It's been a week and I haven't talked to Jack about tutoring him. There's no way he can bother me about it, either. He doesn't have my number, even though I'm sure it's not hard to look it up. I've kept my curtains closed and I've avoided going outside when he was playing basketball in his driveway. I mentioned it to both of my grandparents and they said no before I even finished. Conveniently, I left out the part about spending the night, figured they'd be better off without that sliver of information.

My eyes started to hurt and I sat my book down on my bedside table. I sunk under my blanket, letting the warmth envelop me. I tucked an arm behind my head and stared up at the ceiling. Sleep hasn't been a great friend lately. Okay, maybe I felt bad about ignoring Jack, but I wasn't ready to tell him that I can't do it. He's only going to try to 'persuade' me.

Just as sleep was about to be kind to me, I heard two light taps on my window. I let out a groan and got out of bed. It could be nothing but birds, but it's always good to check. Horrible logic.

I pulled back my curtains slowly, peeping out over one. Jack stood between our houses behind his white line, wildly waving his hands. I opened the curtains more and undid the latch on my window. I pushed it forward and stuck my head outside. "What the hell are you doing?" I whisper yelled.

"You didn't give me an answer!" He called back.

I glanced at the clock beside my bed and back out the window. "It's three in the morning, go back to bed."

"Come outside so we can talk!" He was unnecessarily loud.

"The answer to both questions is no, so go back inside before you get in trouble." I kept my voice down to a whisper.

I heard him laugh. "Come on, don't be like that! Get your ass down here!"

"Shut up before you wake my grandparents!"

"Then come down here before I start singing!"

I shushed him and closed my window.

I looked down at my choice of sleep wear, a pair of cotton shorts and a tank top. I decided to slip on a sweat shirt and make my way down stairs quietly. I opened the front door and stepped outside into the night air. It was a bit breezy, but I liked it.

I stepped into the grass with my bare feet and instantly regretted not putting shoes on. Jack was still standing beside his house, but behind a line of white string. He caught my curious look and said, "Can't go any further without this stupid thing going off."

Makes sense. "What do you want that couldn't wait?"

"I told you. I need help with my exams. And with my circumstances, no one wants to help me. You're my only option."

Wow. Makes me feel real good. "Well, I can't do it, I'm sorry."

He crossed his arms across his chest and narrowed his eyes. "And why can't you help me? I helped you-"

"I know, but I can't. Think of something else I can help you with."

"There's nothing else I need help with."

"You have a creative mind, I'm sure you'll think of something."

He let out an annoyed sigh and ran his hands over his face. "Can you at least meet me in my driveway? This is getting weird."

I crossed my arms and started walking. "You're the one tapping on my window in the middle of the night. I don't think it gets any weirder than that." I stepped onto his driveway and he appeared out of the darkness and under the security light.

"Why can't you help me, Juliet?"

I chanced a glance behind me. "Exactly how far can you go?" I asked, changing the subject.

"To the mailbox. What does that have to do with anything-oh, I see what you're doing."

I grinned. "Clearly it's not working."

He let out another sigh. "Help me and I swear I'll never bother you again. I can even have my parents pay you for helping."

Even though that completely goes against it being a favor, I do need money for college. "My grandparent's won't let me and I'm sure I don't need to elaborate," I admitted.

"Of course, why would you be any different?"

I flinched a little. "Excuse me?"

Jack squeezed his eyes closed. "I didn't mean it like that." He opened his eyes again. "I mean it's the same thing I've been told by everyone."

"Considering your circumstances, you're lucky that's all they told you."

Another loud breath escaped his lips, telling me he was only getting more annoyed by the second. And I'm enjoying it a little bit. "Whatever. Forget I asked. I'll do it on my own. I don't know how, but I'll figure it out. Sorry to wake you."

I wanted to tell him I wasn't sleeping, but I didn't. I just stood there like an idiot and I didn't know what to say.

He went back inside without saying another word. I stood there for a moment before going back to my house and climbing back into bed. Now I'm never going to get sleep. The guilt was worse than before. I just couldn't do it. My grandparents would kill me before I helped him. Or at least lock me in the attic until I go off to college.

I got out of bed after tossing and turning for a few minutes and went to my window seat. I pushed the curtains open and sat down. I looked across the yard and into Jack's room like the creep I am. He was awake, sitting on the edge of his bed with his head in his hands. Now I really felt horrible. And I shouldn't, right? This is his problem. He shouldn't have gotten into trouble and did the work like he was supposed to. I know he's smart. He probably reads more than I do. And we always went head to head in the spelling bee during our elementary years.

