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I Hate Him, I love Him... Sometimes We All Feel This Way.

 

Paige Easton's focus in life is finishing high school(being validictorian), and she is not letting anything get her off track. She has always been quiet and not into the entire private school snobby kids thing. Most of all she steers clear of boys... espicially Jake Lincoln and his group of friends.

 

Jake Lincoln, who's only worry in high school is having a different girl every week, gets struck down from his pedestal of glory when he forced to get a tutor and join the musical. With his popularity on the line, how will he survive?

 

When the principle asks Paige to tutor a guy in her grade, she accepts not knowing it's the wonderful Jake Lincoln himself!

 

So their story begins...

 

Disclaimer

 

Portions of this book are works of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places and events are products of the author's imagination, and any resemblances to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

 

Text and Cover by C.RIZZO

 

 

All right reserved 2020 C.RIZZO

Chapter 1- Try Outs

Paige's POV

I take a deep breath, letting out all my nerves. Relaxing my shoulders and cracking my back, I wave to Robbie who is in line behind me now. We're both trying out for the musical Hercules for drama club, it's based off the disney movie. I look down at my sign up paper, looking at the part I circled, I have one of the five goddess's circled. The way Mrs. Olver explained it was, these five girls will sit on a bench at the bottom of the stage through out the whole musical and sing when one of there songs comes on. Nothing to big, but nothing to small either. Peeking through the curtains I see that the girls before me, are just getting started so I'm going to be waiting a while.

Glancing at Robbie again, I see him and his red hair and tall and skinny physique. He reminds me of a skateboarder dude, and I know that is total stereotyping of me. It's true though, even the way he dresses make me think skateboarder... and everyone knows to stay away from skateboarders. Robbie is different though. First he is my best friends. Second, he is in drama class and he can sing ans dance. Third, he plays baseball. Fourth he is well liked and doesn't really have people who don't like him. Fifth, and I'm being honest with myself here he is pretty good looking, but I myself have been put in the friends zone. I remember back in our sophomore year, I had a huge crush on him, but it never went anywhere. Now, I just think of him as my very good looking best friend.

"Paige why are you staring at me? Do I have something on me?" He asks, and I mentally shake myself out of La La Land. I smie at him panicing about his audition, I remember him saying something about Pain or Panic the two workers for Hades, but I don't know if that is what he circled or not.

"No, you're fine. Quiet worrying... it gives you wrinkles you know." I smirk at him, and narrows his eyes at me. Then his face softens, and a smile spreads across his lips. "So.. what part ya trying out for?" I ask, raising my eyebrow. I figured out I'm really good at facial expressions, and being able to control my eyebrows. He chuckles, and hands over his paper, looking at it, I see he has Pain circled. "You know...you could do better then that. Like Phil... or Hercules even." I hand it back, and he scoffs.

"Like you? Wanting to be one of the gospel singers.." He smiles triumphantly, I let out a breath he has a point. We sit a little longer and chat about who we think is going to get what parts. Talking about how Georgia is most likely to get Megera, she is Mrs. Olivers little teachers pet and she can sing but her acting could use some work. After another fifteen minutes, my name gets called. I stand up relaxing myself again. "Good luck, and break a leg." Robbie says behind me as I push through the curtains.

"Hello, Mrs. Oliver!" I great handing her my paper, she smiles warmly and she starts in on her questions on what role I want to play and if I'm okay with a speaking part. Once we have all of that done and sorted through, she plays the keys on the piano to one of the songs from the musical and I sing reading of the sheet music she gave me.

"Great job!" She applauds, as she plays the last note. "Thank you, Paige. We will have the final parts posted at the end of the week." I nod, heading out as she calls Robbie in. I smiles at him giving him a thumbs up, he roles his eye and giggle grabbing my school, bag and heading back to study hall. This was the first audition time, and I'm happy to have gotten it out of the way! Sliding back into my seat next to Carmen, another one of my friends, I inform her on how it went. She congradulates me, and then she skips back to before I left and continues explaining to me her theory on Wyatt and Anne's break-up. I barely keep up, not really caring either. She is of course taking about Wyatt Drewmoore and Anne Wilson. They we're together for a couple of months, but everyone knew that relationship was going knowwhere. Anne has a thing for Jake, Wyatts best friend, but he isn't interested in her. So to make Jake more interested in her she went out with Wyatt.

Anne is the schools slut. Wyatt and Jake are the school players. Easy as that, they will never be in actually real relationships. I try to stay out of all of there drama, which is hard to do with Carmen who always some how knows whats going on. I could careless, I have school and college to think about. Hence why I'm boyfriendless! I'm proud of it though, for being a junior and not having one relationship in high school.. or ever for that matter. I'm sure I've set some kind of record here! I've had crushes don't get me wrong, but I've never acted on them.

Once the bell rings, I head to American History, it's my favorite class next to drama. I take my seat in the front row next to the window, and wait for Mr. Parker to come in. He is alwasy late for this class, because he has lunch break during the period before this. I look at the rest of the class counting how many are here today, and I realize it's not even a class. It's just me. There are only eight of us in here, yeah small class, and today it seems the other seven are all gone. It's happened before, it's mostly the other really smart kids like the chess club people and the mathlets. Both those groups are gone today for bug tournements. When Mr. Parker does come back, he roles his eyes seeing how it's just me. The two of us go way back, he is my brothers friend. They meet in college, and have been friends since, including he did just get out of college last yeah. I'm partly sure he is only twenty-one, but I know Patrick is twenty-two.

"Well, Paige what should we do today?" he asks, leaning against his desk glancing at the clock. He scratches the top of his head toulsing his brown slightly curly hair, he never remembers these plans so he never knows what to do when everyone is gone.

"Hangman." I stand up grabbing the market for the board. "It's your turn." I smile, and he smirks and starts making the lines for the saying. We have a little tournement like thing of our own going on, challenging each other with history topics in hangman. "R" I begin, and we get started. I finish his puzzle, and I begin my puzzle as he check his email. We're in the middle of mine when the door opens, we both stop and look towards the door.

