Knowing Jude

Trey took a photo of an unsuspecting me, standing beside Dad's car after we got to the church, then posted it on Facebook and Instagram and tagged me on it.

This was his way of getting back at me because I was in a dress and he knew I would hate it if he put it anywhere public. I don't wear dresses unless I feel really really...really obliged to do so, which has happened like thrice since I dumped them when I was somewhere in lower primary school or some time a long ago like that, and I have never once gone to school in one, which explains why my phone is currently blowing up with notifications.

I threatened to untag myself. He shrugged and said he would just tag a lot of his friends on it.

I thought brothers were supposed to hide their precious sisters from the prowling perverted creatures known as teenage boys?

I'm lying on Trey's bed right now, shooting him glares as he sits on the floor against his door because he knows what's best for him and is keeping a good distance from me. I scowl as I look through the incoming comments.

Who's that? Does she go to our school?

I've never seen her.

That's Trey's sister dude.

I want her number.

"Can't you see they are harassing me? What sort of brother are you?" I yell at Trey.

All he does is chuckle like the idiot he is.

I turn back to my phone, only for a familiar name to fall under my eyes.

Jude Walker: You should wear dresses every day ;)

My glare falls because, honestly, this catches me by surprise. We haven't talked at all since Friday night, and it's now Sunday night. Why is he talking to me? Doesn't he remember how much of an asshole he was the last time we talked? I get another notification, of a text.

Jude: Sorry for being an ass last time we talked, I wasn't exactly sober, and I tend to be a jerk when drunk. That was a mouthful.

An apology, an explanation that he didn't have to give, and additional information on his highness Jude Walker. I'm a sore loser when it comes to grudges, and his simple apology is more than enough to pacify me.

Me: Are you sure that's the only time you're a jerk?

Jude: Lemme confirm with Jade and get back to you ;)

I snort and laugh.

"You are texting someone?" Trey's voice comes from his post at the door. I look at him and shake my head.

"You so are," he insists. "Who? You don't normally text."

"Oh really? You deserve the prize for the brother of the year; you know me inside out."

My phone pings and my eyes hurry back to look at the new text.

Jude: You look really pretty in that dress though My eyes widen because he sounds serious. I also feel my cheeks heat up. I'm so entranced by that short sentence that I don't notice Trey creeping up until I hear him gasp behind me. "You're texting Jude?" He gasps like a girl, and I quickly turn off my phone and turn around to shove him off the side of the bed. He crashes to the floor with a groan.

I pick up my phone and get off his bed. He rises and grins at me. "This is golden."

"What is?" I ask in a threatening manner, daring him to say something smart.

"Nothing, just the fact that you seem to be getting out of my room. Good night, Avery."

I roll my eyes and head towards his door. "Don't think for a second I'm letting this photo thing go," I warn him.

"What you gonna do?" He challenges.

"I'm a girl, idiot. If you can think of one way to get back at me, then I can think of a hundred ways to get back at you. Nightmares."

I open his door and leave, turning my phone back on as I head down the hallway. I'm about to get to the landing when a door opens slightly, and Maria sticks her head out.

"Hey Jo, can I ask a favour?" she whispers, and I almost burst into laughter at how sneaky she looks.

"Yeah," I reply.

"Can you get me something from the fridge? I'm really hungry and I don't want to go down there in case..." she trails off.

"Okay, sure," I answer and she mutters a thank you before shutting her door.

I don't usually offer room service to my darling siblings, but Maria is grounded because yesterday she did have plans and left Sam in the house alone. She came back home way after we had gotten back-like way into the night. Dad confronted her, and she, of course, threw a fit and is on some sort of 'hunger strike' and avoiding the folks.

I hurry to the kitchen, grab her something and in two minutes, I'm closing my door behind me. I jump on my bed and focus back on my phone. Jude has texted me again.

Jude: Flattered?

I roll my eyes.

Me: I was.

He is such a cocky jerk.

Jude: Can you wear that dress tomorrow?

This guy....

Me: In your dreams.

Jude: You wouldn't be wearing anything in my dreams.

My eyes widen in horror because no way am I having this sort of conversation with Jude! How did I get here?

I toss my phone on the sheets and leave my room to go to the bathroom and freshen up before settling into bed. When I get back, put my pyjamas on and settle under the covers, I find he has sent another text.

