Chapter 15- Fragile Hearts and Eager Minds
Quinn looked around blankly at all of her belongings. She bit her lip as her mouth started to tremble. She was sad because a small part of her didn't want to leave PCA. What if the other kids at Crenshaw's Academy of Science were smarter than her, and even worse if she left PCA then that would mean leaving Jack.
Quinn looked down sadly. Before she met Jack she didn't know what it was to love. Science was her love, but that all changed when she had rested her eyes on Jack.
Slowly she forced herself up and walked towards her window. Maybe leaving PCA was for the best.
There was a knock at her door.
Quinn turned around expecting to see her parents, they had left to bring back ice-cream…Quinn's favorite was Upchuck wormy goo. She forced a smile, ice-cream always made her feel better.
Quinn opened the door.
Jack turned around. "Buttercup?"
Quinn adjusted her glasses on her nose, "Obliged,"
Jack handed her the buttercup, "I picked it outside, I would've gotten you a real flower…but I'm dirt poor."
"Aren't we all…I'm working on a new machine to mimic U.S. currency."
"Isn't that illegal?" Jack asked.
"Shh, don't tell anyone," Quinn said placing her hand to her lips.
Jack smiled, and leaned closer to Quinn, "I won't…I promise,"
Quinn stepped aside so Jack could enter. "So what um…brings you by? Are you here to try out my 3D dream chaser?"
Jack shook his head, "No," His eyes traveled around Quinn's vacant laboratory/ dorm. "Are you going somewhere?"
Quinn slowly nodded, "I um…"
Jack looked down sadly.
Quinn bit her lip, "I got accepted into the school of my dreams."
"Oh," Jack said quietly.
Quinn sat down on her bed, and patted a spot next to her for Jack to sit down. "Why are you here?"
Jack slowly sat down, "It doesn't matter now,"
"Yes it does," Quinn pulled Jack's hair out of his eyes.
Jack turned to her.
"You have good eye genes, they are very pretty, hopefully your offspring will inherit those baby blues,"
Jack grinned. Quinn's quirkiness was growing on him. He didn't want her to go.
Quinn slowly pulled her hand away from Jack's hair. "I um…how is Nicole,"
"She's good. I um…Quinn."
Quinn smiled back at Jack, "Yes?"
"I don't want you to go…please stay, I want to know you." Jack begged.
Quinn's eyes softened and an expression of warmth crossed her face. "You really care if I stay?"
Jack nodded, "Yes, I like you, and it would be a shame if you left as soon as I realized…"
"Jack…can I eat your lips?"
Jack's eyes widened, "What?"
Quinn blushed, "I believe it is called kissing."
Jack's cheeks turned bright red. He wanted to kiss Quinn, but he had never kissed a girl before. What is he was horrible, and he scared her away.
"The only experience I have had is with Albie…"
"Albie?" Jack asked confused.
Quinn giggled embarrassed and then pointed to a scary doll of Albert Einstein.
"Woah, that thing is scary," Jack said in fear.
"Oh, it's just Albie, he's really sweet."
Jack forced himself to look away from the frightening doll, and then turned back to Quinn. "You practiced on that…"
"Yeah, I was eight, and I had a crush on him."
Jack raised an eyebrow.
"Kidding," Quinn said playfully hitting Jack.
"About everything…or just the crush."
"No, I did try kissing him." Quinn said embarrassed.
"And you want to kiss me?"
Quinn nodded, "If that is okay with you."
Jack took his inhaler out of his pocket, and took a quick does of medicine. "Okay."
Quinn smiled and leaned forward.
Jack felt his stomach start to rise up and down nervously. Quinn kissed his chin.
"Um…" Jack said looking up at the ceiling.
"I'm trying to get a feel for your skin…and then…"
Jack smiled. Okay? Before he could think anymore, Quinn's lips was on his. Jack was surprised to find out that Quinn wasn't half bad. In a matter of fact she seemed better than him.
