Free Alive (Mended Hearts #1) by Beth Maria Page B

‘Act’. I’ve already seen one student kicked out for doing exactly what I would have done, had I not stayed up all night completing the assignment.
    Luckily , I had some peace and quiet last night for a few hours, as Chloe left a note letting me know that she was out with a few of her new friends and wouldn’t be back till late. I was still awake when she arrived home at eleven. She wanted to know what was happening with me and Jesse and where I’d been all day, but I didn’t have the time to explain last night. I was behind on my work, especially because the damn stuffed elephant kept distracting me. I couldn’t get over how thoughtful Jesse had been. I didn’t know he was like that. Though, I don’t think anybody knows that side of him. Every time I looked over at it, sitting on the desk, I saw Jesse’s beautiful face and how worried he looked when he thought I didn’t like it. I loved it from the moment I saw it in the shop. I cried because he just keeps making it harder and harder to not let emotions get involved. When he gave me the present, it was sweet enough for the walls, those walls I’d spent weeks putting up, to come crumbling down. Now, I’m left constantly thinking of Jesse, wondering when I will hear from him next and what will happen in the future. The only problem? My heart isn’t ready to be broken again.
    Because I stayed up nearly all night, I wake up late this morning. Noticing that I only have twenty minutes to have a shower and get ready, I rush into the bathroom. Fifteen minutes later, I’m ready to leave. Writing a note to Chloe, who must have already left for her early Art class, I tell her to meet me at Cafe Blanc at eleven, and then I’m out the door, practically running to English.
     
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    I arrive to my class just as Professor Jones does. Phew! Scouting the room for a seat, I see one next to Jesse at the back. I quickly make my way toward the seat. I’m about to sit down, but Jesse’s bag is on it. He moves it onto the floor, so I sit down, pulling out my laptop.
    “I saved you a seat. Hope that’s okay?” Jesse whispers in my ear. His hot breath tickles my ear, causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up. Goosebumps cover my skin, making me shudder.
    “Yeah, it’s fine. Thanks.” I whisper back, trying to ignore how close he still is to me. If I turn my head, I’m sure my lips could touch his. God, how I want my lips to touch his. From what I can remember in my drunken haze, he is an extremely good kisser. Now is not the time to be thinking about that, though. Returning my attention back to the Professor, I try to concentrate on what he is teaching us. It’s easier said than done, though.
     
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    I don’t remember anything that was said during English. The whole time I was imagining what it would be like to kiss Jesse again. Now, I’m going to have to ask Professor Jones to email me the lesson plan. Great. I’m going to look like I don’t pay attention. I’m usually top of the class, but I can see Jesse distracting me, making my grades drop. I can’t allow that to happen.
    Packing up my laptop, I put my bag over my shoulder and make my way down the stairs. Jesse must have already left. It was nice of him to say bye to me. I don’t know why I expected anything different. Maybe it was because we had a nice day together yesterday, and we actually get on great together, and then he bought me the most thoughtful gift I’ve ever been given. I guess I was just fooling myself that he would change and actually be interested in me. Why would a guy who looks like he could be on the cover of GQ be interested in a plain, broken girl like me? This is why I’d put up a wall when it came to him. I knew he would hurt me. I just didn’t think it would be this soon. I know I told him that I just wanted to be friends, but I still thought he would try harder for me. I guess he is who he said he was.
    “ Pssssst! ” I jump, spinning around, and throw my