He's smart, he can do this on his own.

Before I knew it, the sun was rising and it seemed pointless to go back to bed. I watched the sun rise and stood up from my seat. I don't remember when Jack went to sleep and he didn't look over here once. I felt like I was reaching stalking potential. Or I most definitely have reached stalking potential. I was just curious...and guilty. Great way to spend my summer break.

My grandparents weren't up yet so I made the coffee and poured myself a cup. Need that caffeine to get me through the day.

After my morning two cups of coffee, I walked back up the stairs to take a shower. The shower only made me sleepy so that didn't help much. I dried off and got dressed for the day. A clean tank top and a pair of shorts seemed fitting because it was really hot today. Really felt like summer. I ran my fingers through my wet and messy dark locks and slipped on a pair of shoes.

I walked outside to grab the newspaper from the driveway because it seems my grandparents decided to sleep in. I wasn't complaining though, I think they need it.

"Juliet!" A woman's voice called my name.

I looked to my right to see Marie McKinnon frantically waving a hand at me. "Hi, Mrs. McKinnon!" I called back. I just thought she was being friendly, but she started making her way over to me.

"I'm glad I caught you, I was just getting ready to come over." She smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Oh, my grandparents are still asleep-"

"No, no, no. It's you I was coming to see. I just made breakfast and I would like to talk to you."

My smile fell a little because I already knew where this was headed. "Sure."

I could smack myself.

I followed her over to the McKinnon's and stepped inside. The house smelled like bacon. It was almost overwhelming but something else I couldn't complain about. Man, Lindy and I have serious bacon problems.

She gestured towards the bar where there was a plate of newly made breakfast. Eggs, bacon, and toast. Can't go wrong with a traditional breakfast. But this was also a very weird situation. "What did you want to talk about?" I asked timidly.

She took a seat next to me before speaking. "As you may know, Jack isn't doing too well in school right now with everything that's happened."

I knew it. "I'm sorry." And that was the only thing I could think of to say.

She waved her hand. "It's okay and it's not your fault. But we've been looking for a tutor for a while and it just seems no one has time this summer." She laughed nervously.

Yeah, no time. "You want me to do it?" Of course, Juliet, don't be stupid.

"I know you're probably going to be busy but just two days a week would be great and I'll pay by the hour-"

"I won't be able to do it, Mrs. McKinnon." I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I have my senior year to prepare for and I won't have time, I'm sorry."

She struggled to keep her smile. "I understand, but I just thought I would ask."

Not only did Jack make me feel bad, now Marie was. "Let me think about it for a couple of days and I'll let you know."

She smiled again and stood up. "That's great, thank you." She breathed. "I have to get to the office right now unfortunately. You go ahead and finish your breakfast and I'll talk to you in a couple of days."

I nodded and she left a pat on my shoulder before disappearing.

I heard the front door close and I finally let go of the breath I was holding.

When I heard footsteps upstairs a few minutes later, I bolted for the front door. I ran out and snatched the paper from my driveway before running back to my house. And now I was feeling guilty for leaving the plate on the counter.

Sleep was resting on my shoulders at 2:58 A.M. that night. Or should I say morning?

I kept nodding off, but I needed to make it to 3 A.M.

When my phone beeped, my head snapped up. I looked out my window, and just like clockwork, Jack was taking his walk around the house. I guess you have to do anything to keep yourself busy when you're on house arrest.

My walk downstairs was quite and I proceeded outside. I moved to my side of the house, catching Jack off guard when he came back around. "What are you doing-"

"No one can know," I rushed.

He looked at me curiously, taking a step up to the white line. "What?"

"I'll help you, but no one can know."

"Seriously?"

I hesitated, but nodded. "It will be Tuesday's and Thursday's, from ten at night to midnight, got it?"

He didn't say anything.

"Got it?" I repeated.

"Yeah...yeah, I got it."

He was still staring at me like I had two heads. "What?"

"What changed your mind?"

I rummaged through the excuses in my head, but none of them seemed convincing anyway. "Your mom actually. I felt a little guilty about it. But she can't know I'm helping because she talks to my grandparents and if they find out, they'll lock me in my room until I finish college."

An amused grin surfaced on his lips. "No one has to know."

"Thank you. I'll see you Tuesday night."

"See you Tuesday night."

