Happier with You

Chapter 3: I've moved on. Or, have I?

Present day: July 10th, 2017.

Jennifer's P.O.V

I shoot a desperate look at my silver wrist watch. I let out a muffled sigh and turn my gaze towards our Biology teacher. It's been ten minutes since the bell indicating the beginning of lunch rung. He said, and I quote, "Your grumbling stomachs can wait. I've got a lesson to finish." The entire class had groaned once they heard the eleven diabolical words that he uttered. Some of them had escaped when he wasn't looking. Don't even ask me how he didn't take notice of them, because, one of the boys had closed the door a little too hard behind him, and yet, he was busy explaining the different body parts of a frog. It seems, he goes into an entire different universe whilst teaching. Yes, I could've escaped but, that so isn't my type. I'm not a goody two shoes but, I do refrain myself from performing such acts of disobedience. And once again, I am not an immature, innocent seventeen year old.

After about two minutes, he finally considered letting us go. The moment he uttered those words, I dashed out of the room. There was definitely no time to get my books for the next period from my locker. That meant I couldn't get my money either. But hey, maybe Emily's got some food left!So yeah, my first stop had to be the cafeteria. I rushed towards the banquet hall and strained my eyes in search of our group. Nah. I was just joking. Anyone could easily spot our group occupying the largest table, that is, in the middle of the cafeteria. I rushed over to them and took a seat by Jake. Fortunately, Emily had some fries left. I leaned over the table and dragged her plate towards me. I began eating when Cynthia popped a question.

"Where the hell have you been?! Are you sick, because, god knows, you never miss lunch!"

This caused Aaron to crack up. A hint of a blush appeared on Cynthia's cheeks. I ate the last fry and replied to her afore mentioned question.

"I was watching the body parts of a frog."

There was silence for about two seconds and then the whole group roared with laughter. In fact, they were laughing so hard that it was hard to make out whether Cynthia was actually laughing or crying. Wait, did someone crack a joke? For, I sure as hell, cannot make out the reason why they're laughing like a pig farted somewhere. And yeah, it was awkward sitting with a clueless look on your face amidst cows bellowing with laughter. After they had almost calmed down, I proceeded to ask them the reason for their little moment.

"Okay. So, why did you guys laugh like some donkey defeated a horse in a race? And even if it happened, it isn't funny. At all."

After a few snickers, Jeremy questioned.

"Was Jake not enough for you that you had to watch the body parts of a goddamn frog?"

And then, I realized. I realized that my sentence had come out the wrong way. Okay, I may have not provided every single detail about my delay but, did they really think I was interested in watching the parts of a frog? I mean, I can't help if my entire concentration is devoted to food.

"What, did you guys think I was watching porn that had frogs in it?"

I displayed a disgusted expression while saying that. Once again, they laughed but this time, I too joined in on the laughter. After a while, Jake announced to the whole table.

"Okay guys, stop teasing my girlfriend now."

Emily cooed and I turned to smile at Jake. He returned the smile and brought his mouth close to mine. And in the next moment, we were kissing and everyone, that is, the whole cafeteria hollered for their favourite couple. At least, that's what they say. I heard Cynthia's exasperated comment over the wild hollering.

"Not again! What did I say about PDA?"

I smiled at my typical best friend and broke off the kiss. Jake pouted and I leaned away. Everyone went back to whatever they were doing. I took a minute to observe everyone. An involuntary smile made its way across my face. For the first time in a while, I realised I was lucky. I had people who loved me and actually cared for me. I sighed. I guess I was finally beginning to heal.

But, he wouldn't let me, would he? He wanted me to hang on to whatever little part of him is pierced into my heart. He wanted me to be the girl I used to be. I guess that's why he walked by with his head down low, right when I was beginning to let him go. It wasn't even his usual route. So, why did he have to walk in right when I was about to walk out?

Jake squeezed my right hand which was already clinging on to my pants. I didn't realise I was watching him walk away until Emily cracked a joke in order to get rid of the tension in the air. Everyone cracked up and we were the usual over-the-top merry again. Well atleast, they were. Jake looked down at me, his blue orbs laced with concern. I smiled back in order to avoid having to say anything. I sighed. It's been this way ever since he left. It was way worse, I think. No one would even breathe, let alone talk, whenever his name came up. Our table would be eerily silent until someone tried to dismiss the tension in the air. Since then, all it took was a smile to pretend I was okay. Hardly anyone caught on to the lie. It became a habit ever since. A ritual, to be precise.

The bell rang indicating that lunch was over. I kissed Jake and rushed off to my locker. I had AP Chemistry which was all the way on the other side of the building. That meant I had a minute to grab my books and four minutes to get to my class. I groaned and quickly collected all that I needed. I mumbled a quick apology to my feet and ran as fast as I could. Fortunately, I reached the class with a few seconds to spare. Wow, where did I learn to run that fast? I got ready for class as Mr Dunhill coughed to indicate the beginning of class. I only hoped the rest of the day would pass without any more complications.

***

I huffed as I dragged my tired ass to the last class of the day. I had AP English. I smiled. Mrs Fitzgerald was my favorite teacher. This shouldn't be too hard. I thought to myself as I seated myself in my usual spot. We were reading the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. It was one of my favourites. I was so into the book that I didn't realise someone had walked into the class. After a short conversation, Mrs Fitz, that's what we call her, announced that there was a newbie in our class. And, that's when I looked up. Well, you know what they say. Curiosity killed the cat. But, in this case, curiosity killed me and buried me alive. In the unfortunate moment that I looked up, I discovered it was him. Apparently, there were some changes in his schedule. He has a knack for being the newbie, I guess.
Mrs Fitz asked him to pick an empty seat, and she resumed with the book. I mentally thanked Fate when he didn't pick the one behind me.

***

"For the umpteenth time, Jake, you don't have to do anything about this!" I said as I thew my bag inside Cynthia's car. She was my ride home because Jake had football practice today.

"Are you sure you don't want me to knock some sense into him? I could even talk to Moore." Jake stated. I rolled my eyes at his statement. Like he'd actually do that. But, I didn't want to take any chances.

"Yes, I'm sure. Besides, you've got nothing to be worried about. I've moved on and he can't drag me down with him. Not anymore." I stated as I kissed him passionately. He smiled and went off to the field.

I got into Cynthia's car and we pulled out of the school premises. She turned the volume of the radio all the way up. We sang along to some songs whilst my mind kept on repeating whatever I told Jake on the way out. I've moved on and he can't drag me down with him. Not anymore. I guess, my mind too wanted to believe in it. I guess I wanted to believe that by repeating the same words over and over again, it'd somehow come true.

As much as I wanted to believe that, there was this one thing that kept creeping into my mind. The one thing I didn't tell Jake. I didn't tell Jake the way my heart ached when we ran into each other three times in a day, and yet, not once did he look at me.

><><><><><><
I'm very late, I know. I'm sorry, my lovelies! But, better late than never, right? Please keep showering your love on this book. Please vote, comment and share! Thank you so much!