Stuck on You, 16: Settled
Andrew Jackson.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Good morning, sweetheart.” she greeted me as I bent down to kiss her on the cheek, and she returned with a tired smile.
She looked pretty amazing, as always; her hair was tied into a neat bun, she’s not wearing any makeup to look beautiful: because she doesn’t have to.
Despite all her attempts to put on a relaxed face, I could see that she’s tired. I immediately thought of Dad, wondering what he’s done to upset Mom again.
But then again, it might not be Dad this time. Even though I really wanted to know why Mom’s upset(even though she didn’t have to tell me why, I just know, I mean that is a son’s job, right?), I just played along.
“What’s for breakfast?” I asked as I took my seat beside her.
Mom gave me a small smile, “Romilda can get anything you want: pancakes, waffles, cereal, croissants…” she trailed of. “What would you like?”
I thought about it and, “Waffles.”
Mom returned me with another smile, “With vanilla ice cream, I’m guessing?”
I nodded, and smiled at how much my Mom knows me so well.
“Romilda,” My Mom called out, “Waffles for Andrew, please, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top…”
***
It’s weird on how much I’m always looking forward to school. And looking forward to my Math classes. And tutoring every afternoon.
And all those three things have in common is that it involves Jenny.
Realizing what I’m thinking, I shook my head and headed towards my locker.
***
When I cracked my code and opened my locker, I felt someone tap on my shoulder.
I turned around to face Jessica Peters, the “most popular girl” in school.
“Hi, Andrew.” she smiled angelically.
“Hey.” I replied as I shut my locker close, “What’s up?”
She smiled, “I was wondering… since you’re really good at Math and all…” I raised an eyebrow and waited for her to continue. “… would you like to tutor me? Like, after school, or something?” she smiled.
“Oh.” I scratch my head and said, “Sorry, Jess. Thing is, I’d really love to—” not, “— but I have things to do after school.”
“Oh.” she said, disappointed, “What are you doing?”
I shrugged, “Tutoring thing going on. Mrs. Ryan assigned me and Jenny to help out the kids down at Brooklyn Primary School with their Math problem.”
“Jenny?” she asked in disbelief, “As in, Jenny Shay? Jennifer Shay?” she asked through her gritted teeth.
I nodded.
“Oh.” she said, her demon looking face then shifted into an angelic one when she said, “Well, okay then. Since you’re busy and all that, what about Saturday?” I started to protest but she cut me off by saying, “Please? I promise I won’t take much of your time. Once we’re done, you can leave, promise.”
I looked at her pleading eyes, and sighed in defeat. “Alright, then.”
“Yay!” She clapped both her hands and squealed, “Thank you! I’ll text you up, okay?”
She literally skipped away before I could have the chance to answer.
I sighed and looked at my watch. It read 8.45am. I still had 15 minutes left before classes start.
I made my way to History class. Before I could do so, I heard a familiar voice say, “What’s with you?”
I turned around to face Jenny, her long sandy blonde hair was hanging lose, passing her shoulders, her sea blue eyes made her look beautiful and her smile was—
I shook my head and snapped myself back into reality, “A simple ‘Hi’ or ‘Hello’ or ‘Hey’ would be nice, you know.”
She smiled and rolled her eyes, “Aren’t you going to answer my question?”
I couldn’t help myself but I tried not to smile. “I’m fine.”
“You don’t seem fine.” she pointed out. “Well, didn’t. Whatever.”
I shrugged, “Just a bit tired, I guess.”
“Gee, how convincing.” She said sarcastically.
“Well what can I say?” I shrugged, “I’m a pretty convincing guy.”
“Nah, I think it’s the hair.” she clucked her tongue out.
“Ha, I know right.” I said, “It never fails to impress the ladies.” I winked.
She scoffed, “Please, I bet I’m the only one who hasn’t been under your oh-so charming spell.”
I raised an eyebrow, “Really.”
“Uhuh.”
“What about yesterday?” I asked, recalling what happened yesterday.
She stopped talking, I could see her putting on a face. I tried not to laugh, not because she looked funny, instead, she looked adorable.
“Nope, can’t remember.”
“You said you were impressed with me.”
Her jaw dropped, “Did I say that?”
“Uhuh.” I said, can’t help but feel a bit disappointed.
“Oh! What I meant was you’re annoying. That’s all.” she put an innocent face on.
I smiled, “Whatever. Listen, you wanna come with me later?”
“Where to?” she asked, her face confused. “You kidnapping me again?”
“Why, yes, Jennifer Shay, I am going to kidnap you. I’m going to kidnap you and I’m going bring you to Paris, France, and get you anything you want, bring you on top of the Eiffel Tower.”
Except, I didn’t say that. Instead I said, “Uhuh. I’m gonna kidnap you then bring you to a deserted place in the woods and make you my servant.” I said sarcastically.
She gasped, and played along, “You wouldn’t.”
“You don’t know what I’m capable of, Shay.”
“Hmm.” she said, “I think it is the hair.”
I smiled, “Silly girl, we have tutoring to do, remember?”
“Oh!” she said, “Right.”
“So, whattayya say?” I asked.
“What?”
“You wanna come with me or not?”
“Will you be driving?” she asked.
“Yeah. Why?” I said, “Is there something wrong? I mean, other than the fact that I am amazing at driving?”
She scoffed, “Please.”
I smiled, “Then…?”
“Well—”
“Then it’s settled.” I said as the bell rang. Boy, did I lose track of time or what? “See you at 3, Shay.” I said before leaving her speechless as I headed towards my History class.
