Flightless Bird

Chapter 29

Jacob's P.O.V

I saw Kerri walk back into school just as I was leaving the lunch hall, and I couldn't help but think of how good she looked. She was with Lexi and Adam; it looked like they were a new group of their own after Kerri and I split, since they were the only ones taking her side. Her hair was hanging down in loose curls either side of her face, which was slightly flushed from cold. They were all laughing about some private thing, no doubt, and I couldn't stop the knot forming in my stomach when I saw how Adam had both his arms around the girls. And how Kerri had an arm looped around his waist. I waited for a chance to get her alone, and was amazed to see that shortly after they came in Adam walked off into the lunch hall, leaving the girls. He walked past me, giving me an odd look when he saw me staring at the girls, but I didn't say anything; not inviting a conversation. The girls started to walk off upstairs, but then Kerri seemed to realise something. They talked for a second on the stairs, and then Lexi carried on while Kerri turned back and ran out of the building. I waited until Lexi was out of view before following.

Kerri walked briskly down the slope from the house, towards the stables. I was guessing they had all gone riding, because I know that I had never taken her after I promised I would. Kerri soon got there, opening the wooden door and releasing a warm steam into the air briefly before she shut it again. It was so quiet out here that I could hear her inside; talking to herself and the horses. I knew she was probably in a world of her own, so I ventured into the stables to observe her. I liked watching her, ever since I first saw her. The way her hair brought her eyes out, and her lips stood out pink and plump against her skin which was so pale, and soft. When I entered she was in June's stall, and from what I could hear she was opening the feed bucket. I had to think of a way to talk to her, otherwise I would never get up the courage to get her back. I needed her back; she made me happier. And more popular than ever.

I decided to go back outside and then come back in so she wouldn't know I had followed her. I stepped out, then entered again loudly.

"Hey July!" I smiled, opening July's stall and getting her feed bucket ready. I knew Kerri had seen me, since she was no longer making noise; only shuffling about in the stall next to me. I decided to go and fill July's water tank, which was on the wall that divided her and her sisters' stalls. It was a low wall, so as soon as I walked over I knew if I looked up I would be able to see Kerri. I went over with my head down though, waiting until I had gotten up the nerve. I cleared the muck from the bottom of the tank, then turned on the tap to pour new water in. It was then that I looked up, straight into a pair of startled brown eyes.

"Kerri."

"Jacob."

"What are you doing down here?" I asked, trying to get a conversation going. She looked scared, but answered anyway,

"I forgot my scarf. Lexi, Adam and I were out riding earlier and I put my scarf on the saddle, but then I left it. I came back to get it, and then decided to get June some feed..." she told me, trailing off self-conciously.

"I just came down to see one of my favourite girls," I told her, stroking July, but looking directly at her. She paled, and looked away.

"Kerri, I just-"

"I have to go Jacob," she said distractedly, finishing the last scoop of feed into June's trough before shutting the door quickly and almost running out. I shut off the tap as fast as I could and took chase. Bursting out of the stables, I saw she was only a few metres ahead.

"Kerri! Stop!" I cried, pushing forwards and launching myself in front of her.

"Jacob, what are you doing?" she asked, shrieking as I appeared before her.

"I need you to listen to me," I said, my breath coming fast and heavy. She looked unsure, but the fear that was plain on her face won out and she didn't move.

"I still love you."

"What?"

"I love you!" I cried.

"But...after what I did? I thought you hated me?"

"The reason I was so mad was because I hated the thought of you with him, and then I realised, if I don't want you with him, then I have to keep you," I told her with a smile. She twisted her fingers together, before asking,

"Really?" I nodded.

"Jacob, I'm so sorry, I-"

I shushed her by planting my lips on hers, encircling her in my arms, our breathing mingled. She was hesistant, but I didn't let her go, and then she allowed herself into it. She twined her arms around my neck, and I knew she was mine again. Charlie had lost, and I would not lose Kerri again.