Dear Jackson

Chapter 3

"Hi Jackson!"

As I sat at my desk while organizing my photos during break, I could hear her annoying voice. Calling for my best friend as if she was his girlfriend. Park Sunhi.

"Oh hey Sunhi, what's up?"

I eavesdropped on their conversation without notice, acting as if I'm fully focused on just my pictures.

"I was wondering if after school you could help me study for my algebra test? I really need help, and you're like the smartest in the class when it comes to math."

I could see right through her flirtation and act of bubbly personality. It was pissing me off I will admit.

"Uh I don't have any plans, so sure. Do you want to meet in the library?"

He slammed her down right there with a public area. I wanted to laugh loudly as I heard her tone of voice lead to slight disappointment.

"Y-yeah, sure I guess. I'll see you after school then. Bye Jackson!"

Sunhi patted his shoulder and I was agitated by that small touch. As soon as she left through the classroom door, I immediately felt better. I turned to talk to Jackson, but was stunned when I didn't find him by his desk.

"Hm, maybe he went to the art room."

I told myself quietly, going back to my task of organization.

'Or maybe he followed Sunhi.'

A voice spoke in my head, and I tried to ignore it.

"No, he doesn't even like her. Plus he said he would meet her after school."

'How do you know if he doesn't like her? You don't even know if he's gay since you like him. For all you know he's straight and likes girls only.'

I was angering myself with my own thoughts. I quickly put my photos back in their folder and stuffed it into my bag, leaving out the classroom to try and find Jackson.

As I entered the hallway I contemplated on which way to go.

"The art room is to the left. I guess I'll check there real quick."

I took my steps in the quiet corridor, one or two students passing by along the way. It was an eerie feeling, as I was so used to having Jackson by my side when I walk these halls.

"I hope he's in there. I really don't want him with that Sunhi bitch."

I spoke angrily and quietly, approaching the art room's door. I realized in this school hardly anyone uses the art room, rather than middle school which was totally opposite. As I walked in I could see Jackson drawing in the corner, window open for air.

"Oh so this is where you went."

I spoke while gently putting my book bag down on one of the desks. He snapped his neck towards me and flashed a smile.

"Hey Bammie, I thought you were busy organizing your photos?"

Jackson questioned me while keeping his pencil moving across his sketchbook. I pushed a stool next to his and took a seat.

"I was, but I figured I could finish at home. I wanted to see if you were okay since you left so quickly."

'That was such a lie, I just really hate that girl.'

He put his pencil down while exhaling.

"Yeah I'm fine, except my hand is cramping from holding this pencil for too long."

Jackson gave a short laugh as I did too. I tried to lean over to see his creation, but he quickly slammed the cover closed.

"Not yet! I'll let you see it when it is fully done."

"Oh come on, let me just get a peek!"

I begged with my bottom lip pouting out, hoping he would give in.

"Nope, sorry. You'll just have to be patient."

He pinched my cheek as I gave a poker face stare. As it went silent he went back to sketching whatever it was that he was drawing. I contemplated on my next topic, not really sure on how to sneakily bring it up.

"So uh, today I heard a student talking about how being homo is a bad thing."

Jackson furrowed his eyebrows as he kept his eyes glued to the paper.

"Really? Who?"

"I-it was in the hallways, I don't know who. But he was being pretty mean about it. Saying all gays will burn in hell and what not."

None of this was true, but I just needed some way to see if he was at the least bisexual.

"What do you think about it?"

"About what?"

He quickly replied while pausing in his art work, eyes meeting with mine.

"About being gay. Do you think it's bad or sinful? To love the same gender as your own?"

I felt my mouth become dry as I spoke. I could feel my nerves acting up as I was afraid of what the answer might be. Jackson set his pencil down, taking a second to answer me while rubbing his hands together.

"Well, I really don't see anything wrong with it. I mean love is love, right? It shouldn't matter if they are male or female. As long as you are both happy together, then that's it."

He finished speaking with a smile and went back to his art. I was relieved to see he was so open with acceptance. But I still didn't get my answer I wanted. I left it alone while sighing and leaning on my elbow.

"Yeah, I think the same way."

I checked my wrist watch and noticed school would end in ten minutes. I wanted to act like I didn't know and not remind Jackson so Sunhi could be forgotten. But in the end he would get attacked negatively, not me.

"You should start putting away your things, you have to meet Sunhi in about ten minutes."

Jackson looked at the clock across the room while widening his eyes partially.

"Oh crap. Gosh, I hate studying. But if it'll get her off my back."

He spoke aloud while stuffing his book and utensils in his back pack. I exhaled to myself as I watched him. I really didn't want him to go to that library. No one would be around, and I know she would try and make a move on him.

"Hey Bammie?"

I was pulled out of my thoughts and could feel goose bumps form from the name. I looked up into his eyes as he stood, silently telling him I'm giving my attention.

"Do you wanna come with me? I really don't want to help her alone. And besides, you're better at studying than me."

Jackson gave a small laugh while putting his arms through his bag straps. I stood up and stretched quickly, nodding as I yawned.

"Yeah, I would love too."

At least now I can watch over Sunhi. It'll probably spoil her vibe of being alone with my Jackson. Oh now I can't wait to go.