Author's Note: Here's the latest installment of Seaford High. To my guest reviewer thank you so much for reviewing! I honestly thought people stopped reading this story because the last review was from nearly a year ago. You gave me a burst of motivation to start writing this chapter. As for the Jack and Kim relationship, you're kind of on the right track of where you think it might be going. All I'm going to say is that things aren't going to be resolved as quickly as you may think. I want this story to be as realistic as possible and for the teens to act as real teens. Well, teens aren't very good at communicating.
Munira261: I didn't mean for the gang to come off as slut shaming Julie. They're annoyed at her because her new makeover also came with a bitchy attitude.
Disclaimer: I don't own Kickin it.
Now onto the story
Seaford High, Courtyard
Wednesday, October 25, 2012
"Okay we got the perfect prank to pull on Frank." Randy enthused as he sat down at the picnic table with to Jerry
Jack looked up from the homework assignment he was working on in curiosity at Randy. The past few weeks Jerry, Randy, and him have been trying to come up with a way to get back at Frank. The first few ideas were childish and small, Jack wanted something that was big, something that'll make Frank think twice before messing with The Wasabi Warriors. With that big request it took a lot of thinking to come up with something that'll do just that. Jack left the brainstorming to Jerry and Randy because they were the master pranksters, right up there with Truman.
"What is it?" Jack enthusiastically questioned, he'll just finish his Algebra homework at lunch, it can wait
"Get this, Jerry and I did a lot of thinking about what would be the ultimate revenge. After watching a lot of Law and Order we came up with the one." Randy spilled in a rush practically buzzing with excitement in his seat
"Yo check it. We give Frank a fake id, make him think we want to make amends." Jerry began
Jack nodded, "Okay."
"Only the fake id is actually going to have a picture of a wanted criminal on it." Randy finished, grinning like a kid in a candy store
Jack blinked, sure he was mishearing, "Come again?"
Jerry reached into his backpack sitting next to him to pull out said fake id to show Jack. Jack grabbed it to examine it more closely, the criminal does look like Frank at first glance. Same curly brown hair, skin color, and face structure only if you look closer that's where the similarities end.
Jack leaned forward towards them, "A criminal? You're going to give him a fake id with a criminal on it?!" He whisper yelled
"Don't worry he's not a murderer or burglar. He's wanted for arson." Jerry told him in a tone that was supposed to reassure him but failed
"And that makes it better?" Jack snapped
Randy looked confused, "Um, yeah?"
Jack shook his head, then ran his hand through his hair in a nervous gesture. He wanted to get back at Frank yes, but doing something illegal, that is a little too far.
"How did you even make this?" Jack questioned in an attempted calm tone but failed
"Evan, the only good thing about Destiny. Dude can hook you up with almost anything." Randy answered with a pleased grin
Evan Powell, Randy's sister's stoner boyfriend. From what he heard about Destiny she was one of those girls that take their education seriously. Everyone knows that Evan was the complete opposite and spends most of his days high as a kite. It's a wonder how those two are still together or got together at all.
"So what, you give him a fake id then tell the police about him?" The skater questioned as he handed the card back to Jerry
Randy shook his head, "No, we give him the fake id let him but alcohol or cigarettes or whatever. Then we call the cops on him and tell him that there was a fight that makes the cops need to break it off. They'll check the id and boom they'll arrest him."
Seeing Jack's alarmed look Jerry further explained, "Don't worry after they see he has a fake id and it's not really him they'll let him go. Worst case scenario is he might have to go to court for having a fake id."
Jack slowly shook his head, "That's not, that's insane and not to mention illegal." He hissed
"Come on Jack, you're the one that said you wanted to go big. Make Frank afraid of ever messing with you guys again. This'll do just that." Randy urged
"I know what I said but this? This is taking it a little too far." Jack knows what he said but this, fake ids and calling cops is extreme. As much as he hates Frank and wants to knock him down a few pegs, he'll never call the cops on him. He'll never want to get the law involved.
"Jack it's not like he'll get put in prison or anything. It's basically harmless, he'll get a pat on the back." Jerry reassured him
Jack lowered his gaze down to the table. This is wrong. He knows this is wrong. It's something God, his mom and youth pastor would be deeply against. It's a sin. Only, Jerry and Randy assures him that this won't have permanent costs. Frank will get off with a tap on the wrists once they know he's not the arsonist. This was wrong so wrong and he knows the right thing to do is shut this plan down instantly. Maybe even stop scheming against Frank altogether. That's what a better Christian would do.