As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.com is your destination for the complete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! Jude: Or maybe I would let you leave the boots on.

This is it. This conversation ends right here.

Me: You're a jerk all the time, bye.

I find myself switching my phone off for yet another time, all because of this boy's theatrics which are somehow becoming an everyday occurrence.

Come Monday morning, and I'm not ready for school. Who ever is?

I'm still half asleep when I walk out of the house, but I hit the jackpot because Mum is just leaving and I can score a ride. Trey already got picked up by a friend, and Maria left so early she didn't even have breakfast.

I take the backseat while Sam rides shotgun, quite proudly, may I add. I yawn all the way to school, and I catch Mum shooting curious looks my way severally through the rearview mirror.

"Are you okay?" She asks at last.

"It's Monday, Mum. No one's Okay."

"Stop being lazy," Sam chides.

I narrow my tired eyes at the back of his curly head. "Who's being lazy now?"

"You don't want to go to school. You're lazy."

Well, I guess that makes half of the kids in this world lazy.

"Are you sure you're okay, though?" My mother insists, and I detect a certain undertone to her voice.

My eyes widen a little in fear. "Yes," I answer hurriedly. "Perfect."

She looks like she wants to roll out some parent to teenager session, but please heavens, no! She can't do that with Sam around, can she? I sit up straighter in my seat and plaster a smile on my face. I hope that's convincing enough. Can't a teenage girl have Monday blues in peace?

Thankfully, we get to my school and I flee from the car, saying hurried byes and running away into the crowds spilling into the school. Once I get through the front doors, I slow down as I head to my locker. I usually pass by Simon's locker on the way to mine and he is already there, so I stop to say hi.

His cologne hits me even before I get close enough to talk to him. "Who are you trying to impress?"

He never wears it that strongly.

"What?" He asks, his face still half-buried in his locker. Then he pulls back and gives me a look through his glasses. "You should have humoured everyone and worn a dress."

I roll my eyes. My Monday morning mood is perfectly reflected by my skinny black jeans and a black hoodie over a white t-shirt.

"See you later," I say and make to move, but some movement at the head of the hallway catches my eye and I stop to take a look.

People are conspicuously making way for someone, and some are even huddled in groups throwing glances at him and gossiping shamelessly.

I watch as Isaac Henry makes his slow progress down the crowded hallway, his eyes roaming around like a new person in a strange place does.

As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.com is your destination for the complete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! "Holy shit, is that Isaac?" Simon whispers beside me, and I give him a quick look.

"You know him?"

"Yeah, we went to primary school together."

My eyes flit back to the new student, and at the same time, his gaze lands on me. His eyes flash in recognition, then he smiles slightly and waves at me. I smile and wave back.

"Do you know him?" Simon whispers harshly beside me.

Isaac is now making his way towards us, having found someone he is familiar with.

"Not really," I whisper back. People are staring. What's wrong with people?

Isaac stops in front of us, and my first thought is he looks so different today. He definitely doesn't look like he's going to break down any second, and his face isn't blotched red. His grey eyes are sharp today, and his dark hair is brushed back and curls against the collar of his shirt. His white shirt, paired up with faded blue jeans and a pair of vans.

"Hi," he greets, giving me a smile.

"Hey," I reply. I can almost feel the curiosity and questions burning at Simon.

Isaac's gaze shifts to Simon. "Hey. Simon, right?"

"Long time," Simon replies and extends his hand, and they do a fist bump. At least Simon isn't behaving like every other loon in this hallway.

Isaac looks back at me and scratches behind his ear, awkward. "I didn't catch your name," he says with a polite smile.

"Jo," I reply simply.

He nods.

"How do you two know each other?" Simon prods, looking between us.

"We just met once," I reply.

"Oh," he says. "So you're reporting here?" he asks Isaac.

"Yeah," Isaac draws the word out, casting a glance around. "Trying not to get lost."

"Located your locker? Can I see your schedule? I can show you around," Simon offers.

Well, if it's not Simon the welcome wagon.

"Uh, yeah, thanks," Isaac replies, taking a sheet of paper out of his back pocket and handing it to Simon.

I stand there and chew on my lip as Simon looks at it, then locks his locker. He settles his bag on his shoulder and gestures to Isaac. "Come on."

Isaac shoots me a smile. "See you around, Jo." Then he goes after Simon.

I sigh and move towards my own locker, ready to tackle the day.