Falling like the Stars

14

Jemma’s Point of View

Walking in on the first day back for our second year at the shield academy, I was a bit nervous. Not because of my classes or anything like that, but because this was going to be the first time I would be walking hand in hand with my…girlfriend. Sure before summer people had seen Skye kiss my cheek, but that was not the same as knowing that Skye is mine and I am hers. When Skye came to pick me up, looking as gorgeous as ever with that motorcycle of hers, she could definitely sense my nerves. She swept me in a hug and peppered my face with kisses. “Don’t be nervous, babe.” She whispered so simply. Yet those simple words put me at ease. Once more, Ward and Fitz welcomed us together as they exited Wards car. Yeah, they have been hanging out a lot lately. Not that Fitz minds. Skye grabbed my hand, entwining our fingers as we walked to the center of the courtyard to retrieve our schedules. Miles and the others spotted us almost immediately. It does not take a smart person to know that Miles was both disgusted and jealous. I looked at Skye and she gave me a hopeful smile. Normally I would dwell on the fact that Miles is yet again getting the best of me, but somehow, he is not phasing me. And it is all because of the girl next to me.

I did not find it very shocking when I had seen that Skye and I had legit every class together. I gave her a skeptical look as we sat in our first class together. She just smiled and shrugged her shoulders. “I am a future hacker you know.” Yes. I do know. I also know that this girl took the time out of her day to purposely make our schedules the same so we could be by each other the whole day until our extracurricular after school. It still surprises me that someone as beautiful as Skye wants to spend their time with someone like me. The things she does though, kissing me, hugging me, holding my hand, and even making our schedules the same shows that I should not have to be surprised. I should not question whether or not her feelings are true because despite my little inklings that say they aren’t, I know in my heart they are. Looking at Skye as our first class started, seeing her so tentative in what is being taught since it is a computer class, seeing her smile, squint her eyes, the way her hair flows down past her shoulders, I know that I am so lucky.

It stayed just like this throughout the day. Gazing ever so lovingly at each other when we thought the other was not paying attention. Whispering flirtatious things to each other when given the chance. Sneaking our hand into the other whenever we craved the touch. All reconfirming the fact that luck must be at play. It was like our dying day when we had to head off to go to our extracurricular. Skye was on the complete other side of school where the future hackers/field agents train. I am on the other side where my profession trains. We parted ways at the center of the courtyard. Embracing in a hug that to others probably looked like was going to be the last hug we would ever have for how tight we were hanging on. I kissed her cheek and began to walk off when she pulled me back and kissed my lips. A kiss that was ever so powerful that it shocked me. I will never get used to the way Skye kisses me. It was like she didn’t even care that there were other people around watching us. The only thing that mattered was the two of us, in this moment kissing.

“Alright, you two. Skye we got to get to field training.” Ward said tugging at Skye’s arm.

“Okay, Okay…” she proceeded to let herself be tugged. “I’ll see you later.” She finished with a smile at me.

I laughed. “Bye Skye.”

“Never say bye. That means forever. Say see you later.” She yelled from across the way.

It was from that point on that I only said see you later whenever I would get dropped back off at my house, leave for our extracurricular, and any other time we were not able to be together.  There were a couple times that I would accidently say bye to her instead of that three letter phrase, and she would get so riled up. We were sitting on my porch one night when I decided to ask her why it bothers her so much.

“I don’t know…” she looked down at the ground before she proceeded. “I guess it has to do with my faith.”

“Oh… I guess I wouldn’t know then.” I am not religious. I look at life more in a scientific way. I would not consider myself atheist or anything like that, but Skye definitely does believe in a higher power.

Skye stood up and walked to sit on the grass in my front yard. I followed her move and sat next to her. “My parents have opened my eyes to so many things, Jem. I just don’t understand how some people don’t want to try to get to know him. I know for a fact that he has done a lot of good for me.”

I nodded in understanding. “I think people don’t believe because of how much bad there is in the world. I mean there are so many innocent people in the world who are suffering and don’t deserve to be.”

“Without suffering, there would be no compassion.” Skye scoffed.

“Well tell that to those who suffer, Skye.”

Skye shook her head. “I just know he is real, Jemma.”

I grabbed her hand and entwined our finger’s. “You’re lucky to be so sure.”

Skye closed her eyes and let herself feel the small breeze that was hitting us. “My faith is like the wind Jems, I can’t…see it…but I can feel it.”