"Mr. Parker... Ms. Easton." the Principle, Mr. Wilson... yes Anne's father. "I'm happy to know you to take class seriously.

"She is my best student, and I'm not going to teach a full lesson with the whole class gone." Mr. Parker greets him. I set the marker down seeing this might be a conversation that takes a while. "Can I help you with something?" He asks, looking at the papers in Mr. Wilson's hands.

"Not you, but Ms. Easton can." He indicates me. He holds out the papers to me, and I see they're papers. A students papers, and they're both F's. I look at the name, and I don't understand. Jake Lincoln? What do I have to do with his papers? "As you can see, history is not one of his strong subjects. I'm looking for a someone to tutor him. Mr. Parker was right when he said you were his best student."

"You want me to tutor Jake? Are you kidding he wont listen to me!" I laugh, handing the papers back to him.

"Oh I bet he will. He has been told the stakes of what could happen if he doesn't get this grade up. He said he would prefer a tutor.. I didn't say who it would be either, I chose you. Of course you don't have to." Mr. Wilson begins with the guilt tripping. I close eyes, thinking long and hard about it. "You also will get the volunteer hours, you're not doing it for free." Volunteer hours? I need those, and tutoring will looking good on an application for a teaching degree!

"Fine, but I deicde what days and for how long." I agree.

"Deal." He smiles, and hands me back the papers. He leaves without another word, and I look at Mr. Parker.

"How bad is he?" I ask, setting down the papers. I walk back to the board grabbing the marker.

"Second lowest in the class." He says, and that's the end of the conversation. We get back to our hangman tournement. When the bell does ring, we say our goodbyes and he notes it that I'm now two points ahead of him. We were tied and now I'm in the lead. I take Jake's papers with me, glancing at his work I see potential. He knows what the information is he just has a hard time writing it down I guess. Stopping at my locker, I see Connie and she is packing her things?

"Hey... you leaving?" I ask, putting in my code for my own locker. Connie and I have lockers next to each other, since highschool start. I stuff Jake's papers into my book bag, I'll look throw them more later.

"Yeah, parents want me to go to some private school." She sighs, and I get confused. This is a private school. No uniforms, but we live on campous year round. Getting out for the big holidays and a month in the summer. That's how Anne's family is rich, her ancestors started the school. Although I do wonder where the smarts went because she got none of it.

"Oh.. that sucks." I sigh, it's not my place to ask anything more. We aren't very close, we really only know each other from having lockers next to each other.

"Yeah, today is my last day. I'm actually leaving now." She says, and we say our goodbyes. I have a locker open next to me. This could be good, new kids are always fun. Grabbing all my stuff I head out the doors, going to my car, I drive back to my dorm. It's a big campous, like a 10 blocks walk from the actual school buildig to my dorm. There is a lot to do here though, equestrain training, mechanicals for vehicles, labs for multiple things, two big gymasiums, and three weight rooms. Then including the two pools and football field and the field for track. There is also a dinner and a library from students to work at. I don't have a job, I don't really need one. My family pays for my schooling, but they said once College comes I'll have to help out which is understandable.

Once I'm back at my dorm, I head straight up to my room the dorm cat Fiddle following me. I'm partly sure I'm the only one here who feeds him, and that's why I'm his favorite. Tossing my stuff to the floor, I pull my phone out of my pocket and grab Jake's papers. He is the normal stereotype, smoking hot, rich family, fantastic sports player, and dumb as a box of rocks.

I'm free on Wednesdays and Thursday for sure. Everyone once in a while Robbie, Carmen, and I go off campous on Monday's and obviously Friday's are off limits who wants to waste time being tutored on a Friday? Shoving all of that aside I open my computer, and fire up my email. Sending Jake the idea of Wednesdays and Thursdays right after school, I close out of it reaching for my text book for French class.

Chapter 2- Wednesday Already

Paige's POV

Carmen and Robbie are bickering like normal as the three of us make our way into the school. I've tried my hardest but the two of them just can't seem to get along, they don't really hangout unless they're both with me though so they hopefully don't spend to much time together. The dumb thing is tht they argue about whats for lunch and make it seem like it's World War III! Once we're actually in the buuilding where other students start watching, I elbow each other them in the gut.

"You can knock it off now." I say, "I have to stop at the office, so I'll see you guys later." I excuse myself from their madness. I do have to sto pat the office to get stuff for later. Later as in Jake's tutoring lesson, which I haven't figured out yet if I'm scared or worried or anything. It will be a new expirience I know for sure, the last time Jake even talked to me let own looked at me was back in middle school. We had to work together on a science project, in which he actually was nice to me and he did do the same ammount of work I did. I wonder what changed. Puberty. That's what happened. In middle school he was still Jake Lincoln the cute jock. But in the year between eighth grade and ninth, puberrty struck him and oh hot damn. Freshman year he wasn't known for being a player or a manwhore as I call it, but Sophmore year it started. Now it's the third quarter in our junior year and he just keeps on going. Why I know all of this I don't know. It must be from Carmen. I'm not crushing on him, I'm one of th rare girls here who could careless. I see him for who he is a manwhore.

Once I have everything from Mr. Wilson, I bring it all back to my locker and head to French class. I hate having foreign language first period, but it has its pluses. The teach, Mrs. Jack, pronounced shjock, understand we aren't fully ready to learn such hard things, so she goes slow and records the lessons to let us bring home if needed. The first bell rings indicating class is ready, so everyone that's hear quiets down and listens to the start of the lesson. Once she is done with the lesson she hands out homework and I get to work. I hate homework, I often times don't have any because I finish it in class or in study halls. Switching to second period when the bell goes off for it I stop by my locker to put away my french book, and grab my waterbottle for speech. I tend to need a lot of water in this class even though I don't get nervous or anything. I just like being hydrated, it keeps me focused I guess. Sitting through, my other class mates speeches make me tired though. I not interested in public speaking, but it counts for a college credit so I though I should take it.