Only Jack's not a better Christan.
After taking a deep breath, Jack replied, "Okay." He was going to need to repent like crazy later
Jerry and Randy glanced at each other in surprise, "Okay?" Randy questioned
Jack nodded, "Yeah. I'll go along." He practically forced the reply out and ignored his screaming conscience that hated this idea
"Great! I knew there was something cool about you church boy." Randy enthused, reaching over the table to punch him lightly on the shoulder
"Now you'll have to be the one to give Frank the fake id." Jerry
Jack shot the Columbian an alarmed look "What? Why?"
"Cuz you're the one that's been arguing with him lately. GIve it to him as a peace offering. It'll make it more believable." Jerry
It made sense but he still hated it. He reluctantly agreed with a scowl "Fine."
"After you give him the ID, after school I'll follow him to whatever store he's going to. I'll call the cops and tell them there's a fight which you'll pick with Frank." Jerry gave him the rundown
The more Jack heard about the planning the more his stomach started churning. This is so wrong. He forced that train of thought away by listening to his friends talking.
"This is swawesome man! I can't wait to see the look on his face." Jerry enthused, rubbing his hands together
"For real, I wish I could be there to see it." Randy agreed, frowning towards the end of his sentence
After being dropped off by her parents, Kim catches sight of Jack and walks over to him with a small smile on her face. As she reached him she spoke up since he hasn't noticed her yet.
"Hey." The honey blonde greeted her boyfriend before sliding in the spot next to him. She thought maybe she should peck him on the cheek, that's what couples do right? Only she was afraid to do that, especially since they weren't alone. Instead she settled with a smile.
"Hey." Jack greeted her back, feeling his anxiousness melt away at the sight of her. She always made things better and he gave a warm smile in return.
Kim forced herself to look away because she could already sense that if she would;ve continued to stare at Jack for longer. "Hey Jerry."
"What a do girl?" Was Jerry's greeting
Randy, the creep, always had to butt in to say something. "Hello Kim. Looking as hot as ever." he leered causing Jack to glare at him. It was time like these he wondered why he speaks to the guy.
"Randy." Kim says back, disgust clear in her tone as she looked at him in distaste.
Randy was either oblivious or didn't care. "You know if you ever break up with Jack, you can always come to the Ran man?"
"Seriously Randy? I'm right here." Jack exclaimed, glaring harder at him but Randy ignored him. Not even sparing him a glance.
Kim shot him a thin smile "I'd rather rejoin the Black Dragons and start as a white belt again but thanks."
Randy was as thick headed as ever, "And I can't wait for that day to come."
"So what are you bozos talking about?" Kim asked, needing to change the subject because there was only so much Randy she could take
"Nothing." Jack lied the same time Jerry said, "Guy stuff." earning a raised brow from Kim
Jack shot Jerry a panicked look as they both tried to come up with a quick lie but Randy bet them to it. "We were just talking about Jack's new skateboard he got from his birthday." he smoothly lied
Jack had a nice birthday, he loved all the presents and his party was fun. He had his party at Hijinx, a family amusement center. It was one of his favorite places next to the skatepark. Once his friends arrived and gifts were placed on a nearby table, Jack went to play. The next three hours were spent playing paintball, air hockey, skeeball, and laser tag with his best friends. It reminded him once again just how much he loves these people and how important they were to him. It was always nice having the whole group together, especially since it's been a while since they've done that. It was no one's fault, they've all just been busy but hanging out together really brought back memories.
With all that being said it was a nice birthday but it would've been better if his dad kept his promise. He promised that he'd call him on his birthday but he never did. Jack waited all day hoping and waiting for the call that never came like an idiot. He should've known better, of course he wouldn't have called of course it was just an empty promise. His dad made many empty promises to his mother which was one of the main reasons they divorced.
That didn't stop the traitorous thought that if it was Audrey's birthday he'd probably would've kept his promise.
Kim of course could see right through them, "Okay keep you secrets." She wasn't that interested and figured they were talking about something she wouldn't want to hear anyway
She turned to her boyfriend again, "I just wanted to remind you don't forget after school is play practice."
Jack honestly forgot all about ever agreeing to do that. Of course he wouldn't tell Kim that, "Right, I won't. I'll meet you at your last period."
