Before you go // Jonah Marais

Chapter 13: "You're such a gentleman"

"Alex, nothing happened," I reassure him.

He sighs, "How's Nathan?"

I can feel a smile tugging at my lips.

"He's good, still sore, but he can't wait to get out so he can play football again."

Football has always been a passion of his. Nathan is the best player I know. However, I don't know any other football players other than my brother. The game took his mind off things. Nathan explained it to me once, "When I'm out there playing, it's just me and the ball. No stresses, no worries, just me and the ball."

"Hopefully, he's back in time for tryouts," Alex hopes.

"He will be. I can just feel it," I smile.

One of Jonah's friends walks past. I excuse myself quickly, making my way over to him,

"You're one of Jonah's friends, right?" I ask.

"Yeah, I am. What can I do for you sweetheart," the boy with curly hair inquires.

"I was just wondering if you know where he is? I still haven't thanked him for driving me," I look up at him.

"I haven't seen him, but I'll let him know you're looking for him."

We stop walking for a minute, allowing me to get a proper look at him. His eyes a chestnut brown, his face defined and smooth, his curls lay slightly over his forehead. He's shorter than some of the guys he hangs around with, 5'6 maybe 5'7.

"I'm Jack, and you're Peyton," he informs me.

"Wait, how do you know my name?" I ask, startled.

"Jonah's spoken about you a few too many times for us not to know your name," Jack chuckles.

A shade of pink rises to my cheek, bringing heat to my face. I look away, hoping the curly-haired boy in front of me doesn't notice.

"I'll let Jonah know you're looking for him. I've got to go, but I'll see you around," Jack winks, leaving me standing there alone.

Jack's words replay in my head, "Jonah's spoken about you a few too many times for us not to know your name." Why is Jonah talking about me to his friends? Was he saying good things? God, I hope he isn't talking nonsense about me to his friends. My thoughts were quickly squashed when I heard my name being called.

"We are going out for dinner tonight," Layla happily speaks.

"We are?" I ask, slightly confused.

She nods her head vigorously. I can see a spark of hope in her eyes, praying I don't turn her down. I haven't had the chance to really get to know Layla, maybe this dinner will be good.

"Sure, when and where," I asked.

Layla lets out an excited shriek, "I'll see you at 6 at our dorm."

With that, she walks away, her blonde hair bobbing up and down. I let out a sigh making my way inside. The halls were quiet for a Sunday afternoon, with few people wandering around. I can imagine walking around with Nathan on a Sunday afternoon, laughing over something he said. His hand placed around my waist, holding me close to him.

"Peyton," I hear him call my name.

I turn around seeing Jonah walking towards me.

"Jonah, hey," I smile.

"Jack said you wanted to see me?" he inquires.

I take a moment to look him over. His hair laid over his forehead, his shirt messily placed on his body, his lips puffy.

"I just wanted to thank you. For driving me home to see Nathan."

"It's really no problem. It was nice to get away for a couple of days," Jonah chuckles.

We stand there for a moment, not saying anything. The silence wasn't awkward, more calming than anything.

"Why don't we get out of here? I know this place not too far from here that I think you'll like," He informs, breaking the silence.

"I'll go as long as we're back by 5:30 pm at the latest," I answer.

"Deal," he says, raising his hand.

I look between him and his hand, shaking my head ever so slightly. I take his hand in mine, shaking it. A smirk plays on his lips as we walk back outside to his car. Jonah walks around to the passenger side, opening the door for me. I quickly thank him, getting in the car. He shuts the door walking around to his side, taking a seat in the driver's seat.

"You're such a gentleman," I tease.

"Only for you," he winks.

I feel my stomach fill with butterflies at his actions.

Jonah stops the car on top of a hill. I look over at Jonah, giving him a confused stare.

"Come sit on the roof with me?" he asks.

I watch as Jonah gets out of the car, climbing onto the roof. I hesitate for a moment, unsure if I really wanted to climb up onto the roof. After a minute of pondering my options, I step out of the car, climbing onto the roof.

"I know it's a weird place to stop, but just look," He says, pointing.

I look over to where he's pointing. The view is breathtaking. You could nearly see the whole city from up here. I make a mental note to come here more often.

"So, what do you think?" Jonah asks curiously.

"Wow," I breathe out.

"So you like it then?" he asks, looking over at me with a smile.

"I love it," I reply, looking back at him.

We stay here, in this same spot, for what felt like forever. I know that this will become my new thinking space. Just like Jonah promised, he got me back to my dorm at 5:30 pm on the dot.

"Thank you for this afternoon. I absolutely fell in love with that place." I smile as I open my door.

"I knew you would," he winks. " I'll see you around, bye love."

He walks away before I could reply, leaving me standing there with bright red cheeks. How can I allow myself to feel this way about him? I know I shouldn't, but I can't stop these feelings from filling me. He's just a boy I met at the hospital. That's all he'll ever be. Pull yourself together, Peyton.