Starstrucked

Stuck on You, 21: You Don’t Have to Hide.

HI EVERYONE.

Anyway, I’ve updated! Despite the fact that I’m still having my Os exams but whatever, my apologies for the very very very very late update! BUSY YEAR, I SWEAR.

And as usual, if you spot any spelling mistakes/grammar errors, do point it out!

I know it’s not much but I hope you enjoy it!

xoxo

—-

“How’re things holding up?” Andrew asked me as we were walking through the busy streets of Brooklyn.

I pursed my lips and looked down to my feet, knowing what he meant, but pretended that I didn’t. “School’s being a pain the ass as always. Lexa’s fine, I still don’t have a hamster that I wanted since I was 8 and life sucks. Nothing new.”

Andrew rolled his eyes, “Very funny, Shay.” 

I smiled, “I know I am.”

“Seriously,” He said, his face serious this time, “How’s… yknow, your dad and that, Barbie girl?”

I raised an eyebrow up, “You mean, Barbie number 2?” 

Andrew laughed and shook his head, “Yeah.”

“Jessica’s a common name, if you ask me.” I changed the subject.

“So is Jennifer.” He smirked.

I gasped, “You take that back!”

He looked up, thinking, then looked back at me, “No.”

“I hate you.”

“‘Course you do.” He said.

“Uh, yeah, I do.” I said simply, ignoring the butterfly feeling in the pit of my stomach, “Hated you ever since you started your first day at school.”

“Yeah, right.”

“Uh, yeah.” I told him, “You even bullied me!”

“No, I didn’t.” He said, “You were the one who bumped me in the cafeteria!”

I looked at him, deadpan, surprised that he remembered. “Whatever. It was an accident. You didn’t have to be mean.”

“Hey, it was my first day starting school.” He complained, “Give me a break.” 

I laughed, “Seemed like you fit right in.” 

“Not really.” I looked at him as he smiled sadly. 

“Why not?” I asked him.

He was quiet for a few seconds, then finally spoke up. “Nah, it’s nothing.” I wanted to say something but he cut me off, “Come on, I’m hungry. Let’s go to McD.”

“But—”

He put his finger on to my lips. “If you stop talking, I’ll pay for your meal.”

I pouted, but considering his offer. “Fine. That’s one large Coke, an Oreo McFlurry, large fries and a double cheeseburger, ‘kay.”

His eyes widened, “You eat a lot.”

“Says the person who ate a hot dog before we went out!”

He smirked and grabbed my arm, “Come on, Shay. And shut up, okay?”

I rolled my eyes, but smiled, letting whatever I was feeling sink in.

***

“Satisfied?” He smirked.

I nodded slowly, “Yeah… thanks.”

He smiled, looking satisfied himself, “You’re welcome.”

“So,” I said as we headed out of McDonald’s, feeling a gust of wind blow to my face and through my hair, “Where we goin’?”

He shrugged, “What time is it?”

“I thought all rich kids can afford watches.”

He glared at me and said, “Very funny, Shay. Seriously, what time is it?”

I smiled at him innocently, looked at my watch and said, “15 minutes past 7.”

He looked up and said, “Meh, we still have time.”

“Time for what?”

He smirked, “It’s a secret.”

“Oh come on!” I threw my arms up, “What?”

“Jennifer,” He said, “Do you understand by the meaning of, ‘It’s a secret’?”

“No, not really.” I said just to annoy him.

“Jennifer.” He said.

“What?”

“Shut up.”

“Mean.”

“Shut up.”

“I HATE YOU—” But before I could continue ranting and swearing about how annoying he was and how much I loathed him, he covered my mouth with his hand, from the back, while he put his free hand around my shoulder. 

“Jenifer, shut up.” He said once again.

“MMWER ARGHEE GWING!” I shouted, which was meant to be, ‘WHERE ARE WE GOING’ through his hand, but since he covered my mouth… 

“I thought I told you to shut up?” He asked, “Oh and I didn’t quite catch what you said.”

And that was when I bit his hand.

“OH WHAT THE FU—” A few people around us looked at him, confused.

“Andrew,” I said to him in a straight face, “It is rude to swear in front of people.”

“YOU FREAKING BIT MY HAND.” He shouted.

“Well, someone’s PMS-ing.” I smiled.

“THAT’S IT.” He shouted, again, and moved towards me.

I stopped smiling, “Andrew, what do you think you’re doing?”

“Payback.” He smirked slyly as he put his arms around my waist and picked me up.

“OH MY GOD! ANDREW—”

“You better keep quiet, people are staring.” He said simply, managing a straight face on, despite the fact that I was trying to wriggle free from his grasp.

I ignored him, as usual. “PUT ME DOWN, JACKSON!”

“Not until you shut up and settle down, Shay.” He said, carrying me down the street towards an empty alley.

“I HATE YOU!”

“You might have mentioned that, more than once.” He said.

“WELL, I HATE YOU.” 

“Revenge, Shay, is sweet.” He smiled, “And please shut up.” 

“ARE YOU KIDNAPPING ME?”

“Yes.”

“ANDREW!”

“JENNIFER,” He shouted as he put me down, making me face him, looking straight into his eyes, “Please, keep quiet. Gosh, you’re sucha freak. I’m just taking you somewhere, alright?”

And I didn’t talk for a whole five minutes of the walk.

“You’re not talking?” He asked, breaking the silence.

“You told me to shut up.” I replied.

He rolled his eyes and said, “I meant for you to stop screaming.”

I blew out a sigh, “Same thing.” 

“We’re almost there, anyway.”

“Where are we heading off to, exactly?”

“You’ll see.” He said, “Come on, it’s just a few minutes away.” 

Whereever ‘it’ was. 

***

“Where here.”

We were on the side of town in Brooklyn that I haven’t been in.

And apparently, ‘here’ was a kid’s playground. 

It was empty; the swings were moving slowly as a gust of wind blew. The seasaw stayed put, and there were slides, a sandbox and monkeybars, too. 

The view was amazing, eventhough all I could see were houses and lamp posts, but as I looked up the sky, I could see a full moon and stars surrounding it; something I haven’t seen in a very, very long time.

There were a few big houses, there was one big house not far from the playground, and there were only small houses, flats, shops, not much tall buildings and huge shopping centres.  It was a quiet side of Brooklyn and being here was… peaceful.