(Break)
"Michael, this is not working." Chase complained.
Michael looked up from his magazine. "What on earth are you talking about Chase?"
Chase pointed to himself, "My image…is not working."
"There is nothing wrong with you"
Chase walked over to Michael and pulled the magazine out of his hand.
"Hey, where's your manners…I was checking out Miss Hawaii's two piece!"
Chase smiled, "She's pretty…but I'm not!"
Michael scowled, "Don't you want to be handsome?"
"Whatever," Chase placed down the magazine and then flopped backwards on his bed. "My image reads…Good friend…Non-threatening friend…Boy that will never get the girl because he is just the friend!"
Michael sat up, "Um…you need to calm down."
"I can't because I am so worked up!" Chase collapsed onto the floor. "God, what does Sawyer have that I don't!"
Michael looked down with a smile. Did Chase really want an answer to that?
"What's so special about him huh? I consider myself handsome…"
Michael looked up slowly, "Are you having a breakdown?"
Chase placed his hands to his face, "I just want Zoey! I love her so much…" Chase picked up his pillow and started to bang his head against it. "I just want her to see that!"
Michael cautiously stood up. "Crazy boy, I am going to need you to hand me the pillow,"
Chase slowly handed Michael the pillow. "What is so special about him? Yes, he's tanner than me, and maybe a little taller…but so who cares, and did I mention that he has nicknames for her!"
"Nicknames? Freaky nicknames…"
Chase gave Michael the eye.
"I kid, I kid," Michael saved patting Chase on the shoulder.
"He's calls her sunshine, how sick is that!"
Michael nodded, "I bet you she likes it."
Chase scowled. "Probably, I need to give her a nickname…I got it Buttercup,"
"Kind of mushy," Michael said with a shake of the head.
Chase sighed, "Well, you have to help me come up with one."
(Break)
Zoey bit her lip. Was she really doing this? She glanced around the boys floor. Everyone was gone. Where were they? Zoey placed her hand to the key Sawyer had given her earlier. Before she could pull it from around her neck, Sawyer answered the door in a tee shirt and boxers.
Zoey smiled embarrassed.
"Hey Sunshine, what brings you here?" He asked with a warm smile.
"I needed to ask you for a favor."
Sawyer nodded, "Anything," He opened his door wider for Zoey to come in.
Zoey shook her head, "Sawyer, I…"
"Zoey, I have Chinese food in here, I can't possibly eat it by myself,"
Zoey glanced into Sawyer's room, "Do you have any General Tso's Chicken?
"Of course, I have some of everything." Sawyer said.
Zoey grinned, "It's like you expected me to come,"
"I didn't expect, I hoped, now please can you come in?" Sawyer asked.
"I don't know,"
Sawyer dropped down to his knees, "I usually don't beg, but with you it has become a habit."
Zoey looked around embarrassed as a bunch of guys walked past.
"Sawyer get up,"
"Please, please," Sawyer teased reaching for Zoey's hands.
Zoey shifted her weight to her other foot. "Sawyer,"
Sawyer gently tugged on Zoey's hand once again.
Zoey stepped closer, "Fine Sawyer,"
"Yes," Sawyer said.
Zoey tilted her head to the side, "You are ridiculous,"
"Only with you," He said.
Zoey stepped inside and sat down on his bed. No way. She slid down onto the floor. Good save Brooks.
"Have you ever played guitar before?"
Zoey shook her head, "No,"
:Do you want to learn how?"
Zoey smiled, "You play?"
Sawyer nodded, "Yeah," He said down next to Zoey and then started to strum a melody.
Zoey turned completely towards him, as Sawyer started to strum the chords on his guitar. She stared back at him dreamily. Maybe she did like Sawyer more than she liked Chase. Zoey bit her lip. Sawyer did things to her that she couldn't explain.
Sawyer closed his eyes and started to sing.
