With Heart and Mind

Chapter 8

I came to understand Jade's sudden walk out when she told me the sad story of her best friend whom she considered a sister. It has never occurred to me that she was going through a situation and deal with it everyday. True, she isn't an open book and a bit shy but she always had that radiant smile to people who are part of her everyday, like Ellie and I could consider myself lucky that I get to see that smile too, even if I'm not her everyday social dealing. All this make me admire her even so. Only a strong minded person would be able to carry it upon their shoulder and still overcomes each day. She told me about the accident and to how severely damaged Jesy was and to how Jade had to care for her since then. I know how it feels to have someone dependent under my roof, considering I have Ellie, but Jade's struggle is a lot notches up above my own, but still she manages to be that admirable and loving teacher that my cousin so speaks about. Whenever I ask Ellie how her day was, all if not much of what I hear is "Teacher Jade was so nice again today." followed by all the good things she learns from Jade and all the love that she shows to her kids in her room. And I could attest to it that she is not only a wonderful kids' teacher but also a wonderful person out of her career. When we talk, she is never into nonsense.  I admire how intelligent she actually is. If I may say, she could teach more than just arts. She could go into linguistics and math, which have been our common turf every time we speak. But even in her superior intellect, she stays humble and listens to opinion, sometimes giving me an argument to think of and most times I come to realize how better her idea is. She's also very respectful that she thought that her running off yesterday has offended me to a maximum, which actually was not. It was just puzzling.

And more, she is a keeper of her word. She remembered telling me over phone last night that she would explain today. These qualities make me like her even more.

She told me that her art student called in sick today and so she is once again free after school. I had a little doubt she would be staying out though, after her telling of Jesy and how she has to be taking care of her. But she surprised me by asking me instead.

"There is this coffee shop I had wanted to go to lately. Would you want to join me?"

And out of the surprise, I felt like my tongue was rendered out of function, breath knocked out my chest again. All I could do was nod with my eyes probably bigger than dishes.

And to make me swoon further, she just had to smile and giggle. "You look funny like that." snapping her fingers before my suddenly unmoving state.

"I just did not expect you to want to go out with...us to somewhere not school related, you know." 

"I thought you'd like what they have there too. Ellie too. You think?"

I could not find any answer. Maybe because I was staring at her angelic face or that I was once again in a spell out of her sweet voice. Or maybe I wasn't listening well enough because of the jumping in my chest brought by her asking to go for coffee. Even though it seems nothing more than a friend asking a friend, it meant a lot to me.

So here we are at the coffee shop and I could immediately tell why she always chose this one: they featured some of well-known and sought- after artworks, some coming from London galleries and one specific oil painting that i once saw in the Laing. She noted that one day her little studio will produce some of those artworks put up for great prices and originality although her style is Annie Swynnerton-ic, much like her self portrait hanging in my bedroom.We kept talking about how much we both appreciate these artworks. Whenever she talks of all the colors and strokes, there is this light in her eyes that you would not guess she is going through a tough time with her sister. With that said, we went on talking and discussing until our coffee, though she had tea for herself, had gone warm to cold enough for us to not want to drink any of it anymore, thus ordering a refill of fresh brew.

We were just about to leave the shop, Jade had walked ahead since I had to stop by a decently dressed elderly man who happened to trip on his own cane, and I could not find it in me to just pass him by while he struggled to get up; when a guy came over to her in a fake arrogance, grinning at her.

"Hey pretty. Could you be for daddy tonight?"He rasped out trying to look cool. I don't like that kind of attitude, more so that I can sense how annoyed Jade was getting.

She sighed, I think after gathering up the courage to stand up to the man, and casually answered, "No" and this made other people in the shop sniggering.

He looked around, red faced, "Who says no to a gorgeous guy like me." He threw his hands up, walking closer to her petite figure, casting his shadow over her. Now there seemed to be a little panic in her eyes, but she did not step back, instead she stood her ground, looking up at her chin raised, showing just how courageous she is.

After helping the old man up and seated on one of the tables, I courteously excused myself and strode towards Jade, not even thinking twice, wrapping my arm around her waist, stunning them both, although Jade nodded acknowledging me. I whispered to her, "I got you."

"Need anything?" with a brow raised, I asked the guy who stupidly and annoyingly still stood there.

"You don't fit. I know she's just one of those teachers whose part time is my past time." He grinned.

That angered me for real. I threw a fist across his face causing him to stumble back with a nose now bruised and bleeding. He looked at me then to the man I had helped earlier. And I felt Jade stiffen beside me.

The old man chuckled at him, and I was ready to hold him down if he ever plans to hit that old guy.

"Excuse the manners of my son. Too much for arrogance." He scoffed.

I nodded at the old man, he returned an apologetic smile as he ordered another man by him, "Please go get your brother. Hope he's learned a lesson."

With one last glare at the arrogant son, I led Jade out of the scene.

I noticed how quiet she was as I got into the driver seat beside her. Still in shock?

"I'm sorry for causing a scene." I started. "I could not think of another way to drive him off."

She shook her head. "It's fine."

"I just hate seeing anyone disrespect you...or even trying to flirt with you." I added.

She looked at me. "What if I liked him?"

Bewildered, I asked, "You did?"

I cursed myself internally. Now she's going to hate me. Waiting for her answer made my heart beat a thousand beats faster.

"No," then she giggled. "But the look of embarrassment in his face at falling with one punch? Epic!"

I really love listening to that giggle. I could live and die and live again if that's the only sound I'll ever listen to.

"He deserved it. He was annoying you, I sensed." I told her.

"And I'm not into guys." She looked up at me through her beautiful lashes. Is she giving me signals?

I would have admitted my feelings for her right there and then but she finished her sentence.

"Or any intimacy at all."

I just nodded not wanting her to see the disappointment in my eyes.

"Which direction to your place then? I'd like to drive you home.' I shifted the topic and started the engine, not risking a look as she might catch me. I started to doubt just now that I'd ever have a chance with her. Maybe this friendship we have now is just as good as it is, and I'd rather keep it than lose her for hoping too high.