Chapter 24: Hot shot
“Hey Lydia, I heard what happened between you and Damien,” Jack muttered, walking up to her with his hands tucked into his jacket pockets.
Lydia let out a tired sigh and rolled her eyes. “So?”
Jack scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. “So… I didn’t know you liked Damien.”
She looked away, crossing her arms over her chest as the cool breeze brushed past them. “It was just an infatuation, I guess.”
Jack raised a brow. “Just an infatuation?”
Lydia shrugged, forcing a small smile. “Yeah, nothing serious. Besides, Damien likes Lyra, I just didn't see it.”
Jack watched her for a second, his expression softening. “You okay?”
She gave a short laugh, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “I will be.”
He nodded slowly. “For what it’s worth, I think you deserve someone who actually sees you.”
Lydia’s eyes flicked to his for a moment before she looked down. “Thanks, Jack.”
He gave her a small, encouraging nudge on the shoulder. “Anytime.”
They stood in silence for a moment, the tension slowly melting away as the wind rustled the trees around them.
Jack leaned against the wall beside Lydia, glancing sideways at her. “So, what happens now?”
Lydia gave a dry chuckle. “Now? I move on, I guess. Not much else to do.”
Jack tilted his head. “Is that easy?”
She sighed, pulling her arms tighter around herself. “It’s not easy, Jack but what’s the point of chasing someone who’s already made a choice?”
He nodded, tapping his fingers lightly against his leg. “Fair point.”
Lydia looked up at him, a small smirk forming on her lips. “You’re unusually supportive today.”
Jack shrugged, trying to act casual. “Maybe I’m just tired of watching good people get hurt.”
Her smile faded into something softer, more thoughtful. “Thanks… for being here.”
Jack looked at her, he could feel her heart beat, then he gave her a warm smile. “You know, Damien might not see it, but you’re kind of hard to ignore, Lydia.”
She laughed, rolling her eyes again, but this time with less bitterness. “Smooth jack, very smooth.”
He winked. “I can't help it.”
They stood there a while longer, letting the silence settle for once they felt comfortable with each other and in that moment, Lydia didn’t feel quite so forgotten.
"You sure do look pretty," a voice came from behind.
Lydia froze for a second, the hairs on the back of her neck rising. She turned around slowly, her eyes narrowing as they landed on a tall guy leaning against the hallway wall with a smirk widely on his lips.
Her arms crossed instinctively over her chest. "Do I know you?" she asked, her tone cool but curious.
The guy pushed off the wall, taking a step closer. "Not yet," he said, his gaze shamelessly running over her. "But I’d like to."
Lydia’s jaw tightened, her posture stiffening as she took a small step back, something about his smile didn’t sit right.
The guy stepped closer to Lydia with a confident grin. “Name’s Bryce, you must be new around here. I would’ve noticed someone like you.”
Lydia raised a brow, trying not to roll her eyes. “I’m not new, you just don’t pay attention.”
Jackleaned in closer, his arms crossed. “She’s busy,” he said sharply, eyes locked on Bryce.
Bryce glanced at Jack, unfazed. “Didn’t ask you, man.” He turned back to Lydia. “So, you got a number or do I have to earn it?”
"You sound interesting, so why don't you earn it." Lydia smiled, her lips curved into a smile.
"I love girls like you, you make my heart race." Bryce touched his chest, he smiled and raised one of his eyebrows.
"Aren't you ashamed, she dosen't even know you." Jack barked.
" Listen girly...."
Jack cuts in."Girly, you blind or something."he clinched his fist.
" It's okay hot shot."Lydia smiled, pushing Bryce back.
" Don't tell me you do girls, I can see one standing right behind you."Bryce turned to Jack.
Lydia let out a small laugh, it sounded awkward but she was amused. Jack stepped in, placing a hand lightly on her shoulder. “She’s not interested.”
Bryce looked at Jack’s hand, then back at him. “Let her speak for herself.”
Jack frowned, he didn't want to get into a fight.
Lydia sighed and stepped a little closer to Jack. “Thanks, but I’m good,” she said, her voice firm.
Bryce smirked again, backing off. “Alright, I’ll see you around, beautiful.”
As he walked away, Jack watched him, jaw clenched. Lydia noticed.
“You okay?” she asked.
Jack shrugged. “Didn’t like the way he looked at you.”
Lydia smiled slightly. “Why? Jealous?”
Jack looked away, face turning red. “No, just looking out for you.”
In class, the room buzzed with quiet chatter as the teacher stepped out for a moment. Bryce and Nate, sat a few seats behind Jack and Damien, whispering and chuckling.
“So, Damien,” Bryce said loudly, grinning, “heard you’re only on the hockey team ‘cause your daddy paid for it.”
Laughter spread through the room.
Nate joined in. “And Jack? Thought you were just the team mascot, not an actual player.”
The class burst into laughter again. Jack’s fists clenched on his desk, his expression changed.”
Damien turned slowly. “You got something to say, say it to my face.”
Bryce stood, smirking. “Relax, hotshot. Just making conversation.”
Nate smirked.” You getting angry or something, the team dumbass sorry the team captain…is it.” Nate chuckled.
Damien frowned." Watch your tongue.”
Jack stood up too. “Keep running your mouth and see where it gets you.”
Nate pushed his chair back. “What, you two gonna cry together?”
That was it. Damien moved fast, grabbing Bryce by the shirt and shoved him against the wall. Jack tackled Nate, knocking over a desk and chaos erupted.
Students screamed and jumped back as punches flew. The teacher rushed in seconds later, yelling, “Break it up! Everyone, stop!”
By the time they were pulled apart, both Damien and Jack had bruises and detention slips waiting for them.