Ocean Eyes . Jonathan Brandis

Thirteen

I didn't have anywhere in particular to go to so I decided on the library. I haven't picked up a book since the summer, which was a little strange for me. I guess I just haven't had time for it. As I was looking at the 'new arrivals' shelf, I noticed someone approaching me from the corner of my eye. Part of me hoped it was Jonathan, but the other part of me hoped it was anyone but him. I continued my search for a good book, not wanting to make awkward eye contact with someone I didn't know.

"'A wrinkle in time', sounds like a good book," I hear from beside me, a moment later. "It's a good read, you should-" before I could finish I realize that it was Jared. "Check it out?" He smiles, noticing my nervousness. "Yea," I simply state. "Well since you recommended it, I'll definitely try it out," he adds. His distinct dimples didn't help with my nervousness either. "You like books?" I question sort of confused. "No, not really. What gave me away?" He laughs at himself. "Nothing. I just figured you didn't have the time because of football... and stuff," I tried not to say anything that might offend him. "That's true, also I just don't like reading that much," he shrugs. "I don't know many people that do, I guess I'm just weird," I laugh at myself. "I don't think you're weird," Jared says almost immediately. "Actually, it's really cool that you like it. You must be really smart," he says. "I wouldn't go that far," I blush. "You're not like most girls, Grace," he looked at me with admiration. "I think I'm pretty average," I fight the compliment, as usual. "You're far from average," he smiles. "Below average?" I joke. "Cmon now, you know what I meant," he laughs. "Sorry," I shake my head embarrassed. "I have a tendency to always dodge compliments," I force a smile. "I've noticed," he agrees, amused. I couldn't think of anything else to say, so he spoke up for me. "Are you doing anything Friday?" I was half surprised by his question. "Um, I don't think so," I swallow nervously. "You know that new movie that's showing at the drive-in?" He seemed to not even know himself. "Night of the living Dead?" I smile. He probably realized that I knew that he didn't know what it was called. "Yea. If you don't make any plans by Friday, would you consider going with me to see it?" He questions, adding his natural charm. "I..." I wasn't so sure about this plan anymore. I still hoped that Jonathan might come up with an insane excuse to explain what was going on. Then again, maybe this might open his eyes. "Yes, I'd love to actually," I smile. "Great," he can't help but smile widely. It was so cute. "I'll see you around then, Grace. Thanks for the book suggestion," he carries it to the check out counter. How did I possibly just manage to skip lunch to bury myself in a book just to land a date with the most popular guy in school.

I dreaded going to 4th block. I tried to keep my head up and act like I was unbothered but it just wouldn't help. And to make things worse, I had to sit right beside Jonathan. He was already there when I walked in. His eyes immediately locked on to me. I shake my nervous thought and my anger took over. I make my way to my seat and set my books down. It wasn't as awkward as I thought it would be. I was not going to say a word to him. After a few seconds he decided to speak. "Grace," was all he said at first. I don't reply nor look at him. He figured out that I wouldn't budge so he went back to his work. It was probably for the best, although I wanted him to make some huge excuse for what happened or at least say sorry. I glance over at him but he was too busy drawing to even notice. I take a deep breath to calm myself down and start on my work.

It was almost time to go and Jonathan still had not said another word to me. I guess it is what it is. I started packing my things up before the bell rang. Once it rang, I grab my binder and get up to leave but Jonathan stops me. "Hey!" He gets my attention. He seemed to be reading my expression. "Even if you can't forgive me right now, I want you to know I really am sorry," he lets out a sigh in relief. I tried to to bring myself to replying but I couldn't even manage an insult. "I hope this reminds you of how beautiful you are, even when you're upset," he places a piece of paper on top of my binder I had been holding. I look down and see an image of a girl who looked identical to how I looked today. He had gotten every detail. So this is what he had been working on. I look back up to Jonathan. He had sadness in his eyes. But there was no way I could just let go of what had happened earlier. "Thank you," I take a deep breath. "I'll... see you tomorrow," I try not and be too cruel. His sadness turns into a small grin of hope. I can't help but smile too. "I'm looking forward to it," he says. I quickly hide my smile and leave him, not wanting to give away that I wasn't still mad at him. Even thought I was... sort of.

I know it's short but y'all deserve something. Yea it's been over a year and I'm really sorry. Life gets in the way yk. I just started college and oml that's crazy to think I started this as a sophomore in high school. But yes, I'm sorry this is all I have right now but I'm gonna try to write more.