She flashed him another smile, "Good, I'll catch up with you later. See ya Jerry."
Jerry nodded at her, "Later, chica."
Randy was practically drooling as he watched her leave, "She is so hot. One day she'll admit she's into me"
Jack shot his fellow shaggy haired male an exasperated look, "Dude! I'm right here! Could you at least keep your thoughts in your head?"
Randy just shrugged again, still unremorseful, "Sorry man but your girl's hot. I can't help it." was his reply causing Jack to roll his eyes
The skater started packing up, placing his homework in his binder folder before closing it. "I'll text you when play practice is done. It should be around the same time as dance but it might run overtime." He addressed Jerry
Jerry grinned, "Swag. This is going to be swawesome! Whoo!" He enthused causing Randy to wince next to him
Jack forced a smile, "Yeah." he weakly agreed, before walking off, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in his stomach that disagreed
Seaford High, Dance Practice
After School
"Five, six, seven, eight!" Layla counted
Jerry, along with the other members of the dance team, began the routine for the millionth time. By now he could do it in his sleep by the amount of times they practiced this same routine. It was getting a bit annoying that Layla wanted to repeat them to repeat it multiple times and pointed out the littlest things that needed improvement. Not that Jerry would ever say it because she was the captain and she knows best. Quinton was also here and watching all of them with sharp eyes from where he sat at the white folding table. Smooth was standing next to Layla (of course) watching the team as well because he's her right hand man.
And a fucking kiss up.
"Stay in sync!" Layla yelled over the music
Jerry continued dancing along, shooting a quick look to his left to see if he was in sync with the dancer next to him, Stacey, he believes is her name. The same girl that's in Eddie's band, Ring Heart, and one of Julie's new friends.
"Higher on the jump Ro!" Layla critiqued
"And Jerry you're not turning sharp enough." Smooth chimed in causing the freshman to work really hard to keep his facial expression in check. He was supposed to be looking happy, not murderous.
After they finished their routine, sweat was beading down Jerry's face and his legs were starting to feel like jelly.
"Come on people, Invitationals are this Friday we need to be perfect. Some of you are still lacking." Layla
"Especially you Jerry." Smooth
"I'm not lacking Smooth." Jerry
"Actually you kind of are. You were a few seconds off from everyone else. Those few seconds could cost us in competition. You need to bring your A game. This is serious."
Jerry was done holding his tongue, "I am bringing my A game. I'm trying my hardest so why don't you back the hell off and spend more time worrying about yourself. You could take a few tips that you give everyone else."
Silence fell over the group as the music continued to pulse in the background. For a minute no one did anything as they were all shocked from his outburst. Layla sent Jerry such a deadly look that he cowered and felt ten inches tall. It rivaled his mami's look when he did something that she didn't like.
Quinton was the first to recover as he reached over to grab the remote to stop the music. "Okay well I think that's enough for today. Smooth and Jerry, stay, everyone else you can go."
The team happily obeyed, everyone grabbed their things happy to finally have the room. Some were snickering and sending him amused looks as they passed him.
"For what it's worth, I think you were right about everything." Ro whispered to him as she passed him
Jerry shot her a grateful smile and watched her as she grabbed her things. He liked her, not just because she was hot but also because she was pretty cool. She too didn't seem to be a big fan of Smooth and grumbled about him under her breath when he's doing too much. Through their shared dislike for the junior they were able to form a bond. It was nice knowing he wasn't alone in his dislike because it seemed like almost everyone else on the team was under Smooth's 'charm'. Well besides Layla but Jerry's not sure she even likes anyone. Or have a soul.
After most of the team left, Smooth, Jerry, Quinton, and Layla were the only ones still inside. Quinton shot her an exasperated look, "That includes you too, Layla, go home."
"But-" She began only to be interrupted by the man
"Go, you've worked enough. Rest up for the competition or party or whatever it is teens do." Quinton instructed, voice soft but stern.
Layla looked as if she wanted to argue but relented. She huffed but begrudgingly left while grumbling underneath her breath.
Once she was gone Quinton turned to face the boys, face hardened and tone serious. Jerry was in trouble, "You two have had problems with each other from the beginning. I was hoping you guys would be professional enough to leave your issues at the door but alas."
"Look Quinton-" Smooth began but the man held up a hand to silence him
"No, I'm talking now. Invitationals is serious, this sets the stage for the rest of competition season. I need everyone to take this seriously and having two people fighting in the middle of practice is not taking this seriously. I don't care if you guys have problems with each other, just don't bring it into practice and definitely not in competition."