I leaned forward and placed a kiss to her temple. “Teach me.”

Skye looked back to me and grinned. I know she knew what I meant. I want to be a part of Skye and a huge part of her is her faith. I went to church with her every Sunday. It was easy to pay attention especially knowing that Mr. Bennet was the pastor. I managed to get Fitz to tag along as well which was not that hard especially with the fact that Ward attends as well. Even though I still have my certain doubts with the religion, I can understand why Skye believes. It is a safe haven.

Each month that passed, Skye and I got closer and closer. Every month anniversary Skye would bring me a tiger lily. I smell and admire its beauty each time. I dare you to love me, is what goes through my mind. When I am with her, touching her, kissing her, I know in my heart that I am definitely falling in love with her. Deep down I think I have been since our first date. Neither of us have ever said it to each other yet. Nor do I think we need to. I think it is safe to say that we feel it and when we look at each other, seeing beyond our pupils and into our soul, we speak it that way.

We have been together for seven months now. We are nearing the end of our first semester of our second year and Winter break is only a week away. I am looking around the gym and I see Fitz with all the other tech wizzes working on one of their many gadgets. I already finished calculating the variables for the chemical myself and the other biochemists have been working on. I walked across the gym, not before making sure it was okay to leave, and found myself by Fitz.

“Hey, Leo.” I said in a soft voice.

Fitz snapped his head back with wide eyes. “What’s wrong?”

I shook my head. “Nothing. Why do you think something is wrong?”

“Because you only call me Leo when you are either thinking really hard or you are hurt.”

I let out a sigh. He knows me so well. Looking back I do only call him Leo when I have a lot on my mind. Calling him by his first name was how I started the conversation when I first told him I liked girls. “Can we talk? I really need a friend right now.”

He pursed his lips then nodded. He quickly told the others he would be back. We walked to sit on the bleachers and sat toward the top. He raised his eyebrows, looking at me expectantly. “Fitz, I think…I think I love her.”

He nodded in understanding. “Okay…what’s the problem?”

I let out a breath. “What if she doesn’t love me back?”

“Jemma.” He scoffed, rolling his eyes.

“I’m serious Fitz. I know that we have been together for seven months. The longest, and well only relationship I have been in. She means the world to me. I don’t want to ruin what we have by saying I love you and her not reciprocate those feelings.”

Fitz furrowed his brow and moved his position so he was completely looking at me. “Jemma, have you met Skye? Have you not seen the way that girl looks at you. When you are away for a minute to go to the bathroom for example, all she does is go on and on about how lucky she is. Ward said how she hopes that you never leave her. I’m honestly surprised the two of you have not gotten married yet, let alone not said those three simple words to each other.”

I slapped his shoulder. “Fitz! That’s just the thing they are not simple words to me. Sure the words them self are easy to say, but knowing the meaning behind it. I just…I don’t know what I am getting at.” I shook my head and looked down at the ground.

Fitz laid his hand on my shoulder. “I think I do. You’re scared to tell her. And Jemma…that’s okay. She is your first love. It is going to be scary. You just need to talk with her about it. It might not be easy, but I promise it will be worth it.”

I smiled and leaned forward to give him a hug. “Thank you Fitz.”

Skye’s Point of View

I hate this. I truly do. I do not like being away from Jemma for three hours a day just for trainings. Thank goodness this is our last week until winter break. Today I have field training which is another thing that sucks because Miles is also here. I should not be surprised. This is his future profession and I cannot be too mad since three days out of the week I am in a classroom with computers. Ward is really the only true way I get through the three hours. Whenever we have to spar, he and I pair up. It is nice, not just because he is my best friend, but also because he is twice my size. It definitely prepares me for the future.

I never actually thought about that. I think it is too soon to imagine my future. There may be something else I want to do with my profession. The only thing that I am truly sure about is that I plan on keeping Jemma for as long as possible. The only person that I have dated just as long as her is Miles. I did say at one point that I loved him. When I said it though, it was…easy. It was just like saying anything else. I remember thinking at the time that love was not as extravagant as everyone makes it out to be. It is not that fairytale in Disney movies, or even the romantic comedies that people portray. I never understood how people could be so happy with the feeling of love. Now looking back, I understand why I was so unhappy with it. I did not love him. Not even a little bit. But, when it comes to Jemma, everything I ever thought has been turned upside down. Since we began dating seven months ago, everything in my life makes sense. I now have a reason to want to get out of bed in the morning. I believe in those fairytales and even imagine sometimes that Jemma and I are in a romantic comedy. Jemma listens to my stories about when I was a kid and even though it brings me back to rock bottom, she is always there to help me get back up. I can truly say that without a shadow of a doubt, I love her. No. Not just love. I’m in love with her. In the words of John Green, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.

