Meeting the Teacher [CLOSED]

[Jasper Devine]

Another small laugh escaped his lips as she spoke. “Well, I guess it is a pretty big change.” Jasper’s mind wandered back to his four years in college, smiling a little at the silly tricks and stunts that were pulled. It was sad to say, but for the most part, it was all one big, huge, fucking party. He tended to hand things in late all the time, and when he finally did get an assignment in by it’s deadline, the teachers were more bewildered and flustered with his work than impressed. Jasper didn’t mind, much, though. After all, to be great is to be misunderstood. “I wouldn’t stress too much about it, though. You’re a smart girl… you’ll be fine, I’m sure.” He smiled up at her and let out a heavy, dreamy sigh, leaning his head back on the chair as she continued to work her magic.

It was probably obvious already, but it had been quite awhile since Jasper got the opportunity to feel something as satisfying as a massage, especially from a pretty girl like Serenity. “Oh…” Jasper mumbled, falling in and out of focus, “It was… crazy. I don’t know.” So, one can only imagine how upset he was when she decided to stop. The minute her hands left his body, he sat up straight and his jaw dropped, as if in protest, as if to beg her to continue. However, he gained a hold of himself before he turned into some lovesick puppy, pleading and crying for her attention like some sort of crazed animal. His lips shut tight and he leaned back in his chair, glancing from the ground to Serenity in embarrassment, “T-Thanks.”

Jasper’s perfect posture resumed once she began talking, arching his back slightly as he paid close attention to her words. It sounded strange, but they really got him thinking. How could someone possibly live like that, with their parents telling them what to do, and what not to do? Maybe it was for the better, considering his own life wasn’t all too fantastic, and both his parents were pretty much out of the picture. But, still, as bad as he seemed to be at it, Jasper would rather be out making his own decisions than having someone else do it. It was a nice freedom to have, and at least gave you the opportunity to try to go after what you wanted.

“Well… I’ll be honest… a-and… please don’t think I’m a dick for saying this, but if your dad doesn’t let you do… or at least, try to do… what you want to do, I would say your relationship with him is a little off to begin with.” He paused after he spoke, realizing how offensive that must’ve sounded. He barely knew her dad, or her, for that matter – it was rude of him to go off making irrational judgments about the relationship they had. And yet, for once, Jasper continued speaking, as if he had some sort of point to make. “Since… you gotta do… you gotta do whatever makes you happy, you know?” There was another pause before he went on, “Besides… what exactly constitutes as a ‘real job?’” Jasper laughed a little, “I mean, as opposed to a fake one?”

He smiled faintly, making a small attempt to lighten the mood, “Plus… even if you do get a good job – a real one – there’s no real guarantee it’s gonna put a smile on your face, or… o-or make you really psyched to wake up in the morning, y-you know? Good job, bad job, whatever… after awhile, working just kind of starts to suck all around. I would know, since I’ve had so many jobs over the past year it’s not even funny, and not one of them I really enjoyed.” He sighed heavily, his eyes jumping from the ground to Serenity, “That’s why… t-that’s why you gotta go after something you love. Like, like music, or photography, or whatever your… thing is. Because work sucks. It’s boring, and tedious, and… long. But, if you’re able to grab something you really like, i-it might not feel so much like work… y-you know?”

Jasper looked at her, long and hard, his eyes clouded with thought. However, they cleared up quickly as he shook his head, laughing at himself. “God, I’m sorry, I think that was one huge… nonsensical.. contradiction.” He continued to laugh, a broad smile over his face, letting a few pieces of hair fall in front of his eyes, speaking hurriedly in order to make up for any damage his “advice” might’ve caused. “D-Don’t… don’t listen to me. I don’t know what I’m talking about, and I probably sound like an idiot. I don’t really think before I start talking.” He looked down, trying to hide the humiliated look on his face. Well, if she didn’t think he was crazy before, she sure as hell did now. His eyes flickered back up toward Serenity, looking apologetic and remorseful for his silly tirade. “So…” Jasper began, determined to change the subject as soon as possible, “Do you know where you want to go?” He blinked and drew a breath, “…for college, I mean.”