Jerry and Smooth but felt rightly chastised and looked at the floor in guilt. Jerry knew he shouldn't have done that, but he couldn't help it. Smooth kept pushing him and pushing him that he just snapped. But it was wrong.
"Sorry man." Jerry apologized
"Yeah, sorry." Smooth added
Only that didn't seem to appease their advisor, "I'm glad you two came to your senses but unfortunately that's not enough. This has been going on long enough."
Jerry felt his fear spike up, he was scared that this might have ruined his chances on the team. "Look man, I'm really sorry okay and this team means a lot to me and I'll do anything to make up for this."
Quinton smiled, "Good I'm glad you feel that way because you two are going to stay in this room until you guys learn to get along or at least until you can pretend to get along on stage."
Both boys' heads shot up at the last sentence with matching looks of horror.
"You're not serious." Smooth exclaimed
"That could take days! Or even months!" Jerry added
Quinton looked unperturbed in the face of their shouting, "Hopefully it only takes a few hours. Or you guys could be here all night, that's up to the two of you."
"Quinton c'mon this is crazy. I never even did anything to this guy." Smooth argued
Jerry growled at him, fist clenching. Oh how he wanted to punch the crap out of this guy.
Their advisor dropped an even worse bomb on them, "If you guys aren't able to pretend to get along by Invitationals then you two won't perform."
"What?!" Jerry shouted
"Quinton!"
The man silenced both their arguing with another look, "If you two won't take this seriously then you don't need to waste my time or the team's time by performing."
Jerry clenched his jaw then shot a quick look to Smooth to see the guy was glaring off to the side.
"We clear?" Quinton prompted
Jerry let out a loud breath but agreed, "Yes.", Quinton glanced over at the junior to see him confirm his agreement
The advisor claps, "Good, well you two have fun and try not to kill each other." he jokes before exiting the room leaving Jerry and Smooth alone.
Seaford High
Auditorium
Unlike his girlfriend, Jack doesn't really like theatre. It's not like he hates it or has anything against it really he just finds it kinda lame and boring. A bunch of people on stage singing about their feelings just doesn't appeal to him. Plus not to mention, Brody will be there so that just makes things ten times worse.
Jack can't believe he's doing this.
"Hey! There you are." Kim
"Hey, so this is.." Jack trailed off, not knowing how he was going to finish the sentence. Thankfully Kim finished it for him
"Amazing! This is the first time we've come into the auditorium for practice. The show is really starting to come together, I love it!" Kim enthused, practically bouncing in her place
"My favorite part is seeing the play come together, the sets being built and the actors getting into costumes. It makes it all seem so real." His girl continued
Jack smiled softly at her. She was so adorable whenever she got excited about something, it made her look so sweet and soft. Two things that aren't regular words to describe the fiery blonde.
"Practice is starting soon and you'll be working in the scene shop with the others. I think I can walk you to it since I'm not doing anything right now."
Jack squinted in confusion, "The what?"
"Scene shop, it's where you build all the sets and props for the play and this play has a lot so we need all the help we can get." Kim patiently explained
Jack slowly nodded, as he pretended to know anything that was coming out of the blonde's mouth.
"Theo is the person that runs the scene shop, he'll be responsible with all the building and painting. Desiree Steele is the stage manager. I think I told you that before so she'll be the one you come to if you have any questions or concerns."
"Okay." The skater felt a bit overwhelmed with all the information giving to him at once but nodded his understanding
"So what you're going to be doing is working on building the graveyard today. You're mostly just going to focus on making the headstones."
"Okay." That seemed to be the only word Jack can say as he tried to take in all the information being given to him
Kim, completely unaware of her boyfriend's unhappy mood, grinned at him, "Great! Well that's all you need to know. Welcome to the scene shop!" she gestured to it with her left hand
Jack eyebrows rose as he took in the 'shop', his nose was immediately assaulted with the smell of wood. From what he can see from the entrance, the room is wide and spacious; the floors and walls were concrete and there was a ladder that led to an upstairs. He saw a back of a man that he guesses is Theo leaning over a table to the left of the room.