“What’re you thinking?” Andrew asked.

I looked at him and raised an eyebrow up, as if I saw a hint of sadness in his eyes, “Nothing.”

He smiled, “Nothing as in, ‘I don’t wanna tell you’ nothing or nothing nothing?” 

I scoffed, “Nothing as in, ‘nothing nothing’. Seriously.”

He nodded. 

“It’s… quiet here.”

“Right?” He said as he moved towards the swings. “I found this place when I was walking around the neighborhood.”

“You live around here?” I asked.

“Yep.” He said, “It’s that one.” He pointed towards the big house not far from the playground.

I smiled, “Not surprised.”

“Why?” He asked.

“Nevermind.” I said, hoping he’d let it go.

And he did. 

He sat down on one of the swings, and I joined him.  We were quiet for a few minutes.

“I like being here.” He said, once again, breaking the silence. “It makes me think of nothing.”

I nodded, wondering why he’s telling me this.

“It reminds me of home.” He told me, and that was when I looked at him. 

“London?” I asked.

“Paddington, actually.” He answered, “It’s not as busy as it is here in New York. I mean it is but, where I lived in it was… really quiet and, I don’t know. Different.”

I noded, suddenly flashes of my old house flooded in my mind.

“I miss home.” He kept on talking, “I get home sick at most nights. I miss my old school and my friends, I’d talk to them about this but… it’s just not the same.”

“I know how you feel.” I said, as I remembered every night when I was 8, my parents used to bring me up the balcony of our house and counted how many stars there were in the sky.

“Yeah?” He said, “Well, that’s why I always go here every night. Keeps my mind of things.”

I smiled sadly, “Who knew Andrew Jackson’s this type of person.”

He laughed slowly, “Yeah, well… everyone has their secrets.”

That, I can agree with.

“I like it here.” I told him, “And you’re right, it’s amazing. The view’s amazing, too.” 

“Right?” I could hear excitement in his voice. “You can’t really see this in the city. Too many lights around.”

“That’s what I was thinking!” I said. Andrew smiled.

“Andrew?” 

“Yeah?”

“You know, you can tell me anything, right?”

He gave me a sad smile, “Yeah, sure.”

I couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed, “That sounded sarcastic.”

He laughed, “No, really. And don’t worry, I’ll tell you if anything’s up.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

And after that, we just looked up to the sky, watching the moon and the stars shine in its place. 

Stuck on You, 20: The City is Ours.

Jenny Shay.

“Dad, where are you going?” 

Dad was stuffing a quiche in his mouth and immediately gulped half a glass of orange juice and immediately grabbed his messenger bag. 

A few weeks passed, nothing much changed. Well except the fact that my dad’s been going out a lot lately. Not that I think it’s a good thing. I bet he has been out with that Barbie.

“Work.” He replied. 

“Oh.” I replied, relieved. “Well okay. Take care, then.”

“I will.” He said as he kissed me on the forehead goodbye, “See you later, sweetheart.”

“Bye, Dad”

And the door slammed in response that he left.

***

I stared at the door for a whole minute and then finally retreated to the couch.

With a huge sigh, I thought of what to do the whole day at home.

Homework?

“No.” I replied myself, “Already finished them last night.”

Go for a jog?

I shook my head vigorously, “Hell, no.”

Clean and tidy up the house?

I looked around to conaider this: my eyes scanned the living room, across the kitchen…

“Seems like the place doesn’t really need cleaning or tidying up.”

Call Alexa and watch a movie together?

“That… is a great idea!” I hurriedly grabbed the house phone and pressed a few numbers.

Once it came to the third ring, someone answered.

“Hello? Lexa?”

“Not Lexa!” A small voice said. “It is I, Zeus!”

I rolled my eyes and smiled, “Joseph, hi there, buddy. Where’s your sister?”

At the end of the phone, Joseph, Lexa’s little brother, giggled. “She’s watching Pokémon again.”

I laughed, “As always.”

Joseph giggled, “I’ll go call her.”

“That’d be nice. Thanks Joseph.”

“You’re welcome.” And then i heard a, “LEXA! JENNY’S ON THE PHONE! I TOLD HER YOU WERE WATCHING POKÉMON AGAIN!”

I waited and then… “YOU LITTLE TWIRP! I’LL GET YOU AFTER THIS. I SWEAR TO GOD, I WILL— Hello?”

“Hi Pokèmon girl.” I smiled.

“Shut up. Now, is there a reason you’re calling me or do you just feel like making fun of me?”

“I’m bored. What are you doing later?”

“I have to baby sit the twirp. I’m not allowed to go out, and leave Joseph. Or bring him out with me. Mom thinks I’ll lose him… again.”

“Where is your Mom anyway?”

“Boston with Dad. Dad has a business thing to attend to there and he asked Mom if she wants to come with. If you ask me, all I think they want is to be alone without us… if you get what I mean.”

“Ew! Lexa, seriously!”

“Sorry. Anyway, they won’t be back till Monday morning.”

“Damn. Can I come over then?”

“Sure, if you wanna play Percy Jackson and the Olympians with the little guy, then be my guest.”

“Hey, I love Percy Jackson! But nah… I think I’ll pass today.”

I could hear Lexa smile, “Thought so.”

“What am I going to do all day at home, then? Die of boredom?”

“If that happens, I know that I won’t be the cause…”

“Really, Lexa…”

“Call up your boyfriend.” Lexa said simply.

My thoughts immediately went to Andrew. I shook my head at the thought, “Who? Andrew?”

“I was thinking Thomas but yeah…” she coughed, trying not to laugh.

I rolled my eyes, “Whatever. Maybe I will call him.”

“Who? Andrew or Thomas?”

I bit my lip, “Thomas.”

“Ooo, what are you guys gonna do?”

“I don’t know. Whatever he wants.”

“Well, whatever you will be doing, details tomorrow!”

“Never! Bye.”

“Liar. You always tell me everything, that’s what best friends do.”

“Well maybe I’m not your best friend!” I said.

She gasped, “You take that back!”

I laughed, “Never! Goodbye.”

“I hate you, Jennifer Shay!”

“Love you, too, Alexa. Bye!” And then I hung up.

