Chapter 6: Midterms

Since the school year started late for the high schoolers, they are facing their week of midterms at the end of January. Santana went back to college after winter break, but Jason didn't get to talk to her much because of that stupid Irish John Cena that claims to be romantically involved with her. (Honestly what the hell is that asshole's problem!? And why the hell is all this confusing relationship stuff happening to Jason of all people!?)

Jason still isn't sure what to do. She's still talking to him, over Skype, but he still has a lingering thought that maybe she really is over him and Irish John Cena was right. But if that asshole was right, why would Santana kiss him? Jason doesn't know what to think. He talked to Locke about it, but Locke is just as clueless about romantic relationships as Jason is. The boys have no idea what's going on, and Jason doesn't know what to say. Should he bring it up? Should he just ignore all of that? Should he try to figure out what's going on? Or would that make her upset? Jason has no idea what to do. So he decides to do what he always does when faced with a relationship problem he's confused about: he avoids it and hopes for the best.

On top of all of that, with Santana being gone and leaving Jason confused on what the best course of action is, this week begins Panem High's finals week. So not only does Jason have to worry about whether or not he should confront Santana and ask her what the hell they are, but he also has to worry about tests in each of his classes. Wonderful.

Locke is responsible and actually studies in advance. Jason, however, is much lazier, and decides he can afford to put it off. Well, now he's scrambling.

So, Locke, being the responsible friend he is, decides that the best course of action is to have a Panem-Liberty study party. Or, as Jason calls it, the Panem-Liberty cry circle.

"Oh, lighten up. You'll do fine."

"Easy for you to say." This always happens. Who could forget the finals week of their freshman year. It was Locke's whispering pep talks that caused the boys to meet Skeeter and get roped into playing instruments for the glee club. It changed their lives, that's for sure. That summer they met Ben Hoffsteader, who now ranks number 2 on Jason's most-hated-people-like-ever-yes-I'm-serious-Locke list. That stupid Irish John Cena Diesel's taken the number one spot now.

"I'm serious. You always get yourself so worked up and then you get awesome grades."

"Just because I got good grades last year doesn't mean I'm going to get good grades this year," Jason says.

"I know, but you're going to do fine. Remember when we were sitting in the band room after drum major auditions and you were going to leave because you said it's pointless and you're not going to get it anyways so why stay?"

"Yeah, but I did suck-"

"You didn't suck. Obviously you didn't because you got it." Locke smiles when he talks about it now. Yeah, that was a bad night, probably the most irrelevant and useless Locke had ever felt, but now he sees that even though his senior year isn't what he pictured it to be, it's still been a hell of a lot of fun. He wouldn't have had it any other way.

"Whatever," Jason huffs.

Locke sends out the invite over text, making a list of the people he texted to make sure he didn't forget any.

"I think I'm just going to invite Abri and Kuzey." He promises that they don't have to stay with the other group, hoping to curb any anxiety Kuzey might have about it.

"It's amazing, you know," Locke says, stretching out on the couch, "You really stepped up to the plate this year. I think you grew a lot since last year. You learned how to branch out and got more confident being a drum major and learned how to make friends and be a better friend."

"Shut up."

"I… I know we're looking at different colleges." Jason stiffens and nods. "And I think you could handle being on your own. I know you don't think that, but I have faith that you could."

"I'm not likable, though. You're likable. People like me because they like you and you like me for some reason."

"Kuzey and Abri like you. I had nothing to do with that. Santana likes you. She likes you in a way that not even I do." Locke laughs.

"Maybe she doesn't, though," groans Jason. "She did at one point, God knows why, but maybe she doesn't anymore."

"I dunno, maybe you should just ask her what that's all about."

Jason mocks his tone, "I dunno, maybe you should just shut up."

Locke laughs a bit, amused. "Look man, I'm just saying. You're better than you give yourself credit for. And I know that even thinking about college and being away from home and making new friends and growing up gives you anxiety, but… I think you're more ready for it than you think."

"Thanks," sighs Jason. Now if only he could believe that for himself.

"Just think about it. Okay?"

"Alright, fine."

"Really think about it. Don't just tell me you will."

"Whatever," Jason sighs.

"You're so stubborn and impossible sometimes. You know that, right?"

"Yeah," sighs Jason. "I know."

"We'll work on that."

"Whatever." Jason really hates thinking about the future. He's growing up but isn't sure if he's ready to be as independent as the college kids he knows. Not to mention the financial worries, and the fact that Jason really isn't too sure what the hell he'd like to do with his life. All his friends have it figured out, too. Rue and Skeeter are both working, they both know where they want to go to college and what they want to go for. Rue was already accepted into the college of her choice and the music program there. Skeeter has his audition scheduled to go into music. Even Locke has his college shit together and knows what he wants to do. Jason has no clue.

Right now, there's really only one thing that Jason Hollow isn't confused about: the fact that he's very, very confused about every aspect of his life.

For the moment, though, Jason has to focus on studying for his finals above everything else. If he doesn't get good grades, goodbye scholarships. He's definitely feeling the pressure.

The day of the study party comes, and Jason feels nervous looking at his heavy backpack, full of notebooks and books and words and formulas and facts he's going to have to remember throughout the week. It seems like a lot, that's for sure.

