Lost Smile *edited*

Chapter 6: Dinner with Jack

When we got home from dropping Jack off, I looked at dad happily.

"Dad, I'm starting to be able to smile!"

I said cheerfully, as dad was unlocking the door. He looked at me and saw that my smirk had started looking a little more like a smile, making him smile. Then he turned to open the door, letting me in first. I walked in and sat at the table and started doing my homework, because I had a lot to get caught up on.

I finished it around 4, then I studied for another half hour before putting it all away and helped dad clean dishes.

"Do you like Jack?"

Dad asked suddenly, as we started making cookies, making me almost drop the bowl of cookie dough.

"D-dad! Why are you asking me this!"

I stuttered, setting the bowl on the counter so I don't drop it, causing dad to laugh softly.

"It's not funny! Yes I like him, but not in THAT way! So stop laughing at me!"

I yelled at him, as he kept laughing and shaking his head.

"Okay, if you insist. I got to go and pick up your friend, do you want to come?"

Dad said, finally not laughing anymore. I sighed knowing that if I do come he'll embarrass me, but if I don't go he'll say something that he shouldn't say.

"I'll stay here, after all someone has to make sure the cookies don't burn."

I said as I picked up the bowl of cookie dough again, also knowing that dad hates the smell of anything burnt, then I heard dad opening  and shutting the door as I was putting scoops of cookie dough on a baking sheet.

Once I finished that, I put the baking sheets into the oven and set the timer. Humming to myself as I read a book waiting for the timer to go off.

Right as the timer went off, my dad opened the door and let Jack in. I quickly put the cookies on the cooling rack and ran to the door to greet them.

"Hey Jay, long time no see."

I said, breathing heavily, as he took his shoes off.

"It's only been a few hours"

He replied, chuckling softly, causing me to blush and pout playfully.

"Meanie."

Was all I said as we walked towards the living room, with dad not far behind us.

"Alright you lovebirds, come help me set up the table."

Dad teased, making both of our faces turn red.

"D-Dad! We aren't dating!"

I yelled at dad, as he walked away. When I looked at Jack I saw that he looked a bit hurt by what I said. I realized that he wanted us to be together, and held his hand. He looked at me shocked as I tried smiling gently, which caused him to chuckle softly.

"Come on we gotta go help set the table."

I said as cheerfully as I could, but it still sounded somewhat monotone, pulling Jack into the dining room. We set the table as dad brought the dinner from the kitchen to the dining room.

We sat down and started eating after praying. When we were done dad brought out the cookies we made, and set them in the center of the table.

"So Jack, when do you plan on asking my daughter out? It's obvious that you two have fallen hard for each other."

Dad questioned, causing him to freeze. I looked at both of them, wondering what on earth it was that they talked about.

"Mr. Perillo, me and your daughter are just friends. Nothing more, nothing less."

Jack responded, I could tell that what he said was strained. It was as if he was trying to convince himself about something, and doing so was hurting him. It hurt me, hearing him say those words, I guess that this was what he felt when I said it.

"I'm going to my room."

I said suddenly getting up from my seat, walking as quickly as I could without them seeing something was wrong. I could feel tears falling down my cheeks, I wiped them immediately, not wanting them to notice.

I shut my bedroom doom and laid on my back, unable to stop crying.

"Dang it, why am I sad? This is what I wanted, wasn't it? To never be in another relationship, so why did it hurt when he said those words? It's so confusing, I've never felt this way before. Not even when..."

I ranted, only stopping when I heard a knock on my door.

"W-Who is it?"

I asked, mentally scolding myself for stuttering. And for crying when we have a guest.

"It's me, I just wanted to know if you're okay. You looked like you were about to cry. Can I come in?"

I heard Jack say through the door. I wiped my tears the best I could, then opened the door while keeping my head down.

"C-Come on in."

I said, hoping he won't notice that I've actually been crying. He walked in and sat on my bed, looking around for a second then focusing back on me.

"Come here,"

Jack spoke softly, as he gently pulled me into a hug. My body froze for a second, but relaxed just as quickly.

"It's okay to cry, I'm here for you. Even if you don't tell me your reason, you can still cry on my shoulder."

Jack whispered in my ear, and I don't know how or when but the tears I've been fighting for so long came free. I hid my face, crying into his shirt for what seemed like an hour.

"Do you wanna talk about it?"

Jack asked gently, when I had calmed down. I shook my head no, hiding my face even more in the process. Not wanting to tell him about my feelings for him, or about my past. At least not yet.

"Alright, I won't pry. But I want you to come talk to me about it when you're ready to."

Jack said quietly, I could tell that he was upset that I wasn't gonna tell him.

"What do you have that makes everyone fall for you, even me..."

I mumbled as quietly as I could, hoping he didn't hear me. Then I started drifting off to sleep, sighing contently.

"I've fallen for you too, Em."

I heard Jack say right before I gave in to the familiar warmth called sleep.