Dear Principal

Chapter 13

It's been a month and more since I moved in with Jo. The trees were slowly turning colors, and the seasonal flowers began hibernating. I sat on a stool, rubbing my forehead with the back of my hand as sweat trickled down my face. Jo and I have been working hard on keeping the property looking tidy. I'd just finished passing the rake when Jo appeared beside me with a tall glass of water. I took it and immediately chugged the water. Jo chuckled and sat next to me with a cheeky smile.

"What's on the menu for tonight?" He asked, leaning back against a wooden post.

"I have no idea. We picked up every last vegetable in the garden. Does a salad sound good?" I placed the empty glass next to me and met Jo's gaze.

He stared at me, keeping his cheeky smile. Jo's eyes felt warm on my skin.

"Salad sounds great, chef." I rolled my eyes as he laughed.

Moving in with Jo and living in this beautiful home felt like a dream. Jo would have his high school friends come over, and we would spend most of our time staring at the view, not talking about anything specifically.

"I'm gonna head into town soon. I have to get something at the store," I said, taking my time to get up.

"Should I go with you?" Jo's expression was one of worry.

Ever since the incident with Haden at the graduation, he's high-tailed about me going out on my own in public, which I understand, but I need to do things alone. And if Haden were to bump into me, I know what to do.

"It's alright, Jo. I'll be okay." Jo didn't seem convinced and followed me inside.

"I just- I don't trust this guy, Oli. He could be anywhere." Jo's hand lightly grabbed my wrist.

I smiled and turned to face him, touching his cheek and rubbing his light stubble, which I loved about him. Jo leaned down to my height and frowned. I chuckled and kissed his cheek.

"I know. But the chances of me bumping into him are rare, Jo. I will be okay." Jo seemed to relax as he pressed his forehead against mine, something we do to reassure each other.

After a moment, I let Jo go and slipped out of my water boots to put on my shoes. He kept a tight gaze and followed me out of the front door to my car.

"I will see you in, hmm, twenty minutes." Jo laughed and waited as I got comfortable before shutting the door and waving me off.

I adored Jo's concerns and how he watches over me. It's comforting. Since the day we met, Jo always had a soft spot for me; whether we argued or had our differences, he would come back around. And maybe I was taking that for granted, pushing Jo to his limits.

For the month we've been in each other's company, Jo has been taking care of me, making dinner, and checking in with my mental and physical health. There isn't one time I haven't seen Jo carelessly walking around without his eyes glued to me. I know Jo likes me, but I don't want him to think I don't have those same feelings for him. Jo's reactions to things I do or say make me realize something, like how he might feel I'm taking him for granted, but I'm not. I wouldn't dream of using Jo for money, not monetarily, and definitely not for sex.

I put the car in park and got out, brushing a hand through my hair as I locked the doors and shoved my keys deep into my pocket.

The air is damper in town than it is back home, making fog rise over the hoods of many cars. I don't miss living in the city.

An unnerving feeling washed over me as I walked towards the store's opening, like something or someone was watching me. I decided to brush it off and get my things as quickly as possible to return home. The sensation worsened as I cashed out my essentials and walked back out of the store. The anxiety that bubbled inside me caused a nauseating lump in my throat because I knew now that someone was watching me. I rushed to my car, scanning the parking lot for Haden's car as it was the first person I would imagine was making me feel this way. I rushed to put my groceries in my car before I turned around and bumped into a sizeable gray-covered chest.