Moving on through out the day, I get more and more anxious for the tutoring session. I guess I am worried. When the bell rings in my seventh period study hall I nearly fall out of my chair. I was really off into my thoughts. Running to my locker to grab my history book, I notice the locker next to me is already opened, and filled with a bunch of stuff. From the looks of it though it's not a new kid. I snoop for a second, trying to see if I can see a name anywhere.

"Can I help you?" a boy asks behind me, I turn my face turning pink. Oh shit, gosh great start Paige. It's Jake. The pink fades and I turn white. "You knew here or something?" he asks, looking me up and down the way his kind does. I shake off what just happened, and turn to my locker closing it.

"No. I'm not new here, Jake." I speak, "Paige.. Easton.. we've gone to the same schools since middle school." I inform him, and he shakes his head as if I'm not ringing any bells. What ever at the moment I could care less, I'm late for class. I walk off steaming with anger about the new locker situation. Why would they move his locker? That's dumb! Why did you have to move Connie? Sliding into my seat, a minute late, Mr. Parker doesn't right me up. I've never been late before, so I'm happy he is letting this time slide. Class goes by way to fast, and when the bell rings I take my sweet time gathering my things. Maybe he didn't get my email, and that's why he didn't recognize my name at all. If he didn't get my email though then he might not show up.

"Hey I told Jake to meet you in the library." Mr. Parker says, handing me over so more papers for him.

"You said Paige and everything?" I ask, scratching my eyebrow, he gives me a weird look. "Well we kind f bumped into each other in the hall. He has no idea who I am..."

"Well, no I didn't actually mention you. I just reminded him to be there." He sighs, and we walk out of his room together. "How about super?" He asks, as I start making my way to the library. "On me at the dinner." He adds.

"If you're buying." I smile, and wave. We often times have super together, I feel bad for him. With school being an on campous thing he hasn't really been able to go out and meet people. He has friends, but I've noticed he doesn't have any girlfriends. It's not my place to say anything though, it's his life. He is Pat's friend though, so it's not weird for me to go out with him. Not date go out or anything but as friends. We are friends. I still remember when I first meet him. That would've been back in middle school too, I had a crush on most of Pat's friends. Austin AKA Mr. Parker, and Jason are the only two I really remember ever really liking though. I remember Ky and David though, and they were alright. I haven't seen and heard anything about Jason in a while though. The last thing I remembering hearing about him was that his parents pulled him from college and sent him somewhere better. He came from a rich family I asssume. Jason also happens to be my first kiss, and I remember that night clear as day. I almost walk into the door to the librbary, and that tells me I need to drop the subject in my head.

I take my seat, and get everything ready. Checking my phone while waiting, I reply to Robbie telling him I'll have to rain check on the movie marathon tonight. I don't often times go out with Mr. Parker, but I can't not say yes when he asks. He is a lot of fun when he isn't teaching. He is still that party animal he was in college, but he has tamed it down a lot since, with being a teacher.

"I'm sorry I'm late... I wanted to grab food fir- Paige?" Jake walks in fifteen minutes late. It seems he remembers me from an hour and half ago. "You're my tutor?" He laughs, grabing a fry from his to go container from the dinner.

"Why is that funny?" I sit back, stuffing my phone in my front jeans pocket. Me being his tutor caught him off guard, I can tell. He is trying to play with me though. I'm on his list of girls to screw. I wonder where I fall on his numbers though.

"You're hot." He says flatly, "Hot girls aren't smart." He says leaning forward still checking me out.

"That's a horrible stereotype." I yawn, opening up the history book. Flipping to the section in chapter 5 he needs to read, I slide the book to him. He is still munching his fries and watching me. "What?" I ask, not liking the whole starring thing.

"Are you seriously my tutor? Cause I highly doubt it, don't you have like a boyfriend to be with or something?" He asks, and his eyes narrow. Is this him trying to pull me in? I can't tell, it's not working though. It's actually pissing me off. He shows up late, and he wont start his work.

"No, no boyfriend." I admit, and he smirks. "Would you read please. I do have plans." I lean back, pulling out my phone again. I open up my kindle app,.

"With a guy?" He keeps interogating me. I kick him under the table tired of him already. "She is fiesty too." I role my eyes, pulling my headphones from my bookbag. After a couple minutes, I peek up at him and he is looking down at the history book. I watch him, and I can see he is having a hard time focusing. He isn't jittery though, so it's not ADD or ADHD. "I'm not getting this." He sighs, pushing the book forward slightly.

"Are you not getting it or just not focusing enough?" I mumble, as he grabs a couple more fries. "Do I need to read it to you?" I joke around. He rubs his forehead. "Do you have a reading disorder of some kind or something?" I ask, wondering whats going on.

"No, I just don't like history." He smiles, "How about we blow this off and we go swimming or something." He brings out his smolder.

"Do you really think skipping is a good idea?" I ask, pulling out his two papers and showing him I've seen them. I watch as his face drops, and he looks completely miserable. "Besides, if I did skip I wouldn't skip with you." I say. "Now, are you going to do the work, or do I need to read it to you?" He is quiet, thinking about my question.

"Could you play music or something? I hate reading in silence." He asks, pulling the book back in. I nod happily, pulling out my headphones and playing my playlist. After that the next thirty minutes pass swiftly as he reads. Then I go through a the worksheet with him, helping him but not giving him the answers. "Well, that was easier then I thought. I was just gonna throw it away." he smiles, at me. I stand up from the chair, I moved over closer to him to help.

"Yeah, if you actually read it." I sigh, gathering my things. "Alright so... same time next week.. is that okay?" I say pulling my bag over my shoulder.

"How about you give me your number?" He ask smiles, smolder rising again. "That way I can get ahold of you anytime." I role my eyes, knowing he would most likely call me to be his next booty call.

"No, you should have my email." I say flatly, and he takes a breath.

"Ah come on. You know you want to give it to me." He says walking next to me towards the door.

"I don't Jake. I barely want you having my email." I inform him, as the door opens. "Mr. Parker." I greet him.

