loping along through the cosmos

22: JADE GETS COLD

JADE

Reverie Burroughs was the first one to greet her at school when she arrived.

I know I should have stayed at home, but staying at home would mean my thoughts might just play that kissing scene over and over again until I lose my mind, Jade thought.

Her best friend was patiently waiting for her by the school gate, unbothered by the knowing glances the students kept on giving Jade.

Once she's just two feet away, Rev reached out and linked their arms. "Care to explain what happened yesterday? I deserve an explanation, right?"

This is the one of the many things Jade loves about Rev. She's patient with her. She's the no questions asked kind of friend, and only asks when she already thinks Jade's going to burst.

"Ira blabbered about me being her cousin after she told our class that she's Astra's daughter," she told her. "And I poured my soul on this one guy that I think I may or may not have feelings for." She looked at Reverie, trying to read her expression as soon as they met gazes. Expectedly, Rev was giving her a horrified look. "I know," Jade sighed. "I easily fall for someone the moment they make me feel less alone. That's so weird, right? I need therapy, right?" Before Reverie could answer, Jade nodded her head. "Yeah. I probably need to contact Dr. Grey again." Then, she looked back at her friend, who couldn't jump in her monologue. "I shouldn't be dropping this info this early in the morning, should I? I'm sorry-"

"Jade, breathe," Reverie stopped walking to hold her friend's shoulders, leveling her gaze with Jade's. As soon as Jade exhaled, she added, "So, you like a boy again."

"Yes. But-" Jade looked at the people around them. And even though there are less people walking towards the main building with them, she pulled Rev to the side where there aren't any students to eavesdrop.

"What? What is it?"

"I know what he is," she said in a hushed tone.

Reverie tilted her head, confused. "Is this the part where I'll say, say it, say it out loud?"

Jade kicked her shin lightly. "He's my..." she looked around before tiptoeing to meet Rev's ear. "- bodyguard."

"Oh, Jade..." Rev gave her a pout as she caressed her friend's head. "I'm so sorry. Come here," she pulled Jade for a tight hug, closing her eyes. "Twice, you've fallen in love. Twice, with a man who's paid to take care of you..."

Jade immediately pushed her friend away, Rev laughing at her. "Way to state the obvious."

"I'm sorry," Rev stopped herself from laughing. "But it's cute how you really have a type. At least, you know what you want from a romantic interest."

"Yeah, but not a bodyguard," she said in a hushed tone. "Like you said, they're being paid."

"But what if he's not that kind of guy?" Reverie asked. "You're just assuming things, aren't you? You're not sure about him being your bodyguard yet."

Jade nodded, frowning. "But he's most likely one. I mean, who would save someone from dying twice for free?"

"Uh? Someone who really cares for you?"

"Uh- someone who's being paid for it - that's the right answer," Jade crossed her arms.

"Are you going to confront him later? Because that's the right thing to do if you don't want to get more bothered than you actually are right now."

"No. I plan on acting like I don't know anyone by the name of Theodore Lockhart. There's two of them, and I'm already trying hard to ignore the older one even when he's my professor."