Just Hang In There

Chapter 20 Part 2

(Mark)
I paused and looked away. Was it too soon to ask? I felt the tightness of the knot in my stomach get tighter and tighter the more time I wasted. I fear that the response will be no and I would fall into a pit you cant escape from. Then again, I feared the answer would be yes and I would have no idea what to do. God damn emotions.
"Everything okay?" Jacob asked breaking me from my thoughts.
"Oh yes, uh, everything is fine," I said rubbing my sweaty hands on my pants.
"So, you were wondering," he said dragging out the word wondering.
"Right," I paused for a second," Jacob, would you like to out sometime? Like it doesn't have to be serious or anything unless you want or we could just-"
"Yes!" Jacob said cutting me off quickly and smiling all goofy. I mirrored his expression at his response. Then, he jumped on me giving me a tight hug. I slammed one hand down on the floor to balance while the other wrapped around his back. Jacob then suddenly pulled back.
"Too soon?" He asked embarrassed. I chuckled.
"Not at all," I said sitting back up. As I said so, his mom came out of her room and stopped to look at us. Well, more at me.
"It's time for your friend to go," she said with a bit of anger. I obeyed sadly and slowly got up. Jacob stood up with me. I could see the disappointment in his deep blue eyes.
"Call or text me if you need anything at all," I whispered making my way to the front door.
I grabbed the handle and gave one quick glance back at Jacob. He looked sad. I gave him a reassuring smile and made my way out. I hoped into my car and drove home. A smile was glued to my face and it wasn't leaving anytime soon.

(Jacob)
I watched as the headlights of Mark's car disappeared.
"I can't believe it," my mom repeated to herself.
"I'll be off to bed then," I said making my way to my room. My mom didn't stop me. Once I was in my room, I hoped into bed and stared at the ceiling holding the pendant in my hand. I felt myself chuckle.
I couldn't believe what just happened. I replayed the moment in my head over and over, each time better then the last. For the next hour or so, all I could think about was Mark Steele. How someone so perfect ended up finding someone like me, I don't know. I couldn't wrap my mind around it. But that didn't matter. I let the happy thought carry me to sleep.

Time Skip

(Jacob)
I waited patiently on the steps of my front door for Mark. He told me he wanted to pick me up and take me to school on his first day back. I didn't mind. I wanted to spend as much time as i could with him during the days. The only time i see him during school is lunch since we don't share any classes and after school he has football.
I didn't have to wait long for Mark. I soon heard the sound of his car pull up into my driveway. I smiled as he waved like an idiot in my direction. I chuckled to myself walking up to his car. Man, it feels good being happy all the time.
"Ready to go back to school?" I asked hopping in.
"Not really," he said with a sigh, "But at least I can spend lunch with you." I blushed.
"Lunch is the best time of the day," I agreed. He chuckled the backed up and drove off to school.
We got to school early. Mark parked his car in his assigned spot and quickly turned the car off. He had his hands on top of the steering wheel and breathed in a deep breath.
"Everything okay?" I asked. I put my hand on his shoulder.
"Yeah," he said unbuckling his seat belt and hopping out of the car. I followed and joined him at his side. Together, we walked into the school. I had a feeling today was going to be a good day.
The school was pretty crowded for a Monday morning. I was surprised. Mark seemed to read my expression.
"Some sport teams have Monday morning practices," he said.
"Oh," was all I said.
Mark and I made our way to the cafeteria. I felt the glares of people bore into my back as we walked down the hall. It was pretty intimidating, but I felt safe with Mark around.
"Don't worry," he whispered, "No one will touch you as long as I'm around." I felt my cheeks get hot and a feeling of relief. I grabbed his hand. I felt him tense for a split second before relaxing.
We finally made our way to the cafeteria. I froze at the door.
"What's wrong?" Mark asked. I couldn't get the words out, but staring at us was Kylie and her friends. Kylie was the first to notice and made her way in our direction. Mark had a bit of anger in his face. He crossed his arms across his chest.
"Well well look who is back," she said twirling her hair.
"Hey Kylie," he said. She smiled and bit her lip.
"What's with a freak?" She asked. I felt a knot in my stomach.
"He is not a freak," he said through gritted teeth, "Now if you excuse me, Jacob and I will be on our way."
"Wait!" She exclaimed looking into my direction. She stared at me realizing who I was.
"What are you doing with this thing?" She spat in my direction. I looked away.
"Leave him alone," Mark warned.
"Aw, do you care for the freak? I thought you were better then that," Kylie said. For a second, I thought Mark would agree with her.
"Yes I do. He means everything to me." Mark exclaimed, "Now, we will on our way. Nice seeing you." Mark grabbed my hand and shoved Kylie out of the way. She stumbled back and we made our way to a table in the back corner.
We sat down next to each other. I leaned my head in his shoulder and felt some tears form in my eyes.
"Hey, you're going to be fine," Mark soothed rubbing the back of my shoulder.
"Kylie still hates me," I mumbled into his shirt sleeve.
"She won't dare hurt you, I promise."
"I believe you," I said. And it was true. He seemed to make everything better. That's why I dreaded the sound of the first bell signaling us to our first class.
"See you at lunch," I said. Mark gave me a quick hug.
"Listen, if Kylie ever bothers you, tell me immediately. I'll make sure she stops," Mark said with a bit of anger in his voice. I smiled.
"Yes sir," I joked. He smiled and helped me to my feet.
"Here, I'll take you to your first class," he said. I smiled and agreed so. Together we walked to my first class. Many kids stared at us, but I ignored them. It didn't matter.
"See you at lunch," Mark said. I smiled and waved goodbye. I walked into my first class and took my usual spot in the class. Only a few more hours until lunch. I could do this. I could because I know Mark would want me to, and I will for him.