Bloody Mary // J. Hale

Trying to trust

The weekend passed in a blur, and Jenna found herself among the first to arrive in the classroom. Today was presentation day for their philosophy project, but she doubted Jasper would come. She'd prepared herself to present solo, resigned to the idea that she'd be on her own. Yet, her gaze kept flicking to the door, foot tapping anxiously as she clung to a faint, unspoken hope that he might actually show.

The classroom gradually filled, but still no sign of Jasper. Her chest tightened as the teacher walked in, and she finally forced herself to let go of the hope she'd been holding. He wasn't coming.

Just then, a familiar voice broke through the hum of voices.

"Sorry I'm late."

Jasper. He slipped quietly into the seat beside her, sitting up straight, hands resting on his knees. Jenna felt a smile break across her face before she could stop it.

"You're here," she breathed, turning to him, relief clear in her voice.

"I wanted to give it a shot."

"Well, I'm glad you're here," Jenna whispered, her voice soft. "Are you feeling better?"

Jasper turned his head towards her and gave her a slight nod. "I think so."

As the other students presented, Jenna leaned closer to Jasper, quietly explaining her plan for their presentation. Jasper listened intently, nodding and suggesting a few small tweaks but, for the most part, agreeing with their approach. Jenna would begin by outlining the pressing issues of the modern world, showing how unchecked growth and misuse of technology could lead to a dystopian future. Then, Jasper would step in to describe their version of a harmonious utopia. It was a solid plan, and Jenna felt a surge of confidence knowing he'd be there beside her.

When the last group wrapped up, the teacher called their names. Jenna took a steadying breath, and they moved to the front together.

Most groups had gone with futuristic or religious themes, envisioning utopias full of advanced tech or supernatural ideals. But Jenna and Jasper had chosen a different path: a world where modern technology was limited, giving way to a simpler life in harmony with nature.

As Jenna wrapped up her part, Jasper stepped forward. His voice, with that faint southern twang, filled the room.

"And so," he said, "we came to the conclusion that if we as humans learned to live in harmony with nature instead of trying to mold the world into something it was never meant to be, we'd be on the path to a better future."

Jenna watched him, a smile tugging at her lips as his voice washed over the room, grounding their vision with a warmth and ease she hadn't expected. She found herself wishing he wouldn't stop talking, that he'd go on with his steady, calming cadence. It was strangely... comforting.

Their presentation went surprisingly well, earning them a solid B+. Given how little time they'd had to work together, it felt like a victory. As the bell rang, they both realized they had a free period and drifted into the hallway, falling into small talk.

Jasper was used to seeing Jenna from a distance, always lingering at the edges of conversations, silent and watchful. She had this wary way of carrying herself, as if she expected everyone to turn on her at any moment. He couldn't understand why. The Marston girl wasn't at all how he imagined; she was easy to talk to, unexpectedly fun. He'd noticed that she had a quick, sarcastic wit, never holding back when she had something to say. She wasn't one to dance around a point, and Jasper appreciated that—he wasn't one for the kind of conversation that hid its meaning.

Most of Jasper's days were spent around his family. Jenna was refreshing, but she was also a mystery, and he found himself wanting to understand her more.