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~Kris's POV~

After gym class, I walked out to find Corbyn leaning against the wall, his entourage nowhere to be found. When he saw me, he smirked with a mischievous expression. I smiled back and approached him, giving him a hug and kissing his cheek.

"What's up?" I inquired. "I saw you were going on an apology tour, was it? What's that about?"

He pulled away. "Oh you know... I thought about what you said about not wanting to be the boyfriend of someone who is mean to people. I figured it'd be a good idea to make amends with most of those I've hurt."

"You must've hurt a lot of people to consider it a tour." I meant that to sound like a joke, but he sent me a blank face.

"Oh come on. I'm doing this for you. And, of course, for the people I hurt. It's funny, I've made some unexpected friends... allies. I'm happy." His gaze was pulled elsewhere and I noticed a tiny scowl on his face. "Wait a minute... I know that kid."

I turned around to follow his stare, watching a boy walk out the same locker room as I just had. He was the Briggs with two G's kid, the one whose eyes I really liked to look at. If he would ever look back at me, that is.

"He has the same PE class as you?" Corbyn asked me, making me face him again.

"I guess, why?"

He swallowed, his nostrils flaring for a second before he shook his head and flashed a pretty smile. "N-nothing. I just... does he talk to you a lot?"

"Not at all. I'm usually just hanging with my buddies and the one time I tried to talk to him, he ran off like there was a fire." I shrugged then pouted. "You don't think he hates me, do you?" I looked to the ground in thought. "Or maybe I scare him... Why, do you know him besides his audition for the play?"

"No. I was just curious, that's all. Anyway, um... walk me to theater class?"

"Sure." I offered my arm and he held onto it as we walked.

"I'm happy we're back together. Students in this school really look up to us, you know? We're totally the perfect couple."

I opened my mouth to respond but I was cut off when someone barked my last name. It was a teacher with glasses, a hard gaze and prominent red lips. My boyfriend and I stopped as she blocked our path.

"You have a C in Algebra II," she pointed out to me before pursing her lips and squinting. "You can do better."

"I-I... Um, yeah that's true. I'm sorry, Ms...?"

"Cotroneo. Call me Ms. C. I'm the orchestra instructor."

"Oh. Well, yeah I do have a C in that class. Why, is something wrong?"

"What is this about?" Corbyn grumbled impatiently. "Are you insulting my boyfriend's intelligence? He's very smart; he just didn't do as well as he liked to on the last test."

"I'm just saying, how would you like to bump up your grade to a high B?" she offered. "As a football athlete, I'm sure you'd like very spotless grades and a great GPA if you want to impress your dream colleges. So how about it?"

I nodded, smiling. "Sure! I'm all ears."

"I don't have time for this. I'll walk myself, babe. See you before lunch." Corbyn kissed my cheek and sauntered away.

"Anyway, if you're serious about extra credit, I'll talk to your Algebra II teacher about it. Come see me in the orchestra room to discuss your options once your lunch period starts. But you can't walk inside unless you're in my class or until I invite you in. Remember that. Do not walk in." She shook her finger at me for emphasis.

"Okay, I won't. Wait, where is the orchestra room?"

She gave me a flat look. "The orchestra hall?" Rolling her eyes, she left me where I stood and I bit my lip. Yeah, stupid question. She kind of scared me to be honest, so I was really not trying to piss her off.

~Jaden~

I was glued to my phone screen, pathetically scrolling through Corbyn's and Kris's Instagram pages and my feed. I was eager to get to orchestra, and even more eager to play my violin if my plan with my teacher worked.

Which, I had to admit, was pretty crazy. The fact that Ms. C would be on my side, rooting for me and my crush, was surprising to say the least.

Suddenly, someone stepped in front of me, and I almost crashed into the person had I not looked up from my phone on time.

"Corbyn?" I mumbled as he snatched my phone out of my hand to look at the screen.

"Well, would you look at that?"

"Give it back!" I reached for it and grabbed it forcefully, shoving it into my pocket. He frowned.

"Why are you stalking my boyfriend's page?"

I gulped, feeling my heart speed up helplessly. He cocked his head to the side, squinting at me. "What, you think I'm blind? That I don't see how madly in love you are with Kris?"

"I-I'm just..."

"Save it. Just like everyone else who auditioned in that play, you like him. I won't blame you for it because, obviously, what's not to like about him? He's gorgeous, he's physically fit, he has amazing eyes, kissable lips, a great sense of humor, and don't get me started on how awesome he is in bed." His eyes rolled to the heavens as if the thought alone was blissful, then he smirked for a second, happy to watch me crumble on the inside with each passing second.

"Why are you telling me this?" I whispered while I stared at his neck, even more crushed to find the two little hickies that he didn't bother to cover up.

He stepped a few inches closer, practically glaring into my eyes, but I was too intimidated to hold the contact. "Because if you couldn't already tell, he's my boyfriend. I don't know how many people I have to remind that. I know you auditioned just to get close to him, and I know you're in his PE class. You're not getting that role-over my dead body. And you sure as hell better hope I don't find out you're making moves on my Kris. I have eyes and ears all over this school."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

He shrugged. "I'm sure you know about my apology tour. Well, I'm making a lot of allies. But in case you don't understand me very well, let me spell it out for you." Corbyn stepped closer yet again but this time with a threat in his sparkling eyes. "Your foolish plan to play the violin for Kris better not happen."

