Chapter-8

'One! Two! One! Two!"

We were in the field merching. Our PT teacher is a little strict.

'Adam! I'll close my eyes and run, so you guide me, okay?'

'Okay.'

'I'm really closing them.'

'Okay.'

I really don't understand this boy. He really acts like a immature child sometimes. I hold his hand and guided him.

'Adam, wanna come with me to learn the folk dance after class?'

'Folk?'

'I'm gonna meet Jessica there. It's my dad and his friend's idea. They want us to meet at a healthy recreation. A lot of girls will be there, so you pick one for you.'

I was lost in my thoughts that I should go or not. I didn't even noticed that I let go Zach's hand.

'Gonna come, right?'

'I don't know.'

Then I realized Zach is not near me. And I saw him bumping into a tree closing his eyes.

'Zach!'

After school we went to the folk class. I really didn't wanted to come. I don't want to meet her and increase my feelings. But for me Zach had a bandage on his head. That's why I have to go.

We entered the hall. My eyes landed on her. She was standing with one of her friends. Our eyes met. We went towards them. Jessica was still looking at me, not giving any attention to Zach.

'Jessica, this is my friend Adam Kate.'

He looked at me and said, 'She's the one I told you about.'

'I'm Adam Kate. Nice to meet you.'

I tried not to show that I know her. It would be good for both of us.

'Hello. Are you two friends?' she said looking at me.

'Do you know each other?'

'N..no, we don't.'

'He is my best friend.'

'This is my friend, Nahin.'

We introduced each other. Then the folk teacher came.

'Everyone please have a seat.'

Jessica took a seat. Every boys rushed to seat beside her. I can say she is popular in school. I sat next to Zach. Jessica was sitting at the opposite direction.

'Today I will teach you the folk dance. Sounds fun, right?'

'Yes.'

'Folk dance is....'

The teacher started her lesson. I wasn't giving attention to her as my eyes were only on Jessica. I saw her looking at my direction.

'I missed you.' she smiled and muttered to me.

'Me, too.'

After the class we had a group dance where we were changing our partner continuously. I was excited to be partnered with her. Soon she became my partner. We smiled at each other.

'I didn't know you were Zach's friend.' she said.

I just nodded and smiled at her. Well, that's what hurts the most.

After the class we walked back home. It was already evening. The walk was silent. Jessica and I was continuously exchanging glances, not uttering a word. When suddenly Nahin popped out from behind and started blabbering.

'I want to be a woman anchor. So I always practice my speech. Can you do this? Peter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers..... Did I do okay? I can do it faster. Peter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers....Shall I do it faster? Peter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. Give it a try.'

'Peter Piper a pecked of peppers pickled....'

'You'll need a lot of practice. Repeat precisely after me. Peter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.'

She was kinda annoying. I was having a hard time with her. I looked at Jessica with pleading eyes for help and saw her holding her laughing.

'We should split up now.'

Zach said gaining all our attention towards him. I nodded.

'I'll take Jessica home. So you take care of Nahin. Okay?'

NO! That means I have to be with that annoying girl the whole time, alone. But, I guess I don't have any choice.

'See you later.'

'I had fun. Good night.'

'Bye, Jessica. Good night.' she wave her goodbye.

I couldn't say anything. I didn't wanted to be with Nahin. I stood there and saw them walking away.

'What are you doing? Let's get going.'

I nodded and started walking with her.

'Adam! Then try something easier....mhmm....Try this. She sells seashells by the seashore. Easy, huh? Give it a try.'

'Pardon?' I wasn't listening to her as my thoughts were filled with Jessica.

'I said give it a try.'

'Give what a try?'

'She sells seashells by the seashore. Give this a try.'

'I can't. Please don't ask me to.'

'You can't do this? She sells seashells by the seashore. It's easy. She sells seashells.....'

She again stared blabbering. I found a opportunity to sneak out. While she was talking I stopped and hide behind a tree and sneaked out. I can't waste my time here. I need to meet Jessica. So I followed the path Jessica and Zach left. Soon I reached the end.

'Have a good night.'

'Yes..'

'Goodbye.'

I saw Zach waved at her and she went upstairs. Her house was at the hilly part of the city. She needed to climb several stairs to reach the main gate of her house. I was looking at her. I saw her stopped at the door and looked back. Zach already left. She was still standing there like she was waiting for someone. She looked sad. I felt like she was waiting for me. Then I saw her giving up. I went towards the stairs and turned off the light. She again looked back. Then I turned on the light and showed myself. Her face lit up seeing me. She came running down the stairs and hugged me tightly. I hugged her back like there is no tomorrow.