“Come ON, Max,” Alex said, his computer open on his lap. “Stop spying on them and let’s watch a movie of something.”
“I’m not spying,” I mentioned. “I’m eavesdropping. There’s a difference, you know.”
He sighed. “What’s the point?”
“I don’t trust this girl, Alex, and I think Jack likes her,” I stated.
“Of course he likes her. She’s got tits and a pulse,” he replied.
“I know. I just...I don’t want him to get attached to someone who isn’t any good,” I commented.
“The fact that you care so much about Jack is cute, really. But he’s a big boy. He can fend for himself,” he explained.
“Wait,” I said with a pause. “I think I just heard Matt get up.”
I could hear the murmur of my uncle’s tired voice, but nothing else. I was leaning so far that I almost fell out of the bunk, but Alex wrapped an arm around my waist to keep me steady. It was only a moment before Jack came and rapped on the side of the bunk with his knuckles.
I opened the curtain, trying to act like I hadn’t been listening in. “What?”
“Matt went to make a few phone calls, but he said to get everybody out here,” he responded before walking down the hallway and repeating his actions.
Alex and I climbed out of the bunk, and my mind raced. Why would Matt want all of us out here? Something had to be wrong. It was silent as everyone slowly emerged from their bunks and assembled out in the main living area. We could hear Matt talking as he scrolled through something on his laptop.
Soon, he shut his phone and closed his laptop and stood up in front of our group. “So, Jack brought a girl on last night and she got stuck on our bus. I haven’t found a solution so far, and God only knows when I will. I’m afraid Sadie has to stay, at least for awhile.”
Sadie’s mouth stood agape. “I don’t have anywhere to sleep, almost no clothes, and nothing hygiene related, and yet you expect me to stay here?”
“We’ll set a bunk up for you, and when we hit the next city, I’ll have Maxine take you shopping for all that stuff. You’ll be just fine,” He explained.
My eyes widened. “Wait, me? Why?”
“You’re the only girl on this bus. Who else would go?” he wondered.
“I don’t know, Jack maybe?” I pointed out.
“You’re really going to trust Jack near women’s dressing rooms?” he asked.
“If it helps,” Rian cut in. “We’ll be seeing Cassadee again in the next city. She could tag along.”
Even though I barely knew her, I jumped at the chance. “Yes! I will go if Cassadee does.”
“Great,” Matt said. “It’s settled then. Jack, I need you to set up a bunk for her.”
“She could share a bunk with me,” he suggested
“I’d like my own, thank you,” Sadie said.
Jack looked a little disappointed before he sighed and went down the hallway. I decided to follow him and help. “Hey,” he greeted.
“You like her, don’t you?” I asked.
“That’s dumb. I don’t even know her,” he scoffed.
“I liked Alex without knowing him very well,” I pointed out.
He sighed. “I just...she’s different, y’know? Like, I didn’t have to try any of my usual lines on her or anything. She just went with it and took charge.”
“Just...be careful, Jack. I don’t want you getting hurt,” I mentioned.
He chuckled slightly. “Maxine, I know you don’t like her already, but I think you should give her a chance.”
“I will once she gives me a reason to,” I said. I began to head back down the hall.
“Hey, Maxine,” He called. I turned around and gave him a questioning look, receiving a small smile in return. “Thanks for trying to look out for me. You’re like the big sister I never had.”
“Jack, I’m younger than you. I can’t be your big sister,” I mentioned.
“Yeah, but you’re so much smarter and more mature than me. Plus, you can be a lot nicer than Alex is sometimes,” he explained.
I laughed, remembering my previous relationship with Alex. “No kidding. But anyway, I’m happy to help. You one of my best friends, Jack.”
He smiled one of his goofy grins and I returned to the main part of the bus. I made sure to keep an eye on Sadie and her interactions with Jack the rest of the day, trying to see if my first impression was correct.

Notes

Sorry for the short chapter, but I plan on making the next chapter eventful :) Enjoy!