Chapter 4 - Seven Impossible Things

"No need to come to me, when I could make it all the way to you." Heart Skipped a Beat, The xx

He's here. Jared is here.

"Kim?" Jordy was shaking me. He had a slightly worried, slightly amused expression. "Are you okay? Kim!"

Hmm, am I okay?

After being gone for so long, I was beginning to think I was never going to see him again. I needed to see him.

My heart was reacting in a not so pain-free way. It hammered on and on. The air coming through my lungs was not coming fast enough.

The world around me was being extremely loud and I felt like yelling at everyone to shut the hell up. I wished for the world to do me a favor and lower its volume so I could process the situation.

I knew that I shouldn't get too exited, because he could care less if I wanted him here or not, but I couldn't help it. Jared was here! I couldn't help but let out a squeal.

Jared is here! Jared is here! Jared is here!

Finally, I would be able to see his beautiful eyes, his heartbreaking smile, and his shoulder-length hair that swayed in the wind. I'd see it again… all from a distance of course.

I was brought back to reality when Jordy accidently kicked my chair.

"Sorry." He said. He didn't sound sorry to me though. "Now that I have your attention, the bell has rung. I repeat, the bell has rung. Get up!"

"What?" I screeched. How was that even possible? Did I really zone out the entire period?

But more importantly: Was it really time to see him?

Trillions of butterflies began flying around in my stomach. My legs felt like jello. My tongue felt thick and I was beginning to sweat. My palms felt clammy. I felt like I might pass out from excitement.

"Go get 'em tiger." Jordy encouraged.

The short walk was excruciating. Part of me was scared that this was all a joke, that Jared wasn't actually here and that I'd live out the rest of my waiting for him to show up.

Five more steps. Open the door. Last breath of fresh air... Here we go.

The room looked the same as always but something was noticeably different. The atmosphere was charged with something I couldn't describe. Excitement or maybe even curiosity?

As I walked in, the girls seated at the very front of the class all turned. Then they all let out a frustrated sigh. One of them even glared at me.

I dare you to come over here. I thought, raising an eyebrow at her.

Apparently we were all eager to see Jared.

I sat down without a word. My table was at the very back of the room. Unfortunately it wasn't far enough. I could still hear the voices of the lovely gals at the front of the classroom.

"He looks good! Lilly has first period with him and she said-" I stopped listening to Brenda's excessive yakking. I didn't like her very much. Not because she was mean person or anything like that. Hell, for all I knew she was a really nice girl that I could be the best of friends with. Something about her just rubbed me the wrong way. Don't we all know those people though, the ones that we dislike without knowing?

Maybe it was the fact that she dated Jared for a week, maybe not.

Alison, the one who I disliked least of the crowd, rolled her eyes. She reminded me of Regina George. "Oh please. I saw him this morning, with my own two eyes."

They all gasped.

"One word girls." She paused dramatically. "Damn!" She fanned herself with her notebook. "He's taller. And he's obviously been hitting the gym."

She got up and made her way to the back to sharpen her pencil. On her way back she stopped beside me.

"Oh my God, I love your skirt. Where did you get it?" She often complimented my clothes but I was never sure if they were sincere compliments or not. Like I said, the girl reminded me of Regina George.

I shrugged. "Uh, my sister got it for me so…"

"Your sister has amazing taste. You should ask her where she got it." She smiled and strutted away.

Sure. We both knew I wasn't really going to ask. I never do.

I already had my materials out for class, a pencil and my notebook. Now I was just waiting to use them, waiting do anything that would make time go by faster.

I stared at the clock, watching it move tick by tick. It felt like torture.

At first I didn't notice the sudden quiet that enveloped the classroom. As soon I did my eyes went wide. Could it be that he was in here? I didn't dare look around.

The chair beside me made a squeaking noise as someone pulled it back to sit down.

I decided to brave and take a look at him.

At first I wasn't completely sure if it was Jared. This guy was bigger. He had more muscle and was a bit taller. Also, he was sporting a buzz cut. His face looked older, a little too serious.

It was definitely Jared though. His features were still there, just sharper, manlier.

Alison said there was only one word to describe him with but I could think of a billion more. He deserved more than a simple damn. He deserved dangerous, mysterious, intriguing, and manly. Maybe even hunky.

