Knowing Jude
Chapter 38

After my second and last paper of the day on Monday, my mind is finally set on one thing.

Finding Jude and getting an explanation.

I'm halfway towards his locker when I realise he's not alone.

Bethany Hill-his once upon a time girlfriend (the only one, too)-is with him, laughing, touching him as constantly as possible, and I can tell, even from a distance, flirting the hell out of him.

I almost take a detour.

Almost.

Bethany's presence is intimidating, and she has been throwing rude scorching glares my way any opportunity she gets. But she isn't the one I want to talk to.

I have exercised maximum patience waiting this long to confront Jude and I don't think I can wait one more second, not with Maria practically breathing down my neck with all the self-importance in the world. "You're crazy, Jude. That was sick," Bethany's saying as I get close enough to make out their conversation.

Jude is leaning on his locker, looking completely at ease as if flirting with his ex is exactly where he wants to be. Maybe flirting with any girl is where he always wants to be. The thing is this is the first time I'm seeing Bethany as the 'girl'. Are they getting back together?

The thought sounds displeasing to me, and disapproval courses through me, as if my opinion is needed. As if my opinion matters.

"You liked it," Jude replies, a lopsided smile trained on her. "That was the point."

Bethany giggles, wraps a finger around her long glossy hair, and bats her lashes like a speeding fan. "I'd love to do that again, you know."

And that's where I butt right in because I'm feeling like I can be a little bitch.

"Hey, Jude? I need to talk to you."

I keep my eyes on Jude but notice immediately when Bethany turns on me, eyes flashing like lasers. Her pissed-off voice follows instantly.

"Can't you see we're having a conversation?"

"Oh, hey Jo. How was your weekend?"

Jude talks over her, and for once, I feel a little bit too smug. So, ignoring her, I address him.

"Good. And not. I want to talk to you."

"Want to talk to him? Oh my God, so what, he drops everything and runs to you?" Bethany sneers. She turns on Jude. "For heaven's sake, Jude. What is it you keep her around for, again? She doesn't look like she's fun for anything." Jude laughs quietly, and my heart is slowly sinking when he says, "Oh, she's a lot of fun, alright."

I don't know how he would support that sentiment, but it's enough for me. Until Bethany gives her opinion.

"I'm not surprised. Anything that will spread its legs for you is fun."

I'm livid. Because my mind is in so many places at once. That stupid red packet. Maria. Is that what she has been telling other queen bitches about me? I even replace myself doubting Jude. Some boys have ways of twisting things around just so they can receive a pat on their back.

Jude shrugs, unaffected. "Let me tell you a secret, Beth. The opposite is much more fun."

He gives me a little smile, but I don't know whether to feel relieved or suspicious.

"So what, are you going with her?" she demands.

"Can we talk after lunch?” he asks me, turning me down real softly. But the smug look on Bethany's face makes it feel like he's stabbing me with the words.

I don't reply. I turn around like an annoyed child and make to leave. The thought that they might be getting back together is like poison, eating away at my insides.

That's one sure way of losing him as a friend.

My thoughts would have remained private if I didn't run into Cole.

"Oh, wow, princesa. Who rained on your parade?"

"Nobody," I lie.

I'm instantly wrapped in his arms. He seems to be in an awfully good mood for someone who has just left the exam hall.

"Is it that idiot?" he whispers into my ear, and I know he's talking about Jude.

"No. Cole!" I laugh, trying to push him off. He's hugging me right in the middle of the hallway traffic.

He pulls back grinning. "So, where's my favourite girl?" he asks, his eyes roaming the hallway.

I dig into his side. "I thought I was your favourite girl?"

"You can't be both the princess and the favourite girl, you greedy thing," he teases.

I laugh. "Oh, sure. Does every girl in your life has a title?"

"Majority."

"I don't doubt it."

"Can I be honest with you?"

"Always, please."

"Once upon a time, you used to be a"-air quotes-"girl I want to discover."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I ask slowly, suspicious.

His eyes glint with mischief. "You know exactly what it means, Jo. But not to worry, you rose through the ranks. Real fast, if you ask me." I decide to leave it at that.

Lunch is almost over when Jude appears at my table. He leans over the back of my chair, hand going for my spoon.

"Talk to me," he whispers in my ear.

Then he takes a spoonful of my rice.

The table has gone silent around me.

Nicki has stilled beside me.

