10 THINGS SHE HATES ABOUT GENDRY
Hello guys, sorry I'm one day late !
Chapter 9
Monday morning, Mr. Baelish's class.
-All right, he was saying. I assume everyone had found time to complete their poem, except for Mr. Lannister, he chuckled, who has an excuse. Blondie, lose the glasses !
Joffrey grumbled as he removed his sunglasses that were hiding a red/blue/purple/green nose.
-All right, the teacher carried on. Anyone brave enough to read theirs aloud ?
No one moved for a few seconds. Arya stopped herself from wanting to turn to look at Gendry who decided to grace the class with his presence today, and eventually rose her hand.
-I will, she said in a steady voice.
Gendry's head snapped up at the sound of her voice.
-The Seven help us, Mr. Baelish groaned. Here we go.
She walked to the front of the class, and took a deep breath, forbidding herself to look up or else she knew she would meet his eyes, and she couldn't.
-"I hate the way you talk to me
And the way you cut your hair
I hate the way you drive my car
I hate it when you stare
I hate your big dumb combat boots
And the way you read my mind
I hate you so much it makes me sick
It even makes me rhyme
I hate it… (there she had to take a breath because her throat was tightening, and she knew she was getting emotional).
I hate the way you're always right
I hate it when you lie
I hate it when you make me laugh
Even worse when you make me cry
I hate it when you're not around
And the fact that you didn't call
But mostly, I hate the way
I don't hate you, not even close
Not even a little bit
Not even at all", she finished crying, eyes locked with Gendry's as his face was unreadable, and ran out of the class.
She spent the next classes in the infirmary, reading. She couldn't bear to talk to him after that. At the end of the day, she was walking in the parking lot, and took her car keys out of her bag. She opened her car's door and stopped, bewildered. A beautiful Fender Stratocaster of a bright red was on the driver's seat. It was new, the little label proved that. She carefully put her hands on it.
-Nice, huh ? a deep, husky, sexy male voice said behind her.
-A Fender Strat ? she asked, still shocked as she turned to look at him. Is it for me ?
-Yeah, Gendry answered, shoving his hands in his pockets. I thought you could use it, you know, when you start your band. Besides, I had some extra cash, you know. Some asshole paid me to take out this really great girl.
She slowly nodded with a little smile.
-Is that right ? she shot back playfully.
-Yeah, but I screwed up. I… I fell for her, he admitted, looking right into her eyes.
-Really ? she shyly asked.
-It's not every day you find a girl who'll flash someone to get you out of detention.
-Oh, Seven Hells, she groaned as she hid her face in her palms.
He put a strand of her hair behind her ears and gave her a loving kiss.
-You can't just buy me a guitar every time you screw up, you know, she threatened as she pulled back.
-Yeah, I know, he winced. But then, you know, there's always drums, and bass, and maybe even one day a tambourine.
And he didn't let her reply as he took possession of that delicious mouth of hers again. He held tightly onto her waist as he lifted her and spun around, making her throw back her head in laughter.
-Now, what about a little ride on the beach ? Nymeria refused to let anyone mount her since you came to the ranch, and she could use a little time out of her box. Or I can take you to the cinema ? Or the park ? I don't know, I'm sorry, I'm no boyfriend material.
-Shut up, Arya sighed. You're talking too much. The ranch sounds perfect.
He nodded and smiled.
-However, I have to drop my new baby off first, and change.
He looked at her, noticing that she only had a denim skirt and a black t-shirt.
-Okay well, I'll pick you up in an hour ?
-Sounds good. See you.
She hopped in her car and drove away, feeling giddy with happiness. She ran into the house and carefully placed the guitar in her room before jumping out of her skirt and into some blue and white leggings. She put on an oversized dark green jacket, anticipating the chilly wind of the day, and slid on her combat boots. She checked the time, she had fifteen minutes left. She stepped in front of her mirror and vaguely tamed her wild hair as well as she could. She was about to run in the kitchen and grab something to eat when her phone rang.
-Hello ? she said.
-Hey Ari !
-Hey Sans'. Why are you calling ? Is something wrong ?
-Nope, her sister laughed, popping the "p". Jon wants to take me to this ice-cream place that just opened in town. Can you tell Dad ? And maybe… cover for me ? Please ? I'll make dinner tonight.
