Knowing Jude

Don't get mad.

I stare at the text on my phone, and I can rightly guess what else Jude is currently typing.

Here it comes...

I'm outside your window. Of course.

I drop my phone and crawl out of bed. I pad to my window and pull the curtains apart. Jude smiles at me from the other side, as if he's aware that the little expression is enough to thaw me any time. I try to look as pissed off as possible as I unlatch the window and push it open.

Jude climbs in. He shuts it behind him then turns to me, smile still in place. "I couldn't-"

"Stay away," I complete the sentence for him. I've heard it almost a hundred times in the past month, half that time with him crawling through my window.

He grins, then pecks my lips. "I missed you."

I sigh and turn away, going back to my bed. I don't get there though since two strong arms come around me from behind.

"Please don't be mad at me," he pleads.

"If I get caught "

"You won't." He presses a kiss to my neck.

I bite my lips and try to think so that I can reason with him.

He has been here every other night for the past one week, a step up from five or six days the previous weeks. He's with me every single second he can. I don't think he does any of his other activities anymore. The other day Cole said I'm good for him, that it's like I'm his new addiction.

"All he needs is you in his mind and he's high." He had gotten a faraway look in his eyes. "It's actually scary, no offence."

"Come on Jo." Jude turns me in his arms so that we're face to face. His eyes rove my face, and his thumb traces my bottom lip. His brows pull together. "Are you tired of me?"

"No," I reply. "I could never."

He looks unsure. "I know I've been overbearing, wanting to be with you every other second. It's not like I want to invade your space, which I know I'm doing, but-"

I cut him off with a kiss. "It's okay. It's getting late and you have a paper first thing tomorrow morning, let's go to bed."

"Oh, that, yeah."

I narrow my eyes at him. "You didn't forget about that, did you?"

"How can I?"

"Okay."

Our finals started a week ago but that doesn't keep Jude from late nights. At my place. At times when normal students would be poring over their notes, biting their nails, and ripping off their hair.

I crawl back into my beddings and watch as he sheds off his clothing. His jacket comes off first, followed by his T-shirt. He knows the rules, so he just removes his belt and leaves his jeans on. I can barely trust my body around him. Him leaving his jeans on doesn't really help if anything I find it very hot-but I try to convince my mind that there's a difference.

He climbs into bed, his bare feet seeking mine immediately. I cling to him, my arms going around his torso. He wraps his around me too, cradling my head to his chest. I inhale deeply and close my eyes, feeling like life can't possibly get any better than this. And that's a scary thought, because doesn't that mean that it can only get worse?

I drift off to sleep like that, cocooned in Jude's warmth. The sound of his breathing and the rhythm of his chest are the perfect lullaby.

When I wake up sometime in the middle of the night, I open my eyes to meet Jude's alert ones. His blue eyes look as sharp as ever. As if they haven't blinked in a moment's slumber.

"What time is it?" I ask, fighting off a yawn.

"Two. Go back to sleep."

"Why are you awake?" I ask sleepily, curling my hands against his chest. When he says nothing, I look at him. "Jude, have you slept at all?"

"Yes," he replies.

I shake my head and reach up to caress his cheek. "You're lying. You have to sleep, you have a paper tomorrow morning!"

He tips his head, putting our faces only inches apart. "I love watching you."

I pat his chest, smiling sleepily. "You can watch me all day tomorrow."

"I might not be here tomorrow."

"Of course you will be," I Mumble, a yawn cutting through my sentence. "Sleep."

When I wake up again, he is gone. Other than the relief that he left on time, disappointment that I didn't get to see him go hits me. Which is really pointless because I'll be seeing him in a matter of hours. I go through the motions of getting ready for school, impatient to get back to his side.

It's been an entire month since Jude asked me out and made our relationship public. I've become immune to the stares and whispers that follow me the moment I step through the school doors. They were expected, even I knew becoming Jude's girlfriend was going to be a big deal. One would think another hotter topic would emerge especially with the excitement of the school year ending, but no, we were still trending at number one.

After parting with Trey who's eager to meet up with Jade before they start their papers, he used up my advice, every last word of it-I rush towards the lockers, hoping to get Jude before he has to leave for his exam. "Looking for someone?" A voice says from my other side. I turn my face from watching Jude's locker to find Isaac beside me, Simon hovering behind him.

