♡ Jessica Woods ♡

"C'mon! Everything is gonna be okay." Louise chirped but all I did was sigh exaggeratedly as I stepped out of the car, grabbing my bag from the backseat.

"Let's go." she said walking ahead of me and I hung my bag over my shoulders and followed her behind, ducking my head down as I felt a bit self-conscious when I heard whispers from the students.

They're better not be talking about my body.

As soon as Ryan saw us coming towards the locker room, he approached us and ruffled Louise's hair playfully. She frowned and slapped his arm but he ignored her as he smiled at me with concerned eyes and I smiled back faintly at him. I looked around but I didn't find the blue eyes I was searching.

Then Louise waved me when Ryan dragged her towards the basketball court way. I let out a soft sigh as I moved towards my locker, walking past Natasha who was clearing her throat multiple times as if she was trying to get someone attention and when I looked at her she was staring at me back. I just forced out a smile at her and she nodded at me in return, resuming to talk with Leah.

She's being weird today.

Maybe besides myself, Jace's absence was bothering her too. I knew Samuel wouldn't come until next week but what happened to Jace? Where was he? Was he absent today? Then why on earth did he insist me to come today? Thickhead!
----

All the subjects before the lunch break were super boring and I didn't share any subjects either with Louise or Jace so it was one of the reasons for my boredom too. I set down the plate of tuna sandwiches on the table where Louise was sitting and frowning at her phone.

I glanced around and noticed no one was there in the table which was reserved for the Samuel's group and sat down on my seat, sighing.

Where is Jace?

"Eat fast Jessie, we need to go." Louise huffed, gulping down her tea.

Taking a big bite of my sandwich, I asked with furrowed brows. "Go where?"

"Basketball court. We have a prefects meeting and Oliver would be pissed if we didn't go on time." she told, grabbing her empty plate and walking towards the trash can.

I stuffed my face hastily as what Louise said was correct and he wouldn't be a lenient Head Prefect like Jace eventhough he was being a temporary HP.

When I finished eating a couple of moments later, Louise and I headed towards the basketball court. I noticed Oliver hasn't arrived yet and the prefects were gossiping with their co-prefects.

"Thank God! We reached here before he arrives." I muttered.

"I prayed God he would get food poisoning and spend the whole day in the loo." she told, smirking and I chuckled.

"I hope so."

Then I stepped into the basketball court, discussing about the nonsense topics with Louise. Suddenly I stopped on my tracks when I saw the two familiar persons who were sitting on top of the bleachers and laughing at each other.

Natasha and.. Jace.

Jace was here for the whole time and how on earth haven't we bumped with each other?

He was looking at Natasha who was sitting on his right side so it was obvious he didn't acknowledge my presence as he was intently listening to whatever crap she was saying to him.

I frowned as he wasn't even taking his gaze off of Natasha for a split second like she was the only person that could be seen in his sight. I wanted to stride towards him and yank him down and make him to notice my presence but being a spineless girl I knew I couldn't.

Suddenly he rolled his eyes playfully and stared ahead and that was when his gaze met mine. His eyes crinkled in a genuine smile and before I could return it Louise grabbed my arm and dragged me somewhere along with her.

"Haven't you seen Jace before? Oliver has come, you dumbass." she hissed and we both stood behind the group that has formed now circling the temporary Head Prefect, Oliver Smith.

"Well.. I have gotten so many good remarks so far, like I'm so eligible to this post than Jace. But always keep in your mind that Jace is your Head Prefect; Not me. So sorry to say this but y'all don't have any choice. Neither do I." Oliver began his speech, shrugging and I could sense the slight hatred and jealous he was feeling towards Jace and I was hundred percent sure none of the prefects have praised him like that because he was a piece of shit compared to Jace.

My mind wandered back to Jace and maybe he'd sitting on the bleachers with Natasha behind us still now and noticing us.

"Dear God, don't you think this arrogant asshole deserves to get food poisoning?" Louise muttered beside me, rolling her eyes skyward.

"So why we are gathered here today is.. we, the school, are organizing a talent show in the second week of next month as a fundraising event. And it's a great opportunity for the students to show their talents and get the trophy of Talent Tamer." he told in an official manner and I already knew about it as my English teacher already said this.