[Serenity Lane]

Serenity watched him as she sat. She saw the look on his face, smiling. Maybe she did do a good job, enough for him to enjoy it. "No problem." she said.

Listening to what he said next, she laughed softly. She wasn't offended, not in the least bit. "Jasper, I think you're right. I'm sick of not being able to do what I want." she said. She sighed, "Whatever he likes seems to be a real job." she laughed. "Everything seems to revolve around him. He is never home either. He doesn't even know I am moving out. And if my mom tells him, surely he'll just tell her she's wrong." she shrugged. She nodded, "Yeah. That makes perfect sense." she said

"That wasn't nonsense." she said, her eyes looking back into his. She watched his head shake, and gave a half smile. "I like listening to you. You're interesting." she said. "And to be honest, I hate when people think before they talk." she leaned in, moving his hair from his face, smiling softly. "Sorry." she giggled.

"I....really don't know." she sighed. "I don't even know if I wanna be a teacher. Just something my step-mom suggested." she muttered. "I really don't know if I even want to go to college, ya know?" she laughed slightly.

Looking up, she looked at the clock. She had came in around 8:20, the first period ended around 9:40, and now it was 9:45. The next class was now rushing, not to be late. She watched them run in, taking random seats. She looked back to Jasper, smiling some. "Well.... I should probably let you work." she said, embarassed how long they had talked. How they had just ignored a class for an hour or so. Though he couldn't make this class go but so far ahead of the other, so maybe they could talk more. Which probably wasn't good, she was already falling for him. Any longer, and she probably couldn't prevent herself from getting closer to him.

[Jasper Devine]

Jasper watched her nervously out from beneath his eyelashes, suddenly feeling uncertain about his words. Was turning a daughter against her parents a good thing? What if it just got her into more trouble? He managed a smile, though shook his head lightly once again, uneasy about the impact his absent-minded rant had made on her. But, you should be able to do what you want, right? You only had one life; it was only fair that you got to live it the way you want... right? Such a thought caused his guilt to subside, if only for a little while. However, it wasn't long before it returned again, bringing with it more over-analytical thoughts. He kind of felt bad that he didn't really practice anything he had just preached to her. In Jasper's own defense, though, his situation was a little different than hers. He wasn't just making decisions for himself -- he had to take his daughter, Emma, into consideration. After all, anything he chose to do with his life would affect her more than anyone. So, he had to be careful, and hold himself back a little more; at least until Emma was old enough to fend for herself.

"Not really. I don't think I even know what I'm saying half the time." He said, his voice sounding a little concerned by her sudden enthusiasm toward his advice. Honestly, she was probably one of the first people to ever say 'that makes perfect sense' after he broke out into a ten-minute lecture. That could be because she was the only one (besides his daughter, but she was only six-years-old) that actually sat and listened to the whole thing, though. Why can't I ever just keep my mouth shut? He sighed, his smile widening a little at her compliment. "Thanks, but... I'm not... I mean... I'm not really... that..." His voice trailed off, unable to find the right words to say. He shook his head again and laughed, shrugging his shoulders in amused defeat. "Thanks." Jasper repeated, feeling his heart begin to race again as Serenity leaned closer to him. That fast, he forgot everything they were just talking about, and all he could focus on was her. In fact, he was so wrapped up in her innocent radiance that Jasper had to do everything in his power to keep from falling into her and kissing her lips right then and there. God, how awkward would that make things?

He let himself relax, watching with a cheerful smile over his face as she fixed his hair. If it were any other person, Jasper probably would've freaked out, or thrown some sort of tantrum, since he was awfully particular about the way his hair was styled. But, he trusted Serenity. Though they had only been talking for less than hour, Jasper felt some sort of connection with her. Maybe it was all just some sort of silly infatuation, but for the most part he felt comfortable around her. It was kind of strange, and unlike anything he'd ever experienced before. But, nonetheless, it was very enjoyable.

