Falling For Jackson Again ✓

6| THE FORCES ARE AGAINST ME

MIA

His fingers danced across the keyboard, moving with a fluidity that was mesmerizing. Each note he played was like a brushstroke on a canvas, creating a masterpiece of sound. I couldn't tear my eyes away from him, captivated by his talent and the passion that radiated from him.

As the music filled the room, he closed his eyes, completely lost in the melody. It was as if he had entered another world, a world where only the music existed. I marveled at how he had become so skilled in such a short time. It was like he was born to play the piano.

As the final notes faded away, a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. It was a smile of satisfaction, of knowing that he had poured his heart and soul into the music and had created something beautiful. I longed to be closer to him, to rest my head on his shoulder as he played, but I knew it would be too forward, too strange.

He opened his eyes, his gaze locking with mine, waiting for my reaction. My hands instinctively came together, clapping loudly in applause. "That was incredible, Jackson. You're absolutely amazing," I blurted out, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. I couldn't believe I had said it out loud.

"Really?" His eyes widened, and I could see a hint of disbelief in his expression. He moved closer to me, and my heart raced in response. I nodded eagerly, my heart pounding in my chest. The silence between us grew, and it became almost unbearable.

"Ahem," I coughed, taking a step back and standing up. "We should probably head to our next class," I declared, trying to break the tension that hung in the air. He nodded, understanding my attempt to diffuse the moment, and stood up as well. We walked side by side, leaving the music room behind us.

.

I stood in the crowded cafeteria line, overwhelmed by the noise and the sea of students vying for their lunch. It was frustrating to see the popular crowd effortlessly glide through, while the rest of us struggled to get our meals. I turned to my friend Sydney, hoping to distract myself from the chaos.

"Sandwich or just salad?" I asked her, trying to make a decision. Sydney, always conscious about her weight, opted for the salad with a shy smile. It saddened me to see her constantly worry about her appearance. She was beautiful in her own unique way, with her black hair and captivating green eyes. I wished she could see herself through my eyes.

Ariel couldn't resist teasing Sydney. "Come on, you need a cheeseburger! Your cute cheeks are disappearing," she playfully exaggerated, pinching Sydney's cheeks. We knew Sydney's weight was a sensitive topic for her, but Ariel couldn't help herself.

"Guys, cut it out. Remember, you promised to support me with my weight journey," Sydney pleaded, her statement causing both Ariel and me to roll our eyes in unison. It wasn't that her weight loss journey bothered us; it was the reason behind it that concerned us.

Just as we were engrossed in our conversation, Sydney's voice filled with excitement. "Guys, Ryan is coming!" she whispered, her eagerness evident. Ariel groaned in frustration, clearly tired of the attention Ryan always seemed to receive. I couldn't help but feel a slight pang of curiosity mixed with annoyance.

The entrance to the cafeteria swung open, and there he was – Ryan O'Connor, the main heartthrob of Breston Academy. He had that classic charm, with his smooth skin, alluring sleepy eyes, and lips that I couldn't help but envy. Rumor had it he even had an eight-pack, which was impressive. I couldn't help but compare Miles, who had been working tirelessly to attain a four-pack. At least Miles had well-defined biceps to compensate.

As Ryan made his way to the line, the students parted like the Red Sea, and girls couldn't help but scream in his presence. Sydney, unable to contain her excitement, tried to join in, only to have Ariel swiftly cover her mouth with her hands," Nah.. uhh you are not going to embrass us,"