Wait, what was I thinking? I can’t just call up Thomas and ask him out…

And then my door bell rang.

“Who on Earth…?”

Wondering who it was, I got up the chair and headed for the door.

The first thing I heard as I opened the door was a thick British accent saying: “I’m bored. Let’s go out.”

I was staring at Andrew, who was wearing a simple black t-shirt on and shorts, his hair messy and brown, his blue eyes staring at me, amused.

“Andrew. What are you doing here?”

“Well, a very goodmorning to you, too, lav.”

I groaned, “Andrew, honestly.”

“I already told you.” He said simply, “I’m bored.”

“I thought you had to tutor Jessica.” I folded my arms.

“Ooo, jealous, are we?”

“Certainly not!” I replied.

An eyebrow raised on Andrew’s face, “What?”

“Huh? Wait. Uh, nevermind.”

He shrugged and said, “Already did. Now, I’m free and bored.”

“Is that what you do? Everytime you’re bored, you go to me? Gee, how sweet.”

“Shut up, Shay, and let’s get moving.”

I came back, putting my coat on, “Where are we going—”

“It’s a surprise. Come on,” he said as I closed the door. “Today, the city is ours.” and then he grabbed my hand.

Stuck on You, 19: Suspicion.

Jenny Shay.

“Hey, Jennifer, wait up!” I heard someone call.

It took me about 5 seconds to respond back to whoever called my name. I was as sleepy as a girl who hadn’t slept for 10 years. If that was even possible, anyway.

Friday morning. Thank God the weekend is coming up. I swear I’m gonna sleep my ass off all day and and never, ever come out of my room. 

I turned around, my droopy eyes widening, as I was looking into Thomas James’s sky blue eyes, and the soccer/basketball player himself standing in front of me. 

“Hi.”

I could feel my cheeks flushing. I looked down and putting a strand of my front hair behind my right ear, “Hey.”

Thomas laughed, “Wow, you look horrible.”

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide a smile, “Don’t I always?”

Thomas looked stunned, “What? No, no! I mean, that’s not what I meant. I mean, you look amazing, as always but, you know, you just seem—”

“Depressed? Upset? Moody?” I suggested.

Thomas scratched his head, “Uh… yeah.”

I smiled a tired smile, “Just tired. Haven’t been sleeping properly these days. My sleeping schedule’s kinda messed up.”

“That explains it.” He said.

“Yep.” I said, “So, what’s up?”

“Oh, me? Nothing much. You?”

“Besides the fact that I have a fucked up sleeping schedule?” I smiled.

He returned my smile, “Besides the fact that you have a fucked up sleeping schedule.”

“Nothing much really. Isn’t the big game coming up soon?”

“What? Oh yeah. Two weeks from now. Don’t worry, though, the Eagles will kick ass!” He said with a wink, “as always.” 

I laughed, “Then I’ll be surprised if you get your asses wiped off the court in 2 weeks’ time.”

“You want a bet?” 

I grinned, “Are you for real?” 

“Hell yeah.”

“You don’t wanna think twice about this? Just to warn you, I’m a master at these kind of things.”

He looked as if he was considering it and… “Yep. I’m sure.”

I crossed my arms, “Alright, what’d you have in mind?”

“If The Eagles win, which, I bet they will, since they’ve, we’ve never lost any games—”

I rolled my eyes.

“—you go out with me.” He finished.

Holy mother of pearl. DID I JUST FREAKING HEAR THAT RIGHT? Wait, WHAT?

“What?” I repeated, dumbfounded. 

Thomas smiled, “If I win, you go out with me.”

“Like… a date?” I asked.

He shrugged, “If you want it to be.”

Okay, what the heck am I supposed to say? I barely even know the guy. After weeks we had that conversation in the cafeteria, NOW HE’S ASKING ME OUT? Boy, he be trippin’.

“I’ll think about it.” I said in a casual tone.

He laughed, “Alright, alright. Fair enough.”

I smiled, “And if I win…”

“Oh, right.” He smirked, “If you win?”

“If I win,” I repeated, “We’ll have a little one-on-one. Just the two of us.”

He scoffed, “Are you being for real?” 

“Nope.”

“I bet I’ll kick your ass on the court.”

“I bet you I won’t.” 

“Alright, you’re on.” 

I smirked, “Best thing I’ve heard all day.”

*** 

“Thomas James asked you out on a date?!” Alexa shrieked.

“SHHHHHHHH!” I put my hand over her mouth, “Shut up! Don’t let anyone hear you, you loudspeaker!”

“Sorry, sorry.” Alexa said, “But are you serious? Thomas James? The Thomas James? He asked you out on a date?”

I shrugged, trying to hide my smile, “It’s not a date—”

“Yet.” 

“—yet.” I said, “Right.”

“Omigod. After weeks—”

“I know!” 

***

Rain. I hate the rain. Good thing I didn’t have to do any tutoring today. Since the BPS had to close the school down because of the nasty weather. Ugh. Why not our school too? At least I get to sleep for the whole freaking week.

I didn’t expect my dad to come and pick me up, so I spent the whole afternoon in the library after Alexa left, since she had to do something at home. 

5pm. Closing time.

As I head my way to the parking lot, I heard someone say, “Shay.”

I turned around, surprised to find myself smiling on seeing Andrew. “Hey, you.”

He returned me with a smile, “What’re you doing here?”

I shrugged my shoulder to the library, “Homework. And I didn’t have a ride home, so yeah. Didn’t really expect my dad to come and pick me up. You?”

“Football training.” He replied.

“Football football or… football soccer?”

He smiled, “Soccer, Shay. I had ‘soccer’ training.” He said, using his two index fingers air quoting the word soccer.

I smiled. 

He bit his lower lip. “You want me to send you home?” 

For some reason I couldn’t move, my heart skipped a beat, my breath caught in my throat all at he same time. What the fuck is wrong with me?

“Uh… sure.” I replied coolly. 

“Great, come on.”

“Thanks again, in advanced.” I told him as we made our way to the parking lot. 

“No problem. Might as well get used to it, I bet this won’t be the last time I’m giving you a ride home, or… anywhere, even.”

I winked at him, “I hope you happen to have an umbrella with you, Andrew.”

“Oh, we don’t need an umbrella. We’ll just run.”

“What?” I laughed, “Won’t your car get wet?”