“Skye! Pay attention.” Ward snapped, bringing me away from my thoughts.

“Huh?” I said with raised eyebrows.

Ward smiled and shook his head. “It is time for us to spar now. You know, training.”

I nodded and waved my hands dismissively. “Oh right. I knew that.”

“Can you stop thinking about your love for another couple hours so we can get to work?” Ward asked.

“Love?” I said nonchalantly.

“Yes. Love.” Ward scrunched his face. “Aren’t you in love with her?”

“What no. No. I’m not—“I stopped to see the look of annoyance on Ward’s face. “Is it that obvious?”

“Maybe just a little. I do not understand why you haven’t told her this. You two are literally perfect together.” Ward exclaimed with a grin.

I smiled and rubbed my neck nervously. “I guess I’m afraid. This is the first time I have ever felt this strongly for someone. What if she does not feel the same way?”

Ward rolled his eyes. “I can almost guarantee you that she feels the same way. If she didn’t, she would not have put up with your ugly butt for the past seven months.

“Hey!” I hit his shoulder playfully.

He laughed back. “You know what I mean. Just tell her. It will all work out.”

“Thanks Ward.”

“No problem ugly. Now you ready to get your ass whooped?” Ward said as he got into his stance.

I grinned back mischievously. “I should be asking you that question.”

“Actually…” Ward and I turned to see Raina standing there. “Mr. Stark wants me to spar with Skye today.”

“You always spar with my brother though.” Ward scoffed.

Raina smiled. “Well now you can for, today.”

I turned to look at Miles from across the field. He was staring back with a rather large grin. “What are you guys up to?”

Raina waved her hand dismissively. “Quit being such a worry Willy. What? Is the Skye Bennet afraid to get beat up?”

Ward and I stared at each other simultaneously and began laughing. “I’m pretty sure Skye can handle you, Raina. No offense.” Ward scoffed with a grin.

I nodded in agreement. “Yeah, Raina. I am most positive I can handle you.”

Raina scrunched her face and stuck out her tongue. Ward and I laughed once more before he gave me some encouraging words and walked off to go spar with Miles.

Raina began to stretch when she suddenly looked at me with a mischievous grin. “So, what is it like on that side of things?”

I raised my eyebrows from confusion. “That side of things?”

“Yeah. Playing for the other team.” Raina said with a life.

“What are you getting at?”

Raina pursed her lips and grinned. “I mean it is already such a waste for the boys, but honestly Skye. Really? If you are going to date a girl, you could at least date someone pretty.”

I made a fist with both hands. It honestly took everything I had to not lean forward and punch her in the face. “She happens to be very beautiful.”

Raina laughed. “Hey I have seen the flyers remember, British girl for Rent. So just be honest Skye, how much does she cost?”

I lost it. I walked forward and swung. To my surprise though, I missed. Raina quickly did a jab to my face and I felt hands holding me back. Some younger members of the group were holding me so Raina could have a go. I looked around to see where Ward and Mr. Stark were. They were running toward us, but it seemed like forever to get to us since they were across the field. Within that time, Raina was punching me over and over again in the ribs. Each strike having more pain than the last.

“Alright! That’s enough.” Mr. Stark shouted.

The two girls that were holding me back finally released their hold. Although I tried to stop it from happening, I fell to the ground and held my stomach from the amount of pain there was. Ward was by my side in seconds. “Skye. Are you okay? Where does it hurt?”

I winced from the pain. “My ribs.”

“The nurse is out today…” Mr. Stark said as he began to kneel down so only Ward and I could hear. “…But we can go to the biochemistry students down in the gym. There good at that type of stuff right?” he finished with a questioning look at Ward.

Ward shrugged his shoulders. “I honestly have no id—“

“Jemma.” I said softly. I knew that if anyone could help, it would be the smartest girl I know.

Ward nodded at me and smiled. “Let’s take her.”

Mr. Stark picked me up as best he could without touching my ribs. “As for the rest of you, we are finished for today. Raina, you and your two little back up friends can go and see Coulson in the principal’s office. I’ll be there soon to make sure that you are there.”

