Chapter 7
I sigh, bracing myself as I walk into the lunchroom. There's no way the Glee kids will let me sit with them after my outburst last time. I just have to ruin everything, don't I? I stare at the floor as I walk past their table, so I'm completely surprised when someone taps me on the shoulder.
"Hey, we're s-sitting over h-here." Tina tells me as she leads me over to their table. I smile back at them as I sit down.
"I didn't think you'd let me sit here anymore." They just stare at me, confused. "Because I yelled at you guys at Glee."
They just laugh, "Pfft, so what? Besides, you were mostly yelling at Rachel." Mercedes says.
"Can I ask why what she said upset you?" Artie questioned hesitantly. "It's okay if you don't want to tell us."
"Um, there's a reason I moved up here with Uncle Will and the song reminded me of that reason. I really don't want to talk about it." I say before shoving a slice of pizza in my mouth. Can't talk if my mouth's full right? But my precaution is unnecessary as they all nod and then change the subject, complaining about some project one of the English teachers assigned. I smile gratefully and chime in every once and a while. The feeling of happiness overwhelms me as I realize they accept me even though I won't tell them everything about my past. It's nice.
Jess jess jess jess jess jess jess jess jess
I spent the day avoiding Rachel, which wouldn't have been hard if we didn't have lockers right next to each other. I must've looked like a robber or something, always checking to see if she found me. I know I have to talk to her eventually, but I just don't want to.
"Hey," I jumped, almost dropping all of my books when the cheery voice spoke.
"Oh, uh, hey." I replied, nervously brushing my hair behind my ear as I turned to face her.
"I wanted to talk about-"
"Listen," I interrupted, wanting to get my piece out before she could distract me. "I'm sorry I yelled at you, but you deserved it. I asked you to stop and you just ignored me. I had a reason, or I would've told you and you need to respect my privacy." I took a deep breath and waited for her to say something.
"I know, I'm sorry." Wait, what? "Sometimes I can get a little pushy, besides if I am going to be a star I'm going to need to be used to a little yelling." She smiled at me and just like that it was done and in the past. "So, are we going to be competing for solos now? I wasn't kidding when I said you were good."
I quickly shook my head, "No, no I'm still not going to be a part of glee."
"Really? Why not?"
"I, uh, I'm a bit… unstable right now. I think I still need to get used to my new life here before I jump into clubs and stuff." Yeah, that sounds good. I sigh when she accepts my answer and starts talking about the song she's preparing for the next glee rehearsal. Now I just have to watch what I say in the future and I'll be fine.
Jessjessjessjessjessjessjessjessjessjessjessjess
The next few weeks fly by as I get used to my new routine. I basically ignored the email Lily sent me and she hasn't brought it up. I just… can't. Maybe someday I will, but for now it will sit gathering metaphorical dust in my inbox. Glee's doing really good, especially since Finn joined. Unfortunately, my Uncle's had to start monitoring detention after school to keep the glee club and it's wearing on him. Nobody in glee knows except for me. He doesn't want to make them to feel bad that he has to do it for them. Honestly, he thinks glee is worth it, so I just try to make things a little easier for him by organizing as much glee stuff as I can.
Sadly, there has been another effect from him constantly staying for detention. I either ride the bus or wait an extra hour just to go home. It's nice on days I have homework but if I don't have a lot or even any at all, it sucks. I've been staying away from the whole bus-riding experience, but I've finally decided to ride the bus today because I'm making a big deal out of nothing and told Uncle Will to make me go no matter what I said.
I slowly packed up my bag and walked to my Uncle's classroom to say bye before I went home. I was walking very slowly, it wouldn't be my fault if I just happened to miss the bus, when I saw Uncle Will rushing down the hall towards me. "Hey Jess, come on let's go, you're going to miss the bus." I had no time to protest before he was whisking me down the hall in the opposite direction towards the parking lot where buses picked everyone up.
I pouted as we stopped in front of the bus he had told me I'd be riding. "Yay! Just in time" I grumbled sarcastically as I stared at the bus.
Uncle Will chuckled and kissed me on the cheek. "It'll be fine, see you later." He ruffled my hair and turned, walking back to the school. I took a deep breath and stepped onto the bus. As I got on I stared down the bus aisles. The first few seats were completely taken and once I found a seat with only one person occupying it, the cheerleader took one look at me before putting her backpack on the empty spot. Rude, I thought as I shook my head and kept going. I was preparing myself for sitting on the floor or something when I saw someone familiar.
"Hey mohawk, can I sit here?" I teased and sighed in relief when he smiled at me and nodded.
"What's up?" He asked as I sat down next to him.
"My Uncle's been monitoring detention so he can't give me a ride home anymore. I won't be able to drive anytime soon, so, here I am. What are you doing here? You don't seem like the kind to ride the bus?"
"Well, I have a truck, but I want to save gas for when I clean pools so that I can actually make some kind of profit."
"That's cool." I said as we settled into a comfortable silence. I tried to keep myself from looking at him, he was a bit attractive. Okay, okay, a lot attractive. I was about to see if we had the same English teacher or something just so we could keep talking when he started a conversation.
"I don't usually ride the bus actually, because I have football practice, but it was cancelled today."
"Right, the tough jock."
He smirked and flexed his muscles, "Yup that's me." I laughed and he started laughing with me. "It usually works out because my girlfriend, Santana, is a cheerleader." My face immediately fell, though I tried to cover it up, of course he has a girlfriend. Why did I think I would have a chance? This is stupid, I told myself, I don't like him anyway.
Once I had finally gotten him off the topic of his 'hot girlfriend' we actually had a pretty good conversation. I was sad when I had to get off the bus. "Oh, hey." He grabbed me before I could leave. "If you just tell them you're friends with me, this bus knows this is my seat, so even when I'm not here you'll have somewhere to sit."
I smiled, "We're friends?" He just grinned. "Well, thanks. For the seat, I mean."
"Are you getting off or not!" The driver yelled from the front and I quickly said goodbye to Puck as I felt myself blushing and raced off the bus.
I grinned from ear to ear. He said we were friends. He has a girlfriend, I reminded myself. Whatever, doesn't matter, I can just be friends with him. It was so easy to talk to him, which had kind of surprised me at first. I was still beaming when I walked into the house.
Confusion took over my face when I saw a congratulations banner hanging across the room. Aunt Terri held some more decorations in her hands when she came in. "What are you doing here so early? Will didn't come with you did he?"
"No, I rode the bus. What are we celebrating?" I asked, still puzzled, as I set my backpack down in the corner of the room.
"Well, it's a surprise for Will, but I'm pregnant." She smiled genuinely at me for what must be the first time. Well, if she wanted to call a truce so could I.
"That's great, Aunt Terri, I'm happy for you guys." Wanting to keep the friendliness going, I offered to help her finish decorating and we finished just in time for Uncle Will to come in. I was prepared to sneak off to my room but Aunt Terri actually motioned for me to stay and after she told him we all hugged and for the first time I felt like we were a family. A little messed up, but family nonetheless.