A Dozen Reasons

Chapter 26-Paradise

" Good morning ladies and gentlemen!", Principal Henson boomed over the auditorium's microphone. " We have gathered together to kick off Charity Week!"

A boisterous cheer filled the room.

"As many of you know, you will be paired up with another classmate for the week. Both of you will be volunteering with different organizations and charities. Many of you will even make connections that will even advance your future careers. So, I expect you to be on your best behavior! At the end of this rally, please make sure to pick up your roster of the places you will be helping and with whom. Have a great day guys!" Principle Henson was about to walk away. "Oh, and by the way, this counts as extra credit. " He smiled. An uproar of students applause shook the auditorium.

I smiled at Annie. "I hope I'm paired up with you."

"Me too. I have to show you my paint roller trick." She flicked her wrists back and forth like the karate kid.

This week was going to be the best week.

As the students filed out of the auditorium, I felt a tug on my shoulder. I turned around. Smoldering eyes, a touch of mischief in his smile, and the face of a Greek god. "Hey Greg." My stomach flipped.

"So are we partnering up?"

"Um...I don't think that's how it wor--" Annie punched him on his arm.

"Ow, Annie the violence!"

"Suck it up! Besides, Jay is my partner."

I chuckled at their little spat. We were getting closer to the roster table. I caught a glimpse of Brian leaning against the wall with a white paper in his hand.

"Yeah, we can trade-sies." Annie and Greg's argument faded into the background. I imagined how much fun I was going to have if Annie was my partner. The crazy antics and stories! But what if it's Greg? I replayed the night I was on his roof in my head. The hot cocoa, the meteor shower, and the close kiss. If he was my partner, would the kiss actually happen?

I approached the table and found my name. I scanned the list. I hoped for Annie. I hoped for Greg. Then I saw the name and the blood drained from my face.

"Hey partner"

Brian.

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"Maybe it's a mistake Jay? We can talk to Principle Henson and request for a new partner." Annie tried to think solutions to fix the situation.

"I don't think I can."

"This sucks lemon drops!" She was clearly upset. "If anything happens, call me. If he so much as gives you a dirty look, I'll be there before he can yell for his mama's help!"

I grinned. "I will make sure I will." She left.

I packed my stuff into my bag.

"Hey, I'll see at the car. Do want me to carry anything?" Greg flexed his muscles, smirking.

"Woah there, Mr. Universe, I wouldn't want you to pull a muscle."

He laughed. " I'll see you over there."

I watched him stride away. I couldn't help but to admire the muscles underneath his tight maroon t-shirt.

"You might want to close your mouth. You're drooling a little there."

I snapped out of my daze. I turned around. "Brian, why are you still here?"

"I was waiting."

"For what?"

"For you." His gaze was intense. His eyes seemed to devour me.

I cleared my throat, uncomfortable. "Are you stalking me?" I narrowed my eyes.

"I can if you want me to?" He winked, blocking my towards freedom.

I pushed past him. "I wouldn't give you that satisfaction."

He laughed as I walked away. "Jasmine Alva, you will love me!" He shouted.

My heart raced when he said my name. I quickly escaped the hallway.

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The Next Day

"Welcome to day one of Charity Week" Principal Henson shouted into the megaphone. "Group one you will be on Bus 789. Destination, Oakridge Senior Center. Group two, 532, Jameswood Recreational Center. Group three, 302, Jameswood Elementary school. And group four, 494, Oakdale Park."

"I love you Jay! Don't forget me!" Annie dramatically spewed as she climbed the bus to Jameswood Elementary.

"Don't worry you're in good hands." Brian wrapped his arm around my shoulders. I shrugged him off.

Day one of paradise. I climbed the bus headed to Oakdale Park.

I quickly found a seat, and shoved my earbuds in before he came to bother me.

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Brian's POV

She rushed to the first available seat she found.

I watched how she delicately reached for her earbuds.

Jasmine, I see you. I don't know what it is about you, but I want more and more of you.

I'll leave her alone for now. Anyways, I have her for the rest of the day.

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A/N:

I'm not dead. I live!!!

I will not promise to upload too soon (I don't want to jinx myself). I will however, try to put things in order to start the next chapter.

Besides, things are heating up. Brian never really had a chance to shine in the story so far. I wonder what he has to say to Jay? Hmmmm. 😉