Zoey placed her hands to her heart. She wanted to kiss him, because Sawyer was the guy she wanted.
Sawyer opened his eyes and smiled confidently at Zoey as he continued to sing.
After he was finished, He placed his hand under her chin. "Now I would like to sing you your song."
"I have a song?" Zoey said with wide eyes.
Sawyer nodded, "Yes,"
Zoey's heart was doing backflips, she took a deep breath, and then looked away from Sawyer's piercing eyes for a second.
"Are you ready?" Sawyer asked.
Zoey nodded.
Sawyer removed his hand from under her chin, and then started to strum the chords once again.
Zoey looked down at his hands, and then back at him. The melody was beautiful and soft. She closed her eyes as he started to sing again.
(Break)
Nicole dived into the pool. She closed her eyes as the cool chlorine water swept over her body. She needed this swim. Hopefully everything was going well between Quinn and Jack. Nicole moved her arms like butter through the water. She loved swimming. Did Sawyer like to swim? Well anyways she couldn't think about him now. Instead she had to focus on Jack and Quinn.
Nicole smiled at the thought of Jack getting ready for Quinn. They would make such a cute couple.
A sharp pain ripped through Nicole's stomach.
Nicole gasped. That couldn't be good. She put her left arm in front of her right as she tried to swim towards the edge. The pain struck her once again.
Nicole gasped taking in a mouthful of chlorine water.
She gagged as she tried to reach for her stomach. Oh No, she was having cramps, she shouldn't of eaten that sub right before swimming.
Nicole attempted to swim to the edge once again. But it was so far! Oww, the cramps hurt so bad. Nicole gasped, taking in another mouthful of water.
"Help!" she screamed.
No one was around. Darkness was all she saw for miles.
"Help!" Nicole screamed. Nicole waved her arms frantically in the air. Tears started to fill her eyes. She sunk underneath.
Nicole surfaced once again. "Help me! Please, someone!"
She was pulled under once again. She was so scared that she had forgotten to breathe. Nicole started to choke on the chlorine water and everything started to go black.
(Break)
Jordan Monroe walked towards his new dorm. Jordan raised an eyebrow as he glanced towards the pool. It looked as if someone was struggling under there. He paused and continued to stare at the pool. The person stopped moving.
"Oh God!" Jordan threw down his bags, and ran towards the pool. He didn't even think about taking off his clothes, he just ran like the wind. Jordan dived into the pool. He wrapped his arms around Nicole's lifeless body and quickly brought her to surface. As he swam towards solid ground he made sure to keep Nicole's head above water. Jordan brought Nicole onto the concrete, and then got out right after her.
He placed his ear to her mouth. She wasn't breathing.
(Break)
Sawyer pointed at Zoey, "This is for you, and it describes everything that I have been feeling the last couple of days,"
Zoey smiled back at him. She couldn't control it. As hard as she tried to remain neutral to Chase and Sawyer, Sawyer was winning right now. She felt like a horrible person. Zoey tried to ease her thoughts by reaching for a cheese wonton, but then stopped, she didn't want her crunching to distract Sawyer while he sung to her.
Sawyer strummed the intro.
" Hey, Hey, I got something to tell you. I can't hide anymore. The lights are on, and the dark is finally gone. My emotions are finally on the floor. I've been battling this inside for so long. Secretly trying to hide. Denying all feelings for you. Even though I knew they were true. Hey, Hey, I got something to tell you. Light the fire, and let it burn to the wire. I'm finally giving you the clue. I'm feeling so high. I'm looking at you, while my tongue is tied. Dealing with these emotions while healing from letting this known, has got me in the zone. Hey, Hey, I got something to tell you. I can't hide anymore. The lights are on. And the dark is finally gone. My mouth is dry, and I'm trying to figure out why I am letting this by you. But it's time to be true. The lights are in. And the dark is finally gone."
Sawyer strummed the last chord and then slowly looked at Zoey. His heart was in his throat.
