♡ Jessica Woods ♡

Recap of the last chap :

"She's one of the house prefects and, uh," he paused, pointing his finger directly at my way. "She's standing at the seventh row now." he stated and my eyes got bigger than my mouth. Woah, When did he notice that? "And her name is Jessica Valentina Woods."

Oh Sweet Jesus! He knows my middle name too!

But wait- what the hell is going on here?

Suddenly the spotlight fell on me and I appeared on the telly screen which made everyone gasp dramatically.

I glanced everywhere, licking my lips in nervous and looked back at Jace as I neither knew what he was doing nor what was I doing right now.

"This caught her by surprise, I guess." I heard one of the judges giggle and Jace chuckled in response, giving them a nod.

"Alright, young man, we all are waiting for the special performance of yours, aren't we? So get cracking." the other male judge uttered and everyone clapped their hands, cheering him up more loudly than earlier while I was frozen to the spot, gaping at him.

I'm hundred percent sure I'm daydreaming right now.

Jace set his mic so close to his mouth and adjusted his guitar before taking something out of his blazer pocket which might be the guitar pick.

Then he took a deep breath, staring ahead and the whole crowd fell silent when he slowly started strumming with a faint smile on his face.

Still my heart didn't stop racing as my brain couldn't process any of thing that was currently happening around me.

"I found a love for mee.." Jace began to sing and his deep voice echoed the entire auditorium. "Oh darling, just dive right in and follow my lead.."

Goodness me! It's 'Perfect', isn't it?

He looked ahead and I suddenly felt his blue eyes were piercing deep into mine.

"Well, I found a girl.. beautiful and sweet
Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for mee.." his voice rose high at the last and my eyes started to fill with tears when I realized he was dedicating this song to none but me.

"Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was..
I will not give you up this time.." when I listened to the lyrics, it was really hard not to cry but I blinked back my tears and tried my best as I was being the centre of attention too.

"But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own..

And in your eyes, you're holding mine." when he finished singing the last phrase, he averted his gaze from his guitar and met my watery eyes with a little smile on his face.

"Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favourite song

When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, darling, you look perfect, tonight." he sang in a soft voice and I covered my mouth, sobbing inaudibly.

God.. he sewed my soul already by his magical voice!

Eventhough he didn't have the same vocal type of Ed Sheeran, I was way more loving this version of the song.

Jace cleared his throat, snapping me out of my trance and adjusted his guitar before setting his mesmerizing gaze on me.

He twanged the guitar string again and I sniffled, wondering whether he was dedicating the second song also to me.

"Sat in the corner of the room
Everything's reminding me of you
Nursing an empty bottle
And telling myself you're happier, aren't you?" he sang in a faint voice, averting his gaze towards the audience while I was shaking my head, suppressing my sob.

Jace, look at me. I'm not happy..

"Oh, ain't nobody hurt you like I hurt you..
But ain't nobody need you like I doo..
I know that there's others that deserve you..
But my darlin', I am still in love with you.." his voice cracked at last and while everyone was enthralled by the melodious music produced from his huge guitar, I was wiping the tears which were streaming down my face.

"But I guess you look happier, you do
My friends told me one day I'll feel it too..
I could try to smile to hide the truth
But I know I was happier with you.." he flashed me a faint smile and mouthed something to me which made everyone awe in unison but I didn't get what he said as my vision was blurry because of the hot tears that were filled my eyes.

Then the music changed and he folded his lips and nodded at himself before gazing ahead.

I sniffled, squeezing my eyes shut in embarrassment and frustration as my swollen face was being shown in the telly screen over and over again which didn't help my cause right now.

I slowly opened my eyes as I heard loud gasps from the people around me and the moment I did, my eyes got as big as saucers when I saw Jace descending the stage stairs and coming towards my way, playing his guitar.

Oh My God! No, no, no. Please no.

"I'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways..

Maybe it's all part of a plan
I

'll just keep on making the same mistakes
Hoping that you'll understand.." he sang and it was loud enough for everyone to hear eventhough he wasn't holding a microphone nor was he singing loudly.

