A Hidden Truth

A Little Lunchroom Drama

[Juniper]

    Kelly and I headed for the cafeteria. They had an extensive salad bar on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. On Tuesday and Thursday, it was half salad bar and half baked potato bar. It was also one of the cheapest meal options. Kelly left me to the salad line while she went in search of pizza or fried things. After a while, there was a familiar tap on my shoulder. I rolled my eyes before I turned around.

    “So I told you to stay away from Clay, and you decided to go move to his family’s property? He’s mine, Juniper Fordyce. Find your own man.” Becca snapped, poking a manicured nail into my chest to punctuate every sentence.

    She was taller than me and tried to use her height to be imposing. How had my life come to the point where I got this particular command three times in as many days? Her hazel eyes were flashing in anger. It made it really hard not to laugh or smirk. I knew she could hit hard, but I had enough training from Tammy to know how to defend against it.

    “My brother was hired to be the business manager. I moved to help him set up his house and give my mother a chance to have a safety net while she get used to taking care of my little brother on her own. It has nothing to do with your boyfriend. Allow me to reiterate what I said on Friday AND what I told Clayton on Saturday. I AM NOT INTERESTED!” I shouted, stepping into her space.

    I was aware of how quiet the cafeteria had gone, but the echo of my voice really made it apparent that everyone was watching. It was the confrontation they’d all been waiting for since they heard about or received the email. They were all remembering everything so they could report back to anyone who missed it.

    “That’s some bullshit right there! I know you used to have a crush on him in ninth grade! You never said anythin’ and never did anythin’. Now you’re tryin’ for somethin’ before you leave. I’m not stupid, Juniper.” She looked down her nose at me with a glare.

    “Babe.” A voice came from beside us. “I told you. I only wanted help with math. You know I need to pass the exam with a good score or I won’t graduate.” Clayton pled.

    “You don’t talk to me right now, Clayton Reed. I’m still pissed about Saturday!” She screeched, turning on him.

    This was, by far, the most annoying thing in my life. I just wanted to get my lunch and relax with my friends. At this rate, I wouldn’t have a chance to eat. I closed my eyes and sighed heavily.

    I felt a heat at my back and something press against the side of my head.

    “Are you getting in trouble again, sweet girl?” Jaxon purred in my ear.

    I smiled and leaned against him. I had no idea why he was in the cafeteria, but I wasn’t going to question it right then. His arms wrapped around my waist and I reveled in his strength and the security of his arms.

    “I didn’t mean to, Jaxon. It’s just a jealous girl and a misunderstanding.” I replied turning my face and nuzzling his neck.

    “Uncle Jax! What’re you doin’?!” Clayton exclaimed.

    “I came to have lunch with my girl, Clay. Is this the Becca you’ve told me about? She’s a fireball. C’mon, sweet. Let’s get you some food. I see the girls have a table for us already.” Jaxon murmured and turned us away, protecting my back from any attacks.

    I couldn’t help grinning as I made my salad, got my drink, and paid. Jaxon followed me to the table where Tammy, Amber, and Kelly were. We sat as the cafeteria volume raised. Jaxon chuckled as he ate his lunch.

    “Thanks for the text, Kelly. I’d have hated to see her get suspended for kicking that girl’s ass. I plan to have her with me in Austin next year.” He said.

    “I could smell the storm brewin’. Better this way anyhow. Now Becca will back off. Why would Juni want a boy when she has a man?” Kelly winked and turned back to her pile of chicken strips and fries.

    “I hope you don’t mind me pretending we’re dating, Juniper. There wasn’t much else I think Clay’s girlfriend would’ve accepted.” Jaxon told me.

    I laughed. “Clayton’s face. Oh, my goodness! Becca has to back off now. I’m likely to be her aunt-in-law.”

    My friends laughed. Jaxon put his hand on my hip and slid me closer to him.

    “It feels a little early for a proposal, but I guess I’ll accept. Since you’re so cute.” He whispered into my ear.

    I felt blood rise to my face and pushed him away. “You know I didn’t mean it like that, Jaxon Boone! Stop bein’ weird.” I winced at my accent change. I really had to get ahold of myself.

    “I thought we had something special last night.” He sighed sadly. “After everything you said, was it all just to get me into bed with you? I feel so used.”

    We sat for a moment, staring at him, before we all began laughing. It drew attention. Our table was normally fairly quiet. I showed of the picture of Teddy and Garrett as promised, making both Kelly and Amber squeal. We talked and ate, sharing our plans for the weekend and how our study schedules would go.

    I was doing normal one on one tutoring on Monday and Thursday with Kelly and Tammy, plus working for Miss Letty on Tuesday. On Wednesday I would have two study groups, then one on Thursday, and another two on Friday. We also went over our plans for prom.