My eyes widened. How could he possibly know about that? He could read the question all over my face as he moved back a bit. "Watch yourself. I can make or break anyone. You'd do well to remember that."

He turned around and walked away, leaving me there in embarrassment. Somehow he knew about my plan and he wasn't even there to hear it.

After orchestra class, Kari, Mae, Tiana, and I met up in an empty little hallway to talk. I was hardly in the conversation because Corbyn put me in such a bad mood.

"So did you guys find out why they broke up?" Kari asked, probably on my behalf. I doubt she actually cared that much.

"Apparently, Kris found out how mean Corbyn is to people. Corb blew it out of proportion, felt attacked, and broke up with him," answered Tiana as she tossed her hair over her shoulders.

"Of course he felt attacked. He thinks he's all that yet he's intimidated by the littlest things. God, he's so full of it!" I ranted. The girls stared at me.

"What's got you in a tizzy?" Mae wondered.

I rolled my eyes. "Corbyn stopped me in the hallway today, saying he has eyes and ears all over the school now. He said he's made allies from his apology tour. I don't know, he was just trying to put me in my place I guess."

"Wait a minute." Kari lifted a finger. "Kris finds out how mean he is, they break up and then they get back together the same day. Today, Corbyn goes on a stupid apology tour or whatever he calls it... That's the reason behind it. Why apologize to people you don't care about unless it keeps you in good graces with your boyfriend?"

I huffed, rolling my eyes. "So he's doing it for Kris. Of course." Then I was hit with an idea. I gasped. "Oh my god. I got it! Corbyn has no idea I got the role in the play. Meaning, when the cast list goes out on Friday, he's gonna flip his shit and probably go batshit crazy on anybody he sees. We need to make sure Kris sees him, but Corbyn can't see Kris."

"Okay, I know Corbyn. He hates, like, everyone but he's not just gonna slap a random student across the face or whatever," Tiana said. "That's why you have to be there when he sees the cast list. So that it makes sense when he takes his anger out on you."

"This is a good plan," Kari laughed evilly.

"I'll make sure Kris sees him flip on Jaden," Mae offered.

"I'll make sure Corbyn sees the cast list at the same time as Jaden," Tiana decided. "J, you have to pretend that you didn't know you got the role. Corb's not only gonna be angry with you, but he'll be mad at me for giving you the part."

"And I will make sure my ass is five yards away eating popcorn and skittles," Kari said, smirking. "I don't know about you guys, but this sounds like a solid plan."

Mae looked at Tiana, taking her hand. "We have to go. Corbyn's probably wondering where we are."

"Can't you eat with us though?" I asked her. She shook her head.

"I freaking wish. He trusts Tiana more than me. I have to convince him that I rather be his stupid minion and get that cheerleading spot back than be your friend. Don't worry, J, I got your back." She and Tiana stood up. "Bye guys!"

Kari and I watched them leave. I sighed. "I have to go talk to Ms. C. It's important."

"Alright. I'll find some other idiots to have lunch with until you're back." She pecked my cheek, stood up and walked away. I got up as well, but I made my way to the orchestra room because I had to tell Ms. C that the plan was off, all thanks to Corbyn. It took me about four minutes to get to the orchestra hall and I saw someone wandering around.

Except it wasn't just anyone. Unfortunately, I realized that too late because before I could hide behind a wall and evaporate, our eyes met.

"Hey!" He called out to me. I froze where I stood, my heart picking up speed. Oh god, he really took the bait. Kris Hamilton was in the orchestra hall. "Thank god, I was, like, dead lost." He approached me and I had to blink a few times.

I knew I was going to be a complete and total mess; it was already written in the stars.

"Wait a second, I know you."

He recognized me? Seriously? I shook my head. "I-I don't..."

"Yeah, we've met. Twice or so. You auditioned at the play, didn't you?" His eyes were roaming. Why were they roaming? What was he looking at? What was he looking for?

I shifted nervously and tugged at my sweater's sleeve. God, Jaden, just keep your cool.

"We never get to talk in PE. Kinda seems like you're never there," he continued before tilting his head. Man, he was gorgeous. It should be illegal to be so handsome and dreamy and... "Anyway, I'm Kris." He held out his hand for me to shake.

I gazed at it, slowly reaching for it. "Jaden," I softly replied, taking his warm hand. He shook it, but he didn't let go right away.

"Nice to meet you officially. Do you know this hall, Jaden?"

I gulped, forcing myself to nod. He was about to ask a question but his attention was suddenly drawn to my hand instead. "You have tiny calluses on some of your fingers."

I pulled my hand back, tucking it out of sight. "Sorry," I apologized.

"No, don't be," he laughed. "You must play an instrument, huh? I know that struggle; I have a guitar. What do you play?"

"Um, the violin."

"Impressive. That's so hard to learn, I heard. You any good?"

