Hey everybody,
Sorry I haven't updated There You Go Again in a while. As you may or may not know, I've been working on my newest story Reindeer Kisses for you guys! An epilogue is in progress right now so check out the story so you get what's going on!
I checked out the promo for Season 2 of the Troop on Youtube- it looks fantastic! I saw the Jayley kiss so I'm just excited as you all are :D
Since it's nearly the New Year (2011)- I feel like you guys should get to know me better. So leave a review of my story and a question, if you want, asking me anything you want! Nothing rude please. I'll answer them all next time I update this story which will be soon; I promise!
Don't forget to leave me a review;
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DISCLAIMER: I do not own the Troop.
SYNOPSIS: After Hayley's heart is broken, there's no better thing to do but to immerse herself in monster hunting; especially when there's a rare but vicious monster on the loose. But what happens when she finds herself falling for someone she'd never expect?
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Chapter 10: Broken
"Jake? Hayley? Felix?"
I cringed as I heard her voice. God really didn't want me to be happy- did he?
Our 3 heads all turned around to meet with her beautiful blue eyes. Her usually tied up black hair was out today and her usual attire of shorts and a tank top was replaced by faded jeans and a loose shirt. My heart nearly stopped when I realised that any chance of Jake and I getting together now had disappeared.
"Leanne, oh my god, what are you doing here?" Jake exclaimed excitedly as he ran over and pecked her soundly on the cheek; wrapping his arms around her as I tried to ignore the uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach.
"I think the real question here is, what are you doing here?" Leanne giggled, "I thought you were on mime camp in Tokyo,"
"Well, uh...we were uh..." Jake stuttered until Felix cut in.
"We're doing a mime exercise...that involves joining another group and umm...travelling around Japan to do a mime piece inspired by the beauty here," Felix lied quite smoothly.
"Oh that sounds pretty cool!" Leanne grinned, "Can I see what you've come up with so far?"
"Uh..." Jake paused again as I rolled my eyes.
"Well, we can't exactly perform it yet since we've only started the project and right now, we've only got ideas and no actions yet," I politely smiled- trying to hide my disgust for my fellow cheerleader.
"That's too bad since I would've loved to see it," Leanne answered cheerfully, "It's good to see all 3 of you again. School break is ending in a few days and I haven't seen you guys in a week or so! I've missed you guys- especially you, Jake,"
"I missed you too, Leanne," Jake whispered softly as he played with Leanne's hair, "How about we go somewhere and catch up some time?"
"That'll be nice," Leanne said as she leaned forward so her forehead touched his; making my eyes sting with tears, "I was actually just grabbing a cup of coffee before I headed up to the Great North Shore with my grand-parents. Do you want to meet them?"
"I'd love to," Jake smiled lovingly, "Let's go. Guys, I'll just be a minute,"
As soon as Jake and his oh-so-perfect girlfriend were out of the door, I felt the feelings overwhelm me. I had never felt so hurt and betrayed in my life; even the time when Brett cheated on me. My head fell onto the table with a thud as the tears were released. I felt my cheeks grow wet and sticky and I couldn't help but sob quitely to myself. I didn't really understand why I was this affected by Leanne- I shouldn't even have those feelings for Jake in the first place. The worst part of all this though, was still knowing Jake wasn't mine though I wanted so badly that he was.
"Well, I for one, hate that girl," Yuki spoke up as she patted my back, "She did not even ask who we were. Talk about a girl with no manners!"
"Yuki!" Keiko laughed, "That was quite uncalled for. She may have been a little too busy to notice us since she is reunited with her love,"
"Guys, can't you see Hayley's a little upset over...actually, I don't know what she's upset about," Felix said; raising an eye brow as I lifted up my heavy head and wiped away the remaining few tears, "Are you ok?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," I mumbled; slapping on a fake smile, "Just tired from waking up really early, I guess,"
"I may not have known you for long, Miss Hayley Steele, but I know that is a lie," Akira observed as he placed a hand on my shoulder, "Do you need to talk?"
