Love Happens (Stopped)

Twenty-Three - Shut up conscience

Jason:

As selfish as this sounds, I didn't want her to go to that lesson. I wanted her to skip class with me and just sit under the canopy of trees for as long as we could. 

It was a funny yet exhilarating feeling, like once I knew I had her I was afraid to even let go because I might not have her again. 

That's because you like her dumbass. 

Ah yes, my conscious was always there to be supportive. 

As soon as the bell rang and my last lesson ended, I wanted to run straight to Jennifer's locker. 

I practically rushed down the halls on my way to her locker when a human wall blocked my way. 

I recognized the heads of shortly trimmed and messy blonde hair any day. 

"Jules," I huffed. 

"Jason."

"If you don't mind I have somewhere to be."

"We really shouldn't be here," Joel whispered to his twin. Joel was never really one for confrontation, it was his brother who who clearly had intentions to start something with me. I really didn't have time for this. 

"Word through the grapevine is that you and Jennifer are an item now," said Jules.

"What's it to you?" I said. 

I inched just a little bit closer to him and stared down at him blankly. I was already a bit taller than him, the close proximity should have helped intimidate him a little bit more. 

"You know if I'd had a little more of an opportunity, she would've been mine and you never would've had a chance. I could still get her if I wanted to," he growled. 

I scoffed. "Jennifer isn't some trophy you can win or compete for alright. She's human, she's beautiful and she sure as hell doesn't deserve scum like you."

"Oh, how sweet. You're whipped already," he smiled sarcastically. "Come on Joel let's go."

Jules stalked off in the opposite direction from where I was headed. He expected his brother to follow close behind him but instead Joel's feet were glued to the floor. He stood there, just staring at me. I couldn't read the expression on his face and I was glad when he finally decided to speak.

"I know I'm usually the guy who doesn't get a say in shit, but I hate what's been going on. Ever since that girl Jennifer got here shit's been turned upside down. All of a sudden you feel like you're better than us and you leave and all Nicki and Kim can talk about whenever we hang out is you."

He paused, I assumed to compose his thoughts because he sounded very emotional.

"The two Sams and Sarah don't even hang out with us anymore," he points at Jules, "And I'm sick of hearing all about Jennifer from this guy. Get over it, she doesn't like you for fucks sake." He said the last part with his eyes glued on his brother. 

He looked to me again. "Look man, I don't know about you but I really wish we could go back to the days before all this bullshit ever happened." He glanced at his brother again. "But I'm not sure that'll ever happen."

Joel walked away with his hand fiddling with the strap of his backpack. After a few steps, he turned back and looked at me again. 

"I am happy for you though. I mean, who would've thought playboy Jason would ever be so love struck?" He gave me a small smile and walked out of the school building. 

His brother was still standing a few feet away from me looking about as floored as I was. 

Well that was an interesting turn of events. 

I started walking to Jennifer's locker again only this time my pace was much slower. I had to admit I really hadn't given much thought to the effect my leaving had on the group.

I know I always thought of myself as the nucleus of the group, but that was just the ego in me talking. I didn't actually believe it. 

Sure it had recently come to my attention that they weren't the best of people, but no one is perfect. In only a couple weeks of knowing Jennifer I had thrown away friends who'd been with me since freshman year. You really screwed up man. 

Another huge thank you to my conscience for always being so supportive. 

As I walked down the hallway I spotted Jennifer standing with her friend Asha by her locker. The corners of my mouth lifted slightly. Hopefully she'd always be around to put a smile on my face every time I needed it. 

Damn you really are whipped. Shut up conscience. 

The two girls looked a little distraught, although I had no idea what about. 

"Hey," I said as I approached them. They both looked up at me, but it was Jennifer's face I wanted to see. 

"Hey," she smiled.

"Speak of the devil and he shall appear," said Asha. Jennifer chuckled. 

"You guys were talking about me?"

"More or less, I'll talk to you later blondie." The two hugged before Asha turned to leave. 

Jennifer watched her as she stepped through the double doors, almost like she was intentionally avoiding my gaze.

"Something wrong?" I asked. 

She opened her locker, grabbed a few books and stuffed them into her backpack. 

"I don't know really. I'm still a little lost myself," she said.

"You could tell me about it on the drive home."

"You're driving me home?"

"I could take you for pizza or ice cream first if you want?"

She thought about it for a moment with a hand brushing her chin. 

"I could do you that favor," she chuckled. 

We walked to the parking lot together in silence. I was caught off guard when she slipped an arm around my waist and nuzzled her head into my chest as we walked. 

I was caught off guard, but I definitely liked it. 

A/n: As always, thank you so much for reading. 

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xx