Page 94 of Withered

“Thanks, Dad,” I say as I dig into the scrambled eggs.

The doorbell rings just as Dad gets up. I shoot up from my seat, but Dad beats me to it, saying, “I’ll get it.”

“Kiddo, Jake’s here!” Dad shouts from the living room.

Within seconds, they both enter the kitchen. Jake follows Dad, and he greets Mom. He’s dressed in a white shirt, black jeans, black shoes, and his signature black leather jacket. His hair is brushed back, and it looks as if he kept running his fingers through it.

“You’re ready?” Jake asks.

“Just five minutes,” I say, finishing my breakfast.

Mom keeps telling him to have something, but he says he's full.

Dad hasn’t had a chance to talk to him before, so they have some small talk. I think Jake would be nervous, but he handles the situation well. He keeps glancing my way, but I remain quiet.

I finish my breakfast, and Jake looks relieved when I pick up my backpack and usher him to follow me. I say bye to my parents and head outside.

“I thought you were going to leave me to suffer there,” Jake says, looking at me.

“You looked fine,” I say, adjusting the strap of my backpack.

Jake has his backpack on his right shoulder and his other hand in the front pocket of his jeans.

“Let’s go.” He grabs my wrist, catches me off guard, and pulls me toward his car.

He lets go of my hand and walks around the car to the driver’s side. Jake’s brows knit together in confusion as I stand there with my arms crossed.

“Such a gentleman. Henderson, where is your chivalry?” I ask him, putting on a big fake smile.

“That’s the thing, Evans. Chivalry was never my thing, to begin with.” He enters the car with a smirk.

I huff in annoyance and slide into the passenger seat. Jake starts the car but doesn’t drive away.

Jake says, “Put your seat belt on,” but I ignore him.

I don’t move, and he speaks after a few seconds. “You called for it.”

Confused, I look at him. “What do you mean?”

My body jerks as the car speeds down the street. My body shakes again as he applies the brake.

“Wanna try again?” He smirks. I glare at him but put my seat belt on.It's not fun.

I get out the second he stops the car when we reach school. My attempt fails as I have to walk around, and Jake beats me. He catches my wrist and pins me against the hood of his car.

The parking lot has many people, some of whom are now our mini-audience. Kristy stands a few feet away, next to Tyler, who is grinning and whispering something into her ear.

“Are you mad at me?” Jake asks, and my eyes meet his.

“No?” I say it, but it sounds more like a question.

“I was just trying to have a little fun.” He sounds genuine, and I give him a little smile.

“I’m not mad. You just gave me a scare.” The car speeding was horrifying, but I couldn’t deny the adrenaline rush that came with it.

He eases up, keeping just enough space between us to keep me trapped. His hands are on either side of me, and he is peering down at me, giving me an overall look. He slowly leans in closer, his lips grazing my cheek and stopping at my ear. My breath gets caught in my throat as I wait for him to speak.

“Did I mention you look beautiful?” He whispers in my ear.

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