A Modern Love Story

Chapter 2 - Getting to Know

Criticism spot! :)

NOTE before you continue - if you're reading this while I'm writing it and are thinking to yourself "well it seems to take place right now so why isn't covid a thing," it's because the last thing I want to do is write about covid. I'm pretending it doesn't exist in this universe. :)

Crutchie's POV

We waited for Mr. Weisel to take roll before separating into our groups, Jack coming right to my desk. He sat down and opened his computer, smiling.

"Hey! So- whoa, are you okay?" He asked, seeing the very obvious bruise on the side of my face.

"Mhm, I'm fine," I tried to reassure him, but I could tell it didn't work that well.

"Did the Delancey's do this?" He pushed, not hiding his concern.

"No, they didn't. I'm okay, really. Let's just get to work." He hesitated for a moment before dropping the topic, knowing that there was no way I'd open up to someone I barely knew.

We worked on our project for the rest of class, not talking about anything else. I could tell he was still worried about me, which was something I wasn't used to. I tried my best to ignore it, afraid that if he found out anything about my life that he'd not want to be my friend anymore.

My last class was let out early, allowing me to get to the bus early and avoid the Delancey's altogether. Just as the previous night, we agreed to call at ten, wanting to work on our project some more.

I wasn't that surprised when the conversation derailed almost right away, the two of us talking about anything but our project. I was completely drawn in as Jack spoke, listening to every word that he said closely. That's when I realized my Dad was at the top of the stairs, nearly to my room.

"Charlie!" He screamed, making me flinch. I looked at my phone, terrified.

"I have to go," I hung up on Jack right as my Dad came in the room, my eyes already burning with tears.

Jack's POV

I sat there for a moment after Crutchie had hung up on me, worried sick. We had only been talking for two days now, however he had no idea that I've had a crush on him for many, many months, never having the courage to talk to him. I stared at my phone and debated texting him, unsure if he'd even answer. Of course, I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep if I didn't say something, so I took a deep breath and began typing.

11:42 pm Hey, I know we don't know each other well, but could you text me so I know you're okay?

My heart was pounding as I hit send, and I immediately locked my phone and laid down, refusing to look at it. Nearly ten minutes went by before it lit up, and I grabbed it without any hesitation.

iMessage from Crutchie

11:51 pm I'm really sorry about that. I'm okay, I'll see you in class

11:51 pm Who was that? The guy who yelled?

11:52 pm It was my Dad, he's kinda loud

My heart sank when I realized what could be going on, thinking about his terrified reaction to his Dad yelling and the bruise on his face. I didn't want to assume anything, of course, but I couldn't help but worry that he was getting beat. It's not really something you can outright ask someone though, especially not someone you've only been talking to for two days.

11:52 pm Are you really okay? Again I know we don't know each other well but I'm always here

11:52 pm Thank you, I promise I'm okay.