Shattered

Fourteen

-Emmaline's Point of View-

. . .

From the moment I watched Jasper walk into the library I could see he was lost in thought. He mindlessly walked as his brows were pulled close together, also, Jasper is always prepared and right now he walked in empty handed for our study session.

"Jasper, over here." I called out, I could tell he would've just walked passed the table had I not caught his attention. His face seemed to lose it's tension as he stepped up to the table.

I allowed myself a small smile at his expense, here is a clearly smart guy yet he seemed to confused. "D-did you bring your book?"

I watched as he glanced down and then instantly realized that he hadn't brought anything at all with him.

"I'm so sorry, I'll be right back."

He began to panic.

Now I felt bad, he clearly wasn't himself right now and I wanted to calm him down so I reached out and stopped him before he could leave by placing a hand on his forearm, "No it's okay, we can share mine."

I moved my hand to the chair and pulled it out for him, he nodded to himself and took the seat.

"Is everything alright Jasper?" I was concerned for my new friend.

I mean sure he's normally quiet and reserved, but there was something about his current state that told me there was something else going on.

He looked at me for a moment as if trying to decide if he should open up or keep whatever it is to himself.

"Uh it's nothing."

The latter won out.

"You sure?" I asked softly, I hope he knew that he could trust me.

He silently nodded, "why don't you get out today's homework assignment and I can help you from there."

I gave him another look, I know something is up with him but I can't force him to tell me so I went ahead and pulled out the homework.

After going over the same historical dates over and over I seemed to finally get it, I finished up my paper and looked up to tell him I was all done.

But I saw his upset face and tight posture, then I noticed his hands were clenched and one of them was holding my now broken pen and ink was getting everywhere.

"Okay seriously Jasper, what's up, I know I haven't known you very long but I can tell that something is clearly upsetting you."

"Nothing's upsetting me." He stated.

I folded my arms over my chest and lifted one eyebrow as if to say 'oh really' then I motioned to the destruction that was my pen in his still closed fist.

He carefully followed my gazed and I watched as he realized for the first time that he was holding a broken pen.

"Oh..." He began.

I could tell he was getting ready to apologize and run off to the restroom and I couldn't let this guy leave here in a clearly angry state. I reached into my purse and pulled out a small pack of Kleenex tissues and a little container of hand sanitizer that I had picked up at bath and body works.

"Give me your hand." I instructed.

"It's alright I'll wash my hand when we finish up."

Seriously, was he still trying to worry about history, I gave him another look "Give me your hand." I demanded.

He slowly opened his hand and dropped the pieces before turning in his seat to face me.

I grabbed his wrist and left some space in between us just in case the liquid decided to drip, I squeezed a hefty amount of hand sanitizer onto his hand before grabbing a couple of tissues to help rub the ink away.