Chapter 3

Insomnia was the worst thing I ever had in my life. The words that Jasper had told me, repetitively spinning around my mind, I could not sleep smoothly. I tried to eliminate the ached in my heart, to accept the fact that Jasper was going to leave me soon and there will be no more and no one will spent their time with me just like Jasper did. I finally knew how important Jasper was meant to me. I grabbed my phone where I left it randomly. I dialed the number and he idle picked up his phone.

“Jas, are you asleep?”

“Damn, what’s the time now?”

“3a.m, Tuesday.” I said.

 “Ray? Is that you?”

“Yea… is me. I’m sorry for disturbing.”

“No. Don’t worry, are you okay?” He sounded like he started to worry about me.

“Don’t worry. I’m okay. I just have something to tell you.”

“Is that important? What makes you called me during the midnight?” He chuckled but he sounded sleepy and unconscious.

“Maybe you’ll smack me tomorrow.”

“Yea, probable I will.” He laughed and sounded clearer.

“So, Jas. I think I figure something out.”

“So, what’s the thing?” he asked curiously.

“I know you’ll think I’m probably insane, which I called you in middle of the night wanting to tell you something you might consider crazy. But this is really important to me, that I need to tell you right now, right in this moment.” I felt like I had been touched by my own sincerity.

‘GEEZ...’

“Ray …”

I spent almost the whole midnight to tell Jasper everything, and soon, I fell asleep once I’ve done my huge business talking.

I woke up early in the morning and found myself lying beside my cellphone with a sign of ‘out of battery’ stated on the screen. I picked it up and placed my cellphone on my dresser to charge some battery before I go to school. I went to the bathroom and anxiously prepared for the second day of my school life. I took a slice of bread from the breakfast table, which had already organized by my father, and I knew he would have asked me something about yesterday night.

“Ray, how’s yesterday dinner?” Dad asked.

‘See, I told you!’

“Everything’s good. Aunt Allie was really welcoming.” I smiled.

“Good to hear. How’s Jasper? Is he good?” He deliberately wanted me to blurt things out.

“Yea, don’t worry about him, dad. He was just having some issues right now. He was still struggling...” I felt upset simultaneously.

“Anything I can help?” He asked.

“No, not even me able to offer help, dad. Actually his dad got a new job in Arizona and he’s family probably moving over there.” I nodded lightly as I said.

“Wow, it’s a good news Ray. Why you looked so miserable?” He frowned on purpose.

“Dad, Jasper is my best friend since a couple years ago. You know that.” I now can felt how hard and tasteless the bread was.

“Ray, Jasper had a better choice. You should have be happy for him. I know he was your best friend, but I hope he was always just your friend. You know that.” Dad was talked strange suddenly. I don’t understand what he meant by that.

“Dad, what do you mean you hope he was always just a friend?” I frowned this time.

“Ray, it’s nothing. I just hope that he will be a friend, just friend for you.”

“He always is, like my best best friends. He’s always by my side when I needed him.”

“Maybe you’ll figure out he’s not treating you just like a friend someday.” He seemed to be implying some info to me.

“What? Dad, okay, I don’t get it. You talked strange today. I need to get going. We’ll talk soon, okay?” I snatched my bag on the couch and walked straight out of house.

I saw a silver car stopped by in front of my house. I walked over and took a closer look into the car. I saw Jasper sleeping in the car, soundly and I realized the lock wasn’t even locked up. I tried my best to get in the car without making any sound.

Shit!

I failed. I made a loud crap sound when I closed the door. Jasper turned his head and stared at me.

“Hey.” Jasper smiled.

“Hey, nice sleep huh?” I smiled.

“Yea… is not that bad.” He scrubbed his eyes lightly to make sure he was clearly awake.

“Why are you sleeping in the car in front of my house? How long did you stay in here?” I asked and opened my eyes widely.

“Just a few hours ago. I had a nightmare. Terrible nightmare.” He said while he looked into my eyes.

“So, I guess you wanna take me a ride to school? How bad was it?” I grinned.

“Yea, really bad.” I saw the fear in his eyes.

“Tell me, Jas. I’m ready.” I patted my thigh.

“No, Ray. I’m not going to tell you.” He whispered.

“Hey, Jas. I wanted to know.” I patted again and laughed.

“No, I’ll tell you someday, probably. Come on, we need to get to school. I don’t want to be late today.” He said mischievously.

“Just today?” I felt weird for the last sentence.

“No, I mean, always.” He began to concentrate on his driving.

School days always seemed to be long. I spent the first period of my class doing my exercise that given by Mrs. Cavanaugh, my algebra lecturer. The courses which I took this semester doesn’t seemed hard to me, while my course mates were definitely glowering because they looked anxious and worried about their oncoming test. I walked to my Biology lab after Algebra lesson. I wondered what would have happened today, to me, with Jasmine. Is he trying to fool me again? Somebody interrupted my profound thought, Jen.

“Hey, Ray.” She smiled just as the same as yesterday.

“Hi, Jen.” I half-smiled towards which I’m exactly not interested at all.

“Do you mind sitting with me in the Biology class for this semester?” what Jen said had made me relieved.

