The Bucket List (Rewriting)

Item Number Six: Get Walked Home

The Bucket List 

Item Number Six: Become a Target

I was currently sitting at lunch with some of my acquaintances, not bothering to speak nor look away from my tray. For the first time, my chicken sandwich and chocolate milk weren't so appetizing. All I could think about was about what happened earlier in science.

I had always had a genuine respect for my science teacher, not only because she was sweet and intelligent, but because she always had left me off of the hook with my occasional missing assignments. Today, however, she decided to, not only fail me, but sign me up for mandatory tutoring. And it was all thanks to the considerate Jayden Parker who had pointed out to Ms. Reed that I not only "needed discipline" but also "should be given the same expectations as the rest of the class".

Which, if you ask anyone, was completely preposterous seeing as he had never turned in one homework or classwork assignment yet somehow managed an A. Besides his impressive test scores, no one actually had a clue as to how he managed his impeccable grades.

There were many speculations as to how he managed his straight As—so many that they had become urban legends. Many said the teacher had a not-so-secret crush on Jayden while others said he would get his test answers elsewhere. Then of course, was the best theory: he was the son of a doctor. A very rich doctor might I add. And that was not at all a theory, though I was sure his dad did not bribe his son's way to an impressive GPA. No one would stoop so low.

As I walked home later that day, I took the time to think about everything that was bothering me. Not only was I humbled by the school's biggest jerk, but I would have to be polite to him if I didn't want Ms. Reed to hate me.

Out of nowhere, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I jumped and turned around to see who it was.

"Hey, you." He smiled. My heart leaped.

"Hi, Chase." I answered nervously, feigning nonchalance.

"Are you headed home?" He asked, pressing the crosswalk button as we waited for the cars to stop.

"Yeah, I am." I said. "Wait don't you have a car?"

He nodded as he watched for the little white guy to signal us an "okay to cross".

"And you chose to walk today?..."

"Jayden was nowhere to be found and I didn't have the time or patience to look for him." He says simply.

I nod in understanding and shift my book to my other side.

"Which way are you walking?" He asked suddenly.

"Well I'm actually headed down this street and turning on Hudson Road. You?" I replied, trying not to let the conversation die down.

"I'm actually going the same way," he said excitedly. "Mind if I walk with you?"

"No I don't mind." I laughed slightly, looking at his face in the process.

Honestly, to say I didn't mind was a lie. I actually craved it. Chase Parker was the kind of guy girls would pay to walk home with. And here I was, walking home with the beauty himself. 

"So, Jayden told me you had a crush on him the other day," he started off. "And I know it's none of my business but-" he began and I interrupted him, horrified.

"I don't like him, in any way whatsoever."

He smiled and rose his eyebrows at me in amusement.

"No offense, but your brother is a conceited jerk. He only made that up to get back at me." I said rather harshly and he laughed.

His laugh had to be the greatest sound I had ever hear, no doubt about it.

"Yeah, that sounds like him." He assured me.

"I mean he is so unlike you." I said, but I immediately blush when he turns his face to smirk at me. It seriously was intimidating when he smirked at me.

"How so?"

"W-well," I tried to say, "You're really... nice."

He laughed again and my pulse imitated Nascar speed.

"Nice? That's the best adjective you can come up with?"

"Well, you're really sweet, benevolent, and intriguing." I said, cheeks turning red.

"Better. Much better." He smirked. 

"You know, you blush a lot." He said as he chuckled at my embarrassment.

"And you make too any observations." I tease.

"Okay, if you say so." He raised his hands in surrender.

As we conversated the whole way home, there was no doubt in my mind that he was the exact opposite of Jayden. Not only was he a gentleman, but he was also quite interesting and ambitious.