"Nah, I think I just need some air," I murmured, "Thanks guys for your concern,"
"I am done eating, Hayley. You want me to go for a walk with you around the building?" Yuki volunteered as she got up and grabbed my hand.
"That'll be great," I perked up, "I'll see you guys in a few minutes,"
Yuki and I got up as we walked out the door and started to talk about my issues and problems and terrible dating history. I talked about how happy I was with Brett and how perfect I thought our relationship was, even though now I realised how flawed my perception of us being together was. Not once did she interrupt me- she just listened to what I had to say and comforted me when I began to tear up when certain subjects were brought up. I confessed my feelings towards Jake to her and she was glad that I had noticed them but disappointed that it was too late for me to do anything since he had Leanne.
Akira had called Yuki on her phone; instructing us to return to the restaurant immediate to resume our trip up to the Great North Shore. I unwillingly sighed as I realised Leanne was also travelling up there, meaning we would see a lot more of her now. Yuki just smiled weakly at me and gave me a hug as we walked back up to Breakfast Blitz.
"...they'll be heaps of my friends from around there who will be going and it'll be a great time for us to catch up some more, so please come?" a familiar voice pleaded., "Please, please, PLEASE Jake?"
"Is that who I think it is?" Yuki whispered as she pulled me behind our vehicle.
"I think so, Yuki. Though we shouldn't be spying on them...but that doesn't mean we can't..." I giggled softly as the two of us peered through the window to see Jake and his girlfriend...I really did hate that word for Leanne.
"Ok, ok Leanne," Jake chuckled warmly, "I'll see what I can do. This mime workshop is very important to me and everyone else here. It comes first- even if you are my girlfriend,"
"I know," Leanne sighed, "I wish I was more important, for once,"
"Well you are right now!" Jake replied hastily, "I should be with them right now but instead, you see me here with you,"
"True," Leanne smirked, "Well I shouldn't keep you away from your friends any longer and I need to go too. I'll text you the details later?"
"Sure," Jake nodded, "See you, babe,"
Leanne stood on her toes and leaned in as she launched her lips onto Jake's soft ones. Her eyelids immediately shut as I watched, gaping like a fish. Jake's eyes were open though- full of uncertainty and insecurity. I immediately thought that maybe Jake was thinking of me as he kissed Leanne- wishing it could've been me than her. But soon enough, I swallowed my words as he pressed himself closer into her form and a deep cut formed through my heart.
"Hayley...I am so sorry," Yuki breathed; turning to face me though I wasn't looking at her as I was frozen, "I should not have pointed them out because if I-"
"It's alright, Yuki- they are together after all. Let's just forget about this and go find Akira alright?"
Yuki nodded slowly as we crept away to find Akira in front of the restaurant with his arms crossed. Felix was inside the store getting take-away for the trip ahead; no doubt. Yuki looked over at me but I managed to shoot a grin at her as I held it together. The truth was I was tired- tired of the games Jake and I played when there was an obvious attraction there; tired that no matter how hard I tried to win Jake over, it didn't work because he had Leanne; and definitely tired of waiting for Jake to notice me. And because of all this, I've realised that Jake wasn't worth chasing anymore. I could've given my heart away only for it to be pushed back into my face with all its pieces broken; just like Brett had did. So I had come to a life-changing revelation.
Even if Jake wanted to break my heart, he couldn't since it wasn't whole to start with.
After a few minutes of waiting or Jake to farewell his Leanne, Yuki volunteered to do some driving and let Akira have a little rest before we got to his aunty's beach house. He thanked Yuki for her kindness and handed her the keys as he sat next to Keiko and fell asleep on her. She just grinned at his handsome features and I couldn't help but admire how glad I was that Akira had gotten over his temporary love for me to face reality and return Keiko's strong feelings for him. Soon, she fell asleep and it was just Felix and Jake arguing comically over what they should do first when they get to the beach- look at girls or sleep and eat. But after a little while, even my two best friends started to snore and it was just me and Yuki awake now.
