Jeff

It was Tuesday morning just after my Theoretical Physical Education class; the group was sitting around putting off studying while I was pretending to listen to their annoying conversations. Once Shirley started to talk about her church's Christmas service, I started to disassociate from their conversation and type out all the reasons I hated Christmas on my phone. I looked up every once in a while to gauge the conversation, I glanced at everyone and every-time my gaze traveled towards Annie, she was already looking at me. I would look away quickly each time, but one time I raised my eyebrow in a quizzical way, and she turned red and glance down to her lap. Confused, I never glanced back to her. I wasn't sure what it was, but she started to look more grown up recently. I didn't like how I cared. My thoughts were soon interrupted by the loud and irritatingly determined voice of Britta asking me,

"Jeff, when was your work's Christmas party again?"

"It's tomorrow night, why?" I said with as little enthusiasm as I could muster.
"Well I thought since you hate Christmas, we should all come to support you!" They all turned towards me smiling and nodding.

Immediately, my mind began to think of things I would rather do than have all of them at my work party for a second time. On the list was bake a cake with the Dean, have a dress jacket not with a straight fold, and have Leonard stab my leg with a dull knife.

"Britta, as much as I would love having all of you ruin yet another one of my work parties, I think I'll be fine."

Abed piped in saying, "Jeff I know you hate Christmas but why not let your friends come and be there to make sure you have the best Christmas party of all time."

"Because, Abed," I said rolling my eyes, "The last time you all came to my work party, a janitor was taken to the hospital for inhaling extreme amounts of chloroform." My eyes traveled again to Annie who looked away again sheepishly.

"Jeff, that was all a misunderstanding and we were all just trying to help you! Plus that was all Annie's fault!" Troy added.

Annie made her little "Annie-sound" of frustration and rolled her eyes.

I started to get up from my seat to leave.

"Guys, I think I can handle the ho-ho-horrible night all by myself. Go get drunk off of 'nog and watch Elf by yourselves."

I could hear their protests and Troys' giggles while leaving. I didn't hear the tiny footsteps following me until I was tapped from behind. I turned around and found myself looking at the doe-eyed brown haired girl I was trying so hard to ignore.

"What do you want, Annie?" I said, crossing my arms.

"Jeff, why are you so against us coming? And please be honest."

"Well, Annie, I don't want to have to worry about all of you when I could be getting drunk and getting laid by the first hot chick that comes my way." I could tell my rude response had taken her aback, but I didn't want to care enough to apologize.

"Well, what if only I came?"

I hoped she couldn't see the color immediately spread across my face.
"That's even worse; people would think I was your date." I said while laughing.

"That's not what I meant, Jeff…" she said while looking at her feet, "Why are you being so mean? This isn't like you."

I sighed, "Sorry Annie, I'm just not in the mood right now. We'll talk later, kid."

As I walked away she yelled, "Jeff! I am NOT a kid anymore!"

I laughed as I turned the corner.

When I got home, I kept finding my mind wander back towards Annie. I was getting really confused. She was still a child and she was definitely not my type. Too innocent, trusting, and naïve. Plus, she almost hinted at being my date for the party! What was that about? I decided that doing some push-ups would help clear my mind.

I was on #31 when there was a knock at my door. Sighing, I stood up and went to open it. To my sad surprise, I found Britta.

"What do you want?" I asked, still breathing heavy from my workout.

"Well, well, well, Jeff," she said while laughing, "Am I interrupting something? Or someone?"

"What? No, I was just doing some pushups."

As if I'd answer the door if I was that type of busy.

"Oh, okay great! Jeff, none of us have plans tomorrow and we want to come out to your party! Just let us come!"

"Do not come tomorrow night, if you all come that means I have to pretend to like you enough to have you know my work friends and I can't have that."

"What if we promise to behave? We won't bring Pierce and we'll dress nicely! C'mon, wouldn't you rather have an interesting night than a boring one?" She said incredibly enthused.

"If I say yes will you go away and let me be?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Yes! Bye Jeff, see you tomorrow!" She started bounding off.

"Britta- dress nicely, it's a black tie event!" I hoped she heard me.

I closed the door and poured myself a drink. I realized that this meant not only would I have to have them near my co-workers; I'd have to see Annie. The only thing keeping me sane is that at least she'd be wearing a frumpy or childish dress, giving me no reason to look at her…right?

I was so wrong.

A/N: So I realize that was a boring chapter, it's mostly just setting up the angst and flirty next chapter. What happens when Annie gets to Jeff's work party looking sexy and getting hit on by everyone? A very confused and jealous Jeff. What will he do? Next chapter up soon! Please review!