Dude, I love you

Chapter Thirteen

Jack Johnson’s POV

A few days have passed since my run in with Justin in the locker room and things seem to be heading downhill. He must’ve done something or said something to a few of the people he hangs around with because this guy from their group tried to trip me when I walked into class and another didn’t bother moving out of the way when I was trying to get by in the hallway, even some girl shouldered me in the cafeteria and I wasn’t really standing in her way. Apparently Rochelle is getting similar treatment and yet no one else is from our little group.

Does Jack hate me? Why is he letting Justin do this to us? He’s never been one to just willingly go with the current when it comes to things like this. I didn’t think he disliked me that much, I mean I understand our friendship ended but is he really going to stoop to Justin’s level of douchebag-ery.

I have a biology project due next Tuesday and I’m partnered with Daniel. We are going to head to my house after school today to cover the basics and he plans to come by again during the weekend to finish it. Daniel will be the first person besides Jack to come to my house and I’m both excited and nervous. I know I don’t need to be but still this and him are kind of new to me.

I met Daniel at his locker before we started walking. The skies are beginning to be gray often and the leaves more brown than before. Sweater weather and I love it.

Daniel nudges me, “So how are things? Justin and his crew I mean.” He asks.

“I really don’t know. I mean they all just sort of started ganging up on me and Rochelle. Nothing too bad, it’s more like they just want to get in my way. It’s more annoying than anything really.” I state.

We cut through the football field and we’re entering the park now. I didn’t see Jack today so I’m assuming he’s not going to be walking down this way.

He furrowed his eyebrows. “Hmm. Rochelle said the same thing. I think you guys should do something since you’re being singled out like that. “

“It’s not THAT big of a deal and Rochelle can handle herself.” I assure him but I do feel there is some truth in his words.

He turned to look at me. “It is kind of a big deal man. Bullying is bullying no matter what form it comes in. It’s not right and you don’t have to take that.” 

“I know but I want to try waiting it out first. Maybe they’ll get bored or lose interest or something. If it gets worse I’ll find a way to deal with it.” He’s right and I know it, but I don’t want to make matters worse by being a ‘snitch’ or ‘tattle tale’.

“Promise?” He asks nudging me and staring my in the face. I can tell he feels a little awkward being heart to heart like this.

“Yeah I promise.” I say sticking out a pinky.

He turned to put his pinky around mine and smiled. His smiled faded when he looked past me.

“Dude, Jacks behind us. He was looking this way.” He leans in to half whisper.

“Are you serious? Okay, okay just keep walking towards that sidewalk over there.” I instruct feeling a sense of urgency and nodded towards a break in the fence leading to the street way. Daniel turns to face forward.

“He’s going to keep walking left and cross the fence over there, we can get to my house this way too.” I say ushering him in the other direction.

When we turned the corner further away, I could see Jack walking towards the fence with his head turned in the opposite direction. I had been really careful not to run into him when we would have to walk home. I let him take the short way home through the fields and I took the sidewalks and often stalled for time by getting ready slowly after school was done. I had a few close calls but I never bumped into him when going home these past two weeks.