"Hey guys... how'd it go?" He asks, looking from me to Jake. I shrug my shoulders, it wasn't horrible but it wasn't great either. "You got todays assignment done though?" He asks, and Jake hands it over. "Paige didn't just give you the answers did she?" he asks.

"No... I asked her to though." He sighs, and I nod. I told him no.. obviously.

"Well good." He says, and now we're all standing outside the library. "Next week same time." He tells Jake, and he nods waving to us both. "How did it really go?" He asks, as we walk slowly behind him.

"Not horrible actually." I admit. "It was at first, including he showed up fifteen minutes late." I sigh, and we towards my car. I throw my stuff in the back. "What time are we going to the dinner?" I ask.

"Hmmm, I don't care. I don't have any grading to do tonight so anytime." He replies, and his eye wonder over to the track where the girls are having practice. I elbow him in the gut too, and he coughs clearing his througt looking away.

"I saw that." I say, and he smiles slightly.

"Just seeing how the team looks that's all." He laughs.

"Yeah, okay!" I laugh, sitting in the drivers seat. "We both know why you choose to work at a highschool." I wink at him. I joke around with him about this all the time, how he is only here to check out girls.

"I told you to keep quiet about that!" He laughs, and I join in. Then we say our goodbyes, and I head to the dorm. Going straight to my room again, I set my stuff down and slouch onto my bed. It feels nice to relax, I'm a little tense from the tutoring session, and it's only going to get worse or easier. I hope the latter of course. I turn on the T.V skipping through the channels waiting to hear from Mr. Parker.

Chapter 3- Trouble

Jake's POV

Sitting in my car, I look in the rear view mirror watching Paige and Mr. Parker. They look like they know each other, they obviously do know each other. It doesn't look like flirting, but I could be wrong. The last thing I need is to be brought into any teacher student relationship drama. Although just makes it more challenging, I'll have to move Paige up on my list. By next Wednesday we'll know each other all the way. I smile pulling out of the parking lot, I need to shower and get ready for tonight. There is party at my dorm tonight, hosted by Wyatt and I. I park, walking in and seeing all the crap that's already set up. I laugh at this school, they know we throw the parties and don't do anything about it. They also know what goes down at the parties, and they still don't do anything about it. Meaning drinking, and probably drugs, but I couldn't be for sure on that. I don't do drugs, I have sports to worry about and apparently a big future working with my father in our family company. I'm not even completely sure what the company is, I think eletronics like appliances and eletricity.

Once everything is set up, I call Logan. He is the manager at the dinner, and he supplies the alcohol. Yes, the dinner actually has alcohol. Teachers can go there and also it's a normal resturuant for people to come and it at. It's weird. When no one answers, I get up. No way can I throw a party with the drinks! Driving down to the dinner, I go in going straight up to Logan who is now behind the bar. I was just here ealier for food, and he said he had it all ready.

"Jake." He greets, slipping a paper towards me. I look down and it has the price for the drinks, I stuff it in my back pocket without looking really.

"Is it ready now?" I ask, looking around making sure there isn't any big supervisors in the building. I still have to be careful about it. I spot Paige and she isn't alone. Mr. Parker? Maybe they are together, that's against school rules though. So if they were together they wouldn't be out in the open about it for people to see. "Hey, Logan." I say, caching his attention. "Do they come often?" I ask, looking in their direction.

"Once a month they come here together. Apparently he is one of Paige's older brothers friends so they know each other." He asks then turns the question on me.

"No reason just wondering." I smirk, and he chuckles. "What?" I ask.

"Yeah that wont happen dude. She wont even give you her phone number." He replies, wiping off the counter even though it looks clean to me.

"I know that, I already asked." I admit. "Boyfriend or anything?"

"Not that I know of. Maybe that Robbie guy who plays baseball.. you know red hair. They come in a lot and they're friendly very friendly at school." He says, as we both look over at the two talking completely oblivious to us. She is hot though, long brown hair she is tall, but not like weird tall for girls. Smart obviously. Looking my at her body though, she has perfect curves, and isn't anerexic skinny. I mentally move her up on my list. Then something odd happens. She looks up, at she sees me. I smile waving, and she roles her eyes looking back to Mr. Parker

"Yes, she will be a challenge." I sigh, and Logan just laughs so more. Then we figure out everythng with the drinks, and say goodbye until later. Heading back, I take care of the drinks and it's time to let people know there is a party. I send out a mass text to all the numbers in my phone, and then I plop on the couch next to Wyatt and wait.

The party is at full blast now, and I feel bad for the janitor who has to clean up after this. I walk through the kitchen to Jell.o shots in hand, I look for a target. I spot one, with black hair dancing in a group with her friends. I watch her a little longer still trying to see if I'm really interested or not. I see there is a couple brunnettes around her, and a blonde. I can't really see her face very well, with the lights and dancing. I see her pause in a perfect spot for my to see her face. She is alright, I let out a breath. So far all the girls tonight seem to only be okay. Nothing completely interesting. I'm comparing them to Paige, that's a very bad thing. I still watch her though, as she smiles, and starts walking towards me, but she isn't looking at me. I look over, and I slip off the wall drinking both the shots myself. It's Paige! I stay there as the two of them finally get to each other and I listen to there conversation.

"How was Austin?" the girls asks Paige.

"Mr. Parker." She replies, "and Fine. How's the party?" She asks, looking out into the crowd. I scan real quick to wondering if there is someone here she came to be with.

"Fun like usual. It's Jake and Wyatt, they made sure everything was ready even a bowl of condoms!" The girl laughs.

"I don't doubt it!" Paige laughs. "So have the hosts spotted there girls tonight yet?" She asks, and some guy walks up to them offering them both drinks. They accept them, and take the piece of paper he offers. Paige gives it to the girl.

"Not that I know of, I haven't seen either of them yet." She opens the paper. "He was cute Paige, sure you don't want this." She offers it to her.

"She doesn't need some number from a guy who just gave her a beer Carmen, she isn't stupid." Another guy joins them. Only I know this one, it's Robbie. I do play baseball with him. "Hey Paige!" He smiles at her, and they hug. I smile, no boyfriend, he is friendzoned.

