Dear Jason

A Plan

The next morning at school, before first bell, I saw J.D at his locker. He was dressed as his typical self, a button up, nicely done hair, jeans, and his glasses. I creeped up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder.
"It is indeed a sin to kill a mockingbird," I said quickly, as he turned around.
He looked at me, confused, and swallowed hard. "Hmm?"
"You're him," I said. "I know it."
J.D began to walk down the hallway quickly, and I followed close behind.
"Don't worry!" I continued. "I'm not gonna rat you out. I just didn't know you could talk like that."
"I don't know what you're talking about," he mumbled, avoiding eye contact with me.
"C'mon, of course you do!" I said, but he quickly walked away from me. "J.D!" I called, but he didn't turn around.
"I've gotta do more snooping," I mumbled to myself before walking down the hall and going to my first class.

When it came time for lunch, I went to Emerson's room, as usual, to find it empty except for Mrs. Emerson herself.
"Hey," I said quickly, bobbing over to her desk. "Where's Jason at?"
"He said he felt you were caught up with the rest of the class," Mrs. Emerson replied, confused that I wasn't aware of this. "He said he didn't feel you needed a tutor anymore, so I took his word."
"Oh," I said quietly. "Oh, yeah. Okay."
I nodded, left the classroom, and made my way to the cafeteria. Sitting in their usual spots we're all three Heathers, Alex, and Veronica.
"Look who's finally rejoined us," Alex chuckled, but I remained silent.
"What's biting you, huh?" Duke asked, and I shrugged.
"Heather," I said to my sister, "do you know where I can find address records for the students here?"
"Why would I know that?" she mumbled, and I looked at her with sarcasm.
"Because you and I both know you had no clue where Jake lived when you went and trashed his car," I reminded her. "Just tell me how to get to them and I'll handle the rest."
"You aren't gonna be able to get them on your own," Heather explained. "You need one person to distract the secretary and another to dig through the files."
I chewed on my lip, trying to think, when Heather sighed.
"Does this mean a lot to you?" she asked, and I nodded. "Alright then," she continued. "I'll help. But only because you're my baby sister."
"Yes!" I cheered quietly, and everyone laughed.
"So, why aren't you in math?" Alex asked me, scooting close to Veronica.
It was April, but still chilly. A breeze was flowing through the cafeteria, and I shrugged.
"Jason said he didn't think I needed him anymore," I started, "so now I'm back here."
"He's a weird kid," Heather McNamara spoke, and the rest of the table nodded.

***VERONICA'S POV***

After school, I went over to J.D's house. I had some questions I wanted to ask him. J.D's bedroom was around the back of the house. It was previously a sitting room that had a sliding door leading to the backyard, but he transformed it into his bedroom. I tapped on the glass door, and he looked over at me. He gave me a small wave, and I slid open the door and entered his room.
"What's up?" I asked, watching him play around with knobs and dials.
"Nothing really," he replied.
J.D looked much different at home than he did at school. It was probably a comfort thing, but when he was home he was usually in solid t-shirts or tank tops, his classes came off, and strands of his hair fell out of his typical hair-do slightly. It was like he was a different person.
"So, Frankie was telling us you bailed on her," I said, and J.D spun in his chair to look at me.
"I did not," he huffed. "I didn't think she needed my help anymore. I mean, we've been in that room for weeks and she's improved."
"Okay, now tell me the truth," I demanded, and he chuckled nervously.
"That is the truth!" he laughed, but his laugh soon turned into a sigh.
"You're totally crushing," I prodded, poking him in the shoulder. "I should've known. You've been staring at that girl since your first day."
"It doesn't matter," J.D mumbled, and I furrowed my brows.
"Why not?" I asked. "She's not a bitch or anything. I mean, at least if you treat her nicely."
"That's not it," he continued, pushing his microphone away and rocking in his chair slightly.
"Then what is it?" I asked. "Just talk to her. She loves the show. I'm sure she'd be into you if-"
"I can't talk to girls, okay?" J.D interrupted, annoyed with both me and himself. "I can't... I don't know."
"Sure you can," I encouraged him, but he shook his head.
"I can't talk to girls," he repeated. "Besides, you said it yourself, Heathers and those affiliated are jock property."
"I never said Frankie was one who liked those rules," I admitted. "And, you said it yourself, we are the rules. Who cares about what the popular jock assholes have to say? The only ones that are friendly are the hockey team guys, and Frankie's too close to them to ever date one."
"Yeah, well, I don't need Ethan and Jake up my ass," J.D muttered.
"I guess," I sighed. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd consider breaking your anonymity."
Jason's eyes went wide and he looked at me like I was crazy.
"Okay," I continued. "Okay, maybe that's not something you're interested in."
"I'm fine where I am, Veronica," he told me. "I really am. I'd rather be like this than be..." he thought for the right word.
"A legend?" I finished for him, and he shook his head.
I let out a sigh and took an orange Tootsie Roll out of the small jar he kept on his bureau.
"I guess I'll see you tomorrow then," I said, leaning against the sliding door frame. "You prepping for the show?"
J.D nodded, so I did as well.
"See ya then," I waved, leaving his room and closing the glass door behind me.