Chapter 16

<Callie Stevens>

"Thank y'all so much for your help today." Jenna says as we pack up the rest of the gardening equipment.

Jasper is over on the far side of the parking lot helping the guys pack up the rest of the dirt. Thankfully, Jesse left after our little confrontation, thus making the rest of the afternoon fun. I tuck a piece of hair behind my ear as Jasper walks back towards me, brushing the dirt off his hands and onto his torn-up blue jeans. I smile in spite of myself as he comes to stand right next to me.

"Do you need a ride home, Callie?" He asks in a low voice so he won't interrupt Jenna.

I nod and wave my goodbyes as he leads me over to his truck. I hop into the passenger seat and buckle myself while Jasper rubs some hand sanitizer on his hands before taking the driver's seat. He backs out of the parking space and begins to drive down our usual route back to my house. In the ensuing silence, I stare at Jasper's hands that are grasping the steering wheel tightly. My mind wanders back to when I handed him the plant and our fingers brushed. There was something, I felt it and I think he felt it too, but with Jasper I don't think I'll ever know.

"Thanks for inviting me, Callie. I had fun." Jasper says, breaking the silence.

"I'm really glad you came; I'm sorry about what Jesse said to you." I tilt my head and give him the pitying look I know he hates.

"It's nothing I haven't heard before." He shrugs and continues driving.

"If you don't mind me asking, what did he say to you?" I ask in a small voice.

We come to a stoplight and Jasper turns to me as if he contemplating his answer.

"He told me to stay away from you."

I remain silent as the light changes, prompting Jasper to begin driving again.

"Lucky for you, he doesn't get to decide that." I reply, my gaze following the passing scenery.

"I guess I am pretty lucky." He says, his eyes lingering on me for a few seconds before they go back to staring at the road.

~~~~~

It's Monday afternoon and I'm back in human anatomy with Jesse seated next to me and thoughts of Jasper weighing on my mind. I scribble some things down in my notebook while Jesse continues to scoot closer to me, his body only a few centimeters from mine. Sadly, I can't move any farther away unless I want to be in the middle of the aisle, which would definitely draw some attention from my teacher.

"Callie, quit moving; we don't want to make a scene." Jesse whispers in my ear, sending discomforting chills up my spine.

"Remember when I slapped you?" I say from the corner of my mouth.

"Of course," Jesse winks and puts his hand on my shoulder.

"That meant 'leave me alone', not become more persistently annoying." I hiss, brushing his arm lightly from my shoulder.

"Aw, Callie." He smirks and puts his hand right back on my shoulder.

"Mr. Arnold, Ms. Stevens, what have I been lecturing about?" Our teacher asks, his beady glare pointed directly on us.

"What you were lecturing about last class?" Jesse says with way too much confidence.

"Funny, maybe you should save your PDA and pay attention instead." Mr. Roberts replies to the sounds of whistling and chuckling throughout the class.

Jesse soaks up all the attention while I sink lower in my chair, praying for his lecture to end. Thankfully, the bell rings a few minutes later and I'm free to leave. I grab my bag and follow Jasper out the door, praying that Jesse won't catch-up with me. Those dreams are dashed when I hear my name coming from somewhere in the crowd of people trying to leave.

"Hey Callie," He calls and I give Jasper a 'help me' look.

Jasper just shrugs, but doesn't continue moving.

"We should actually go out, so Mr. Roberts wouldn't've been lyin' 'bout what he said in class." Jesse says arrogantly as he continues to walk towards me. "Plus I can show you how to have some real fun."

Somehow I think we have different ideas of fun...

"Jasper, put your arm around me." I whisper and jerk my head towards the approaching Jesse.

He gives me a weird look, but does it anyway. He holds me close as Jesse finally reaches my spot, almost all the way down the hallway.

"Sorry, I'm already taken." I say with a bright smile.

"You're dating trailer trash?" Jesse crosses his arms like he doesn't believe me.

I feel Jasper's grip tighten on me, but I stare right at Jesse and reply smoothly.

"No, I'm dating Jasper, but I'm lookin' at trash."

With that, I walk away, head held high and Jasper's arm still wrapped around my shoulders. We make our way to the west lot where Jasper's beat-up black truck is parked. I'm sad when he lets go; his embrace was comforting, his hands warm. I watch as he unlocks his car and gestures for me to get into the passenger's seat. I hop in and he begins to drive out of the parking lot.

"I'm sorry about what happened back there." I say and stare down at my lap. "I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that."

"No worries, I'm glad I could help out." He replies, but his eyes don't meet mine.

"I wasn't trying to use you..." My voice trails off guiltily as I realize what I did back there.

"Yes, you were, but it's okay; I'm not bothered by it. It's not like you're the first one to ever do it."

Jasper's eyes seem to be focused on the road, but the rest of his features look hurt.

Just tell him you actually wish what you said to Jesse was true...

"I shouldn't've done it..." I reiterate and touch his forearm lightly.

"The alternative was a date with Jesse; I'm glad I could help keep you away from that."

The ride is silent until he pulls into my driveway and puts the truck in park. For a minute, we just stare at each other; no words needed. I bite my lip, wondering what I could say to make him understand how I feel. I'm about to open  the door when Jasper grabs my hand, holding it gently.

"For what it's worth, I wish we were actually dating." Jasper says, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Well, what are ya gonna do about it?" I ask in a soft voice.

Jasper continues to stare at me and for the first time, a real smile spreads across his lips.

"Ask you out."

I look down at my lap and blush.

Things are actually going right...