"The Sketcher." (A Jacksepticeye Story.)

Don't Listen To Them

"BOOPER DOOPER!"
- Sean William McLoughlin

Chapter Nine

Jack took a hot shower, scrubbing the sweat and turf away from his skin. He knew there were going to be plenty of bruises tomorrow, but he was already used to that. The soreness was starting to set in his muscles as he changed into a long sleeve shirt and some jeans.
The boys patted him on the back, knowing he had taken most of the hits from the other team. Jack chuckled and packed his things up. The whole time he was on that field, he took glances up at the bleachers to see if Amber was there. He thought he saw her a couple of times, but couldn't be sure.
All he could think about was that kiss they shared. He was surprised she didn't flat out slap him afterwards. It was kind of intruding to just kiss someone without consent. He started to feel bad now, he should've asked first.
Jack was lost in thought as he pulled his sweatshirt on and slung his duffel bag over his shoulder. The door shut behind him as he started walking on the sidewalk.

"Hey stranger." A familiar voice caught his attention behind him.

   He turned quickly, seeing Amber shyly standing there a couple feet from him. She gave him a small wave, her face shadowed by her hood and umbrella. A grin instantly spread on his face as they met up in the middle. Amber pulled her hood down and moved her umbrella out of the way.

"You did great tonight. It looked like it hurt though and I'm awful at knowing what football is all about." Amber said, looking down at his wrapped wrist.

   Jack shrugged and waved her off, chuckling. Jack locked eyes with Amber, making her clear her throat and look at the ground. Jack came closer to her, reaching out to grab her hand but hesitating.

"I wanted to talk about...the kiss. I'm so sorry that I just kissed you right then and there. I should've asked you first instead of doing it. I am really sorry." Amber looked at him, sighing and clasping her hands together tightly.

"I don't want all of this to be a joke. I don't want to believe all of this and get too involved and then have it explode right in my face. So, if this is still all part of a funny prank you and your buddies made up, tell me now." Amber's voice was quiet and gentle.

Jack shook his head quickly, smiling warmly at her.

"No jokes, no pranks, no lies. I want to get to know you, Amber. You're a girl I want to know, maybe even more than friends."

   Amber couldn't hold back the smile that lit up her face. Jack's heart started pounding again, he absolutely adored it. She seemed to only smile when he was around. That made him feel good.
   Jack motioned for Amber to follow him, which she did. They both started walking down the sidewalk together, chatting. He held the umbrella this time, being taller and covering the both of them. Before they could actually leave the school grounds, the door behind them burst open.
   Amber froze in her spot as she heard the loud shouts and laughter coming from a particular group of football boys.

"You've got to be kidding me." Amber said quietly.

   Jack looked over at her, and then back at his friends. They always seemed to have perfect timing for these kinds of things. They quickly spotted them and jogged over to meet him.
It was only until they had reached him when they saw Amber standing quietly next to him. Luke started laughing at her, shaking his head. Amber looked down, taking a step away from them.

"Why is it every time I see you, Jack, you're hanging out with that?" Luke exclaimed, looking genuinely surprised.

   Jack glared at him, stepping to the side and standing in front of Amber. Amber was surprised he was standing up for her in front of his own buddies. Luke did not look happy.

"Dude, do you not remember how much Sarah likes you? She's on the cheerleading squad, she's a total hottie, and her dad is the principle. Dude, think of the opportunities you'll have. Her dad is also our coach, Jack. You'd have a free ride by the end of this year. You're really going to throw away all of that for her?"

Luke stuck his thumb in Amber's direction harshly. Amber's chest hurt a little at the blows they were making towards her. She wasn't a cheerleader, she wasn't athletic, she didn't think she was pretty. When Amber looked up at Jack, he was only glaring at the guy standing in front of him.

"So? Once again, this girl has a name and it's Amber. Look Luke, you're one of my best friends. I kinda expected you to support me along with this. She's a person, Luke, just like Sarah.
Come on, I can like whoever I want to like. Just because you don't know this girl and because she's not the most popular, doesn't mean I can't like her. She happens to means a lot to me."

"Bullshit! You two just met! How can you possibly look at all the other girls around this school and pick her! You deserve better dude, I'm only looking out for you."

   Both of the boy's voices were rising, and Amber suddenly wished she could disappear. The guys standing behind Luke had mixed expressions on their faces. Some looked like they sided with Luke, but others looked at Amber with an apologetic smile. She had a feeling some of them weren't as bad as she thought they were.
   Jack shook his head and sighed, looking back at her with a gentle smile. Amber wanted to run back to her house and never emerge again.

"Look, I'm sticking with my decision. I like Amber, I want to get to know her. Just support my decision and lay off of Amber. She has done nothing to you." Luke's smirk vanished from his face and was now replaced with shock and anger.

He laughed and shook his head, turning around and briskly walking back into the school. A handful of guys followed them, but few stayed behind and chatted with Jack.
   They were nice and friendly, and even introduced themselves to Amber. When they all left, Amber felt hurt from what they had said about her. Maybe she wasn't good enough. She stepped away from Jack, twisting her sweatshirt strings around her finger. Jack stepped closer, but she started to walk away.

"I'm sorry I'm not as good as that girl they talked about. I'm not into cheerleading, heck I can't even run a marathon. I'm not like them in school, I'm sorry for that. I'm surprised you didn't lis-"

Amber was cut off from her spiel by Jack pulling her into a hug. She silenced herself, enjoying his long arms that suddenly wrapped around her.

"No, you're even better than them. I don't give a shit if your not on a cheerleading squad. You don't have to be for me to like you. I hate those stereotypes. Jocks can only date cheerleaders, and cheerleaders can only date the jocks. Well, when I met you, I wanted to be friends. Amber, not all of us are bad guys. I don't care about popularity, I care about you." He pulled away, his voice steady and smooth.

"R-Really?"

   Jack chuckled at Amber's stuttering as she turned red. His hand caressed her cheek and felt the blaze just beneath his fingertips. He nodded to her, quickly kissing her forehead. She let out a nervous chuckle and looked up at him. He leaned close, just like at her house. Her breath stopped as she stared at his lips.

"Now, if it's okay..I would like to finish that kiss we started?" He asked hopefully.

   Amber nervously nodded, and felt his lips pressed once again against hers. This time, his arms pulled her close to him, while hers slowly went around his neck. He let the umbrella down, getting them both soaked from the rain. They didn't seem to mind.
She kissed him back. He held her gently, and titled his head to deepen the kiss. It was so soft and caring, that it instantly took Amber's breath away.
   After a couple seconds, they pulled away to look into each other's eyes. Amber smiled until it hurt, making Jack smile too. Amber was pretty happy in this moment, but she couldn't help it when her stomach started churning. She looked over at the Locker room door.

Luke.

She had a feeling his little tantrum wasn't being taken as serious as it should be.