All My Love

4

I walked into school the next morning. But John wasn't there. I sat down in a seat at the way back of the classroom because I didn't like to talk to people this early in the morning.

To my surprise, Jimmy made his way into the classroom and took the seat next to mine. I was confused.

"You're taking this class now?" I asked him.

"Oh, yes, Louisa," he said softly,"I enjoy science, especially biology. Although my true love is art- and music."

"But you weren't here at the beginning of the semester. Are you allowed to just drop in?"

"Listen," he pulled me in close and whispered in my ear,"I just came to this class to see you. I just hope I don't get caught, so don't tell anyone."

"I think the professors will notice."

"Haven't gotten caught yet."

He laughed, but I just stared. I guess he didn't noticed the teacher standing behind him.

"Why are you so serious, Lou?"

I didn't say anything, but pointed my finger to the teacher, urging jimmy to turn around. And as soon as he did, the happy expression on his face immediately faded and he looked, to be honest, a little pissed.

"Excuse me," the professor began,"but I don't believe I've seen you in my class before."

"I'm very quiet, you know. Most people don't notice me."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then where are your books?"

"I left them in my locker. Y'know, kind of forgetful sometimes, being in a rush and all."

It was all quiet for a moment, then the professor finally yelled out, "Just get out of my class."

Jimmy slowly got up, but he walked to me and handed me a paper. I watched as he walked out and then read it.

Meet me in the back parking lot when you've finished your classes. I'll be waiting.

Jimmy

----

As soon as all my classes ended, I zoomed out of the building and made my way to the back parking lot. I looked around for jimmy, but I couldn't seem to find him. I looked at my watch. It was about 4:30. I decided to wait for him a little longer.

Twenty minutes passed and there was still no sign of him. So I just decided to go home. Sure, it bothered me that he didn't show. But I tried not to worry.

While walking to my car, I overheard a lot of commotion coming from the side of the school. It didn't look like anyone else was around. But I decided to take a look.

I walked to the dumpster and looked behind it. I saw jimmy and let out a squeal. But unfortately, as I shifted over a bit, there were some other guys.

"Jimmy," I said as I walked up to him. But then I noticed his lip was all bloody and he had bruises and bumps, "are you okay?"

"Louisa, you have to go. I don't want you getting into this.

"But what happened. Why are you all bruised? Were you guys fighting?"

I looked over and saw two tall men standing and staring hard at me as I help jimmy up to his feet.

"We're not done with him," one of them said,"either you leave him here, or you both get a beating."

Without thinking, I pulled jimmy as we ran to my car. I peered over my shoulder to see the two brutes following not far behind.

"Jimmy, you've got to run faster," I screamed through my heavy breathing.

We made it to my car pretty quickly. I pulled out my keys and tried to put them into the lock. But I was shaking so much and I could barely control what I was doing.

"Louisa..." Jimmy said in a terrified voice.

I looked back and the two men were still running toward us, full speed, like bulls.

I took a deep breath. I finally calmed down enough to open the door, get jimmy in, and start the car.

"Go, lou, go!" Jimmy yelled.

I floored the gas pedal and we went flying through the parking lot and into the road.

"That was too close," I said, letting out a sigh of relief.

"Yes. Too close. I told you not to get involved, though."

"I had to do something. I couldn't just leave you there."

"I admire your leadership and your kindness. But that was a dangerous situation."

"I don't care."

"You should."

"Can't you just be grateful that I was there to help? If I wasn't there, you'd be getting beaten right now. Just accept it."

He stayed silent. I guessed he didn't have a very good argument. But I was okay with that. I liked being right.

----

I pulled into the driveway of my house.

"Jimmy, I want you to come inside so I can clean you up."

"You don't need to-"

"I know, but I want to."

I grabbed his hand and we walked into my house. My parents were still at work, so we weren't greeted by my overly- anxious mother, and worse, my over- protective dad.

I grabbed a washcloth and put some alcohol on it. I put it up to Jimmy's face,"this might sting a little bit."

He winced a little at the pain as soon as the cloth made contact with his skin. "that's not that bad." He chuckled.

"Do you want some band aids?"

"No, thank you. I think I'm fine."

"well, they're here if you need them. Do you need to call your parents or get a ride home?"

"No, I could walk. I live alone, and it's actually not very far from here."

I walked to the sink to wring out the cloth and put everything away. As I turned to walk back, I jumped jimmy's sudden appearance.

"Please, don't do that you scared me half to-"

He put his finger over my mouth. Then he played with my hair a little, curling it with his fingers. Neither of us said a word. But the silence was peaceful.

He gently pushed me against the wall and put his arms around my waist, rubbing my sides softly.

He slowly leaned it and kissed me on the lips. A spark ignited inside my mouth. I put my hand up to his head and grasped his dark curly hair. It was all perfect for a moment until I heard the front door open.

We both pulled away in unison. As voice called out my name, looking for me.

"Oh, crap," I said, my voice trembling," my dad's home."