he nodded, " yeah its...thanks." the only person he felt totally at ease around was brooklyn...how was she? he didn't know, " they seem to like making me seen."

SHe nodded. "Well, I better get to class. It was nice meeting you" she said.

he nodded, " yeah same."

SHe turned and headed to her history class.

school was out but Jeff was going over some things. for some reason he didn't want to leave today

"I don't see what the problem is," Jaimie said from the doorway, loud enough for only Jeff to hear. "We're both young, attractive people. I'm guessing you're single because of the two jbs and late hours at the tattoo shop. Oh, and the lack of any feminine touch at your apartment. You're single, I'm single, why not?"

He heard her voice but his back was turned and he sincerely hoped, honest to God, she was talking to someone else...but it didn't sound like it. as far as he knew no one else was here and a tattoo shop. he didn't turn to face her. maybe she would leave...that was a far shot

She frowned slightly when he didn't turn or reply. "I've tried everything. I flirted with you, I backed off. I dressed conservatively and like a slut. I've stayed after to talk to you. I think I've made my feelings clear. So what did Ido wrong? Why does everyone else get what they want and I just get pushed away more and more?"

he took a deep breath and turned to face her, " Jaimie... you are a smart girl and I see that every day in class. Just think on that question I think you will come up with an answer." he said as he grabbed his bag and walked to the door that she was standing in. he didn't want to be rude but he tried walking past her without shoving her

Paige walked down the hall and ran smack into Jeff, dropping all her books. "Oh, I'm so sorry," she said, not noticing Jamie, as she started to pick up her books

he bent down and helped her with her books glad for a distraction

"I'm really sorry, I didn't hurt you, did I?" she asked looking up at him

he chuckled and shook his head, " no. I'm made of more than that."

She smiled faintly, "that's good." She picked up her last book and stood up. She knew she should tell him that she would probably be missing some classes, but considereing she still didn't know how her father was she decided not to

he nodded, " it was good you could be in class today."