Zoey stood up.
He swallowed nervously, "So…"
Zoey stroked Sawyer's cheek, "You don't make anything easy."
"I love you," Sawyer said.
Zoey smiled helplessly. Tears started to form in her eyes, and she tried to wipe them away quickly.
"Why are you crying?" Sawyer asked pulling her into a hug.
Zoey closed her eyes and rested her head against Sawyer's shoulders. She loved this guy. "Because, your song was beautiful,"
Sawyer placed his hands against Zoey's face, "I didn't mean to make you cry Sunshine,"
Zoey smiled.
Sawyer wiped away her tears. "If you want to be with Ch…"
Zoey stood on her tippee toes and kissed Sawyer.
Surprised Sawyer wrapped his arms around her.
Zoey brought her arms around Sawyer's neck, and placed her hand against the back of his head. She never wanted to let him go.
Sawyer held Zoey tight. He never wanted this kiss to end. "Zoey,"
Zoey pulled away, "Yes Sawyer?"
Sawyer bit his lip, looked down , and then looked back into Zoey's eyes, "Will you be my girlfriend?"
(Break)
"What should I do?" Chase asked.
Michael picked back up his magazine, "You got to fight for her man, Chase you're a nice guy."
"So what are you saying…I should start acting like Charlie?"
Michael's eyes widened, "No, you want to make her love you, not run away by a mere glance…have you seen that boy up close…he be lookin scarier than a troll."
Chase smirked, "What should I do."
"Sawyer seems to lay it on thick, with the nicknames, and the charm…you got some tough competition. But I think I can help you."
"Really?"
Michael nodded, "You need to have another reason to get closer to Zoey, like…what do you think about Hip Hop?"
"Huh?" Chase asked confused.
"My baby Skyler…" Michael grinned. "Yeah…my baby."
Chase raised an eyebrow, "Are you guys even dating."
"No, but I know she's digging me, now back to you. Skyler likes to dance so I agreed to be her partner at this Hip Hop dancing class. Maybe you should ask Zoey to be your partner."
"Hip Hop? I have no rhythm."
Michael grinned, "Don't I know it."
Chase gasped, "Hey,"
Michael shrugged, "I have to be honest, but Zoey probably doesn't either. You guys can learn together."
"I don't know Michael," Chase said sitting down on the edge of his bed.
"Think about it our Casanova, Sawyer is doing backflips faster than a trained gymnast to win Zoey's heart…and Chase your crawling the speed of a toddler."
Chase frowned, "But if I ask her to take hip hop classes, then I'll probably just embarrass myself even more."
"Think about it…Dancing involves sweating, getting close…"
"What time is that class?" Chase said quickly.
(Break)
As Jack and Quinn continued to kiss which was surprisingly normal for them both, Jack felt his cell phone vibrate.
Quinn scowled as Jack pulled away. Kissing was amazing…well at least kissing Jack was.
Jack reached in his pocket for his cell phone. His heart started to beat faster. It was his dad, he only called with bad news.
Quinn fixed her hair. Why wasn't her parents back yet?
"Hey Dad," Jack said hesitantly.
Quinn turned to Jack. She smiled as she watched him talk. Jack kisses were better than Albie's hands down.
"I'm at my friends dorm," Jack replied.
Quinn watched as Jack got up, No he couldn't leave now! As soon as her parents got back they were going to drive her to the Crenshaw Academy of Science. One kiss wasn't enough.
Jack opened the door, "Where are you?" He asked with a shaky voice.
Quinn stepped out after him.
Jack's face looked purple, and it seemed as if something was wrong. Quinn placed her hand on Jack's shoulder. What was wrong with her Cupcake.
"Jack, we have to go to the hospital," A man said approaching them.
Quinn assumed this guy was Jack's dad. He was handsome too, but Jack looked better. Quinn reached for Jack's hand, "Don't go,"
"I have too…I think something is wrong with my mom."
