Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN ANY PART OF HOA

Jerome's Point Of View

I leaned against the rough bark of a tree, the cool breeze blowing through my sandy hair. I was waiting…watching.

Mara was possibly the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen. Her dark locks shaped her face and her eyes popped like those of an angel. She was smart, funny, and adorable.

If only she wasn't dating Mick. He didn't deserve her. I'd seen all of the hearts he'd broke in the past and the fact that he now had MY Mara really ticked me off. Mick knew I was in love with her, he'd known ever since we started going to school together.

At that moment, Mara walked out of the schoolhouse, heading my way with a smile on her face. Just as she was about to pass me, I came out of hiding.

"Mara!" I hollered.

Her eyebrows knit in confusion, but her eyes were amused. "Jerome?"

I ran up along side her and we began walking together. "So, I was thinking, maybe we could do our English project together? I mean, you're really intelligent and I…kind of need the good grade." I'd purposely picked the one class Mick didn't have with us.

"Jerome, what are you getting at? Is this a prank, I'm really not in the mood."

"No. No prank. Just me and my offer. So what do you say?"

She sighed, deep in thought. "I don't know. I mean, I don't have a partner, but Jerome, how do I know that you'll actually work and not goof off and leave the whole thing to me?"

I tilted my head in mock sincerity. "Now Mara, when have I ever let you down?"

"Every single prank you've ever pulled on me."

"True, but I single handedly promise that I will do whatever it takes to finish this project with you and put actual effort into it." I raised my right hand over my heart just for assurance.

"Fine," she sighed, giving up.

I smirked. "Great! How about we start tonight at 7?"

"Oh, Jerome. I'm sorry but I'm supposed to meet Mick tonight. How about tomorrow?"

"Oh. Mick. Right. Tomorrow it is then! 7:00?"

She nodded and turned away from me, probably going to get ready for her little date. Why did Mick have to get everything I wanted?