Page 38 of Learning to Love

I debated on whether to ask Jake to take me or not but finally decided against it. Sasha is with Dallas getting something to eat, and Jake and the other three are playing video games. I opted for alone time while they were playing. I had planned on catching a long nap before we had dinner tonight, but Mother Nature decided against that. Insert giant eye roll here. I'm already grumpy!

The bus stops, and I get off quickly. The following bus to the campus comes in about fifteen minutes. If I miss it, I'll have to wait an hour for another one. I'm not about that life, so I run into Target like I've got something to prove. I almost stop in front of the M&M's, but I've got a game plan. I can get some in the checkout line after getting what I need. I'll need some chocolate and a soda. I don't think I have any at home. I'll have to get some period snacks quickly.

I grab three boxes of pads. I never want to be in this predicament again. I've always just counted on my Mama to take care of everything. I need to thank her for that when I talk to her tonight. Being an adult is not everything I thought it would be, and don't get me started on the anxiety I'm already feeling when I think about having bills after graduation! I need to figure out my major, like yesterday.

I look at my watch, I've still got twelve minutes. I'm good on time. The front wasn't bustling when I passed by there a minute ago. I pick up all the snacks and make my way to an awaiting cashier. Just me and my four full bags rush to the bus stop with five minutes to spare. Periods are the worst!

I place my bags down and get on my phone. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a tall, thin girl walk up. She starts talking with a guy who seems oddly familiar. It takes me a minute to place him. I think he's in our Biology class. Is his name Jeffery? He sits next to Benji. They've quickly become best friends. I'm disgusted and immediately creeped out. Sometimes I catch them staring at me during class.

Benji walks up from the other side. They haven't noticed me yet. I grab my bags thinking maybe I’ll wait for the late bus anyway. This one might get too overcrowded and awkward for me—a total trainwreck. I'm not for that at all. I stare at them as I back up. The girl that I don't know hands creepy Jeffery some money and he quickly puts it in his pocket. While weirdly obsessed with me, Benji pulls a small clear bag out of his. The contents of which look like several medium size white tablets. He hands it to the girl. Holy moly! Benji is a drug dealer.

Benji turns around, and our eyes lock. He's surprised, but not as surprised as me. Why didn't I leave when I had the chance? I knew Benji was trouble; this only proves it. I nod my head at him in recognition. If I speak to him, he'll know I saw something. If I ignore him like I usually would, maybe he won't realize I saw the whole drug deal go down.

He smirks at me and whispers something to Jeffery. Jeffery pulls a knife out of his pocket and stares at me while he acts like he's trimming his nails. I'm scared to death, but hopefully, my face gives nothing away. I roll my eyes because that's what I would’ve done before witnessing the deal. I've listened to enough crime podcasts to know I can't show any fear. I roll my eyes again for good measure at them both.

I call Jake. I don't know what else to do but he doesn't answer. Of course! He always answers, and the one time he doesn't, I witnessed a drug deal. I text him instead.

Baby, please meet me at the bus stop near your house. I'm okay, but I need you! I'll be there in about 10 minutes.

We all load up on the bus, and I still have no answer from Jake. I decide to send a group text to all my new friends. It may be Jake's turn to play the video game so he won't be looking at his phone if that’s the case. They sit across the aisle from me and I want to hyperventilate, but I don’t. Fake it until I make it, right?! I shoot off the group text.

Help! Please! I'm not okay. I don't know what I'll do if someone doesn't meet me at the bus stop near the football house. I’m beyond freaked! I'll be there in a few minutes.

My phone starts vibrating. It's Jake. Thank GOD! "Hey, baby!"

"What's going on, Dani?! Are you okay? I'm almost there. Where are you, baby?" He's panicked.

I feel terrible for making him feel that way, but I'm scared. I have a fake smile on my face continuing to play the part. "Baby, I can't wait to see you. I have all the snacks from Target! I got everything on the list as promised for our movie night."

"Okay. I have no idea what's going on, Dani. I'll need an explanation when you get here. Are you okay?"

"I don't know."

"Do I need to kick anybody's ass?"

"The jury's still out."

"How much longer until you get here? I'm losing my shit, baby.”

"I know, Jake. The bus is rounding the corner. Do you see it yet?"

"Yes."

I see him and my eyes tear up so I turn my head so they don’t notice. I don't want them to see my face. If I say another word, I'll start balling. I hang up my phone as the bus comes to a complete stop and patiently wait my turn, then I jet to the front. They are behind me and I don't have any nerves left to lose.

I throw my bags down and jump into my lover's arms. I know the exact moment Jake sees them, his body stiffens. I wipe my face, and he picks the bags up. He tries to say something in the process. I whisper, "just a sec."

Jake surprisingly stays quiet. We jump in the truck, and he starts the engine. He's gripping the steering wheel so hard his knuckles are white. "What happened?"

"Can we please go back to your house first? I promise I'll tell you." Now that I'm out of danger, surprisingly, I'm eerily calm. I don't want him to find out until we are far enough away from them. There is no telling what he might do when he finds out.

Benji and Jeffery are still standing there, watching the truck. After a moment's hesitation, he drives off. The guys are all waiting outside the house when we get there. Jake grabs my bags, and I calmly get out of the car. Once my legs touch the ground, I'm gone. I run into the house, and they all follow.

Jake grabs my hand, and I start shaking. "I just saw Benji and that other guy from Bio do a drug deal. I'm pretty sure they know I saw it. I'm scared. That creepy Jeffery guy pulled a knife out trying to intimidate me."

Jake pulls me into a tight embrace. "Who the fuck is Jeffery, Jaxon?"

Jaxon jumps up and starts pacing, rattled by what I just said. "I'm gonna beat his ass! I told you about him, Jake. He's Benji's new bestie in our Biology class. He also meets up with him sometimes after football practice. You remember, the one I told you that constantly stares at her."