This World That Divides Us

CHAPTER 24

A typical Friday for me includes a pop quiz from Professor Withers, sneers from Jordana and her posse, and lunch on the school's rooftop. For most of the week, Molly and I eat inside, but we've started to take more advantage of the beautiful weather before November hits.

"So...I gave your words of wisdom consideration, and you're right. I'm going to tell Henry how I feel about him this weekend," Molly says.

"I love to hear it. What's this weekend?"

"Well, nothing. I was thinking we could all hang or som-"

Molly stops talking and I feel a pair of lips hit my cheek. "Hi," Jack says once he's pulled away. Yes, he's wearing the same school uniform as everyone else, but there's something about the way that he wears it that just makes it look so different.

"Hi," I say, caught off-guard.

"Mind if I join you guys?"

I notice everyone's eyes on us. They're probably wondering what the most popular guy in school is doing sitting at the same table as the most unpopular girl in school. "Uh, not if you don't mind being stared at while you eat."

"Are people staring?" he asks, looking around the room. "I don't see anything," he lies, trying to make me feel better, and I give him a shy smile. He reaches for my hand and intertwines it with his, bringing it to his lips and pressing a kiss there.

"I feel like I'm living in a Twilight Zone," Molly remarks, and I get it. I feel that way, too. Having Jack look at me the way that he is right now almost seems too good to be true.

"So, what's up? What'd I miss?" Jack asks as he reaches for his sandwich.

"We were just about to make a plan for this weekend," Molly says. "Wanna join in on the fun?"

"Sure. But only if the fun happens after my lacrosse game," Jack says, turning to look at me. "You're coming, right?"

"If you want me there," I tell him.

"You're the only person I want there," he says, and Molly clears her throat. "You too, Lawson."

"Thank you," she smiles with a nod. "I was thinking of hosting afterward at my house. If I can get my parents to oblige."

"Who knew you were the little rebel child, Lawson?"

"Relax, Carrington. This isn't like your open-houses. You know, the ones with DJs and strippers?"

"Strippers?" I repeat.

"It was one time, babe. I swear," Jack says to me.

"Anyway, as I was saying...," Molly remarks, "...it's not open to everyone. Just a few close friends."

"I think that's a great idea, Mol," I tell her.

Jordana walks our way with a tray in her hand and then stops when she notices who's sitting with us. "Jack. I need to talk to you. In private..."

"Jordana, whatever you need to say to me, you can say to Anastasia and Molly as well."

"You mean your new buddies?" she snickers. "Careful, Jack. Stoop any lower and you'll hit the floor."

"I got with you Jordana, I don't think I can go any lower than that."

"Ouch," Molly says, hiding a chuckle behind her fist.

Jordana's face right now is priceless, but I don't feel bad for her. How can anyone when she brings humiliation upon herself? And just like that, she stomps her foot and huffs, walking away.

"That girl is so in love with you, Jack."

"I don't even know how when I try everything to get her to feel the opposite."