“Hey, that’s what butlers are for.”

“You’re sucha spoiled brat.”

“Watch it, wumman.”

“You’re not the boss of me.”

“Do you wanna walk home?”

“Ha. Like you’d ever let me out of your sight.” I joked.

He looked at me, his brown eyes serious. “Right, come on then.”

***

“So, what’s this I hear about you and Thomas James going on a date?”

I almost choked, and I haven’t even turned 17 yet. “What?”

“Come on, one thing I’ve learned about here in America, and your school, is that rumors travel fast.”

“It’s nothing.” I told him immediately, “Just this lame bet we had. I didn’t even expect it.”

“Uhuh.” 

“I’m serious!” I slapped his arm.

“Okay, okay!” He laughed, putting his hands up in surrender. “Just playing with you.”

I sighed, “Alright.”

“Alright, here we are. Home sweet home.” He said as he pulled in front of my apartment. 

“Thanks again for the ride.” I said.

“No problem.” He said, “Hey.”

“Yeah?”

“You’re not really going on a date with Thomas, are you?” 

I raised an eyebrow in suspicion, “I’m not really entirely sure, either. Why?”

He shook his head, “Nothing. Just asking. See you tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow’s Saturday.”

He winked, “Who knows I might bump into you or crash your place.”

“You wouldn’t.” 

“I would.” He smirked, “See you, Shay.”

Stuck on You, 18: Surprise, surprise.

Andrew Jackson.

“Hungry?” I asked Jen as I opened the passenger seat’s door for her.

She smiled thanks and said, “Kinda.” I closed her door and hurried up and went in the driver’s door. “Why?” She asked as I got in.

I shook my head, “Nothin’, I’m gonna order take out, if you want, I can buy for you, too.”

She put on her thinking face, fastened her seat belt, then finally faced me, “Which take out place are we going to?” 

***

“Wow, they weren’t kidding when they say guys’ world revolves around their stomachs.”

I scoffed, “I didn’t order a lot.”

“Hm, let’s see… Two large fries, one large coke, a chocolate sundae and a double cheeseburger…” Jen pouted, “Yep. That ain’t a lot, alright.”

I rolled my eyes, “Really. I just like eating.” 

“That’s what she said.” Jen started giggling. 

“Who said?” I asked.

“… Never mind.”

“Weirdo.” 

“You, too.” She winked. “So, where we eating?”

I thought about it and… “Your place?”

Jen considered this for a moment and put on a smile, “Sure, why not? No one’s gonna be home anyway.” 

I returned her smile, “Race you to the car. Loser gets to treat the winner a double cheeseburger.”

“And you’re sure it’s gonna be you, Jackson?”

“Oh yeah, you’re looking at the star athlete of Paddington here.”

“Ex star athlete of Paddington.” she winked before running.

***

“Sorry, Jackson. I guess you owe me a double cheeseburger.” She said as I finally caught up with her, out of breath.

“I let you win.”

“Sure you did.”

“Just get yer arse in the car, Shay.”

“Oooo. Using yer Bri’ish voice on me now, eh?” She mimicked me.

“Please, sweetheart. It’ll take you years to speak in fluent British.”

“I’ve got time.” She said before I started the engine and drove away.

***

The neighborhood was dark and quiet when we reached Jen’s apartment. I got out of the car and rushed to the passenger’s door and opened the door for her.

“Thanks.” Jen said as I closed the door behind her. 

“No problem.” I replied. “So, shall we?”

She nodded in reply and lead me inside. 

“… Just passed by the workshop and decided to say hello.” I heard a woman’s voice say.

“Well, I’m glad. How’ve you been?” I heard a man’s voice this, time, who I guessed was Jen’s dad, even though I’ve never met him yet.

I looked at Jen’s face, eyebrows raised as if to say, what’s-going-on-I-thought-your-dad-won’t-be-home-tonight-and-who’s-other-voice-was-that-I-heard? But the look on her face told me she had no idea who it was, or what was going on.

Jen took off her scarf and coat and placed them on to the nearest couch, and handed me her take away bag to me before heading towards the kitchen.

“Well, this is awkward.” I said to myself.

I placed the take away bags on to the nearest table, and headed my way where Jen disappeared.

When I reached there, I could here Jen’s voice, “Dad?” 

“Oh, hello sweetheart. Home already?” I heard her dad reply.

“Um… Yeah.” Jen said, “And… so are you.” She pointed out.

Her dad laughed, “You seemed surprised.”

“Well, funny thing is, I actually am.” She replied quickly, “You’re never home early.”

“Jen—”

But before her father could say anything, the woman’s voice I heard earlier, cut him off by saying, “Well, at least be happy to your father home, dear, I know he barely goes home early but, aren’t you the least bit happy to see him home?”

Who was that woman? That’s definitely not Jen’s mom. I mean, Jen just told me her mom died. 

“Well, I’m happy my dad’s home, but what are you doing here?” Jen asked, I could tell by her voice that she’s annoyed. Or maybe even angry.

The woman chuckled, “Just dropping by to say hello.”

“That’s what you said, last time, Jessica.”

“And it’s my second time saying it, Jennifer.” The woman replied cooed, and immediately changed the subject. “Hungry? We’re about to have fish and chips for dinner.” 

“We?” Jen asked, “Um, like, including you?”

“Yes. Why ever not? I hope you don’t mind.”

Instead of answering the woman’s question, Jen said, “I thought you wouldn’t be home. So I brought a friend over for dinner.”

Uh-oh. 

Jen coughed, “Andrew?”

I inhaled and exhaled, and made my way towards the kitchen. “Hello.”

Jen gave me a small smile, and looked from me to her father.

He didn’t really look like Jen. Except the eyes. Especially the eyes. Instead of having sandy-blond hair like Jen, her dad was redhead. I gave him a smile before I landed my gaze on to the woman sitting next to him.

She looked middle aged, had blond hair, blue eyes, her hair in a neat bun, and… I guess she put on too much lipstick on her lips. I pretended to cough to hide my laugh. 

“Dad, this is Andrew. Dad, Andrew.” Jen said.

“Nice to finally meet you, Mr. Shay.” I held out my hand.

Jen’s father shook my hand, “Likewise. So, we just met? You’re not one of Jen’s old friends?”

