Jack Kelly x Reader

Chapter Twenty-Six

(y/n)'s POV

I looked around at the yelling, cheering, and singing kids around me.

I hated school dances, they were far too loud, someone always snuck in liquor and spiked the punch, getting me tipsy, the music was bad, and people always took it as an excuse to make out in public.

I had no clue why I came to this dumb thing. Maybe Katherine wanted me to since it was part of the scheme to get Jack to fall in love with me or whatever, but we didn't need a whole dance for that. I was always too private for this stuff.

I felt a tap on my shoulder, turning to see Crutchie. He was signalling for me to follow him, and he started to hobble out of the crowded gym into the hallway. I obviously obeyed and followed not far behind, taking a deep breath in relief when we were out of the dark gym and bathed in the harsh, fluorescent light of school hallway.

"You looked a little overwhelmed, you okay?" He asked once everything was quiet and he'd given me a couple seconds to breathe.

"Yeah, I just hate school dances. And crowds. And loud places. This is really not my scene," I joked uncomfortably.

"Then why's you even here?" He asked, leaning in with his signature wide smile.

"Because, Crutch, all our friends were coming and Kath wanted me to join, and Jack asked me to be his friend-date. Plus, I'd kinda forgotten how bad I get with crowds," I explained, and he nodded along. He smiled, the lights making his silver, glittery suit sparkle brightly.

"Well then, what about I grab a couple'a our friends and we can hang out here? Or you an' I could go crash a 7/11." He offered sweetly. I shrugged.

"You can just get Jack or Kath or someone, I don't wanna bother anyone else," I told him, and he grinned, pulling me into a hug (which was awkward with his crutch but nevertheless he still gave the best hugs).

"I'll be back." He said before making his way back into the crowded gym. I shrugged, sitting down criss-cross applesauce on the dusty floor. It was fine because I was wearing slacks, not a dress, anyway.

I listened to the music that was softened by the distance from the DJ and the walls in between us, smiling softly as Love Story by Taylor Swift came on. Cliche.

I sat there, staring at a wall for a minute before I heard footsteps in the hall. I didn't bother to look, since I couldn't hear the distinct sound of the crutch. That was, until someone stopped in front of me and held out a tanned hand, and a slow pan upwards revealed it was Jack in all his attractive glory, hair messed up from running his fingers through it.

"Crutchie told me you weren't havin' a good time, what's that about?" He asked softly. I took his hand and he helped me up, apparently tugging my body too hard since now I was pressed right up against his chest, looking up into his green eyes.

"Yeah, I don't like dances much," I explained half heartedly, distracted by this... look on his face. I couldn't read it, but I knew that him looking at me like that made me feel like the only other person in the universe.

"Well then, how 'bout we go drive somewhere and hang out there? I was bored here anyway. Plus, you are my date." He shrugged, not taking a step back yet. The cheeky grin on his face made me feel all warm and fuzzy, so I couldn't resist his offer.

I nodded wordlessly, realizing that our hands were still entwined when he used his to drag me down the hallway and out of the school.

"Where exactly are we going?" I finally found my voice after he dragged me to the passenger seat of his car and started to go around to the driver's side. He opened the door and climbed in, prompting me to do the same.