The Remedy

Chapter 9

"Mr. Alexander, I came in here to grab my math book, but as I was about to leave, someone locked the door. I'm telling you, it's true!"

He gave me a glare, then his eyes settled on Jax. "And what about you, Mr. Darron?" That was the moment that I realized I hadn't ever even asked what Jax's last name was.

Jax Darron. The last name fit him. It sounded mysterious. Not to mention, hot. I snapped back to reality when Jax spoke. I realized it had been silent for a little while. His answer wasn't immediate.

He cleared his throat. I did wonder why he was sitting in a math room by himself after school. "Uh... My dad just passed away. Home hasn't really been a good place since it happened. My mom's been really on edge, and everything is tense at home. I guess I was just stalling as long as I could..."

No... How could I have not thought that maybe there was an actual reason he wasn't talking to me? That he was going through all these weird mood swings? I was so self-absorbed, making it all about me, when his dad was dying.

The principal's face showed that he wished he hadn't asked, and now looked uncomfortable. "I'm sorry for your loss, Mr. Darron. I totally understand. Maybe you'd like to see the school counselor and talk about it?"

"Oh, no thanks. I'm not really the 'talk about it' type. I appreciate it, though."

"Of course. I'll leave you two be, then. And behave!" He gave a nervous chuckle and then left.

"Jax, I am so so sorry. I didn't think about you and your problems. I was so self-absorbed and I'm such a jerk for not trying to talk to you."

He took my hand then. "Clara, it isn't your fault. I would probably act the same if I were in your situation. You're not the jerk here. Trust me." That was nice, but what did he mean, I wasn't the jerk here? Was he saying that he was a jerk? Because at least he had a reason for being irrational.

"I'm still sorry. I wish I'd known about your dad sooner. I would have given you a giant hug."

"Oh. Well that's one thing you can still do."

"Okay." I wrapped my arms around him and gave him a long hug. "You can talk to me, Jax. I'm there to hear about what's going on in your world. And I get that you're not so fond of the whole talking about it thing, but in case you change your mind, I'm there."

"Good to know. You are amazing." He said before he pulled away. "I should go get home. My sister can't handle everything by herself."

"You have a sister?" I asked. I realized that we didn't know too much about each other.

"Yeah, she's 10. Such a cutie! Anyways... I'll see ya around, Clara Taylor."

"See ya, Jax Darron." I said, proudly knowing his last name.

Author's Note: Sorry for the kind of boring (and short) chapter. Next time :O0 whoops, accidentally made that face. If that is even a face.

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