I guess, he might've fixed some body mics.

"But baby now
Take me into your loving arms
Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars
Place your head on my beating heart
I'm thinking out loud
That maybe we found love right where we are," this time his gaze wasn't focused on the guitar. It was focused on me.

Eventhough it may sound strange, in my opinion, Ed Sheeran has written these songs for our story.

"Oh So baby now
Take me into your loving arms
Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars.."

My heart pounded harder and harder when he slowly approached me with his trademark smile on his face.

"Oh darling, place your head on my beating heart
I'm thinking out loud
That maybe we found love right where we are..
Oh baby, we found love right where we are..
And we found love right where we are.."

I swallowed back the lump in my throat and my hands started to tremble when the spotlight fell on us as Jace stood a metre away from me.

He stopped playing the guitar and began to examine my face for several moments which made me avert my gaze to the floor but when he let out a loud sigh, removing his guitar off of him, I raised my head and sneaked a glance at him.

He hung his guitar over his shoulder and kept a step towards me and I glanced around, trying to avoid eye contact with him.

"You liked my performance?" he asked in a mere whisper and I blinked my eyes, staring up at him blankly.

"Hmm?"

"Uh, Did you like the performance of mine?" he asked but still his voice was very soft like he was talking to a toddler. Though I was completely sure that the judges and the teachers who were sitting on the first floor, could hear his voice clearly.

"A-Aren't you supposed to ask the judges about that?" I questioned back in a faint voice.

He chuckled softly, leaning forward and my breath hitched in my throat as I thought he was going to kiss me.

"I don't care what they say. Because I didn't do this whole thing for them. I did this only for you.." he confessed in my ear and instantly the tears gathered into my eyes as I stared at him in great surprise.

"Wh-What happened to you, Jace? Why are doing this.. for me?" I asked, sniffling and he bit his lower lip for a moment before responding.

"If my memory serves me correctly, playing guitar for you is one of our pinky promises we've made." Jace replied and a tear slowly slid down my cheek while everyone was looking at us and then at the telly screen, to and fro.

He brought his hand towards my face and wiped away the tear with his cold thumb without taking his piercing gaze off of me.

"As I said already I know that I'm not a good singer nor guitarist. And you may think then why I did choose these hard songs and why have I put a lot of effort in this performance just for a pinky promise.." he paused, caressing my cheek. "Because I just want you to know how I feel for you through the lyrics and.. how much I want our story not to end." he whispered, looking all over my face while I was staring at him dumbfounded. "I know I'm rambling. But seriously I don't know how to stop caring for you. Everytime I attempt to stop, I remember everything and I fall in love with you over and over again." he admitted and I gasped, stepping back while the audience, including Louise, was gazing at us with a mixture of shock and awe.

"No! No, you don't." I said in a shaky voice and he shook his head in protest.

"I do, I swear." Jace emphasized. "I'm sorry for hurting you. Actually it was so childish of me to do that.
I know my apology doesn't mean a crap, though I wanted you to know that I'm really sorry and I'd try to be a better person in the future; If there is a future." he told and an involuntary whimper escaped my mouth.

Is he drunk? Or am I still sleeping?

"J-Jace.. Let me say you a story I've read it somewhere.." I began, blinking my eyes. "When God tells us that it's time to let go of the person you loved but you refused to accept it, he'd make that person to hurt you badly and you have no choice but to.. let them go." I said and my lips started to quiver. "I-It's so relatable to me right now and I slowly trying to absorb the point in it."

Jace stepped forward with furrowed brows. "But when that person regretted his fault and trying to make everything back to normal, God had said to give a second chance for that person." Jace stated with pleading eyes and when I stared at his mesmerizing gaze for long, the wall I've built up around my heart broke down completely.

I sighed softly, extending my pinky finger. "I won't, unless you pinky promise me that you'd trust me hereafter. More than anyone." I told and he chuckled, brushing my hand away gently which made me frown.