I walk away getting bored, and not wanting to get caught. I head back towards the kitchen wanting something else to drink. I run into Anne, and she is all over me either pretending to be drunk or actually is drunk. I pull her off of me, not wanting to have anything to do with her. She maybe be the schools slut and easiest girl be sure to get action from but She and Wyatt are Ex's. Even though neither of the mreally had feelings for each other it was more of a benefits thing, but they still told people theywere together. I'm surprised with Wyatt, he has been getting better lately. Actually trying to find a girl friend I think he is crazy. But now that he and Anne broke things off she is back to me. I'm on the top of her list, sadly.

Later on as people start leaving, because we start running low on drinks, I hang out and see what girls stuck around. I see Carmen Paige's friend, she and Wyatt are talking. I role my eyes, and head out the door searching for fresh air. No one tonight. It was a party even and I didn't find anyone. That's three weeks with out anyone. Tonight I'm sure I would've found someone if I wasn't being weird and thinking of Paige at the same time. Speaking of Paige.... though I see leaning against a tree, with her arms crossed. I walk down towards her, and she is a little tipsy. Maybe I can coax her.

"Hey whatcha doing out here alone?" I ask leaning against the tree as well. She looks at me, as if she doesn't recognize me. I let her think about it a second, watching as her eyes size me up. It makes me laugh yet uncomfortable. Girls never need to check me out, they just take one glance and swoon but not her.

"Jake." She says, without slurring or anything. Maybe she isn't drunk? "No girl tonight?" She smiles, and I still can't tell.

"Hmmm only if you say no." I smile at her and she just roles hers eyes again. Then closes them and lays her head against the tree.

"Nope!" She smiles with her eyes closed still, and pops the P. "Your not my type anyways." She adds looking behind her.

"Waiting for someone?" I ask, trying to still coax her.

"Yes." She replies, reaching up and picking leave off the tree. She tears it apart, not saying anything else on the matter.

"Well, you sure are somethign else." I tell her and her cheeks turn pink.

"What is that supposed to mean?" She looks up at me, amused yet not. I chuckle seeing that the acohol she did consume as lower her inhibition level.

"You're not swooning at the sight of me." I say looking down at her, and she scoffs pushing away from the tree.

"I'm not interest... at all so there isnt a reason to swoon." She informs me, and I give her an oh really look. She just nods. "Oh.. well there is Robbie. See you next Wednesday." then she walks off, and I can see her relax. I made her tense. She was nervous. So I do have some effect of her. Well, Paige you'll being seeing me ealier then Wednesday next week.

Chapter 4- Breaking Status Quo

Paige's POV

Shoving my hair into a bun, I regret staying at the party for as long as I did. My head isn't as bad as last time, I didn't drink as much as last time. I remember all the events, including Jake who was trying to get me to go with him. What a jerk. All he wants from girls is sex. I leaving grabbing my school stuff, and I see Robbie is outside waiting for me.

"I can drive myself you know." I slip into the passenger seat, and shrugs his shoulders, and he puts the car in drive. "Thank you though." I add, handing him a piece of gum.

"Awww thanks Paige!" He takes, and starts obnoctiously smacking it. I just laugh, as he parks his car. We walk towards the school together gossiping about what happened to Carmen. It's bad of me I know, but sometime she really gets on my nerves. She knows how Wyatt can be yet she still went with him. I'm not gonna be there to help put her together either, I will tell her that she new what was coming and she shouldn't have done anything.

"You get emails about a part yet?" I ask, walking into the auditorium. Drama is before school, so we have to come in earlier. We take the two middle seats in the front row, and he pulls out a deck of cards.

"No I haven't. Wanna play?" He asks, and I nod. He shuffles the deck, and I wonder why he carries a random pack of cards around with him. As the room fills more we sit still chatting about classes and what to do over spring break, which is coming here not next week but the week after that. What will I do for a tutor session? I wont be here, and I'm assuming he wont either? Why am I thinking about that now?! Right now I don't even want to do next weeks lesson, espicialy if all he is gonna do is flirt with me and try and get me in his bed. "Paige it's your turn."

"Oh.. sorry!" I say, looking back down at my hand of cards. "Do you have any fives?" I ask, yes we're playing Go Fish.

"Nope." He smiles, he is very good at this game and I am not. I think he set the deck or whatever it's called. Mrs. Oliver waltz in she hands every one the sheet music to a chorus song in the play. She hasn't choosen any big parts yet, other then chorus people and Pegasus. The horse that doesn't ever talk but is atually a big part of the whole story. She sits at her piano and cracks her fingers, telling everyone to get ready. She starts playing a warm up for us to warm up our vocals, and the door to the auditorium swings open.

"Ahhh Mr. Lincoln, I was wondering if you were going to show up. Welcome to drama, it's so nice to have another member." Mrs. Oliver, greets Jake as he stand in the doorway looking slightly miserable. What is he doing here? He can't be in drama now, no way. Why would he be? What up shop or even art class?!

"Ahh yeah I kinda have to be here now I'm in the club..." he says, walking down the isle between the rows of chairs. Girls in the room erupt into giggles and start whispering. I lay my arms on the piano, just wanting to get class over with now. Robbie leans next to me, and knudges me looking towards Georgia she is leading Jake towards the piano now, and sharing sheet music with him.

"So much for a good musical." I whisper to him, and he shakes his head.

"Mrs. Oliver will put him in his place." He replies looking up at him again. I know Robbie can't stand Jake either, and I know why. Robbie last year had a small thing with a girl they talked and went on a couple dates, and the next thing he knew Jake took her for on of his one night things. I nod Mrs. Oliver wont deal with his crap. She can barely stand for Marks crap, and she only keeps him around because he can act and sing. He is one of those people who is really good at being funny and being serious. Like he can have his face be dead pan while the audience is laughing there assees off from a joke that was just said. He is good.

