by Sarah Carter
Kayla throws her hands up. “Why?”
“You’d be surprised what you can do when you get angry. Now, turn the oven off.”
She spins around and obeys. Her parents tell her to leave the kitchen so they can clean up. Kayla groans and grabs her stuff. She goes up to her room, growling the whole way. Slamming her door, Kayla grumbles, “Why do I let Jackson get to me?”
The ringtone on her cell phone goes off. She picks it up and says, “Hello?”
“Dude, I’m dying,” Tracy coughs out.
“I doubt that. What’s wrong?”
Tracy groans. “I have the flu, I think. Anyway, can you do me a favor?”
“Yeah, of course, what do you need?”
“Sometime tonight, can you go to the library and check out a book for me? I don’t think I’m going to school tomorrow.”
“Sure, what’s it called?”
“The Roads of India,” Tracy mumbles. “It’s nonfiction.”
Kayla writes the title down. “All right, I’ll go after dinner. Do you need anything else?”
“A new body.”
Laughing, Kayla says, “I don’t think they sell those at the store.”
“Mmm, whatever. Call me when you leave the library.”
“Okay, feel better.” All she hears is a grumble before Tracy hangs up the phone. Kayla shakes her head. Sitting down, she grabs her calculus book and starts her homework.
When dinner is finally done, and she leaves the house, the sky is already darkening. Kayla skips down the steps to her dad’s car. After getting in, she plugs in her iPod and presses play. The band that Jackson played earlier comes on. Not needing the reminder, Kayla presses the skip button multiple times.
The library parking lot is nearly deserted when she gets there. She grabs her purse and heads in. It takes her a while, but she finally finds the book for Tracy. Deciding to get herself something, Kayla walks over to the fiction area. While she searches the shelves, she begins to feel like someone is watching her. Kayla whirls around. There’s no one there, but it doesn’t make her uneasiness pass. She tucks her book under Tracy’s and heads to the check-out desk.
Pushing the front door open, Kayla quickly texts Tracy that she’s on her way. Kayla walks toward her car, not really paying attention to her surroundings. From behind her, she hears, “Ugh, I thought I wouldn’t have to look at your face anymore today.”
Kayla turns around and sees Jude. She rolls her eyes. “I was hoping for the same thing.”
“Where’s your boyfriend? Did he dump you already?”
“Jackson is not my boyfriend. I have better taste than that.”
Jude takes a few steps forward. Instinctively, she backs away from him. “What book do you have, a stupid romance novel?”
“Um, no, it’s a mystery.”
“Of course, what was I thinking?” Jude sighs. “You would have to actually be interested in sex to read romance.”
Glaring at him, Kayla says, “Piss off, Jude, you’re just annoyed that I don’t like you.”
“Kayla,” Jude retorts, stepping closer to her. “You’re going to have to settle for some loser because no guy is ever going to want you.”
“Shut up,” Kayla yells. “Just because I find you revolting, doesn’t mean I’m unattractive to other guys.”
Losing all humor, Jude says, “I rejected you. Don’t get those facts mixed up.”
“That’s not how it happened, and you know it.”
Jude steps forward and grabs her arm. “It would be wise to keep that to yourself.”
“Let go of me! It would be wise to keep your hands off of me before I knock you on your ass.”
“You start spreading rumors about me, and I will be your worst nightmare.”
“Let go of me, Jude!” Kayla cries, trying to twist out of his grip.
Jude opens his mouth to say something when they both hear a deep growl. They slowly turn to see a huge, brown dog stalk around the front of Kayla’s car. Its hackles are raised up high. Jude lets go of her and steps back. Kayla’s heart nearly pounds out of her chest. The dog looks at her, and then turns its gaze to Jude. Kayla backs up, pressing her body against the car. The dog walks in front of her, continuing to growl at Jude. Jude pales.
“Jude,” Kayla whispers. “Don’t move.”
“Shut up, Kayla,” Jude hisses. “Don’t say anything, you may startle it.”
