Cheri
Pleaseeeeee tell me you’re awake.
Stacy
So you better have a good reason for texting me this early.
Cheri
I think there’s someone in my backyard.
Cheri
There’s banging coming from the shed.
Stacy
Did you wake your dad??
Cheri
My parents are gone this weekend, remember?
Cheri
For their 25th anniversary trip.
Stacy
Crap, that’s right.
Cheri
I’m freaking out here, Stace.
Cheri
It’s been going on for like 10 minutes now.
Cheri
I’m peeking out from beneath the window sill.
Cheri
But it’s too dark, I can’t see anything.
Stacy
Maybe you should call the police.
Cheri
I live 25 miles from the station.
Cheri
And you know how annoyed they get if they have to come out for nothing.
Stacy
There’s someone in your shed!
Cheri
Technically I don’t know that.
Cheri
It could be an animal.
Stacy
But what if it’s not?!
Cheri
And the noises are getting louder.
Cheri
I think I need to go out there and see what’s going on.
Cheri
I have to do something!
Cheri
I’ll take a weapon with me.
Stacy
You’re not exactly the crime-fighting type, Cheri.
Stacy
More the baking kind.
Stacy
You can’t go out there alone.
Cheri
Maybe I’ll ask Jasper to go with me.
Cheri
He’s built like a tank.
Cheri
One look at him would send any trespasser running in the opposite direction.
Stacy
Yeah, because he’s a freak.
Stacy
For all you know that could be him in your shed!
Cheri
We’ve been neighbors for years.
Cheri
And he’s never done anything weird before.
Stacy
Fine. It’s probably not him.
Stacy
But he’s still a freak.
Cheri
Hey! What’d he ever do to you??
Stacy
He doesn’t talk to anyone in school.
Stacy
He barely even communicates with the teachers.
Stacy
What do you mean so?!
Stacy
Being that anti-social is WEIRD.
Stacy
He doesn’t even sit with anyone at lunch.
Stacy
All he does is doodle in that damn notebook all day.
Cheri
I think he’s kinda hot.
Stacy
Um, agreed! He’s obviously wicked hot. Too bad it gets canceled out though.
Stacy
Because he’s wicked creepy!
Cheri
Whatever, I’m texting him.
Cheri
It’s better than going out to the shed alone.
Stacy
How do you even have his number??
Cheri
My dad keeps it on the fridge.
Cheri
He does odd jobs for the orchard here and there.
Stacy
Well, can you please be careful?
Stacy
And keep me updated.
Stacy
Alright. If you don’t text me within half an hour…
Stacy
Then you better pick up or I’m calling the police.
Cheri tiptoes down to the kitchen and grabs Jasper’s number.
Her heart pounds nervously as she types out a message.
She has no idea what to expect from him.
Cheri
This is Cheri from across the street.
Cheri
Sorry to text so early.
Cheri
But I don’t know what else to do.
Cheri
I mean, I think there’s something in my shed.
Cheri
I’m hearing weird noises and my parents aren’t home.
Cheri
Do you think you could come check it out with me?
His response is immediate.
She’s suddenly very aware of her spandex shorts and tank top.
After grabbing a sweater from the hall closet, she opens the front door.
Jasper’s already striding across the street.
When he’s close enough, she waves a hand in greeting.
Cheri
Thank you so much for coming.
He cuts her off with a finger to his lips…
Giving the universal “shhhh” sign.
It’s then she notices he has a bat under his arm.
Without a word, he disappears around the side of the house.
Cheri stands there for a moment, debating…
But then quietly tiptoes after him.
She catches up with him about halfway to the backyard.
She takes in his outfit, a white jumpsuit with paint all over it.
His head is cocked to the side as if he’s listening.
But there’s no more banging.
Cheri
I swear, I heard something in there!
Jasper spins around, startled.
Clearly, he didn’t realize she was following him.
Cheri
Just thought you might need backup.
He stares at her, not saying a word.
But Cheri swears his mouth is quirked up slightly to the side…
Almost like he’s amused by her.
It’s hard not to drool over his attractive features.
Suddenly, his two large hands are on her upper arms…
And gently, he pushes her into the shadows.