As we began to walk off with Ward following close behind us, I could see Miles smiling at the whole situation. Even if it was only a small part of it, I knew he had something to do with it. I obviously was not the only one who thought that because Ward stopped abruptly to face his brother. “Is something funny?” Ward said in anger.

Miles just laughed and shook his head. “I guess the lesbians get what they deserve.”

Then Miles was on the ground. It was honestly so fast. I barely even saw Ward’s hand come up to hit his face. But what I did see was Ward now on top of Miles taking one swing after another. Mr. Stark quickly yet gently put me down on the ground and ran to pull them a part. “Enough! What has gotten into all of you? Principal’s office for the two of you now!”

They both stood up and Ward’s face was a shade of red from the amount of anger that was now flowing through his veins. Whereas Miles had blood dripping from his nose profusely. Miles walked off rather quickly and Ward glanced over at me. “You going to be okay?”

“Yeah. Thanks.” I replied back and motioned for him to go because the last thing we need is for him to be in more trouble. He nodded and headed off to join the now growing crowd of people going to the principal’s office.

Mr. Stark let out a large sigh and turned to walk back toward me. “Alright. Let’s get you to the gym and fast.” He said as he once again lifted me up.

Jemma’s Point of View

We released our embrace and he smiled. “Anytime Simmons. And I’m serious, I’m pretty sure she feels the same way.”

I smiled once more and nodded. “Yeah, you’re probably right Fitz.” We both jerked our heads when we heard the double doors of the gym swoosh open.

To my surprise, it was Mr. Stark. He is normally on the other side of school at the field training his students. What could he be doing here? “We need some help over here.” Mr. Stark shouted. He turned his position so I could see his front more clearly. He was holding a girl in his arms. It kind of looked like—

“Skye!” I shouted when I recognized the outfit. Fitz and I ran over to them.

Mr. Stark gently put her down on one of the cleared tables by the rest of the biochem students. “She got banged up pretty badly…” Mr. Stark stated. He was talking loud enough so everyone that was now gathered around the table could hear, but his gaze was toward me. “…a couple of girls that it would be fun to have a go at her ribs over and over…and over.”

I looked down at her and could see in her eyes that she was in pain. “Skye. I need you to tell me where it hurts babe.”

Skye formed a small grin and lifted her hand so she was gently rubbing my cheek. “I love it when you call me that.” She said softly.

I blushed immediately and looked up to see all of my fellow classmates and even Mr. Stark blushing as well from the little flirting we were doing. “Okay. Now is not the time for that.” I smiled and gently removed her hand from my face. “Where does it hurt?” She pointed to the lower right side of her ribs. I nodded in understanding. I looked up at some of the other biochem girls. “I need the portable X-ray, a wrap, and some ice.” They nodded and walked off to get it. I looked around at the rest of the crowd who were still very interested in staring. I knew that I needed to remove Skye’s shirt to examine the area more properly, but I did not want to do it in a crowd. “I’m going to examine her now so…” I looked at Mr. Stark expectantly.

It took him a couple of seconds to understand before he nodded. “Oh. Right…” he cleared his throat so he could talk a little louder. “Nothing to see here folks. Go on ahead and head home and I will explain to Coulson what happened.” Everyone either let out a sigh or rolled their eyes, but all obliged.

“Do you need me to stay or…” Fitz questioned looking at me.

“No it’s okay. Skye has her motorcycle here and I do not need a license to drive that, so I’ll take her home.”

Fitz nodded and touched my shoulder reassuringly. “Good luck.” He then walked off so he could head home as well.

I looked at my surroundings and found that the only other people in the gym were the two girls that I asked to retrieve the utensils. I glanced back down at Skye who had her eyes closed and her face scrunched from pain. “Okay baby. Come on let’s take off your shirt.”

Skye nodded. She picked herself up so I could easily slip off her shirt and she laid back down. She was now only in a sports bra and I realized that this was the first time that I have ever seen this much of her. “Definitely not the setting I wanted you to see me with my shirt off for the first time.” Skye said probably noticing that I was staring at her body.

I smiled shyly and shook my head. “I promise to not get a full eyeful then. We will save that for a more appropriate time.”

Skye laughed and nodded. “It’s a date.”

The girls finally appeared with the items. It took a couple of minutes to get the X-ray in the right position. It honestly could have been done more quickly, but the three of us are still training after all. Luckily, she did not have anything that was broken or fractured, but she was for sure going to get some major bruising. “Alright. Thanks you guys. I’ll finish wrapping her up. You can head home.” I said looking at the girls. They nodded, grabbed up the items and headed off.

