Chapter four
"So, remember to finish exercises 8 and 9 and start on 11 as well. You will be graded on the chapter next week."
The bell rings and Mrs Miller dismisses the class. Grace closes her text book and starts to get up when Julie comes over and stands in front of her desk.
"Ok, spill, Manning."
"Spill what?" Grace asks innocently.
"Spill about you and Eli. I want details, damn it." Julie stamps her foot and pretends to be annoyed.
Grace gets up from her chair and she and Julie walk to their lockers.
"There's nothing much to tell..." Grace murmurs as she puts her books in her bag and slams her locker door shut.
"You're dating one of the hottest guys in school, and there's nothing to tell?" Julie rolls her eyes, "common Grace!"
"Ok, fine I'll tell you. But remember, no one else know, ok? Swear you won't repeat this."
Julie holds her hand to her heart, "I swear, Grace. Now spill!"
"Well, last night, he and I..." Grace starts to smile but gets interrupted by a poke on the shoulder, "do you mind?" she starts to yell and turns to see Eli smirking down at her.
Julie chuckles as she adjusts her backpack and starts to walk away.
"I'll see ya tomorrow, Manning. Don't forget! Details!"
Grace blushes as she waves goodbye and Eli softly massages her shoulders.
"Details on what?" he asks and kisses her softly on the head.
"Oh...just for an essay we're writing." Grace faces Eli again and smiles broadly.
Eli raises his hand and is about to stroke her face when a group of girls start to approach them. Grace quickly slaps his hand away.
"Save it for later, Eli," she fiercely whispers.
Eli pouts briefly but finally nods.
"We better get to the car, Jess'll be waiting for us."
Grace nods and starts to pick up her backpack but Eli beats her to it.
"I think I'm gonna like having you around," Grace smirks.
"Hey, I am your sexy man servant," he chuckles.
"And don't you forget it, buddy," she chuckles and slightly punches him on the arm.
"Hey, that hurt!" whines Eli and Grace rolls her eyes.
"But seriously, E. We can't touch in public."
"We're gonna have to tell people eventually."
Grace sighs and Eli gently touches her arm.
"We can wait if you want, babe. Whatever you want," he reassures her.
Grace smiles softly and looks towards the parking lot and notices Jessie standing by the car talking to Tad. As she gets closer she overhears them.
"If you need help with the algebra, I can do it," Jessie offers Tad.
Jessie notices Eli and Grace walking towards them and goes a little red. Tad coughs and fiddles with his backpack.
B/W Jessie: Times like these I wish I went to another school, and Eli and Grace weren't around.
"Yeah, thanks Jess. Help would be good, but maybe tomorrow."
Jessie nods and Tad waves as he walks off.
"Hey Jess," Eli softly punches her on the arm and Jessie flinches. "What's going on with you and that guy? Eh, eh, eh?" Eli chuckles.
"Ignore him, Jessie. He's just being a jerk," Grace says and rolls her eyes.
"Shut up, Eli," Jessie mutters as she gets into the car.
"Hey, stop picking on me. I'm just being the concerned older brother. You should appreciate me," he smirks.
Jessie and Grace share a look and both laugh. Eli shrugs and starts the car.
"Fine, see if I help when Tad breaks your heart," Eli winks.
B/W Jessie: Eli pretends he doesn't care, but I know he'll always look out for me. When I said I wished Grace and Eli weren't here, I didn't really mean it. (guilty smile)
B/W Eli: If a guy hurts her, he had better run. (smacks his hands together and smirks)
"If you embarrass me, I swear, I will make your life hell," Jessie threatens.
"Yeah, how?"
"I know where you keep your dirty magazines are..."she smirks.
"Oh, Eli has dirty magazines, does he?" Grace gives Eli an exaggerated look and he goes slightly red.
"You're so dead, Jess!" Eli scowls and turns to look at her and the car swerves a little.
"Eli! The road!" Jessie yells and Eli quickly takes control of the wheel.
Grace lets out a deep breath and Eli touches her leg, reassuring her it's all ok. Jessie notices but says nothing. Grace quickly moves his hand away and turns on the radio.
B/W Jessie: Eli and Grace. That's wrong, on SO many levels.
B/W Grace: No one can know about this, even Jessie. Everyone will freak out! (tugs her hair and bites her lip)
"Sorry, guys. That was stupid of me," Eli apologises and looks back at the road.
Jessie lets out a deep breath and Grace slightly nods, looking down at her hands.
B/W Grace: Then again, I wish I could just tell the world. Especially at times like these when he does those little things that shows he cares.
B/W Eli: Times like these I wish Dad and Lilly never married so it could be easy for me and Grace. How selfish is that? (runs his hand through his hair and half smiles)
Jessie turns her head and looks out the window. Eli looks straight ahead and Grace turns the music up.