Along Came Nya (Ninjago fanfic)

Chapter Eight - Work out your feelings

Jay was heading towards the cafeteria at lunch when he spotted Cole talking with Zane and Lloyd in the corridor by Jay's locker.

Jay frowned and decided to stop by to talk to them.

"Hey, why aren't you in the cafeteria? That's where we usually meet." Jay asked.

"There aren't any spare tables. It's raining outside so nobody is eating on the field today." Cole replied.

"Oh."

"So you like Nya, huh?" Lloyd smiled.

Jay raised his head, his eyes wide with surprise. He then realised how he knew and turned to face Cole, who was smirking.

"Who else did you tell?" Jay wondered.

"Just these two." 

"Are you sure?"

"Yep," Cole smiled. "She sat at a table by herself in the cafeteria."

"And you didn't think of sitting there?" Jay exclaimed.

"No. Remember your plan?" Cole asked.

"You're gonna ask her out!" Lloyd jumped up and down with excitement, Zane nodded.

"Come on, guys, really?" Jay rolled his eyes.

Cole placed a hand on Jay's right shoulder and looked him in the eye.

"Go get her." He winked.

Jay smiled, nodded and began fast-walking to the cafeteria.

Nya was sat by herself reading her favourite book as usual. But this time, she didn't look like she was enjoying it as she did before. Jay entered the large hall-like area and looked around at all the tables. It was crowded. 

As soon as he spotted Nya, he headed over to her table and sat opposite her. Nya raised her head from her book.

"Hey, Nya." Jay gave her a sweet smile.

Nya closed her book and put it down on the table in front of her. She sighed.

"You look lonely," Jay stated. "Want some company?"

"Jay I--" Nya began.

"I was wondering if... you know... after school... if you wanted to... uh..." 

I can't do this! I'm too nervous! Jay thought.

"Jay, I can't work on the project tonight. Or any other night either." Nya cut in.

Jay frowned. "I wasn't going to--" 

"My brother has had to head to a town quite for away for business reasons and he's left me and Skylor in charge of the shop. But that means I have to stay off school and look after the shop." Nya explained.

"But can't I come visit?" Jay asked. "I can help out if you want."

"I don't want to bring you into my family's business. Plus, you've probably got better things to do than help me." Nya told him.

"I can still come visit and we can work on the project or--" Jay suggested.

"I can't Jay. I have to focus on my job, okay? Kai has asked me to look after the shop so that is what I'll do. I don't want any visitors unless they are customers." Nya replied.

"But what if I come buy something? Can we hang out then?" Jay wondered.

"No. I don't want you to come to the shop at all. If you want weapons or armour, go somewhere else. I don't need you hanging around." Nya rolled her eyes.

By the door of the cafeteria stood Cole, Lloyd and Zane. They were watching from a distance to see if things were going good or not.

"But we're friends, aren't we?" Jay frowned.

"No, we aren't friends Jay. You're just a distraction." Nya picked up her book and walked away, leaving Jay speechless.

Cole headed over, followed by the other two boys, and sat on the table with Jay.

"Looks like that went well." Zane smiled.

Jay looked at him and shook his head.

"She said no?" Cole frowned.

Jay shook his head again.

"So she said yes?" 

"I didn't get chance to ask. Apparently I'm just a distraction." Jay stated.

"Well at least we got a table out of it." Lloyd joked.

It sucked. Jay really liked Nya but it was obvious that she didn't feel the same way. Plus, Jay wouldn't even get to see her for a while, which hurt even more. Being shut off was way worse than being rejected.

Nya opened the door to the Blacksmith's Shop and spotted Skylor at the counter.

"You missed Kai. He just left." Skylor stated as she finished serving a customer.

Nya shrugged her shoulders and threw her bag at the stairs.

"You told Jay that you can't do the project?" Skylor asked, putting the money into the cash register.

Nya nodded. "Let's just say he didn't take the news very well." 

Skylor smiled.

"If he comes to the shop, kick him out." Nya demanded.

"Why?" Skylor frowned.

"He isn't wanted here, and he knows that." Nya replied.

Skylor raised an eyebrow. "I thought you two were friends."

"We were until he started being ungrateful." Nya crossed her arms.

"Oh wow." 

Jay, Cole, Zane and Lloyd arrived at Cliff Gordon's mansion. 

"This place is massive!" Zane exclaimed as Jay pushed open the doors.

"Take a look around if you want. But my father's bedroom is off limits," Jay told them. "You may be friends but he's still a movie star and he likes his privacy."

Lloyd and Zane both entered the living room whilst Jay and Cole went into the kitchen and sat down at the table.

"So how are the phone calls with your dad going then?" Cole asked out of the blue.

Jay raised his head and looked at Cole with a worried expression.

"Maybe you were right. Maybe he won't change." Jay stated.

"What do you mean I'm right?" Cole frowned.

"He hasn't called me for a few days. Not even a text," Jay replied. "He's too busy to even think about me."

"I doubt that. I'm sure he's just tied up with something. He's probably dying to call you." Cole reassured him.

"But you said--"

"I know what I said and that was selfish of me. He is a good father but he really should be giving you more attention. You're his son for goodness sake!" Cole explained.

"I guess you're right." Jay sighed.

A knock on the kitchen door startled them both. Cole turned his head to see Zane stood in the doorway.

"Come and look what's on the news. I think you'll want to see this."