The Star Goddess (UNDER EDITING)

Chapter Seven: Edited

The next couple of days were hectic. I wanted to spend as much time as possible with all of my foster brothers and sisters, but I also spent some extra time with my new parents and I sacrificed some of my sleep to start packing. Some of my foster siblings asked about my new parents, and I gladly told them about Cole and Tara. However, I was careful to not just bring it up with anyone unless they asked first. I knew how tough this life was and I didn't want to make anyone feel bad or jealous or anything by bringing up that I got to have a permanent family while the rest of them didn't.

Every person in the orphanage ended up asking me about my new parents, though. Even Jackson did, and I never thought he even gave two thoughts about me outside of fantasizing ways to get in my pants. I heard a knock at the door and looked up to see who it was. Speak of the devil, I thought to myself.

"Hey, cutie," Jackson said with a smirk as he leaned on the door frame. I sighed loudly and turned back to the clothes I was folding.

"Oh, come on, tiger. Take it easy on me, I'm just teasing," Jackson joked. I looked back at him and he had a smile on his face, not his usual smirk.

"Yea, yea, whatever. Come here, dumbass," I joked as I motioned for him to come over and give me a hug. Jackson's face lit up and his eyes widened in surprise, like he was excited but confused that I wanted to give him a hug. He took a couple of slow steps into my room before wrapping me up in his arms.

"You're not my favorite, but I guess I'll miss your dumbass at least a little," I joked as I tucked my face into his neck, hugging him back tightly. Jackson squeezed me tightly, and he actually lifted me up off of the ground a little and spun me around before setting me back down.

"Do you need any help packing? I know you're leaving first thing in the morning," Jackson asked me softly, his eyes completely genuine with no ulterior motive hiding.

"Yea, sure that would be great. I really appreciate it," I said with a big smile. Jackson actually seemed to blush a little but brushed it off by clearing his throat. I couldn't help but notice how attractive he was when he was blushing.

"Of course. What would you like me to start with?" Jackson asked.

"Hmmm, can you just fold that little pile of clothes over there? I'll put them into my backpack later," my hand rested on my hip as I pointed to the clothes that sat on the bed. Jackson nodded as he started folding the clothes and I gathered my toiletries from the bathroom and my belongings from the nightstand. Jackson and I worked in a peaceful silence until he sighed and grabbed my hand, making me stop in my tracks. He looked dead into my eyes and spoke clearly.

"Stella, I want to apologize for my behavior recently. I want to make things right before you leave. I was hitting on you like that because I do like you, but I didn't need to be such a jerk about it and I'm sorry," Jackson bit his lip at the end of his sentence and he looked down, avoiding my eyes now, waiting for my reaction.

My mouth hung agape in surprise. Jackson likes me? Like actually? My thoughts ran wild at the idea that Jackson wanted something more with me, but I brushed off my runaway mind.

"It's ok, Jackson. I understand. I forgive you," I said with a big smile and put a hand on Jackson's shoulder. He looked back into my eyes with a small, soft smile on his lips.

"Thank you, Stella. You have no idea what that means to me," Jackson whispered as he hugged me to him. When he pulled away, we finished the last of my packing.

There wasn't much packing to do to begin with. I didn't own that much stuff, so I managed to get everything to fit in just my one backpack. I set out a pair of red, denim shorts and a black tank top for the next day. I set the bag at the foot of my bed and head to the bathroom to change out of my clothes and into a nightshirt and relieve myself before bed. After doing my business, I headed back to my room where Jackson still waited for me. He eyed me up and down, obviously liking what he saw but snapped his eyes back up to my face and tried to be respectful.