Every single person in the class was turned in their seat. Jared hadn't sat down yet. When he finally did he faced the front of the class, not even glancing at me. The teacher smiled kindly at him.

"Do my eyes deceive me, or is that Jared Cameron in the back?" Our teacher asked dramatically. She welcomed him back, and then she began reading the book we started reading last week, Alice in Wonderland.

I liked the book. Also, I'd seen both the cartoon and Tim Burton movie version and loved them. Someone as mad as me would be a fool not to love the world of Wonderland.

Jared is right next to me. Holy shit.

I thought about pinching myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming because I still couldn't believe my eyes. He was here, sitting right next to me.

I looked straight ahead and fought off all instincts to stare at his face. Sadly, I couldn't fight my instincts for long so I sneaked a peek at him. My eyes were rewarded something truly remarkable: Jared was looking at me for what I consider the first time.

My breath got caught and I nearly choked. I quickly turned my eyes away from him. The last thing I needed was to choke in front of him. I would literally die of embarrassment.

I was blushing so hard I could feel the heat of my cheeks coming off in waves.

He was still looking at me. I knew it and he knew that I knew it, but there was nothing I could do about it. The only thing I could do to make things less awkward for myself was to ignore him. That didn't really solve anything though. It just made things a lot more awkward.

I made the stupid decision to look at him and wished more than anything that I could have this very moment engraved in my mind forever. I wished to never forget how beautiful his eyes are up-close.

I stared at him, and for once, he stared back.

At first I didn't notice, I was too busy drowning in his eyes, but his mouth was open. It formed a small 'O'. I also noticed how tired he looked, as if he didn't sleep a wink last night.

It felt like the last few weeks never happened - like I never felt lost or in pain. I felt normal and like I was right where I was supposed to be. It felt normal to have Jared looking at me and me at him.

It was weird how normal everything felt.

Even weirder, I felt powerful. Jared's stare was somehow fuelling my confidence. I, for once, was getting the attention of someone I wanted. The longer I looked at him, the more comfortable I felt. And the way he was looking at me only served to fuel my confidence more. I had his undivided attention and it felt one hundred percent normal.

Seriously, it was weird.

Jared was breathing fast, like a marathon runner who just finished a twenty-mile race. I might've been worried if it wasn't for the beautiful smile he displayed.

It was a bit of a miracle that I had not fainted yet… and that I wasn't drooling.

There was absolutely nothing that could ruin this.

"Jared pay attention!" Ms. Jane ordered. And just like that, the bubble popped. I was back in the real world. Back in the world where I wasn't that confident and was always blushing.

I thought she wasn't going to draw attention to me, since I'm such a good student, but I was wrong. "Kim, what page are we on?"

"Page forty-two." I answered as confidently as I could.

She nodded and went back to reading out loud.

Lucky guess.

Now that I was back in the real world, I could analyze every detail of what just happened. I didn't care why he was looking at me, I just cared that he finally was. Even if I wanted to know, there was no reasonable explanation for why. The only thing I could come up with was that he spaced out and I just happened to be in his line of sight.

Two minutes later Ms. Jane came to our table, "Jared, I'm talking to you." She sounded slightly annoyed. "Jared?"

I wanted to look at him, but I knew that if I did I wouldn't be able to look away.

"Jared!" She called again.

"Huh?" His voice, deep and manly, did not sound the least bit interested.

"Look at me." Her voice was full with authority. He did as told, very reluctantly.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

He nodded. "Yeah… Why wouldn't I be?"

Ms. Jane pretended to think about it. "Hmm, maybe because you've been staring at Kim for ten minutes straight." Her eyebrows were raised, demanding an explanation.

I didn't understand why she was making this a bigger deal than it was.

"So?" He challenged. "I don't hear her complaining."

Did he just- is this even real life?

"Don't you think it's a bit strange to stare at people?" She asked, looking amused.

"Oh, fucking shit." He mumbled. "It is weird. Fan-fucking-tastick."

Ms. Jane smile dissolved. She couldn't believe her ears. "What? Did you just swear in my classroom?"

"Fuck." He palmed his face.

What's with all the f-bombs?

