BLACK IS THE WARMEST COLOR

Chapter 15

                       ~Gwen~

A week had gone by since the kiss and Jacob and I hadn't talked. It was like he had crawled back in his shadow and acted again like the world was at his feet.
  After classes which he would involuntarily come for, he would disappear into thin air. I was also worried as Penny also wasn't around. I quickly concluded that he was with her. I also hadn't told Blythe yet. I didn't know what she would think of me.
“Hey!" She was clutching a basketball, sweat plastered all over her.
“Hey” I said back.
“Whats been up with you lately? You've not been your usual self”
“Im fine. Just stress and..
Before I could finish my sentence, Jacob and his friends passed by. He looked at me for a moment but threw his face away.

“Its fine. I've just been a little stressed and irritated” I laid emphasis on irritated so even Jacob could hear it.
“Why? That time if the month again?” she whispered.
“No. I don't really know why.”
  I had chemistry as my last class. I collected my things and was about to head back to class when Miss Tasha, the history teacher called me. She wore a Stern but concerned look on her face. I looked at her with a puzzled expression. Scurrying over to her, I stood impatiently beside her with my books in hand.
“Gwen. I want to talk about your last test. You see, eversince you registered at the school, your grades have been nothing but exceptional, but recently the test that took place on Monday was rather abysmal.

“The test.. the Monday test was history”
“Yes. And you scored a D. I must say I'm very disappointed.” I lowered my head in shame as she said those words. She was my friend and she always liked my success, so for her to say this, really broke my heart. Never had I ever gotten a grade less than a B and all this was due to stress, coupled with useless thoughts of Jacob.
For the first time I was disappointed in myself.

“I'll work hard and do better” I gave her a confident nod and took the test scripts from her.
She pulled me back.
“Gwen, I'm always here if you ever want to talk” I simply nodded.
During class, I couldn't concentrate. Thoughts about my mom, my grades and guilt about lying to Blythe seemed to  occupy my mind. Time flew by fast and the bell was rung. I rushed to my feet as I gathered my books carelessly.
  Meanwhile, Jacob was in a corner with the teacher. I could hear her talking to him about his grades as he scoffed.
I just rolled my eyes and continued packing.
“Gwen!" The teacher called. I groaned inwardly.
“Yes miss" I answered as I walked to them. Jacob just looked at me like he was studying me but I didn't meet his eyes.

“There is something I would like to ask you you dear” she began. I already knew how this was going to go.

“Jacob here as you might have noticed doesn't always come to school, and this has affected his grades. So I would appreciate if you could tutor him for a while”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
“I can't. I am also occupied with a lot of things and I simply can't find the time to do so.”
“I know dear. It's too much in your plate but it'll just be for a week while watch if he improves. Besides, he told me you are very capable of that.”

I shot a look at him. Now it was his turn to look away
“im sorry miss. I still can't. Perhaps I could recommend someone else.”
“Someone else?"
“Yes. Penny. She's really smart.” I nodded and smiled.
“Penny is really good at almost everything. You'd be good to go in a week” I said patting him on the shoulder.
The teacher smiled too.
“Well then it's settled. I'll just have to talk to Penny about it.”
I turned to leave. That was when Jacob spoke.
“Its not that big of a deal. I can easily get a real tutor.” he protested. I laughed.
“No. Keep your money Jacob. We have to do this the right way. Penny would do the tutoring.
I picked up my books and left the class. Once I got back to my locker, I stuffed my books in my bag and picked up my phone. I was walking outside when I felt someone behind me.

I turned back and it was Jacob.
“Oh!" I said and kept walking.
“What was that all about?” he began.
“I don't know what your talking about” I said innocently.
“Why did you suggest Penny?”
“Well.. duh. She's good at everything. Plus, I was too busy to tutor you.”
“Great at everything? What's that supposed to mean? I told you Gwen, we don't fuck anymore. I can't even remember when last I saw her”
“You saw her at class today. We had last period together” an expressionless look on my face.

“You know what I mean.” he said.
“Just let Penny tutor you. It's not a big deal.” I groaned as I wanted to walk away.
“I don't want Penny. I want you.” I felt my heart flutter as he said this.
Lifting his right hand, he took one of the many tendrils of my hair and wrapped it around his finger. He intently gazed at me as he did that.
For fuck's sake, we were in school. I pulled away from him and began walking away.

Suddenly, I felt a weight been lifted off my back. He took my bag away.
“Give that back!” I ordered
“I'll help you hold it. I'll do anything you want just please tutor me.” he whined.
“Your really bothering me Jacob. ”
“And I'll continue to till you accept”
I looked at him for a while. Part of me was still angry over how he treated me last week and another part wanted him next to me.
“Fine. But it's going to be under my terms.”
“Deal!” he said smiling. I smiled back.

  Could this be the same Jacob I met four months ago. The same Jacob who carries my bag?