The dog lunges at Jude. He immediately turns and darts across the parking lot. Kayla drops her books and races to the library. Her heart beats rapidly. When she gets to the doors, she yanks on the handle. They don’t move. It dawns on her that the library just closed, leaving her stranded outside with the killer dog. She starts banging on the door and yelling.
Something touches her arm and she spins, screaming.
“Kayla! Stop! Calm down!”
Her knees weaken as she looks at Jackson and clutches his arms. “There’s a dog, a huge dog. He went after Jude. We need to get help!”
“No, I just saw Jude fall. The dog ran past him. He’s fine. You need to calm down,” Jackson says. Kayla crumbles to the ground, crying. Jackson squats down next to her. “Kayla, breathe. Calm down.”
She puts her hand to her chest and starts to choke on her breath. “I was so scared.”
“You’re fine now. The dog is gone. Relax.”
Kayla starts to take deep breaths. After a few minutes, her heart finally stops pounding. “Okay. I’m okay.”
“Good,” Jackson replies. “Come on, stand up.” He grabs her and lifts her with ease.
Looking at him, Kayla whispers, “Wow, you’re strong.”
“Umm, thanks, let me get you to your car.” He gently puts his arm around her back and ushers her forward.
“The dog was huge! Did you see that thing?”
Jackson laughs. “It was a bullmastiff.”
“It’s not funny,” she says, smacking him on the arm. “And how in the world could you tell what kind of dog it was?”
“Actually, it is kind of funny.” The smile fades from his face as he continues. “I saw Jude grab you. The dog did what I wanted to do.”
Thinking about it, Kayla exhales. “It was almost perfect timing. I never thought Jude would be aggressive.”
“Remember, scrape the inside of your foot down his shin. It really does hurt.”
Kayla nods. “What are you doing here, anyway?”
A weird look passes over Jackson’s face. “What do you think I was doing at the library?”
“Stalking me.” Kayla giggles. “I’m only joking.”
“Yeah, I had nothing better to do, so I thought I would follow you.”
They walk quietly to Kayla’s car. Jackson bends down and picks up her books. He hands them to her. “Thanks,” she says.
“Jude and I are going to have a long conversation tomorrow,” Jackson says.
“Jackson, leave it be. He’s an idiot.”
Narrowing his eyes, Jackson snarls, “He put his hand on you. Now he’s going to lose it.”
“I didn’t think you would defend a girl you hated so much.”
“I-I don’t hate you,” Jackson stutters. “Why do you think I hate you?”
Pulling her books close, Kayla replies, “Okay, you don’t hate me, but you aren’t a huge fan of me either. I think you tolerate me.”
“Well, that’s true.”
Kayla rolls her eyes. “Whatever, Jackson, next time just leave me alone.”
“Relax, I don’t hate you, and I do more than tolerate you.”
“No, you kiss me and then feel the need to bolt. That pretty much defines repulsion.”
With a frown, Jackson says, “I didn’t bolt.”
“Um, yeah you did, but whatever. Like I said, we’re oil and water.”
“No, we are both oil, and the rest of the world is water. You’ll learn that one of these days.”
Confused, Kayla says, “What in the world is that supposed to mean?”
“You and I
are more alike than you could ever imagine,” Jackson mumbles.
“I see. Well, thanks for being so nice. I know it must be hard for you.”
Jackson looks at her. “There are reasons why I behave the way I do.”
“Yeah, so that I don’t like you.”
“There are reasons for that too, but I won’t get into them.”
Crossing her arms, Kayla declares, “Fine, I promise not to get attached, just stop being mean to me.”
Chuckling, Jackson states, “If I stop being mean, then you aren’t kept on your toes. Anyway, I’m way too charming to resist if I don’t come across as an ass.”
“I think I can resist.”
“I would prove you wrong, but that didn’t work out very well last time,” Jackson says under his breath.
Kayla snorts. “No, the problem was that it got us too far.”
“Mmm, well, you better get home.”
“I have to take this book to Tracy, and then I will,” Kayla says, as she unlocks her car. “Thanks for helping me.”
Jackson smirks, “Do you need a ride in the morning?”
