***Val's P.O.V
Wednesday arrived so goddamn fast, and the thought of school filled me with dread. It was no fun that weekdays was just choked up with all the boring subject lessons I could ever think of, if all courses could be like literature,
Maybe…
Just maybe,
We could all dive into a 3D fiction universe as intensifying and interesting as reality but no, we had history and some other bull crap full of dictations and entirely no comprehension for our amateur skulls.
F*ck!!!
This sucks?
Today just seemed to look so ugly and uneventful,
The unbearable weight of Wednesday,
Oh shit!! It was an unavoidable chore, but my reluctance was a physical ache. Ronan would be there.
A frustrated groan escaped me. Why did I have to endure this? But surely, I didn't know what was coming.
Thoughtful, I guess….
I forced myself into a hot shower, enveloping myself in the sweet scent of strawberry products.
Oh yeah, you heard me.
Hear me right, loud and clear, I do like strawberry hair products. I like my good smell to be eaten quite a bit more tasteful and satisfying than a proper meal.
I always have to slay and serve a look baby.
After drying off, I could feel my heavy hair curls rest on my shoulder.
Ooou!!!
That feels great,
"Enough with the self-cheer Val", I mutter to myself.
Have you forgotten, Today is Wednesday.
Oh my God, The way I hate Wednesdays,l'd hate to admit that I have to scurry something down.
I took out a couple of textbooks and notepads that's we were having for class today.
So gross, not minding the tension I puffed myself with,
I searched for an outfit, then threw my hair into a casual bun and headed downstairs for breakfast.
"Morning, Rey-Rey," I greeted my brother.
"Don't call me that!" he retorted, clearly annoyed.
"Call you what, then?" I asked, feigning innocence.
"Just forget it," he grumbled.
I smiled inwardly, grabbing my things. As I reached the door, Reynolds informed me, "We're riding with Jax today."
"Okay," I replied.
We settled into the car where Jax was waiting. As he drove, I stared out the window, lost in thought.
All of a sudden, Jax says out loudly,
"Val, don't you have something to tell Reynolds?" just like a clerical staff calling out the names of her organization's clients for due process, that felt intruding but concerning.
Although, I wanted to be taken care of, but exactly not this way.
But we would've talked about this on phone or maybe back at home. (All stated just in my mind…)
He asked again, this time in curiosity that seemed like he was yelling.
I knew he was referring to Ronan's presence.
"Nope," I stated. Still and pretending to be calm, which of course I wasn't
"Are you sure?" he pressed.
"Absolutely."
"Well, then I have something to tell Reynolds," he said.
My eyes widened. Was he going to reveal everything?
Oh shoot, this is what you get when you have a boo of the boo-less, unafraid and daring at every situation that involves you. David was the man after God's heart, but this man-""Jax is after my heart".
What if that was a secret I was to take to my grave, he'd just blow it off for some quirky conversation he wants to have just for his undying care for me.
"What are you two talking about?" Reynolds asked, confused.
This is a bit too cliff hanging than I expect. I tried giving him eye contacts but he retorted. Well, okay.
"Ronan transferred to our school," Jax and I said simultaneously.
"What?! You're kidding, right?!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with anger.
We remained silent.
"Don't worry, Val and I have all the same classes," Jax reassured Reynolds.
"You better look after my sister," Reynolds warned.
"I can take care of myself, you two," I muttered, knowing they both rolled their eyes.
It wasn't that I lacked the ability to defend myself; I was skilled in combat. It was Ronan's presence that made me weak and paralyzed.
It felt so subtle, and obtainable around him.
My thought always wrestled me, Who's this guy in the first place? He's long gone, . But my body thuds, my energy hibernates, shivers like a sleep walking horror I feel anytime I'm in his presence. It's okay Val, my thoughts whisper just like just like a voice memo, "Just an Ex's relationship I couldn't get over till now due to antecedents of the past".
But by the way, throughout the journey to class, I felt Jax's gaze on me.
"Something wrong, Jaxie?" I asked, using the childhood nickname he despised.
"No. And don't call me that. I'm not cute; I'm supposed to be seen as attractive" he pouted. I didn't say you are, although deep down I was crushing on his looks,I couldn't help but smile.
We entered the classroom just in time, and I spotted Ronan at a desk in the back. My breath caught in my throat, and I froze as he smirked at me.
Jax, noticing my reaction, placed a hand on my back, guiding me to my favorite seat by the window.
We had several teaching session and now it was history, double period.
Our history teacher, Mrs. Brownson. She stepped into the class with her 4 inches heel making a resounding effect on the tiled floor of the classroom.
We know she had arrived. Good day Mrs. Brownson. It's good to see you. We all chorused.
She began her boring class of all the heroes and cultures of the eighteen hundreds. I dosed like five times regaining consciousness. Thank God, I never drooled. I was super conscious to maintain composure despite my drowsiness.
And what did I say happened to the Ancient City Of Archibald, her voiced echoed as I awoke completely from my half-sleep.
Class ends as she drops an assignment for us to surf on the Great City of Archibald and It's Heroes.
I sure will get that from Brielle Hayes when she's done researching the project.
The school day passed in a blur. At lunch, I sat with my friends and Reynolds's friends, as he insisted we stick together because of Ronan. Ronan associated with the athletes.
I saw Jax and Vivian entering the cafeteria, and I couldn't help but notice how well they looked together, a contrast to my dynamic with Jax.
"Honey, why is she here?" Vivian asked Jax, as if I weren't present.
He remained silent.
"How romantic," I mumbled, leaving the table. I couldn't bear to stay. I assumed they were either dating or casually involved.
I sought refuge in a secluded spot behind the school, away from the usual crowd.
I found a large tree and sat beneath it.
**Flashback**
"Val, I promise to always protect you and never let any boy hurt you as long as I'm around. I'll also protect your Oreo McFlurry because you'll be sad if it melts, and I don't want to see you sad," 10-year-old Jax declared.."
"You mean it, Jaxie?" I asked, and he nodded. "You're the best, Jaxie!" I hugged him, and he hugged me back.
Afterward, we went to McDonald's for my ice cream, accompanied by his mother.
**End of Flashback**
I smiled at the memory. We were so innocent then. I used to call him Jaxie all the time, but I stopped when things changed.
Jax.
It felt strange to say it like that.
Jaxie.
That was better.
But he would probably dislike me even more if I used it again.
I longed for the days when I felt normal, before anxiety, depression, and insecurity took hold. My anxiety was consuming me, my insecurity was tearing me apart, and my depression was just an added burden.
Why didn't Jax say anything to Vivian about me?
He probably didn't want me there either. Who would? I was just a source of trouble. A red flag for both of 'em. Maybe I should just disappear. No one would care anyway.
But why does he care to know my welfare and when I'm hurt.
I stood up, brushing the dirt off my jeans.
I headed back towards the school.
I sensed someone following me. My instincts says it all, I had a solid conjecture who it was.
_ _