The Academy

Fifty Three

Rose:

I hugged Tink, “I’m sure you will. By the way, I’m glad everything’s sorted out between the two of you.” I say sighing with relief and she smiled, “So am I.” then she gave a pointed look at Jace. “But promise me you won’t do anything stupid like that again.” Jace gave her his usual smirk and titled his head to the side, “Oh I think we all know that I can’t promise that.” Tink shook her head but I caught a smile on her face and I couldn’t help but smile too.

“Okay, so when are we going to leave?” “The movie’s in two hours.” he replied and I nodded, “Alright, let me go get ready.” I said giving him a kiss on the cheek.

On the way back to the room I yawned and momentarily lost my vision the way you do when you’re sleep deprived. “Jace!” I yelled, feeling dizzy. He came sprinting over and put an arm around my shoulder, “What happened.” I blinked a couple of times trying to focus and he seemed to get the message. “Let’s get you to your room for a power nap. If you’re still tired in an hour we can stay in.” “Thanks.” I muttered, trying to walk.

It seemed like seconds I was asleep, but Jace shook me awake, and I felt a little better.

“You think you can pull through?” he asked and I nodded, “Get me some energy pills and a coffee and I’m pretty sure I’ll be okay.” He nodded and ran off to go grab them. I looked at myself and realized I was still in my pj’s. So i threw off my pants and slipped into some skinny jeans, and pulled off my shirt when-

“Okay I have the pills-” Jace started to say when he saw me practically half naked. (I was wearing a bra thank the gods on Olympus.) I turned bright red and he bit his lip. “Um...I’ll be in my room.” “Thanks.” I replied having a cringe attack.

Yeah me with my shirt off was probably not an attractive sight. One, I have pretty much no boobs compared to Tink. Two, I have a ton of scars from my years on the streets, orphanage, and monster attacks.

I quickly pulled on a striped blue and black shirt and a jean jacket then tied my hair into low pigtails since I assumed we were going to talk the motorcycle there and Jace gets the helmet.

After that I strapped on my black combat boots and walked out, taking a deep breath and thinking: don’t be awkward. Your boyfriend just saw you in your bra. Don’t be awkward. 

“You ready?” I asked, knocking on his closed door and he came out, holding a cup of coffee and two pills. “Yeah, here you go.” he said with a poker face and I could feel a blush crawl on  my cheeks. I knew his mind was still probably on the fact that he saw me like that. I took the pills, swallowed them and drained the coffee. “Thanks.” I said, “We taking the motorcycle?” “Unless you’d rather go in a car-” “No the bike is fine Jace.” I said, shoving my hands in my pockets.

While we were walking he rubbed the back of his neck. “Um...sorry about that. I should’ve knocked.” “I should’ve closed the door. It wasn’t your fault.” I said, feeling mortified, and wanted to change the subject asap. “No, I know you didn’t want me to see that until...later...you know.” “It’s fine Jace, can we please stop talking about this? This is really awkward if you haven’t noticed.” I said giving a small laugh and biting my lip. He laughed, “Just a little.”

Logan chose that moment to come out and cross his arms, “What are you talking about?” I stopped and stood frozen in my tracks. “Um...nothing…Come on Jace.” I said, grabbing his arm and pulling him past a frowning Logan.

Finally we got outside and I hopped on the back of his bike. He climbed on in front of me and I wrapped my arms around him. “Ready?” Jace asked me as he put on his helmet and I nodded, “Let’s go.”

It was a nice movie, typical date, other than earlier.

When we got back I really wanted to talk to Tink, and thank goodness she was still there. (Even though she was watching the Disney version of Peter Pan.) I sat down next to her and Jace went off to his room.  As soon as he was out of earshot I gushed the story out and she raised her eyebrows, “Wow. So now you’re feeling all self conscious.” “Mhm.” “Yeah. Jace called me.” she said with a laugh and I turned a shade of crimson. “Oh dear lord.” I whispered, covering my face with my hands. She laughed even more. “Don’t worry, it’s not like he was thinking anything pervy.” “That’s a surprise knowing him.” I replied, trying to lighten the air and she rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry, just think of your bra like a bikini.” “I don’t have any bikini’s, just one pieces or tankinis.” I told her, and she sighed, “Well then I have no idea what else to console you with. Your boyfriend saw you in a bra. Okay? You’ll be fine.”

I sighed and rubbed my neck, “I know...it’s just...awkward…”I said, struggling to find the words and she put a hand on my shoulder, “I understand, believe me.” I nodded and sighed, “Thanks. Well, the coffee is wearing off, so I think I’m going to head up to bed.” She nodded, “Night.” “Night.”