"Can you please watch your language?" She chided. "Now, I don't care how beautiful Kim is, you haven't been here in weeks so I suggest youpay attention. That is if you want to catch up."

My heart was going at a thousand miles per hour. My cheeks weren't any better. They were flaming, blood boiling under my skin at extreme temperatures.

Ms. Jane started to read again, but halfway through the chapter she stopped.

"Jared! This is your last warning. The next time I have to call your name I'm moving your seat."

"Sorry." He apologized as he picked up his book and opened it for the first time today.

"That's better."

When she was done reading she handed us our homework, and Jared a humongous packet of missing work.

We were allowed to talk, quietly that is, while we did our work. Everyone was chatting away - everyone except for Jared and I. Things were bound to get awkward if I even looked at him so I tried looking anywhere but at the boy sitting next to me.

"Hi."

The voice belonged to Jared. He was saying "hi", possibly to me, but I didn't want to risk responding. For all I knew he was greeting someone else. Maybe he was talking to one of his old buddies or to one of the girls who sit at the front.

In the end, I didn't care. I responded, making full eye contact with him.

"Hello." I said quietly.

His eyes twinkled in delight and he grinned at me with his perfectly white smile. It was a truly amazing sight.

"My name's Jared."

I suppressed a laugh. Of course I knew his name, everyone did. "Yeah, I know."

"Really?"

I smiled. "Um yeah, we've kind of sat next to each other the whole year..."

His eyes widened. "Do we have any other classes together? This can't be it."

"It's not."

I swear his smile lit up the entire room. "It's not? How many other class do we have?"

"One other class. It's after lunch."

He checked his schedule. "Awesome! We have science together."

Science?

"I don't have science. I have history."

His eyebrows knit together. "They must've changed my schedule then."

I tried to not let the disappointment show on my face.

"Yup. They switched my science and health class. I guess I have health sixth period now." He sighed. "Well this sucks."

Hold on a second. Hold everything!

"I have health sixth period, too." I nearly yelled.

"Seriously?" He boomed.

Ms. Jane shot us a dirty look from her desk. "Inside voices, people."

I wanted to keep our conversation going but Ms. Jane passed out last weeks vocabulary quiz and went over it. I got an A on it.

"Alright, there's five minutes 'till the bell rings so I guess y'all should pack up your stuff. Don't forget to do your homework if you didn't finish it in class."

I didn't finish my work so I made sure to pencil it dow.

"So, who do you sit with at lunch?" Jared asked curiously.

"With my friends, Jordy and Demi."

"Jordy?"

"Yeah. He's my best frein-"

Jared interrupted me, "Are you talking about Jordy Mendoza? The half Hispanic one?"

"You know him?" That was kind of a dumb question since everyone knew Jordy.

He made a face. "I don't think he likes me for some reason. Today he glared at me when I was on my way to third hour."

Leave it to Jordy.

"Really? That doesn't sound like him at all." I lied. "He's really nice."

Jared laughed. "I bet he is. He sounds like a great friend. I wish I knew what that was like."

He was making no sense. Jared Cameron was one of the cool guys. There was no way he had no friends.

"What do you mean? You have tons of friends."

He shrugged. "Not really. I basically only have one friend, and he's somewhat decent. You know Paul?"

I nodded.

"He's an alright guy. He has some anger issues but I think I can work with it."

I didn't know how to respond to that so I stayed quiet. He was also quiet. I guess he didn't know what to say either.

"Sorry."

Huh?

"Sorry? What are you sorry for?"

"For being super weird, for staring at you, for making you uncomfortable, and for anything else I might've left out. Oh, and for not- because I never-"

"What?"

"How is that that I never noticed you before? How? We've sat next to each other the entire year!"

Again, I didn't know what to say.

"I feel like such an ass." He said running his hands through his short hair. "I'm sorry for not talking to you until now."

Be still my heart.

I carefully chose my words before speaking. "It's okay. I mean it's not like I talked to you either. It takes two to tango, you know?" I gave him a small smile. The grin on his face was back, full force.

The bell decided to ring at that exact moment. Everyone rushed to the cafeteria. I always took my time putting my stuff away, making me the last one out the door. Today I had someone to keep me company.

