A blessing in disguise

When they got home Jenny went upstairs right after dinner. Though she had done everything right regarding Jason, she had to determine whether she had done right by her plans as well. Jason's birthday was only a little over two months away and the deadline for her second payment was fast approaching. So, she needed to check how much she had earned so far and how much she still needed to reach her goal. Luckily this job payed much better than what she had planned on. Allowing her to reach her goal a lot sooner than what she had initially anticipated on. If she hadn't been forced to stop midway, she would surely have earned the remaining amount for Jason's watch in a month and a half. Now she wasn't so sure. But these doubts disappeared the moment she looked at the balance on her checking account. She almost couldn't believe her eyes when she saw the pay for the past month.

Though she already knew that the nursing home payed exceptionally well, this month was even better. Not only had she gotten her regular pay, she had also received a Christmas bonus, an end of year bonus and she had gotten a pay increase as a new year had started. With this she had far surpassed the amount she needed. Meaning that even if she didn't find another job, Jason's gift had been secured. A big smile appeared on her face, one she hid immediately when Jason walked into the room. She couldn't have him discover her surprise this close to the actual date. When Jason entered the bathroom to take a shower, she contacted the jeweler immediately to make arrangements for the final payment and had an appointment that upcoming weekend. With that everything was coming together perfectly. She was happy she had managed to save the needed amount in time and was able to get through the past months without Jason finding out what she had been working for. All he knew was that it was for his birthday and that was all she wanted him to know till he actually received the gift.

With a relieved feeling she dropped herself on the sofa and let out a deep breath filled with contentment. 'The next payment should be quite impressive as well.' she thought to herself. Thinking about how the payment of her final month at the nursing home would include the payment of her remaining vacation days and what she had built up in vacation pay. This would ensure her another excessive amount, which would help replenish a large portion of her savings that she had spent on Jason's gift. After that she got lost in a different kind of thought. Her expression changing along with her shift in thought.

The reason for this was because they had entered the second half of the school year. Since she was a senior this meant that her final high school exams were only three months away and her entrance exams were only five months away. The thought of these important deadlines coming closer and closer, made her feel somewhat stressed. Especially considering that after what Jason had done for her birthday, she couldn't possibly let her gift be the only thing she prepares for his birthday. So, that would require some of her time as well. Since she wasn't like Jason, who would be able to show up and ace those tests as if they were nothing, she needed to step up her game. With these exams being the last she would take as a high school student, there was no 'I'll do better next time'. So, maybe her quitting her job was a blessing in disguise. Though she was quite smart herself, entrance exams weren't the same as regular exams. Especially not those of the elite colleges and Universities. She couldn't risk to be the only one not accepted at a good University. She wouldn't be able to face her mother if that happened.

When she heard Jason enter the room, Jenny sat up on the sofa. She saw him walk towards her with a pair of sweatpants and a simple t-shirt, looking just as handsome as ever, and a towel on his head to dry his wet hair. Softly she called out to him. "Jason...". Jason looked up at her and shifted the towel to see her properly. When he did, he saw her looking at him with a worried expression. "What's wrong? What has you looking like that? It's not about the job is it?" Jenny shook her head. "No, I just realized that we only have three months till exams start. And I am a bit worried. So, I was wondering if maybe you could help me study for it... If we study together, it should become more fun right?" She said with half a smile.

Though Jason was very busy and didn't have much time on his hands, Jenny hardly ever asked for help. Now that she did, he didn't want to reject her. It was clear that it was worrying her, enough to set her pride aside for a moment to ask him to help her study. Without allowing Jenny to notice his thoughts he stepped closer, ruffled her hair and said, "I will help you on the condition that you help me dry my hair in the time that I am helping you study and that I can use your lap as a pillow whenever I want. You can pay off my time investment, with your awkwardness and affection. How about it?" Jason asked with a flirtatious look.

He would have helped her without this trade-off as well, but this way it would make things easier for Jenny's pride that must be hurting at this point and would give him a much wanted reward as well. Making it a win-win. Jenny chuckled, "You are such an odd man, but very well. I shall lend you my legs and hair-drying services, if you lend me that uselessly smart brain of yours." With a pinkie promise they sealed the deal and they started to make plans for the upcoming weeks, while Jenny continued to dry Jason's hair gently, who had taken a seat on the carpet to allow Jenny to reach his head properly. As Jason used his newly acquired privileges right off the bat another night passed by happily.