“I’ve never really thought about it. It’s never been an option,” he told her, shoving his hands in his sweatshirt pockets.
Outside (O/O closed, stalkers welcome :)
“Do you want me to tell you about it?” She offered, “We have a little time before we get back home, plus I can text you the rest now.” She wiggles her shoulders a little with excitement. It was nice to have someone else to talk to, and he was pretty cute—but they would just be friends. For now at least, she shoved the thought away, Friends.
Grayson laughed and nodded. “Sure, does it live up to the countless descriptions in books?” He asked, smiling over at her.
“Kind of..” she glanced over to him and smiled too, “The cliques aren’t as obvious and the bullies aren’t as outrageously cliche or common. But other than that it’s pretty much the same as the books.”
“Mm..maybe I’m glad I don’t have to go,” Grayson replied with a quiet laugh. “Doesn’t sound very nice.”
“People make friends that make the experience bearable, even enjoyable sometimes.” She took a turn towards their houses, “I don’t mind it so much..” she stared at the ground, remembering something not so pleasant. She rubbed her arm.
"Is everything okay?" Grayson asked quietly, noticing her withdrawl from the conversation.
She nodded, “Yeah, I’m good.” She dismissed, but clearly it wasn’t okay, “We’re almost home.”
Grayson wasn’t sure if he should ask again. She didn’t look okay, but maybe she didn’t want to be bothered. “Are..are you sure you’re okay?” He asked again, his voice almost a whisper.
She shook her head, “I’m alright, it just reminded me of a bit of a problem at school with some girls. It’s fine, though.”
“Oh..okay. Sorry,” he replied, not sure what to say. He’d never had to comfort anyone before.
“It’s okay, it’s not your problem, you don’t have to worry about it.” She looked over at him to smile, “We’re home.”
Grayson nodded and glanced over at his house. All the lights were off. “Well, I’ll see you..sometime..” he said quietly.
“I’ll text you tomorrow…is that okay?” She took a step to her driveway. Her mom was going to be so angry..she didn’t want to go inside.
“Yeah, of course.” He smiled, beginning to walk cautiously towards his house. “Talk to you then..”
“Yep..” She dipped her head, stepping up to the porch and resting her hand in the doorknob, “Goodbye, Grayson..”
“Wait! You never told me your name.” Grayson said quickly before she went inside.
“Oh.” She paused before opened the door, “It’s Jasmine.” She waved, “Some people call me Jass, though. Whichever you prefer.”
"Okay then, see you soon Jasmine." Grayson waved a bit, turning back to his house and cautiously slipping inside and closing the door quietly behind him.
Jasmine waved back and opened the front door with her key, hoping we parents would be upstairs and haven’t been worrying about her. “*please be in your room. Please be in your room.” She whispered over and over.
Grayson froze at the sight of his dad sitting in the kitchen, a cup of coffee in his hand.
Oh no..
His dad stood up and walked over to him, his expression grim. “Upstairs. Now,” he demanded, grabbing Grayson by the collar and shoving him towards the stairs. He kept ahold on the back of Grayson’s sweatshirt as they climbed, occasionally pushing him into the wall or down onto the stairs. “Never leave your room again without my permission.” He growled, slamming and locking the door from the outside.
Jasmine was unaware of the skirmish in her neighbor’s house as she sighed deep relief at her parents not being in the living room. She crept upstairs, making a point to avoid the few creaky steps until she reached her bedroom and closed the door behind her.
Grayson stumbled into his room, his heart sinking when he heard the lock click. He walked into the bathroom and winced at the cut on his forehead from getting pushed into the stairs. It hurt but..everything was kind of blurry at the moment.
Jasmine sat down on her bed and took out her phone. She turned it over in her hands while she debated whether she should text him yet or not. It had only been a few minutes since they left, so he shouldn’t be asleep. But just to check she texted him, Hey, it’s Jasmine. Are you awake?
Grayson blinked a couple times, his eyes filling with tears. He made it back to his room and collapsed on the bed, glancing over at his lit up phone.
Yeah. Were your parents mad?
Jasmine laid down on her bed with her phone, a smile wondering on her face when she saw he’d answered. Not yet at least. They’re in their room. She gathered a body pillow to hug while she browsed her phone and waited for him to answer.
That’s good. Sorry..it’s kind of my fault we got home late.
Grayson heard scratching and saw Lees paws under the door. He felt tears slide down his cheeks and crawled over to the door, sticking pencils under the door to play with him. “Sorry buddy, I can’t come out right now..”
(I’m getting so sad writing this :(
:( it’s breaking my heart
And Jass doesn’t even know))
Don’t worry about it, I would have lost track of time taking pictures anyway. It’s not your fault :) she sent the message, then went back to scrolling through her social media. Luckily she’d stayed on the down low on this app so far.
(sobbing)
Lee purred quietly and laid down in front of his door, sticking his paw under the door so Grayson could pet it.
Oh..okay. What are you doing?
He set his phone down and continued petting the part of Lee that he could reach.
(it’s the cat, I love Lee)
Just laying in bed and waiting to get tired She texted back somewhat quickly, happily abandoning the boring medical article she got click baited into. She didn’t care that much about the new diet it suggested, all she cared about was her new friend.