"Are you really ok?" Yuki questioned for the billionth time in the last few seconds, "Because if Felix was kissing some girl I didn't like, then I would be pretty annoyed too,"
"It's not that I don't like Leanne," I explained, "She is on my cheer-leading team after all and she is genuinely a nice person..."
"I am not believing this act you are pulling off," Yuki smirked, "I know you better than that- just like Akira. I think of us as good friends, right?"
"Of course!" I laughed for the first time in a long time, "We're great friends. You should come visit Lakewood again one day!"
"That one day may be soon," Yuki admitted shyly, "I got a phone call this morning at a quarter to 5 about my art scholarship application. I, very luckily, got into the Prestigious School of Expressive Art which is a half an hour drive from Lakewood,"
"Oh my god! Congratulations!" I screamed, "That's one of the most private and highly respected Art colleges of all time! And...that's why you were awake that early to wake us up!"
"You are right, Hayley," Yuki smiled, "And yes, the office forgot I was part of Japan and called me at a bad time. But Keiko was going to wake me up anyway and her method usually involves pulling on my hair or getting a bucket full of water and dumping it on me,"
"Wow...then I'm glad Jake woke me up then," I laughed until I thought of Jake kissing Leanne again and I gulped; shaking my head as I continued on talking about my happiness for Yuki, "So why haven't you told anyone else?"
"Well, we were all tired and grumpy this morning so I decided to save my news to later. But we have to go out tonight and celebrate if nothing comes up!" Yuki giggled as I grinned at her.
"Definitely,"
Yuki and I continued to talk and laugh as we got to know each other more. I learnt that Yuki had always had a passion for art- she loved being inspired and getting to design beautiful works; through drawings, sculptures and sometimes, even clothes. It was kind of strange being this close to Yuki- I mean, I had heaps of friends in school and out but never anyone really close where I could talk to her about anything. I smiled, knowing that I found my potential girl best friend.
In what had seemed like forever, we had finally arrived at Akira's aunty's beach house at the Great North Shore. Yuki and I got out of the car as we stretched our sore limbs from sitting in the same position for 2 hours. We slowly woke up the others as they yawned and stretched uncontrollably. I tried to ignore the muscles in Jake's arms as he raised them above his head and the deep rumble of a yawn erupted from his chest. Why did I have to fall for such an attractive but unavailable boy?
"We're finally at the Great North Shore!" Felix announced as he kissed the ground, "Whoa...we're staying here?"
We all stopped moving and talking as we looked up to the beach house. It was elevated above from the ground, probably to prevent the sand and water from entering through the various balconies and doors. The house was a milky cream colour but the glass on the verandah and windows made it look blue since the liquid-sapphire sea was reflecting on it. It was spacious was to say the least- it was quite impossible to think only Akira's aunty and step-uncle lived there. On the front porch, there was a giant white beach umbrella that shaded a round white table with numerous recliners. Palm trees decorated the outside of the property and as all of us admired the beauty of the structure, a lady in a white sun-dress and sandals in her 30's walked through the door and carefully, started to descend down the stairs.
"Aunty!" Akira shouted as the lady raised her head and lifted off her sunglasses.
"Akira, honey, come here and give Aunty Ami a hug!" the lady shrilled as Akira chuckled while he ran to her.
The two embraced briefly as she kissed his nose, commenting on how big he had grown. Everyone couldn't help but laugh at this and for the first time I had ever witnessed, Akira seemed embarrassed. But still, I could tell he was over the moon to see his Aunty Ami again and I was more than thankful for her in letting 6 crazy monster-capturing teenagers stay at her picturesque residence.
"Aunty Ami, meet my friends- Yuki and Keiko from my school and Jake, Felix and Hayley from Lakewood," Akira introduced, "Everyone, this is my favourite aunt- Ami. Aunty, thankyou again for letting us stay here while you visit Uncle Ren for a few days,"
"The pleasure is all mine," Ami smiled, "And please call me Ami. Aunty makes me feel old,"
We all chuckled as we took our bags inside to Ami's beautiful home. We thanked her endlessly but she just shook it off like it was nothing, which made us all much more appreciative of her. She briefly showed us the rooms and the other components of the house like the bathroom, kitchen and garden. She poured us a glass of orange juice each and as we sipped on them; savouring the delicious taste and while we did his, Ami talked to Akira in private about how to look after her beach house.
