This early morning was like any other.

I was up before the sun so I had time to get ready and clean up the house.

I cleaned in the morning because I did my homework late at night when I got back from work.

Just after the sun rose I grabbed my bag filled with my books and a change of clothes for work and ran out the door.

I lived in the Richmond district but my job and school were in Presidio Heights.

I would bike to school which took like 45 minutes to an hour.

School started at eight so I would go to a park nearby and finish my homework there and head to school when it was time.

But today when I got to the door Jackson was waiting for me.

Which was unusual because he was always late but the teacher let him slide because of his grades. He greeted me by the door with a quick good morning and followed me in.

The building was small and long, at the back of the room was a blackboard that almost filled the entire span of the wall.

We had around 20 desks in 4 columns with 5 rows.

We didn't have assigned seats because our teacher Mrs. Lawrence didn't see the need.

When I sat down Jackson sat behind me.

It didn't bother me so I didn't bring anything up.

Other students started filling the classroom as it got closer to the time for class to begin.

I silently waited for Mrs Lawrence to get everyone's attention when Jackson tapped on my shoulder.

I jumped and he softly laughed while asking “Did I startle you?” I said back “of course I wasn't expecting you to tap me.”

and in a tone that said i'm not actually sorry he apologized and before I could say anything back Mrs. Lawrence was asking for everyone's attention.

Two periods had passed and it was now time for lunch.

I was going to go and eat by myself where no one bothered me but Jackson had other plans. Before I could get up he ran up to my desk.

And In a cutesy voice like he was begging he asked “ Eleanor- can you eat lunch with me today? Please.”

I said “not today sorry” but he kept going “why?” and since I didn't know what to say I just said “i'm not in the mood for lunch”

His face went from begging to sick of acting in seconds.

He said ”I know you're hungry so why don't you just eat lunch with me? I'm not gonna try and kill you, I'm just gonna sit with you.”

I sighed and agreed when we got to lunch he really did just sit next to me, he didn't try and get me to go sit in a big group of his friends he just sat there.

I began to feel a little pressured by the awkward silence though so I asked questions.

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“Why did you wanna eat lunch with me instead of your friends?” I asked, I think he was surprised by the fact I spoke first because he almost choked on his sandwich.

But when he caught his breath his response was “what friends?”

I said “The people you hang out with everyday. Those friends.”

He looked at me for a minute and then said “They aren't my friends. I would never rely on them and they would never rely on me.” I was confused then but said “ok” we ate lunch and talked about small things that didn't matter and went back to class.

The other two periods went by fast and when school was let out Jackson didn't move from his seat.

I had to talk to the teacher after class and when I was done I packed up my things to go but before I left I asked Jackson why he was still there.

He looked up and said “personal reasons.” I shrugged and said “ok” if he had his reasons then it was none of my business and continued to walk out the door.

I unchained my bike from the bike rack and was going to start walking to work when Jackson came running out.

He laughed and said “Thank god you haven't left .”

I swear I had never met someone more confusing than this guy.

I laughed to myself and said “and why is that?” in a joking tone.

He smiled and said “I decided I wanted to walk with you. So are you heading home?”

I stared at him for a bit and then said “you know don't you find it creepy to come chasing after someone and then say you want to take them home?” he looked up at me and then said “nope”

We both laughed.

I told him I wasn't going home but I was going to work and he was welcome to walk with me.

He excitedly accepted, it took us about 20 minutes to get there.

At that time I was a waitress for a small restaurant called 5th street and when we got there he said goodbye and I went inside to start my shift but he didn't leave.

For a while he just laid on a bench across the street and watched the clouds or slept. I couldn't really tell for about an hour or so and then he left.

He was definitely interesting.

The next day we met at the door and ate lunch together and he walked me to work.

He wouldn't leave my work right away though he always hung around outside and laid on the bench for awhile.

This went on for about a month and half and during that time we had gotten closer.

I didn't know we were this close though because today while he walked me to work he asked “can we study at your house you know with exams coming up.”

And me being me stared him down for a good minute or so in complete shock and responded with “sure if you want”

then we both stood there in shock that I agreed.

Like really Eleanor, have you lost your mind it was too late though he already looked excited, I couldn't take it back.

He asked what time and what day and I said since I got off work so late it would have to be on the weekend.

He agreed and I went inside for my shift and he went to lay down and watch clouds.

Before I knew it though it was saturday and jackson was coming over to my murder house at noon.

He knew I lived alone but he didn't know why and I wasn't going to be telling him anytime soon. When he arrived I let him in.

He had his bag and looked how he always did.

I could tell he was nervous so in a monotone voice I said “there is nothing to be afraid of, it's not like I'm gonna hurt you”.

He laughed and called me a liar, “put your things on the coffee table” I said while grabbing drinks from the fridge.

We studied and talked like any other day.

It was actually pretty fun to have someone else in the house for once.

A random question popped up in my head though, why does he stay after school and why does he watch clouds while I'm at work.

I decided to ask but this may not have been the best decision.

“Why do you stay at my work for so long?” I asked.

His eyes shot up from the paper he was looking at “you noticed” he said “how could I not.” I said We stared at each other for a minute or so before he said “personal reasons” I sighed.

I guess we weren't to the point he could tell me I said “everyone has their secrets” and he shrugged.

We continued studying and at some point the awkward atmosphere faded.

One day though I hoped I could finally know what those “personal reasons” were and I hoped he would tell me on his own accord.