Underneath My Skin

Introduction

"Jackson Isacc Bush was the best person I ever knew. He was there for me when I needed him. He made me laugh, cry, smile, frown and everything in between. He was my other half, my best friend. But he's in a better place now, and I am blessed to have had someone like him come into my life. My heart goes out to Mr. and Mrs. Bush, I love you both and you will pull through this. Thank you."

A loud round of applause came from the large crowd in front of me and I wiped the tears off my cheeks. I was never good at speaking in front of others, so I made my speech short. I walked off the stage and took my seat in the pew next to Mrs. Bush. She put her arm around me and placed a kiss on my cheek. A few more people, like Jackson's football coach and a few close team mates said heart felt speeches before we were told to say our final goodbyes.

Mr. and Mrs. Bush intertwined their fingers and walked towards the casket. They held each other and wept at the sight of their dead son. My heart cracked slightly. They stepped back to allow others to say their goodbyes. Jackson's only and also older brother Jason walked towards the casket and said a few words. I couldn't help but notice how much he resembles Jackson. They have the same broad frame, the same deep blue eyes, the same deep dimples. He grabbed a football from the side table. He kissed it and placed it in Jackson's hands. He walked over to his parents and hugged them.

I took a deep breath and walked over to the casket. I looked down at the lifeless boy. Tears escaped my eyes unexpectedly. His dark brown hair was neatly combed and out of his face, which is an unfamiliar sight. His hands were holding the championship football on his chest. His thick brown eye lashes rested on his cheeks and I wished so desperately that some way some how his deep blue eyes would open. But they wouldn't. I slowly reached down and straightened his bow tie. A serge of electricity flowed from my finger tips throughout my whole body.

He wasn't even alive and he still had the same effect on me. My knees buckled beneath me and I fell to the floor. Loud sobs escaped my mouth, uncontrollably. I couldn't help but think that all of this was just a nightmare and soon I would wake up and walk across the street to Jackson's house and he would be in the backyard throwing the football with his dad, or in the kitchen eating something. But it wasn't a dream at all. Jason rushed towards me and dropped to his knees beside me. He wrapped his strong arms around me and tried to sooth me, but he only made it worse.

**FLASHBACK**

There's a light knock at the door and Mrs. Baker stands from her desk quickly to open it. When she does open it she takes a slip of paper and reads it. I can't see the person on the other side of the door because of the seat I'm positioned in.

Mrs. Baker moves aside and gestures for the person to come in, and he does. A broad framed boy stands next to her with a small smirk on his face and a black Nike book bag hanging from one shoulder. He has ruffled dark brown hair that stops in the middle of his forehead and deep blue eyes that I can see all the way from the back of the classroom.

My stomach turns in knots, good knots. Damn, this boy is fine and pretty built for a sophomore. My eyes skim down his body. He is wearing a red Hollister shirt and dark Hollister pants that hang low and sexily on his hips. On his feet are red matching vans. My first thought is, he's probably a snobby prep.

"Class, this is Jackson Bush. He's our new student. Please welcome him."

Everyone says hey Jackson in unison except me. Its April. We never get students this late in the year.

"I am Mrs. Baker. Welcome to Creative writing 10. Please, sit where ever you like Jackson."

He nods and walks towards the back of the classroom taking the empty seat next to me. My heart rate increases and my palms become sweaty. He looks at me and smiles.