The Impact of You

Avery

When Jase practically shoves me into the guest room, I’m confused. And hurt. I thought we were really getting somewhere, and after last night’s make out session, I’d been looking forward to a repeat of that. Apparently Jase isn’t. Which sucks. But I scrub my face, brush my teeth, and try not to pout as I crawl into bed.

In the morning, things are quiet over breakfast again, and Jase doesn’t dally – we’re soon saying goodbye to his mom and in the car for the journey back.

The closer we get toward campus, the more my panic sets in. Madison had been beyond pissed that I was going home with Jase, not believing for a second that his motives were virtuous with me, and now Jase, the guy I’m risking everything for, is barely speaking to me.

When he parks in front of my dorm, we exit the car and I wait while Jase retrieves my bag.

“I don’t know what I did wrong…but I don’t want things to be weird between us now,” I say.

His eyebrows draw together. “You did nothing wrong. I thought maybe I’d rushed you the other night, so I wanted to make sure you knew that wasn’t all I wanted.”

Oh. I shake my head. “Well, you got quiet on me… so I figured you were mad about something.”

His finger presses over my lips. “Stop thinking so much. I’m not mad. I’m giving you time to sort out whatever you need to sort out. Just don’t shut me out, okay?”

I nod. “Thanks for this weekend.”

“Thanks for being so sweet to my mom,” he says. He leans down to plant a tender kiss against my forehead, then turns back for his car.

I was right about Madison’s mood. She sends me suspicious looks and cryptic comments all afternoon while I try to study. I’m relieved when Noah shows up for our regular Sunday night dinner in the cafeteria.

mystery casserole, not able to focus on anything but Madison’s suspicions. Am I being stupid to think there’s something between me and Jase? When I slide into my seat, Noah has clearly been briefed on my weekend

table, but remain standing in front

you need to be careful. Jase could be playing some kind of game with you. And you’re bound to

just annoys me. “Is it so impossible that Jase really likes me? How many other girls has

hands in surrender. “Alright. We love you. We support you. As

I can tell they’re mentally deciding to pick up the pieces when I get

my plate. Do they know

lecture is about self-love, i.e., masturbation – a topic I’m decidedly uncomfortable with. Sure, I’ve tried it, but I don’t get the hoopla. He discusses the importance of communication with your partner and part of that effective communication is first understanding your body and its needs. I am so damn uncomfortable during the entire lecture that by the time class is over, I escape out the doors, Jase’s deep chuckle making the

my blushing under control by the time he returns, delivering a

doesn’t. His eyes grow serious and he leans in toward me, his unique scent of cologne and fabric softener

and easy going. Too bad I’m a bundle of nerves, gripping the table in front

octave lower. “Because I’m willing to lend my services…to extend your assignments into

clearly he hasn’t. I clamp my thighs together and remind myself to breathe. There are no words for the

traces

ragged breath,

smile is back. “Just think

a

still watching mine over the brim of the cup. “There’s something I don’t understand,” he says, running a hand through his messy hair. “You said you had a high school boyfriend, and you

can’t have him asking questions about Brent.

yet, you’ve never…” He raises his eyebrows. “So I take it you guys never messed