Why Don't We? // Jack Avery fanfiction

The Band Room

For the next few days, I avoid everybody except Rachael. I skip both of the classes that I have with Jack, Corbyn and Daniel, and I make sure to avoid Maddie and her minions at all costs. Today is Friday. My mom has been getting calls from the school, saying that I've been skipping class, which means I can't skip anymore. At first, I made up excuses, saying that I was late, and missed attendance, or that I was in the wasrhoom, but now she knows that I'm lying, and I can't skip one more class. I decide to walk to school today, since we have our friday late start. As I'm walking, a car honks at me. I ignore it, and continue walking. The car honks again. This time, I turn around. I recognize the car as the one that Jack drove when he brought the boys and I back to their house last week. I quickly recognize the driver to be Jack, himself. I freeze in my tracks. Neither Daniel or Corbyn are in the car, and I wonder where they are. Almost as if on cue, Jack says "Corbyn and Daniel are both "sick" today." He holds up air quotes when he says the word sick. "They're probably just playing video games. Anyway, do you want a ride?" He asks. I still feel embarrassed from the Maddie situation, and want to say no, and hide. Somehow, however, I find myself silently nodding, and climbing into the passenger seat of the car. "How are you holding up?" He asks me. "You say that like I've gone through something traumatic. Maddie is just an ass. Sure, my pride is bruised, but I'm fine." This is partially true, but also partially just me trying to act like I'm not as hurt as I really am. "Wow. You're strong willed Emily. I admire that." I smile to myself, feeling a bit happy for the first time since the incident with Maddie. "What's say you and I have a sick day together?" Jack suddenly says, quickly taking his eyes off the road to look at me. "You mean skip?" I say, my eyes widening. "You've never skipped?" Jack says, looking astonished. "Well, actually, I've skipped almost all of this past week, so I think that if I do it again, my mom will literally disown me." Jack laughs, and so do I. "Well..." he pauses "If you're down for it, maybe we could go somewhere after school. You could come by the parking lot, and meet me at my car, and we could go somewhere." A giant smile is plastered on my face. Jack notices, And begins to smile in the same fashion. "Just us?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. "I mean hey. Don't get me wrong, I love the guys, but they didn't come to school today so they don't get to have an adventure." The childish way Jack says the word adventure almost makes me giddy, it's so adorable. "I don't think anybody should ever turn down an adventure." I say "I agree" he says "Then I'll see you after school."

Shortly after our conversation, Jack is pulling into the parking lot of the school. He turns off the engine to the car, and grabs his keys. I'm about to open the door, and hop out, but Jack asks me to wait. "Emily" he says gently. He lightly touches his hand to my wrist. "Just know, if she ever does anything to hurt you again, I'll make sure she gets what she deserves. Nobody should hurt you like that. She's just a jealous low life. Okay?" I nod my head, and agree. I feel all warm inside simply because Jack's hand is on my wrist. He moves his hand a little bit, and is now holding mine. I feel gentle butterflies fluttering in my stomach.  "Emily, I have your back. Corbyn, Daniel, Zach, Jonah. We all have your back. Don't forget that." He gives my hand a light squeeze, and nods his head toward the door, showing that's we should get to class.

For the rest of the day, I can barely focus. All I could do is wonder what Jack means by an "adventure" for the two of us. At lunch, I went to sit with Rachael, and a few other girls who are sort of our friends. I text Jack and ask him if he wants to come have lunch with me, since I know he hasn't made any friends yet aside from Daniel and Corbyn. He replies, and thanks me for the offer, but tells me that he's going to practice some music in the band room. After eating lunch with Rachael and the girls, I make my way, uninvited to the band room. The halls near the band room are completely empty, and it's almost silent. I can hear a quiet voice coming through the door to the band room. I look through the glass, and see Jack, sitting on a stool, playing guitar and singing. He looks so happy sitting there alone playing guitar that I feel like it would be wrong to interrupt him. I can see the emotion all over his face as he plays; its like a human work of art. After watching through the window for a few minutes, and admiring Jack's beauty, I go back upstairs sit with the girls again until lunch ends.

The rest of afternoon goes by quickly. When the final bell goes, I quickly grab my stuff, and make my way to the parking lot.

As I weave my way through the rows of cars, I see Jack. He's leaning against his car, texting on his phone. The curls in his hair fall so perfectly over his face. He's so beautiful, so attractive. Never in my life did I think I would be invited go on an adventure (which sounds kind of like a date) with someone like Jack. Never in my life did I ever think somebody like Jack would even talk to me. Now, it's all happening so fast, and I couldn't be happier. This is what dreams are made of.

"Hey" I say, walking over to him. He looks up and smiles at me, shutting off his phone, and putting it in his pocket. "Hey." He says.