    After we finished putting up our trays, I walked Jaxon to the entrance. It was hard to ignore the small group of girls that followed us, while pretending not to follow us. At the doors, I stood awkwardly. It was strange to have him right there.

    “I’ll see you later, okay?” I said softly.

    “I’m coming over tonight. Teddy invited me for pizza before the thing we’re going to. Did you want me to stay over again?” He murmured as he got closer and put his hand on my waist. I shivered.

    “You didn’t get much sleep last night. Are you sure you want to do that? I don’t think Mr. Reed will give you another day off.” I told him.

    “I can manage it, now I know what to expect. Gary’s leaving after the meeting. He and Reg caught the guy they were after. They have to go take him back. I told Teddy I can take you to school in the morning. It would make it easier if I were already there.”

    “If you think it’s a good idea.” I breathed as he lowered his face to mine and kissed me softly. I melted against him, again.

    It was completely different than the sweet, gentle kiss yesterday. His lips were worrying at mine like he was trying to nibble his way into my mouth. It felt natural to open up to him and allow his tongue entrance. The tip of Jaxon’s tongue gently stroked mine drawing a moan from deep inside me, as he pulled me tighter against him. I felt like I was drowning, but I didn’t want to try and live outside of his arms and kisses.

    Jaxon pulled back first. I opened my eyes dazedly. He caressed my face and leaned down to my ear.

    “If you kiss a friend like that, then I really want to know how you’ll kiss your boyfriend, sweet.” He whispered huskily.

    It felt like my entire body tightened. There was something in the back of my head trying to make me push him away or say something to make him leave me alone. I hated that thing. It was Hank’s influence. I wasn’t going to let him run my life anymore.  

    “I guess you’ll find out tonight, won’t you, honey.” I sighed and licked his ear.

    Jaxon pulled back and stared at me like he didn’t recognize me. A smile lit up his face, he picked me up and twirled me, making me cling to him tightly. I was afraid of falling and hated being picked up.

    “You’re really going to be my girlfriend, Juniper? This isn’t a play for those nosy girls? You really want to be mine?” He asked quietly.

    “They can’t hear us, Jaxon. And I don’t care what they think. I like you and I want to be with you. Will you be my boyfriend?” I blushed and felt my stomach rise into my throat.

    “Absolutely, sweet. That’s exactly what I’ll do. And I’ll see you at supper. Now, get to class before you get in trouble. Be good, sweet girl.” He said as the warning bell rang.

    I pushed myself away and rushed down the hall to my sixth period class. I had a presentation I had to set up. There was no exam for this class next week. We were presenting all week and got to leave school early on that day. I had no idea how I did, because I was floating through the entire thing. Even if I bombed it, I would still have a high ‘B’ in the class. I didn’t even hear anyone else’s presentations.

    When I entered my seventh period class and slid into my seat, I’d gotten a little more of my mind back. I set up my workstation and pulled up my completed project before the second bell rang. Clayton was out of his seat and heading for me. I looked at the teacher, who appeared enthralled. You knew the gossip was good when the teachers and administrators were waiting to see what happened.

    He thrust his phone in my face. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust. Someone had taken a picture of Jaxon and I kissing by the doors. I liked how we looked together. It was dramatic like a book cover. I smiled.

    “You’re really datin’ my uncle.” He stated rather than asking.

    “Yes. Jaxon’s my boyfriend.” I responded politely.

    “Break up with him, Juniper.” Clayton growled.

    I looked up at him, shocked he had the audacity to think he could tell me what to do. My relationships were none of his business past letting him know I was dating a member of his family. I’d lived too much of my life being told what to do, and who to do it with. I wouldn’t let myself be pushed around by someone who barely knew me.

    “No. My relationship is my business. Now get out of my face, Clayton.” I replied with an icy glare. “I want to get my project graded.”

    “He’s gonna do the same thing to you that my grandfather’s done to a lot of women before. I know everyone in my family would tell you the same. Me and you may not be close, but I don’t want to see him hurt you.” He told me with an angry but worried look.

    “Jaxon isn’t his father any more than you are yours. Leave me alone, Clayton Reed or I’ll talk with your parents again.” I threatened.

    “Fine. Don’t come cryin’ to me when he hurts you.” Clayton huffed and he returned to his station.

    I leaned to the girl who sat next to me. “Did you get that picture too?” I asked.

    She nodded. I’d helped her with her work before and was hoping she’d feel slightly indebted. Her name was Kitty Cooper. She was fun to talk to sometimes.

    “Would you send it to me? I’d like to send it to my boyfriend.” I smiled at her.

    “Sure thing, Juni.” She grinned and my phone chimed when I received the message. I quickly sent it to Jaxon and put my phone in my pocket.