Dancing with Fire (John Pearce/Justice Crew Fanfic)

Chapter 3

* Jason's POV *

They say being in love is fun, especially if you found the other half you want to spend it with. I found mine easily; it was my best friend, Kayla. Actually I was lucky enough because she was the daughter of my mom’s best friend.

Ever since we were young, we kind of planned out what will happen in the future. Going to the same college together, despite the course difference, travelling together, anything. We were inseparable. Both our moms think that it would be cute if we ended up married, seeing her blush every time our moms would hint that. She would turn into a cute little tomato, embarrassed the whole time, while slapping my arms, hiding behind me. My first crush. My first love.

“What was that, Jason? Did you want to get in trouble with the teacher on the first day?” Kayla asked me, slapping my arm for answers, my train of thought stopped working. She does have a tendency to slap my arm every single time she feels something new, embarrassing, annoying, or just excited. It was cute. It was her way of endearment towards me, and I felt special. Weird, I know but I don’t see her doing the same to other guys.

Until, that teacher walked in English class today. Things seemed different. I know Kayla well enough to know how she’s feeling, easy to read. Seeing her eyes flutter with excitement, I was worried, not because it might lead to an illegal relationship between her and Mr. Pearce, but I was afraid that this would be the guy that would snatch Kayla away from me, not that I own her or anything.

It’s not like I wanted trouble, I couldn’t risk getting detentions about petty things like this. I felt something different in English class. Call it instinct, I didn’t even know I’d feel that way, I was kind of… jealous. And I don’t get jealous, never. The way Kayla changed in a flash from being tired to happy was disturbing. I know I should be happy for her, but I felt like someone was now competing with me. Mr. Pearce. 

A part of me hated him. He seems attracted in Kayla, the way he talks at her, the way he looks at her, it’s like he want to eat her alive. There was a glint in his eyes whenever he looks at Kayla; it was different at how he looks at other girls. And the fact that he showed interest in Kayla’s hobbies was a sign he liked her. I’m a guy too, I should know.

 “Jason! What’s wrong with you?” Kayla asked again as I shattered out of my thoughts, thinking if I should tell her. At some point, I needed to confess my love before someone comes in between, but it’s all too soon.

“Nothing” I lied. I wanted to tell her that I love her and I was jealous of a teacher. It’s bizarre. I don’t even know why I was envious.

 “Well, it doesn’t look like nothing to me…” she said with her arms folded in her chest, now calmed down but upset at how I was acting.

All these years, I’ve wanted to tell her I love her but I know she would reject me, because to her, I was only her best friend. I’ve known Kayla my whole life and right now, she’s probably gonna tell me that she can’t. I want her to be happy. I want to make her happy.

“I’m fine” I uttered and gave her a comforting hug. “So do you like him?” I whispered in her ear.

“Him?” she asked, confused.

“Mr. Pearce, the new, young, hot, sexy English teacher” I said mocking the other girls in class.

“Ahh, you jealous?” Kayla teased and laughed. “That the reason you’re throwing a fit?” As if I’d admit to her, I was jealous.

“No, I-I was just asking” I said, almost stuttered.

“Sure, Jay, sure…” Kayla giggled, starting to walk towards her locker. Damn, she’s sexy, swaying those hips.

“So…” I uttered, now standing beside her.

“You’re not backing out till you get an answer, would you?” she asked, still smiling. Now I’m wondering who she is smiling at. Me or that jerk?

“Nope” I said, popping the ‘p’.

“You’re funny, Jay. He’s a teacher. That’s like, illegal” she said, stating a fact. That was true, he’ll lose his job and Kayla would be in trouble, especially when her dad finds out.

I believe her when she says no. I would have doubted her if she still was the old Kayla, but she changed ever since her mother died. She goes by the rules now. Everything she does, she needs to weigh the consequences first. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but I know for a fact, she hasn’t been happy for a long time. This could be her new distraction, and I'm not taking it away from her.