“Oh, sure. I love to.” I answered fleetingly.

“Yes! You’re awesome! Thanks Ray.”

“You probably have save me from that garrulous.” I’m taking it as a joke.

“Yea, I heard what he said yesterday. You probably have save me too.” She smirked.

“How did you hear that? Why I’m saving you?” I asked.

“I’m sitting next to you, I mean the next row.” She smirked.

“So, you mean you’re the girl who Jasmine talking about?” I was half stunned.

“I think so.” She smiled

“Ladies, please have a sit.” I heard Mr. Werner’s tough voice flowed into my ears. I followed after Jen and take a seat beside her.

In the same time, I heard Jasmine whispering.

“Damn it, plan failed.”

When I heard it, I think Jen had totally saved me from the pitfall.

After the class, Jen walked me to the cafeteria.  Her schedule switched because she was not taking physics for this semester. Her lunch period was just the same as I am. When we walked into the cafeteria, Jasper yelled at me from the table where we settled down yesterday. I walked over while Jen was still following me.

“Hi guys! I’m Jennifer.” Without my introduction, Jen introduced herself passionately.

“Who’s this cute girl standing right here? Ray, your friend?” Tiff asked as his gloomy smile appeared.

“Don’t even think about it, Tiff.” I rolled my eyes and sat beside Jasper.

“Ray, why don’t we get some food first? I’m starving.” Jen said but she already pulling me away from the location where I stood.

“Okay. What do you want for your lunch today?” I asked.

“Emm, I think I’ll have burger and Coke. How about you?” She said happily

“Hmm…I think I’ll just have the salad. I’m not that hungry.”

“Let’s get back. I think your friends were so cool.” Jen said with a big smile.

“You’re Jennifer right? I’m Zach. Are you having Biology class with Raven?” Zach asked.

“Yea. Yes I am.” Jen smiled happier.

“You guys probably want to know she’s the girl who Jasmine wanted.” I said and nodded to them.

“Ray, is number.” Jen gazed at me and smirked.

“Is the same, Jen.” I began to look annoyed.

“No, Ray. Is different, okay?” But she’s still keeping her smile on her face. Jasper seemed he had probably understand what I’m thinking. He interrupted Jennifer and shoved me lightly.

“Jennifer, let Raven have her lunch first.” Jasper looked at her.

“Thanks.” I whispered. Jasper smiled and joined the others to continue their conversation. I have my salad quietly, started to think of some nonsenses again. I have to admit I can’t stop peeping Jasper while I’m having my lunch. I knew that’s very rude, but I just can’t control myself. Jasper’s going to leave me, this scene wouldn’t hold for long. I’m pretty sure I’m going to miss him a lot, and of course, the other guys will miss him too. Six of us, Jasper, Zach, Tiff, Gilbert, Eddy and me, we used to stick together. We helped each other whenever we needed, since the first day we knew each other we were just like a gum, a sticky gum, nobody willing to separate.

We’d been together for three years. Our life was monotonous but plenitude.

Somebody just called my name out loud in a sudden,

“Raven!” I knew it was Tiff.

“What?” I stared at him ferociously.

“Time for you next class. You should prevent your daydreaming from happening so often.” He chuckled when he noticed the word ‘daydreaming’.

“Thanks, Tiff. See you soon.” I smiled as I pulled Jasper insisted him to follow.

“See you later.” Jasper waved and gave them a gestured of his sweet kiss.

“See ya, we love you too.” Eddy said vociferously with erratically laughed.

“Crazy.” I shook my head and grinned. I heard Jasper smiled when he saw I grinned spontaneously.

Once I finished changing my P.E shirt, I went out to the gym hall and did some easy warm-up movements. A few girls walked by, I ceased and looked at them. They were all truly enthusiasm. One of the girls took my hand and introduced herself. The other girls introduced themselves one after another.

“Hi, I’m Greece.” The first girl said with a surprise emotion.

“I’m Amanda.” She beckoned respectfully.

“Hey. I’m Angela.” She smiled. She looked cool but she seemed like one most popular socialism girl in our school.

“Hi, I’m Raven.” I said while my sight still on Angela.

“We’ve been paying close attention about you.” Three of them giggled and continued. “You’re the one dating with Jasper, the guy over there right?” Greece distracted my eye contact and appeared in front of my eyes.

“No, we’re not dating.” I strongly emphasized.

“See, Amanda. I told you they’re not dating.” Amanda seemed happier.

“Really, Raven?” Amanda looked at me with smile.

“Ya, he’s my best friend. Why are you guys asking me about this?” I asked suspiciously.

“They’re having a bet, and Amanda kind of…having a crush on Jasper.” Angela finally spoke, and told the truth simultaneously.

“Oh, bet? Wow, these surprise me, Amanda.” I smirked and looked over to the direction where Jasper was. I saw him staring at me while I gazed towards. I left my sight and returned to Amanda.

“Jasper…he’s a good guy…” I sighed. “I think we better get a ball assuming we’re playing.” I grinned.

“Yea, she’s right. Come on, glad to meet you anyway. You’re nice.” Angela smiled.

