The War Within

Chapter 7

Chapter Seven

I slammed my locker shut. It was now Thursday morning and my mind was in complete disarray. I skipped out on doing my homework the night before and was just remembering it now. One of the assignments was worth quite a bit of points too - if I was remembering correctly. I had also failed to respond to my English group about meeting to work on our project after school today. I did not particularly want to meet with any of them and I was going to see them all in our English class today. They would probably ask about it then…

I could always tell them that my phone died so I never got the message, I thought as I ran a hand through my hair in aggravation.  Or I could say that I lost my phone - that way they won’t be able to get a hold of me…

I turned away from my locker as the bell announced that it was time to go to first period. A flash of red caught my eye as it made its way over to me. Rachel stood in front of me wearing another one of her short red dresses that showed off her long legs and perfect curves. I tried not to be obvious about my staring but it got harder the closer she came.

“Hey, Jacob.” She smiled silkily at me as she brushed my cheek with her left hand. “Were you able to get Leah to come to the party tomorrow night?”

My mind reeled as I tried to recall what she was talking about. It was very difficult when she was touching my cheek the way she was. “Uh… yeah. She’ll come with me.”

“Oh, I am so happy. Jacob, you have truly made my day.” She grinned and then pulled my head down and kissed me right on the same cheek she had been touching.

“I knew I could count on you.” She whispered into my ear. Before I could say anything she stroked my lips with her fingertips and said, “I’ll see you tomorrow then. Make sure she comes in with you. I have to talk to her.”

My heart hammered in my chest as I watched her go. How could she have reduced me to a crust of bread with a simple touch?   

“It’s because you love her.” Nekama told me as if he knew everything.

I do? I didn’t even realize it. Is this what love feels like? It doesn’t make much sense… It feels really weird.  

“Love doesn’t make sense. Get over it. Now go on, off to first period. Or you could ditch.” he smirked at the idea.

Thinking about it, I rather liked the idea of ditching today… I smirked.

“If you want to ditch, then ditch. No one is stopping you.” For once, I fully agreed with Nekama without question.

I’ll just wait in my car until English is over, I thought as I slipped out to my car before I could be stopped by the school security guards.

Now what? I thought as I sat comfortably in the driver’s seat of my car. A small yawn escaped my lips despite my efforts to suppress it. I had not been getting enough sleep lately. In fact, I could not remember the last time I had had a decent night’s sleep.

“You should take a nap. It could help.” Nekama suggested casually.

I think I will, I replied as another yawn got away. I leaned back in my seat but then thought better of it - I did not want to be seen by any security guards… Carefully, I climbed to the back row of my car and made myself comfortable enough to fall asleep. I allowed my eyelids to drift shut and before I knew it sleep overtook me.

I was thirteen years old again.

A large boy was standing over me with a frightful gloating look on his face. I was pressed up against the lockers with no hope of escaping from his strong grip. Of course there were no teachers or students around to come to my rescue.