"Hi, Isaac!" I greet and hug him.

"What's with the good mood? Got some last night?" Simon quips, giving me a lopsided smirk.

I pull back from Isaac and wink at Simon. "You'll never know."

"Oh? Sure you won't call me for a little advice when you feel that the time is nigh?"

"Why would I call you for advice?" I tease, knowing very well that if there's anyone I would approach with that kind of topic, it would be him. He's my best friend, and well, he has turned into quite the Casanova of late. Not that I will. Before Simon can reply, a third person joins us. Jon stands to the side and looks between the three of us, eyes lingering on his secret boyfriend. "Hey, guys." "Hey, Jon."

"What's up, bro."

"I have to go," Simon adds. His gaze switches between the two other guys before landing on me. "To answer your question, because I know things. Catch you later."

He turns to walk away, and Isaac perks up too, looking a little uneasy. "Gotta go too. See you guys later." And off he rushes after Simon.

It's now just Jon and me, and I can tell by the look on his face as he watches Isaac's disappearing back that he's frustrated.

"Are you guys okay?" I ask softly.

"Yeah," he says, then drags his eyes away from Isaac. "Do you think he would break up with me if I kissed him right now in front of everyone?"

I gnaw on my lip. "Yes, that would be a bad idea."

He smiles, his brown eyes brightening up a little. In times like this, when I'm bathed in the light of his gorgeous smile, I try to recall those feelings that I had for him. But all I get are fizzling memories with no fire behind them. If I needed any more assurance that I'm indeed deep into Jude, this is more than enough.

"I'm learning patience," he says with a little laugh. "However long he takes to be ready, I'll still be here."

"I'm glad he has you. I know you'll take care of him."

He grins. "That I will."

Our conversation is interrupted when I'm suddenly pulled around from behind. I barely register Jude's red lips before they're pressed against mine, stealing my breath away. Surprised and embarrassed because Jon is right here, I try to pull away but Jude only tightens his hold around my waist and teases my tongue with his, breaking all my barriers. I give in to the kiss, and as if that's all he wanted, he pulls back a few seconds later.

He caresses my cheek with the back of his hand, blue eyes staring into mine intently. "Hey."

I look towards Jon... He's gone. I sigh.

"That was not nice."

Jude's jaw clenches. "Why, did I interrupt something important?"

"No, but still."

"Embarrassed that I kissed you in front of your crush?"

I glare at him. "He's not my crush anymore."

"Could have fooled me."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I ask, getting into a defensive mode.

He shrugs. "Nothing, I just don't like the way you look at him."

"And how do I look at him?"

"Or the way he looks at you," he adds.

"What?" I exclaim at the incredulity of it all. "Are you kidding me right now?"

As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.com is your destination for the complete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! "He still wants you, can't you see that?"

"No, because there's nothing to see!"

"You don't know boys."

"You're right, I don't!" I snap and turn away from him, shutting my locker. So much for the excitement of seeing him this morning. Where's this attitude coming from?

I start to walk away when he takes my hand again. "Please, Jo, don't be mad at me."

"Leave me alone, don't you have a paper to get to?"

He pulls me closer to him, hugging me. "Not if you're mad at me."

I keep my arms limp at my side. "You'll get over it, don't worry."

"I can't function if you're mad at me." He rubs the back of my neck. "I'm sorry for the way I acted, I was just jealous."

"Are you being serious right now?"

He stays silent. I push him to create space between us. His eyes don't hold any mirth, and his jaw is ticking. He's so not kidding. It's almost laughable. Why would Jude need to be jealous of any guy? He has it all and if it's me, he has me. I reach up and pinch his cheek playfully. "Come on, lighten up."

He doesn't. His fingers dig into my arm. "Do you love me?"

I blink. "What?"

"Do you love me? You know how I feel about you. I tell you every day, but you've never told me what you feel about me, not once."

I cast a sideways glance at the student traffic. "Can we do this some other time?"

Jude shakes his head. "I'm not asking for a lot, just a yes or no."

I meet his eyes. "You know how I feel, Jude."

"Do I?"

"Yes, I show it every day!"

"Say it, then. I want to be sure."

"Sure?"