He holds up a hand and gives her a look…
Cheri takes it to mean, “Stay put.”
Then he disappears into the backyard.
Cheri can’t tell if she’s grateful or disgruntled.
But every thought flees when the banging suddenly starts up again.
She peers around the side of the house.
She tries to keep her voice to a whisper.
She bounces nervously on her toes.
What if something happened?
But what if there’s more than one perp?
Crouching down, Cheri creeps into the backyard.
The shed is located on the edge of the grass…
Right before the start of the apple trees.
When she gets close enough…
But the banging is louder than ever.
She sees a shadow move from behind a tree several yards up.
He’s got his bat raised and is walking toward the shed door.
Cheri
Did you see something?
Jasper startles again and spins around.
A laugh bursts from Cheri’s mouth.
She quickly stifles it with a hand.
Cheri
I’m really not trying to scare you.
Cheri
But I thought you might need help.
He gives her another look.
Jasper readjusts the bat…
And slowly walks toward the shed door.
Cheri’s heart rate skyrockets.
She’s probably bitten all her fingernails off by now.
Jasper reaches for the handle…
Then heads inside without hesitation.
Cheri realizes she’s not breathing.
For a moment, nothing happens.
But then she hears the most glorious sound in the world.
Cheri freezes on the spot.
She’s barely ever heard Jasper speak…
The tone of it is rich, as if it’s coming straight from his belly.
Cheri walks into the shed.
And there are apples everywhere.
Rolling across the ground…
Hitting the wooden sideboards.
It’s like they’re bowling with them.
But Cheri instinctively swings into action.
But there’s a smile on her face.
Clearly her dad didn’t fix the broken window before his trip like he said he would.
It’s not the first time they’ve had a problem like this.
Rodents love hanging inside their warm shed.
Especially when there are stores of sweet treats.
Soon, the raccoons are gone.
And Cheri and Jasper are alone.
She feels a mix of embarrassment and relief.
Cheri
I shouldn’t have made you come all the way over here.
Cheri
I should have realized it was just raccoons.
Cheri
I guess being home alone is making me me jumpy—
Jasper
I really don’t mind.
He gives her a small smile.
She notices his cheeks are red.
Cheri
Well, sorry, anyway.
Cheri
I promise I won’t bother you anymore.
His shoulders fall a bit.
Cheri looks at him closely.
Is he upset about something?
Suddenly, he’s moving again.
Jasper
Well, while I’m here…
He grabs a tarp in the corner…
And a few minutes later, the broken window is sealed.
Cheri
You didn’t have to do that.
He shrugs, meeting her eyes.
Jasper
Really, I don’t mind.
It hits her then that Jasper is…sweet.
He comes over here to help her, no questions asked…
And even though she scares the life out of him — twice!
He heads straight into possible danger.
He even seals up the window as a bonus.
Every other guy she knows would probably gripe and complain about the early hour…
Then tease her for getting scared over some silly raccoons.
So Cheri decides she should thank him properly.
Cheri
So I’ve got some apple pie in the fridge.
Cheri
Want some before you go home?
Cheri
It’s the least I can do.
His eyebrows raise slightly.
As if he’s surprised by her offer.
She’s just about to let him off the hook…
Cheri
I’ll put on some coffee too.
Cheri
It’s nearly 5am now.
Cheri
We’ve gotta get up for school soon anyway.
Suddenly feeling awkward…
She claps her hands loudly together.
On the way back to the house, she’s starts having second thoughts.
Did she really just invite him in?
His parents have come over for dinner plenty of times…
But he’s never been with them.
And for goodness sake, why are there butterflies in her stomach?!
She opens the back door, then stands aside to let him through.
He stands in the middle of the kitchen…
Shoves his hands in his pockets…
And takes in his surroundings.
All the while, he doesn’t say a word.
Cheri
I made it just last night.
Cheri
Should still be fresh.
Cheri
Have you ever had apple pie?
Cheri
I mean, probably, since you live next door to an orchard.
She goes to grab two plates.
Cheri
I uh…couldn’t help but notice you’re covered in paint.