“No, sir. I’m new here. Just moved.”

“He moved from Paddington, London.” Jen elbowed me. 

“Ah!” Jen’s dad said, “That explains the accent.”

Before I had the chance to reply him, the woman- Jessica, cleared her throat. We all turned to face her, a smile plastered on her face, but that didn’t cover up the fact that she was annoyed.

“Hello, Andrew.” She finally said.

“Uh… Hello.” I replied.

I looked at Jen, and she rolled her eyes. “Andrew, Jessica. Jessica, Andrew.” She said quickly, “Okay, we’re done here. I’m starved, so we’re just gonna head to the living room and eat. You two enjoy your… fish and chips.” She got on to her toes and kissed her dad on the cheeks. She gave Jessica an insincere smile before she grabbed my hand and let me out the kitchen.

“Ugh.” Jen said as she finally let go of my hand, and sat down on to the couch in the living room.

“Your dad seems pretty cool.” I told her as I took a seat next to her.

She looked at me and gave a small smile, “Best dad in the world.”

“And… the woman? Jessica?”

“Ugh. You mean Barbie, in there? I don’t know, she just… I met her a few days back. Dad said she was an old friend from high school, one of mom’s friends, and a regular customer.” She said. “Well, they’re really good friends now.”

I gave her a smile, “Her name’s Jessica.”

Jen snorted a laugh. “What a coincidence, eh? As if Barbie number 1 wasn’t annoying enough.” She grabbed my hand again, “C’mon, enough Barbie talk, let’s eat.”

***

“Thanks for having me for dinner, I had a great time.” 

It was already 9pm, and I was on my way out the door.

“Touche.” Jen winked as she opened the front door for me. “Maybe we can do it again some other time. You know, instead of my place, how about yours? I’d love to see your superstar palace.”

I put on my jacket and scoffed, “Next time.”

“Soon.” Jen corrected. “You owe me my double cheeseburger, remember?”

I groaned. “Right. How could I forget.”

“Short term memory loss, probably.” She teased. ”I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Definitely.” I replied. And as if we’ve been friends since forever, I gave her a hug. Which surprised both me and Jen, because she literally jumped when I hugged her, but she returned the hug back. “Good night, Jen.”

“Good night, Andrew.” She replied as I headed down the stairs, a smile plastered on my face as I heard the door close.

Stuck on You, 17: Relieving the past.

“What? I don’t believe you.” 

It was already afternoon and Andrew was kind and sweet enough to not kidnap me and hold me hostage, but instead, he drove me— well us, really, to BPS.

The kids were playing outside, as always, and while waiting, Andrew and I decided to play a game of Truth and Not Dare. 

Andrew shrugged, “I’m not joking. Serious. Scout’s honor.” 

“Oh come on, I mean, you?”

Andrew tried to hide a smile, “Why is it so hard to believe?”

I tried to put on a straight face, but I know my face itself failed me, “Because. I mean, you, of all people. I thought you had that… yknow… thing…”

“What?”

“That, I’m-so-good-looking-I’ve-read-Wuthering-Heights-and-I-listen-to-the-Beatles-and-I’m-so-good-at-Math-and-not-to-mention-I’m-British-and-I-never-fail-to-impress-the-ladies thing going on.”

“By ‘ladies’, do you mean, you or… in general?” He smirked.

I rolled my eyes, trying to keep a straight face on, “I mean, your childhood crush actually blew you off for some random guy with cookies?” 

“It wasn’t fair, okay!” Andrew cried, “That random guy wasn’t just some random guy. He was, apparently, my next door neighbor who, coincidentally fell for the same girl I did. It took me 3 fugging years to finally man up and take my arse down to her door. And again, coincidentally, Jack was there. With a box full of fugging cookies.”

“Jack.” I repeated, “So, that’s his name?”

Andrew nodded. “I swear, it’s like he’s psychic or something.”

“Well…” I tried to hide a laugh, “Ooookay, then, lover boy.”

“That was 10 years ago, woman! God, why did I have to agree on playing this game with you. Why.”

I shrugged, “You agreed. I just suggested. You should have thought about the consequences.”

“Okay okay, fine.” He turned to look at me in the eyes. I held my breath, “My turn.”

Exhale. “Okay, shoot.”

“Promise me you won’t get mad when I ask you this.”

I raised an eyebrow, “Okay, then.”

“How come you and your Dad seem so… distant?”

I should have expected this question from someone. From someone other than Alexa, of course. From someone like Andrew. 

I looked up at Andrew to see him waiting, his face concerned.

I sighed, giving up. “Okay, I’ll tell you.” 

Andrew nodded slowly, leaning closely and put his head down, looking at both his hands that are clamped together, listening.

“Just a little precaution, I might yknow, tear up.” Andrew started to say something, but I cut him off by shaking my head.

I bit my lip, “My Mom died when I was 5 years old.” Andrew looked up and looked my in the eyes as I added, “She shot herself in through the head. With a gun.”

And then flashbacks of what happened 10 years ago flooded through my head. 

Dad. Mom. The fight. Mom screaming and shouting, saying she gave up. Dad begging and apologizing. The gun. The blood.

Blood.

Andrew remained silent, a sign for me to just carry on.

“My Dad was an alcoholic. Like, a major alcoholic. Spends his day at work, but relieves everything by going to a club with his friends every night. Messing around with women, although I know it wasn’t his intention, I mean, he loves my mom. I know that. So I guess it was just the alcohol.

“Then one day, my Mom had enough of it. We lived in this pretty cool house not far from here, and well, Dad hasn’t been paying the electricity bills, the water bills and such. And Mom was fed up because every time they talk about his drinking problem, he’d promise to stop. Always tells my mom that, but…

“Then, yeah. One night I was in bed, I woke up when I heard my Mom screaming and I went downstairs. I witnessed everything. Mom asking Dad for a divorce, can’t stand living under the same roof with him. And again, he said he’d stop, I know he meant it that time, but Mom was just too fed up and so… she snapped.” 

Time passed. Seconds to minutes. Then finally Andrew said, “I’m sorry.”

I managed a small smile, feeling a tear run down my cheek. I was used to hearing this from people, but I could tell Andrew was sincere. “Thanks.”

“And your Dad? What happened…?”