I feel my face heat up, a combination of embarrassment and nerves. Subconsciously, my eyes search out the sophomore tables... Yes, Maria is watching.

My senses rushing back to me, I push Jude back and snatch back my spoon. "Don't touch my food."

Nicki bumps our legs under the table. I ignore her.

He doesn't leave. "What did you want to talk about?"

Nicki kicks my leg more forcefully this time. I keep ignoring her.

"Not here," I say, rising since I'm almost through with my lunch anyway.

I avoid Nicki's suspicious gaze as I manoeuvre around the table and start walking towards the exit. Jude falls into step beside me and casually places an arm around my shoulder. I push it away. "Are you mad at me or something?" he asks.

"We'll see," I mutter, leading him into a deserted class and closing the door behind us.

I place my bag on a desk and reach inside for the red packet.

I shove it in his face. "You want to explain why this was outside my window?"

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!

He gives it a look. "Hold up, that's a condom."

I can barely suppress the urge to scoff. "Apparently."

Jude reaches out and takes it. "Your bedroom window? Wow, Jo. I did say something about your innocence, didn't I?"

I put my arms akimbo. "You dropped it there, and Maria picked it up."

His blue eyes turn on me. "Me? Dropped this?"

"When she was helping you through my window."

He turns the packet in his hand, then laughs. "Are you kidding me? She said I dropped this?"

"Yes, that's what she said."

He shakes the packet. "Okay. First of all, your sister is cunning, but not really smart because second, I do not use this brand. This is government issue, the type you replace in public restrooms. Too cheap. Third, I don't have sex during the exam period. I have to pass, so I save all my stamina for where I need it."

"Really?" I interrupt.

He lifts an eyebrow. "Lastly, I'm decent sized but not extra-large, for fuck's sake!"

He turns the packet and points to some print on it.

XXL.

"Jeez."

He flips the packet. "I bet if you searched her room you'd replace more of these. She's trying to make you feel bad so that you can forget her own waywardness, trust me. Wants to make you believe you're guilty when you're not." "You mean...you think it belongs to her?"

"Yeah. She was just hoping she was right about you and me having sex and you would fall for it."

"Oh," I mutter unintelligibly.

I wish he didn't just say that. I can't help imagining...

"Mind out of the gutter, Jo."

"You put it there," I confess my thoughts before I can really think about it. I reach out for the packet. "Bring it, I got to give it back to the owner."

He holds on to it. "Jo... Did you just flirt with me?"

"No."

"You just admitted to thinking about having sex with me."

I can feel the heat start rising on my cheeks. "Stop saying that."

"What? Have sex? It's not even vulgar."

I groan. "Jude... Never mind. You can keep it. Bye."

I turn to leave but he grabs my hand. "Can I ask you something?"

"No."

"It's not about sex," he deadpans.

I shove my tongue into my cheek and bite on it.

"Okay. So. Did you talk to someone?" "Talk about what?"

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 sighs and tips his head back. My eyes rest on his Adam's apple. It bobs with his words. "You know about what, Jo. You promised you'd talk to someone." His head lifts. "About what-" "Yeah right, I remember. Yes, I did," I lie smoothly.

...or so I think.

"Don't lie to me."

"I'm not lying."

"Jo—"

"I'm fine! It's normal."

"No, not after all these months."

"Jude "

"I had nightmares about Mum for years and it drove me right off the edge."

I stare at him silently. His teeth clamp onto his bottom lip with a grimace.

He lets go of my hand. "Shit, you make me say things I don't mean to."

I press my palms together. "Your mother's dead?"

He puffs his cheeks out, then pushes his hand through his hair. "Yeah." "Sorry."

"No, don't. I don't deserve it," he tells me.

"But..."

"She didn't just die, Jo."

I cross my arms over my chest. "What does that mean?"

He shakes his head. "Nothing."

I shrug. "Okay. I'll go now."

"I'm sure you don't enjoy whatever you go through, Jo."

"People lose people, Jude. And people deal. I'll deal."

"Oh please. You're lonely, right?"

"No, it's just that I overthink everything."

"That is dangerous when it's a state of mind, Jo. Does your father only preach outside his home?"

"I'm not sick."

"No, you're not. You're just really good at hiding stuff."

Just in time, the ringing of the bell breaks the general silence and I become aware of the sounds of traffic outside the hallway. The door to the classroom opens and a couple of juniors come inside.

I take the red packet from Jude and stuff it into my bag.

"Bye," I say and make my escape while I can.