His shoulders rose up and down once Serenity returned to her previous position, feeling quite pleased by her actions. He nodded slowly once she started talking, looking down for a second, then back up at her. "Well... college isn't really for everyone. I mean... I guess it's best to go for at least a semester and try it out, since a degree is supposed to get you more money... or so I've been told... but there are a lot of people who do well on their own without it." Again, Jasper shrugged, "So... I guess it just depends on what you think would be best for... well, you." He couldn't help but laugh after he said this, realizing only after he spoke how badly it sounded. Well, whatever. After all, nothing could be worse than his 'you gotta do what you love' speech.

A sigh rolled off of his lips as he glanced toward the door, watching all the students pile in. Great. How many more times did he get to do this? Five? Six? Jasper wasn't sure. Hell, he didn't even know if they gave him a schedule, let alone told him how many classes he had. He groaned softly, burying his head in his arms reluctantly. "... is it two-thirty yet?" Jasper asked, his voice sounding mousy and meek as he peeked out at Serenity from behind the shelter of his sleeves.

[Serenity Lane]

She saw his nervousness again and sighed, "Well... you're nervous again..." she said weakly. Her eyes trailed down, to the ground, thinking of something to say.

She heard him, a small smile coming to her face. "Well what you say it really the truth." she said. She looked to him, over his facial features, and back to his eyes, which she was falling in love with. She found it was harder, and harder to look away.

Watching him relax, she let out a relieved, light breath. His smile, was another thing she was enjoying, and the laughs she rarely heard leave his lips. She wanted to see if he was married, and how old he was, but it'd be rude, or odd to ask.

"That... is a good suggestion too.." she said. "I think... I'll go, and see how it all is for dancing." she said. "I love......love dancing..." she laughed weakly.

She heard him ask, laughing softly. "Sorry, hun. "It's only ten fourty..." she said. "You'll live. Two more classes... Really wanna get away from me so bad?" she asked.

[Jasper Devine]

A small frown curved his lips downward once he got the feeling he upset her, suddenly feeling as though he just took a shot to the heart. "Sorry," he muttered quietly, hanging his head shamefully, "I'm always a little nervous about... something." It was times like these that Jasper swore he had some sort of society anxiety or panic disorder. And this wasn't like his usual misdiagnosis and exaggeration of illnesses, he really did always feel a little anxious about something, whether it was work that day, or how he looked, or how Emma was doing. There was always something on his mind that gave him reason to worry. It was probably an issue he should see a therapist for, but Jasper wasn't all too sure he had the time or the money to keep going every week, or to pay for any medications that might possibly be subscribed. So, he didn't really bother. It wasn't like it was that bad, anyway; or at least something that Jasper couldn't handle on his own.

The insecure feeling in his stomach kept him from making eye contact with her, pretending to fiddle with the edges of his white, button-down shirt as he spoke, "I just... I just I don't want to steer you wrong, you know?" His voice was quiet and heartfelt, truly afraid of hurting her in any way, mentally or psychically. Jasper wasn't quite sure he'd be able to live with the guilt if he did or said anything that would make her feel any kind of agony or distress... as schmaltzy as that all sounded, especially considering he barely knew the girl.

Jasper nodded, raising his eyebrows with interest. So, she was a into dancing. "Well, there you go. I'm sure there are a lot of really good schools and scholarships for that kind of thing, too. I guess it's just something you'd have to look into." His smile brightened a little as he thought a little deeper into Serenity's major of choice. "My daughter's into dance, too." Speaking of, Jasper couldn't help but wonder how Emma was making out, since it was her first day of school, as well. Considering how eager she was to get inside and get started, he really hoped it was a nice experience for her.

He sighed heavily again, only this time it was more out of his unwillingness to get up. "No I won't. I'll be dead by the time this year is over." Jasper whined childishly as he sat up straight again and pouted sorrowfully, his big, puppy eyes staring sadly at her. It wasn't long before he began to laugh again, though, rising to his feet as he once more began to shuffle all the papers around on his desk. Well, so much for keeping things neat. "Quite the contrary, miss. You're probably one of the few reasons I haven't packed up my shit and walked out the door by now." He stopped what he was doing and looked at her, that sense of sincerity returning in both his eyes and tone.

