Oxford Boys

17. talking

I'm surprised Jake isn't pestering me, one single time during class. It's the first time this week my whole attention is settled on what we are being taught right now. We are talking about the basics of a novel and we are asked to write a short novel to whichever theme we want, perhaps based on our own life experience or what ever we want, writing it throughout the whole period until Christmas break. Our works need to be handed in before that time.

My thoughts are now already circling on the theme I could use, to be honest I have no idea. There's so much I could but nothing I want to write about.

I mean it's just a novel right? A novel is usually just a story without a real background. I guess it's just supposed to make it easier writing about something we have experienced for real. And a novel you can adjust in any way you want.

I am still lost in thoughts while walking out of class. Jake makes me jump when he calls loudly after me.

"For heaven's sake Jake, do you have to give me the shock of my life?", my breath hitches from the little shock.

He stifles a laugh as he sees my reaction. "Sorry I just thought you were forgetting our homework. Didn't want to make you jump. Where the hell were your thoughts?"

"Well not with you."

"Ouch.", he sighs.

"Sorry, was too focused on the theme for the novel."

"You do realize we have like eleven week's time?" Amusement lacing his tone.

"You do realize, a novel has more than one page?"

He chuckles again, god I wish he would stop those chuckles, they get my head spinning. It's also weird we are almost talking normal with each other.

"Fair enough. Look I know you don't want to spend time alone with me, but that coffee in the library was terrible and I think the others around us weren't too pleased about the part when we were working things out together."

Admitted I saw those faces too, or heard them shushing us. I take a deep, breath.

"Ok, so what do you suggest?"

"If you want it's only about the homework. We could go to one of our apartments and just keep up our work."

"Doubt Emi would be too happy to see you at our apartment, so fine we'll go to yours." Damn not what I wanted, but I won't pick a fight on him now. Just need to get this done.

"Great, I have far better coffee there too. We could grab something to eat on our way if you like."

"Fine, as I need to work later on guess it would give me a little more time. Then I just need to get changed quickly for work."

"Why do you need to change for work?", he gives me a confused look.

"Come on, I know you checked me out today like every single time", he shrugs as if it was no big deal and still has no idea what I am on about. "Honestly Jake, even you should be clever enough to realize I can't wear a Fuck Off, shirt at work."

He doesn't even realize I put this shirt on today while thinking about him.

"Why not? Might keep some guys off of your back."

"Serious? That's my job Jake, doubt Jimmy would be happy if I turn up with that attitude. Gosh it's just a friendly word here and there or a wink. It's not like anyone is getting pushy or touching me."

"In their minds they are."

"Well I can't help what goes on in peoples minds."

"I didn't have it off with those two, you know?", he bursts out.