𝑴𝒚 𝑶𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑩𝒐𝒔𝒔

Seventeen

After school was better. I didn't have an open panic attack and all of the students attended this time. The class is to improve stutters or just shy kids to speak up for themselves and not back away. The main problem, as Julia had said, is fear.

"Fear plays a part in our actions. All you have to do, is tackle that fear and you will be fine." She said. I erased the board as everyone began filing out. Of course the last people here were Asher and his boys and Axel and his girls.

I didn't want to look at Asher so I disappeared into an aisle. I heaved a breath, touching my chest. Why? Why me? He wants me to work for him now. I don't want to leave Julia. I like it here and she was the first person to give me a job. I can't just leave.

"Hello." I flinched back, looking up at the person that startled me. It's Axel Pone. He's smiling, his hands in his pockets and his posture lean.

"H-hi."

"Sorry for scaring you." He looked back and got closer. I got scared and took a reflex step back. He caught it and stopped, tilting his head off to the side in...worry?

"I want to ask something of you, if that's okay?"

"Yes?"

"You see, my wife has no friends. I mean like, at all and I was wondering if you can accompany her on a little trip. I'll pay you for your time at least."

Is everyone in this town so peculiar? He wants to pay me to be friends with his wife?

"Um."

"It's just a month trip. Don't worry, you won't miss work. You'll just be there to give company for when she's lonely." He whispers.

"Um..."

"Here, take this and think about it. You could contact me and let me know. I'll need an answer before tomorrow by the way."

He handed out a piece of paper and I hesitated. I took the paper and he smiled. I gazed over and saw Asher enter. He stood next to Axel, gazing at him. No staring at him.

Axel looked at the man and gave a gentle pat on his shoulder. "Can't wait." Axel walked off and Asher went to follow him until his eyes met me. I could see the top of his ears flare up in redness.

"Sorry about... yesterday." He says. "I-in the parking lot."

The parking lot? Oh, that near kiss. Now it was my time to show a bit of red.

"I-it's umm... it's fine."

Silence. My heart is hammering in a different way. Not fear...but nervousness. Extreme nervousness.

"Have you made up your mind yet?"

I shook my head. "I like working here. In the library."

"You could work both. Here and with the boys. They like you, Jasmine." My name. "They really do."

"I..." Gosh this is too much. "I umm..." Asher took a step forward, his voice lowering. He's basically towering over me.

"Think about it. Three grand a week. All you have to do is cook for them and be there for them until I'm away from the office. You could be a nanny. If that's what you want of course."

No answer. He stepped closer. I could feel his body heat, I could smell his scent.  Asher bent his head down and I was sure I nearly caught a heart attack.

"Please?" He whispers. I could feel my stomach open up and my limbs turn to jelly. "I want your help, Jasmine."

"Dad?" I stepped back, catching air aside from his choking scent. It's Amper.