"I never doubted you, Jessica. I just.. wanted to prove everyone why I trust you more than anyone." he stated and I opened my mouth but closed it as I didn't understand what he said and I guess, he found it through my expression so he spoke again.

"Let me tell you something.." Jace whispered, staring at me intently. "Roses are red.. Violets are blue.." his face cracked into a smirk when my eyes widened in shock. "Pickup lines are overrated.. so let me say I love you." when he finished it, I burst into tears, covering my mouth with my hands.

He knew it! Yess! Jace finally got to know it!!! Oh My God! B-But.. how?

Jace slowly took my hands off of my face and glanced at my lips and then at my watery eyes before brushing the tears away.

He still hates seeing me cry.

Then he looked around and took a deep breath before setting his fixed gaze on me and I could already feel the rapid beat of my heart but despite that, a sudden desire ran from my heart to my stomach and then to my inner thighs which I couldn't name it properly.

I stood still there, waiting for him to make the first move and as if he read my mind, he deliberately leaned forward, gripping the side of my neck gently and my heart skipped a few beats when he got closer and closer to my lips.

I felt his lips were brushing the skin of my lips sensually and before I could even think what was happening, his warm lips met mine.

Oh My Sweet Jesus! My deepest fantasy has fulfilled!

I heard everyone gasp but I didn't care as the whole world around me seemed to be stopped for awhile.

I closed my eyes and responded him instantly, clutching the collars of his blazer for a support and I felt his other hand slowly gliding to my waist.

He snogged me like he wanted to make this kiss unforgettable for us and moved his lips against mine very softly which sent pleasure shivers down my spine and I couldn't believe I was kissing him for the second time, especially when everyone was watching at us unblinkingly.

Eventhough I was struggling for breath and the adrenaline rush was coursing through my veins, I wanted to kiss him more and more.

Good Lord! How could I express this heavenly kiss in words?

When I was enjoying the moment so much, he reluctantly pulled away and my body started to shiver again as I felt the warmth suddenly left me.

I slowly opened my eyes, whining mentally and licked my lips, realizing that eventhough it was a short-and-sweet kiss and no-tongue-just-lip-kiss, I'd announce why I loved and cherished my second kiss more than my first kiss at the age of seventy five too.

I noticed the corner of Jace's eyes crinkled charmingly while he was adjusting his cap and I felt a warm blush rise to my cheeks. He stole my second kiss too..

"Well, well.. Can I have the both of yours attention please?" Kiara, the host, cleared her throat and that was when the realization dawned on me and Jace slightly turned, looking at her while I was hiding my figure behind him in embarrassment. "Finally! Hallelujah!" she said dramatically and the audience began giggling.

"It'd be grateful if you come on to the stage." she stated and Jace nodded, giving her a playful frown. Then everyone slightly looked at us over their shoulder and clapped loudly.

All of a sudden, Jace turned around and extended his hand towards me. "Let's go."

My eyes widened slightly as I shook my head. "Me? No way." I muttered and he rolled his eyes, gripping my wrist.

"Just come on.."

He started to lead the way and my whole body started to shake already in nervous as I've never ever stood on the stage infront of a huge people.

While we were moving towards the stage, I stroked Jace's huge guitar to distract myself from nervousness.

"Wasted our precious nineteen minutes." I heard a familiar voice whisper-yell straight at me and I turned towards that direction and met the oh-so-handsome face of my little brother.

Alex saw me kissing Jace? Oh God! That thought makes me cringe.

Georgia waved at me, grinning widely who was sitting next to Alex but I decided not to reply to any of them as I buried my face against Jace's back.

So.. Samuel might've seen it too.

The applaud rose from the crowd when we both appeared on the stage. Jace stood steadily with a wide smile on his face while I was gulping and licking my lips once in awhile as I was being the nervous wreck right now. Jace might've noticed it as he slowly interlocked his fingers with mine and squeezed my hand reassuringly which deepened my blush.

"Now let's ask what the judges say about your unique performance." the host said in a sarcastic tone and I bit my bottom lip, looking up at the judges who were being seated in the first floor. I hope it's not cringe-worthy.

