Settling Down

Chapter 8: School Starts

Hey guys, Jaden here. If you haven't read my announcement tab, then here's the explanation. I haven't been updating so often because I have been focussing on my assignments for University. It has been quite a stressful time for me but I have been able to take a bit of time to update my stories. I'm sorry for the inconvenience but University is taking a toll on my time. But don't worry, the semester ends in 3 weeks so I will get back to updating fairly soon. With that said, enjoy the chapter.

"C'mon Jackson, you'll be late" Winry called out.

Jackson finished packing his backpack and slung it over his shoulder before running down the stairs. He had just enough time to have breakfast before Winry had to take him to school. It was his first time going to school and let's say that he was fairly nervous. It was a big step to take as a kid and being only 6 years old, he wasn't sure how to act. His mother always assured that he should just be himself and all will be fine.

"Mom, why exactly do I have to go to school by myself?" Jack asked.

"Because Jackson, you are at the age of when kids start to go to school" Winry explained, "So your sister and cousin just need to wait about a year to be able to join you."

"I see" He replied.

Unlike most children, Jackson was quite mature for his age. In fact, a lot of his traits came from Edward. Other than the eyes, he was always fascinated with the concept of alchemy and liked to read his father's notes. While he didn't drink milk like his father, it was for a different reason. By the time he was around 3, he was very ill and when Winry took him to the doctor's, it turned out that he had an allergy to dairy. Henceforth, he never really drank milk, but he did grow at a steady pace.

"Alright, time to go" Ed said, after finishing up his clothing.

"Coming Dad" Jack replied.

The two left the house and made their way to the local school. They didn't live too far from the school, so it was only just a 10-minute walk for them. Ed was able to get a job at the school as a teacher, but he also did research work that he sends over to the University in Central. Because his two jobs pay him large sums, he was able to support the family a lot.

"Alright sport, this is where I'll have to drop you off" Ed exclaimed.

"Alright Dad, I'll see you later" Jack replied.

"See ya Jack" Ed finished before walking off.

Jack walked into the school in search for his classroom. Upon arriving, he placed his bag into a shelf and grabbed his essential stationary. He looked over towards the blackboard to see where he was being seated only for a voice to interrupt his thoughts.

"Hey Jack" A female English voice greeted, Jack turned to see Sarah, Jaden's daughter. Like her father, she had black hair that was long and stopped just past her shoulders.

"Morning Sarah" He replied before going back to the board.

"Looks like we are sitting next to each other" Sarah pointed out.

"Ah ok" Jack replied with a tiny blush on his face.

He had known Sarah since they were the age of 2. Back then, his parents and her parents would often visit each other and the two of them got to know each other. She also had an older brother that was 2 years above them named Derek. Jackson idolised Derek a lot and the three of them became quick friends over the years. However, as time went by, he slowly came to the realisation that he was in fact falling for Sarah. Now, this is very rare amongst 7-year-olds, but he wasn't an ordinary 7-year-old.

"Class is about to start, let's get to our seats" Sarah exclaimed.

"Oh right" Jack said.

The classes he took were like most schools. He was taught English, Maths and Art like most Primary School students. However, the class that was the most interesting was Science. Edward was the teacher for that class and he managed to get all the kids hooked into the concept of Alchemy. A lot of the kids there were asking his father questions about him being a State Alchemist and what it was like. Edward told them the best he could while leaving out all the gruesome bits. After school ended, Jackson and Sarah were making their way out.

"Hey Jack, why do you call your father Mr. Elric?" Sarah asked.

"Well, we're in school so it wouldn't really make sense to call him dad since he is my teacher" Jack answered.

"I see, fair enough" Sarah agreed.

"Hey guys" An English accent called out. Sarah and Jack turned around to see Derek, her older brother. He was almost a carbon copy of his father, the main difference is that he doesn't wear glasses.

"Hi Derek" Both Jack and Sarah greeted.

"You enjoy your first day at school?" Derek asked.

"I sure did" Sarah answered.

"I really like it" Jack agreed.

"Hey Sarah, you don't mind if I speak to Jack for a bit?" Derek requested.

"Yeah, no problem" She said, walking off.

"What is it you need to talk about?" Jack asked.

"Jackson, you know I trust you a lot, right?" Derek exclaimed.

"Uh, yeah" Jack replied.

"Good, I just want you to know that I trust you with my sister, I wouldn't want any other person for her than you" Derek explained.

"Wait, where did this all come from?" Jack questioned.

"I know how you feel about my sister, and I'm happy that it's you" Derek answered.

Jackson was quite surprised about this. He never really expected his crush's brother to easily pick up on that. However, it was nice to know that he gained approval from Derek. He'd rather have that than having to be dealing with an extremely overprotective person. After about 10 minutes or so, Ed and Jack left the school to go back home.

At home

"Hi Jackson, how was school today?" Winry asked.

"It was great, I enjoyed dad's class the most" Jack answered.

"Well, like father like son" Winry pointed out.

"You could say that again" Ed chuckled. Jackson made his way back to his room so he could work on his homework. Winry went back to cooking and Ed decided to help her out a bit.

"You know, I overheard something interesting today" Ed started.

"Really, what is it?" Winry questioned.

"Well, our little guy has a crush on Jaden's daughter" Ed answered.

"Wow, he really is growing up fairly quickly" Winry commented.

"Not only that, he spoke with her brother as well and Derek approves of him" Ed added.

"Haha, you know, that was almost similar to when we were kids" Winry exclaimed.

"I see what you mean, but I don't know if Sarah shares the same feelings though" Ed exclaimed.

"Well, we have to just ask Jaden then" Winry suggested.

"Good idea" Ed agreed.

The next day when Winry went out to buy some more vegetables, she decided to ask Jaden if his daughter really did harbour feelings for Jackson. It turns out, Jaden was correct, Sarah really did have feelings for Jackson but doesn't show because she thinks that Jack isn't interested in romance. Winry giggled knowing that their lives will be far more interesting.