Quinn's eyebrows furrowed low over her eyes, "What's wrong cupcake?"
"My mom," Jack decided to ignore Quinn's odd pet name.
Jack started to follow after his dad.
"Can I come with you?" Quinn asked not wanting to leave Jack yet.
Jack nodded, "Yes, but we have to hurry!"
(Break)
Jordan tilted Nicole's chin back and then started to do CPR on her. He couldn't believe this was happening on his first night at PCA. After trying to resuscitate Nicole with no luck. He placed his lips against hers and tried to breathe air into her still body. After three breaths, Jordan started to pump his hands on her stomach. Fifteen times…hopefully that's right.
As Jordan struggled to save Nicole.
She started to cough. Water spilled out of Nicole's mouth, and she struggled to fill her lungs with air. Her eyes slowly fluttered open. "You…you saved my life."
Jordan smiled down at Nicole, "I'm glad you are okay…"
Nicole sat up and threw her arms around Jordan, "If it wasn't for you then I could've died. Thank you so much!"
Jordan slowly hugged her back. "Um…your welcome."
Nicole took another breath, "I am never eating a sub before I swim again."
Jordan grinned, "I'm glad you learned your lesson."
"I did, Thank you so much," Nicole slowly stood up. She still felt really dizzy.
"Be easy," Jordan said softly placing his hand around Nicole and helping her arm around him.
For the first time Nicole got a good look at Jordan. Well hello there! This hottie saved her life. Nicole grabbed onto Jordan's hand. "My name is Nicole,"
"I'm Jordan,"
Nicole smiled. "Jordan, I am forever grateful to you,"
Jordan sheepishly nodded, "Don't mention it, do you want me to walk you…"
"Yes!" Nicole said quickly.
Jordan stared back at Nicole amused.
"I mean…I um…I swallowed a lot of chlorine water, that stuff is foul."
"Yeah, it's not meant to drink, C'mon lets get you back."
(Break)
Zoey looked down.
"C'mon Zoey, your wearing my key," Sawyer said with a smile.
"And does that make me your girl?" Zoey teased. Her stomach was churning and she felt like she was walking on coals. There would be no going back after this.
"Not necessarily."
"Nicole, really likes you."
Sawyer nodded, "I know, and she's cute, but I like you."
"Me too,"
"So say yes to me," Sawyer got down on his knee again.
Zoey giggled, "Are you trying to propose now?"
Sawyer pushed his hair back, "Yes, Ms. Brooks also known as Sunshine Brooks…"
Zoey laughed.
Sawyer grinned, "Don't laugh at me, this isn't easy loving a girl that loves two guys,"
Zoey looked away from Sawyer.
"But I am a fighter, and I'm kind of hard headed so…I refuse to give up."
"Why though Sawyer?"
"Because I'm crazy for you,"
"Yes, I'll be your girlfriend,"
"Really?" Sawyer asked.
Zoey nodded.
Sawyer picked Zoey up in his arms, raised her above him, and brought her down to give her a kiss. "So we're an official item?"
"Yes…"
"Love you," Sawyer said kissing her again.
"Sawyer, only we can know. No one else."
Sawyer nodded, "Okay, so we'll keep it on the down low. We'll sneak kisses in between periods, and if we ever want to pull a Logan and Dana, the janitors closet is ours for the taking."
Zoey laughed. "Yeah, I guess so."
Sawyer hugged Zoey, "Chase especially can't know right."
"Right," Zoey said. She felt guilty, but yet happy at the same time. Sawyer was officially, her "secret" boyfriend. They were in this together now.
(Break)
Quinn stepped into the hospital behind Jack, and his dad. She looked around at the patients eagerly. Maybe one of these people would allow her to take a small piece of skin to study the science of genetics. Before she had the chance to approach anyone Jack's dad turned to them.
"Jack, your mom…she isn't doing well."
"I know," Jack whispered with his head bent.