"Sorry everybody but I must be off to to the airport," Ami apologised as she grabbed everyone into a massive bear hug, "Have fun at your mime camp and I shall see you soon. Good luck and be safe!"
"Thanks again Ami for letting us stay," I grinned as I grabbed her suitcase and helped her out to the car, "I know you don't really know us but I promise you that your house will be in perfect condition when you're back,"
"Of course, Hayley. I believe in all of you to act responsibly while I am gone. I hope to see you soon sometime. And thankyou for carrying my bags," Ami beamed as she sat into her car and started the engine.
I placed her suitcase in the passenger seat of her car and the others came outside to the drive way to say farewell to Aunty Ami. Akira waved at her as she blew him a kiss and within a few seconds, she had left 6 Troop members in charge of her very expensive beach estate. We all headed back inside as we all collapsed onto Ami's leather sofa; finally starting to relax a little.
"Ok guys," Akira said as he clapped his hands; grabbing our attention, "My aunty has been very nice for letting all of us stay here so of course, there will be a few things to sort out and a couple of rules we must obey by,"
Everyone nodded as they got themselves comfortable to listen to the long lecture they knew was coming.
"Let us start with some ground rules. One- only us 6 are allowed in the house. That means no guests or visitors here because my aunty only knows that we are staying here. We are very priviledged to be staying here as Ami did not need to take us in. This means that we must treat her place with respect." Akira commanded, "Two- we will be taking turns to cook and clean for the two days we will be here. I will organise a roster and we will talk about it at lunch. Three- we must remember that even when we are in a luxurious home at an exquisite location, our mission comes before anything else. We must eliminate any danger that threatens this community, Japan or the world. As the Troop, that is our first priority andit will always be our first priority,"
"Relax, Akira," Keiko soothed as she ran her hands over his arm, "We will look after this place as if it was our own. Now how about we all get an hour to unpack and clean up before we head out to the shore and look for any suspicious monster activity?"
"That sounds good, Keiko," Felix replied, "How about I whip us up some lunch to go? I make great sandwiches,"
"Thankyou Felix; that would be a great help," Akira laughed, "Let me show you where the food is,"
"Ok Akira- after you guys all get settled, tell me what you want in your sandwich and I'll prepare them," Felix grinned as everyone nodded.
"So where are we staying, Akira?" I asked as he pointed to a cupboard for Felix to fetch the loaves of bread.
"I will show you all the rooms and then I will allocate you with a room mate," Akira explained as I prayed silently I wouldn't be stuck with Jake, "Is that alright?"
I gave Akira an approving look as we waddled up the stairs with our heavy back packs. Akira took us to the master room- which was his aunty's room, so he obviously gave himself that room which he would share with his girl, Keiko. Yuki, Jake and I walked down the halls when we saw another bedroom. It had pale yellow walls and two single beds- which I was thankful for if I was sharing a room with Jake. I guess keeping my distance away from Jake now would be a good idea because now it was time to get the hell over him.
"Yuki and Hayley, would you like to stay in this guest room?" Akira smiled, "This room has a balcony so you girls can have some fresh air whenever you want. I will be giving the other room to Jake and Felix who have a bigger room but it only has windows,"
"No fair!" Jake pouted as I tried to ignore the beating of my heart as I saw such a sight, "Why do we have to have the worst room?"
"Have you never heard of manners Jake?" I smirked; trying to recover my form and replace my love for him with bickering, "Ladies first, remember?"
"Of course I know ladies should go first, like Yuki," Jake retorted, "But I wouldn't consider you a lady,"
"Then what do you consider me?" I seethed as Yuki and Akira's eyes widened at the double meaning in my words.
"Look, not to be rude or anything, but we are on a mission and I would like to get a move on," Akira said; clearing his throat.