[Serenity Lane]

"Don't be sorry." she laughed sofly, "As...long as you're not sad or upset, I'll live." she teased, looking to his eyes again. Ugh, I hate you, she thought to herself, but I'm in love, too..., her thoughts trailed off as he spoke again.

"You aren't.... I wanna do something that I want to, and you're only helping me realize I'm just scared to lose my dad cause of something so stupid. He can't control my life. I'm eighteen, I can kind of do what I want now..." she said.

Her smiled faded, daughter? She nodded, pretending she had heard what he said earlier. "Oh," was all she said, her blue eyes no longer looking to his.

"You'll live, Jasper," she muttered. "It's not that bad... if you can survive college, you can survive teaching a bunch of teenagers that listen to noone." she said. She still looked down, at the ground as she spoke. "Surely I'm not the reason you're still here." she said. The period finished up, and everyone left for lunch. "I'll be back...by time next class starts. I'm going to..." she paused, thinking. "Go home, and change..." she said, she was still somewhat damp.

[Jasper Devine]

"But... but I feel bad." Jasper stuttered quietly, his lips quivering as he spoke. If him being on edge all the time upset her, he was just going to have to do a better job at hiding it then. Or, at least try to do something to remedy it, since Jasper's poker face could be read like a book. Lying was one of his many downfalls, which was sometimes both a blessing and a curse. In this case, he wished he was better at hiding his emotions; and yet something in his expression always gave him away.

His heart sunk in his chest as she reveled her age, a bit of disappointment seeping into his mind. It wasn't a bad age -- quite the contrary, it was wonderful. But, it kind of ruined any chances that may have been -- not that there were any to begin with, of course. If there were, though, a four-year age gap kind of shot them down fast. Then again, though, she was legal. It wasn't like she was still a minor or something. Jasper shuddered at the thought, suddenly beginning to feel like some sort of scumbag. "Eighteen? I'm jealous. And I feel so..." A shiver ran up his spine before he finished, his noise crinkling unhappily, "... old." In reality, twenty-two wasn't really old, but four years was four years.

An unhappy sigh slipped from his lips, still pouting and whining like a two-year-old. "College was a slice of cake compared to this." Jasper muttered, giving a playful glare in her direction as he stood up and walked over to the sea of empty desks in order to pick up some of the trash left behind. It was only the first day, and already kids were starting to forget shit. Great. And Jasper thought he had a bad memory.

He trudged back over to Serenity and stood in front of her for a moment, hovering before her as he took a deep breath. Finally, he rested his fingers gently under her chin, lifting her head slowly in order to get a better look at her face. "Thank you for keeping me from walking out on yet another job." He smiled at his new-found friend, a sense of gratitude in his voice as he spoke. However, while Serenity's kindness played a big part, Emma was also one of the reasons he hadn't left, as well as his Aunt Stephenie. But, Jasper decided to leave her out. If he admitted his Aunt was the one who got him the job, she might think he was some sort of creepy computer wizard who sat in his parent's dark basement and played World of Warcraft all day. He shuddered again at such a hideous thought, taking a seat behind his desk.

[Serenity Lane]

She didn't understand why he felt bad, or even nervous. She sighed softly, then nodded slightly. "You seriously can't be that much older than me.." she muttered, her eyes looking down. "I mean... my dad is fourty three, and married to a twenty seven year old." she laughed softly. Maybe she shouldn't of been telling him about her private life. She wanted him to know though, and she really wanted to learn more about him. He was interesting so far, expecially the fact he had a daughter. It wasn't much the point he had one, more to the point he was married. That crushed her, and all the while she felt he was somewhat attracted to her. "How stupid am I.." she accidently whispered to herself then paused, hoping he didn't hear.

