Bradin watched her from across the hall. Jess was with Jason again. Laughing. And talking. And hanging out with. He was not jealous.

"I am not jealous of a guy two years younger than me," Bradin muttered to himself. But as he saw the happiness displayed on Jessica's face, he felt a twinge. Shrugging it off, Bradin went to class. Bradin could get any girl he wanted, or at least that used to be the case. And Jessica was not an exception…at least not before he screwed up. Bradin cursed himself for not properly seizing the chance he had with her. He had let it settle for too long and now they were friends. He had made it seem like that was all he wanted. For a time, it was. But he had realized for a long time that he wanted to be more. He didn't know why he hadn't asked her out yet. After all, she did like him a lot. She had made it clear she was interested. That was the issue. Was she still interested? Or did she change her mind and had shifted into contentment into being only friends? Was she just friends with this Jason? Or did he have a serious threat?

Jessica could sense that Bradin was not really happy. He had a sort of detached, desperate mood for the past few days.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"Sure." He answered.

"Bradin, honestly. When we're hanging out I feel as if I'm by myself. What's on your mind?" Jessica questioned.

"I've been worried about Nikki, is all," it wasn't exactly a fib, he was worried. "She's back with Cameron and constantly talking about him. Last time they were together she was hurt."

"Look at you, being all caring," Jessica smiled, "You can't worry so much. There's always a risk involved in love."

"Yeah," Bradin muttered. He paused. "Listen, there's a thing on Saturday at the school gym. A pep rally or something. Wanna go?"

"Sure! Mind if Jason comes along, I said I'd hang with him on Saturday." Jessica said.

"Do you spend every waking moment together?" Bradin said on edge.

"Do I detect a hint of brother coming through?" she raised her eyebrows.

"Do you really look upon me like a brother?" Bradin asked, annoyed. "'Cause that is not what any of this is about and I'm just sick of it!"

"Calm down," Jessica held up her hands, "I wasjust kidding…"

"I'm sorry, Jess…there's just been things going on and I'm just reallyfrustrated," Bradin sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"What's wrong? You can talk to me." She said, sounding a bit concerned.

"I don't know if I can…" Bradin murmured softly. Looking into her eyes, he saw a hint of hurt and confusion. She was stung that he was keeping things from her. Bradin swallowed and knew that he was going to have to tell her soon. Why was he even hesitating? He never had much trouble with girls. He never had issues asking them out. But then again, Jessica wasn't just any girl... He would tell her tomorrow, on Saturday night. It couldn't be delayed any longer. He had to do it before Jason did.


A/N: Yes, I've reached an all time low on short chapters. But hey, 3 chapters in one night! Hurrah hurrah, right?