"Have fun!" Kim chirped, giving him a quick peck on the cheek before dashing off
"Fun." Jack muttered to himself before reluctantly walking in the building
Seaford High
Dance Practice
"This is all your fault you know?" Smooth told the freshman twenty minutes later
It had men the longest twenty minutes of Jerry's life. The two sat on opposite sides of the room in silence ever since Quinton left. Smooth at the table and Jerry on the floor, leaning against the wall mirror. This was hell, seriously it rivaled having to babysit his cousin Pepito.
Jerry shot him an incredulous look, "How is this my fault?" He demanded
Smooth shot him an irritated look, "If you just would've listened to my critique without getting your panties in a twist we wouldn't have to be here."
The Columbian scoffed, "No, if you wouldn't have continued to have unnecessarily ragged on me I wouldn't have had to say any of that."
"I was critiquing you like I critique anyone else you're too sensitive and can't tell the difference."
Jerry vehemently shook his head,"Oh no I know the difference. Layla critiques me, harshly so, and Quinton critiques me. You, you rag on me as if I stole your girlfriend or something. Which is insane because you were the asshole that stole my move and used me. I'm the one that should be mad at you."
"Whatever man." Smooth dismissed in a bored tone
The Columbian sprung to his feet, and stomped over to the junior, "What is your problem with me?! What did I do to make you hate me so much?"
Smooth chuckled, "My problem? My problem is that you're an immature idiot that doesn't deserve to be on the team. You haven't earned your place on the team and you don't take it seriously."
The ninth grader gave him an affronted look, "That is not true dancing is my life and I care about this more than anything. I've earned this spot just like you have."
"If this is you taking something serious then it's pitiful cause you sure don't act like it. And don't compare yourself to me, you know nothing about me or how hard I work."
Jerry felt his anger spike at the remark and Smooth's continued calmness, "I know you kiss Layla's ass all the damn time. Is that you hard at work? Did you offer to sleep with her too?"
Smooth of course stayed calm as ever, "You are such a child." he didn't even look at him
Jerry grinned, "So I've heard."
"This is exactly what I mean, you don't take this seriously. You don't take anything seriously."
Jerry stiffened at those words. Words he's heard time and time again from friends and family alike. Valentina telling him that with clear disdain, Ezra in exasperation, and his papi with impatience. Can't he be serious for once? Be more like his sisters? Can't he grow up?
Jerry didn't show how much that affected him, "Now who's the one pretending to know the other?"
Seaford High
Auditorium
Jack never realized just how much work really went into making a play. He thought they just give people lines then they say them on stage. He never thought about the stuff on stage (props he learned was the name) or that they actually made them. He thought they just bought them from a store (and it turns out they did with some) but they actually made some. A lot of work went into making those said props along with rules and safety gloves. Turns out making gravestones was actually kind of fun.
Jack continuously checked the time on his phone to see how long has passed by. Turns out play practice was running longer than he expected so he sent a text to tell Jerry. Luckily it turns out that Jerry was actually stuck in dance practice with Smooth until the two get along. Jack just hopes that by the time play practice ends they reach some understanding.
When the skater was putting his final touches on his gravestone Brody came into the scene shop. He walked straight to Theo who was guiding another student on how to cut out the headstone.
"Ms. Evanheart wants to know your progress on the headstones." He informed the man
"We're making a good headway. Tell her we're close to being finished."
"Will do." Brody confirmed then looked over to find Jack
He hesitantly approached the shaggy haired boy afraid of the outcome but it needed to be done.
"That looks pretty good." Brody nervously compliments Jack
Jack just glanced at him before focusing back on his work.
"So uh you're almost done?"
"Just putting on the final touches then it's all yours brochacho." The skater practically sneering the last word
Brody winced, "Ugh, that brings back horror flashbacks. I don't even know why I thought that was so cool." he chuckled
Jack didn't have the time or patient for this. It was bad enough he agreed to work on the play but he really didn't want to deal with Brody. He sat his paintbrush on the table then turned to face the boy.
"Can you stop pretending that we're friends or that I even like you, because I don't. You may have everyone fooled but not me. I see right through you and I don't trust you."
Brody sighed, "Jack can we please not right now? I don't know how many times I have to say this but I'm not that guy anymore. I made a mistake. I know that but I apologized, can't we just be civil with each other?"
"Never in a million years. Maybe if you leave the dojo I might consider it."
Brody gave him a tired look, "You know I can't do that."
