Toxic •Jason McCann•

Chapter 36

•Bella•
'Control'

As I made my way through the hallway, I couldn't help but think about the one person I wanted nothing to do with.

Jason.

No matter how much I tried, I couldn't get his face out of my head. He intoxicated my thoughts like a bad smell that just never went away. Especially after seeing him, I just couldn't help but think about him continuously.

Why was I still wondering why he disliked me? Why was I still so bothered by it?

I kept my eyes to the ground as I continued walking making my way to my next class; social studies, semi nervous to see Ryan again.

I don't know what it was, but it was the feeling of the unknown. Because I knew that every time I see him we always have a great time and I'm never left uncomfortable or upset, but as soon as I go back to not seeing him in class, I suddenly feel the nerves of sitting next to Ryan Butler, (potential gang member)  come back again.

I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear as I entered the class, smiling at mostly everyone I made eye contact with, a habit of mine.

I looked up to see Ryan as usual, sitting in his seat with a smile on his face.

"Hey" he greeted as he pulled the stool out for me that I sat on "Hi" I replied followed by a smile.

"How you been?" He asked as he laid his arm on the table turning slightly to look at me.

"Good, and you?" I asked back "Great" he replied smiling once again. This is when I start to wonder how he has anything to do with gangs or people of the likes of Jason McCann.

Because Ryan was so nice and kind and Jason... well Jason was the antithesis of Ryan.

Polar opposites.

Class with Ryan never usually dragged as we just shared jokes and had non stop conversations so it ended pretty quickly and now we were walking out class

"So er I'm actually leaving in like, half an hour, I have something to take care of so I won't be in school." He told me making me turn to look at him "But we were supposed to work on the project" i reminded him, but obviously not wanting to sound rude.

"I know I know, which is why you're still coming back to mine to work on it and hopefully finish it, I'll be home by then" He told me as we stopped at my locker.

"I don't have my car today... maybe you can come to mine instead?" I didn't even end yet but he was quick to shake his head "My place is fine, would you mind one of my friends giving you a ride?" He asked

Was this wise to say yes?

"Um..." I paused as i looked up at him to see he was giving me the almost puppy dog begging look.

I sighed "Okay" I agreed making him smile.

"Okay, one of them will probably be waiting fo you outside of school. I'll see you later" He ended making me nod.

With that, he turned around and walked down the hallway leaving me on my lonesome reevaluating my decisions and how they may get me killed one day, literally.

———————

I stood next to Austin who was currently waiting with me outside of school for one of Ryan's friends to take me back to their house so I could work on the project with him.

Austin just chose to wait with me because he was cute like that.

"You're hella patient for putting up with all their bullshit. For the sake of this project and all" Austin muttered in annoyance. I knew he also had an issue with the boys but who didn't?

"They're not all bad, it's kinda just Jason" I told him making him scoff shaking his head "He's the worst."

I didn't get the chance to reply due to the sound of a very loud revving sound of a car speed up and park in front of me.

It was the Audi Jason drove.

Within seconds his door opened and he came out of his car, walking over to us. Please god do not tell me he was giving me a ride -"Ryan's bitch ass wanted me to take you back to the house. So get in the car" he said in the most blunt way possible as he opened the door, standing by it and waiting for me to get in.

His eyes diverted to Austin and they literally just had a stare off "Um, I'll see you tomorrow" I broke the silence as Austin turned to look down at me before nodding. "Okay, be safe. Bye" he muttered.

I smiled at him before turning to look at Jason, a glare on his face. Without another word, I walked up to his car before getting in to the passenger seat. He slammed the door shut but didn't straight away get in the car.

He was now faced talking to Austin but I could quite clearly see both of their faces. Jason held more anger then ever as he said something in the most aggressive way possible, not leaving Austin a chance to speak as he came to his side of the car before opening the door and getting in before again, slamming it close.

Why out of all people did Ryan ask Jason to take me on a 20 unite drive to their house. Why.

Jason started the engine before driving out of the school car park, speeding down the road. He didnt speak or even glance at me.

I kept my stare down at my hands as I messed with the rings on my fingers.

"When are you going to be done with this project with Ryan?" He asked me, literally acting as if we were takin part in some sort of dirt when in reality it was a project for school.

"Um... we- we might end up finishing it today" I answered. Why. Am. I. Stuttering.

"Good." He spat before falling silent again.

It was the most uncomfortable, awkward car ride ever and I wanted nothing more but to get out of this car and run away.

Finally, the car pulled to a stop and the familiar looking mansion stood tall.

As I unbuckled my seat belt and went to open the door, Jason's hand was on my thigh in the most controlling, possessive and harsh way possible. "Wait." He stopped me.

What now.

"How many times have you been out on a date with Austin?" It's a question but he somehow made me feel like I was in some sort of trouble.

I looked at him with confusion as to why he would ever want to ask me something like that. Why did he care.

"Answer me." He sternly said, staring right in my eyes.

"Only one" I answered in a whisper not waving to ever speak above a whisper when it came to Jason.

His grip loosened around my thigh as he let it go completely "Keep it that way." He spat before opening the door and getting out.

I had to take a couple seconds to think about what he had just said. But it was so hard because it made no sense at all.

He hated me but wanted to control the way I lived my life. How did that even work.

I was so done with feeling the way I do, but what could I do when he won't let me go himself, literally.