The Art of Moving On

5. An Encounter with Jake

When I arrived at school the next day, I was greeted by an ecstatic Joy. "Guess what?" She said as we walked towards our lockers. I opened my mouth but I was cut off by Joy.

"Actually don't guess cause I'm gonna tell you myself. So you know how the school has been planning a trip for the juniors and seniors?" I remembered the teachers briefly speaking about this so I nodded my head. "Okay good. So, the student council just found out that the teachers were able to finalize the trip!" Joy squealed as she told me the big news.

"That's great! Do you know anything else about the trip?" I questioned while closing my locker.

"The only thing I know so far is that the trip is this Friday. Oh and I forgot to ask, but have you figured everything out with the person that you like?" She asked.

"Yeah, I decided that a small crush wasn't worth ruining what I already have," I looked down at my fingers, "Plus, I figured that guy probably only sees me as a friend and-"

"Huh? Which guy? I feel like I'm missing something." I looked up to see the guy who cut me off. It was Joshua. I watched as his arm settled on Joy's shoulder. And I didn't fail to notice how my heart no longer fluttered when he was around. In fact, I felt happy for the couple in front of me, and I plan to keep it that way.

In the midst of all this, I noticed someone leaning against the locker beside mine. I'd be blind if I didn't see Jake standing there, blowing bubble gum that would eventually pop all over his face. Before I could answer Joshua, the morning bell had rung. The students in the hallway started rushing to get to class, not wanting to get scolded by their teacher for being late. I waved at Joshua and Joy as we parted ways. I was walking when a hand suddenly tugged at my sleeve. I was shoved into the body behind me and the person slung their arm around me. I turned to Jake.

"What the-"

"Shhhh," He blew into my ear. I quickly pushed his hand off my shoulder and turned to him.

"I don't know what you want from me but good day." I walked straight to class after saying that.

I sat in my seat near the window as soon as we got to class. I noticed a figure sitting beside me. The figure didn't match that of my regular tablemate. I turn to see Jake sitting beside me, taking out his notes for this class. He looks at me and then starts waving. Why is he doing this? What does he want from me?