Because I Love You

❀ Chapter 2 ❀

Chapter 2

Kylie's POV

It was around halfway through lunchtime when I heard footsteps from the distance and a shadow appeared over me. I glanced up, nervously, hoping it was anyone but Sophia. Although the sun was giving him a glow and making it harder for me to see his face, I knew it was Jacob. "Uh, yes?" I asked politely, the eagles returning at full speed.

"You're in my geometry class," he stated.

"And?"

"I wanted to say hi."

"Well, hi. Now go back to Sophia and the gang, I know your probably only here as a dare from one of them," I said looking back to my sketch and adding an eyebrow.

"Who says I hang out with them?" He asked, curiously.

"You sat with Sophia during class," I said, putting my pencil back in my pencil case and shutting my sketchbook. "You seemed to be accepted into the group instantly."

He chuckled to himself, obviously thinking Sophia was right about me. "I don't like Sophia in any way and I wouldn't want to hang out with that group if my life depended on it. She was torture to sit next to."

"Is that why you bolted out of class?" I asked, a smile now forming on my face. He nodded and took this as his cue to sit down facing me. I took a sip of my nearly empty juice before opening my sketchbook at a new page and begin sketching a flower close by.

"I'm Jake, by the way," he said getting a can of coke out of his bag.

"I knew that..." I glanced up at him. "Your speech?" I continued when he looked confused. "I'm Kylie." I went back to sketching.

"You're really good at that," Jake tells me, leaning so he can see my sketch. "Can I see some others?"

"Um, well, they're a bit private..." I started.

"Please? I promise I won't tell anyone or laugh at them," he nearly begged, sticking his pinkie out to pinkie shake on it.

I laughed at his childish ways and linked my finger in his. A shock spread through my entire body as our skin touched. I felt like someone had pushed an electric current through me, leaving me warm inside. I pulled back from the shake and grabbed my sketchbook, turning it to the first page. My finger instantly felt cold away from his touch. I handed the book to him and let him flick through it as I finished the last of my juice.

"Wow, these are really good," he said. "They're amazing." I watched him look at all my sketches in awe. I blushed slightly, looking down. Once he had gone through all the sketches, he handed me back my book. I put it in my bag and pulled out the apple I had bought earlier. “So, when did you start sketching?” He asked as I took a bite of the apple.

After swallowing, I answered, “a few years back. But I’ve always liked art, so it came naturally.”

“Are you thinking of making a career out of it, or is it just a hobby?”

“I’m not sure. Do you really think I’m good enough for a career?” I asked.

“Definitely. You have a gift, Kylie. Don’t waste it,” he said, looking into my eyes with passion.

“Why are you so passionate about this? Do you have something you’re passionate about?”

“I love surfing. I wish I could make it to champions one day.”

“Ah, I pegged you as a surfer guy.” I knew it, he surfed.

“How so?”

“Well the stereotypical beach hair and tan body, it’s pretty obvious.”

“So you were checking me out?” He smirked.

My cheeks burned scarlet. “N-no…” I trailed off.

“You so were.”

“Are you always so cocky?” I asked, bluntly.

“Glad you noticed,” he said, a smirk playing at his lips. I rolled my eyes and took another bite of my apple. Just then the bell rang, signalling the next class. I sighed and grabbed my bag, standing up and wiping grass off my butt. I turned to see Jake leering at my backside. When he felt my gaze on him, he shifted his eyes away. “Were you just perving on my ass?” I asked placing my hands on my hips.

“What? No…” He said, never looking in my direction.

“Whatever, let’s go. I’ve got History.”

“Really? Me too. Which way is it?” He said, after getting his timetable out. I walked off in the direction of the history block, without glancing back to see if he was following. “Hey! Wait up!” I sighed and slowed my pace until the footsteps chasing after me finally slowed and Jake was by my side. We walked on and got to the room just as the second bell was ringing. We walked in and I headed for my place in the back. Jacob followed me and sat in the desk next to me. When Sophia walked in, she spotted him, then me and gave me the deadliest glare. If looks could kill… She huffed and sat next to Jordan, the captain of the football team, and clung to his arm.

“So, why is Sophia such a conniving bitch?” He asked, curiously.

“If I knew the answer to that, I’d be the most popular person here.”

“Why do you sit alone?” I looked down at the desk top. “You don’t have to tell me. I mean, we have only just met.”

“No, it’s okay. Um, well I used to have a friend here, Kirra, but she moved recently. She’s still my best friend and we hang out regularly. Anyway, I guess we were both too different for anyone else to appreciate.”

“But you’re such a great girl. They’re crazy for not going for you.” My heart fluttered. The teacher walked into class and it went silent. He started his teaching and I took out my book and pencil case, taking notes and paying attention.