Chapter 12: Locker Room Challenge

KARA

“I’ve called you here to talk to you about your son’s records and behavior.” While sitting quietly in my seat, I pondered on why I was here. This had nothing to do with me.

“What has Jason done this time?” Mr. Kade asked coldly. From the corner of my eye, I saw his mom give Mr. Kade a certain glare—one that disapproved of his tone.

Our principal took a deep breath. “I’m sure you’re aware of the incident today. We’ve already dealt with the two other students, and they’ve admitted to starting it.”

Jason and I glanced at each other briefly. That meant we’d get a less harsh punishment than them, so that’s good.

“Aside from that, his grades are slipping, and he’s just scraping by. If he continues this path, he’ll be suspended from both school and the football team. But if he does what he needs to, he’ll be able to bring them up,” our principal explained.

“That’s why Kara Acosta is here.” My ears perked at the sound of my name, and I looked back up to see Mr. Jones staring at me.

The woman gave me a warm smile, and I smiled back shyly. “She is one of our best students, and I know she can help your son,” Mr. Jones finished with approval in his voice.

“So you’re saying Kara is able to help my son?” Mr. Kade asked.

“I don’t need a tutor,” Jason grumbled.

Mr. Jones looked at Jason. “Considering what just happened less than thirty minutes ago, you don’t have an option,” our principal snapped.

“You’re lucky Marcus admitted that it was his fault, but that doesn’t dismiss your actions. It’s either get expelled or change your ways right now.” The room went silent.

Mr. Jones then faced me. “To answer your question, Mr. Kade, I’m not sure. That’s why I asked Kara to come so we could speak to her about this situation.”

I looked over at Jason, who was staring at his feet. My heart ached as I watched him.

As his new friend, I definitely wanted to help him.

“Yeah, I can do it.” I smiled at them. I felt Jason move next to me, and I looked over at him. He was staring at me with an unreadable stare so intense that I turned back to Mr. Jones.

Mrs. Kade smiled at me. “This means a lot to us. Thank you.” I returned the kind smile.

“When do you suggest these tutor sessions start?” the beautiful woman asked Mr. Jones and me. I remained quiet and stared at the principal, waiting for a response.

“That’s up to Kara and her time.” I felt so nervous about having this situation left in my hands. What if I wasn’t able to help him and only made things worse?

“Um, well, I don’t mind. I can start whenever.” I glanced between the parents. Jason’s dad remained silent, letting his wife do the talking.

“Finals are coming up next month. Can you start next week?” Mrs. Kade asked with worried eyes. I nodded, and she gave me another warm smile.

Our principal wrapped things up and gave Jason and me a pass. Jason snatched the note out of our principal’s hand before storming out of the room. I stumbled behind, trying to catch up to him.

Once we were in the hallway, I tried calling out to him, asking him to slow down.

Jason stopped walking and banged his fist against a locker, causing me to jump back in surprise. The noise echoed down the empty hallway.

Jason placed both arms up against the lockers and hung his head, staring at the ground. I walked closer to him. “Jason?” I gently placed a hand on his shoulder blade, feeling his tense muscles.

“You didn’t have to do that.” Jason’s deep voice finally spoke up. I shoved him roughly, catching him by surprise. Jason removed himself from the locker and looked up at me.

“Yes, I did.” I crossed my arms over my chest, sending him a stern glare. “We’re friends, remember?”

Jason’s lips formed into a lazy smile, and he nodded. “Sorry you had to deal with that.” His smile turned into a forced one, and he stared down at the ground again.

“We all have family problems.” I smiled back, thinking about my mom. We stood in silence for a moment, letting time pass by while we absorbed our thoughts.

“Thank you, Kara.” His blue eyes met mine, and we leaned against the lockers. The cold metal pressing against my bare arm sent a shiver down my spine.

“Don’t worry. I owe you for having my back,” I commented, and he laughed while shaking his head at me. I’m sure Mr. Jones and Jason’s parents were talking about his consequences right now.

“He deserved it,” Jason finally replied, giving me a reassuring smile. This smile, the one where he was genuinely happy, was my favorite smile. It was real and genuine, not playful or mocking.

“What’s with all the fighting anyway?”

I decided to be bold and bring up the topic. All the rumors about him never really fazed me, but now that I knew him, and now that we’re starting to become friends, it’s different.

I really wanted to know the truth behind it all.

I could feel him tense up next to me. “I started boxing when I was younger. I guess I’m just a hormonal teenager sometimes,” Jason explained vaguely, and I decided not to push it.

My head bobbed as I nodded in agreement. “You’re really good. I’m not sure that’s a good thing since it’s promoting aggressive behavior.”

Jason let out a small laugh, and his eyebrow perked. “Maybe I can teach you a move or two. You know, so you can beat up the next guy for both of us.”

I laughed at the thought of it. I was imagining Jason working out shirtless, and I immediately tried to push the image out of my head.

“Maybe I can beat you up?” I taunted.

“I highly doubt that.” Laughter erupted from him, and I playfully glared at him. My semi-threat didn’t work, and he doubled over, clearly amused by my comment.

“Never doubt a girl,” I added. Jason leaned back against the lockers.

“Well, I’m doubting you right now.” Jason continued to laugh as I narrowed my eyes at him. “But I accept your challenge, Kara Acosta.” He spoke the words slowly.

“If I remember correctly, when I hit you in gym, you fell over and began crying like a two-year-old.” My eyebrows furrowed as he tensed, probably remembering the painful memory.

“That was an unfair hit,” Jason said as he checked his phone for the time.

“Someone’s in denial,” I replied in a singsong voice and turned to walk to class. “I’ll see you in gym.” Looking at him over my shoulder, I purposely swung my hips seductively as I walked away.

“Or in the locker room.” The smirk on his face was the last thing I saw before I rolled my eyes and continued walking to my class.