Tears Of Ivy

Chapter 3

I followed Jade as she lead me through the school until she abruptly stopped, and turned around. As her eyes met mine, I stopped breathing for half a second. 
''Hey, screw my friends. You're new here. This school's a bit shit but I'll take you on a tour.'' Jade said with a half-smirk. 
I gave an awkward smile back.
''Sounds good.'' I said with a sore tone.
We traveled down the concrete path as the sound of our feet crunching the stones below us drained out the awkward silence.  After a short while we arrived at a dull looking building, surrounded with students arranged in typical groups, the attractive girls sat together laughing and staring at me and the nerdy looking students all sitting together hardly making a sound. Everything was grey around us, but Jade shone and stood out throughout our drab surroundings. She tucked her hair behind her ear, gave her signature half-smirk, and looked at me again.
''This is the main entrance. Everyone seems to sit here at lunch, even though were not really supposed to.'' Jade gave out an adorable laugh. ''Inside is the reception..''
Jade went on and on about the school. But in all honesty, this school doesn't interest me. I want to hear about her. As she spoke, all my attention went into her again and I found myself staring.
''Sorry, am I boring you? I'm not very good at tours.'' She giggled once again.
I snapped out of my trance.
''Sorry, I was just lost in your eyes...'' I wanted to say, but merely thought.
''No. Of course not. You're amazing at tours.'' I blurted out, not thinking about the outcome.
Jade's face quickly turned red and mine followed.

''Well, that's one thing I'm good at then.'' Jade flustered, letting out a forced chuckle.
''Don't say that. I bet you're good at everything.'' I said quickly, not knowing how to handle this type of situation.
Jade looked to the ground so I couldn't see her smile. 
''Let's stop flirting and get on with the tour, okay?'' She uttered, while standing up straight and puffing out her chest. 
''Flirting?...maybe she's into girls too? No, that's unlikely...'' I thought to myself while my heart felt like it was coming out of my chest.

We continued walking, and the silence felt stronger than before. I let out a gulp to clear the lump in my throat. Suddenly, the silence stopped.

''Do you want to hang out again sometime?'' Jade said, almost whispering and turning around to look at me.
I halted to a stop.
''W-what?'' I stuttered.
''I mean, you're really shy. It's very cute but it must be hard making friends. This is pretty embarrassing. You're pretty cool, and I'd like to get the chance to know you.'' Jade nervously chuckled.
Time froze. I froze. I was so nervous I almost didn't answer, and the silence continued. 
''Of course! Yes! I'd love that.'' I choked, almost sounding too enthusiastic. 
''That's great. My friend Mischa is having a party this weekend. You can be my plus one if you'd like. Our class is going, might be a good chance to get to know them.''
Our WHOLE class? Even that redhead from earlier... But I'd get to spend time with Jade...

''Yeah, sure.'' 
Jade reached into her pockets and grabbed a small piece of paper and handed it to me.
''Here's my number. Text me your address and I'll come pick you up Saturday. Sound good?''
All I could do is fiddle with the piece of paper and make no eye contact whatsoever.
''Sounds great.''

''See you then.'' Jade cheered, almost skipping off towards our classroom.
I couldn't move a muscle. The crumpled piece of paper reading her number and the words ''Jade x'' lied flat in the palms of my hands while I swallowed. I have never been this excited yet nervous at the same time.
Wait. I've never been to a party before.