Artelind from Liberty arrives first, Edward not far behind. Rue and Skeeter come together. Abri comes next, and Kuzey soon after. Many of the others had other plans, but it's a good-sized group. Not too many. They all greet each other and last comes a boy that the other Panemites don't know.

"Pax!" Locke smiles.

"Hi!" says the boy, with light brown hair, freckles, and black glasses.

"Is it really you? Dude!" Pax was really good friends with Locke when they were in elementary school together. Jason didn't know the two still talked.

"He didn't have plans so I figured why not? Didn't want Artelind to be the only Liberty kid here." Locke smiles. Pax takes a seat, waving to Artelind who wordlessly waves back. She's abnormally close to Edward O'Callaghan, because there aren't enough blankets for everyone to have one and they have to share. Neither of them are complaining, though. Which is why Locke conveniently couldn't find the other blankets in the closet.

"How have you been Pax?" Jason asks.

"Not too bad," the boy smiles.

Jason notices that Kuzey looks slightly awkward and uncomfortable.

"Well, I think that us three drum majors are going to scat to my room and have some music on. How does that sound?"

"Good," says Abri.

"Yes," Kuzey says, seeming relieved to be leaving the room of so many unfamiliar faces.

Locke makes popcorn and brings up blankets for each of them, and they all thank him. Jason puts on a playlist of instrumental music, and then they get to work. They study quietly, picking at the popcorn and just enjoying being in the presence of familiar friends. Studying with people around to encourage you is much better than being cooped up in your room. Together, the three of them watch some Video Sparknotes on their English texts. Abri and Jason compare notes.

Abri and Jason make practice problems for each other and share calculator tips. Kuzey sometimes stops studying to listen to the music, or to draw on a sheet of scratch paper, or to adjust the blanket and his position. The others don't mind, though.

In the living room, Rue and Skeeter quiz each other on English, Locke studying from his notes and from previous tests and quizzes. Edward studies silently and does math and science, getting closer and closer to Artelind, who moves in closer to him. They're so snuggly and affectionate.

Luckily for Locke, in inviting Pax he's not the only single person there. So while the other couples end up being more fluffy than scholarly, Locke is able to get some quality study time in. He figured Edward and Artelind would want an excuse to hang out together.

Pax studies math and science, most of the classes he's chosen to take with his senior year. Locke preferred music classes, so he took one math and one science so he could take a couple of half-year music classes that he'd enjoy.

Eventually, everyone is bored and overwhelmed by the studying.

"I don't have the attention span for this crap," Jason mutters, closing his book just as Locke appears at the door.

"So, what's Locke's situation, huh?" Abri asks.

"Huh?"

"Y'know… Like, romantic-type situation?"

"Er, I dunno."

"You don't know?" she gives him a look.

"I mean, we've been kind of hung up on mine lately because mine is just confusing. I dunno, I don't think he likes anyone like that."

"Huh. Interesting." Abri has a look in her eyes.

"Why?"

"Why do you think I'm asking?"

"How should I know your motives!?"

"It's because I like him, dumbass."

"O-Oh!" Jason says dumbly. "Oh. Oh."

"I don't see why you think it's a big shock. He's adorable, and he's nice, and he's funny, and he's just a good guy and he's likable. Why wouldn't girls like him?"

"…Oh."

"You can't tell him though. Please."

"I won't…" Was it really obvious? Jason didn't notice. Probably because Abri acts in that flirty way around most anyone.

"Good. I'm trusting you."

"He hasn't notice. And he won't notice. He's just as dumb about this as I am."

"Good. Because you're a great guy but you're really dumb about love."

"That's not a nice thing to say to Jason," Kuzey says.

"Sorry. You're just oblivious, that's all."

"Yeah," sighs Jason.

"I think you're great," Kuzey tells him.

Jason smiles a bit. "Thanks, Kuzey. You're great too."

"Thanks!" He beams.

Locke opens the door just then. "Hey. We were going to take a study break and watch a movie. Would you like to come?"

"Yeah!" Kuzey says, and the others agree. Locke goes back out to the living room and the others follow. Edward and Artelind are practically snuggled together. Rue and Skeeter are tangled together, and Pax is a lump of blankets with just a head sticking out.

Locke sits back on the couch and curls up, the others finding places to get comfy. Jason can't help but look back and forth between Abri and Locke, wondering what they would be like as a couple. He doesn't think he can see it.

Locke puts Inside Out in for the group to watch, talking excitedly about the movie score. Jason watches how Abri listens and looks over at him, and wonders if maybe it was obvious and just went over both of their heads. Jason is so confused.

The movie plays and eventually the stress is lifted off of their shoulders as they get lost in the fictional world. They have a discussion about each person's islands of personality as shown in the movie. Kuzey had never seen it, and is amazed by it. When the movie is over, everyone feels warm and cozy and much less stressed.

Soon everyone leaves, and Locke and Jason fold the blankets together and put them away. They have dinner together and Jason feels slightly calmer than he did that morning.

Yeah, Jason is… Still confused about a lot of things that are happening around him… but now, he's less afraid.

And that's something, at least.