmine, focus and pretend you don't know basic Geometry.

"What is that word again?"

"Seriously Jasmine?"

Oh no he noticed my fake acting!!!!

 "Perpendicular. Now don't forget again."

"Don't worry now that you told me it won't ever forget it till the day I die!"

"What's with that weird salute. Godspeed soldier."

"Huh? Is that a reference to something?"

"Yeah, from one of my mother's dramatic war movies she watches at night."

"Oh really? Which one?"

"It's called Before You...wait let's focus."

He's so cute, just look at him in those glasses. Some days he wears them and other days he doesn't. I'll pay attention just for you Aaron.

"Hey, I have to use the restroom." 

"Oh, alright. I'll be here."

"Ok."

Strange. I wonder if it was something I said? Hm. I wonder why he took his bag with him? Then again Aaron is a very different and difficult person to figure out. It's not like he's going anywhere. We still have 45 minutes left in class. 

→ Aaron

Ah, finally I couldn't handle it anymore. I can practically read everything she's feeling. One more moment I might have snapped and started asking weird questions. 

I did have to take a pee. Damn all the toilets are occupied. I pretty much know what they're all doing in there. Sitting on their phones to pass the time since it's the weekend. Alright, it's time to get out of this bathroom.

Just what the hell is wrong with me? Why are things slowly changing for me? Things I've never felt before in my life. Huh. Is this lust? Or just attraction? But I thought I felt something for Erica? Unless I have feelings for Jasmine instead. 

"Oh God, I don't know anymore. Who do I like, Jasmine or Erica? My only question is why Jasmine? I mean I can understand Erica since we've known each other since we were little kids, but Jasmine. Just why now?"

During that time I did not think about who was in the hallway with me. Or rather who was listening.

→ Jasmine

"Aaron has been in the bathroom for a while now. Maybe something happened. I better go check on him."

What am I saying? I can't enter the boy's restroom. Well, I can at least wait for him. Yeah, I'll do that. 

→ 2 Minutes Later

Huh, I hear someone. They sound familiar. 

"Who do I like, Jasmine or Erica? My only question is why Jasmine? I mean I can understand Erica since we've known each other since we were little kids, but Jasmine. Just why now? Maybe it had something to do with last month's encounter at the stairwell. This is weird. But I think I'm finally starting to show interest in girls. For real this time."

Oh. My.God. I don't think I was supposed to hear any of that. But Aaron and Erica know each other since they were kids? He's finally starting to show interest in girls? Was he gay? Ah, this is too much for me. I just need to get out of here before I get caught by him.

→ Aaron

"Well, I might as well head home early. It's not like anyone besides Jasmine will notice since I do it all the time."