I saw Jake hanging out outside of the cafeteria. He was leaned over on a pillar, smoking a cigarette. I had to give him props for his boldness because if an administrator caught him smoking, he would be in serious trouble.
I couldn't help but be curious about how he felt about his 'break up' with Liliana, so I approached him. He didn't look too devastated from my position.
"Hey," I said quietly.
Jake looked up and smirked. "Hey Janey, you are talking to me first? That's weird," he said. He reached out and touched my arm. I stared at his hand in shock but didn't swat it away.
"First time for everything, I guess," I replied.
"What's up?" he asked. He tugged me toward him and pulled me closer.
"So...you and Liliana are over, huh?" I asked, going straight to the point.
"Yup. She turned out to be too fake for me. I couldn't deal with her bitchy attitude," he shrugged.
You and I both, buddy, I thought. "I could've told you that, but you'd never listen to me," I said. I was shocked. I thought he was in love with her! How did it change in one day?
"Why are you asking? Does that make you happy that I am not with her anymore?" he raised his eyebrows and moved an inch closer to me. I could feel his breath on me, and it was giving me goosebumps. Why did I purposely come close to him? I must be crazy.
"Huh? Why would I be happy? I don't care who you are with. But I am glad you'll finally stop harassing me about her," I said. "Now, you can just go find someone else."
"Will I now?" His eyes were twinkling with mischief. I didn't like the way he was looking at me.
"Yes, you will. You have no reason to bother me now. I don't have any other beautiful sisters for you. I am shutting down the matchmaking business," I declared.
"Well, that's just too bad," he chuckled.
"Well, it was nice chatting with you, but I am gonna go," I said and proceeded to leave, but he grabbed my hand even tighter.
"Stay for a minute. Lunch isn't over for another ten minutes," he said.
"Eh...no, thanks. That smell of smoke is killing me. I think I can feel my asthma coming back," I protested. I wasn't lying. I've been allergic to cigarettes since I was a kid.
He dropped the cigarette on the ground and stepped on it. "There, it's gone," he said and stared at me intently.
I blushed a little. He did that for me? That was oddly considerate of him.
"I want you to keep me company," he said quietly.
I shifted my legs uncomfortably. He was acting kind of weird. Almost like a nice guy, and it was creeping me out. I must be a masochist for wanting the mean Jake back.
"So, what did you and Aaron do after we left? Did you guys have fun?" he asked.
My eyes lit up when I thought about Aaron and the kiss we shared. I guess Jake noticed my change of demeanor because he was staring at me harder now.
"I had a great time. I finally had my first kiss!" I blurted out. I couldn't contain my excitement.
"He kissed you?" Jake asked in almost an accusatory tone.
"Y..yes?" I asked. The atmosphere between us suddenly shifted. Jake's eyes were dark.
"Does that mean you really like him?" he asked.
"Um..yes, I think so. He is a great guy, and we get along great. Besides, he thinks I am pretty," I said. I was surprised he remembered our conversion about the first kiss.
"Well, he is a fucking idiot," Jake said angrily. What was his deal?
"That's not very nice. Are you calling me ugly?" I pouted.
"That's not what I meant," Jake waved his hand dismissively. "I just think you are moving too fast with him."
"Anyway, it's none of your business, so..." I said.
Jake glared at me with fire in his eyes. Why was he so angry all of a sudden?
"The bell is about to ring, so I am gonna go," I said quickly.
"Then why the fuck are you still standing here? Get out of my face," Jake barked.
I should get used to his meanness, but I couldn't help but feel a bit hurt about his coldness toward me. He is such a jerk.