"Oh, Hey Paige!" Jake says and I look over towards him. He is smiling at me, and waving. Innocently but I can see what he is trying to do. God what is he doing? This isn't how thing are supposed to be! He is suppo sed to play the sports be the jock and jerk. Not the drama guy too! There is a status quo that needs followed, this isn't High School Musical! Besides wont this ruin his reputation? I don't even reply to him I just flick my wirst in a small wave. I look down at the sheet music in my hand, and ingore Robbie who is now looking at me as well.

"Enough talking!" Mrs. Oliver quiets everyone. "Alright lets start the scales please." Then she plays the piano, and we all sing. I keep my eyes down and on the piano, feeling Robbie's look at the side of my face, and Jake's on my forehead. As class drags on and we start working on the actual songs from the musical. I relax and get used to Jake staring. But for some reason Robbie is being weird, and I'm not happy about it. What does he think is going on? When we finish practicing the song, Mrs. Oliver tells us all to take five before we go again. I pull Robbie aside, and confront him about what ever is going on.

"What's your problem?" I ask, turning so we aren't facing Jake at all. That guy is getting on my nerves, horribly.

"I don't have a problem." He says, not looking at me.

"Oh really?" I say, crossing my arms. "Well, quiet being Mr. Jealous or what ever your being. Jake is trying to get under my skin that's all. You know I wouldn't go for him."

"You don't go for anyone, Paige." he reminds me, I nod. Exactly my point! "What even got him talking to you?" He asks.

"Ahh, he spotted me at his party last night." I say not bringing up the toturing lessons. "I was supposed to be his girl for the night. I said no. I'm guessing he has decided to pursue me because of it." I tell him, and he shakes his head.

"Ahhh my Paigey with her will power being strong!" He drapes an arm around my shoulders. I giggle, getting out of it. " I really am proud of you though... don't let him get to you Paige, he isn't a good guy." He warns.

"Yeah, I know. Thanks for looking out for me." I say, and we do our little hand shake. Then we get called back in, and we practice the song more. As we finish the bell rings and I say goodbye to Robbie, and head towards my locker. I stop grabbing, my things for French class.

"Okay.. so I think I've made the wrong impression on you." Jake says, and he opens his locker. I role my eyes, is this how it's gonna be now? Him trying his different techniqiues. I close my locker, and just walk away no way I'm going to fally for any of it. "Wait... hold up!" He says, and then he is next to me.

"I know all of you little tricks to hooking girls, Jake. I'm not gonna go for it so you might as well stop trying." I say and I open the door to the French room.

"Paige." He says laying a hand on my shoulder, it makes me shiver. His hand is warm, like a sweaty nervous warm. Jake Lincoln nerrvous? I turn seeing what he wants, and I see him with a slight smile and his eyes soft yet intense.

"No, not even that look is going to catch me." I say, pulling my shoulder away from his hand. I don't look back I just take my seat and open up my book. I can't believe he tried that on me, that's his last resort move. At least that's what Carmen said. Why I remember I don't know. I do remember though, Carmen said that he has a look he gives girls and they just fall into his arms. I think about it again. It was really cute. It wasn't his cocky player grin, it looked like a normal boy shy smile. On him it looked good.

****

Mr. Parker is right in the middle of his his lesson when everyone gets called to the auditorium for an assembly. I watch as Mr. Parker roles his eyes, it's always his class that gets interupted. It's eighth period and no one else really has an actual important class other then this one, so the prinicple figured that since we're the smart kids it's okay to miss it. We all head to the auditorium like we were supposed to, and we're gonna be the last group to get there as well. Since his room is the farthest away... I hold the door open for everyone, including Mr. Parker. Then I go in myself, and I role my eyes seeing Jake standing there. I walk past him, but he comes to my side not saying anything.

I down and make sure there is a spot next to me because other wise he might make someone get up so he can sit by me. I look straight ahead, as does he. What is he doing? I look around me, to see if anyone is looking, and no one is that I know of.

"No one is watching us don't worry." He whispers, and I look ahead again. Oh jeepers! Think of something snappy to say, Paige you can do it!

"No I just don't want to be seen with you." I sigh, playing it off cool. I also said what I feel, and that's a plus.

"Ah come on. Don't you remember back in middle school and we worked on that project together?" He asks, and I turn my head looking at him. He is looking at me, smiling. I narrow my eyes, what is he getting at? How will that help him at all with what he is trying to accomplish?

"I don't think so..." I reply, looking forward again. Then Mr. Wilson comes out on the stage, and taps the microphone. Then the assembly begins.

Chapter 5- The Many Faces

Paige's POV

The bell rings signaling school is over, and I stand up scooching past Jake without a word. I get to my locker and I see Robbie already there with my locker open. I smile thanking him, and digging to grab my stuff.

"Yeah, no problem." He lets out a breath, now what? I stand tossing my back around my shoulder, and pulling my locker door from his hand. "Why were you and Jake sitting together?" he asks, as I walk away. Then he is next to me, and keeping pace with me. I role my eyes, as we make it towards his car.

"Because, he waited for me." I say, telling the truth. "I don't know what his problem is Robbie, and I really don't want to talk about it." I say ending the conversation. I look back at the school, and I see Carmen walk out with Wyatt an Jake. I haven't really seen her at all today, my only class she is in is seventh period study hall and she wasn't there. I get into Robbie's car as does he.

"I'm just wondering.." He informs me starting his car. ".. Wanna have that movie marathon tonight?" He asks, pinching my side. I jump away as good as I can in the car and giggle. He knows I hate it when he does that! "What? What's so funny" he asks and he does it again.

"I'm gonna pee!" I laugh trying to keep his hand away. He chuckles, and puts the car in drive. Then we leave the parking lot, he drops me of at my dorm and we talk about me going to his dorm so we can watch the scary movies. Taking things to my room, I head down to the kitchen and fill up Fiddle's water and food bowl. I grab a pop tart from the pantry as well. I lean against the counter, and watch Fiddle dig into the food. He is a fat cat, but he is like a healthy fat cat. He is just bigger I guess. He can still run around like a tornado and do all that so he is fit!