The skater shrugged, "Then I guess I'll continue hating you." he says then turned back to face his headstone
"Jack c'mon." Brody pleaded
That infuriated Jack, how dare Brody play the victim? Like Jack was the one being unreasonable when he wasn't. He was the only one that seemed to remember who Brody really was. A two faced prick. A two faced orick that was trying to play innocent.
Jack whipped back around, "No, one day everyone will see how much of a fake you are, I'll make sure of it. You can't just waltz in here and think you can grab anything you want and take over the place. Especially the dojo."
"I'm not trying to take over anything." Brody argued
Unbeknownst to the pair Kim walked into the scene shop, needing to talk to Theo but she overheard Jack's voice. Curious she walked over to him before cursing under breath when she saw the two boys. More specifically Jack's angry face.
"And let's talk about you joining the drama club when you know Kim is in there. Haven't you done enough to her? Is this some ploy to try and win her back or hurt her? Because I swear if you do you will wish you stayed away. So just stay away from her."
The thought of Body trying to win Kim back just entered his head just now. But it made perfect sense, is that what this was all along? A ploy to win her back?
Brody tilted his face to the ceiling, searching for patience,"Do you seriously-"
Kim had heard enough, getting angrier the longer she heard the skater talk, "I can't believe you."
Jack whipped his head around, shock coloring his features at hearing her voice. "Kim I-" he began but the honey blonde girl interrupted him
"Are going all caveman right now!" She accused, eyes blazing with fury
Jack knows an angry Kim is a Kim you need to deal with carefully or else things could turn real ugly. Still he wasn't going to back down, "I was trying to protect you!"
Kim gave a mirthless laugh, "By threatening him? That's' protecting' me?" she practically spat out the word protect, "I can take care of myself, I don't need or want anyone to protect me."
"I know that." Jack tried to placate her to no avail
"Do you? Cuz from what I just heard it doesn't sound like it." She retorted
She unfortunately had a point and Jack floundered to say something. Kim beat him to the punch. "Why can't you just leave him alone?"
A comical expression crossed Jack's face, "Are you really defending him? Him?" He flailed his hand out to the direction of Brody
Brody glanced warily between the two of them before deciding he didn't want to be a part of this. He'll just get the gravestone some later time. For now he'll just go to another part of the scene shop.
"When you're acting like a jerk to somebody that isn't being one back, then yes I will defend them. No matter who they are."
Jack stared at the girl as if he didn't recognize her, "I can't believe this."
Kim scoffed rolling her eyes as if she was speaking to a petulant child, "Oh grow up. This hatred is so old and you told me you would try to be civil with him."
The shaggy haired boy had had enough. He didn't need to deal with this, with the play, or Brody, or Kim defending Brody. "You know what, if I'm such a jerk then I'll leave." He stormed off
"Where are you going?" Kim called after him in an annoyed tone
"Away from here." Was his brusque reply
Seaford High
Dance Practice
Over an hour has passed and the two males sat in silence. Jack should be getting out of play rehearsal soon and Jerry was supposed to meet up with him. Now he was afraid he wouldn't at the rate Smooth and him we're going.
"You know we could leave and Quinton wouldn't know."
"Didn't you hear brainless? If we come to Invitationals still hating each other they won't let us compete."
"We can pretend we don't. Or at least I can."
"No we're staying here."
"Well you're not making any effort to get along and I have places to be."
"Once again you're proving my point."
Jerry glared at the taller boy, "eres el asshole más irritante que existe." He heatedly growled, under his breath hands balling into fists
Smooth cocked an unimpressed brow, "Did you just call me an asshole in Spanish?"
Jerry looked away, ignoring the question and forcing himself to take a few calming breaths. He couldn't let Smooth get to him. Once he was a bit calmer he turned back to Smooth to talk again.
"Well I'm the one that's at least trying to get along. You're the one that refuses to act like anything but a jackass so what do you call that? To me it seems like you're the one that's not taking this seriously for the team."
Jerry, deciding it was useless talking to the junior, stands up and decides to practice the routine again. He hasn't gotten it down completely, still messing up on a few of the moves. Also if he didn't run through the routine he might do something he could possibly regret in the future, like punch Smooth. After counting off in his head he began the routine step by step.
He got lost in it, focusing on dancing that he forgot he wasn't the only person in the room. At least until he finished and Smooth spoke, "You're doing that last move wrong."
That broke Jerry out of his trance and he turned to face Smooth. The junior got up from his place at the table to come closer to the younger boy.