“This is going to be a little cold.” I said to Skye as I placed the ice pack against her stomach. She jerked quickly from the cold, but soon relaxed. I grabbed the bandage wrap so I could firmly place it around her abdomen. I needed to make sure it was tight for two reasons: one, to keep the ice pack in place, and two, too make sure there was enough pressure on the wounded area. Skye obviously did not understand that because she kept jerking and moving around, mostly to get under my skin. “Skye! Will you stop moving, so I can finish wrapping you?” I said as I hit her shoulder.

Skye smiled and rubbed her shoulder. “Not sure how I feel about Dr. Simmons. She’s so strict.”

I rolled my eyes and smiled. “Yes well, Patient Skye is unruly…and stubborn.”

Skye looked down and back up at my eyes. “I’m grateful. I hope you know that.”

I smiled back and leaned down close to her face. “I do.” I leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss to her lips. As we pulled apart I looked at her face closely. She is honestly so flawless and I wanted to tell her right then and there that I loved her but decided against it. I will tell her soon though. Hopefully.

I managed to not crash Skye’s motorcycle on the way back to her house. It is definitely harder than it looks. Skye’s dad took me home and thanked me for patching up his daughter and called me the best girlfriend in the world.

Skye skipped school the next day, mostly on my orders for rest. I found out from many of the other kids at school what had happened out on the field. Raina was going to hear the wrath of me when she gets back from suspension. I was also going to need to give Ward a large hug for beating up Miles. It really is too bad that he got suspended for the rest of the week and all the way until one week after winter break. The next four days were easy to get through though. Especially because most of the group was suspended. Also, because winter break was finally here. A whole month of no school, or drama. That is thirty one days of opportunities I have to tell Skye that I love her.

 Skye’s Point of View

Me: Hey. Are you busy? I need your help with something.

Ward: I’m not busy only if you are needing help with finally telling Jemma you love her.

I rolled my eyes, but still had a smile on my face nonetheless.

Me: That is actually exactly what I need your help with.

Ward: On my way.

It is the first weekend of Winter Break and I could not be any happier to be out of that hell hole. Miles was sent by his parents to stay at his grandparents’ house for the month, whereas Ward was grounded to his house for the month. The only exception was to come and see me. I had a plan of how I was going to tell Jemma that I loved her, but I really needed help.

Ward came in and listened to my whole spiel of how I was going to tell Jemma I loved her.

“I was waiting for the day that you would ask me to teach you.” He said with a sly smile on his face.

I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, well you have been begging for years to teach me, so why not. Jemma is a really good dancer and it was completely embarrassing our first date not knowing how.”

Ward laughed and walked to play a slow song on the radio. “Okay. Let’s get started then.”

It is Saturday night and I picked Jemma up only telling her to not eat dinner. We pulled up to the deserted park that I hang out at from time to time. It is right behind my dad’s church, so I feel like we partially own it.  At the center of the park is a small gazebo that both I and Ward decorated earlier that day after the lessons. We wrapped it with twinkling lights and at the side was a small speaker head and Jemma’s favorite fast-food. Jemma smiled, thoroughly impressed. “Wow, babe. You go all out on dates.” She said placing a kiss to my cheek.

I blushed and guided her up the steps so we were in the center. “Do you remember our first date?”

Jemma nodded. “Of course.”

“Do you remember the most embarrassing part for me?” I asked.

She scrunched her face and thought for a few moments before she made a facial expression of duh. “You not knowing how to dance, I’m guessing.”

I nodded with a smile. “That’s exactly it.” I turned to turn on the speaker and Kiss Me by Ed Sheeran began to play. I walked back to Jemma and grabbed her more confidently in a slow dance position. “Here’s my second chance to do it right.”

When he began singing, I mouthed along to the words and swayed with her back and forth. She smiled and giggled at my fake singing but was murmuring how she was definitely impressed with my dancing. As the song progressed, the more confident I became. It was now or never. “Jemma, I have something to tell you.”

She nodded and placed a kiss to my head. “I’m listening.”

I let out a sigh. “Jemma. I may not know what tomorrow brings, or what the future holds. I don’t know if this will last between us, even though every fiber of my being wants us to. But, none of that matters to me. Because in this moment, right here…right now, I’m in love with you.”

Jemma’s mouth hung open, but she soon smiled. “Skye, you don’t know how much I love you too.”

