Forbidden Love

Chapter 6-Back to School

Emily POV

Jerome and I came back to the circus on the bus. We had stopped for some chocolate ice cream cones before arriving back. After finishing our cones, Jerome asks me, 

 "When do you go back to school?"  

I was distant because I was still happy being with Jerome.

"Huh? Oh, I go back tomorrow. So, I need to fix my clothes for tomorrow and my backpack." 

Jerome stops in his tracks and says, 

"Emily, I wanted to ask you this, but I was afraid. What happened to your parents?" 

I sigh heavily, look at him, and say, 

"They died in a car accident—last week. I moved here to the circus because of Aunt Matilda. I have had my whole life turned upside down in less than a week, and I feel so scared and so alone." 

Tears were threatening to fall from my face. I take out the handkerchief that Edward gave me.  My legs were getting ready to buckle, and I had to sit down on one of the benches. Jerome sits next to me and says, 

"I wanted to know because you seemed so different when I saw you and when I asked around, no one knew." 

I sniffled and wiped my nose. 

"I don't want to be known as the orphan. I miss my parents, and I want them back. That's why I didn't say anything." 

Jerome scooted closer to me and said, 

"I-I just want you to know that if you need anything, I'm here for you." 

Jerome, who is feeling sympathy for me, makes me feel better and safe. I smile softly and look at him. I look at my watch and say, 

"Oh, God! It's late. I-I-I better be going. I'm sorry for crying." 

Jerome chuckled and said, 

"No, it's okay. May I walk you to school tomorrow?" 

It didn't take long to reply. 

"Of course. My class starts at 9:15. I'll be up by 7:45." 

Jerome nodded and said, "I'll be up by then. Goodnight, Emily." 

He leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. He walked away and waved goodbye. My face then started to heat up. He's charming and caring. I practically skip towards Aunt Matilda's trailer with happiness. As soon as I walk into the trailer, Aunt Matilda says, 

"Did you have a good time, sweetie?" 

I nodded and said, 

"I did. He's very nice, but I didn't realize how late it was. I have to wake up early. I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight, Aunt Matilda." 

I give her a hug and kiss, and I head over to my bed. I change into my pajamas. I try to get some sleep, but I can't stop thinking about the kiss that Jerome planted on my cheek. I slowly

The Next Day

I wake up early and get ready for school. I grab my backpack and head towards the bus stop. I don't see Jerome. He probably forgot. As I start to leave, I hear screaming. 

"I don't know why you harp at me when I do EVERYTHING for you!" 

I walk to a trailer, and before I realize it, it was Jerome's voice. I then hear a female voice, screaming as well. 

"Instead of trying to leave me, you should spend time with me. I don't know why you always have to leave me alone to go to some girl you don't even know!" 

I hung my head in guilt, but who was she to judge me? I quickly walk to the bus stop. I don't see Jerome anywhere or even him trying to catch up to me. I get onto the bus, and it drives off. I sighed in disappointment, knowing that I may not see Jerome for a while. The bus stopped in front of my school, and I get off the bus. I walk in and see that everyone is staring at me. I never look at the other students, and I head straight for my locker. I quickly try to fumble with the lock, and I struggled with it for maybe a minute. I placed my books and binders in my backpack, took out my parents' picture, and kept it in my front jacket pocket. I headed to my class and stayed to myself. No one came up to me to offer apologies, and I was glad of that. 

5 Hours Later

2:30 came by, and school was let out. I gather my things. I don't take the bus to try to avoid others. I continue to walk towards the circus, which is maybe 15 minutes away. I stay alone in my thoughts and keep to myself. I kept pondering why did Jerome's mother speak ill of me? She's never met me, and she doesn't know what is going on.