I started to choke on my apple.
"Whoa! You okay?!" Jackson clapped my back and I coughed
"-ahem- yeah, I'm fine" I looked over at Caleb and saw him staring at me
"Jai?" He repeated, I stepped forward.
"Yeah, it's J-A-I, Jai... weird huh?" I laughed, "Nice to meet you..."
"This is my cousin Caleb." Jackson smiled, "You guys are gonna go to the same school after the break... Caleb, keep her safe for me?"
"Yeah... I'll keep an eye on her..." Caleb looked at his cousin, "Sorry, how'd you meet?"
"I kneed him in the crotch" - "She hit me..." We said together. I glanced at him and he just laughed.
"She hit you huh?" Caleb smirked, "Well I think we'll he along fine Jai..."
"Yeah... Do you live near Jackson?" I smirked back, "You're not gonna hit on me too... are you?"
"Maybe I will... Jai, I do live nearby... yourself?" He knows this is a ploy... Fine.
"Close enough..." I smiled
"So! Caleb did anyone else come? Like Dani?" Oh CRAP Dani! She won't be able to stay quiet.
"Nah, just me cuz." Caleb smirked at me, and I stuck my tongue out. "You're... adorable." He smirked
"You're ballsy..." I spat back
"Pint-sized" he smirked
"Cocky" I grinned
"Miniature" Jerk...
"Goliath" He was 15 too... and I'm actually older... but he's 6'1"
"And?" he smirked, "Thought girls dug tall dudes."
"Yeah ones who can reach the top shelf, no the roof!" I argued
"I'm not that tall. I'm just a bit bigger than most" He smiled
"Uh huh... I bet you say that to all the girls." Making a joke
"Just the special ones" He winked. MY BEST FRIEND JUST WINKED AT ME... "Well I'm gonna go enjoy the party. See you around cuz... Jai, I hope we can... chat again." He grabbed a soda and left.
"Mmm" I shrugged. Well... this is gonna be fun to explain...
"So... How long can you stay?" Jackson asked, handing me a soda can.
"What time is it?" I reahed for my phone and saw it was 10. I saw 3 messages
*Jai, everything okay so far?*
- Kay
*JAI?! You okay?!*
- Kay
*I'll see you tomorrow before Dani comes over to talk about this...*
- Caleb
I sent Kay a "yes, I'm alive. J" text and Caleb a "fine" response.
"I should probably leave in an hour or so..." I shrugged
"Your parents won't mind?" He asked
"Naaah, I'm responsible enough, and they're out of town right now..."
"Ah, cool." He smiled, "I mean... you can stay longer if you want?"
"That's nice, but they might get home early-ish so I should be there and at least a little rested before they come back."
"Do you wanna... see a movie? Or something tomorrow?" He blushed
"Maybe not tomorrow..." He looked down, "Just cause I just moved in... maybe I'll meet up with you for coffee tomorrow and we can do the movie the day after?" I compromised. I know tomorrow I'll have to tell Caleb and Dani, then deal with Kay.
"Awesome! Then it's a deal?" He grinned, he seriously looks happy I didn't shoot him down.
"Yeah. Okay, deal." I smiled
"Shake on it?" He held his hand and I grabbed it, but he just kissed the top again.
"You're very dapper..." I smirked ignoring the heat on my face
"Well, you are a lovely lady..." He smiled
If you only knew, you idiot...
"So, will you dance with me?" He asked
I shook my head, "Random... but I can't and don't dance..."
"No way, you skate, just move your body. C'mon" He grabbed my hand and led me to his dance floor, "Let Me Love You" came on and he just swayed us in a slow tempo, turning me every once in a while.
"Jackson, I really don't dance..." and definitely not the girl's side
"Just go with the flow!" He laughed, spinning me and singing, "Let me love you, and I will love you, until you learn; to love yourself."
"Let me love you, a heart of numbness, gets brought to life, I'll take you there..." I finished, the song plays all the time at my house with Kayla's constant shower songs
"Let me love you, I know you're trouble, don't be afraid, oh I can help." He continued
"Okay... too much sappiness... just... dance" I muttered
"Alright" He chuckled he kept his hand on my hip and the other in my hand and spun us again as it ended.
"One dance is all..." I said; I started towards the backdoor to get some air.
"Jai wait!" He caught up to me and looked a little scared, "are you mad?"
"...no? I just want air... I'm not used to dancing... especially in hot rooms..." I smirked
"Oh" He smiled a bit sheepishly, "okay... good."
"Yup, but I think I'll need my board, and I'll go home."
"I'll give you a ride, its dangerous." He offered
"Yeah, but it's your party. Plus your car's blocked by all the others." I pointed out.
"Damn... I'll walk you then, you said it was close."
"Yeah, a 5 minute drive... about a mile." I noted, I only really have to get to the park then Kay will get me... "I have my board. I'll just do that." I smiled
"No! leave your board... I'll take you on my bike... just point when to turn." H held my hand and looked at me like there was no more to say.
"Fine..." I sighed, I texted Kay I was getting a ride.
"Actually cousin, I'm about to leave, I can give her a lift... I'll wait here while you take her to get her board." Caleb bounced out of nowhere.
"That could work! Your car would be free!" Jackson smiled
"Yeah, perfect timing." I smirked
"Eh, I have talents..." Caleb shrugged
"Let's get your board Jai." Jackson tugged my hand
"Yeah..." I followed up to his room, and again I couldn't help but look at his pictures.
"Which one is your favorite?" He asked
"The lightning in black and white..." I pointed to one in the corner
"Huh..." He smiled
"What?" I asked, glancing at him
"Nothing really, just your choice." He grinned as he handed me my board. "I forgot to mention it but... you look really nice tonight."
"Oh! Uh... thanks..." I looked away. Guys don't get compliments like those... I followed him out
"I'll see you tomorrow right?" he asked
"Yup... I keep promises... and deals..." I smirked. A lot of people were crashing on the floor and couches... I think I see Mike, using the pineapple as a pillow... and sucking his thumb. "You should take and frame a picture of Mike over there."
"Oh man... I will! Looks like he's having a good dream." He laughed
"Yeah, well you sleep well too... you'll have to clean this tomorrow..." I laughed
"If I dream of you, it will be good..." He smiled at my expression. Which was probably me making bug eyes and turning red.
"I-you- sappy! Geez... good night Jackson!" I stomped to the door where Caleb was waiting and turned back to stick my tongue out at Jackson but he was behind me and kissed my cheek again.
"Night." He whispered
"Night cuz." Caleb nodded
"Keep her safe Caleb." He smiled
"Yep." He smirked, "Let's go Jai."
"Right." I looked back at Jackson and he stayed at the door until we were in the car. Then he waved at us... or me.
We drove for one minute before Caleb spoke, "So... where to start Jaime?"