Kayla rolls her eyes and grimaces. “Yeah, kind of. My dad is a little embarrassing when he takes me in.”
“All right, I’ll pick you up at seven thirty, and I’ll bring brownies.”
“What is with you and those things?” Kayla says with a laugh.
A smile spreads across Jackson’s face. “They’re good for us. You should eat them more often.”
“You and my parents are crazy. All right, I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Try to stay out of harm’s way until then, okay?”
Laughing, Kayla replies, “I’ll try.” She gets in the car, and Jackson shuts her door. She looks at him and smiles through the window. He gives her an almost thoughtful look back. As she starts the engine, Jackson turns and walks away. It’s then that Kayla notices his car isn’t in the parking lot, but before she can question him, he disappears. “What in the…” Kayla turns around and looks for him in the shadows, but he’s nowhere to be seen. She shakes her head, thinking there has to be a reasonable explanation, and drives away.
The next morning she wakes up and groans. Once again she feels exhausted. Throwing back her covers, Kayla looks down. “MOM!” she yells. “Holy…Mom!”
Her mom bursts into the room, her eyes frantically searching for the danger. “What? What’s wrong?”
“What do you mean, what’s wrong?” Kayla shouts, gesturing to her body. “Look at my legs. Now tell me I’m not sleepwalking.”
“Ummm,” is all that her mom responds with. She stares down at Kayla’s mud-covered legs.
“I have cuts, Mom! Cuts on my legs,” Kayla exclaims. “I’m getting hurt now!”
Her dad stumbles into the room. “What’s going on?”
“Dad, look at me! I’m covered in mud. Do you still seriously think I’m making this up?”
Her dad crosses his arms, and his voice remains calm. “I told you I did this when I was your age. It passes. What do you want us to do, put an alarm on your door or install surveillance cameras?”
“No, but I’m wandering around outside. What if I fall off a cliff?”
“Kayla, my dear,” her dad starts. “What cliff could you possibly fall off of around here?”
Kayla moans. “Fine, a bridge then. I’m going to walk clear across town, jump off the Jefferson Bridge, and plummet to my death in the icy river.”
“Okay, now you’re being dramatic.” Kayla’s mom sighs. “We’ll dead bolt the lock at night, but I don’t think you’re going to get into too much trouble.”
“Whatever,” Kayla exhales. “I need to take a shower and clean up.” Her parents shake their heads and leave the room. Kayla grumbles as she strips the sheets off her bed.
An hour later, she is standing by the front door waiting for Jackson. When he pulls up, Kayla yells, “Bye! I’m leaving for school!”
“Bye, dear,” her mom replies.
Kayla groans and walks out the door. She is absolutely exhausted. When she gets to his car, Kayla opens the door and mumbles, “Hey.”
“Not even a good morning?” Jackson asks. “I’m giving you a ride. You could at least be polite.”
Giving him an evil glare, Kayla mumbles, “It’s not a good morning.”
“What happened now?” Jackson asks, pulling away from her house.
“Nothing.” Kayla sighs as she looks out the window.
“Did someone have nightmares?”
Slightly annoyed, Kayla says, “No, do you really want to know?”
Looking out the corner of his eye, Jackson replies, “I don’t know. How personal is it? Did you have lustful dreams about me?”
“Ewww, no. I’ve been sleepwalking, and I don’t mean around the kitchen sleepwalking. I mean outside, probably in the woods. I was covered in mud when I woke up this morning.”
“Um, have you talked to your parents about this?” Jackson asks cautiously.
“Yeah, they kind of blew it off. My dad said he used to do it, and I’ll be fine.”
“Uh-huh, I don’t get your family.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
Jackson looks at her. “Just that you’d think they would show more concern.”
“My thought exactly, but whatever, parents are dumb. Hopefully, I don’t kill myself next time.”
“I think you’ll be fine. It will probably pass soon.”
“Now you sound like my dad.”
He reaches down by Kayla’s feet and brings up another Tupperware container. “Eat these; you’ll feel better. Actually, you should eat these before you go to bed, or eat a handful of leaves. They’ll help keep you asleep.”
