Backstage: Third Time's the Charm

Jax Gardner

Jax Gardner
Grade 11
Music Program

I poked my head inside the Keaton Kable's office. "Tyler, is Sasha here?"

A dark-skinned boy with a shaved head looked up from his desk. "He's not. He's usually in the quad working on his articles."

"Thanks."

"Hey, Jax." Tyler stood, and walked to the door. "Thanks again for getting Sasha on our team. He's been a great addition."

"No problem. Sasha really likes it. And he's a good writer too."

I made my way to the quad, and found Sasha typing away on his laptop.

"I need your help." I straddled the picnic bench.

Sasha looked up, and pushed his glasses up on his nose. "Sure, duckling."

"So, this girl I'm friends with, Bianca? She's getting pretty tight with Austin."

"Austin Taylor? Keaton's biggest player?" Sasha closed his laptop, and turned his full attention on me.

I squirmed uncomfortably. "I'd prefer this to be 'off the record'."

"Yeah, sure," he said dismissively.

"I just thought, maybe if you can find some dirt on him. You know, without dragging Bianca into it, then maybe she won't get hurt."

"I've already broken Austin up with one girlfriend," he said. "I don't know if I want to go through that a second time."

"1. They aren't dating...yet. 2. Do I get to hear that story?"

He flinched. "Actually, he's my girlfriend's ex."

My eyes widened. "Woah! That's who you broke up?"

Sasha sighed. "I have a question: do you have feelings for Bianca? Because if this is because of jealousy, I can't do it buddy."

I leaned back, and shook my head. "Bianca's my ex. One time, I thought I loved her. And I do. But we're just friends. I'm happy with my girlfriend, Kit. I'm not the only one who's concerned. She's pulled away from all her friends."

Sasha looked at me gravely. "I'll see what I can do. But no promises."

I looked at my phone and saw two texts from Kit, and a reminder to meet with the school counselor.

"I gotta go," I said. "But thanks for the help."

***************

"Do you often find yourself thinking about murder?" The counselor asked.

"No more than the average teenage boy," I joked.

She stared at me sternly over the top of her glasses. "I can assure you, Mr. Gardner. This is no laughing matter. I would like very much to clear you, but if I cannot, Principal Durani may have to expel you from Keaton."

I swallowed hard. "I understand. Sorry. I don't think about hurting people. I was just reacting to my girlfriend being assaulted."

"You must understand the gravity of your words?"

"Sure." I squirmed in the squishy seat. "I messed up. But I'm not going to let it happen again."

"No," she said. "I'm here to make sure of that."

The next grueling half hour passed exceedingly slow. I wasn't a violent person. I didn't need therapy.

I glanced at my phone as I left the counselor's office.

Kit: aren't you friends with Sasha Roy?

Jax: yeah, why?

Kit: I'm friends with his girlfriend!

Jax: ok?

Kit: we should go on a double date

I snorted, and smiled to myself. Kit was amazing, and I loved her.

Oooh double date! Things are getting a little tense between the groups. Can Sasha find dirt on Austin? Does Jax still have feelings for Bianca?