Pay the Price

Chapter Six: Jenn and the Truth Go Out

"What?! No, no, no, no Dad." I screamed. "No!" I took a breath and calmed myself so I wouldn't be grounded later and not get to go out with Jack. "Why?"

Dad sighed. "Jennifer, I'm sorry, but it's just what needs to happen."

Mom now stood and made her way over to the sink. She leaned over and hung her head. "We're going to Westmoor."

I widened my eyes in shock. "Westmoor? That's four hours away! I would have to switch schools, and I would never see any of my friends. Dad, Mom, you can't do this." No one spoke. "Mom, what about the hospital? You wouldn't be able to work there."

Dad nodded. "Yes, I know, but I already contacted the Westmoor Hospital and they said she could transfer there. Jenn, I found a job there, at a car dealership. I will make good money. We could have a bigger house, a better car."

I glanced over at Mom, who had now turned around. "Jenn, sweetie, I'm just as dismissive about this as you are. I love my job at Abbey Lee Hospital, but your father needs a job and we can both work there. We've already confirmed it and we're putting the house up for sale tomorrow."

I huffed angrily and chucked my bag at my dad, stomping down the stairs. I didn't care that I slammed the door and threw myself onto the bed. A tear slowly slid down my cheek.

They can't be serious. It's my last year in high school. Can I not just graduate before they worry about moving? I understand that Dad needs a job, but what about Mack and me, don't we get a say in this?

My phone buzzed, interrupting my thoughts.

Jack: Looking forward to tonight ;)

I couldn't help but smirk. I was looking forward to it, too, and it would give me something to think about besides this bizarre news that I was moving! I don't know if I should tell Jack, just because I wouldn't want him ditching me since I won't be here soon. In fact, I never found out when I would be leaving.

Me: Same here. When are you picking me up again?

Jack: In about an hour. See you then :)

I switched off my phone and waited for what seemed like an eternity until there was a knock at the door.

-

I quickly checked myself over in the window to The Diner- yes, very unique- and fixed my hair. My white dress fluttered up by a sudden chilled breeze and I had to blow my loose hair out of my face. A brown clutch purse dangled by my side and a pair of navy blue converse finished off the outfit.

Jack had entwined his fingers with mine as he pulled me to the entrance. I thanked him for a holding the door and found a booth for two by the window I had just used for a mirror on the outside. Jack let go of my hand and grabbed one of the dinner menus, handing one to me.

"Thanks again, Jack. This is a great diner. How did you know about it?" I asked, deciding on a a plate of chicken Alfredo. We ordered our drinks and the waitress left again.

Jack shrugged. "I came here a lot as a kid, but it was closed for a while when the owners went to Greece to see family. When I thought of a date with you, I thought of a place like this." He smirked.

I smiled and hid behind the menu before dropping it. The waitress soon came back with my water and Jack's soda. I read her name tag; Susan. "Can I take your orders?" She had a country accent.

Jack nodded. "Yes, I would like the fish and chips and a side order of gravy. My date would like your chicken Alfredo."

Susan finished writing the order and took off.

"So, how is cheer going?" Jack asked after a long awkward silence.

I slid the menus to the front of the table for Susan to pick up. "It's fine. Siena is getting stressed about the whole regionals thing, especially now that it's in almost two weeks."

"Oh, they moved the date? Yeah, Blair..." Jack's voice trailed off. "Right, I probably shouldn't talk about my ex when we're on our first date."

I glanced at my fingers tapping the table. "Your ex? I thought you said you two weren't together?"

Jack bit his lip. "Well, yeah, I mean, no. We weren't technically, but I guess it just kinda came out."

"Oh." Was all that I said.

There wasn't anymore talking until the food came and we both brightened; now we would have an excuse not to talk without it being awkward.

Jack had finished his meal before me, so he ordered us a chocolate peanut butter pie to share.

"Oh," I said when the pie came.

"What?" Jack asked, giving my empty plate to Susan.

I shrugged. "Oh nothing, it's just, I guess you didn't remember I was allergic to peanuts." Jack was about to apologize, but I cut him off. "No, it's fine you can have it."

He paid for the both of us and we headed to his car to drive home.

-

Jack pulled up by my house. I was surprised when he got out with me and led me to the door.

By now, it was dark and the first few stars were beginning to poke between the clouds. There was about a half a moon, plenty of light to see Jack reach for my hand, and I didn't resist.

I pulled out my keys and fumbled with them until they fit into the lock. I was about to open the door and invite Jack in, but he put a hand on my shoulder.

"Jenn."

I turned around to feel him closing the space between us, and soon I felt his warm lips on mine. I cursed as I realized I didn't have any lip chap on. My thoughts quickly drifted from that as I remembered what was happening- Jack was kissing me! And very well, I must say.

Almost eight seconds later he pulled away, which I hated, so of coarse, awkward me, puts my hands around his neck and pulls him back in. At first he was surprised, but then relaxed and did the same thing as three seconds before.

This one was longer and I wasn't as taken off guard, so it was probably better too. When we both stepped back and smiled, Jack turned away and I opened the door.

He had just made the night a lot better.

-

The school bell rang for classes to start. I had just changed out of my cheer uniform and the football guys had finished practice. I was making my way to my locker, past the boys change room and heard voices, one being Jack's.

"Yeah, I had a date with her last night." He was probably talking about me.

I couldn't distinguish the second voice. "I thought you were dating Blair?"

"Well, Jenn has money, lots of it. Her dad owns Sport Tech! If I get close, there's more of a chance of me benefitting from it. I just need to make friends with her dad."

I leaned against the wall. I didn't just hear what I think I heard. My mind must be playing tricks. Jack probably isn't even in there.

Just as I finished the door swung open and I hid in one of the door ways to a classroom. Jack sauntered out behind some guy I didn't know.

A tear slowly slid down one of my cheeks. Jack only wanted to date me because of that stupid lie I told!

I sprinted for the door, passing Siena on my way out. "The regionals is on the 17th!" She called.

I ignored her and headed for home.

-

Surprisingly, when I got home, my parents were already in the kitchen even though they shouldn't be home from work until supper. They were looking at some papers.

"Jenn," Clyde stepped from the table. "We're moving on the 14th."

I gasped, remembering something. "No! No, Dad, we can't. That's three days before regionals!"

....

So, that was why the regionals date was so important. How about Jack? That was so mean of him! Anyway, thanks for reading and keep it up!