“How are you so insightful about it?” Kayla asks, opening the container. She lifts it up and sniffs the brownies.
“They taste fine,” Jackson says with a laugh.
Raising an eyebrow, Kayla says, “Yeah, right.”
“I dare you to eat one.”
She grimaces. “I think I’ll pass.”
“Double-dog dare you.”
“Fine.” Kayla laughs. She picks up a brownie and looks at it. “Here we go,” she whispers, taking a bite. Chewing, she grins. “Hey, these are good. Did your mom make them?”
Shaking his head, Jackson says, “No, I did.”
Shocked, Kayla stops chewing and gawks at him. “You bake?”
“Among other things.”
Kayla bursts out laughing. “Seriously?”
A look of contempt passes over his face. “My mom isn’t into cooking that much, and I had to learn how to cook with the Kiej leaves. I’m not a gourmet chef or anything.”
“Awww, no four-course romantic meals for me?”
“I don’t think I would cook a romantic meal for you anyway.”
“Whatever, you can’t resist my animal magnetism.”
Jackson’s laughter fills the car. “Oh, you have no idea.”
“It’s not that funny,” Kayla mutters.
“No, it’s funnier than you think, but you wouldn’t understand.”
Scowling, Kayla says, “Jerk.”
“Oh, Kayla, it’s nothing bad. I promise. Just ignore me.”
“Is that possible?” Kayla inquires with a smile.
Jackson tilts his head. “It could make for a long car ride to school.”
“It could,” Kayla says. She looks at him thoughtfully. “Can I ask you for a favor?”
“Depends on the favor, because no, I won’t sleep with you.”
“Really? I think your ego is about to bust out your windshield! Get over yourself.”
Putting his hands up, Jackson says, “All right, sorry.”
“I’m not going to ask you to sleep with me, and you can’t tell anyone about what happened in my kitchen.”
A surprised look passes over Jackson’s face. “You don’t want anyone to know we got hot and heavy all over each other?”
“No, I just don’t want peo
ple to get the wrong impression.”
“You have a reputation to uphold that I would tarnish?”
Kayla laughs. “I have no reputation period. I get along with everyone…except Jude, but I don’t have experience with guys. I don’t want it to seem like I was throwing myself at you. People may get the wrong impression.”
“Kayla, you didn’t do anything. I was the one who threw myself on you and…it got a little heated. I won’t say anything to anyone if you don’t want me to. It’s not like I want to brag about it.”
“Thanks. So charming.”
Jackson groans. “I didn’t mean it that way. Stop thinking I’m disgusted by you.”
“Aren’t you?”
“Nooo, I think you're beautiful.”
She raises her eyebrows. “What?”
“I just…have to keep my distance.”
Kayla snorts. “If you need to keep your distance, you shouldn’t give me rides. I have to sit right next to you.”
“As long as you aren’t sitting on my lap, I think we’ll be fine.”
“I’ll try to control myself.”
A grin crawls across Jackson’s face. “You’re not repulsed by me?”
“Oh, trust me, I’m not repulsed by you. I just don’t want to date someone who toys with my emotions.” Jackson nods in agreement. She turns to look out the window, and they drive in silence all the way to school.
During their first class, Kayla tries to concentrate, but she’s so tired that her thoughts keep drifting. On the way to second period, Jackson comes up beside her. “You look like you’re going to fall asleep on your feet.”
“I feel like it,” Kayla moans. “I’m so tired. It’s like I didn’t even sleep last night.”
“Poor baby,” he says, patting her on the head. “Hold on a second,” he suddenly says, turning away from her. “I have to do something.”
Kayla looks up just in time to see Jackson grab Jude. He picks Jude up by his shirt and drags him down the hallway. “Jackson,” Kayla yells. “Stop!”
Jackson shoves him down an empty hallway. “You and I need to have a discussion,” he spits out at Jude.
Stepping beside him, Kayla grabs Jackson’s arm. “Jackson, stop. As much as I want to see you kick the hell out of him, I don’t want you to get expelled. How am I supposed to win the bet fairly if you don’t go to school here anymore?”
