Not Another Teen Romance

Chapter 4

Connor's Perspective: I'm still too scared to talk to Jude. I'm not denying my feelings for him, I'm just waiting them out. It's just God damn raging hormones, I'm not....you know. He mentioned he was in the foster system, and he seemed accustomed to coming to new schools, so hopefully he'll be leaving soon. I feel sorry for the kid, but if he doesn't leave, neither will my feelings, and if my feelings don't leave, well, my dad won't leave me alone.

A week after the hand holding incident, I run into Jude. I'm using the bathroom and no one else is in there. After I finish washing my hands, I run my fingers through my matted hair. Just as I began walking out the door slams open. I stumble back and bang against the wall, knocking the wind out of me. My hands are on my knees and I'm panting.

"Oh god, I-I'm so sorry!" Said an anxious voice. I opened my eyes after having them shut tight to reveal a blurry Jude. I stood up straight, cleared my throat, and tried to get past Jude and out the door. I couldn't face him.

"Wait!" Yelled Jude, "please, stop ignoring me. We really need to talk, Connor." He says. He looks at me with his sad, puppy dog eyes, and his lower lip trembles. The poor kid looks like he's about to cry.
"What's there to talk about?" I ask, like nothing is wrong.
"You know what I mean. The--the handholding, and the meaningful stares, what's going on Connor? You don't need to avoid me. I don't get you, I just--" I can't take it anymore. Before Jude can finish his sentence, I lean in and kiss him.

As we kiss, I feel Jude's delicate hands crawl up my neck to tousle my hair, so I take my hands to his cheeks. After a moment, he pulls away. He rests his forehead on mine and we stand there, holding each other. Looking into each others eyes. When we've had enough, we go back to kissing.

Right then, the door swings open.