Struggle For Power [✓]

Chapter 9

Justin POV

Jazzy remained quiet on her way to school. Normally she would be trying to distract me to take her to McDonald's for something to eat or we'll go to a store to get something for her sweet tooth. But she was looking extremely uncomfortable as her body slumped into the seat, refusing to even glimpse at me or sneak a word out.

She remained the same throughout the entire ride until the moment we stopped the car and she immediately rushed out. Her quick goodbye was flat and not her usual self. I was worried but no matter how much I nagged, she wasn't going to tell me anything. I kept excusing it for lack of sleep or homework worries or something minor like losing a barbie doll.

"You okay princess?" I saw as I could see the school in my sights now.

"I am fine." Her strong tone was enough to prove any stranger her words were true, but Jazzy's usual high, the enthusiastic voice was hidden away somewhere.

I parked the car in a spot that was the closest to the main entrance and turned off the engine.

"You know you can tell me anything, right? I won't even tell dad if that's what you are worried about." I say worriedly.

"Just drop it. I'll see you back at home." She grabs the school bag which was tossed in the backseat as she carefully hurried out the car and to the main entrance.

I press the button on my side which rolls the window down. Before she descends into the darkness that is school, I pull my head out the window quickly. "Dad can't pick you up so I will pick you up later."

She didn't reply back.

She didn't even turn around.

•••

After I dropped Jazzy off at her school, I went straight to work so I could avoid the heavy traffic as much as possible. However, that desire what not met when the sounds of car horns harmonised with the cities morning life. The angry drivers wanting to meet their destination with time to spare. It was just another morning.

There was something calming about watching the people on the side of the roads, minding their own business from everything else despite everything that this manic city had to offer. They were surrounded by all the chaos, yet didn't want to flinch an eye to any of it. Minds set primarily on getting through their day and avoiding the shit that's currently pulling the joy out of their lives.

Despite that, I couldn't take my mind off one thing. There was just a lot to focus on, but this one thing was the most vibrant against everything else. This morning. Selena. The way I couldn't even control what came out my mouth which led to that compliment if that's what you would even call it.

I needed her to trust me or find something in me that makes her believe I am someone she could easily confide with. If a compliment, a true one for that, makes her feel that then it doesn't harm anybody. It was sort of true, she looked amazing. Her natural beauty was something else. 

But it was a strange feeling. The way we just talked very natural, everything rolled off the tongue swiftly almost like I wasn't even talking to a near stranger. It was like I didn't even need to pretend that I liked her. I could feel myself drifting from my small mission entirely just from one conversation. What was it about her that could make me stray off track too easily? I had to keep telling myself not to fall into her trap repeatedly until the image of her in those little shorts and seductive nightwear was erased entirely. It was a hard task to say the least.