"Uh.. I was, actually.." the female judge stumbled over her words. "See, he made me speechless." she giggled and a few whistles emerged from the crowd. "Uh, to be frank, I wish I could swap my life with her, because she's being loved.. by the real gentleman." she sighed dramatically and a deafening cheer went up from the audience.

I felt my heart warm at the phrase she said and she simplified how privileged I was to have Jace Parker in my life and I could already see my future in his deep blue eyes.
----

I was staying alone with Jace in the dressing room while the others were so busy in watching and performing the shows. Actually I still couldn't believe that our prefect's in-charged teacher agreed when Jace requested her to allow me to stay with him until the show ends and let someone do the duty of mine on my behalf.

If truth be told, I just couldn't believe any of the incidents that happened today. But the thought which was disturbing my mind for the entire time, urging me to get rid of it by asking Jace directly.

"Come to earth, Jessica!" Jace waved his hand which brought me to reality and I blinked, looking at his flawless face and started to wonder why on earth he chose a clumsy girl like me.

"Jessica, why are you being mute for the whole time? uh, are you.. scared or-"

"No! Why would I?" I scoffed and moved closer to him hesitantly. "Well Jace, can I ask you something?"

"Of course you can." he nodded, giving me an amused look and sat on the nearby stool.

I chewed my lip nervously before asking. "Uh.. did you find out who's done the, y'know, the locker stuff?" I managed to ask and Jace looked down at his lap, pressing his lips together.

"Yeah. It's Natasha. As you predicted." he mumbled and I let out a soft sigh when I saw his dejected look.

"Err.. you seem very disappointed. I guess, you would've wished it was me instead of Natasha when you found out the truth right?" I told laughing dryly and he instantly looked up with a frown on his face.

"Hell no!" he denied firmly. "Well, yeah, I was very downhearted when I found out she was the one who did the outrageous act but-" he slammed his eyes shut, glancing down and I rubbed his back soothingly. "-I didn't know why in the world she has done that, especially to me. So the next day when I found out, I asked her straight away and at first she played dumb and all, but when I showed the proofs she eventually confessed that.." he glanced at me, sighing. "..that she loves me."

"Well.. isn't it obvious, Jace?" I asked and he stared at me for a moment before shaking his head.

"It's not, Jessica. I know she loves me. A lot more than I do. But I never know she loves me in a romantic kinda way until she blurted out." Jace announced and I remained quiet.

"Plus we discussed about you the previous day before the locker stuff's happened and she somehow figured out that I have a thing for you and she actually said she was happy and all but I didn't know it was the calm before the storm." Jace sighed loudly, staring at the ceiling. "I hope I don't need to elaborate to make you get the point." Jace stated and I nodded slowly.

"Uh, yeah. But.. if you haven't found that she's the one who did that, you just live forever with a wrong assumption about me right?" I asked in a disbelief tone and he gave me a flat look.

"Oh c'mon, everyone knows that you're a clumsy coward; Not an evil rebel." Jace said and I gave him a fake offended look. "And I know you'd never judge me. But when I saw you on the video clip, I was seriously shocked and.. deeply hurt. I was sorta paralyzed and I couldn't be able to do anything the whole freaking day." Jace admitted and I felt my heart softened.

"Okay, maybe I'm being overdramatic here. But seriously, one day, I sat on the bed and thought in sane mind and realized I was feeling hurt not because of the phrases that had written on the sheet. But because I hurt the person I loved for no reason. And my brain told me like, Oh man, Jessica would never do that. Come on! Go get up and figure out the real truth." he said and I broke into a smile.

"And you know what, I applied for this talent show only to propose you in public as it'd be the right place and right moment. Eventhough I was battling with the tons of my problems for the past few days, I didn't refuse to perform this show. Instead I learned guitar lessons and investigated the act thoroughly like the Sherlock Holmes." he told, chuckling faintly and I stared at him dumbfounded.

I hope I'm not dreaming, am I?

"Jess-"

His words fell short when I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him as