Sleeping with Sirens

Chapter 3

Not even one word was exchanged between Jake and I during our walk to school.

Every now and then U'd glance over to make sure he was there, and that I hadn't imagine the whole thing.

He was, him and his perfectness, walked beside ME, and he would smile at me like we were best friends.

I would throw an awkward smile back and then face forward even more confused.

When we reached the steps of the school, Jake placed his hand on my back and said, "Thanks for walking with me Zoe."

The minute Jake walked away, My legs turned to jello.

I wobbled up the stairs and almost fell over twice.

As the day passed by, I pictured the morning in my head.

It was almost like watching a movie, I could see myself and Jake walking, like I was floating above the couple, like it wasn't even me.

By lunch, I decided I was delusional and Superstar Jake didn't walk me to school that morning.

My mind changed when he sat next to me, outside, during free period.

My head was stuck in a book when someone sat across from me. I looked up and my eyes bulged out again.

"What are you reading Z?" He smiled.

So many things were crossing my mind.

This morning REALLY happened! And...wait a minute..."Z"? Did he really just call me Z?! Great. Just great. Now I was stuck with that.

"Umm....Actually.." I laughed. I put the book in a position so he could see the pages.

The pages were hollowed out into an upside down T shape. With a narrow path at the base of the T.

He saw my iPhone in the hollow space and the earbud wire traveling up from the bottom of my hoodie up to my ear.

If I hadn't pushed my hair back he never would have noticed.

He squinted his eyes to see the tightly tucked wire behind my ear. Finally he laughed under his breath.

"Slick," he whispered. "It works." I agreed. But this time... I didn't smile. I...wasn't "starstruck" by him anymore.

The butterflies in my stomach just vanished as I came to a realization.

He was probably doing a dare, or he lost a bet, that's why he was there next to me.

A few quiet moments passed between us.

"Okay, seriously?" I finally asked.

Jake looked up, confused, "Huh?" I rolled my eyes, so I could show how annoyed I was getting.

"What's up? Did you lose a bet? Took a dare? What is it?" His eyebrows pushed together. He almost looked...hurt?

"What are you talking about Zoe?" He was really confused now.

"Really? Jake. You never talk to me. We dont know each other..and now..now we're friends? Something's up."

"N-...no. Oh my god of course not Zoe. I see you all the time, around school, and you're really cute. I just never had the courage to talk to you. I saw you walking alone and I had missed my bus. I saw my chance and I took it."

His answer sounded legit. Except..

"You hardly said anything the whole walk to school though." I argued.

"I didn't know what to say to you. I figured a walk was a baby step."

Looking down at my iPhone...I said, "I guess that makes sense."

Jake smiled,"Sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I just.... I dunno."

I couldnt believe It...he actually looked shy..like he caught the butterflies that left me.

We were both looking down for a small while, and then his head shot up and made me jump a little. "Have lunch with me tommorow?"

"Uhhhh...." Was all that escaped my mouth. "Great! I'll pick you up tommorow."

Saturday plans? Date with Jake Aarons....nothing knew.

.

He stood up and blushed when he said,"Look cute today." And then he was gone..

But now he seemed less like a star quarter back and more like a guy who might...be interested in me.

OH MY GOD!!

I had a date with Jake Aaron!