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Twelve - Mending and Moving On

"Hey." Jake suddenly appears in front of me, his smile obviously forced and a grimace hidden behind it. He's mad. "How was detention?"

"Jake. Hi. Uh, it was okay." I mumble, hoping that he isn't too mad about Liam and I reconnecting. I'm guessing that that's why he's angry.

He steps forward but doesn't come any closer than a foot. I notice Ana out of the corner of my eye, she's stood up and has started paying attention.

"He hit you, Manny." His voice is barely a whisper, low and depressing. He isn't any madder than he is sad. He feels bad for me.

"It's fine. I'll be careful. Liam and I are just going to try to be friends again... It's not that big of a deal..." I trail off, my eyes fluttering up to Jake's face. He looks tired, his face scratchy from not shaving in a while, and there are vivid bags under his pretty green eyes. "Are you okay?"

I slowly bring my hand up to trail his jaw, dragging my finger tip across the prickly skin. He leans his head into my palm and sighs.

"Fine." He finally sighs in defeat. "Please be careful, though."

I smile, leaning up and kissing him on the cheek. He's starting to calm down a little, ever since I came into his life he's stopped going to parties and I'm pretty sure that he's not drinking anymore. Oh, my Lord... Am I changing Jake Cross for the greater good?

"I promise." Jake grabs my hand and holds it to his lips as if I were some Victorian princess. My stomach flutters and I try not to smile too widely. I hate how he has this kind of effect on me. He can make me feel things that I've never felt before, both physically and emotionally. I wonder what kind of effect I have on him...?

I don't have time to find out and I can't anyway. I'm taking a break from intimacy with Jake Cross. I'm going to lose my mind one of these days with him and I don't know what would happen next.

Jake pulls me into his chest and I delve into the warmth. He buries his scratchy face into the crook of my neck and his lips brush against my collar. I shiver and he only tugs me closer. It's gotten so damn cold out and it's still only October. Oh shit.

Tomorrow is the Halloween party at Jackson's. I look up to Jake and open my mouth to say something, but I'm interrupted by someone clearing their throat behind me. Jake and I quickly look up.

"This is awkward," Liam says, his face bright red like a tomato. He's wearing a florescent green Under Armor sweater that reminds me too much of a glow stick, light blue jeans, and Nike brand sneakers. He is the epitome of a jock. His strong upper build makes him look like teen Superman and his bleach blond hair blows to the side in the chilly wind.

"Hey, Liam!" I force a smile onto my face and turn away from Jake so that all of my attention is on Liam now. "How was your morning?"

I try to act as if we never had a falling out and Liam never punched me in the parking lot. I'm trying to be friends again.

"Good." He doesn't go into detail or tells me anything specific. It's kind of hard to pretend that we're best friends again though when the other party doesn't play along.

I suddenly feel Jake's chest press against my back and his big arms slither around my waist. He's being overprotective, like a boyfriend. I can't help but wonder whether to not he's just playing the game or if he's genuinely worried for me.

I lean into his warmth, but still feel somewhat self-conscious in front of Liam. I mean, he is Jake's brother and all. I can only imagine what it must feel like to have your half brother lovingly hug your ex-best friend, who undoubtedly despises him. I don't understand it either.