Cheek to Cheek

Chapter 20

A/N: So hopefully, you all reaaaallllyyyy like this chapter ;) Votes, comments, and whatnot are appreciated!!

The night was calm and relaxing. Stars twinkled in the night sky brightly, and the wind nipped at my skin with its chilliness. Trees danced back and forth with the wind gently, some releasing leaves to play.

And Jake’s fingers were intertwined with mine. His hands were incredibly soft and smooth, and caressed my hand just right. My sweaty, trembling hand. What was wrong with me?

He guided me to a beautiful small bean-shaped pond, similar to the one in my backyard. There was a small toad perched on a lily pad, watching us move in closer to its home. Once we were a few feet away, the frog hopped away in fright.

Jake motioned for me to sit down on the grass under a tree. I quickly agreed, just to let go of his hand. My sweaty hand was already embarrassing enough. I sat down under the tree, staring at the water, too frightened to look at Jake.

“Beautiful night,” I commented, gazing up at the sky. I glanced back at the house to find the lights flashing all kinds of pretty colors. By the back door, two people were outside, smoking cigarettes to pass the time.

“Yeah, it is,” I heard him say. I glanced at him without thinking and regretted it immediately. He was gazing at me, laid back on the grass with his elbows propped behind him. His eyes were so captivating. I shifted my focus to the water again to break the trance.

“I once fell in there. It’s colder than it looks,” he said, referring to the pond. I laughed, imagining Jake falling into the water. Cold, wet Jake pouting.

“That must have been a sight. When did that happen?” I asked. He pondered for a moment.

“Last time I was here,” he replied, “A few days ago.”

“Too bad I missed it,” I said, surprised that it was only a few days back. He scooted towards the water.

“Want me to do it again?” he asked, and I shoved him playfully, shaking my head.

“No, it’s alright. I got the idea. Who saw it?” I straightened out my legs towards the water, waiting for his reply. He moved a little in my direction.

“Just Jack. He was yelling at me to get out of there. ‘Jake, you’re going to get warts!’ and ‘Jake, you dumbass! Get out of there before I have to save your ass!’ and such,” he replied. It was nice to hear what good friends they seemed to be.

“How deep is it?” I questioned. Jake glanced at the pond and shrugged.

“About... two feet?” he guessed. I shook my head, thinking of what an idiot he must have looked like. I was pretty sure Jake was used to looking foolish and not caring of what people thought about him. However, the way I saw it, he had two personas.

Jake was the idiotic so-called ‘player’ who made it a game to try to look like a badass in any way. He went to all the parties, drank, and made out with chicks. He wanted to create a show. He wanted people to laugh. He wanted to laugh. And hidden beneath was the quiet James who liked to read, had a caring side to him, and actually knew what he was doing most of the time. James had a different sense of humor and a different perspective. And right now, the two were struggling.

“Why do people call you Jake?” I asked quietly. He moved away a little and sat up straighter. I could only see his silhouette, but his face appeared to be aimed at the water. I waited patiently.

“Because it’s badass,” was his response. I didn’t expect much, but I was hoping for more. I locked my hands together over my knees, now giving him my full attention.