-It's okay, I'm going out too, Arya laughed. And I'll tell Dad. Call me if you need me to pick you up, okay ?
-Great ! Yeah, sure. See you Ari.
-See you, Sans'.
She put her phone in her pocket, and heard a honk outside. She opened her window and spotted Gendry's car, and him leaning against it like a model. She waved and ran downstairs.
-Bye Dad, I'm going out ! And Sansa's out too ! See you tonight !
And she quickly walked out of the house, walking casually toward her date.
-Hey there, Stark, he cheekily smiled. Don't act all casual, I heard you running downstairs like your panties were on fire.
-Shut up Waters, she laughed. You took a jumper ?
-Yeah, it might be windy today. You thought of taking a jacket, good. Now, if m'lady would be so kind, he said as he opened the car's door for her.
-I'm not a lady, she grumbled as she hopped in.
He drove to his mother's ranch, and hurried to open her door.
-You said you were no boyfriend material, she said with a lifted eyebrow. You're a fucking gentleman.
-And I know you love it, he shot back. Now, get out of the car and come on. I need to eat something before we go on our ride.
She just nodded and followed him into the huge house. They went straight into the kitchen, and he motioned for her to sit at the kitchen counter as he opened the fridge.
-Do you want anything ? Milk, juice, water, tea ? Or something to eat ? We have cinnamon rolls somewhere, I'm sure.
-Cinnamon rolls is absolutely perfect, she smiled. And some coffee if it's alright, but fruit juice is just fine.
-Nah, I'll make you a coffee, it's perfectly fine, he smiled.
He prepared the cinnamon rolls, and set on the coffee machine.
-Okay… he said as he stared at her with a thoughtful face. Coffee with sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a bit of milk, right ?
-How do you know ? she asked in surprise.
-I may or may not have interrogated your sister so I would know a few things about you, he grinned evilly. She doesn't know how to keep secrets by the way.
Arya laughed.
-Okay, loverboy. Now, make me that insanely delicious coffee and then we'll go riding on the beach, she ordered playfully.
He threw her a warm cinnamon roll right into her face but she caught it with a smirk. They were eating peacefully when three kids stumbled into the kitchen, bickering and catfighting. Arya spotted one girl, with wild black hair and blue eyes, probably thirteen, and two boys with curly light brown hair and blue eyes that looked twelve.
-GUYS ! Gendry's voice boomed through the room, silencing the three of them instantly.
Arya nearly jumped in shock. By the Seven, he nearly gave her a heart attack !
-Now, he said as he separated them. Stop fighting and be polite. We have a guest over, so go and introduce yourselves. Now !
The two boys hurried to stand in front of Arya.
-I'm Rickon, one of them said.
-I'm his twin Lommy, the other added. We're eleven years old.
-Nice to meet you, I'm Arya, Gendry's classmate. I'm eighteen, Arya smiled as she nodded to them.
The boy looked at Gendry with hopeful eyes.
-Yes, you can go now. But remember to do your homework ! Gendry said as they ran out of the kitchen.
He then turned to the girl, who had her arms crossed and was defying him with her stare.
-Don't force me to ground you again, young lady, he growled as he crossed his arms too.
-Fine, she puffed. I'm Cara, I'm fifteen, and I'm this dumbass's sister. And I heard your introduction. Bye.
And she turned to walk away. Arya turned to Gendry, trying to understand what just happened.
-Don't mind Cara, he said with an apologetic smile. She puts up the tough act, but she's a sweetie deep down. She reminds me of someone actually…
-I wonder who, Arya laughed. I didn't know you had any siblings ?
-Well, there's Bella, she's nineteen. Then Cara, fifteen, Rickon and Lommy who are eleven, and…
-Gen ! a high-pitched girl voice screamed.
-Hey there, little princess ! Gendry smiled as he picked up a little girl that came in the room running. How are you doing ?
-Good, thank you, the little girl smiled. Did you go to school today ? How was it ?
She was very short and tiny, dressed with a light blue dress with long sleeves. She had blue eyes like all the family, but striking light blond, very curly hair.
-Yes, I went to school, and it was nice. I really enjoyed the English literature class today, he chuckled. And the end of classes was even better.