She watched him rise from his chair and go to pick up trash from the floor, and tables. She got up, going to the other side of the room, picking papers up then throwing them away. She felt him lift her chin up and sighed softly. She tried hiding how upset she was but it was hard. How could she fall for someone so easily, and it wasn't small either. She nodded slightly and grabbed her bag, leaving quickly, just incase the tears were to come. She was easily upset, easily hurt. Expecially when it came to relationships. If it wasn't bad enough she had a boyfriend, she was falling hard for a married man.

[Jasper Devine]

Jasper couldn't help but smile a little as she mentioned her dad's age, simply because his own father, who died in a car accident quite a few years ago, would've been the same age. "That's how old my dad would've been this year, too." He blurted out, giving a somewhat stupid and otherwise pointless interjection into her story. He let Serenity finish up her little explanation, not thinking too much of it until he did some quick math in his head. He turned around quickly to face her, looking at her in slight shock. "Awh, man, you're step-mom is only like, five years older than me, then." Jasper didn't want to say it or anything, but it was kind of creepy. In fact, it probably sucked for poor Serenity, having a mom so close to her own age. Thank God his mother wasn't into dating younger men, or he would probably have to kill himself.

Just as he started to turn around, Serenity muttered something under her breath that caught his attention. Poor Jasper already didn't hear well, but he heard something about being stupid. He wasn't quite sure who, exactly, it was directed toward, but he decided to just let it go rather than go investigating. After all, if she wanted him to hear it, she would just have to repeat it, right?

He started to feel a little guilty as he watched Serenity leave in such a hurry, chewing nervously on his bottom lip. She didn't even stop to say goodbye. Did he do something wrong? Did she hate him? Maybe she didn't like him from the beginning, and she was just trying to be polite for the sake of the students. Oh, God. Jasper's stomach churned with anxiety, his eyes darting with uncertainty around the empty room. Well... now what? Did he go after her, or just let it be? For once, he made a quick decision and darted out the door after her, hoping to catch her before she got too far down the hall.

"Wait..." Jasper called out to her quietly, gently touching her wrist in order to try to catch her attention, "I-I-I don't want to sound clingy or anything, but..." He hesitated, fidgeting childishly in his spot before he looked up at her from beneath his thick eyelashes, "Y-you'll be back, right?" Jasper had heard her say this clearly before, but honestly, as sappy as it sounded, he just wanted a nicer chance to say goodbye.

[Serenity Lane]

You're not old... was what she was going to say, but she didn't. In the hall, she felt his warm, soft hand touch her wrist.

Serenity gasped slightly and turned, seeing Jasper. She quickly looked away, not wanting him to see her moist face, which was quickly filling with more tears. She tried the best she could, to hold them back, but again, it was something she failed at. She did her best to make her voice sound normal and sighed. "Yeah." she said, "I..gotta go.." she said, "Bye..." she said, walking off again. She felt odd, leaving just like that. But he couldnt know she liked him, he could never know. If she had to, she'd lie, though she didn't like to. She was bad at it too, anyways. She walked off quickly, she'd be back in twenty minutes or so.

[Jasper Devine]

Oh God, oh God, what did I do? Jasper held his breath and immediately began to panic as she turned her face away from him so suddenly, his eyes clouding with worry. "Serenity, I..." He began, his voice cracking as he tried to choke out words. But, unfortunately, he was at a loss. His mind raced for something that he said that might've made her upset, her soft tears making Jasper feel like he was about to breakdown and start crying, too. He nodded slightly, his open mouth unable to form words as she walked away. Why do I always have to be so stupid? Jasper bit down hard on his bottom lip, making a tight fist in his left palm. Way to screw things up, Jasper. You finally meet a nice girl, and you chase her away. He gritted his teeth, angry and upset with himself that he would let a woman like her just walk away. It would be rude to just go after her again, though, right? She clearly wanted to be alone, or at least, away from him. Trying to talk to her at a time like this would only make things worse.

But, it wasn't fair to make Serenity leave because of him. She actually had some sort of chance at a nice life, a job that made her happy, while Jasper's waved goodbye to him quite sometime ago. Maybe he should leave; maybe he spoke too soon by thanking Serenity for keeping him there. He shook his head, taking a few steps backward before retreating into his empty classroom. Well... now what was he supposed to do? Just wait for her to come back, and talk to her then? But, what if she didn't come back? He was shaking as he sat down behind his desk, just staring blankly at everything on it as his mind wandered, fearful for what the next few hours were going to be like.

