How to Fall in Love in Three Easy Steps

Chapter 7

The nerves jumped around in Jack's belly like little tiny rabbits. He watched as each pair of students droned on about the same themes and symbols. Alex seemed transfixed by it all, and it made sense, knowing his love for To Kill a Mockingbird. It was a strange passion; most kids were obsessed with bands or TV shows, not classic American novels. Jack still hadn't gotten around to reading Alex's copy, but each time he looked at it, a little tickle ran up his spine. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was special to Alex in some way, even though he just believed it was his over active imagination.

Jack's original partner and her friend retreated back to their seats leaving only one pair left: Jack and Alex. As Mr. Cormac waved them up, Jack's palms became drenched with seat. Public speaking had always been a fear of his, like any other student. It was nerve-wracking to stand in front of thirty judging eyes with sweating so much that it drips down your back and into your underwear. Back in the sixth grade, Jack had gotten so nervous that he physically made himself sick so he wouldn't have to present for the class.

Alex seemed to notice how nervous Jack was and whispered, "We got this." His hand accidentally brushed against Jack's in the process, making him slightly more nervous.

At the front of the room, everything seemed to go fuzzy. Faces were blurred, posters were out of focus, even Alex was spinning around. Jack felt as if he was going to throw up until Alex patted him on the shoulder reassuringly. Just like that, the fright went away, and everything sharpened into focus.

"Remember, class, this project is just for me to judge that you've been taught properly and know about literary elements. Don't get too nervous about it," Mr. Cormac said as he smiled at Jack.

"You all may know this already, but To Kill a Mockingbird is my favorite book of all time and I've come to appreciate each symbol and theme presented in this revolutionary novel," Alex began.

Now it was Jack's turn to speak. At first, he found himself stumbling over words and spitting a little, but Alex was beside him, and that was all that mattered. They got through the presentation almost flawlessly, Alex continuing to ramble on about how it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.

"And this is allusion to the title of the b-"

"Please stop," Mr. Cormac muttered, "You've got an A+, now please stop." He was rubbing his temples, done with Alex's speech. It seemed as if the rest of the class was right there with him, their heads lolling over, half asleep on their desks. Jack stifled a giggle as Alex sulked a bit, peeved that he wasn't able to finish his explanation of the book's wonder. The two marched back to their desks and say down, Alex bitter about how he was cut off.

The ending bell rang at exactly that moment, and everyone rushed out of their seat. Alex grabbed his bag forcefully and stalked out of the room.

"You did great," Jack reassured, "I like how you're so passionate about this book."

Alex cracked a small smile and mumbled a thanks while walking out the door.

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Fifth period lunch was both a blessing and a curse for Jack, as he was starving by then, but he was also alone, always sitting at his own table. He was too afraid to sit with Alex, even though he had offered multiple times. Jack even shunned Alex away from sitting at his lunch table with him, for he did not want to cause anymore shit with Shaun. Shaun was restless, calling Jack horrible names and having his friends gang up on him. It was almost like a walking nightmare. Jack had never been in this position before, so he didn't know what to do. The only thing he did know is that Shaun's soul must be tortured in some terrible way for him to be such a fucking dick.

After Jack received his chicken nuggets, the only half decent food at this damn place, he began to wander over to his regular spot when someone grabbed him aside.