The Day Before
"I swear if you don't say something to him Jason I will."
Tilly bristled as she sat with him trying to relax and eat her lunch.
"Sorry. What?"
He had been staring longingly at Bart who had been meeting his gaze until his friends caught him, then he had engulfed Maddie like a rash.
"He is trying to make you jealous."
"Yeah well it's not working."
Jason huffed as he watched Bart kiss Maddie on top of the head and turn to the group and laugh hysterically.
"Like hell it isn't. You two need your heads banging together. Stay there."
"What? Wait where are you…Tilly!"
Jason tried to look anywhere but at the scene unfolding meters away from him. Tilly could be embarrassing when she wanted, but he knew it was in his best interest.
"What are you playing at?"
Tilly marched over to where her group of friends were stood chatting and laughing, apparently oblivious to Bart's less than subtle antics.
"What?"
He tried but failed to sound innocent.
"If you like Jason go and tell him if you don't stop acting like a prick!"
"Oi."
"Shehasapoint. Johno commented. Youcan'tkeepyoureyesoffhim.Wegetthatyouusedtobeintogirls,butifheiswhoyouwantyoushouldgoforit."
Bart looked at them, over to Jason and then squarely at Maddie.
"Go."
She nudged him in the ribs.
"You don't mind?"
"Ohyouknowme…plentymorefishintheseaandallthat.IjustwantyoutobehappyandasmuchasIstillthinkit'sweird, Tilly glared at her accusingly. Hemakesyouhappy."
"What do you think Johno?"
"Ithinkifyoucan'tmakeitworkwiththetwohottestgirlsincollege, he gestured at Maddie and Sinead, thenyoutwoaredefinitelymeanttobe."
"What are you waiting for?"
Tilly literally pushed him across the quad, he landed on his knees at Jason's feet. He looked up and saw Jason's hand in front of him. Blushing furiously he accepted his help.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeahitwasjustatrip.Ja- BELL Idon'tbelieveit."
"What?"
"Can we talk?"
"I can't I'm meant to be in English."
"It'll only take a minuet."
"I can't, Bart. Maybe later."
"What about you come to mine tomorrow?"
"I could meet you in the morning if you wanted, but I guess the family will have plans because it is mine and Seth's 18th birthday."
He hastily grabbed his bag and joined the crowd heading towards the front door.
"Ok, well tomorrow morning would be great. Say the park for ten?"
"Yeah. I'll meet you there. Usual place."
They parted ways at the front door, both oblivious to the crowd around them, as they shared one final smile.