I could feel Jared's eyes on me as I put my pen, notebook, and book away.

"Well, I guess I'll see you later then." Jared said, holding the door open for me. He didn't look too happy.

"See you later."

On my way to the cafeteria I considered the many possibilities for sixth period. There was an empty seat in front of mine. He could totally sit there if he wanted to. Would he want to?

Jordy was waiting for me outside the cafeteria's entrance. "How was it?"

I gave him every single detail of what happened while we waited in line and ordered our lunch. I finished my story when we got to our usual table.

"Wow… that's kind of weird."

"You think it's weird?"

"Oh honey, I don't mean it in a bad way. It's a good weird- the best kind in fact. He finally talked to you!"

"No seriously, do you think it's weird?"

"Well," he took a sip of his water. "Truthfully yes. He's never given you the time of day, and now all of a sudden he wants to be your new bestie?"

"I never said he wanted to be my 'bestie' alright."

"But you get my point. I might be overreacting, but I care about you and you better fucking appreciate it."

I rolled my eyes. "I do."

Our little "moment" was interrupted by a crying Demi. Her eyes were puffy and red. It was a heartbreaking sight.

I got up and gave her a hug. "What's wrong?"

"I can't "sniffle" take it anymore. We're going to break up, I just know we are." deep sniffle.

"Demi, you know things are going to work out. Part of being in a relationship is going through the fun times as well as the shitty times. Don't give up on him. I know for a fact that thing are going to get better." He consoled. He was a hopeless romantic and had faith that this relationship was going to work out.

They began talking about it, working out her worried and doubts. At one point Noah joined the conversation.

I had nothing to contribute so my eyes wandered around the cafeteria, trying to figure out where Jared was. I couldn't find him and after five minutes I decided he ditched.

There goes my good mood.

"Did you guys hear?" Noah asked changing the subject. "Paul and Jared are here today."

"Ha!" Jordy started to laugh. We all looked at him like he was crazy. "Speak of the devil…"

That's when I noticed Jared, looking slightly nervous, and Paul, grinning and laughing, coming towards our table.

One look at my tablemates told me they weren't going to be any help. Jordy had that knowing smile that friends give you when they see the person you like and Demi and Noah had a small frown on their faces.

Weird.

"Mind if we sit with you lovely ladies… and guy friend?" Paul asked, still laughing, when he and Jared reached us.

"Not at all." Jordy answered.

Jared took the empty seat next to me, and made himself comfortable. "Hey."

"Hi."

"Hey Jared. I thought you and Paul were going to ditch or something." Jordy said.

"Why would you think that?"

"Because you're too cool for school. You're always ditching." Jordy explained.

Jared shook his head. "Oh, well I can't ditch anymore. I have to keep my grades up and keep an eye on my main man Paul."

He nudged Paul. "Fuck off, Cameron."

"Kim," Jared called. This was the first time he ever that said my name. My name sounded a lot nice coming off of Jared's lips than anyone else's. "How old are you?"

Okay, random question.

"How old are you?" I countered and regretted immediately. In an attempt to sound cool I probably ended up sounding like an idiot.

"Um, I asked you first."

"Well, I- I asked you second."

He smirked, "Too bad. I asked first."

Why did I start this awkward dance?

"Fine." I huffed. "Sixteen. How old are you?"

"Why don't I let you figure out my age? Let's see here..." he started tapping his forehead. "You must add five plus seven to the power of two. Subtract four. Divide that by twenty. Subtract thirty-"

"Jared," Jordy butt in. "She's not very good at math. Do us a favor and just tell her."

I was actually trying, going through the numbers in my head, but Jordy was right. Math was not my best subject.

"I already lost count." I admitted.

"I'll tell you later. Class is about to start. You better get going, unless you want to ditch." He teased. I wasn't sure if he was serious or not.

"I'll pass." I giggled awkwardly. Just this once. Next time might be a different story.

He laughed so loud the kids one table over jumped in surprise. "All right then, suit yourself."

… … …

Time is torture. I should know that by now though. My best friend wasn't doing a thing to make it easier.

"He is so sweet, Kimmy!"

"Seriously, he is so sweet!"

"Oh my God, are you blushing?"

"Do you think he'll sit with us tomorrow?"

