I Never Knew

Chapter 5

(Jay's POV; song for this chapter: "I Want It That Way" by the Backstreet Boys)

This was a stupid idea. I don't know that I can do a fake relationship with Nya; it just makes me realize what we might have. Then again, this might be my only chance to ever show her what a great boyfriend I could be. It's times like this I really wish my mom was around. She'd know what to do. Then again, maybe I do have her around...just through music.

"Yeah, oh yeah,

You are my fire,

The one desire.

Believe me when I say,

'I want it that way.'

But we are two worlds apart.

Can't reach to your heart

When you say

That I want it that way."

I mean, at least the song describes my feelings.

Right now, I'm waiting for Nya to get out of class so we can walk to lunch together. Cole is giving me an odd look.

"So, you and Nya, huh?" he asks.

I swallow. I've never been good at lying, especially to my best friend. "Yup."

"How'd you finally get the guts to ask her out?"

"I didn't," I say, glad for a chance to finally tell the truth. "She asked me."

He raises his eyebrows. "Hasn't she always been into Lloyd?"

I shrug nervously. "They're best friends. It doesn't mean she likes him." I cough. "I mean, she obviously doesn't like him. She's dating me."

"Uh-huh. Spill."

I sigh. "Fine. Nya needs me to be her fake boyfriend so Kai will let her hang out with Lloyd."

He blinks. "Okay. That's a lot to take in."

"I know," I moan. "Imagine me this morning, when out of the blue she says we're dating."

"Tell me why

Ain't nothing but a heartache.

Tell me why

Ain't nothing but a mistake.

Tell me why

I never wanna hear you say

'I want it that way.'"

"But you really like Nya," Cole frowns. "What if you get really hurt when she's done with you?"

"What if this is my only chance?"

"Look, Jay, I just want you to be happy. You should be with someone who really likes you."

"Hey!" I scold him. "Maybe she does really like me."

Cole rolls his eyes.

"Wow, buddy, feeling the love," I grouch.

Just as I'm about to chew him out, the door to the classroom opens. Nya pours out the door, smiling when she sees me. "Hey, Jay. Glad to see you're waiting for me." Then, suddenly noticing Cole's presence, she presses her lips to my cheek in a baby-soft kiss. I will never get used to that.