He rips the page out, crumpling it up. “You’re such a mess.”
He grabs the book notebook, writing a couple of lines. When he hands it back, I see he has solved the calculus problem on the page.
“There. See how I did that?”
I chuckle. “I do. Thank you. I feel much better now.”
“Good. I’m going to go to Ashley’s house for a bit. Do you need any more help?”
“I think I have it now. Thanks Jacob.”
“Anytime.”
He tosses the paper ball up in the air, catching it as he closes my door behind me.
I hope it’s enough.
-
Nate
A pounding on the door makes me walk out of my room.
“Who is it?” I ask Chase as he falls into step with me.
I hear pounding footsteps and turn to see Willow running down the hall. She pushes me out of the way and runs past me.
“What the hell?” I ask as I rub my shoulder.
We watch as Willow pulls Jacob into the house by his shirt.
“What’s wrong?” she demands.
Jacob looks between Willow and Chase as he pulls out of her grasp.
“Sorry,” she mumbles as he runs his hands down his shirt.
“It’s okay,” he says, licking his lips as he sticks his hand into his pocket. “Hailee is in trouble.”
“Who gives a fuck,” I spew, but my heart is racing.
Deep inside, I know I don’t hate her, but my pride doesn’t want anyone else to know. I want to throttle Jacob for not telling me more. For not protecting her.
“Tell me everything,” Chase says, making me do a double-take.
“Are you serious?” I ask as Jacob hands Chase a slip of paper.
As Chase unfolds the paper, Willow jerks his arm down. “Let me see.”
He shoots her a look before lowering the paper so they can read it at the same time.
“Who sent you?” I demand as I watch Jacob look over his shoulder. “Who’s with you?”
“If you must know, my girlfriend is in the car.” He shoots me an unimpressed look. “And Hailee asked me to get that note” —he points to the paper— “to Willow and Chase.”
“I guess it’s time to fill him in.” Willow sighs.
“Jacob, if you want to stay you can or you’re free to leave,” Chase says. “Nate, come sit down. We don’t have much time.”
