Hearts Aglow

Chapter Five

Not Alone

   My life seems to be working its self out. School is normal again with the exception of Miranda and Haley. Now were closer than we have ever been. Its weird though, spending ever day with Miranda too. Anyway everything has been better.

   Its only half way through the school day and again everything is normal. Its Friday so everyone is excited for the weekend. Haley and I walk through the halls on our way to math. My favorite class. Well except this week. Jackson has been gone since i saw him Monday.

   The late bell rings and Haley looks at me. We start to laugh and run to class. We burst through the door and Mrs. Wallis stares at Haley then looks at me and her expression turns soft. "Late again?" She says exasperated. "Sorry." We say in harmony. Everyone including us and Mrs. Wallis giggle. Haley and I go to our seats.

   I notice that Jackson is back in front of me and I tap his shoulder with the tip of my pencil. He turns around looks at me for a secound and smiles. "Hey." He says, his eyes locked on mine. "Where have you been?" I ask warmly. His smile falls and he looks at me like he is scared or maby sad. "I um was busy." He blurts out and quickly turns around.

   That was weird, I think to myself. I get out my homework and start correcting it. The class drones on and we take notes and get a new assignment, the usual. Finally the bell rings to let us out. I make my way out to the hall. I just step out the door when I feel a tug at my arm. I'm yanked behind the door near some water foutians.

   Jackson looks at me then looks around to see if anyone is listening. "What's going on?" I ask. He ignores my question and leans in close to my ear. "Meet me here in this spot after the last bell rings, before they call for buses." He whispers in a rushed tone. "Um okay but what's going." I'm cut off by the bell. "Got to go." He says then runs off.

   I run to science which thankfully is down this hall. I run into the room and sit down. I'm not worried though because my teacher is pretty cool. Mr. Schorn looks at me then looks back at his work. I knew I would be fine, I think.

   Haley glares at me. "What did Jackson say, I saw him whispering something to you." She says in a Hushed tone. "Nothing!" I surrender. "He just told me he wants to talk to me." I explain. Haley smiles and starts to hum like she did something she shouldn't have. "What did you do?" I interrogate. "Oh nothing." She says in a high pitch voice.

   She is up to something I know it. "Haley?" I say sternly. "Well I may or may not have told someone you may or may not like them." She says then cringes like she is going to be hit. "You did what?!" I scream. The whole class looks at me. "Um carry on." I say with a light laugh.

   "You did what?!" I whisper in a harsh tone. "Totally Kidding!" She says throwing her arms up. "Then why the "innocent" act?" I ask using air quotes on innocent. "I was just thinking you would be a cute couple." She smiles. "No we wouldn't, I don't have a mark remember?" I say. "I know." She replies as her smile falls.

   "I don't need a soul mate to be happy." I say. "I have you and my other friends." On que he face lights up returning her natural smile. "I know but you can be more happy!" She says. We both giggle and get to work. The day drones on and we get to the last class, art. I have always loved art but have never really been good at it. Except for sculpting, which thank goodness is what were doing today.

   We have a free day today which dosent come often. Were allowed to sculp whatever we want. I spend my time working on a previous creation, a dragon. I don't know why but they have always fascinated me. They are free and do anything they want. I'm sculpting the snout when the final bell rings. My heart sinks. Jackson.

   What if he wants to tell me he hates me or something? I start to worry but then my pain eases and I anticipate the moment. Maybe it's like what Haley said. Maybe he likes me. I put all my thoughts aside and walk to the spot where he told me to go. I find him awaiting my arrival.

   "Thank God your here, I thought you might forget." He says with relief. "Of course." I say. "So whats so important? His face grows hard and stern except his amazing eyes which are soft and sad. "I will show you mine if you show me yours." He says putting his hand on his Letterman jacket sleeve, while extending his arm twords me. "What?" I ask. My voice is shaky and scared, but I feel like I can trust him.

  

   I extend my arm slowly and start to peel back the gauze so I can rip it off easier. "Wait, on the count of three." I say. He looks at me and nods. "One." He breaths. "Two." I reply. "Three." We say together as we uncover our wrist.

   I look at his bare wrist. It has no mark. Just.... just like me. I gasp and pull my hands to my mouth. He pulls them down away from my face and brings me into a hug. "I knew I wasn't alone." He whispers. I pull back from his embrace after a short time. "All this time I thought I was the only one." I say with a smile. "How did you know it was me?" I ask while my smile remains. I cant seem to stop smiling.

   "I knew someone here was diffrent and you were always special to me so I had a gut feeling it was you." He says. He is smiling too. We. walk out of the school and start to go separate ways when he runs back to me. "Kate." He yells. "Katie...don't...tell...anyone." He says between gasp. Something inside of me, some emotion takes over and I lean in and kiss him on the cheek. "Don't worry, I wont." I say as a smile takes place of his tired face. I spin on my heels and run back home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N

Hey guys!!! I hope you loved it. This was an exciting chapter. Keep reading I will update Wednesday. Stay beautiful and stay weird!

    ~J.A.L