Maybe now everything can finally go back to normal.

Days Left Until Summer Break: 140

Jaxon

Being nice to Raegan is easier than I thought it’d be.

Since I sent her the flowers, she’s ceased fire. She still doesn’t trust me, but I can’t blame her.

I wouldn’t trust me either.

With our prank war over, I’ve been able to focus on the important things, like my job. Tonight’s the Halloween dance. Raegan, Michelle, and Chris were the only ones who volunteered to help, so we’ve been running around all afternoon to ensure everything goes smoothly.

The cafeteria looks incredible. Orange and black streamers hang from the ceiling. Chris brought a strobe light and a smoke machine. Michelle downloaded all the Halloween classics onto her iPod and hooked it up to our sound system.

Raegan hung decorations and crafts her students made. She’s currently standing on a ladder hanging a banner. We didn’t need it, but she said it would add the final touch. I don’t care. I’m holding the ladder steady, pretending not to stare up at her spectacular ass while Chris and Michelle are busy with their backs turned.

“Is it straight?” she asks.

“A little to your left. Too far. More to your right. A couple inches higher. Ah, maybe a little lower. Nope, to your left again.”

She whips her head around, a scowl twisting her face as she glares down at me. “Are you fucking with me?”

My lips curve up. “I might be.”

She lets out an exasperated sigh and slaps the banner to the wall. “I don’t care if it’s crooked. I’m getting down.”

I chuckle as I extend my hand to help her down, but she swats it away. I’m surprised she even trusted me to hold the ladder for her in the first place. We’re making progress.

“Come on, Raegan. I’m joking with you. Just trying to lighten the mood you seem to be in whenever I’m around. You’ve done a lot for this dance. I appreciate it.”

Her eyebrow arches. “Am I missing the insult hidden in there?”

“No insult. Truce, remember?”

She nods and offers me a slight smile. “Sorry. I guess you being nice to me will take some getting used to.”

My heart twinges. Why does that bother me?

“I’ll see you tonight,” she says with a wave.

I’d like to tell you I didn’t watch her hips sway as she walked away from me, but I can’t … because I did.

I need psychiatric counseling.

“No, Tommy. You can’t put your boogers in the juice bowl.”

The party is off to a great start.

The cafeteria is packed. Kids are running around and dancing to the music. Trying to wipe their snot on things. You know, fun kid stuff.