"Yeah, I think this room would be great for us," Yuki laughed, "It will give a chance for Hayley to bond with me,"
Yuki and I walked into our new room and sat our bags down by each of our beds. The room was plain but still oozed some sort of elegance about it. The beds had lilac sheets and a closet that was definitely big enough to hold both of our clothes. I took off my shoes as I laid on the bed for a while; taking in the comfort and the fact that I wouldn't be sharing a room with Jake.
Akira soon called Yuki down and I gave her details on the salad sandwich I wanted. Yuki smiled as she took the information and went to talk to Akira.
"I am sorry about what happened outside," Yuki whispered; breaking the comfortable silence as she entered the room, "I did not know Jake would have-"
"It's fine, Yuki," I laughed, "That's how Jake and I were before all this feelings stuff bubbled up. Believe me, I'll be fine,"
"Alright Hayley, but you know I will always be here for you to talk to," Yuki giggled, "And Felix is making the sandwiches right now,"
"Thanks for everything, Yuki," I said sincerely, as I gave her a hug, "You've been amazing to me,"
"No problem!" Yuki exclaimed, "Oh and Akira told me that we will be leaving in 10 minutes so bring your swimming costume, weapon and whatever since we will be doing some investigating in the waters and on the beach at the shore,"
"Ok, cool; well I'll just go get changed," I decided; grabbing my bikini and boardies from my duffle bag, "I'll be out in a minute or so and then we can relax with your boyfriend and the others,"
"Felix is not my boyfriend!" Yuki blushed.
"Yet," I winked and as Yuki tried to protest I dodged her as I headed out the door.
All of a sudden, I collided with a hard and warm wall; as my heard sped up and my head began to spin. I really hoped that this wasn't who I thought it was because obviously, this wasn't helping me get over him.
"Hayley?"
Dammit. I slowly raised my gaze to meet with his concerned ones as I tried not to become hypnotised by his enchanting eyes. He looked casual but charming in a white V-neck and a pair of black trunks and I couldn't help but let a pink flush rush up into my cheeks. I smiled weakly at him as he wrapped his arms around my waist hesistantly. I started to lean closer; noticing his musky vanilla scent. I inhaled again and sighed briefly until his forehead touched mine as I felt his breath tickle my nose. By now, I really wished Jake couldn't hear the crazy thumping of my heart as I felt his warmth through his clothes.
"Jake...don't make this difficult," I murmured; turning my head away from him.
"I never meant to hurt you, Hayley," he sighed as his fingers caressed my chin; lifting it up so I could face his glistening chocolate eyes, "You know I wouldn't ever try to hurt you because I only ever want to protect you,"
"I know," I laughed bitterly; pushing myself away from him as I walked into the bathroom, "But you did...and now? I'm broken- Jake, I can't be fixed,"
And with a slam of the bathroom door, I tried to steady my breathing from my little encounter with Jake. I couldn't believe I was so close to kissing Jake again even when his girlfriend was only a couple of blocks away at this very moment. I already admitted to myself I was attracted to Jake and that I couldn't do anything because I never wanted Leanne to feel as miserable as I did when I found out Brett was cheating on me. So how could I have let myself become so vulnerable?
I laid in the bathroom for a few seconds, re-evaluating my stay in Japan. I had expected this to be the trip I would never forget and boy, was I right. I would never forget the way Jake's lips tasted or felt on top of mine or forget his unique smell that lingered in his clothes and hair or even pretend to forget that for maybe one split second, he felt the same way as I did. But the reality of this was that Jake had a girlfriend that I would ever think of afflicting any sort of pain on and my dreams; my wildest and most beautiful dreams of Jake and I getting together was a mere impossibility that I couldn't overcome.
Everyone says the truth hurts- but no one ever said it would hurt this much.
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Poor Hayley :(
Sorry for the sad chapter but you know that in every great story, there must be an equally great tragedy. I guess in this one, it's that Hayley thinks she can't have Jake. But we'll just see about that ;D
PLEASE REVIEW AND LEAVE A QUESTION- I'll update ASAP!
Happy New Year!
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