I sniffed. “Well, after Mom shot herself, everything was pretty much a blur. Dad cried. The police came, I cried, too. Couldn’t stop for a year. Though, I still get nightmares about what happened that night. I’d wake up and cry for an hour after. Sometimes, well, not sometimes but, every time that happens, I blamed myself for my Mom’s death.”

“Jen, it wasn’t your fault.” Andrew said quietly.

I shook my head and said, “It is. I could’ve stopped her, yknow. I could have just told her to put the gun down and tell her everything will be okay. But I didn’t.”

“Jen—” I cut him off by shaking my head and said, “Do you wanna listen to the rest of the story or what?”

Andrew just nodded slowly, “Okay. Go on.”

I managed a small smile and said, “Well, then we moved. I mean, the house seemed pretty huge with only just the two of us, so Dad sold it, used the money to rent a place at the apartment, and that’s that. End of story.”

“Clearly,” Andrew smiled, “That isn’t the end of the story.”

I smiled back, trying to hold in the tears which I could tell was forming in my eyes. “Well, Dad hasn’t been himself ever since. He stopped drinking, though. Which is a good thing. But, I’d wake up on most nights, to see him sitting at the living room, looking through the album family, crying. He’d work and work and work all day, sometimes till midnight.

“He says it’s for supporting me. Yknow, paying the rents and all that. School, the groceries,” Andrew nodded, “But I think that’s just a part of why he’s always working. I guess he just wants to get occupied with his work so he won’t be able to think about Mom.”

“I see.”

“So, yeah.” I sniffed again, feeling more tears running down my cheeks. “That’s the end of the story.” 

Andrew leaned in closely, put both his thumbs on my face, “wiping” my tears away, and gave me a small smile. “It’s not your fault that your Mom died, Jen.”

I just managed a nod, letting his words sunk within me, but it couldn’t.

Suddenly, the classroom’s door bursted open, the kids running in the classroom, still looking hyper and energetic. I quickly wiped my tears and put on a “happy” face.

“Hi, Miss Jenny!” A girl named Alice said.

I gave her a smile, “Hi there.” She smiled and then headed towards her seat. 

“Sorry that I asked.” Andrew said.

I looked out to face him, his brown eyes warm, boring into mines. “It’s okay, I mean, I’m glad I told you. I thought I might go insane not being able to let it all out to someone.” I paused, “Except for Alexa. She pretty much knows everything.” I laughed lightly.

He smiled, “You know, you don’t have to do this today. I can manage the kids alone.”

I scoffed, “Please, you so can’t manage to handle these little sneaks under your nose.” 

Andrew clucked his tongue out and said, “Fine. But, are you sure?”

I nodded, though I wasn’t sure if I was, but I managed to say, “Yep.”

“Okay, let’s get down to business.”

“Whatever, General Shang.” I winked and faced the classroom, the kids were still talking, all hyped up. “Okay, class. Here’s what we’re gonna do today…”

—-

HI GUYS! sorry for the late update, I was (still am, actually) busy. Test season is on. But, well, here you go, an update! Sorry if it sucks, though I hope you enjoyed reading it :) 

x

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.

Stuck on You, 15: Stranger.

Jenny Shay.

Okay, something weird happened today. Something that’s just… weird. I mean, God. Okay what am I saying?

Okay, I should stop talking, right? Alright. So, this is what happened.

***
That night after Andrew sent me home, and of course I thought I was alone. Since well, I always was.

Well, I was wrong.

When I entered inside the apartment, I heard dad’s voice. Which was quite queer to me, since he’s never, ever home that early. Not ever since mom died. 

And of course, I got suspicious. I followed where my dad’s voice was coming from. It lead to my study/trophy room. Before I entered the room, I heard a woman’s voice. She wasn’t talking, she was laughing. Another odd thing to happen in the apartment. 

The door wasn’t completely closed, so I peeked through it before knocking.

“Dad?” I called out.

What I saw was… the most unbelievable thing that has ever happened to me ever since mom died. 

There was a woman, probably in her 30s, I could tell, but she looked younger. She had strawberry blonde hair that stopped until her shoulders, her lips were like Angelina Jolie’s. I could tell that her eyes were dark; although I’m not sure whether it was dark brown, black, dark green. 

She was wearing a rather garish looking suit, her bag was Gucci which so doesn’t go with the garish looking outfit she was wearing.

Boy, a voice in my head was saying, this woman seriously needs fashion tips.

When she saw me, she gave me what looked as if it were a forced smile. She stood up and hugged me as if we’ve known each other since forever.

I quickly and awkwardly pulled away. God, what the hell? I don’t even know this woman and she’s already hugging me as if I was her best friend.

“Hi!” she quickly said once I shrugged her off.

“Um, hi?” I replied then looked at my dad, “Dad?”

He looked at me then smiled, a smile that I was dreading and hoping to see since Mom died. He came to me and hugged me, “Hiyya, kiddo.”

“Hi… Um, what’s going on?” I demanded, my voice sharp. I didn’t know why I was angry, maybe it’s because Dad brought a woman, a stranger, to be exact, home, to my house. Our house.

“This is Jessica.” He told me and then looked at Jessica.

“Oh please, call me Jess.” She smiled. “And you must be Jennifer.”

“Just Jenny, thanks.” I forced a smile.

“Jess is just somebody who comes by the workshop often. Her car’s always breaking down and I’m always the one to fix it.”

“Your dad’s a pro.” She giggled.

I forced a smile. Ew, okaaaaaaaaaaaaay.

She smiled  back and then looked at her watch, “Well, would you look at that? Is that the time already? I should go.” she said as she hugged(what the snowballs in hell?) my dad. “See you soon, Robert.” 

“Goodbye, Jess.”

She smiled again, looked at me and said, “It was good to finally meet you, Jennifer.”

“Jenny.” I corrected her.

“Sure.” she said and gave me a I-don’t-really-care face, “Have a goodnight.” she added before leaving the room.

When he front door closed, I turned to my dad, arms crossed. “Who was that?”

“Jessica?” He said.

“No, I mean, I know her name’s Jessica, but… who the heck is she?”

“Watch the tone, Jen.” My dad said, I gasped. “She’s just a regular customer down at the workshop.”

I scoffed, “Right.” Then I remembered that he was supposed to be at the workshop, and that’s the reason why I had to come home with Andrew.

