This is how I die

Jazz's POV

"Excuse me Sir. But where the fruit jelly are we going?"

"Just wait and see. And mind your language!" Mr Grayson booms. His voice echoing through the empty halls which we're walking.

"What language? I said fruit jelly," I protest for what it's worth.

He keeps walking a step or two in front of me, barely looking back as he answers. "Yes, well, I know what that is a substitute for."

"You didn't answer my question," I prod getting more and more nervous with each step. I mean where are we going? Surely if I'm in trouble they'd just send me to Principle Conners with a note, not escort me.

"If you're planning on murdering me just remember that the whole class saw me leave with you," I caution. Only half joking.

His pace quickens, "you're a funny girl, Jazz."

I'm not sure if that is meant as a compliment, but I'll take anyway.

I also notice he didn't deny that he was going to murder me.

We turn down a series of back passages which I assume are somewhere behind the school's auditorium. I've never been here before but the words 'stage left' are painted on the wall, giving away its secrets.

The light gets dimmer and the corridors more narrow with each passing second. I struggle to keep up, my legs are only half the size of his and I'm practically running now.

I'm now almost convinced I'm about to die but curiosity and a good dose of stupidity get the better of me forcing me to continue to walk in the teachers steps.

We come to a stop just outside a door marked 'back stage' and I fumble around in my bag for my phone just in case I need to call for help.

Grayson stops. His hand resting on the door handle, "Jazz, I want you to know that I don't usually do this sort of thing..."

Oh god, I am about to be murdered. Not to be dramatic but this is actually how I die.

My breath quickens, "what sort of thing?" I ask, my voice shaking.

"An ex-student of mine reached out to me and asked for a favour. So here we are."

I eye him curiously. "Sir, I..."

"Jazz. Just walk through that door. You'll be fine," he soothes, his mouth turning up at the corners ever so slightly.

Did he just smile at me? What kind of parallel universe have I entered? Since when does Mr Grayson smile? "So does this mean you're not going to murder me?" I ask one more time, just to make sure.

"No. Now hurry up! I have a class to get back to!"

I push the door open slowly. More slowly than I've ever opened a door before. Stepping inside the room cautiously I take one final look down the hallway that we just came from only to see Mr Grayson's back as he disappears around the corner.

Great I'm all alone.

"Hello?" I call out into the darkness of the room. My voice echoing back. Hello darkness my old friend.

The room is almost completely black except for the orange glow from a lamp perched on table next to an ugly old couch, whose well-worn cushions have lost all their padding and now droop in the middle.

I think I'm going to have to have a chat to interior decorator, I muse, almost tripping over a raggedy rug which cover covers half the floor and has folded up at the edge.

"Jazz?" Comes a distinct voice from the darkness.

"Who's there?" I call out in reply, acutely aware that this scene is exactly how every horror movie ever starts.

A dark shadowy figure appears from the darkness of the other side of the room. I seriously consider running but my legs are glued to the floor. I'm now convinced this more from stupidity than curiosity.

Fortunately as the figure gets closure I see that they're not big in stature and I figure I can take him. "Back off! I've pepper spray and I'm not afraid to use it," I threaten. My finger poised on the trigger of the canister in my hand.

"Woah, Jazz. I thought you'd be happy to see me," the figure laughs. Throwing their empty hands if the air as is to prove their intentions.

"I don't even kn...." I start as the figure slowly comes into view.

"Yes?" he teases, as if all too aware of the effect that his presence has on people.

It takes me a moment or two for me to regain composure, well enough composure to form words. "It's... it's... Its you!" I say, the words tumbling from my mouth.

So much for my composure...

He holds out his hand, "Hi, I'm Jax. Lovely to finally meet you."

I take hold of his hand, shaking it for longer than is probably socially acceptable. Not wanting to let go and unable to take my eyes from his. How is this happening? Why is he here? Why is he at my school? He looks back at me, holding my gaze. His sparkly blue eyes lighting up the dim room.

"I...I know who you are," I stutter. "I've been in love with you for like years."

He smiles, opening up his arms., "Well then, Love. Enough of this handshake. Come give us a hug."

I don't need to be asked twice and basically leap from my spot into his open arms. "Why are you here?" I ask into his chest.

I feel his diaphragm vibrate as he laughs. "Well the band and I are home for a few days and I had such good fun talking to you on Twitter that I thought I'd surprise you in person. So SURPRISE!"

Not wanting to let go fully I take a step back keeping one arm wrapped around him but angled so that we are face to face. "Surprise is right! How did you get Mr Grayson to agree with this?"