"You're supposed to push off with your right foot. Like this." Smooth demonstrated the proper way he was supposed to do it. He did it flawlessly of course.
Once he finished, he looked back at Jerry, "Try it again."
Jerry eyed him suspiciously, not sure how to take the sudden decrease of hostility from the cocoa butter fanatic, "Okay."
The Columbian tried to do the move again. Smooth watched him with a blank face then shrugged once he was done, "Better. At least not completely as awful as before."
"Thanks?"
"Yeah, now try it again."
Jerry gave Smooth another questioning look but after a minute obeyed. He turned back to Smooth questioningly, "How was that?"
"You're asking for my critique?"
"As long as you're not a complete ass about it, yeah."
"It wasn't bad but you need to be better for Invitationals," Smooth looks thoughtful for a second, "so c'mon, I'll help you and I won't be an ass about it. Least not completely."
Jerry gives him a look of suspicion, "Why the sudden change in mood?"
"Cuz as much as I hate to admit it, you were right."
"Of course I was right," Jerry boasted, then realized he didn't know what about, "right about what?"
Smooth shakes his head then let out an impatient breath, "I wasn't being professional about my critique so I wasn't putting the team first by doing that."
"Oh." That makes sense
"For the sake of the team, I'm willing to be civil towards you. Now that doesn't mean I like you but I'll be civil to you." Smooth clarified
Jerry shrugged, "Fine with me, I don't like you either."
"Then we have an understanding. Now let's get this done so we can both leave."
Jerry gets into position while Smooth walks back to the table to grab the remote to start the song over.
"Five, six, seven, eight!"
Seaford High
Front of School
Jack was sitting at one of the picnic tables impatiently waiting for Jerry. His body was buzzing with restless energy and if he was at the dojo he would be breaking boards. He felt like he was about to implode and he just wanted Jerry to hurry up already. He checked his phone again only to see no new messages. Again.
How could Kim defend Brody? Brody of all people against him? The same Brody that humiliated her in seventh grade just to join the Black Dragons. The same Brody that is walking around the dojo like he owned the place. He can't be trusted yet she's falling for his trick again. Before she knows it he's going to gain her full trust again just to break her heart. Again. Why is he the only one that sees this? Why does everyone else not care?
Finally he heard the school front doors open and turned his head to see Jerry jogging down the front steps.
Once the Columbian reached him he plopped down next to him on the bench. "Hey man sorry I'm a little late I got caught up in learning this move-"
The shaggy haired teen didn't feel like hearing his explanation, "I don't care, let's just get this over with."
Jerry was taken back by his friend's shortness, "Well okay then. Who pissed in your coffee?"
Jack clenched his fists underneath the table, "I just want to get this done alright?"
Jack didn't mean to come off as rude but he wasn't in the mood right now. He's irritable and frustrated and just wants to get this Frank thing over with. He needs a distraction badly and the curly haired bully was the perfect one.
Jerry put his hands up in surrender, "Alright, alright."
Jack gave a short nod, glad his point came across, "So when is Cami going to get here?" He asked in a gentler tone
The boy in question pulled his phone out to check, "Any minute now."
"Good that's good."
Silence fell between the two of them. Jerry texting and Jack trying not to think about Kim but failing. Once Jerry was finished he tucked his phone back in his pocket and turned to look at his friend. "You know you can still back out if you want. I know this isn't your type of thing." He offered
Jack tensed before shooting his friend an annoyed glare, "I want to do this. He needs to know that he can't mess with us again and if he tries there will be consequences."
Jerry curiously eyed him. This didn't sound like Jack at all. Jerry knows he can be oblivious at times but even he sees the changes in his friend. Part of him thinks he should be concerned but he isn't. In his mind he likes the changes, it's making him more fun. Having a partner in crime, well another one besides Randy. Jack is usually a bit more uptight and morally righteous but now he's more lax.
"When this day is over he will know who not to mess with." Jack darkly finished
That comment bothered Jerry a little but he shrugged it off. As long as he doesn't try to murder Frank then it doesn't bother him. "Okay."
So Jack's acting a little...out of character and his relationship with Kim is continuing to deteriorate. If only someone would knock some sense into this boy. In other news I know it's been like forever since I updated this story but I got a bit of writer's block. Don't worry I'm back and you shouldn't have to wait 3 more months for the next chapter.
Please tell what you all think about this chapter. Reviews keep me inspired and feed my soul.