Cheri
Were you painting your room or something?
She suddenly remembers his notebook and how he’s always drawing.
Cheri
Painting…like, art?
She waits without hope that he’ll elaborate.
Grabbing a knife, she cuts him a large piece.
Cheri
So you’re an artist?
She hands him a plate of pie…
Puts her hands on her hips as she stares up at him.
Cheri
You don’t talk much, do you?
He takes the pie, then looks down into her eyes.
His eyes flick to her lips.
Maybe he’s thinking that she talks too much.
Deciding she should stop pushing him into a conversation…
She turns away and starts the coffee pot.
And this time, it’s her who startles.
Jasper
Want to see one of my drawings?
She turns to him, shocked.
He has a smile playing on his lips.
It’s all she can do not to shout her answer.
With the coffees in hand, she walks to the table.
He pulls a small notebook out of his back pocket…
Then slides it across the counter to her.
She gasps once she sees what it is.
She doesn’t know which word to use.
Cheri
You’re very talented
Cheri leans in to get a better look.
Cheri
The detail in this is stunning!
Cheri
You should show these to my dad.
Cheri
We always need new signs for marketing.
Cheri
Maybe you could help out.
He tries to hide a smile, but fails.
Eager to see more of his stuff…
She turns to the next page.
There’s one of a stunning sunset.
Another of a lake a few miles down the road…
And another of the distant mountains at twilight.
Suddenly, his hand shoots out to try and stop her from turning to the next page…
She’s already seen what it is.
It’s from a few months ago, when she gave a tutorial at the orchard.
She remembers he was there with his parents…
Listening from the back row.
The drawing is definitely her…
But he made her look different.
Her eyes are brighter than ever.
Her smile is wider, lighting up her whole entire face.
And her skin seems to be glowing, bursting with energy.
He tries to grab the notebook back, but she won’t let him.
This time it’s him who clears his throat.
Cheri
I mean, I remember this day.
Cheri
I was exhausted and sweaty from cooking over 300 cinnamon cookies.
Cheri
But I don’t look like it here.
Jasper
This is how you looked that day.
Her heart warms at his words.
She looks happy and full of life in his drawing.
Is that what he sees when he looks at her?
The air in the room feels heavy all of a sudden.
She has the strangest urge to slide her chair closer to his…
Instead, she points to his pie.
Cheri
And let me know what you think.
He dutifully picks up his fork and takes a large bite.
A low, deep groan comes from his throat as he chews.
The sound sends a spark up Cheri’s spine.
Cheri
You’re not just saying that?
He swallows another large bite.
Jasper
Second best dessert I’ve ever had.
Her fork halts on the way to her mouth.
Obviously she has to ask.
Cheri
What was the first?
Jasper
Your cinnamon cookies.
Now it’s Cheri who’s fighting a smile.
Cheri
Are you teasing me, Jasper Stills?
His eyes flick down to her lips again…
Cheri
You know, I’m always baking something.
Cheri
And if you like my desserts so much…
Cheri
Feel free to come over any time.
Feel free to come over any time?
Did she really just say that?!
But he seems pleased at the invitation.
Of course he doesn’t say anything, but she can tell.
The room goes quiet again.
There are so many things she wants to say him.
But she has no idea how he’ll respond to her.
She’s realizing that he’s very, very shy.
He’s very thoughtful about his words.
And she has an overwhelming urge to get to know him better.
If only just to hear more of what he has to say.
Cheri
So are you ready for Monahan’s test?
Cheri
I’ve been studying my butt off.
And then they start talking.
They talk about their plans for after graduation…
They talk about some of their hobbies…
And Cheri learns more about Jasper Stills than she ever thought she would.
She’s known and watched him from afar for years…
But never really gave him a second glance.
She couldn’t tell someone one thing about him.
But now, she knows that he enjoys history and math.
And that he wants to be a dairy farmer like his dad.
She knows that he loves to paint and draw…
And even has one of his pieces hanging in city hall.
And she knows that he has one of the most melodic voices she’s ever heard.
Leaning closer, she tells him.
Cheri
I love your voice, Jasper.
Cheri
I feel like you could do voiceover work or something.