"And did you see Paul? Hello muscles!"

"I think he looks better with this hair cut."

"Do you think any other boys will disappear and come back looking like that? Oh what am I saying? I have a date tonight."

That is exactly how all of fifth period was spent.

I was so happy when sixth period rolled around. Partly because I was free from Jordy, but mostly because I was going to see Jared again.

I sped walked to my last class. I was in such a hurry that I almost bumped into three different people. They gave me dirty looks but I didn't even bother returning them. I was a woman on a mission.

I was earlier than usual today. I sat down and tried to get comfortable. I didn't want to look like I was expecting Jared so I angled my body away from the door, but kept my eyes trained on the door.

God, I must look like an idiot.

Jared waltzed into class like he owned the dang place. His eyes scanned the room, and when he saw me he shot a smile my way.

Mr. Holley, our teacher, went over to introduce himself. "I'm Mr. Holley. We don't have assigned seats so sit wherever."

"Mind if I sit here?"

I shook my head. "Of course not."

He sat in front of me. At first I thought it might be a problem for two reasons. One, he was a big guy. Seeing the board was going to be harder than before but I could deal with it. Also, it was going to be hard to not look at him the entire period.

Still, I rather him sit with me than anywhere else.

I smiled up at him

"Are you sure this is okay? I think I'm going to block your view."

Honey you are the view.

"No it's fine. I can see perfectly." I reassured.

The bell rang effectively halting our conversation. And initiated class.

We took a few notes and then Mr. Holley handed out a worksheet about the harmful effects of drugs. That was all the work we were going to have today.

"Hey Kim," I liked the way he said my name. "I'm stuck on question five. Can you help me?"

5.) Alcohol is a depressant.

"The answer is true."

He smiled. "Thanks. So, uh, do you walk home or get picked-up?"

"I walk mostly."

"Alone?"

"Well, today yes. Usually I walk with Jordy, but today he's busy today." I wasn't sure where he was going with this. I had a feeling he wanted to walk me home. It was a crazy idea, but with everything that happened today anything seemed possible.

He had a determined look on his face. "Would you like a ride home? Paul has his car so if you want we can take you."

The thought of ridding in the same car with Paul was intimidating. That guy was seriously scary looking.

"No, that's okay. I don't mind walking."

"Oh… then would it be okay if I walked you home?"

Oh my God yes. Yes, yes, a million times yes.

"Oh, um, I don't know." I stupidly said.

To him it probably looked like I didn't want to walk with him when in reality it would be a dream come true. The thing was I was bound to embarrass myself or do something completely mortifying.

"I mean, it's not that I don't want to walk with you, I just don't want to take you out of your way." I quickly added, attempting to not look like an asshole.

"Your house is probably on my way home. It would be no problem for me. C'mon Kim! Be my walking buddy. Don't make me beg."

I couldn't resist Jared's wide, pleading eyes.

"Alright then walking buddy." It came out a lot calmer than I felt.

He grinned his award-winning grin. "Awesome."

The impossible has become possible. Immediately a few not so impossible things came to mind:

Jared came back.

I felt normal again.

Jared talked to me.

I responded without fainting.

He is sitting with me (by choice).

This all happened in one day.

In the movie Alice in Wonderland, Alice said she could think of six impossible things. Well I can think of seven.

Jared offered to walk me home.

to be continued...

Who else has seen Alice in Wonderland? Cartoon or Tim Burton, it doesn't matter. I think they're both amazing.

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AN: If you've read this before you might, or possibly not, notice a few tweaks in the story. I started writing this in Feb. 2010, I was younger then and had no idea what I was writing at times. I still don't… Anyway, I was reading this the other day and noticed that this story is a hot mess! So I'm definitely changing a few things, nothing too major though. I doubt anyone is still reading this b/c my updating has slacked for like a year.

If you are still reading this fic: enjoy this "improved" version.

If you are new to this fic: HURRAY! Keep on reading my friend! Don't forget to comment :D

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Chapter Playlist -

*Heart Skipped a Beat - The xx

*Sounds Like Halleluja - The Head and the Heart

*Abducted - Cults

*High and Dry - Radiohead

*Diplomat's Son - Vampire Weekend

*Breaks in Paris - Wolf Gang