EMMA POV


I walk into the classroom, avoiding any looks from Jack I may be getting.

“Hey. What did Sasha want?” He asks me, looking a little off.

“Just asking me about you. She thinks you are cute.” I murmur, following her rules.

“Oh.” He says. “That’s nice of her I guess. I’m not interested though.”

Fuck.

The teacher walks in and we all become silent. This is one of the only teachers we actually respect. Mr. Garcia can be a real douche, but he can be pretty cool too.

“Bodies. Of. Water. Sounds exciting doesn’t it?” Mr. Garcia asks sarcastically. “No it really doesn’t. Unfortunately, that’s what our next novel is about.”

The class groans and complains to each other.

“Hold on, hold on. I’m going to try to make it a little more interesting.” He grins mischievously. “How about we all take a trip to Boston Harbor Island?”

The class cheers excitedly, talking a mile a minute and asking every question in the book. I glance at Jack who seems indifferent about it.

“Now now, calm down everyone. I want to keep this on the down low for now. I chose this class because you all have done excellent in this class. You have the highest overall GPA so I think you deserve some fun time. It would be this weekend and I need permission slips from EVERYONE otherwise no one goes. It will be from Friday until Sunday. Before you all get any crazy ideas, there will be endless chaperones and gender separated dorms. Boys on the west side of the island, girls on the east side. If you need me to talk to any of your parents, I will.” Our teacher walks around, handing out papers. “I’m handing out a packing check list. It tells you everything you need to bring, and everything you should not bring. Also, there is the permission slip and an informational paper. Any questions?”

A few hands raise but Jack leans over to me before I can listen to any of the questions.

“You gonna go to this?” He asks gesturing to the papers.

“I don’t see why not. Are you?” I whisper to him.

“Only if you are.” He grins and winks at me.

My heart takes off and I look down at my desk, avoiding any eye contact. Jesus he makes me crazy. I have no idea how the hell to feel about him.

“You okay?” He asks me looking really concerned.

“Yeah.” I say looking confused. I’m not that obvious about my feelings. “Why do you ask?”

“Just wondering.” He asks his eyes darting down to my stomach. Holy shit does he know?

“Jack-“ I begin to ask, but am interrupted by my teacher.

“MISS Emma. If you have a question, please ask me.” He smiles at me. “Just don’t interrupt my class.

“Sorry sir. How are we getting there?” I ask coming up with a question.

“Good question! We will be taking a coach bus there, and a ferry the rest of the way.” He explains. “Anyone else?”

No one has any and he launches into the topic of the day. I zone out and think about what it will be like going there with Jack. We would have so much fun there. I’m just worried still that he knows about Sasha. I don’t even know where to begin approaching him.

I let the day fly past me, and I mean fly. Jack and I had lunch together again, talking about anything and everything. After school, I took my brother home and showed my mom the permission slip.

“I really want to go on this trip. Do you think you can let me?” I ask her quickly, trying to make sure I can get to Jack’s house as soon as possible.

“I don’t know, I’ll see sweetie.” My mom says without looking at the paper.

I roll my eyes and dart out of the door with my guitar in hand. “I’ll be back later, don’t wait up!” I call on my way out, not waiting for a response.

I speed away to Jack’s house, not looking back. As I pull up, I see him sitting on the front door step. I park in the driveway and walk up to the house.

“What are you doing?” I asked, confused.

“Just waiting for you.” He smiles, getting up to give me a giant hug.

Woah. Was not expecting that.

“Get off of me Barakat.” I shove him off of me jokingly, laughing.

He opens the door for me and we walk inside.

“Hey you!” His mom comes running up to me. “Glad to have you here.”

I give her a quick hug. “Happy to be here. Trust me.”

“Go on to Jack’s room. I’ll call you two when dinner is ready.” She shoos us off.

We walk back into his room and close the door.

“I need to talk to you.” Jack blurted out.

“Go for it.” I respond confused.

“I saw you and Sasha.” He says quietly.

I stiffen and sit there in silence. How? As if he were reading my mind, Jack responds.

“I stayed around the corner just to make sure everything was okay. I saw it wasn’t going to be. I didn’t hear anything you two said, but I just saw what happened.” He looks down ashamed.

“Jack what the fuck! I told you to leave.” I spit angrily at him. “Why didn’t you listen to me?”

