The Secret The Cheerleader Doesn't... - Chapter 64: Chapter 64

Jakob POV
Leaning against the gate I just dive into random thoughts. I have a test this Friday... in math right? I should check my planner but I think it is math. I can probably study with Cruz but he may have swim practice. I know Keegan won't have time since his grandparents are down to celebrate his birthday. Best option is to just study by myself... even though I hate that. The back door opened and I smiled when she popped out.
White combat boots, light blue shorts, and a white fluffy shirt that was a little see through. Her blonde hair shined in the sunlight and her white scrunchie that held it up made my smile wider since I got her that when we hung out by the basketball courts last week.
She hurried over and I picked her up, giving her a little peck on the cheek, "You look beautiful."
She giggled, "And you look cute."
She pinched my cheeks as I rolled my eyes, "Guys don't like being called cute."
"Well good thing you're my guy," she pecked my cheek.  I took her hand and we went around the corner to sit in this little nook.
Genesis Han.  I wouldn't call her popular but she was known.  She hung out with everyone and was really nice to people.  We had science last year and we've been friend since.  Only this month did I grow the balls to tell her my feelings.  We both agreed to be committed to one another but wouldn't officially be boyfriend and girlfriend until high school since her mom and dad wouldn't let her date until then.
She placed her head on my shoulder as I played with the bracelets on her wrist.  She snuggled into me, "Why can't we at least tell Jessika?"
"She'll tell our moms," I said, "and then they will want to meet you."
"And we can't tell them that we aren't official until high school?" She asked.
"Not with my mom," I said, huffing, "she'll lecture me on morals and say if I have to hide a relationship it's not good."
"You're mom is a therapist right?" She asked, looking at my face now, "And your mama is a dance instructor?"
"Yep," I brushed back a bang.
She made a cute little face and rested her head again, "Well I can't wait to meet them.  Tell me about your older sister Jaelynn.  Oh, tell me what Jessika likes so when we formally tell everyone I already know what to talk about with her."  I was happy how much Genesis took an interest in my family.  She genuinely wanted to have an open and honest relationship, which was nice.
But I was scared of how Jessika would react.
My phone started ringing, "Hello?"
"Where you at?" I sat up straight.
"In the bathroom," I said, giving Genesis an apologetic look.  She understood though and gave me a peck as I hurried inside, "Where are you?"
"Soccer field," I knew it, "come over.  I need help with drills."
Sighing, I said, "Okay."
~
"You're trying to kill me," I groaned, falling into the fake grass.  For P.E. we had free play, which meant Jessika wanted to practice.
"Get up you baby," she kicked my shin, but I slapped her calf in return.  We wrestled a bit but stopped when the teacher came around - not needing to get in trouble.  As we sat in fake grass, I watched Genesis secretly.  She was chatting with some girls near the garden.  "I can't stand those kind of girls," I looked over to see Jessika staring straight at Genesis and her friends, "gossiping, chatting about lipstick and boys... all so stupid."
"Everyone has things they like," I said, getting a little grumpy, "they probably don't get why you like soccer so much."
"Of course they don't... they aren't afraid of showing how much they hate me," she stood up, dusting her shorts.  I instantly frowned.
Genesis never bullied Jessika.  She never said anything or gave her funny looks... but Genesis has been a bystander many times.  The group of girls she socializes with have harassed Jessika and made her life difficult.
I wasn't proud that Genesis didn't stand up for Jessika.  I've told her it bothered me, but I understand why she didn't want to stand up.
"I don't like confrontation.  If issues arise, I just shut down and stay quiet."
"Not everyone is emotionally or mentally strong," I whispered.
"What?" Jessika asked.
"I was bitching about your drills," I said, watching her frown.  Walking over to her, I slap her shoulder, "Let's do one on one?"
"You're on."
~
"You're just dumb!" I said, holding back my laughter.  Jessika has yet again made herself look dumb in front of the sixth graders.  During practice she tripped over a ball... and I couldn't stop laughing... especially since she tripped over the ball I sent her.
"I really wanna kill you," she jumped on me, making me laugh even louder.
As we walked out to the back parking lot we were shocked to see mom waiting there.  She was dressed in causal clothes and seemed to be off in dreamland.  Jessika and I were taken back, "Mom?"
She was startled a little, but smiled, "Hey!  I didn't know when you ended so I've been waiting here for a bit.  Sorry for spacing."
"It's all good," I said, "where's Jaelynn?"
"I told her I would be getting you two.  She's out with Peter and his daughter," she yawned a little, "so, we can either swing by a fast food joint and take dinner to mama or we can call her and tell her to meet us at a restaurant."
I glanced over at Jessika to see her glaring at mom, "I thought you two were getting a divorce?"  It was obvious Jessika was suspicious... hell I was too.
"We're... we're just trying to figure some stuff out right now," she said, rubbing her neck, "I know I should be a bit more blunt but I truly have no idea what to call this."
I was taken aback by her honesty.  I could tell Jessika was surprised.  Nudging her, I took over, "How about we all go to that Korean barbecue place?  The one off Main and Grove?  Jessika and I wanted to try it with everyone!"
"Sounds good to me," she said, pulling out her phone.  We climbed in as she called mama, sounding perfectly normal.  On the way there mom never got onto a work call.
She even asked us questions, "How was practice?"
"Uh, it was good," I said, feeling awkward, "we were running the entire time."
"Well it's soccer isn't it?" She said, "How about you Jessika?"
"It was fine," she said, making me feel even more awkward.
"You know, I never liked sports as a kid," mom said, catching both Jessika and I's attention, "I wasn't good at working with others and I was more of a mental kid.  There's no way I could run like you Jessika... nor could I be as friendly as you Jakob."
I know it's childish... stupid and weird... but that little sentence... that little compliment made me feel all warm and happy.  I almost teared up a bit.  When I peaked over at Jessika, I could see her trying her hardest to wipe her tears away... a little smile coming onto her lips.