When it hurts (ongoing)

Chapter five

"Well although I am not Jackson's biggest fan, I'm glad you had fun" Jess slurps on her milkshake, looking happy for me.
"Thank you Jess" I dip a chicken nugget into some ketchup, bitting into it.
"So did you go home after the movie?" Jess asks, stuffing fries into her mouth.
I think back over my date with Jackson last night "No. He picked me up from the bookstore with some lilies. Took me to the movies to see that film I wanted to see then took me to a desert place to get some churros then dropped me home" I hold my fork in the air "although, it did surprise me he knew what film I wanted to see".
Jess laughs "Samuel would have told him".
I smile "probably. Where is Samuel? Did you text him?"
"Yeah" she says "he's got basketball training, said he'd meet us here when it's finished".
My phone beeps, I pull it out of my school bag resting next to me, pressing the on button to see a few different notifications.

Mom: please bring milk and bread home. 35m ago
Samuel: be there in 10.
1m ago
Jackson: haven't heard from you? Want to do something tonight?
1m ago
Jackson: had fun tonight, let me know you got in safe x
yesterday at 11:05pm

"Everything okay?" When I look up Jess is staring at me, worried.
"Yes everything's fine" I smile "Samuel should be here in 10 minutes or so".
"Sweet" Jess says, waving her hand in the air "I'm going to order a sundae".
I tap on Jackson's chat, seeing I missed a message from him last night. I text him back.

Jackson

Yesterday

Jackson: had fun tonight, let me know you got in safe x
11:05pm

Today

Jackson: haven't heard from you? Want to do something tonight?
2m ago

Me: hey sorry I missed your text, I got in fine did you? And yes I'm with Jess right now but I can meet you after?
Now

Jackson: I got in fine too, do you want to swing by the school or I can pick you up from your house?
Now

Me: I'll come get you from school, I left some books in my locker.
Now

Jackson: okay. Some of the guys are doing overtime so I'll do some more practice, drop in when your finished x
Now

*****

I pile books into my school bag, slamming my locker closed. When I reach the boys locker room I hesitate. A group of boys walk out, laughing amongst themselves. I text Jackson to avoid an awkward situation. I don't want to see anyone naked.

Me: hey I'm here. I'll wait outside of the changing room for you.
Jackson: I'm just finishing up on court. Go in, all the boys have just left.

I hesitate, pushing the door open and peering inside. It's dark and quiet, no noise. I tiptoe inside, when I see no naked boys I relax, dropping onto a bench in the middle of all the lockers.
"Can I help you?"
I stand quickly, surprised to see Austin behind me. He's naked, his arms crossed over his chest with a towel wrapped around his waist. He's drenched, the water making his abs glisten. He's leaning against the doorframe to the shower rooms, and I begin to worry there is more boys in there showering.
"Jackson asked me to meet him here" I say, my chest rising and falling rapidly.
I need to stop being in rooms alone with this guy
"Shaw just left" he says, walking to his locker and pulling another towel out, he rubs his hair with it, shaking the water out.
"What? No. He just text me to meet him here" I glance down at my phone, checking to see if I have any new notifications from Jackson. Another boy Steps out of the shower room, I look to see Carter tying a towel around his waist.
He smiles "apologies, I didn't realise there were ladies in the room".
I bite my cheek, trying to stop from laughing.
"What's going on?" He walks over to his locker that is next to Austin's.
Convenient
He pulls a towel out, dabbing himself dry with it. He dabs his face with it before running the towel down his chest, dabbing his abs with it.
He smiles when he catches me staring "you do know where the girls changing room is right?"
"Yes I'm sorry. I didn't know anyone would be in here" i fidget with my fingers.
Austin turns to rummage in his locker and I gulp when I see the muscles on his back.
"I was just looking for Jackson".
Austin's back muscles tense and he spins around "like I said, Jackson left. Don't waste your time".
Carters eyebrows furrow in confusion "shaw is on court".
Austin shoots a dirty look at Carter, but Carter is oblivious.
"You can go on court. It's through there" he points at a wooden door.
"Thank you" I smile before rushing out.
That was awkward