That gets him laughing again.
Cheri
If the girls in our school heard it?
Cheri
They’d be all over you like flies on honey.
His expression becomes serious.
And she could swear he leans in toward her.
Jasper
I’m not interested in the girls at our school.
For some reason, her stomach drops.
His eyes fall to her lips for a third time.
Jasper
Well, all but one.
There’s no mistaking his meaning.
Not with the way he’s looking at her.
Inexplicably drawn to him…
They’re so deep in the moment…
They both jump apart when the house phone rings.
He looks toward the phone.
Cheri
It’s probably someone calling for the orchard.
Cheri
Even though we’re not open today.
Cheri
I’ll let it go to voicemail.
Cheri instantly regrets that decision…
When Stacy’s voice suddenly fills the room.
Stacy
Did the freak come over to help you?
Stacy
I told you I’d call you to make sure nothing bad happened.
Stacy
And now you don’t pick up.
Stacy
Did he lock you in the shed or something?
Stacy
Never can tell with the quiet ones—
Cheri runs over to pick up the phone.
The sound of a chair scraping fills the room…
And she looks over just as Jasper stands up.
Cheri
Wait, Jasper, don’t go!
God, she has to apologize.
He must feel terrible after hearing that.
But he strides by her without meeting her eyes.
Jasper
Gotta get ready for school.
And with that, he disappears out the door.
Leaving Cheri near frozen with utter mortification.
Stacy
Can you stop glaring at me?
Stacy
I’m trying to enjoy my lunch.
Cheri
I’m glad one of us can eat!
Cheri
All I can taste is the bitterness of humiliation!
Stacy
Can you stop being so dramatic?
Stacy
Who cares what he thinks?
Stacy
It’s not like he doesn’t know that people call him a freak.
Cheri slams her hand on the table.
Cheri
Stop calling him that!
A few people turn to stare in their direction.
Stacy
So you have one conversation with the guy…
Stacy
And now all the sudden you’re his champion?
Cheri
Just because he doesn’t talk much…
Cheri
Doesn’t mean he doesn’t have anything to say.
Cheri
So I don’t want to hear another word about it.
Cheri
And I never want to hear the word “freak” again.
Cheri
Certainly not from you.
Stacy scoffs, but Cheri sees a small flash of guilt in her eyes.
Stacy should feel guilty.
Cheri turns her gaze back to the cafeteria doors…
Hoping for Jasper to walk in.
She hasn’t seen him all day.
She doesn’t even know if he came in to school.
But a few minutes later, he walks into the room.
He walks to a table on the other side of the cafeteria.
His shoulders are slumped forward.
Cheri grabs her bag and leaves her table.
She walks straight over to where Jasper is sitting.
Cheri
Is this seat taken?
She can feel her classmates staring at her.
Probably wondering what the hell she’s doing.
Because Jasper always sits alone.
He looks up in confusion.
Cheri
I’m sorry about this morning.
Cheri
I hate that you heard that.
Cheri
I hate what Stacy said.
Cheri
You’re not a freak.
Cheri
And there’s nothing wrong with that.
Cheri
I told her that myself.
But Jasper doesn’t respond.
Cheri shifts her weight uncomfortably.
Cheri
I’d like to sit with you today…
She takes a deep breath, realizing she’s rambling again.
The whole cafeteria is quiet…
No doubt hearing everything she said.
Cheri pulls out the cinnamon cookies she made him this morning.
He looks at them, but doesn’t respond.
She knows he’ll answer in his own time.
She’s never been so happy just to hear one simple word.
A shadow of a smile crosses his lips.
Relieved, she takes a seat.
Then she puts the cookies on the table.
Cheri
If you’re wondering if these are a bribe…
To her shock — and everyone else’s in the cafeteria — he laughs loudly.
Then he takes a bite of the cookie.
Wonders what it’d be like to kiss him.
As if he can tell what she’s thinking…
His cheeks turn as red as her orchard’s apples.
And answers her silently…
By pressing his lips against hers.
The kiss is shockingly soft.
And Cheri tastes sweet cinnamon sugar on his lips.
And looks deeply into her eyes—
