He Doesn't Look A Thing Like Jesus; But He Talks Like A Gentleman

Sitting on a highly uncomfortable lunch bench, Jack Barakat secretly analyzed the people around him. He set his sights on the girl across the cafeteria talking animatedly with the two girls next to her.

Though it wasn’t the first time he had seen her, Jack couldn’t help but to be astounded by her beauty and her dazzling smile. And of course, as most teenage boys would, he couldn’t help but let his eyes trail down to her chest. He let them linger in that general region for perhaps longer than was necessary.

In hopes of not being caught staring, Jack turned away and joined in on the conversation between his little sister’s boyfriend and his cousin Zack. Without his knowing, Jasyn had disappeared from the table. He looked around and saw her standing near a vending machine.

Looking closer, he realized that the person at the vending machine was Alex Gaskarth. He also noticed the short interaction they had. He scowled and looked away. I’ll talk to her about that later, he thought before snapping back into reality.

It took all he had not to look back at the table that Chase was sitting at. He listened to the pointless words spewing out of Tommy’s mouth - he liked to talk about himself. A lot. Or maybe it was that he liked to hear his own voice. Either way, Jack found it slightly annoying and didn’t know what it was that his sister found so great about him. He laughed along whenever the others did and pretended to be interested in the conversation.

Feeling as if someone was staring at him, he directed his attention to a girl that was attempting to smile seductively. To him though, she just looked constipated. Jack remembered that she had invited him to a party at her house, saying he could bring whomever he’d like. He shrugged before looking away. Who was he to turn down free booze?

Tommy had begun talking yet again and Jack laughed without knowing what he really said. He guessed he shouldn’t have went along with it when his sister mumbled a “screw you” before storming out. He and Zack shared an awkward ‘What just happened?’ look before the bell rang. The boys all got up and went their separate ways.

Jack decided it would be okay to look over at the table he’d been trying to avoid. Bad idea. This time, Chase Gaskarth stared right back. Not knowing what to do, he took the same route his sister did: smile.

The girl scrunched her eyebrows in confusion before politely lifting one side of her mouth to return the gesture. He shook his head, wondering why he had done that, before leaving the cafeteria.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Jasyn sat on the edge of her seat, as far away from Alex as possible. Mrs. Desmond had begun to talk about the topic they were currently discussing: decision making. She walked around the classroom as she spoke. Jasyn was thankful for that. It gave her a reason to look anywhere but at the boy next to her.

She didn’t even notice that Alex had been mocking the teacher the whole time until the woman called him out on it.

“Young man,” she said. “If you do not stop your childish antics right now you will leave me no choice but to send you to the principal’s office.” She raised her voice, trying to convey her annoyance.
“Aw, come on Ms. D! Lighten up! I was just messing with you.” he protested. Jasyn scoffed at his reply. “Do you have something to say, Barakat?”

Jasyn turned to look at him and glared.

“Yeah, Gaskarth Just thought I’d let you know that we’re not in kindergarten anymore. You’re just making yourself out to be a dick.”
“Miss Barakat! Please watch your language! I appreciate your concern, but allow me to handle this situation.”
“I’m sorry Mrs. Desmond, but some people just don’t know the meaning of respect.”
“Oh, because you’re just so damn respectful! What is it with your family, always thinking that you’re so high and mighty? Newsflash! Here, you’re nothing.”

Jasyn, provoked only by the mention of her family, retorted.

“Oh and you’re just so great, correct? Mr. Popular and little Miss Prissy Bitch. You and that cousin of yours better steer clear of my family because if you don’t, the consequences will be dire. I assume you’ll soon learn that.”

“Language!” Jasyn shrunk back in her chair, sorry for saying anything that Mrs. Desmond could possibly throw her out for.

“You shouldn’t assume, sweetheart. Alls it does is make an ass out of you.” Alex stated with a smirk.
“How clever of you! You already have that covered though, being an ass.”
“That is IT! To the office, the both of you!”

The class ‘ooh’ed as the two were forced out of the room. Jasyn glared at Alex. Oh how I wish looks could kill.

“I really hate you.” she said when they finally made it to their destination.
“Back at ‘cha, Barakat.”
Jasyn rolled her eyes and sunk into the office chair, awaiting her punishment.