Let Me Love You

I actually preferred I was out in the streets smuggling cocaine than trying to sneak into the boy's locker room. It smelled so masculine in there I was certain I was going to puke. I waited till I was sure there were no other boys in before sneaking in. Jake wasn't even in there but before I could panic, he tapped me.

"Take this." He said shoving a piece of paper in my face. I collected it and skimmed through.

"What do you mean in case of physical damage? What is this?"

"I drafted a little contract as a way for you to compensate me. "

"You're asking me to be your slave. How does that sound like a compensation?" There was something about Jake that made me want to scream and rip my hair off my head. He was arrogant, rude and an asshole.

"I can tell you something about you. What's with the stubborn facade. You know you're in debt and you're too poor to pay but your pesky pride won't let you. There's nothing to be proud of. Sign the contract."

I was so livid I wanted to scream but I didn't. I couldn't risk being caught in there. Instead, I signed the contract. I forced a smile on my face. "I hope you're happy."

"Elated."

My mood for the rest of the day was ruined.

...

The rain started as early as three a.m and till eight, there wasn't any sign of it subsiding. The gloomy clouds only gave the school a more depressing vibe. Jake hadn't texted or called or talked to me in two days and as much as I wished I could say I was happy, I was petrified.

Another yawn escaped my lips and I needed to sleep urgently. There wasn't anybody in the corridor and I was glad. I made a bed out of my bag and school blazer on one of the benches and closed my eyes, hoping to open them in less that thirty minutes.

They opened not because I pleased but someone kept poking me. I sat up and Jake was squatting to face me. His eyes were on my lips and my foggy brain told me he wanted to kiss me. I was repulsed but as the sleep cleared, it seemed he was too. There was a drool trail on my face. From my lip right to my forehead. Embarrassment was my middle name. Lisa Embarrassment Thompson.

"What?"

"I bought a new jacket."

I forced a smile. "Congratulations on your purchase. Go away let me sleep."

"This is a very dangerous place to sleep. You'll get into trouble."

"Like you care. Why don't you go ahead and report me because it seems that's the only thing you're good at."

There was a look on his face like he was considering something. It disappeared as soon as it appeared. "Whatever. Suit yourself. Go get me a soda from the vending machine."

"Am I your slave?"

"Yes. Preferably something grape. Hurry. "

I had to go. That stupid contract. "

...

We were to have history but our teacher had a family emergency and had to leave. We had nothing to do but gossip. Anastasia and Mona were at my table discussing a new shade of nail polish. We'd have been friends if we had common ground. We had nothing to talk about except Jake and it was obvious I didn't want him to be in my conversation.

I was reading a book when a piece of wet tissue landed on the side of my face. The whole class went silent and I curnsed under my breath. Jake was demanding my attention. I went to his desks, two rows beside mine with a smile. "Yes. How may I be of help to you?". The other members of H4 and two girls were surrounding him.

The girls stared me down even though left to me I wouldn't even breath the same air as him.

"Six cans of grape soda from the hangout. I want the cold ones."

"No way."

"It's legally bound. You'll pay for breach of contract."

I groaned. The hangout was three stories above us and my legs couldn't take the stress. I did have to do it though. I went to the place and I realized that stupid me didn't ask for the code. Taking my phone out, I called Jake a total number of sixteen times. My call was either ignored or declined. I went back down and he told me the code.

Midway, I forgot it so I had to go back down. I cursed myself because not only was I exhausted, I was panting like a dog. I got the sodas (not before resting my legs a bit) and went back down.

"Here are your drinks. You're welcome. "

"Cookies." He said not even bothering to turn to me. I went back up and came down with the whole freaking jar in my hands. It seemed like the only person he didn't acknowledge me was Jake. Elliot even thanked me twice.

"Water. Sparkling." Before I could go for another round of torture, the bell rang. I went to carry my bag for my next class. Jake still barely sent a glance my way.

...

The WiFi in Mabel's house was down and if not for the fact that I was busy with my aimless doom scrolling, I would've never gone to Ryan's room. His was at the farthest end of the corridor. Luckily Mabel wasn't around to sense me lurking around her son's room.

I knocked on the door and it was only after I didn't get a reply that I opened the door. Ryan was on his bed doing exactly what I was doing. Aimless use of the internet.

"The WiFi is working for you? It ain't for me."

"Me neither. I'm using our neighbors'. They're going to throw a tantrum if they find out."

"Can you share the password?"

"And what do I get in return?"

I thought of what he could possibly want and my mind came up almost blank. "Well I can't get out of the house if that's what will make you happy."

He stretched his hand asking for my phone and I gave him without any argument. "If we won't be leaving already. Mom got a promotion."

"No shit. You're moving to a new neighborhood." I didn't know how I was supposed to feel about the news because I was sure I wasn't exactly happy for them.

"No idiot. A new country. I'm going to Hong Kong in less than a month."

My mouth formed an o. There was only one thing on my mind. 'what about me?!'