“Aren’t you supposed to be at the workshop?” I asked, “I mean, that’s the reason why you couldn’t pick me up. If you weren’t at the workshop, you’d be able to pick me up, you know.” I blabbed.

Dad looked at me then sighed, “I was supposed to be at the workshop, but I had to get a few stuff from the apartment. It was pretty bad thing to just walk in the rain, and mind you, it is pretty bad, sweetheart, and the traffic’s bad, too. So, just when I decided to walk home, Jess was near by and she wanted to pick a few things down at Go Kleen—” It’s a laundry store, by the way, which is just about a 5 minutes walk from the apartment. “—And when she saw me, she asked if I wanted to go anywhere, and I said yes, and she was kind enough to make a stop by at the apartment. That’s it.”

“Wow, pretty long story.” I said in a bored tone.

“It’s not that long, sweetheart.”

Instead, I changed the subject, “But she went inside.” I pointed out. “You said no strangers are allowed inside the apartment, Dad.”

He shrugged, “I couldn’t just leave her outside.”

I shook my head and said, “Uh, yeah you could.”

“Jenny.” My dad’s voice warned.

“What?” I said, spreading my arms out, “Seriously. What’s the big deal, anyway? You could’ve just left her, I mean, you did say that you wanted to get a few, mind you, a few stuff.” 

“And, she was in my trophy/study room!” I exclaimed, “What the hell was she doing inside there? I don’t remember giving her permission to.”

“Jeniffer Joanne Shay.” Oh shit, I’ve never heard my dad say my full name since forever, he usually does that when he’s— “Enough. You don’t know how upset I am with you right now. There’s nothing going on between me and Jessica. Is that understood?”

No, I don’t. “And you guys were laughing! I mean, come on, daddy, that’s supposed to be my job! To make you laugh!” I pouted.

Finally, my dad giggled, then smiled, “Jen, just get over it. Okay?”

“But—” I started to protest but he cut me off.

“No buts, sweetheart. End of conversation.” He said making his way out to the front door, “Now, I gotta go back to work, you’ll be okay being home alone, right?”

I know he wasn’t really expecting an answer, I mean, I’m always home alone, anyway, “Duh, I’m always home alone.” I mumbled to myself, then I replied a bit loudly, “Yeah.” 

“That’s my girl.” He said, “I’ll call you later. See you at dinner.” He kissed my head and then he was gone.

I sighed and made way into my room. Instead of doing what I usually do every night; instead of cleaning up the kitchen or watching TV or doing my homework or revise what I’ve learned everyday at school, I lied down on bed and closed my eyes. 

It was still 8pm, but I was already in dreamland.

Stuck on You, 14: You’ve got it.

Jenny Shay.

That afternoon after school, it was raining. 

Like, heavy rain. Which sucked for me because 1) I walked to school this morning, that means I had no ride home, 2) I didn’t expect it to rain any time soon, heck even today I didn’t expect it, and 3) I don’t have a rain coat with me, which goes back to problem number two.

I was waiting at the waiting area, as I wrapped my arms around myself because of the cold, which didn’t help at all, though. 

I called dad earlier, and I already expected his answer.

“Dad?” I said after he picked up on the third ring. “Is it okay if you can pick me up from school?

“I can’t, sweetheart.” So, there. “I’m busy—” as always, “—why don’t you ask one of your friends to drop you at the apartment?”

“Alexa had to go home early just now.” I told him, “She had a family thing.”

“What about your other friends?”

I instantly thought of Andrew, and shook my head. “I don’t think so.”

“Well, okay. Why not just wait for the rain to stop? I bet it’ll stop soon.”

I looked at the almost pitched black sky and heavy rain. Sure it will. I sighed and had no choice but to say, “Okay, then.”

“Atta girl. See you later, love.”

“Bye, dad.”

“Bye, sweetheart.” And that was that.

So now, I’m still here, practically soaking wet, with no ride home. Dear God, I live a sad life.

But a few short seconds after that, I heard a honk. 

I turned around to see Andrew sitting in the driver’s seat of a black car. He got out and walked to me, his hair and uniform wet, but he still had a smile on his face.

“Well, somebody’s soaking wet.” 

I rolled my eyes, refraining myself from smiling, “Look who’s talking.”

“I’m guessing you don’t have a ride home.”

“Gee, ain’t that obvious?”

“To me, yes, apparently.”

I scoffed, “You drive now?”

“Yup.” He smiled happily.

“What happened to your superstar limo and driver?” I teased.

“Hey!” He said, “Just because I have a driver and a limo, doesn’t mean I can’t drive.”

“Well, didn’t think a superstar like you would ever drive.”

“Don’t call me that.” He rolled his eyes. “And hell yes I would drive. It’s kind of a guy’s dream.”

“Or it could be yours.” I smiled.

“Whatever.” He said, “You want a ride?”

“Hmm.”

“Oh come on, you so need a ride, Jen.”

“Or, I could wait till the rain stops.”

“Which will take somewhat forever to.” 

“Story of my life.” I sighed.

“Well,” He said as he grabbed my hand, “Come on.”

***

“The Beatles?” I asked as he turned on the radio in his oh-so-expensive-Mercedes car. 

“Hell yeah. They’re the best.”

I laughed, “Wuthering Heights, Math and The Beatles? I’m impressed.”

“Not to mention I’m English.”

“You’re too full of yourself.”

“What’s not to be?” He winked.

Silence. 

“Damn, traffic.” he said, “Looks like you’re gonna be stuck with me for a while.”

“I should be scared. The next thing I know is that I’m gonna end up stranded inside an old house being kidnapped by you.”

“You watch too many kidnapping movies.” He pointed out.

“I so do not watch too many kidnapping movies.”

“You read about them, then.”

“Do Not.”

“Do too.”

“Whatever.”

Silence.

“So…” Andrew started.

“So…”

“I’m bored.”

“Focus on the road, Jackson. I don’t wanna die yet.”

“Got it.” He said, “But with this traffic, I’m pretty sure you won’t end up dead on my watch.”

“Gee, thanks for being so positive.” I smiled.

“No problem.”

“So, why drive?” I asked.

“Just felt like it. You know.”

“No, I don’t, hence I asked you.”

“Jeez, you’re so specific.”

