Collision

"Take a break and eat," Anna closes my textbook and replaces it with a tray full of food. This is the fourth time this lunch that she has tried to get me to stop cramming for next weeks exams. This time, I don't protest.

I push my book and papers aside and grab the apple that sits on the tray. Once I bite into it, my stomach groans and begs for me. I hadn't realized how hungry I was.

"Why are you studying so much? Every time I see you your faced is stuffed into the book!" Anna jabs her finger at my stats textbook.

I set down the half eaten apple. "Because, I care about going to college." I don't mean to be rude but none of my friends, apart from Eleanor, is interested in going to college. Not even Harry.

"This is your senior year! You should stop staring at your book and go out and party more!" Anna says too enthusiastically. Everyone at the table cheers and beats their hands on the table like a bunch of children.

"I've been to parties," I don't meet their pondering eyes.

"Yeah, you have. But you haven't gone to a party every night like the rest of the people your age." Luke says.

I push my empty tray away and a collect my bag. "I'm going to study in peace where I'm not criticized for not going to a party as frequently as you all." I walk away without saying anything else and head over to Harry's table. I sit down next to him and put my head in my hands, groaning loudly.

"Everything alright?" Harry laughs at me and rubs my back softly.

I sit up and stare at him with complete seriousness. "Do you think that I don't act like my age?" I ask.

"Well, kind of. I mean you are always studying," he jokes, his eyes widening when he realizes that I was serious. But it's too late, I've already gotten up and started moving toward someplace that accepts my studying.

"Jess, wait," Harry's voice carries over to me, but I ignore it and keep walking.

I find myself in the library, at one of the corner tables that no one bothers. I sit down in the tall stool and spread everything out on the desk.

While I'm going over my stats notebook, my mind goes to yesterday's events. Harry coming over and helping me decorate, our argument over if true love really exists. I feel guilty about snapping at him like that, but it bothered me that he agreed with Anna. I act my age. I don't always study. I have a boyfriend.

Yes, I am how I'm supposed to be. I don't need other people telling me that I'm too boring or stingy.

"Had a rough day?" A voice asks and I take my head from my hands to see Cameron standing over me. My initial thought is to be glad, but I suddenly remember everything that happened.

"Not really," I say harshly and shut my book. I can study at home.

"Wait, please." He tells me and I stop momentarily. I can't believe I'm actually considering this, but I still remain in my seat and watch as he takes the one across from me.

"I'm sorry about what happened. I never meant for it to get like that, but I was just angry that you were defending him. You're too good for him."

I bite my lip and look down at the table. I know Cameron meant good by telling me that I was better than Harry, but it still made me upset that I had to defend my boyfriend.

"I know you meant well," I say and his face softens.

"But, you can't just get angry with me because of who I'm dating. That is my decision." I add quickly.

"I know, that was wrong of me."

"I have a proposal," I say. I hate giving in this easily but I miss my friend.

"Say it."

"We can get past this, if you agree to help me study for exams." I plead with desperation in my voice.

"I guess," he smiles and I return the favor.

We spend the rest of the lunch period studying quietly. I help Cameron with his French and Biology while he returns the favor by helping me with Stats. By the time the bell rings, I feel like some of the pressure of the upcoming exams has disappeared.

"We can get together some time this week," Cameron touches my arm as we leave the library.

I nod and say goodbye to him, watching as he darts down another hallway to get to his class.
I begin walking to my locker, but stop short when I see the boy leaning against it. His brilliant green eyes blaze as I approach him.

"Hi," I swallow hard. No doubt he just saw me and Cameron.

"Why were you with him?" He asks harshly.

"He's helping me study for exams since no one else will," I snap, surprising the both of us. Harry's shock is quickly masked by a smug expression.

"That doesn't mean you have to go running toward him," he crosses his arms and I roll my eyes.

"I didn't go running toward him. He came to me and I asked if he wanted to study for exams," I don't look at him and instead open my locker.

"Can't you study alone?" He asks like a child. I stuff my textbooks in my locker along with some notebooks that I don't need right now.

"I'm studying with him, and you can't stop me," I slam my locker door shut and head to my class with Harry on my heels. I know our conversation isn't over but I need to focus on my class.

"To hell I can't. You can't see him again," Harry tells me as we sit down in Stats.

"You can't tell me who and who I can't talk to," I argue, crossing my arms.

"You aren't going to see him again," he challenges, leaning forward slightly. The movement is a little intimidating but I'm not giving in this easily.

"Harry-" I start but we're shushed by the teacher who is glaring wildly at us.

I look over at Harry and notice that his jaw is clenched, as well as his hands. I want to tell him that everything will be okay, but I decide to leave it alone for the time being. He looks angry and there is no way that I'm going to add gasoline to the fire.

Notes

Hi guys! I'm back :) It's really late here and I updated for you all so it would mean so much if you took a second out of your time to comment or vote!

I would make this longer but I'm extremely tired so good night lovelies <3