Pride

Chapter 15- Jordan

I'd thought that the pattern Chase and I had developed for working during lunch hour would be destroyed as soon as we had to do something non-physical, outside of school. But it hasn't. It almost seems like we're getting onto better terms, now. Like we're not ignoring each other constantly anymore, but we're not fighting. I can't say I'm upset about it.

Also, he seems to notice how exhausted I am from all of the waking up early and doing a bunch of strenuous stuff throughout the day (plus, last night I lost a lot of sleep thinking about his reaction when I tried to take the X-Acto knife from him). Surprisingly, he's not a horrible person about it. He took the more difficult part of our lunch tasks, actually, and then suggested that I take naps so I can not be exhausted. He said it was because we work together, but he looked like he might actually be a little bit concerned. Which is weird, but not unpleasant.

By the end of the school day, I feel and probably look like a zombie. Nate tells me this, and I respond with a glare that has no real effort behind it. When he starts in a different direction than the nearest exit, I groan and stop walking.

"Where are you going?"

"We have to go talk to Levi and Chase."

"About what?" I whine.

"When you and Chase are going to get together for all of the stuff you have to do for the pancake breakfast."

I groan again, but I'm too tired to fight as he drags me along until we get to Levi and Chase's lockers.

"Levi," he greets.

"Hey, Nate. Jordan looks like he's about to fall over."

"I feel like death," I inform him. Chase smirks a bit.

"You should take a nap today, so you don't get run over tomorrow during the GSA car wash."

"That would probably be good," I agree.

"So, what time would work to start on stuff for the pancake breakfast?" Levi interrupts.

"Sunday?" Nate suggests, and I groan.

"Please no. Let me sleep on Sunday."

"How about after practice?" Chase says. "We could start around five, six o'clock."

Everyone seems to agree, and I give Chase a grateful look for suggesting something that doesn't involve me waking up before noon. He gives me a small (smirky) smile in response.

"Aw, look at them getting along," Nate says to Levi, grinning.

"How miraculously adorable. I'm so proud of them," Levi says, smirking. "So, whose house?"

"Not mine," I say immediately, because I still don't know if I want Chase inside my house. I feel like then he'd know too much about me, and I want to protect my personal life from basically everyone at school. Nate looks like he might be about to offer, before Chase shrugs.

"My place could work. I'll have to check, but it should be fine."

"Alright, find out by tomorrow," Levi says, then looks at Nate. "Are you coming to the car wash?"

He smirks a little. "I may or may not have to get my parents' car washed."

"So he'll be there," I tell Levi. "Can we go now?"

Levi gives me a slightly concerned look. "Yeah. I agree with Chase, though- try and get some sleep, okay?"

"That's the plan," I mumble, forcing my eyes back open after letting them drift shut.

"Alright, let's go before you fall asleep," Nate says, and we leave.

As soon as I get home, I collapse on the couch, and then I can't make myself get back up. Soon enough, I'm (miraculously) asleep.