"He used to teach Luca and Rafa. They said he was a hardarse so I'm surprised he agreed."

"To be honest I thought he was bringing me down here to murder me," I sheepishly admit.

He laughs throwing his head back letting the sound come out unimpeded. "Meanwhile here you are threatening to pepper spray me. Why do you even have pepper spray?"

"I don't."

"But you said—"

"— It's setting spray," I confess with a smirk. "The worst it'll do is make sure you don't turn shiny."

"Resourceful."

I unashamedly flirt, running my hand through my hair and watch in satisfaction as his eyes follow the movement. "Well I try."

"Let sit and chat," he offers pointing to the gross couch.

"On that?" I ask, unable to hide my disgust.

He takes a step towards it, taking me with him. "Come on. It will be fine. We all sat there before and we're still alive."

"We?"

"Yeah the guys and I. We're all here."

We sit down on the couch and as suspected there is no support left in the cushions. Although it sinks in in such a way that Jax's leg is pressed against mine as we both slide down to the middle. Maybe this couch isn't so bad after all.

"Why? If you only came to see me?"

"It's need to know," he teases, bopping me on the nose.

"And I don't need to know?" I ask playfully swatting his hand away.

"That's right!"

We talk for about ten minutes. All the while I have to keep pinching myself, telling myself this is real and reminding myself to behave like an actual human. All I really want to do is sit here and stare at him. I'm nervous. Like really nervous. I have to try hard to control my breathing and make sure I don't sound like an idiot. This is a lot harder than I expected.

"So, Jazz I have to go meet the guys now but if love if we could grab dinner or a Starbucks together?"

What the farmhouse? Did he just ask me out. Did the love of my life just as me, Jasmine Lee, out?

I told Harri he'd hear me eventually and coming running.

"Wow, Jax. I'm really flattered," I reply as calmly as possible which is about as calm as my drunk Uncle was when his favourite bar burnt down.

"Is that a yes?" He asks, his voice smooth like liquid velvet. Reminding me that I would buy an album of him talking about boring shiitake like planting shiitake or bookkeeping tips, just to hear more of his voice.

Oh shiitake. Those eyes. Their mesmerizing.

"Uh... I'm sorry but I can't," I all but blurt. I know. Don't at me! I'm even surprising myself.

He looks to the ground, "Oh."

"I'm really sorry. Honestly I have been waiting to hear those words forever, but if being truthful. I kind of like someone else."

He eyes me cursorily. For a moment I think I see a smile but a second later it's gone. I guess some people react differently to rejection. I wonder if he has ever even been rejected. I mean who would turn Jax Wolfe down?

Me, I guess...

"Earth to Jazz."

"Sorry zoned out," I mumble as if it wasn't clear enough.

"I said, he sounds like a lucky guy. I'd love to hear more about him."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I mean a guy like that must be pretty awesome to get your attention."

There it is a definite smirk. But just like the other one it gone as soon as it came. What is with him? "Yeah he is. We've only meet once but we speak by text everyday. We're on the same wave length, ya know?"

"Yeah I think I do. What's his name?" He asks sincerely.

"Jackson," I reply as he stands indicating that our time is up.

He takes my hand and helps me from the couch before I'm sucked further into its cushions, never to return. "Well, Jazz. Jackson is one very lucky guy."

He kisses me on the hand and walks me to the door to auditorium. "Looks like we have an assembly," I say looking out the the window one way glass view panel to the bleachers where it appears the whole school is gathering.

He smiles, "Looks like it."

"Thanks Jax, This has been a dream come true."

I give him once last hug before heading out to find Harri.

"Hey, Jazz. If things don't work out with that Jackson guy. Let me know," he says as I make my way out.

I smile and push the door open. I'm immediately hit by a wall of sound. Mostly just people laughing and joking around. A few joking about regular high school drama, including a girl talking about Harri and Senna. I think about giving her a piece of my mind but to be honest I'm still in shock after whats has just happened so I end up giving her a half hearted stink eye.

I look back though the glass panel on the door but Jax is no where to be found. Just my reflection.

Shiitake... I forgot to ask him for a selfie.

———

Author's note:

May the 4th be with you!!

How are you all?

First chapter from Jazz's POV. Pretty fun to write, if I'm honest.

So Jazz meet Jax? Finally (or should that be again😂). And she turned him down 😳... or did she?

And Grayson coming through with the arrangements. He's not such a bad guy after all.

Overall thoughts on the chapter? Highs/lows.

Peace ✌️ love ❤️ and unicorns 🦄

-Trudz