"Can you not be stubborn for two little seconds?" he asks, irritated.

"I'm not being stubbo-"

My words get lost somewhere between our lips. This time I stop it a lot sooner and glare at him. "You can't always do that."

He quirks an eyebrow in challenge. "Oh?"

"What's up with you, anyway?"

Before he can reply, the sound of the bell fills the hallway.

"Get to your paper."

"I'll see you later, and I'll be expecting an answer," Jude says and kisses my forehead.

I watch him leave, then make my way to the library.

"Why is Salve texting you? Why is he in your contacts?"

I lift my head, startled from my revision by Jude's voice. I jump and snatch my phone from his hand and turn it off. "It's nothing." I place my phone downwards on the table. "How was your paper?"

He leans his hands on the table and gives me a hard look. "Why do you have Salve's number?"

"I met him once, at the mall. He wouldn't let me go until I gave him my number. I never text him back," I whisper, having to keep my voice down since we're in the library.

"Why have you never told me about it?" Jude demands.

"I didn't think it matters."

"Are you kidding me? That asshole bothers you and you didn't think it's necessary to tell me?" he asks, his voice rising.

"It's not a big deal, and quiet down. We're in the library."

"Not a big deal my ass. Give me your phone," he demands, holding out his hand.

I shake my head. "What do you want to do?"

"Tell him to leave you alone."

"He'll eventually get tired of his one-sided texting."

Jude's eyes narrow into slits. "Oh, really? And why haven't you blocked him yet?"

"I keep forgetting. He doesn't text a lot."

His jaw clenches. "Block him now."

"Okay, fine, calm down," I tell him and take my phone to do just that. "So, how was the... Where are you going?" I ask when he moves away.

"Talk to you later," he mutters, then disappears around the blocks of bookshelves.

"Jude!" I whisper-shout, but he's already gone.

It's after my own paper at lunchtime when I realise Jude left school after the little episode in the library.

He doesn't come back and I hitch a ride with Cole after school to their place.

The house is silent when we get there but a few steps into the living room we catch sight of Jude, lying on one of the couches. I rush to him and feel faint all of a sudden. His face looks swollen, with a bleeding cut on his lips and dark bruises on his cheeks.

I fall to my knees beside him and try to shake him awake. "Jude!"

He erupts, rousing with a groan. His hand clenches his middle, and Cole's curse carries around the room. I follow his gaze and feel my heart drop to my feet. Jude's shirt is drenched with blood around his stomach, the red liquid staining the white couch.

Cole is by my side in an instant, pulling the shirt upwards. "It's a stab, and it's still bleeding."

"Stab?" I mutter stupidly, not believing it. Jude was stabbed? By who? Why? When?

"Looks like he got into a fight," Cole says, getting rid of his shirt. He sounds so calm as if this is nothing new to him. "Hold this here," he instructs, bundling up his white T-shirt and pressing it against the cut. I do as instructed and hold it in place.

"Jo?" My name leaves Jude's dry lips in a moan. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay, you'll be fine," I whisper, voice trembling. Cole's white shirt is turning red and this does not look good at all. Cole is on the phone, calling for an ambulance.

"I love you," Jude says, trying to lift his hand in vain.

I keep one hand on the cloth and grab his with the other, giving it a squeeze. "I love you too."

His lips stretch into a ghost of a smile. "Do I have to be dying for you to say it?"

"You're not dying, idiot."

"They're on their way," Cole says, back beside me. "Shit, this is too much," he says, taking over the cloth. "What the fuck did you do this time?"

"Needed to...keep him away...from my girl," Jude responds, his sentence broken down by heavy intakes of breath.

Cole frowns at me. "What is he talking about?"

"Salve," I mutter. "I think he went after Salve."

"That asshole did this to you?"

"His bitches...joined in."

"Of course they did, they're all fucking cowards," Cole spits.

"I shouldn't go to the hospital," Jude moans.

"What? You're bleeding non-stop!"

"Trouble...lots of "

"You know I wouldn't take you there if I didn't think you needed it," Cole cuts him off. "Just relax, okay? Don't strain. You've lost a shit ton of blood."

Cole's right, because when I feel wetness on my knees and look down, I find Jude's blood seeping into my jeans. And when I look back at his pale face in panic, he's passed out.