"So Paige." Anne walks in filing her nails, "I saw Jake and you sat together at the assembly." She says, looking up at me through he fake lashes. She must've just put them on right after school. I set down the pop tart, looking at the floor thinking of what to say? Of course she would see, she can't ever take her eyes off Jake. I look up at her, wishin that we had different dorms. That's the only reason she knows my name I assume, is because she sees me oftne and live in the same dorm building as me.

"Jake had a question about drama." I say, breaking a piece from my pop tart and munching down on it.

"That better be all it is." She warns me, "It's bad enough he is in that stupid class anyway." She mumbles leaving the room. I role my eyes looking down at Fiddle who is looking after Anne who just left. Finishing my pop tart I skip up the stairs, and to my room grabbing my phone and keys. I'll just go to Robbie's now, I have nothing better to do. I send him a quick text letting him know I'm coming. I pull up and park, grabbing my phone, and leaving my keys in the car.

I head in just going straight up the stairs to his room. Each dorm has four levels, and Robbie is on the third. Lots of stairs. It keeps me fit though, because my room is also on the thrid floor! I make it up without any problems, and I knock first like always, but I don't hear a reply. I check my phone to see if he opened the message which is somehting you can do with Iphones. He hasn't. I open the door slightly, and say his name. He doesn't reply, but I hear his shower running. That would be why. I go inside, knocking on the bathroom door. Then I go and look at the movies he's got. He peeks his head out from the bathroom, and I wave letting him know I'm here. He waves, and gets back his shower. I pick out a bunch of the chucky movies, and the Paranormal Activity movies. Robbies has a book shelf of movies, and most of them are scary movies. He also has the Star Wars and Harry Potter movies. He is something else.

When the bathroom door opens again five minutes later, he comes out with a towel wrapped around his bottom torso. Looking at his upper have, I see his arms and chest and stomach. Not bad looking. He is an shape as well. I watch him out of the corner of my eye as he grabs the clothes he has sitting out in his bed, then he goes back to the bathroom. He comes back out dressed, and running his fingers through his hair trying to dry it. He plops on his bed next to me, and looks the moves I picked out. Then we chat about what snack to eat, when ever we have movie marathons we always run down to the kitchen and hoard all of one food in his room. Although he doesn't know what they have, so we decide to just go and check what they have. We race down to the kitchen, and it's a pretty even race, but I get to the fridge first.

I grab out the fruit punch and Robbie gives me a thumbs up. I set it on the table, and grab two glasses. Then he pull two boxes of Cookie Crisp cereal. I grab the juice again and the two cups and head up stairs indicating that we have our snacks for the night. Once we're back in his room, he closes his blinds, and then turns to the light off. Then I press play and we snuggle under his comforter.

Six Chucky movies later, I grab the boxes of cereal and the jug of juice. I whisper goodbye to Robbie, who fell asleep during the last movie, and I leave. I have stayed the night at his dorm before, but only on weekends. Tomorrow is Friday and we have school, probably not a good idea. I turn towards the kitchen once I'm down the stairs, to throw away the garbage. We drank all the juice and ate a box and half of cereal. Taking my time breaking the boxes down so they fit into the recycling bin easier, I lean against the counter peeling of the box tops from them too.

"Yeah, dad I understand." I hear Jake's voice, I role my eyes turning so that my back is to the door hopefully he wont see me. I tottally forgot about Jake and Robbie being in the same dorms as well. What a small fucking world. "Mr. Wilson already assigned me a tutor anyways, so know need to freak out." He speaks again, I listen now, notcing his is talking about me. Or at least having a tutor.

"Well, I wont have my son failing classes. You're Jace was a straight A student, and Jayla is a straight A student." An obviously older guy replies, and he sounds sophisticated, and snobby. Jake's father, Mr. Lincoln. He is the owner of the company his family runs.

"I have all A's but one." Jake sighs, and I turn around looking towards the entrance. He has all A's, but in Mr. Parker's class?

"And that one is an F!" Mr. Lincoln replies, not happy. "Next time I come for a visit, I expect that grade to be better." Then I hear a door close, and everything is quiet. Wow, Jake's got a chip on his shoulder. I didn't realize that his parents or at least his dad was that ... whats the word I'm looking for stuck up maybe?

"Goodbye to you too, Dad." I hear Jake, he sounds disapointed. Gosh, it's 2:43 A.M what kind of visit was that? I feel bad for Jake, he really does need his grade up. I wonder what else was all said, Jake doesn't sound happy at all. THe whole night must've been bad. "What are you doing here this late?" Jake's voice floats into the kitchen. I look up, from the box of cereal checking his posture and his facial expression. He isn't looking at me. He is slouched against the wall, scratching back of his head looking at the floor.

"Watched movies with Robbie." I reply, tossing the jug of juice in the bin. That's all I needed, now I can go. "Well.. I better get going.." I say and I walk past him.

"Paige," he says, I stop looking back as I put my sweatshirt on. "I know you heard what he said." He says turning around and looking at me.

"I wont say anything." I assure him, no way would I say anything about what I heard. Jake has his own family issues, and that's none of my business.

"That's not where I was going," He says, "I just... I want you to know, I really do apreciate that you taking the time to tutor me." He glances up at my face. I'm a little confused, and I think I'm blushing. Jake is being a good guy. Not a jerk manwhore. He isn't with a girl right now, he was with his father, and most likely getting in trouble. He is thanking me, and really meaning it. I smile happy to see he still has this side to him. I do remember the time we worked on the project in middle school.

"Yeah, no problem." I smile slightly, as does he. "By the way, I like this side of you. It's the side I remember from middle school, when we worked on that project." I inform him, heading towards the door again.

"I just wish you weren't the only one.." I hear him before I close the door. I stand outside on the deck area, trying to figure out if I really hear that or if that was just me wishing he would say something like that. Good guy Jake. That Jake is cute. I shake my head, no no matter what Jake he is he isn't cute!

