* Wonderwall by Ryan Adams (available at projectplaylist.com)
* Everything Will be Alright (available at projectplaylist.com)
* Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell (available at projectplaylist.com)
Rivals
Kyle was running late for class and scrambled to grab his English textbook from his locker. As he headed for class, he heard a familiar laugh from a distance that sent a dull pain to his chest. He frowned with squinted eyes as he followed the sound around the winding corridor to find Jessi with the "new guy" - again. Kyle hadn't seen Jessi smile like that in ages. School days passed and Kyle noticed that Jessi was continually hanging out with this mystery man. It was unsettling.
A sad grimace covered his face as he jealously watched Jessi happily conversing with the stranger. Then he felt guilty, for he truly did want to see her happy. He just couldn't imagine her happy with someone else. Jessi sang out another laugh, but Kyle couldn't watch any longer. He let out a sigh, turned around with a sour expression, and headed to class.
The school bell sang its tune after first period. The students flooded into the hallway and Kyle exited English with Amanda.
"Looks like Mr. Turner failed yet again at making Shakespeare worth talking about. I almost fell asleep." Amanda jested in efforts to get Kyle's attention. Yet he kept his eyes peeled for Jessi in the hallway.
"Kyle?" Amanda's eyes followed Kyle's sporadic gaze.
"What?" Kyle's eyes continued to scan the hallway.
"Nothing." Amanda fought to hide the frustration in her voice. She sighed, and tried again. "So do you wanna walk me t-"
"I'll talk to you later Amanda." Kyle spotted Jessi with Xander and did not want to miss his opportunity. Amanda shook her head in anger as she watched Kyle speed toward Jander.
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"So are you stalking me or something? Our timetables are almost identical." Jessi teased.
Xander chuckled happily in amazement as they compared schedules. "I had nothing to do with it, honest. I guess...some things are just meant to be." He found Jessi's eyes. She huffed out a toothy smile and found his eyes as well. She blushed again as her smile became a nervous grin.
"Good morning, Jessi." Kyle projected almost robotically. His attempt at acting casual failed.
Jessi gasped and whipped around. "Oh, Kyle! You scared me." Jessi's smile cracked along with her heart. She wasn't ready to see him so she jumped into introductions before the crack had a chance to grow. "This is Xander, Xander, Kyle."
"Pleasure to meet you." Xander offered a hand.
Kyle stood rock still as he examined what felt like a new opponent. "Hi." Kyle said coldly. He stared Jessi down with a look of bitter betrayal. Xander dropped his empty hand and forced an awkward grin.
"I'm late for Economics." Kyle said without expression as he turned his back and retreated to his locker.
"Well that was rude." Jessi spat out apologetically. She was utterly embarrassed.
"Don't worry about it. Maybe he had gas or something." Xander huffed humorously. Jessi chuckled - mission accomplished.
"Right. I'll just...talk to him later." Jessi looked at Kyle another time with a frown and wrinkled lips. "We should get to class too." Jessi recovered. Xander smiled and motioned his hand for her to lead the way. She smiled back, thankful for his patience with Kyle.
As Kyle remained hidden behind the door of his open locker he peaked at Jander walking away in the corner of his eye. He was less than pleased. He had to endure hours of pointless lectures before he could confront Jessi.
The last bell finally rang and Kyle quickened his steps to Josh's car for his usual ride. He peaked inside before entering the front seat only to find Andy sleeping lengthwise in the backseat.
She's usually here by now.
"Andy had a long day." Josh explained jestingly as he began to drive away when Kyle fastened his seatbelt.
"What about Jessi?" Kyle pleaded.
"She got a ride with her 'Xander' friend." Josh said in a noticeably deeper voice.
Kyle cringed at the playful enunciation. Of course they went home together. Kyle brooded.
Home at last. Kyle fled toward the house without so much as a thank-you to Josh for the ride. "You're WELCOME." Josh echoed from a gaping distance. Kyle was surprised at how little he cared about leaving Josh behind. He couldn't control his need to speak with Jessi right away.
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Jessi found herself content and smiling as she folded laundry over her bed. She let her mind trail back to the witty banter she and Xander had throughout the day. Her head tilted in elation. She was surprised at her inability to stop smiling. Then the sound of a familiar beat snapped her back to her dull painful reality.
Kyle reached Jessi's open door but didn't dare come further. It was easy to watch her from behind. She was peaceful; beautiful. He didn't know where to start.
"I take it this visit is in regards to Xander?" Jessi scoffed rhetorically. Her armor was up. It was all she had. She refused to be vulnerable with Kyle again.
"Jessi." Kyle offered peacefully. But Jessi face remained rock hard keeping a cold composure as she turned to face him. So he put up his own wall.
His eyes narrowed and his grimace shrunk into a frown as he approached Jessi. "You can't let random people into your world, Jessi - it could be dangerous." Kyle ordered.
Jessi didn't buy the speech. "Need I remind you that you let Amanda into your world?"
Kyle's upper body rocked back as he took in her words. He blinked with force and bit his lower lip for he was thrown back, and didn't know what to say to retort her words. His lack of words and her stubbornness angered him.
His lips tightened together. "I'm just trying to look out for you Jessi." Kyle muttered as he turned slowly walking toward the exit.
"Kyle, wait." Jessi slipped out softly. "I'll be careful." She confessed in slight submission and utter sincerity. Kyle slightly twisted his body back toward Jessi, forced a smirk and left Jessi to her laundry. Once again, it hurt to leave, for underneath he was not simply concerned for her safety. He knew she was able to take care of herself. He worried he was losing her. He broke his gaze off the door he closed behind him and made his way down the hallway with his eyes down to the ground.
Did I miss something? Jessi thought.
