Pumped-Up Kicks (A Logan Lerman Story)

Chapter 41

Telly's P.O.V.

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I pounded on Jace's door after school on Monday.He was probably still asleep. "Are you trying to break the door down." He complained as he finally opened it.

"I have a problem."

"Don't we all." I sat down on his couch.

" Jace. I need something to do. Like I need to get away from a few people. What do I do?"

"Be a regular teen and get a job. Join sports. Stop eating at the craperteria and eat somewhere else for lunch. Join stage crew. Or audition for the  play at the theater. Take more electives. After school activities.Here I was looking for a job. There's a new coffeeshop that just opened up. And the library needs help. Take a look there." He handed me a gigantic list full of job offerings.

"Oh my god. Thanks so much. I'll take a look at this now. Are you gonna do stage crew again this year."

"No I can't. But I'm working lights this year." He shrugged.

"Okay. Thanks. I'll take a look." And with that I skipped out and plopped down on my own couch. My eyes ate the words on the page. I highlighted each job that looked cool. Hollister sales associate. Apple computer technician. Studio worker. Barista. Waitress. Hostess. Stage crew. I was bound to get at least one of those jobs. I immediately made calls to apply for an interview. They all said yes for different dates and times. My first one was tomorrow. I threw my agenda down and ordered a pizza while watching an episode of Spomgebob. My phone rang on the other side of me. Logan's name flashed across the caller ID. I decided not to answer it.

He was being an ass again and I don't have time for drama. It rang again. And each time that it did was Logan. I just waited patiently for my pizza to arrive. And when it did Logan came with it. "I didn't order a human. I ordered a pepperoni pizza." 

"Can we talk. I just have somethimg to say."  He crossed the threshold.

"Damn right you do. But make this quick."

"Why whats the rush. Its only 10."

"It's not good to eat this late and I just want to go to sleep."

"I just wanted to apologize for treating you badly. I just-"

"You just put up a front because you're embarrassed to be seen with me. That's fine. I get it." I stole a slice from the box still in his hands. "Honestly Logan I expected something like this from you."

"Telly I really like you but I just don't want anyone to know.So I guess you could say that I'm kinda embarrassed."

"Yeah. Like I said. I get it. Is that it?"

"Why do you need to get to sleep so early?"

"Because I'm tired and I have something to do tomorrow beside some pop quiz."

"Oh well okay. I guess I should get going. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yeah I guess so.Have a good night." And with that he exited my house. And then I was alone.

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I picked up a tray and walked to a table and devoured my Panera Bread sandwich. To say that I was nervous was an understatement. I sat and scrolled through my phone for a little bit before the little bell above the door chimed.

Honestly in that moment I wanted to hurl. And in that moment I already felt sick. His eyes landed on me and I prepared to leave. "Hey babe. I thought I might find you here." Jared plastered a fake grin on his face and sat down across from me.