It Started With A Concussion ✔️

Chapter 8

"I know you are," he cuts me off with a grumble. "But school's almost over. There's no point in going now." he reasons.

"We can still catch her class, and I want to get this over with." I tell him. "And laying here won't do either of us any good." I push his shoulder.

He rolls onto his back and stares at me. I glare back at him, very serious about heading to school. His eyes narrow so I do the same and copy his appearance.

After a few extra moments of silence he finally responds. "Fine." he says shortly.

A breath escapes my lips. Somehow I was relieved to hear that.

Weird.

Although, I guess I do want this project to be over with. I've had enough of him already.

"But I'm doing the talking." he adds, sitting up with a yawn.

My eyes fall on him before they roll to the back of my head, "Whatever." I sigh, turning towards his door.

I walk away assuming he's getting himself up. What I don't expect, however, is the sound of pounding rain as I reach the bottom of the steps.

Shit.

I look down at the clothes I'm wearing. A t-shirt and shorts, but it was a white t-shirt. Not good.

I heard Jackson quickly coming down the stairs behind me and decided, fuck it. I won't be in the rain that long.

I slip on my shoes and swing the front door open, a gust of wind whipping through the entry.

Immediately I shiver, "It's cold." I seethe through my teeth.

I hear Jackson walk away, leaving the poster at my feet. I pick it up and wait for him to come back.

We were taking his car to school so I assumed he was getting his keys. I heard a jingle from the kitchen and knew I was right.

When he came back with something extra in his hand, I was kind of shocked, even more so when he held it out to me.

I stared at the sweatshirt, confused. It was a nice gesture...just weird coming from him.

"No, I'm fine." I say simply, rejecting the offer.

Walking out the door I heard him shut it behind me. I waited until I saw the car lights flash before I bolted for the passenger's seat.

I hopped into the car and noticed how clean it was. For someone like him I was certainly impressed by the neatness of it.

The door across from mine quickly shut as Jackson started the car. I pulled the seatbelt across my lap before a red piece of clothing was thrown my way.

I picked it up and threw Jackson a look. "I said I was fine."

"I know. But you always complain about how cold you are in Mrs. Mullins' room." he reasons, pulling out of the driveway.

I look over at him but his eyes are glued to the road. He looked so unfazed by what he just did it kind of scared me.

Sitting back in my seat I feel indifferent about the action, but then realize I'm overthinking it. Anyone would've offered that—but again, it's weird coming from him.

I pick at the sweatshirt on my lap as the rain pounds against the dashboard. I look out the window and we don't exchange another word on the drive there.

~~~~~

Arriving at school I try to protect the poster to the best of my ability. The rain hit me mostly on the way to the front door. I end up walking inside, completely soaked.