I smiled so big that my cheeks were hurting. “You love me?”

Jemma laughed and nodded. “Of course I do silly girl. I was just afraid to tell you.”

I thought about saying the same, expressing my fear to her as well, but my lips were calling her lips name. The night went perfectly after that. We kept expressing and telling each other how much we love one another, making up for lost time.

I dropped her off back at her place and it was a new sensation when after she kissed me good night, she whispered that she loved me. I definitely can get used to that. 

I found myself smiling the whole way home. I was shocked to find Ward waiting at the front of my house sitting on the curb. I guess he just wants to know how the night went.

“Hey Ward. What are you doing here?” I asked as I walked to him and proceeded to sit beside him.

Ward grinned softly. “Did you tell her?”

I smiled and nodded. “Ward it was amazing. It could not have went better. After I told her I loved her she said that she—“

Ward placed a hand on my knee. “I mean did you tell her? …Everything.” He said as he looked at me expectantly.

It did not take me more than a couple seconds to understand what he meant. “No. Not yet. I—I can’t tell her now, especially after I told her that I love her.”

Ward let out a sigh and I could see tears forming in his eyes. “She said it back didn’t she?” I nodded and he let the tears fall. “Then you need to tell her Skye. Before it gets worse. Before…Before it is too late.”

I began to tear up to because I knew he was right. “I know.”

The next couple months were both great yet painful. Jemma and I finally said that we love each other and our relationship got closer than it already was. But at the same time I was reminded once more of the thing that could ruin our relationship, and it scared me. I tried to push it in the back of my mind but both Ward and the continuous doctor’s visits were reminding me of it. The only thing that made me happy was Jemma. Even though I will probably soon lose her after I tell her, it is still nice to have her now. She was there for my birthday and I was there for hers and in between that time we celebrated our anniversary. One year. We made it. One year together and even with all odds against us, we still made it. I remember holding her close to me that day with my eyes closed, wondering if anything in my life had ever been this perfect and knowing at the same time that it hadn’t. I was in love, and the feeling was more wonderful than I ever imagined it could be.

We got through our second year at the academy. With Jemma’s help, I managed to pull straight A’s in every class. I even excelled with my extracurriculars. Junior and Senior year matter the most when it comes to extracurriculars, not for graduating at the academy, but for deciding what college we go to. At this point, knowing the thing I know about myself, I am lucky if I get that far.

We are nearing the end of summer now and we are a couple weeks away from beginning our junior year. Jemma picked me up to take me on a date. Ever since she turned sixteen and got her license, all she ever wants to do is pick me up and take me on a date. After dinner, we were walking hand in hand down the teen street. This specific street is where all the teens at all the local high schools and academies hang out after hours. Jemma looked so happy to be there with me, where as I probably looked miserable. I am tired of keeping this secret and I need to get it out. Ward was right, it is getting worse now and I need to tell her before it is too late.

As we were walking, we bumped into Raina and Miles who were also holding hands. They have been dating for a couple months now, which didn’t surprise me, they deserve each other. Jemma rolled her eyes and tugged at my hand so we could walk around them. She did a sarcastic laugh, “That’s great, citizen high to citizen low.” She said referencing about Miles and Raina.

I let out a sigh and nodded. I wanted to laugh, but my secret was bottling up my mind. We turned into an alley that led toward Jemma’s car. Jemma was sensing my nerves and probably just wanted to lighten the mood. “Are you nervous about our extracurriculars? I mean since now they will be recorded and actually count toward our college applications.”

I let out a sigh and shook my head. “No. I’m not applying for college.” I wanted to apply, but really, there was no point.

Jemma was taken aback. “Oh. But I thought you said that you wanted—“

“No…” I said sternly. “You just assumed.”

Jemma nodded and shrugged off my coldness. She looked at me and still could see that I was lost in my thoughts. She tugged at my hand which brought us to a stop in the middle of the alley. “Hey…” she said looking into my eyes with a smile. “…What are you going to do?”

I cleared my throat and stood up a little straighter. Here we go. “Jemma, I’m sick.”

Jemma formed a worried expression. “Oh, well come on. I’ll take you home and you will be better tomorrow—“

“No. No, Jemma!” She looked at me shocked so I continued. “I’m sick.” I said more firmly.

She scrunched her face in confusion. “Okay…”

I closed my eyes, not wanting to see the expression on her face when I said, “I have leukemia.”

Actions