Chapter 2
Jacks
“How do I have an F already?” my best friend scoffs from across our dorm. We’re a week into Spring semester, and I’m having a pretty good time. “What the fuck?”
Grant is not. “What’s going on, G?”
“Collins gave us a quiz already, and I failed it. I’m fucking pissed.”
“Obviously, I can see that.” I throw a smile in his direction while he flips me off.
“Jacks, we have practice tonight. Coach gets notified when our grades slip, you know that.” Grant sighs as he slips his hand down his face, clearly stressed about this.
“G, it’s going to be fine. It’s just one grade. You know a lot of professors don't update their grades regularly. Maybe talk to Collins after class or something. Let him know your dilemma.”
“Dude, I can't do that. I’ll just figure something out on my own.”
“Grant, you know it’s not bad to ask for help.” I raise my eyebrows at him and he quickly changes the subject like he always does.
“Who assigns summer reading anymore, anyway? I haven't had to do that since middle school, and even then, I still forged my mom’s signature.” He sighs heavily before continuing. “It’s just ridiculous.”
“Yes, you’ve mentioned that.” When I say that, he slides down his chair and onto our floor.
Always one for dramatics. I grab my AirPods and slide them back into my ears as Grant continues ranting.
I find that it’s best to just let him get it all out in one go and then give my advice—if he wants it.
I’m halfway through an Ed Sheeran song when Brendan practically kicks our door open.
I knew he was coming over because he texted our group chat earlier, but I didn't think he’d get here so fast.
“Woah, G. Are you good? I don't think I’ve ever heard you talk that fast…” Brendan asks him.
“I’m fine, just failing a class one week into the semester, and now I’m never going to succeed in life.”
“Wow, and I thought my little sister was dramatic when she cries over fictional characters in books.” Brendan looks at me. “Grant might be giving her a run for her money.”
“Your sister is 100 percent valid in any reaction she has while reading, Brendan. Grant’s just jumping to the worst-case scenario and not considering that it's the first week of the semester,” I tell him while Grant keeps sulking. “Is your week going as bad as his?”
Brendan throws a smirk my way. “No. It’s been fine. Not good or bad, just fine.”
“Great, so the only one loving life right now is Jacks. The rest of us are screwed if this is how the semester is starting,” Grant groans.
He’s one of my best friends, but there’s nobody on the planet more dramatic than him.
I know he’s afraid of failing and everything, but someone besides me needs to tell this guy that he’s worth more than his grades.
“So, Jacks…” Brendan trails off. Fuck, I knew this was going to happen.
“Just fucking say it, Brendan.” I look over at Grant and he seems happy to have the conversation switch off him and onto me.
“Grant told me that you had class with Claire last night. How was that? Did you finally get the courage to say anything or did you chicken out like usual?”
Yeah, so I have a class with a girl I’ve had a crush on for a while.
Basically, ever since I laid eyes on her.
I really regret telling Grant that I saw her in class last night.
I should've known it was going to turn into a whole thing like it usually does. Not only does Grant make fun of me about it twenty-four seven, but now they’ve banded together to piss me off.
“First of all, I don't chicken out—she has a boyfriend. It’s called being respectful!” I deflect and they both know it.
“Jacks, you have two classes with her this semester. Your genetics lecture three times a week, and interpersonal communication on Thursday nights. I think the universe is sending you a sign or some shit. It’s fate.” Grant smiles at me.
“You saying the word fate is going to send me into a coma. Guys, she’s taken, so drop it,” I tell them while I go to put my AirPods back on.
I want to leave this conversation. I want to shrink into the walls and disappear.
It's bad enough that I’ve never been in love or a serious long-term relationship, but them constantly reminding me about it doesn't help either.
“Just because there’s a goalie doesn't mean you can't score…” Brendan smiles when he says that.
“Seriously dude?” Grant shakes his head at him.
“Eww, Brendan. Never say that again,” I tell him.
“What? It’s true!” He throws his hands up in protest.
I throw one of my pillows at him. “Don't be gross.”
The three of us are silent for a few seconds before Grant says something that makes my breath hitch. “If she’s taken, how come I saw her boyfriend all over some girl from the dance team?”
Did they break up? If they did, it’s not like it would make a difference…right? I still don't know how to talk to someone that I have weird feelings for. How do you approach a girl you like without looking like a complete idiot?
“Ooo… the plot thickens!” Brendan says.
“Can we just drop this and study like we were supposed to? Grant and I have practice in a few hours and the team is going to want to go out after. I need to get something done before then,” I ask, and the two of them share a knowing look before nodding.
“Are we going to the library or staying here?” Brendan asks, probably already knowing that answer.
“I’m not stepping foot into the library unless I have to. Let’s chill in the lounge. That way Jacks can play us one of his movie soundtracks that he loves so much.” Grant slaps me on the shoulder and I look over at him.
“You complain about it now, but when you start humming to Dreams by The Cranberries, I don't want to hear it.”
“Yeah, whatever. Let’s just hope your speaker doesn't end up in the shower at some point,” Grant says while Brendan throws his arms around our shoulders.
“Now children… let’s not fight.”