Dear Jackson

Chapter 18

"Stop stressing yourself out. Put your papers down and look at the pictures I have during your activist moments."

I smiled and spread the developed pictures out on Jackson's desk. He's been frustrated for quite a bit of time since he has to juggle school work, his rights program, and college applications.

"I love this picture of you leading the crowd proudly. I also have one of you collecting signatures where there's a whole line waiting just to sign up."

I laughed happily as I sorted them. Jackson smirked lazily while yawning.

"Those pictures were taken nicely Bammie."

His voice was hazy as always. He was always so tired and it bothered me. I huffed to myself while giving advice.

"Jackson, this is our last year in school and you're stressing yourself out more than needed. Right now I can tell you're really tired. I think you should pause on the fight and just focus on your edu-"

"No I'm not doing that."

"You're biting off more than you can chew!"

I became irritated at his stubborn ways. I felt he was going to drown himself in agitation, or even develop health problems at such a young age.

"Like I said before, I won't stop no matter how problematic."

"But you're not the only one doing this. Not all the weight is on you."

I sighed while putting my photos in a stack, cutting the viewing time short.

"Most of it is. I'm already known in the community as an activist. If I just stop now I'll never get what I want, I'll never achieve in my goal, and I will live with guilt for giving up. Is this not important to you?! Are you okay with just sitting back and letting the government deny your chance of marriage and equality?!"

Jackson began to raise his voice in frustration. I sighed and argued back.

"Is education just shit to you then? I understand the importance of this protest, but this is an "in the moment" problem. Your education levels stick with you for life, and always pop up when getting a job or going to a good college! You letting your grades slip is going to effect you for the rest of your days."

"I'm not letting my grades slip! I'm damn near at the top of all my classes!"

He shouted while standing up, running his fingers through his hair in irritation. I crossed my arms and became slightly annoyed of his outburst.

"Your position will drop if you keep focusing more on the rights."

Jackson stared me down as I calmly but seriously let the words roll off my tongue. He walked towards me slowly and I felt slightly afraid he would burst into an angry tantrum of rage. However, he took my left hand in his while squatting to my eye level, and stared me right in my dilated pupils, voice low but far from a whisper.

"Trust me, I know what I'm doing. I wouldn't have started this path if I knew I couldn't handle it. So what if I'm a little stressed, most teenagers are. Though yes I become frustrated more than ever, hardships equal achievements. I know I have a few times in our long term friendship where I've been idiotic and oblivious towards you, but, it's all worth it in the end if I finally gain the right to put a ring on your finger and officially call you mine. That's something to think about, is it not?"

He finished with a sincere and comfortable smile, ruffling my hair as he stood up. I had no words to say as none could be found. Only my dumbfounded stare and slow blinking could somewhat describe my reaction.