I backed away, finally turning and heading back to my house.

Was I going to regret this? Probably.

Lindy popped up Sunday afternoon, basically begging me to go shopping with her. She has a date tomorrow night and she claims to have nothing to wear, but you should see her closet. You could definitely get lost in it if you go in far enough.

When Lindy left, I had to get ready for work. I worked at a small diner just a few minutes out. I had to work my schedule into my grandmas so I would be able to use the car. I've been working at the diner since I started high school and every penny of what I make goes into savings. Part for a new car and at least something for college.

I got in the car and I was on my way. I would never say I hated it. The owner, Ms. Patsy, is basically like a mother to me. She's been a friend of Grandma's for as long as I can remember. Thanks to my Grandma for getting me the job in the first place.

When I got to work, Madison was already working. She was tall, blonde hair down to her butt, and she was the epitome of innocent. "Hey, thank god you're here," She breathed, setting down an empty tray on the counter. "Dinner rush never ends."

Madison also happens to be Jack's ex-girlfriend.

I don't know how it happened.

But I liked her. Still don't know how she ever dated him.

I clocked in and tied a black apron around my waist. I stuffed the order pad and a pen in my pocket before leaving the back room. "Can you get table 7?" Madison asked, rushing to pin orders on the order line. "I have to get these orders out." She was gone before I could even say anything.

I started making my way over to table 7, only to realize it was Michael and his friends. This night just got a lot more interesting. "Juliet!" Michael smiled. "I didn't know you work here."

"You come in here every week....when I'm working." My tone didn't hide my annoyance. "What do you want to drink?"

The four guys in the booth rattled off their drink orders and I went to get them. I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly before walking back to their table.

I spread the drinks out, ignoring Michael's taunting gaze. I kept it professional and simply asked for their food orders and I was off again. It was hard waiting the tables around their table because Michael would make small attempts to talk to me. Not in the mood.

When I brought their food orders to them, Michael caught my wrist before I could retreat. "What?" I hissed.

"Can we talk?" He asked quietly while the other guys had their mouths full.

"I'm working, Michael."

He shook his head. "I know, I mean later."

"I'm closing tonight."

"What about tomorrow?"

I give him an A for effort. I hesitated, but said, "Come at 2."

He gave me a smile, but I didn't return it.

Madison left a few minutes before me, a little unsure if she should stay or not. I assured her it was fine and she finally left.

After I locked up, I got into the car and I felt more relaxed. As long as I've been working here, I still go home sore.

The time was nearly midnight when I got home. I got out of the car and started to head inside when Jack's voice stopped me. "Long day?" He asked. He was sitting in his drive way, leaning back on his hands.

"You can say that," I replied.

"Wanna talk about it?" He called back. "I may act like an asshole, but I have been told I'm a great listener." I could hear the cockiness in his voice.

I shook my head, not sure he could even see me. "Thanks for the offer, but no."

"I give great massages too!"

Part of me wanted to laugh, the other part wanted to slap him. "No thanks. I just want to go to bed. I have an early shift and then I have to be energized to help you. I'm gonna need all the sleep I can get."

"Fine!" He said. "Don't say I never offered."

I couldn't even take him seriously. "Do you ever sleep?"

"Considering that's all I have time for, I don't do it often."

"You should try it. It just might put you in a better mood."

Jack stood up from his seat in the driveway and walked up to his line of thread. "Maybe it'll put you in a better mood."

"Yeah, because talking to you always puts me in a bad one."

He grinned. That stupid grin. "I'm not all bad."

I snorted. "Considering."

"Just ask me and get it over with," He said flatly, rolling his eyes.

Now I was confused. "I'm sorry?"

He tilted his head and crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm sure you've thought about it."

I was past confusion now. "The only thing I've thought about asking was why you're so damn arrogant."

"I find that hard to believe."

"I'm going to bed before I do something I'll regret."

"See you tomorrow, Juliet."

He grinned again and I had to leave before I really did do something I'll regret.
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Yay for finally having new cast, hahaha. I was so torn on who to use for Juliet, and thank you Uzma for offering to help, it was honestly so hard to choose omg.
Anywaaay, hope you liked the chapter! Please vote and comment with your thoughts? :)
Hopefully I'll come up with a cast for Michael (And two new characters in the next chapter) :)

EDIT (10.21.15): The casting for Juliet has been changed to Adelaide Kane!

Part roughly edited Nov. 8th, 2015.

Edited again March 28th, 2016.