“I just told you! I got a really crappy vibe from the way you sent me off. I knew it wasn’t going to be good. Why didn’t you tell me about this though?” Jack defends himself.

“Because I’ve known you for ONE DAY.” I fire back.

He sits there quietly and nods his head. “You’re right. I’m sorry Em. I was just worried.”

I relax a little and glance at him. He has his head in his hands and looks really remorseful. I lightly place my hand on his knee, trying not to overstep a boundary. Immediately, he looks up at me.

“It’s okay. Thank you for worrying. I believe that’s why you stayed. I really appreciate it.” I smile at him softly.

He grabs my guitar and starts playing without saying anything. He begins to sing.

Bursting through a blood red sky
A slow landslide
and the world we leave behind
It's enough to lose your head,

I listen quietly, not recognizing the song, but falling in love with it. He sings with his eyes shut tight, shaking his head as he sings. He looks as if he is in a whole other world. He finishes and puts the guitar down.

“What song was that?” I ask quietly.

“Underwater by Mika. He’s used to be pretty popular, but he kind of died out. I still think his music is crazy good.” Jack replies smiling.

I nod in agreement and sit silently. I grab my guitar and begin to play “Adam’s Song” by Blink 182.

Jack and I sing the whole song together softly. This song has always had a special place in my heart. The lyrics are something I can relate to and always will be able to relate to. This is one of those songs that will forever be a soundtrack to my life.

We stop and look at each other. Tears spill over my eyes and Jack immediately scoots over next to me. He throws his arms around me and I instinctively crawl into his lap. He holds me tight as I cry and cry and cry. He rubs circles on my back. I cry for what feels like hours.

I stop and sniffle, looking up at Jack. “I’m sorry. I just-that song drives me crazy. I just relate to it on so many levels. And after talking about Sasha, it just really hit home.”

“I know. Don’t worry, okay? I told you, I’m here for you. No matter fucking what Emma.” He squeezes me tighter.

I realize that I am in his arms and get a little nervous. He hasn’t tried anything on me though, so I don’t think he has gotten the wrong impression. I relax in his arms and he sings in my ear lightly.

So I'll sing a melody
And hope to God she's listening
Sleeping softly while I sing
And I'll be your memories
Your lullaby for all the times
Hoping that my voice could get it right

I listen and sniffle; letting the last few tears roll down my cheek.

“I mean it Em. I’ll be your lullaby for all the times you need me. Every time someone hurts you, I’ll be there for you. Every time your parents fuck up, I’ll be there.” Jack says while stroking my hair.

“Would you be there if I cut myself?” I ask suddenly.

He freezes and stops rocking us back and forth. He holds me away from him and makes me look him in the eye.

“Do you?” He asks me seriously. “Tell me the truth.”

“Yes.” I whisper, my eyes welling up with tears.

He crushes me against his body and rocks me back and forth.

“I know what that’s like. Just please, please don’t. It terrifies me knowing that you do that. I used to do the same. I stopped though. Em, please. For me?” Jack asks me.

“You used to cut?” I ask against his chest.

He lifts me up and sets me on the floor. Jack lifts his shirt and shows me a few scars on his side. I gasp and lightly touch them.

“It was a long time ago, but it still haunts me.” He whispers yanking his shirt down, looking upset.

“Hey.” I catch his attention. I lift my shirt up and show him all of the scars, the fresh cuts, and the purple and black bruise.

“Holy shit.” He murmurs, stroking the areas. “Is this from Sasha?” He asks, pointing to the bruise.

I nod and pull my shirt down, all of a sudden feeling very ashamed.

“Stop.” He says to me, reading my emotion. “Don’t ever feel ashamed okay? I’m here for you. You can tell me anything. Just next time you feel like cutting, call me or drive over here please. I don’t care what time of day or night it is. I just want you safe. Some of those cuts looked deep.” Jack begs me.

I nod in agreement and crawl back in Jack’s arms. This feels like nothing but a friend being there for me. It feels so damn good. He wraps his arms and holds me closely, singing softly in my ear. Slowly, I drift off to sleep, completely happy and feeling more safe than ever.

Notes

JEEEEZ
It's been so long and I am crazy sorry everyone. I have had so much school work going on and a bit of depression. I am so so so sooooo sorry it took so long to update. Thank you everyone for sticking around! Hope you enjoyed the chapter.
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