[Serenity Lane]

Serenity got to her car, a few moment later she was home, and she went inside. She saw her makeup had ran with her tears and sighed to herself, wiping the water and makeup from her face. She went off to her room, changing out of the still wet clothing, into a pair of light demin jeans, and a baby blue tank top. Sitting on her bed, she glanced up to see her step-mom. "I....am gonna finish packing." she said, then saw the woman come over and hug her.

The look on Serenity's face was almost disgusted. "Uh..." she said. The tall woman continued to hug her, "Who made you cry?" she asked.

Sighing again, she pushed the woman's arms off of her own fragile skin. "Noone, just go. I am moving out... now..." she said, grabbing the three bags she had packed, and finished the last one, grabbing it, exiting the room. She glanced at her jack russel and frowned. Dogs werent allowed at the hotel where she was gonna stay until she found some place. Oh well... picking the dog up, she went out to her car, putting her bags in the back and the dog in the front with her.

The rain was lighter by now. Driving off, she headed back to school. She'd check in later. If she were to go back, she'd need something to prevent her from looking at Jasper's warm, adorable face. She arrived to the school, it had been about thirty minutes or so. Still everyone was at lunch. She turned the car off, getting out, after grabbing her dog.

Walking inside, she slowly, hesitantly, made her way back to the photography room. She walked inside, to see Jasper at his desk. She carried the dog over, sitting infront of him, hoping if he did see her tears earlier, he'd just let it go, and act like he hadn't. She sat back on the chair she was in earlier, "So..." she said.

[Jasper Devine]

Jasper sat there at his desk, his chin in his palm, absent-mindedly drawing over some of the 'important documents' that were bestowed upon him at his arrival. His eyes glanced upward toward the clock every five seconds or so, letting out a deep sigh as they slid down to the empty door frame. Who are you kidding? She's not coming back. The phrase repeated in his head, hitting him like a bullet to the chest each time it echoed in his mind. She's not coming back. His shaking had subsided, though he still felt nervous and empty amongst the dimly lit photography classroom. He hated so much to be alone -- no, that was wrong. Jasper didn't mind being by himself sometimes. He hated to be without Serenity, and he hated even more so that he was the reason she was gone.

He became so consumed in his own self-pity and loathing that he didn't even hear her walk back into the room, with a dog, no less. So, one can only imagine his surprise when he looked up about three minutes later to find Serenity sitting there, a tiny dog in her lap. "Holy shit!" It came as such a shock to him that he let out a loud gasp, throwing the pencil violently onto the desk as he pushed himself back, body tense and eyes wide as if he had just witnessed some sort of ghost. His heart raced as he took a few quick, deep breaths, hoping to calm himself down. Well... what a way to start off things again, huh? "S-Sorry..." Jasper muttered as he exhaled again, letting his grip on the chair loosen as he returned to his previous position. "I... I-I didn't see you there."

That shaking sensation returned just as quickly as it left, to the point where Jasper had to make a conscientious attempt to stop doing it. He sighed heavily, his eyes jumping from the dog in her lap to her sweet face. A dog. Really? He bit down lightly on his bottom lip, a bit of concern flickering in his eyes. If it wasn't obvious already, Jasper wasn't much of a dog person. He wasn't exactly an animal person in general, really. Time and time again did Emma demand, 'Daddy! I want a puppy!' And time and time again, he refused. It was probably one of the only requests the little girl had for her father that he would not give in to. They were too much responsibility, they smelled, they shed their fur everywhere... it was just too much, especially in their small apartment. So, Jasper did his best to steer clear of animals. But, it looked like he didn't have a choice for the rest of the afternoon.

