Chapter 67 The Truth

Chapter 67 The Truth
Rachel Jennings.

The atmosphere in the room was tense. Jayden, who had previously been sitting in the opposite direction from my chair, was now seated next to me as if nothing had happened. I had already removed his hand, which kept resting on my thigh, several times. Whenever I glanced away from the list and met Jasper's gaze, which seemed to want to shoot daggers at Jayden, I would shrink back. He must be thinking that I forgave the tattooed guy for what he did earlier, but despite needing to accept his help, I was far from forgetting.

"I can get the flowers for the decoration!" Finn raised his hand excitedly and continued, "My family is in the florist business, so that won't be a problem." The guy smiled proudly but then asked, "Whoever helps gets extra credit, right?" He looked at me hopefully, and I shrugged.

"I can talk to Professor Ridley about it, but I can't guarantee it. Anyway, the companies that help will get good media coverage since the charity ball is usually covered by the press, and credits for collaborating companies are always given through the newspapers," I explained, and he shrugged.

"What will be the main attraction of it? Last year was a pretty boring orchestra, and from what I heard, it was a failure," Lexie recalled, and I sighed because I knew my idea wasn't much better.

"Well, I haven't decided yet," I confessed, and she smiled excitedly.

"How about giving the fashion students a chance this year and having a fashion show? We can create exclusive models, hold an auction, and all the money we raise will go to charity, as it's a charity event," Lexie suggested enthusiastically.

"Not a bad idea, but where would we get models?" I asked, interested in the idea since it would be something new.

"Well, we can be our own models. Many of the girls on the fashion course also model, and if we need more, we can always talk to Mistress Clark and offer this position to those who need extra credit hours," she explained, and I smiled, realizing that she had really thought of everything.

"In that case, I think it's an excellent idea. Does anyone have anything to add or any ideas as good as this one?" I asked, and the boys glanced at each other, but no one spoke up, so I continued. "Well, as for the food, we need a catering service," I stated, and I saw Jasper raise his hand.

"I can take care of that part," he said, and I looked at him, confused.

How did he intend to take care of that? As far as I know, he's not rich. I always see him taking the subway just like me, and I've never seen him flaunting expensive clothes like others did. Is he trying to impress me? No, I couldn't let him financially overburden himself with this.

"Actually, I was thinking if you could perform at the ball? Even with the fashion show, a ball still needs music," I argued, and he shrugged.

"Then I'll do both. I'll perform and take care of the food," he said, sounding nonchalant, and Jayden rolled his eyes.

"Hold on, Superman, leave something for the rest of us to do," Jayden retorted, and despite his attempt to annoy Jasper, I mentally thanked him when he continued. "I'll take care of the catering!" he said, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

Everyone in the room was wealthy, so it wouldn't be fair to let Jasper, who, like me, struggled to survive, be responsible for something that would be so expensive.

"Well, in that case, it's settled," I affirmed, and Jasper pouted slightly, visibly annoyed by Jayden's interference.

After discussing a few more details like the colors and theme of the prom, Lexie took it upon herself to contact the press, and in the end, she had the to-do list in her hands. Without me realizing it, she had taken almost all the responsibility upon herself, and since she seemed excited about it, I let her take the lead on the project. Maybe some distraction would be useful for her since I don't see Patrick around. They're usually attached at the hip, so if he's not here, it's because they're not on good terms yet.

When the meeting ended, we had practically everything decided, and I thought that would be enough for now, but when Lexie pulled me by the arm, dragging me towards the principal's office just as Jasper was coming to talk to me, I realized she wouldn't leave me alone for a good while. We went to Mistress Clark's office, who was so excited about Lexie's ideas that she approved extra credit hours for everyone who participated. This would be good for Jayden and Finn, who, although not in as critical a situation as his friend, still needed many extra credit hours.

I never understood people's need to leave things until the last minute. I always did my extra credit hours so organically that I barely noticed, and when I looked at the clock, it was already time for one of them. I left the room and saw Jayden and Jasper waiting for us outside. They were facing opposite directions and clearly avoiding each other. It's strange because, as far as I know, they always got along, and now they apparently invented some silly competition that only exists in their heads.

"Ready to go, Rach? It's almost time for us to take care of the puppies," Jayden reminded me, resting his right arm around my shoulders.

Jasper clenched his fists, and I could see his caramelized melanin turn a shade of red that only anger could bring to a man's face.

"Rachel, can we talk?" He asked, and I nodded, smiling at him.

"Of course! Wait for me here," I instructed Jayden, who pouted and crossed his arms like a child who had his toy taken away.

I followed Jasper to the end of the hallway, thinking that this was enough distance, but when he took my hand and guided me to an empty room, I realized that the subject was serious, and I wasn't prepared for it. He turned to face me, and his eyes were sad, but at the same time, it was clear how indignant he was.

"Did you and Jayden get back together?" He asked, incredulous, and I shrank back.

When he looked at me like that, so intensely that I feared he could read my thoughts, I felt like telling the whole truth.