“I’m a specific type of girl.” I said as a matter of fact-ly.

“It’s just that… I just wanna do something by myself you know, without telling anyone to do this and that.”

“Like… driving.”

“Exactly like driving.”

“I bet you’re proud of yourself.” 

“I am.” He looked from the front and faced me, his cocky smile plastered on his face, “So, just straight to your apartment?”

“Yeah, where else would I be?”

“Um… Borders or Starbucks?” He smiled.

Right. “Right. Well, not this time. Just home sweet home.”

“Okay then, milady.” He joked.

I felt my cheeks growing red. “Shut up.”

***

“Thanks again, for the ride.” I said as Andrew pulled his car in front of my apartment.

“No problem.”

“Well, see you around in school.” I said as I opened the door.

“Hang on.” He said as he took his hoodie from somewhere at the backseat and gave it to me.

I shook my head in response, “I—”

He cut me off, “—need it more than I do.”

I hesitated for a few seconds then took it from him. I awkwardly put it on. It was kind of huge for me, but hot against my wet uniform.

“I’ll see you soon.” Andrew told me.

“Definitely.” I agreed and opened the passenger door, “Be careful. Don’t drive too fast. The rain is still heavy, you know.”

“Got that.” He winked at me, “Bye.”

“Bye.” I said as I closed the door and ran towards the apartment door.

Stuck on You, 13: Weird feelings.

Jeniffer Shay.

“Thanks for the ride.” I told Andrew. We spent hours at Starbucks, and by hours I meant, hours, talking and joking around. And apparently, Andrew wasn’t sucha jerk once you get to know him.

“So, Paddington is where you grew up?” I remember asking him during our conversation.

“Yup.” Andrew answered, he smiled and said, “Enough about me, what about you?”

I only told him that I grew up in Brooklyn and that I’m the only child, that Alexa has been my best friend since forever! And that I loved reading, I spend most of my time at either here or at Borders, and that I’d love to study in Cambridge one day. But, I skipped the part about my parents, though.

It was already 7pm when Andrew asked if me if it was okay that he send me home, since it was already late.

And I agreed.

***

“Thanks for the ride, again.” I told Andrew once we arrived at my apartment. I stepped out the limo, Andrew followed suit. 

I looked up to the window to see that the lights weren’t switched on.

Dad’s not home yet. A voice said in my head.

Well, duh. Another voice said, of course he isn’t home yet, it’s 7pm for God’s sake. When is he ever early to come home?

Good point. The first voice admitted in defeat.

“You live in an apartment? That’s cool.” Andrew said. 

I turned around to face him, and smiled, “Well, it is home. But I bet it’s not as fancy as your home palace.” I joked.

“I do not live in a palace.” Andrew retorted, his arms crossed.

“Sure.” I said, “Well, I better go. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I said as I backed away.

“Alright, well… goodnight, Jen.”

“Goodnight.”

***

“He drove you home?” Alexa asked, shocked, apparently.

We were a bit early during math class so we just took our seats and talked. I told her about what happened between Andrew and I last night.

I giggled. “Yes.” I told her for the I-don’t-know-how-many-th time.

“Holy crap!” Alexa said, “You just giggled!”

“I did not!” 

“Did too!”

“Didn’t!”

“Did!”

“Okay, okay, fine. Whatever.” I admitted in defeat, “And what’s wrong with that anyway?”

“It’s a rare thing for you to do.” Alexa said simply.

“Thanks for that.” I rolled my eyes.

“Thanks for what?” I heard a familiar voice say.

Both Alexa and I turned around to face a cocky smiling Andrew, his warm brown eyes boring into mines. I felt someone kick my shin and let out an, “Ow!”

“Woah. Are you okay?” Andrew asked.

I pursed my lips and nodded and kicked Alexa back, because I can. I turned around to face her as she gave me an I am going to kill you later face.

I rolled my eyes, annoyed and said, “I’m alright.”

“Good. Well… See ya.” Andrew waved both me and Alexa goodbye as he went to the back of the classroom and sat on his seat.

“What the hell, Alexa!” I said in a small voice, “What was that for?!”

“Nothing! But…” Alexa paused.

“What?” I demanded.

“Er…”

“What?!”

“Do you… like him, Jen?”

“WHAT?!” I shouted and looked around the classroom, a few people stared at me with confused looks on their faces, and I didn’t want to look at the back of the classroom but… I did anyway.

Andrew raised an eyebrow in an amused way and then gave me a smile.

I felt my cheeks growing hot and smiled in return and finally faced Alexa.

I hesitated and gave her a death glare and finally said, “No, I don’t!” 

“Sure.” Alexa said.

“I’m telling the truth!”

“Sure you are.” She said sarcastically.

“Alexa!”

“What?” 

“I do not like him!” I said.

“Okay, okay! Fine, you don’t. Then why are you making a big deal out of this?”

“Because I don’t like him! I like… Thomas, remember?”

“Oh, riiiiiiiiiight. Sure you don’t.” Alexa said, “So, you like Thomas.”

“Yes!” I said, frustrated.

“You guys don’t even talk.” She pointed out.

“Yes, we do!”

“Sure, ummm, talked, really. Past tense. Because, well… when did you say you last talk to Thomas, again?”

“I… didn’t.”

“When was the last time you talked to Thomas?”

“Er…”

Alexa snapped her fingers, “There you go! I specifically remember that your last encounter with Thomas was at the Cafeteria a few days ago.”

“Oh shut up.” I finally said, defeated.

“What’s the big deal anyway? You retard.”

“Shut up, Alexa.”

“Sure, mom.” 

I rolled my eyes and faced front as Mrs. Ryan entered the classroom, her usual, “Okay class, open your textbooks”, sign for class to start.

Throughout the whole Math period, I couldn’t help asking myself the same question Alexa said earlier: Do I like Andrew? Do I?

And as if it was a habit, I turn around to look at the back of the classroom to see Andrew.

“What are you smiling at?” I turned to face Alexa, a smirk plastered on her face.

“Nothing.”

I closed my eyes and continued doing my exercise, I could hear a voice shouting in my head saying, You don’t like him. 

I don’t know why it’s sucha big deal, but all I had to do is keep on hearing that voice saying that particular sentence and maybe, this weird… feeling would go away.