Jake's POV

I watch as she makes her way out of the school, with Robbie next to her. They talk for a second before they get in the car, and once they do get in they still talk. Wyatt is busy flirting with his new girl, apparently she is more then just a one night thing. I sigh looking back at Robbie's car. I see them laughing, and having a good time. I think I was wrong before, I was right about him being friendzoned, but I can see he is trying to break through it. I wonder why he doesn't just kiss her. I look away, realizing she wont break. She has a set mind, what ever it's set at she isnt vering off track. She hasn't even cracked once, other then being nervous around me, but that's almost everyone. I go out to my car, and drive to my dorm. No way do I want to hang out with Wyatt and Carmen. Robbie pulls up at the same time I do, but he is alone now. He must've dropped Paige off at her dorm. He walks right inside, like he normally does. What on Earth is so special about him? Why is he her best friend? I role my eyes.. Who cares Jake! I go into the dorm, and I see my Father. I panic, my grade! Oh god I'm in for it!

Chapter 6- Friendzoned

Paige's POV

Walking into the auditorium, I yawn, snuggling into my blanket some more. I'm so tired, I was up all night thinking about multiple different things. For one the play parts are supposed to given out today, second was that the real Jake last night or just him trying to get me talking. Also did I imagine that little remark I heard him say? I shake my head, now isn't the time to dive into Jake drama. I've had only one tutoring session with him and there is already drama that isn't a good sign. I take the seat next to Robbie, and apologizes for falling asleep right away.

"Nah it's fine, I barely was awake when I left." I smile, laying my head back. All I need is a pillow right now! "Have any parts been given out yet?" I ask, rubbing my eyes. I blink a couple times getting the rest of my tiredness out, and the door opens. Revealing Jake, and he is with Georgia. She is tottally sucked into his whole persona. I sit up, totally pissed off Everything from last night was fake. Just a play of his thought of. I fell for it there for a minute too, never again.

"Nothing yet. Are you worried?" He asks, stealing some of my blanket. I lay my head on his shoulder, feeling like an idiot and not wanting to be here. I'm worried about the part yes, but right now I can't focus on anything but Jake. I must've imagined his comment, as I was walking out the door. "You really that tired?" He asks.

"No." I sigh "Pissed off." I admit.

"About?" He questions, and I feel him move. I take my head from his shoulder, and see he is looking at me.

"Not with you!" I assure him, he nods agging me on. What do I say? I'm sure as hell not going to say Jake is on my nerves. That will bring up more and more questions. Georgia leads Jake to the stage, and they sit directingly in front of Robbie and I. Which is directly in the middle of the stage, it's Georgia's way of showing off. I role my eyes, looking away. "Just... school stuff." I reply, closing my eyes.

"Alright everyone quiet down! Take a seat, off my stage." Mrs. Oliver waltz in like she normally does. Holding multiple play books in her hands. Oh god, I sit on the edge my seat. Georgia pull Jake into the seat next to me, and she sits next to him. Once Mrs. Oliver is on stage, she shines with excitement. It's contageous. "Alright, everyone! Our gospel girls will be Michelle, Jannette, Georgia, Larissa, and Angelique." She pauses, and I lose my excitement. Damn, I didn't get any of them. Robbie pats my knee, trying to cheer me up. "Francis will be playing Pain, and Greg will play Panic." she says again. Everyone claps and I lean back. What the hell? Neither of us got the parts we wanted! I lean back, no longer really listening. I thought I did good! She said I did good, I don't know about Robbie, but I know he can sing, maybe she wants him in a part that sings more? "Phil will be playing Philoctetes." More claps. "Paige will be playing Megera!" She smiles at me, and I turn scarlet red. She is joking right? Robbie next to me smiles, clapping. I lean back, not happy at all. I got the main girl part! Not cool!

"Aww come on Paige, you know you deserve the part." Robbie whispers, and I don't reply. Even if I deserve it, I don't want it! I've never had a lead before, why didn't Georgia get it?

"Mark will be playing Hades!" Mrs. Olver goes on, more clapping. "Now... drum role please!" She says, getting ready to reveal Herecules. I panic. Oh god I have to kiss who ever it is! That's why I don't want leads, they do all the kissing and lovey dovey stuff. "Herecules, will be played by ...." She pauses for effect. "Robbie Shroeder!" She finally reveals, and I turn red again. Robbie. I have to kiss Robbie?! I bring my hands together clapping for him. Gosh it's going to be so awkward, we're just friends. Friends shouldn't kiss. She hands out play books then and highlighters. I look at Robbie who hasn't said anything, and I shake his knee.

"Hey you deserve it!" I say, it's true he does.

"Yeah..." He sighs, opening the book. "We better get highlighting." He begins, and I look down at my book. He must realize we have to kiss. He isn't happy about his part at all! Gosh I should switch. "At least you're Meg though. Now it wont be so awkward doing some of the scenes." He says, and I turn pink. He knows he has to kiss me? .. And he is okay with it?

"I guess so." I reply. We get to highlighting, and before I know it the bell rings indicating first period. "See ya later." I say to Robbie, getting up and grabbing my things. I leave the room, and go to my locker. I stuff the play book in, making sure not to crumple it.

"Congrates on the part. You're going to do great." Jake says next to me also opening his locker.

"Thanks." I reply shortly, grabbing my things for French class. I walk away, not wanting to stand there and deal with him.

"Whoa!" He says, catching up. "What's with the third degree?" He asks, walking next to me. I refrain from roling my eyes, I've been doing that a lot thanks to him lately.

"This is how I normaly treat you." I sigh.

"Paige last night-" He begins.

"Nothing happened." I stop looking at him, nothing happened. "I told you I wouldn't tell people you had daddy issues. And I wont. That's it." I begin walking again.

"I'm not talking about that!" He grits through his teeth. His parents are a touchy subject I see. "I'm trying to be friends with you. Not trying to hook up with you." He mumbles.

"Oh really?" I say, and he actually roles his eyes at me. "I'll see you later Jake." and I go into the French room. I l watch

Impressum

Verlag: BookRix GmbH & Co. KG

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 11.02.2021
ISBN: 978-3-7487-7431-0

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