Unseen Strings

Chapter 7

"There you are-," he began, but I covered his mouth with my hand. I used my other hand to put a finger to my lips, shushing him, and gently pushing him backward and leaving the apartment. I closed the door behind me and dropped my hands back to my side.

"What was that for?" He whispered as he turned.

"No reason," I whispered back and took the lead.

"Then why are we still whispering?" He followed after me as I started down the stairs.

"No reason!" I whisper screamed again as I picked up my pace; not that it mattered much, as JJ managed to keep pace with me.

I jumped off the last step as JJ crashed onto the floor. I wondered how much he weighed? As I pushed out of the door, JJ grabbed my arm.

"This way little girl," he chuckled as he pulled me to the immediate right.

I couldn't help but sigh.

JJ always looked nice when I saw him, even when we were younger... Button down shirts, usually to his elbows; pants that were made from satin, silk, and seemed to belong more to suits that anything else; jewelry in his ears and on his neck; fancy watches and rings...all things JJ had...not to mention his shoes...the 1920s fancy police called and they want their shoes back.

"Here we are," he stopped and pulled me a bit forward.

His car was shiny, and flashy...and I will admit a certain feeling of accomplishment riding in it. He opened my door for me and I slid inside. He was quick to join me. As he turned on the car and sped off, I caught the apartment building door closing and the familiar forms of Laci and John were walking to his car. I sank down a bit as we passed by and JJ's deep chuckle hit my ears.

"The hell are you doing?" He spoke.

"Nothing!" I forced a laugh as he continued to drive. His jet back hair was slicked in such a way it caught my attention as I peered at him.

"Sure!" He cackled as he sped up and turned onto the highway.

Within what felt like a few breaths, JJ parked the car in front of the school.

"See you later," he called as I opened the door.

"Thanks JJ," I smiled at him.

"Of course," he smirked back as I closed the door.

I started to walk off.

"Hey!" He called.

"Yeah?" I turned to see he'd rolled down the window.

"I have a meeting later so I'll be back early." He spoke quickly.

"When?" I walked a bit closer.

"Like 12." He called, "is that alright?"

"Oh," I vocalized, "yeah, I'll be done in about two hours." I shrugged.

"See you then!" He waved, again speeding off out of the parking lot.

I let my shoulders droop as I relaxed my body, and walked to my class.

The thought lingered in my mind as I navigated the crowded classroom, searching for an empty seat. How could JJ be so cool when Laci only described him as a bumbling idiot? It didn't make sense. Laci, with her knack for dramatic flair, usually exaggerated everything.

I found an empty seat near the back, grateful for the relative solitude. The Spanish exam lay before me, a daunting prospect. However, to my surprise, I breezed through the test. It was easier than I anticipated, and I finished well ahead of schedule. With ample time to spare, I reviewed my answers, a sense of satisfaction washing over me. I slipped out of the classroom. I had always felt a strange sense of pride in being one of the first to finish an exam, even if it meant I hadn't necessarily aced it.