Just Us

CHAPTER 3

"Mom wake up. I have to go to school and I can't leave without you eating." She is always so hard to get out of bed in the mornings.

"Mila you can go. I can take care of myself this morning. Don't be late for school." I didn't want to leave her but I also didn't want to be late.

"Are you sure. I can wait for you." I insisted

"No honey, you have to go now. You are not going to be late because of me. Now leave!" She can be so persistent to get what she wants.

"Fine I will see you when I get home. I love you! Have good day!" I yelled as I walked out of the house.

My walk to school was only about five minutes because I lived so close. Once I got there I slowly walked in, already wanting to leave. I knew something was wrong. The presence was off, it didn't feel right. It seemed like everyone was there, but it wasn't as loud as it usually is and whenever I walked by someone they would stare at me and whisper. I just ignored the awkward vibe and went to my locker.

Once I got there, Dani ran up to me, "Have you heard the rumors?"

"No, should I have heard them?" I asked in confusion, not knowing what she was talking about.

"Yes! It's about you!" I stared at her for a minute, not knowing what she was talking about. I'm a nobody, why would there be gossip about me?

"What do you mean? The most anyone in the school has said my name is when they are asking who I am to their friends."

"Apparently Annica is saying that you hit on Jackson when you served them at work. She telling people that you practically threw yourself at him and she is calling you a hoar." I couldn't believe it because it was 100% not true.

"What?! I did not! I barely even talked to them. Why does she have to hate me so much? What did I ever do to her?"

"I don't know but she has a real problem. Someone needs to tell her."

"I appreciate the concern for me Dani, but who would tell her. Everyone is scared of her." It was true. No one wanted to go against her because she could be a real bitch. I was the only one who has ever talked back to her and I rarely did it.

"Well then what are we going to do? You can't just let her stomp all over you all the time."

"We wont do anything. We'll make it through the year and then be done with her." And I meant it. I didn't want any drama.

"Fine but remember that I am not afraid to get physical."

"Yes I remember, and I won't forget. Thank you for being with me always. I really love you."

"I love you to. I have to get to class. C'ya at lunch." With that she started walking away and I went to my next class

Today I had Algebra. I hate math. It's my least favorite subject because its so boring, but it's my best subject. It was so easy and had no challenge, which I like in school.

When I get to class I am one of the first people there so I take a seat in the second to last row. I like to be hidden, but I don't want to make it to obvious, so I'm trying to be discrete.

After about ten minutes of doing nothing, the majority of the class strolls in one by one and take their seats. Since I am not the most popular person in this school, people space themselves from me and sit far away from me. Their is one empty seat left and its next to me.

The class starts and five minutes into the teachers lesson, Jackson walks in. Of course he is late.

"Sorry Mrs. Hux, I had a doctors appointment. I have a note." He handed the teacher the note and took a seat in the only open desk. Next to me.

He turned to me, "What did I miss?" Was he talking to me intentionally?

"Are you talking to me?" I had to be sure because this never happens.

"Who else would I talking to?" He replied a little to harshly.

"Oh, I don't know I guess. Um, you didn't really miss much. She just did attendance and started talking about derivatives."

When I told him he just briefly nodded his head and turned toward the teacher. Gee, you're welcome!

The class went on without anything interesting happening until the end, when the teacher started to assign us partners for a project due next week.

"Mila and Jackson." WHAT! No! i don't want to work with him. He is an ass!

When he heard this he turned to me, "Alright lets get this over with. I'll stop by your house after my practice tonight."

"Actually can we do it somewhere else?" I didn't want anyone at my house with my moms condition.

"Why, where else would we do it so late?" he answered rudely.

"Why I don't want to do it at my house is my business. Can we do it at your house?"

He rolled his eyes, but agreed, "Fine. Be at my house at 6:15." he said that and got up and left without hearing my response. Typical. I don't even know where he lives.

I run down the hallway trying to catch up to him so I know where to go. When I finally spot him he is sucking Annica's face off. I don't want to interrupt them, but I have to.

"Excuse me, Jackson," I stood there waiting but they continued to eat each others faces, "can I please talk to you?" I tapped his shoulder and they finally stopped kissing.

"What the fuck do you want?!" He replied forcefully.

"Um, I need your address so I can get to your house to work on the project." I was kind of nervous because Annica now knew I was going to his house and she looks pissed.

"Wait you invited her to your house! What the fuck! We were supposed to hangout tonight." She was practically throwing daggers at me with her eyes.

"Annica calm down. We just got assigned a project due in two days. We have to get it finished. I'm sorry but I have to cancel. Mila I will text you my address. What's your number?"

No way! Was he really asking me for his number in front of his crazy girlfriend? He must have death wish.

"Or you could just tell me your address and we don't have to exchange numbers." He looked confused as to why someone would turn him down in any way.

"Yes do that. Why would you even want to have her number anyways? It's not like she is popular." Wow, ok that hurt, but true.

"Mila it's a lot easier if you just give me your number. Come on, give it." he demanded

I rolled my eyes, sighed and gave him my phone, "Fine but I didn't encourage it." He put his number in my phone and gave it back to me.

"There, I'll text you." He said and walked away with Annica yelling at him down the hall.

What am I getting myself into?