Genetics was going to have to wait. Quinn stepped closer to Jack.
"Jack, the doctors think she'll be lucky if she makes it through the night." His dad finished softly.
Jack winced. He started to tap his leg as he felt the tears. He didn't want Quinn to see him cry.
Quinn placed her hand on his shoulder, "Jack,"
"Can I see my mom?" Jack said.
His dad nodded, "Yes, she wanted to see you too."
Jack walked after his dad.
Quinn stood still feeling as if she was out of place.
"Quinn, can you please come?"
Quinn nodded, "Of course,"
Quinn followed after Jack and his dad. They came to room 114.
"You don't have to come in Dad, but Quinn can you?"
"Yes," Quinn said nodding.
Jack opened the door. He started to have troubles breathing, all the stress was to much. Jack took his inhaler with shaky hands. After he got another dose of medicine he placed it back his pocket. His mom's eyes were weak, and she looked so frail.
Quinn looked back at Jack sadly. His mom looked really sick. Poor Jack. Quinn walked right behind Jack, until he approached her bed, and then went to the window.
"Mom," Jack whispered.
His mom slowly stirred. Her eyes then opened. "Jack,"
"Yes mom, it's me."
She smiled at him weakly, "I love you so much,"
"I love you too, I brought this for you,"
Quinn looked down at the painting in Jack's hand. How come she didn't notice that before.
Jack's lips started to tremble as he talked, "I…I painted this picture of you, because I missed you."
Tears started to well in her eyes. "I missed you too Jack,"
She placed her hand to his face and then stroked it, "My son, I love you so much…and I wrote this for you."
Jack wiped the tears away from his eyes as she tried to reach for something in the draw. She tried but failed.
"Ohh…I don't have the energy anymore, Jack can you…"
"Sure," With shaking hands Jack opened the draw. He pulled out an envelope and handed it to his mom.
Her hands started to shake as she opened the letter. "God, couldn't have given me a greater son than you. After hard days at work you were there, taking care of me, and cooking breakfast. I cherished the time we spent together, you are a light in my life…"
The letter dropped to the floor.
Jack looked back at her sadly. He picked up the letter and handed it back to his mom.
Quinn stepped towards Jack. This was really sad.
"Mom," Jack said.
The door opened and his dad stepped in.
"Mom," Jack repeated.
She laid down and closed her eyes, "I…love you Jack,"
His painting slid off of the bed, and onto the floor as well.
He got up and placed his hands against her shoulders, "Mom, please. Please don't go!"
"Jack," His dad tried to reason.
The tears started to flow without control. Jack hugged his mom and didn't want to let her go.
A nurse stepped in and checked her vital stats. "She's not responding,"
Jack ignored her.
Quinn forced herself to step forward and hug Jack. She didn't know what to say, but she knew she had to be there. Jack pulled away slowly from his mom. His face was red and soaked with tears.
Quinn hugged him so tight. "It's going to be alright Jack,"
"No it's not," Jack whispered burying his face in Quinn's shirt.
Quinn closed her eyes. She definitely couldn't leave PCA now. Jack needed her, and she couldn't leave him like this.
(Wow! Thanks guys for the amazing reviews. I read them all and I really appreciate the support for this story. Thanks once again. Now, I am going to answer some of your questions…Mrs. Logan Reese, and Sevenleafclovergril-7, Yeah, I know Nicole hasn't paid Logan back yet. He will start giving her a hard time soon…because no one messes up Logan's expensive clothes, and gets away with it…besides he has been really busy with Dana lately…Hope was Here, I don't plan on ending this story soon, I still have so many ideas in my head…and as long as you guys keep reading and you like it…I will keep on writing! Spiffy Bell and Hip Hopper 92, I know you guys want to see Zoey with Chase, although she is "secretly" dating Sawyer, Chase is still in the picture. Because he still thinks Zoey is single. Thanks for the reviews again!)