"If you wish y'all can participate too but the main point is, as it's a fundraising event we have to make.." he spoke without a pause and I tuned out the conversation and turned around slowly, sneaking a glance at Jace.

He was still sitting on the bleachers with Natasha and his gaze was focused ahead which meant he was staring at us and far away from here I felt he was staring at me back but I realized I was wrong when he chuckled and pulled Natasha closer and rested his head on hers.

I sighed softly and turned back and found Oliver was still speaking without an end. He stole some glances at me now and then but it wasn't cold like in the past times.

"So that's it guys! Now clear out!" Oliver announced and everyone started to walk away murmuring with each other.

"Finally." Louise sighed and I chuckled as we both turned around at the same time and started to move.

"Hey!" Oliver called out, grabbing my arm and I swatted his hand away and scowled.

"How dare you?"

"Woah woah, loosen up." he chuckled and I sighed exasperatedly.

What does he want now?

"Err.. Friends?" he extended his hand and I glanced at him and then at his hand in utter confusion.

I wanted friends but I never wanted my bully, Oliver Smith, to be my friend. He was a snake in the grass kinda guy.

He motioned me to shake my hand with him and with my lips parted slightly I slowly brought my hand to shake with his but before I could, he stretched out his hands.

"Hug maybe?" he asked and I narrowed my eyes and glanced at Louise who was standing beside me and mirroring my shocked expression.

"Have you dumped your girlfriend?" Louise questioned and he scoffed.

"Like Gabby would let me dump her even if I cheat on her. Now c'mon," he looked at me stretching out his arms a little and now there were less people to be seen in the basketball court. I gulped audibly nevertheless I slowly moved forward and hugged him awkwardly which he returned gladly wrapping his hands around my lower back.

"Hmm.. you smell so good." he whispered in my ear and I shivered slightly and tried to pull away but he tightened his grip around me as he continued to whisper that was only loud enough for me to hear. "Hey, I'm not a douche okay. I wanna thank you for providing me the HP post." then he pulled away and with a small smile on his face he walked away.

I froze on my spot open-mouthed as my brain couldn't register what had just happened now.

I thought he's a douche.

"Let's go." Louise snapped me out of my trance and I blinked twice and nodded at her. When I looked at the bleachers Oliver and Jace were standing beside the bleachers and discussing about something and Natasha was nowhere in sight. Jace's blue eyes met mine for a nanosecond but when they did I saw his jaw tensed.

I didn't seem to be bothered about that as I thought I would be late to my next class if I engrossed in my own stupid thoughts.
----

The last period was Computer Science and I was sitting on my usual place, waiting for Jace to arrive. Mrs.White was writing an article and she let us do some works as she had something important to do and I squealed mentally as I could spend much more time with Jace today but still he hasn't made an appearance.

After waiting for like an eternity, I heard footsteps and I quickly snapped my head towards the doorway but instead of Jace I saw Michael, the Asian boy, entering in and sitting on his regular spot.

Where was Jace? Why hasn't he arrived yet? Was he mad at me or something?

Suddenly my phone vibrated and I took it out sneakily and unlocked it and saw a new message from Jace. My eyes instantly lit up as I pressed it and read the message.

You're at the CS class?

I quickly replied 'Yes. Where are you?'

'Basketball practice. Couldn't be able to come. Will u come to the basketball court and get the book from me after school?' his text read and I smiled a little at my phone as I recalled yesterday's moment when he told me I could borrow his book.

I replied okay and slipped my phone into the bag and realized I was over thinking way too much. He wasn't mad at me; He had some sports practice actually.

When the bell rang I almost ran towards the basketball court gripping the strap of my bag and stopped infront of the basketball court entrance. I grinned when I saw Jace on his basketball jersey and talking with his coach. The coach glanced at me and said something to Jace which made him turn around and look at me.

I smiled coyly fidgeting with the strap of my bag and he nodded at the coach and approached me. "Hey."

"Hey." he was looking super hot eventhough he was coated with sweat and I managed to fix my gaze on his face and not on his abs that was showing through his soaked jersey. "the book-"

"Yeah, yeah. Get in." he chuckled lightly and I entered in and noticed the basketball court wasn't filled with basketball players. "Did Mrs.White give any notes today?"

