Their Broken Pieces by Jessica Gomez

Chapter Seven

Alex

 

 

Running into Jasmine first thing this morning was not what I expected. The principal called me into his office to go over the rules and conditions that the court set forth for me. I would have to attend every class, unless I was sick. I would have to complete assignments on time and keep a GPA of at least 3.0. I know I won’t have a problem keeping my grades up—I had one of the top three highest GPAs when I was a sophomore.

We finished our conversation, and the principal was dismissing me to first period when I walked out and caught the last few words the secretary said to Jasmine. Her face drained of color, and her eyes were wild with panic—like the words knocked the air out of her.

The hefty secretary’s attempt at placating sympathycaused her distress. The stricken expression on her face was enough of a signal to know that she was losing it. I understood that kind of anxiety better than most, and it was the last thing I wanted Jasmine to deal with on her first day back.

I had the sudden need to speak up… to protect her, even though my goal for the year was to avoid her. I have no ties to the person I was before half my family died, and I couldn’t afford to get close to anyone again… separation is less painful if you remain detached.

In my first-period math class, I find thinking about anything other than Jasmine is impossible. It’s been almost two years since I’ve seen or spoken to her. I knew when I saw her again that I’d react, but I didn’t expect this kind of reaction. This is an emotion that I am not going to analyze for fear of what I might find. Instead, I settle for replaying this morning in my mind.

When I knew her, she was a tomboy. She hung out with Jace and all his—our—friends, doing guy things, but now she’s in girl’s clothes instead of oversized boy’s clothes. Her hair is the same raven black I remember, but now it’s long, cascading to her lower back. All that silky midnight hair surrounding her face causes her blue eyes to steal the show. If someone wasn’t careful, they could get lost in those eyes. Her soft, pink lips have filled out, making them plush. The further my eyes traveled down her body; I realized her lips are not the only things that have filled out… She has curves in all the right places. It was hard to keep my face straight and my jaw from dropping at the sight of her.

When that cabrón she was with told me to back off, I wanted nothing more than to slam my fist into his face, but then I thought it might upset Jasmine more. That was the last thing I wanted to do, especially after how distraught she looked. I took a deep breath and walked away. That was a first for me in a long time.

I heard Andrew warn her to stay away from me, which made me want to turn around and finish what he started, but I realized she didn’t say a word… she didn’t say anything at all. I don’t know what I was expecting from her, so maybe no reaction is for the best. I’m nothing like the person I used to be. Before the accident, I cared, but now I don’t. It’s that simple. It is better if she stays away from me; best for both of us.

The day dragged on. It had been a long time since I made it through an entire day of school. Keeping my grades up would be easy, whether or not I attended class.

By the time my last class rolled around, I couldn’t wait to get it over with and get the hell out of here.

As I turn the corner to biology, I almost run right into Andrew, and judging by the expressions on his and his friends’ faces, this was no coincidence. I quickly size them up and figure I can probably take them, or at least give them a run for their money. Andrew just stands there and stares at me, so I figure I should get this show on the road.

“Can I help you with something, Andrew?” I ask in a calm but bored tone.

“Yeah, Navarro, you can stay away from Jasmine.”

“What makes you think I want to be around Jasmine?” The question throws him off. He wasn’t expecting me to relent.

“Good. Then you won’t have a problem doing it.”

Now I want to mess with him.

“Who said I didn’t want her around?” I step closer to him, our chests almost touching.

“You don’t scare me, Alex. Jasmine wants nothing to do with you—she doesn’t even want to be around you.” He sounds so sure of himself.

I stare him down.

“And how do you know she doesn’t want to see me?”

Half of me wants to know what he knows, and the other half wants to piss him off. The outcome I desire more proves difficult to decide.

“She told me that if she saw you again, it would be too soon. She couldn’t be reminded of the person who took her brother from her, and that when she looked at you, she saw your father.”

Andrew’s words rock me. Another piece of my heart chisels away and drops into the empty abyss that is eating me alive. I keep my face unbelievably calm for the storm that’s raging inside of me. The sight of Andrew makes me want to go wild and beat him and his friends’ faces in.

Instead, I say, “Well, tell her she has nothing to worry about, I want nothing to do with her, either.” My voice is surprisingly solid, despite the shaking rage he’s ignited.

My mind betrays me, clueing me in on how much I wanted to talk to Jasmine. Not only before school started, but after seeing her again, her image is all I see. If she doesn’t want me around, it’ll be easier to keep my distance.

The last bell rings, signaling we’re now late to class. Without muttering another word, I push past Andrew and his friends. I go slowly, daring one of them to take a swing and give me a reason to defend myself, but they let me pass without interference.

Luckily, the class has not started yet. Kids are still talking to one another, waiting for the teacher to call them to order. When I glance over to see what’s got the teacher’s attention, my breath catches in my throat.

Long, black hair shines back at me, stopping me dead in my tracks. Her back is turned, assisting her neglect in noticing I’ve entered the classroom. I’m enjoying her backside, admiring the shapes and curves I’ve overlooked before, but when she stiffens and turns to look at me, I know she can sense my heavy gaze caressing her.