STUCK

Chapter 3

"Okay, class. Listen up please. I know some of you hate to hear this but you need to complete two projects for English this year. And we are starting one of them tomorrow, so prepare yourselves." Mr. Smith says with a chuckle towards the end.

Everyone in my English class started talking and Mr. Smith slams a book down a desk. "Okay now that you are quiet- oh- Sarah do you have a question?" he asks one of the smartest girls in our school. "Sir is it going to be a group project?" Mr. Smith smiles, "Good question! It is a group project. Since we are an even class, I want everyone to choose one partner. So everyone is going to be in pairs then I'm going to choose two pairs to form a group of four. Make sense?" A lot of "ums" and "uhs" were heard around the room. "Well you'll understand tomorrow when we do it."

Ring.

"Class dismiss." Everyone starts to pile out of the class. I finish packing my backpack and zip it up. "Hey Rachel, do you want to be my partner?" I glance up and see Evan. "Yeah, sure." I say as we walk out. "So what do you have next period?" Evan asks bumping shoulders with me. "I have Band." I answered. "Band? What do you play?" he asks putting his hands in his pockets. "Clarinet. Honestly, I almost choose the tuba." I say with a laugh. "What made you change your mind?" "My dad told me my mom played the clarinet. Its the only thing that connects us I guess." I say in a soft voice. "oh-"

"Rachel! Get your pretty head over here!" I hear Ashley shout across the hallway. "Sorry got to go." I say waving at Evan. "Okay, later." Evan says walking away.

"What's up?" I ask as she grabs my arm. "I talked to Rick and he told me that Jake wants to get back with you." "Why?" I ask grabbing my face with my hand, "would he want to do that?" I finish. "He's obsess with you. I knew from the moment you guys first dated." she shakes her head. "Also Rick said that he hates some guy. He's new or something." She adds as we walk into the band hall.

I didn't want to jump into any conclusions but I'm positive it's Evan. First off, Jake obviously hates Evan just for breathing the same air as him. Second, Evan is new to our school. I don't understand why Jake doesn't like Evan, though. Evan is one of the few nice people  in this school.

"Well, I'm not getting back with him." I say putting my instrument together. "Ha! You think I'd let you? That guy is crazy!" she fums. I start putting my reed on and she continues, "All the shit he made you go through!" "Ashley! Language." Mr. G, our band director, said walking pass us. "Sorry, sir." she said quickly.

I stand grabbing my folder, "Ash, that's why I broke up with him remember?" I say walking out of the locker room into the band hall. "Yes, I know. It's just... every time I see Jake I want to punch him in the face." I shake my head, "Okay, Ash. Just try to hold in your anger; I have first period with him." "What!? Why do you have such bad luck?" "Everyone please take your seats." Mr. G commands. Ash and I separate and I take my seat.

 When Jake and I were together, he wanted to do crazy things that I wasn't comfortable doing. Three months into our relationship he woke me up in the middle of the night. He called me on the phone about three times before I answered.

~

"Rachel!" he exclaimed. "Yeah?" I asked half asleep. "Rachel go outside I'm at the car." "Huh? Why? Jake what happened?" I asked beginning to get scared. "Bring some shoes, hurry?" I fall off my bed and put my shoes on.

"Okay, okay. I'm coming." I whisper and hang up. I quietly walk out of my room without waking my dad.

I step out of my house hugging myself. I see his black car and walk towards it. I step in and he had a crazed look with a huge smile. "What's happening?" I asked rubbing my eyes. "Leave with me." he said grabbing my hands. "Where?" "Away. Does it matter where? Just run away with me I'll take care of you forever."