"No. She let us do some works and I was.. all alone for the whole time." I mumbled and Jace nodded slowly.

"Oh.." was all he said and pointed at the basketball locker room. "Can you wait here till I go in and bring the book?"

"Yeah. Sure." I replied and he headed into the locker room and in no time he came back with a book on his one hand and a face towel on the other as he wiped the sweat off of his neck with it.

"Here. My chicken-scratch writing couldn't be clear sometimes so if you have any doubt, drop me a text okay?" he told and I smiled, taking it.

"Okay." I nodded and his jaw clenched as if he remembered something.

"You hugged Oliver, didn't you?" he asked out of the blue and I furrowed my brows.

"Uh.. Actually.." I stammered as I didn't know how to reply. Would it be appropriate if I said he thanked me for giving him the HP post. Nope, it would be more embarrassing.

"Jace! Come over here!" somebody shouted from the locker room and Jace glanced behind and waved his hand at the guy.

"Coming!" and he turned back and nodded at my hands.

"Well.. be thankful that Oliver didn't notice your painted nails. It's looking nice by the way, but y'know your new HP is a mood-swing guy so it's better to make your nails colourless. " he advised and the heat rushed into my cheeks as I looked down at my nails with raised eye brows.

He noticed them and complimented? Oh Sweet Jesus..

I looked up at him but he was already moving towards the locker room, picking up the basketball from the ground and spinning it with his forefinger.

"See ya, Jessica Woods." he said looking at me over his shoulder and threw the ball towards my way and I caught it somehow clumsily and noticed that the stupid smile of mine had reappeared as I averted my gaze to his muscular back from the ball.

"Very soon, Jace Parker."
----

After the boring weekend of completing all the missed notes, I let out a sigh when it was Monday. Actually I was the only person who loved Mondays because in the past I had my crush so I could meet him and at the present time, I have my Jace who has stolen my heart and refusing to give it back.

My Jace? Sadly no..

I was sitting at the school library and skipping some chapters of the novel I was currently reading as it kinda seemed to be boring. Suddenly I heard a screech sound coming from the chair across me and I looked up and raised my eye brows in a bit surprise when I saw Georgia Parker giving me her adorable smile.

"Hey Jessica!"

"Hey!" I smiled back and she sat down, placing down her books on the table.

"Err.. Can I have a word with you?" she asked and I closed my book and nodded, resting my chin on my palm.

"Yeah, what's it?"

"Uhm.. it's.." she cleared her throat. "It is.. listen, I like your brother and Jace said it's just a crush which I'd get over with, but I don't think so." she told and sneaked a glance at me.

"Okay.. And?"

"Uh, do you think your brother would like me back by any chance?" she asked and I chuckled as I thought I could ask the same question back at her.

"To be honest, I don't know. He's unpredictable." I told honestly and noticed her head hung low a little.

"Oh.. but.. that's okay." she gulped and looked at me. "By the way Could you do me a favour?"

"Go on." I told and she sighed softly.

"Well.. You heard about the talent show right?" she asked and I nodded. "Uh.. Our drama club has decided to make a drama of the story of Cinderella for the talent show. And I don't know if you knew already, but Alex is in the drama club too so.. could you ask him to participate in the audition of.. Prince Charming?"

"And why is that specifically? Because in my opinion he must be fitting for the Lucifer character perfectly." I joked and she giggled but then she bit her lower lip as she announced.

"Because I'm playing the Cinderella role in the drama."

My mouth formed an 'o' shape as I connected the puzzle pieces together. "Hm-hm.. sounds interesting. I'll help you."

A huge grin made its way on her face and she leaned forward, holding my hands. "If it's not library, I would've hugged you right now." she beamed and I chuckled.

It's time to play Cupid now!

Hey Lovely Readers!

How are y'all doing?

Have y'all ever wondered we don't have a ship name for Jace and Jessica? So.. if y'all ever found any, please comment it below. 

And a note for the silent readers,

It took so much time to write a chapter and less than two seconds to vote so if you haven't voted any chapters of my story please do it now. Thankyou.

I love y'all so much!!