I enjoyed playing with them. They were all interesting.

They played good in sports but I’m not. They talked good but I’m not.

I went to the restroom along with three of them. I don’t really care my outfit or how bad my face looked. After changing my clothes, I tied up my long brown hair. All three of them were still busying making up and managing their outfit, which made me felt bored after a little while, so I decided to leave.

“Hey, I’m done.” I said

“Oh, you’re really fast, Raven. Do you need some of these to …?” Greece showed her foundation and frowned.

“Thank you but no thank you. I don’t use this much.” I frowned and grinned.

“Okay, I guess we’ll see you tomorrow then.” Greece smiled and waved.

“Bye.” When I walked out the restroom, I saw Jasper leaning right outside the female’s restroom.

“Hey, you’re slow.” Jasper walked over and landed his hand on my shoulder.

“You know I’m fast. I’m just waiting for those girls. They were busying their makeup and other stuffs.” I rolled my eyes embarrassingly.

“Who? I’m glad you’re not into them” Jasper stared at me curiously.

“Yea, the girls you saw during P.E. You know I don’t use those…” I mumbled.

“I know. I thought you like them.” Jasper asked and smiled.

“Yea, I like them. They’re great. Oh, one of the girl sort of having a crush on you. They have a bet on us.” I frowned.

“What? What kind of bet?” Jasper frowned this time.

“If we’re couple.” I said drowsily.

“Oh, so what did you said?” He seemed happy about this bet.

“Of course no, Jasper…” I eyed at him. He looked distraught now.

“I thought you gonna say we are.’” He indeed wished I admitted it.

“I’m sorry. Amanda seems to like you a lot. They did mentioned been paying attention on me recently.” I was exhausted.

“Your hair looks nice.” Jasper diverted his own attention and he was trying harshly to find something distract me from the subject which I don’t seem to be enjoyed much.

“Thanks. Send me home?” I looked at him.

“Yea, sure.” Jasper hovered as we almost got to reach his car.

“Damn.” He motioned ghastly and gazed towards his car.

“What happen Jasper? Is everything alright?” I asked strangely.

“Somebody pierced my tires.” Jasper gawked at the tires while he stridden closer.

“Is that bad?” I questioned.

“I can’t send you home. Sorry.” Then he took his cellphone from his backpack and dialed. He walked to the back of his car and talked softly. At the same time, I saw Greece and Amanda walking towards.

“What happened?” Amanda asked worriedly.

“Nothing, someone pierced the car tires.” I said embarrassingly.

“Oh no, who did this?” Greece asked.

“I’m not sure.” I said and turned my back and saw Jasper walking towards.

“How was it?” I asked Jasper.

“I’d called the tow truck driver to pick my car up. I’ll walk you home after I settled this damn problem.” He looked mad again.

“Sure. I’ll wait for you then.” I smiled.

“No. You know what guys? I’ll send you both home.” Greece smiled and said. That’s when Jasper realized Greece and Amanda standing right beside me.

“Are you serious?” Jasper looked relieved.

“Yea, I think Amanda would love to. Right Amanda?” Greece mentioned in an incidentally tone. I watched Jasper and then Amanda. Amanda looked shy when Jasper looked at her.

“Thank you. I just need to ensure Raven will be home safe.” Jasper smiled. I knew Amanda was staring at me, but I pretended to not realize.

“She’ll be safe. I’m a licensed driver.” Greece smiled.

“I supposed Jasper will be coming with us right?” Amanda finally asked.

“Yea, I think he will.” I answered.

Three of us walked to the nearby pavilion and took a rest while we’re waiting for Jasper. Nevertheless, Jasper was still standing beneath the hot enthusiastic sun. All I saw was his shirt was sweaty. I knew he was couldn’t stand the perspiration from occurring since he has some psycho clean habit…

After approximately half an hour, a tow truck drove into our school parking lots and hastened towards the direction of Jasper’s car. Jasper uttered a few minutes and he jogged towards the pavilion.

“We’re ready to leave now. I’m sorry kept you girls waiting” Jasper grinned.

“Yes! I’m so sweaty and tired. I hate sunlight.” Amanda said indolently.

“I’m sorry, ma’am.” Jasper apologized and smiled.

“No, it’s okay, Jasper. This way.” Amanda led the way for Jasper.

“Thank you.” Jasper said politely.

I followed at the back of them and got in the car speedily. Jasper went to the back passengers’ seat and Amanda went to the back naturally. I sat at the passenger’s seat beside the driver. I closed my eyes from recovering my tiredness. I woke up unexpectedly as the car braked in a sudden. I dropped my bag on the floor and I stared at Greece with a horrified expression.

“What happen?” I shocked.

“You’re home now.” Jasper chuckled.

“I’m sorry, Raven.” Greece looked apologetic.

“It’s okay. Thanks for the ride.” I opened the door and lifted my heavy body out of the car.

I waved to them once I’m completely out of the car. Jasper looked at me and waved, I guess he likes to have some time spending with others girl. I waved at him and turned my back rapidly and walked into the house without looking backward...

Thanks for __ Reading!

TO BE CONTINUE ....