"Cold," I muttered, picking up my fallen books that have slipped after Tanya hit my shoulder "accidentally".

And of course, since to everyone she's "the booty", nobody can do anything about it but laugh.

I was already late for calculus, and couldn't find my copybook...

"Hey Lia," I heard Jackson call out, turning around to see him fixing his wet hair.

"Hey, finished practice early today?"

Jackson recently joined our lacrosse team, after having our coach's mind blown. Apparently, he's been into lacrosse since youth; first grade, to be exact.

"We're having another class after school," he chuckled lightly, taking his books out of his locker, "also, I found your calculus books at my house."

"Thanks, I was looking for them yesterday," I shyly took them, putting away the extra book copies. "I thought I had lost them."

He smiled, before walking to class with me. I entered the room, preparing for today's class by taking my books on the table, writing down today's lesson points on the school diary.

"How've you been, lately?"

I smiled at Jackson, turning to him shyly. "I've been good, thanks."

The whole situation was new to me...I liked it. I liked knowing that I now have company at school.

"And you?"

"I'm fine, thank you. Been excited for tomorrow's game."

I smiled at him, blushing for practically no reason, before having the teacher catch my attention.

"Do you wanna walk home together?l today?" He asked making me turn as the teacher strolled around the class to collect the homework.

Something about that question brought instant butterflies inside me and I looked at him, nodding. "Sure!"

Today is going to be interesting.

************

"....And then I jumped, way to high that the ball wet from my net, over everyone's head and into the goal...it was a good practice," Jackson excitedly explained to me as I chuckled lightly.

"That was actually my favorite part."

"Thank you for waiting for me till I finished practice," he beamed from ear to ear, as I fixed the backpack's strap.

"No problem, I actually enjoyed watching it."

Tanya and Ted were there......I spent sixty minutes of my life sat watching her cheer while he plays- not to mention the make out session..and the glares I received. Ugh.

"Yeah? I'm glad you did."

"I'm a sports girl...even though it might not seem like it since I'm a nerd," I awkwardly chuckled making him do the same.

I loved sports. I always have since I was very little.

"You're not a nerd. You're smart," he winked making me blush a little.

I was never used to receiving any compliments from anybody-except from my father. Having now him and Jackson added would take a little time to get used to. Although, Compliments from Ross were the most to get to me, not to mention the way it's all natural. There's no filter between us, it's all celestial.

We stopped in front of our door, facing each other, awkwardly... I just smiled mostly happy that so far today has been a good day.

Maybe, just maybe it could get better.

"So," he shyly scratched the back of his head making me raise my eyebrows, "I wanted to ask you something."

"Sure! Go ahead."

"So as you know, tomorrow's going to be the game," his bright blue eyes showed a little hesitation, while the rest of him tried to cover it up with confidence, " and most of the team gets to let their girlfriends wear one of their jerseys."

"Yeah, we've had that's going on for about five years," I watched him stuff his hands into his jeans' pockets.

"Well I was wondering if you could come tomorrow," he paused reaching for his blue Adidas backpack to get out a newly brought red jersey with 'Byers ' printed on its back, "wearing this."

"Really?" I smiled shyly making him nod, handing it to me. "I'd love to."

I knew we weren't even official yet.. we never even kissed, but I also know that he liked to take things slow, and that's what I liked most about him. Patience.

"It can be our second date...well, except that I'll be playing and all..."

"I'm looking forward to it," I looked down, hiding the cheesy coyness I was in for a slight second.

I saw him stepping closer to me causing a wave of heat to rush through my chest and face. I knew I was severely affected by his simple actions, that getting close to me rushed adrenaline in my blood.

"You won't regret coming," he winked making me chuckle a little, having nothing but one thing scream inside my mind.

Kiss him.

It was hard to deal with, feeling your body physically get attracted to someone's lips...

It wasn't very new, perhaps only happened once, but it was never enough.

It was like, growing up as a tomboy and discovering the first fanfiction through internet...trying to convince yourself that fluff isn't your thing and it's disgusting...

Denying the fact that you spent an entire month getting used to the vigorous butterflies dancing inside your stomach every time you read a romantic part.

Finally giving in to romance being the only thing to lighten your heart up... that was my current state as he started to lean.

And just like the metallic personality I had, my body followed his lead and I found myself getting attracted.

Inches away, smiling, quivering...

Until my phone rang.

What a grant timing.

"It's my father," my body shook as I spoke in complete embarrassment and shyness. "I should probably get inside."

"Alright," he smiled, blushing too as I walked away slowly, "I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Definitely. Bye, Jackson," I softly called out, immediately rushing to the door.

Why does this have to happen every time we try to kiss??

🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

❤️