Between the Raindrops | ✓

Ch.8 | Jaxon Needs Help

B E T W E E N

T H E

R A I N D R O P S

___________________

Walking up to Jacob's school, I see him look at me and then he smiles wide. He runs toward the big tree in the schoolyard and tries hiding behind it, probably thinking that I wouldn't notice he ran right to the tree. Kids.

"Jacob... oh Jacob!" I say loudly upon entering the schoolyard. "Where are you?" I ask, hearing his small giggles from behind the tree. "I could have sworn I just seen you a few seconds ago."

"Mrs. Roberts, do you know where Jacob went off to?" I ask his teacher, smirking the entire time.

"I believe he went over that way." She smiles as she points to the opposite side of the schoolyard.

"Hm, okay." I walk over to the other side and look around the playground, checking the slides and all. I still hear Jacob's giggles from behind the tree and I shake my head with a smile, truly amazed at how a young child's mind works.

"Well, I guess he walked home all by himself without me. I should just get going. See you later Mrs. Roberts!" I say very loud, heading towards the front gate of the schoolyard.

"Addie no! Don't leave me here alone!" Jacob yells, running from behind the tree and straight at me, jumping at my legs and putting his small arms around my waist.

"Oh Jacob! There you are! Where have you been kid?" I tease, bending over to pick him up.

"I was behind the tree Addie! You know... for a big girl you aren't very smart." He mocks, resting his head against my shoulder.

"Is that so? Well, I must have a talk with all my teachers huh?" I smile, rolling my eyes in the process.

"Yes. Can we go home now?" Jacob mumbles, looking as if he is going to pass out on my arm.

"Sure buddy, let's go." I wave goodbye to Mrs. Roberts and begin the semi-long walk home.

It's times like these when I really need a car.

Jacob and I are about fifteen minutes from our street when a familiar car pulls up beside us. Jacob did in fact fall asleep on my arm during the walk home, and I have to say for a small five-year-old boy, he is certainly very heavy.

"Hey Add, need a lift?" Shane casually asks, pulling up to the side of the curb. "Peyton's car seat is in the back already. I just dropped her off at our grandparent's house for the night."

"Oh, um sure. Thank you!" I try not to act as if it were a big deal, but due to the numbness in my arm and shoulder from holding Jacob, I almost squeal with joy while opening the back seat door.

I carefully place Jacob inside Peyton's car seat, successful not to wake him up, and then I get inside the passenger seat of the car and buckle myself in.

"I really appreciate this. Five more minutes and my arm would have fallen off." I laugh, rubbing my sore shoulder.

"No problem. I was on my way home and saw you walking, figured I'd help you out. Plus, I wasn't going to miss this opportunity to spend a little time with you." He smiles, eyes focused on the road ahead.

All I could do is smile and blush, turning my head to look out of the window.

"So, are you doing anything tomorrow night?" He suddenly asks after a few moments of comfortable silence. "Because I know it'll be Tuesday night, but there's this party going on at one of the guys houses from the football team, and I was invited. I thought maybe you could go with me?" He nervously smiles while keeping his eyes on the road.