In the Heart of Forever Read Online Free PDF Page A

back into the room and I followed behind her.
    I headed to the back of the classroom and sat beside Jake. He looked at me with warm brown eyes and I smiled.
    “How’s it going, Jess?”
    I placed my books on the table in front of us, opening my Chemistry book. “Alright, I guess.”
    “Everything okay?”
    I sighed. “No.”
    Jake placed his hand on mine squeezing it gently. “Anything I can do at all, please let me know.”
    A hard lump formed in my throat at his thoughtfulness. “I will,” I whispered.
    He removed his hand and cleared his throat. “I’ve seen you with that new kid.”
    My eyes glanced up to his. “So…”
    “I’ve heard rumors.”
    “Since when do you listen to rumors?” I asked.
    He shrugged. “I’m not saying I listen to them but they’re kinda hard to miss. Even the teachers are talking about him, Jess.”
    “Well I’m sure the rumors aren’t true.”
    “Are you friends with him?”
    My skin tingled, remembering the tender touch of Rave brushing my hair behind my ear. “Yes, I am.”
    Jake didn’t respond and I looked up at him. His back was stiff as he roughly pulled his books out of his bag.
    I frowned. “Jake?”
    His gaze met mine.
    I held back a gasp at the cold dark look staring back at me. Unease settled in my belly and I looked away.
    A hand landed on my knee making me jump.
    “I like you Jesse,” Jake whispered in my ear.
    I grabbed his hand and pushed it off of my knee. “Jake, stop.”
    He placed his hand back on my leg, digging his fingers into my skin.
    I whipped my head around and glared, pushing his hand away. “What the hell is your problem?”
    His eyes darkened. “You’re going to the dance with Rave, aren’t you?”
    I opened and closed my mouth. I hadn’t really thought about it. “No…I don’t know…he hasn’t asked me.”
    “If he does, you’ll say yes.”
    “Why do you care? We’re friends Jake.”
    “I like you.” His eyes warmed.
    “I like you, too.”
    “No. I like you, Jesse.”
    My heart thumped against my chest at what he was saying. “Jake, please. You’re my best friend. Don’t…”
    He raised an eyebrow. “Don’t what?”
    “Don’t ruin it.” I abruptly raised my hand, stopping Mrs. Harrison mid-sentence.
    “Yes, Jesse?”
    I swallowed hard as the eyes of my classmates turned to me. “May I be excused? I need to see the nurse.”
    She nodded.
    I quickly grabbed my things, ignoring Jake’s scrutiny. I couldn’t believe him. What changed in the last couple of days? Maybe Jake was jealous of Rave.
    I headed down the aisle and organized my papers in my hand while Mrs. Harrison went with on with class.
    As I approached the door, my feet hit something hard and I went flying. Landing hard on my palms and knees, sharp pain shot through my limbs. My papers, bag and books flew out of my arms as an eruption of laughter sounded around me. My chest tightened as people continued to laugh at my very public tumble.
    Hands grabbed my arms, helping me to my feet. “Are you alright?”
    I looked up at Mrs. Harrison through cloudy eyes and nodded. I dashed out of the classroom, heading for my sanctuary but not before I noticed Miranda smirking in her seat. Looks like Melanie wasn’t the meanest one after all.
    Practically running into the library, I slowed down to a walk as Mrs. Johnson looked up at me from her desk. “Everything alright, Jesse?”
    I nodded, forcing back the fury that had buried deep in my belly.
    “Why aren’t you in class?”
    “Not feeling well,” I grumbled and hurried to the back of the library.
    “If you need anything, let me know.”
    I called out a thank you and headed to my favorite corner. Mrs. Johnson was wonderful that way. She didn’t ask questions. She knew I was supposed to be in class but didn’t press or ask why I wasn’t.
    After placing my bag in the corner, I walked down the row of books, lightly grazing my fingers over the hard and soft copies.
    I closed my eyes and took a couple of