Page 21 of Stephan

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Stephan

Jade met me out the front of the pub for thenext four days. I made sure she had her phone with her every timeshe left. My goal was to get her into the habit of taking it withher wherever she went.

I’d finally started to crack her hard shell.I picked her up and drove her to school. On Monday she’d retreatedas soon as we arrived, but every day since then it got a littlebetter.

“Thanks for the lift.” Jade smiled at me andjumped out of my car almost running to the school. I let her runand hide. I’d find her later in the day.

At recess on Monday she’d hid. Her friendsthought it was hilarious and wouldn’t tell me where to find her. Atlunch I didn’t let her hide. I may not be in any of her classes,but my brother was in a few. When he wasn’t able to be there, oneof my friends were with her. Brad had been in her class beforelunch and I’d asked him to bring her to where we sat. If she kickedup too much of a stink Brad would follow her and call me.

Brad called me. “She doesn’t like to be toldwhat to do and she has some mouth on her—some of the things shecalled me…” Brad chuckled. “She’s in the library. I’ll wait for youhere.”

I’d gone to the library and found her in aback corner reading.

Brad whacked me on the back. “Good luck. Idon’t even think me Mum’s death stares are as vicious as hers.”

She knew the instant I came in because sheput the book down and gave me her best glare. I don’t think sherealize how hot it made her look. I ignored her glare, kissing andhugging her until the librarian, Mrs. Vren, interrupted.

“Mr. Silverman, take it outside.”

I’d picked up Jade’s bag, wrapped my armaround her, and guided her out of the library.

We walked through the school and down towardthe oval where I sat.

“Let me go. I can walk by myself.”

I pulled her closer, almost carrying her.

“Stop it. Everyone is looking,” shehissed.

I knew why they were watching. I’d neverdated or shown any interest in any of the girls at school. Not thatit stopped them from throwing themselves at me or propositioningme. “Of course they’re watching. They’re wondering how I scoredsuch a pretty girl.”

Jade snorted. “You’re such a liar.”

I stopped in the middle of the lunchcourtyard and turned Jade to face me. I tilted her head up, leaneddown, and kissed her in front of everyone. I knew all their eyeswere on us, but I didn’t give a fuck. I coaxed her to open hermouth and tangled my tongue with hers. Kissing her deep while Ishowed everyone she was mine. I ended the kiss and stepped awayfrom her, grinning.

“That was just mean. You knew I couldn’t stopyou with everyone watching.”

Of course I knew she wouldn’t deny me a kiss,she didn’t want to cause an even bigger scene. She may fight me atevery turn but I knew she liked me, especially my kisses. “I knewyou liked me enough to show everyone. I also wanted everyone toknow you’re mine.” I shrugged. “I will do it every day if you don’tmeet me at recess and lunch.”

“Fine.” Jade straightened and walked down tothe seats where we always sat.

The next couple of days she joined me forrecesses and lunch. Her friends came down and sat with us too.

Afternoons had been another fight. Jade andCassie had become fast friends so she’d been spending mostafternoons with her and their friends. I let her spend Monday withCassie, but Tuesday when I had rugby practice and I wanted herthere.

“I thought rugby practice was on Friday?”She’d sulked because she’d wanted to go with Cassie like she hadthe day before. I had been waiting for her at the entry to the carpark.

“It is. Tuesday and Friday.”

We’d gone back to my house and she’d triedsitting in the car.

“Little bit, if you don’t get out of the carnow I won’t go to practice. I’ll stay here with you.” I laughedwhen she jumped out of the car and ran inside. She refused to comeup to my room while I changed for practice, but I’d let her havethat boon. I was supposed to be taking it slow, and I knew lasttime she was in my room it spooked her.

On Wednesday I’d waited for her at the carpark entrance. We’d gone back to my house, but I’d invited ourfriends over and we all hung out

Today I didn’t wait in the car park entrance,I waited out by her last class. I had a free period on Thursdaysafternoons. I’d spent the first thirty-five minutes in the librarystudying. The HSC exams (Higher School Certificate) wasn’t too faraway and I needed good marks to get into my course.

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