He thought about saying something, perhaps complimenting on how cute it was, but Jasper wasn't sure he'd be able to do it without sounding fake. So, he simply looked down, still feeling terrible about making her cry. "Listen... I... um..." Jasper began, scrambling to find the right way to say 'I'm sorry.' "I-I'm, um... I'm... really sorry if anything I said -- or did -- upset you. I didn't... I didn't mean to. It's just, I-I mean..." His shaky yet genuine voice trailed off again, finding himself unable to finish. He sighed heavily, chewing anxiously on his bottom lip as he fiddled with the pencil in his delicate hands. Finally, he managed to look back up at her, frowning slightly as he spoke, "... the last thing I ever want to do is hurt you."

[Serenity Lane]

Serenity winced slightly as his remark, looking down, away from him, sighing. "It's fne." she said, glancing up at him. "I didn't mean to startle you." she muttered.

The puppy cocked its head at Jasper's loudness, and sudden movements. It let out a small bark, hearing the pencil loudly hit the desk. It quieted down though, as Serenity held it closer.

She sighed, listening to him, her eyes closing. "Just..." she interrupted, but let him finish. "Just don't worry about it.." her eyes opened, watching him chew on his bottom lip, which he seemed to do alot. "I hope you know after a while, you're gonna regret doing that." she muttered. "Chewing on your lip, I mean." she added.

The next class came in, and she allowed one of the girls to hold it for the period, since she was almost begging. Since it was young, it hadn't began shedding much. Not to mension it was short haired. Looking back to Jasper, she tried to think of something to say. But she found herself not being able to speak. Out of everyone, it was him that made her breathless. She gasped slightly for air, allowing her head to lay in her arms. "Ugh, I don't feel good..." she lied. "I think I'm just gonna go...after this period. I need to go check in to my room anyways.."

[Jasper Devine]

Jasper couldn't help but laugh, not so much at her comment, but at himself. To say that he 'scared easily' was quite an understatement, for he had a tendency to jump twenty feet in the air whenever he was taken by surprise. Even something as little as being tapped on the shoulder caused him great panic. It was kind of an embarrassing habit for him, considering almost every time it happened he screamed like a girl, thus causing everyone within a hundred foot radius would turn and look at him. Needless to say, it was horrible to experience, especially in high school. Again, there were probably pills or something he could do to fix the problem, and yet Jasper refused to look into it. "It's okay," He said with a small smile, "It... it happens a lot."

Unfortunately, his joy didn't last very long, for the conversation took a more serious turn in a matter of minutes. He watched her intently, guilt burning in his heart as she spoke. It was official: she hated him. Way to go, asshole. Another potentially perfect friendship, shattered because Jasper had to run his mouth without so much as a thought to what he was saying. He cursed himself silently, hanging hi head low in shame. Well, so much for a great first day, and a great year. This was going to be hell. Again, the thought of leaving crossed his mind. But, he already thanked Serenity for keeping him there. Shit. Why did he have to speak so soon? Now he was totally fucked. It would be so rude to just walk out on her now; but, things would only get worse if they had to work together and converse everyday.

He bit down gently on his bottom lip as the dilemma raged on in his head. However, his train of thought was broken as she spoke again, his eyes sliding up to look at her. Her warning stirred a little bit of alarm in him, once more letting his hair fall over his face. She sounded so ominous -- scary, even. Quickly, he released his lip, drawing a deep breath as a wave of humiliation washed over him. He tried to make a small mental note to stop himself from doing it, but at this point it was kind of a sub-conscious action for him. "S-Sorry," He mumbled, "It's... a bad habit of mine."

A frown took over his lips, beginning to feel worse and worse as the seconds ticked by. At this point, he just wanted to go home, to sleep this whole day off. But, unfortunately, Serenity beat him to the punch. He looked up the instant she spoke of feeling ill, his body growing a little tense. Of course she was going to leave; Jasper was even willing to bet money that she wouldn't be coming back, either. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. He stood up and walked over to her, lightly placing a hand on her shoulder in an attempt to bring her a little comfort. "Alright... well..." Jasper stuttered softly, bending down so he was at her level, "Can I get you anything, in the meantime?" Honestly, he felt really awkward talking to her after all that had just happened within the last hour, but still, he had to be polite.