Poly

Chapter 15

A few weeks had past. Holt and I had been dating on the downlow. We had been texting and facetiming a lot when we weren't on secret dates. Most of them involved music so we hung out in the record-store a lot. They had a small café area where we could sit and talk in some-what private.

We didn't see much of each other in school. He was probably either busy with his music projects, or Jackson was there instead. I'm not entirely sure why he was so difficult to reach at times, but I'm sure he had his reasons.

No one would get suspicious or start rumours about us. We also didn't completely tire each other out by being glued to each other, but we got to miss each other a little, which made our dates even better.

When Holt wasn't there Jackson was And I wanted to personally thank him, for giving Holt and I so much time  together the past weeks. 

________

"Hey Jackson," I greeted, as I put on my lab coat. Jackson was sitting next to me, fully prepared for class. His book was opened with his pen and paper laid neatly on the side, while his lab coat was on and goggles resting on his dark hair. He looked up and gave me a shy smile.

"Hi," he then said. I took out my books so it looked like I was just a little bit prepared, and noticed that he was quieter than he usually was. Was he tired? It was 2.15, so maybe school had tired him out, but he was usually so pumped about Mad Science class. 

"I just wanted to say thanks for letting Holt out so much these past few weeks. It's been really nice seeing him so much," I said, but he didn't answer. He looked a million miles away.

"You okay?" I asked and tried to make eye contact, but his light blue eyes were hidden away behind his glasses. 

"Jackson?" I tried again. This time successfully.

"Huh? Sorry, Frankie, I'm a little tired today. I was up late last night?" he admitted with a goofy smile.

"Up late on a school night? That doesn't sound like the Jackson I know." I teased. But I immediately regretted it seeing his face drop and turn away. 

"I'm so sorry. That was a weird and totally uncool thing to say." I said and put my hand on his shoulder. I should've known it wasn't the time for jokes. Jackson was clearly upset about something, and I should've been more considerate. 

"It's okay." he peeped and turned around again. "I was up late because I was having a discussion with Claire. I was upset that she cancelled our plans for the third time." 

"I'm sorry to hear," I said and tried my best not to make Jackson seemed that I pitied him too much. I wanted to be a better listener to him than I had been before.

"I'm not even mad that she cancelled our plans. She has this big project coming up, which she's working really hard on, and I'm super proud at her. She made me upset because she totally disregarded my feelings. Like the I felt wasn't important enough, so I told her how it made me feel and she took it the wrong way, I guess." 

The thing I liked the most about Jackson, was the amount of empathy he posessed. Even though he was in a fight with his girlfriend, he still supported her and spoke so gentle about her. Being his girlfriend was definitely something to strive to become. 

"You're in every right to feel like this, you know." I began. "I'm sure it'll blow over soon." 

Jackson then shook his head. 

"I'm not so sure. We've been having these fights for a while." he said with a melancholic tone. Poor Jackson. I hated seeing him upset. I wanted to make it up to him, but how?

"Hm. What were you supposed to be doing together?" I then asked cheerfully.

"We were supposed to go to the art museum that just opened." 

"Then I'll take you!" I jumped out of my seat and startled poor Jackson. I could probably handled that more gracefully, but who cares!

"For real?" Jackson asked surprised. Did he forget that we were super good friends and actually enjoyed each others company?

"Heck yeah I do!" I exclaimed . "I'd want nothing more than make you smile," I teased and gave him a hug that Jackson returned in his own awkward way. 

In then Mr. Hack came and started the lesson.

"Alright ya filthy creatures! Sit down and open your books to chapter 4," he growled and started class. I sat myself on my seat next to Jackson, while he quietly whispered "Thank you," and I whispered "You're welcome." back.