He was impressed with me. That made me feel very good inside, and I must've cracked a smile because he smiled back. His green eyes lit up in amusement, and standing this close to him, I could notice his tiny little laugh lines. They were endearing and hot. Holy shit. "I'd like to think so."

"Hm. Why don't you show me the orchestra room and I'll listen to you play a quick song? Sound fair?"

I wanted to take that offer more than anything in this world, but Corbyn's words hit me like a knife and I quickly shook my head. "I-I don't know if that's a good idea."

He seemed confused as his eyebrows furrowed, and my heart melted. But then a look of understanding crossed his face. "No, I swear, you don't have to worry about my boyfriend. I know he can be jealous, but..."

"I'll take you to the orchestra room. It's this way." I walked past him and he followed, walking side by side with me.

"Have you always gone to this school?"

I nodded, but I didn't say anything.

"Wow," he continued. "I can't believe we've never met before."

"Maybe because I'm not nearly as popular as you are," I blurted. I stopped, realizing how rude I must've sounded. "I'm sorry. Wow, that was awfully rude, I didn't mean that."

"It's fine. I get it. When I came here, everyone seemed to flock toward me and I honestly couldn't grasp why."

Because you're a god? You're talented and smart and hot and funny and the list most likely goes on and on. Duh. He had to know why.

"Anyway, I guess what I meant to say is that I'd like to talk to you. Maybe in PE?"

We stopped once we were in front of the orchestra class and turned to face each other.

"Why?" What was so special about me that made him want to have another conversation?

"I mean, there's a chance we're in a play together. Might as well, right?" He smiled.

I bit my lip nervously, looking away. "It looks like my teacher isn't here. In fact, I think she's having lunch. You should probably just head to the cafeteria, come back later."

I looked back at him to catch him staring at me before he slowly nodded. "Yeah, I probably should." He didn't leave though, and I could tell he wanted to carry on talking but my shyness couldn't allow it. I was literally seconds away from screaming with happiness that, for the first time in my meaningless high school existence, I was having a normal conversation with the boy of my dreams. "I guess I'll see you in gym tomorrow. It was nice officially meeting you," He reached over and tucked my curly brown locks behind my ear, "Jaden."

Oh god. Keep it together, J, keep. It. Together.

I watched him walk away and once he was out of sight, I exhaled the breath I'd been holding in. My hand flew to my chest and I rushed into the orchestra room just to squeal excitedly.

Highlight of my life right there, and I could not wait to tell my friends and my father all about it.

🎗🎗

I walked through the fields of the trailer park homes until I arrived at the one that my mother lived in.

Sighing, I walked up the steps and knocked firmly on the door then waited. I didn't bring my violin this time, but it was a miracle that my father even let me come visit so soon after the last one.

The door swung open and it was the man that owned the trailer, who usually wore some wife beater and ripped jeans with a big belt. There was stubble along his jaw and as usual, a cigarette in his mouth.

He took the cigarette out. "Joana, your son's here!" He yelled into the house, then looked back at me, smirking. "See, I know the drill."

I took a few steps back as he blew out a puff of smoke. "Ah, you care about your lungs." He laughed and I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah, well. I intend to live long."

He shrugged. "Ay, I'm 43. Most people don't see 30. If I die tomorrow, fine. Not like I'd be missed or anything, ya know."

That was actually pretty sad, but I didn't respond.

"Where's my mom?"

"She's probably putting on some clothes."

That made me grimace, but it made him laugh.

"You know, I've got a son too. She's not the only one. I mean, he doesn't come visit me like you do but it's all good."

"Guess it's for the best then, huh?" I said.

"Leave my son alone, Jett," I heard my mother say as she stepped in front of the man.

"We were having a deep conversation. Man, whatever." He stuck his cig into his mouth and walked back inside as my mom smoothed her clothes. She was in a wrinkly green sweater, some loose shorts, and flip flops.

"Hey, baby. Where's your father, did he not drop you off?"

I shook my head. "No. I took the bus halfway then walked."

"Let him drive you next time okay?" She appeared very worried. "Don't ever walk again. It can be dangerous." She touched my cheeks then pulled me in for a tight hug. I guess she was fully sober today.

The mother I used to know was always so concerned for her children's safety, even when there was no apparent threat. It was good to see that again, so I hugged her back.

"Come in, it's chilly." She let me go.

"No, it's... I'm fine out here. It smells like smoke in there."

She nodded then shut the door. "Alright." She hugged herself then scratched her head. "W-what is it? Are you okay?"

"I'm okay. I wanted to know why you came home yesterday. Dad wouldn't tell me."

"Oh, that. You wouldn't understand."

"I'm 16, Mom. Try me."

She shook her head in refusal and I sighed. "I miss you," I admitted. "And I miss your food."

She chuckled, holding onto my hand and squeezing it. "Tell you what? I'll come by again soon and make dinner for you guys."

"Really?" My eyes widened. "You think Dad will let you?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I think he might. I just have to make sure I'm clean, but I'll contact him."

"Please do. We could have dinner together like... you know, like a family again."

She smiled weakly. "I will."

🎗🎗🎗🎗🎗

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