Arya blushed slightly at his words. Gendry noticed it and sent her a wink before tickling the little girl. She squirmed around, laughing, and then her eyes landed on Arya.
-Gen, there is a very pretty girl sitting in our kitchen, she whispered not so discreetly.
Arya nearly choked on her coffee. Okay, she really didn't see that one coming.
-How pretty is she ? Gendry asked with a grin. I can't see well, tell me how beautiful she is, please.
-She has big grey eyes ! It's very pretty. And I like her hair. But her pants are strange…
Gendry couldn't control himself and erupted in laughter. Arya was laughing too, and jumped from the chair she was perched on before approaching Gendry and the little girl.
-I think she is very beautiful, the little girl finally said as she turned to face Gendry. Is she your fiancée ?
Gendry and Arya's laughter turned to horrible sounds of choking and coughing.
-No, little princess, he managed to say.
-But she is pretty ! the little girl insisted like the two facts were linked. She's pretty and you brought her here, so she must be your princess !
-Well… Gendry trailed off. She is a princess indeed, but I haven't asked her in marriage so she is not my fiancée. By the way, she's not mine. You can't own someone. You understand ? And I am too young to think about marriage, little one. And besides, if she was my fiancée, you would know it, I would tell you first !
-Oh, that's right, she nodded. Well, put me down now, I have to introduce myself.
Gendry rolled his eyes in humour, and gently set her back on the floor. The little girl walked to Arya and curtsied, surprising the older one.
-Hello. My name is Angelica, I'm going to be three years old in a week, she said as she held up three fingers.
-Well, hello, Arya said as she tried to curtsy and nearly tripped on her feet.
-You don't know how to curtsy ? Angelica said as she inclined her head on the side. I thought princesses knew how to do it.
-Well, I might have slept through curtsying classes, Arya smiled guiltily. Maybe you can show me ?
-Sure. Here, your feet have to be like this.
Gendry watched in amazement as Arya spend the next three minutes listening carefully to Angelica, and finally succeeding in doing one curtsy right.
-You still haven't told me your name, Angelica said as she jumped in Gendry's arms.
-Oh, right. My name is Arya. I'm eighteen years old. Nice to meet you, Angelica.
-Nice to meet you too.
-Well, aren't you supposed to have a nap ? Gendry piped in.
-But I don't want to ! Angelica whined and pouted.
-No, Angelica, remember what we said the other day ? Princesses don't whine. Now, go and take a nap. And I'll spend some time with you before dinner, I promise. I have to spend some time with Arya too, I promised her. Okay ?
-Okay… Angelica said with her adorable pout.
She jumped on the floor and walked out of the kitchen.
-She's your youngest sister ? Arya softly asked as they watched her going upstairs.
-No, Gendry said with an absent face. She's my niece.
Arya turned to her with a slight frown, not quite understanding what he meant.
-My older sister Bella got pregnant at fifteen, he whispered. Angelica's her daughter.
-Oh… I'm sorry I brought that up, I didn't know, she apologised.
-It's alright. It's surely not your fault.
-And if I may ask, where is her father ? Who is he ?
-This light shade of blond doesn't remind you of someone ? Gendry said with venom lacing his voice, although it wasn't directed at her.
Arya gasped, finally seeing the whole picture. She quickly counted the months in her head, and stopped breathing, her fists clenching tightly in pure rage.
-Arya ? Gendry asked. Arya, what is it ?
-You know the story between me and Joffrey, don't you ? she said with a calm voice.
-Yes…
-He cheated on me. I'm sure of it now. I've always had doubts, but now I have proof. I'm not blaming your sister, of course.
Arya started pacing around. Gendry took her by the shoulders and hugged her to soothe her.
-Hey, calm down. We'll take care of this prick later, okay ? I promise. But I also promised you to go horse riding on the beach, and Nymeria is waiting for you. Let's go and have a nice afternoon, and then we'll take care of the rest, okay ?
He looked at her with hope.
-Okay, she smiled and lightly pecked him. Just one thing, does he know ?
-No, Gendry quickly answered. We don't want him to. I don't want him anywhere near Angelica, or near Bella again. I won't let him tear apart my family.
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