Fumble. (Princeton Teen-Fic)

Chapter 8: Reputation and Romance

Jacob's P.O.V

I stood in line at Star Bucks waiting to order Prema's and my lunch. We loved coming here. I stood in line for about 5 more minutes up until I was greeted by the cashier. She was pretty.

"Hello. Welcome to Star Bucks, what may you have today?" she asked. Her voice was sweet, angelic rather. I gulped nervously at her beauty and then smiled. "I'll have one Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino, a Caramel Ribbon Crunch a Turkey Rustico Panini and one Chicken BLT Salad Sandwich." she smiled. "$14.56 is your total. How will you be paying today?" she grinned. I fished in my pocket for a $20.00 bill and then I handed it to her. She gave me my change. I waited up in the front until our food was ready. And, we got into deep conversation. But, I never caught her name. "Here you are.. " she handed me the food and I trailed back to the table where Prema sat, scrolling through her phone.

"Finally! That took forever. I'm starving." she sighed and rubbed her hands together. I handed her, the Mocha Cookie Crumble beverage, and her Turkey Rustico Panini, while I ate my lunch. We talked about school, and our upcoming prom which was in 2 months tops. "I don't even know if I wanna go." she said in between bites. "What? You gotta go." I objected quickly. "Maybe. ." she sighed. At first, it was my plan to take Prema to prom. At first. We finished eating and I wrapped her remaining food that she didn't eat, in a to-go bag and we walked to her house. I actually enjoyed walking with her, we could get more time to talk, rather than taking the bus and getting to her house in 5 minutes. "I can't wait for Summer." she smiled. "Girl, it's March. And, it already feels like July!" I exclaimed. She laughed at my Mexican Accent, that seemed Ghetto at most times. "Remember that time, when you beat Aaron?" she sparked up another deep conversation.

I shrugged and laughed.

"That was 2 weeks ago." I reminded her. She slapped her forehead. "Oh yeah." I chuckled and began tickling her until she dropped her bags. I picked it up and sat it on the nearest step. Then, I continued to tickle her. "Stopp." she whined. I finally stopped and let her catch her breath. Then, we continued to walk to her house. Once there, I collapsed on her bed as she piped up the air conditioner. "I'm so glad it's almost the end of March." she sighed as she laid next to me. We both stared up at the ceiling. 

"I have something important to tell you.." she blurted out quickly. I grew curios so I sat up.

"Yeah?" I asked and stared at her in the eye. She turned away and stared at her socks.

"Jacob. We've only known each other for 3 months."

"Yeah. And, it's been the best 3 months of my life." I admitted and sighed.

"But, I think I might-"

Just then, my phone rang. The word "Mom." plastered on the screen as I quickly unlocked it. "Jake. When're you coming home?" she asked. "Soon mami. Do you need me to come right now?" I asked curiously. Prema looked sad and I held up my finger, mouthing "Wait." she nodded and then stared back up the ceiling. "No. Not really. Just come in about 20 minutes okay?" she asked. I nodded my head, forgetting that she couldn't even see me. "Yeah. Sure." I replied, correcting my stupid mistake. "Alright ciao." and then she hung up. "So, what did you wanna tell me?" I asked. She shook her head. "Nothing." 

I shrugged and then we continued talking. But, the conversation was awkward. She asked about my relationships and I confessed about my past relationship with a girl named Cynthia back in California when I was 16. 20 minutes past, with just pure silence. And, I secretly did a happy dance in my head. I hate awkward moments. I gave her a long sincere hug before leaving.

Prema's P.O.V 

 I walked to school.

Alone.

Usually, Jacob would meet me home and we'd walk together. But, I guess not. "He's probably busy." I sighed and walked to my bus stop. I hopped on the bus and rode to school. Once I got there, Jacob was surrounded by a large crowd. I thought he was getting bullied. But, I was wrong. People were actually socializing with him! I know, it sounds mean. But, I was just a little surprised. That's all. "Hey Jacob." I greeted him. He turned around and looked at me. He smiled lightly. Not, as bright as usually did. But, hey. Whatever. "Why didn't we walk to school together?" I asked. He clenched his jaw. "Because, um. . I was walking with them." he replied nervously and pointed to the group of ratchet girls, and hood-rat boys. I sighed and stared at my shoes. "Oh. Well, you could've notified me on the sudden change." it came out, a little harsh. I didn't care. "I could've. But, I didn't." he turned around and continued talking to his friends. That moment, I knew what it felt like to be in Jacob's shoes when the tables were turned. 

I walked away without another word and walked inside of the bathroom.

"Ew. . Girls. Look." A.J screeched. One, who used to be my best friend.

All my old friends screeched and laughed. "Are you here to spread you disease you caught from Jacob?" one snickered. "I-I don't have a disease." I stammered. "Pepperoni Pizza Prema." they began chanting. I ran out the bathroom in tears. The day went on forever and I was happy when it finally ended. I met Jacob at our usual spot, but I caught him walking with the same group of friends. I decided not to bother him, but, to beat him to his own house. I ran quickly down the block. My lungs burning. Begging for air. But, I didn't stop.

I finally ran up on his porch and ran inside of his room. 

10 minutes later; he walked in.

"Oh hey! How you beat me?" he smiled.

"I dunno'. . " I sighed.

"There's something you need to know." he replied seriously and sat down. He grabbed my hands and stared me in the eyes. 

"I think, I'm in love with you." and then he planted his soft lips on mines. I never thought I'd be kissing Jacob Perez. But, here I was. In his room. Exchanging spit. I smiled as he ran his hands over my waist and I played with his curls.

"I think I'm in love with you, too."