Disclaimer: William Joyce and Dreamworks own, I do not.

Chapter 9

(Jack POV)

After Aster left, the party wasn't capable of holding my attention. Everyone seemed pompous and boastful and just simply over confident. In other words, perfect company for Dad, who shared the same traits. I found myself thanking God also for the fact that he didn't bother trying to include me in any conversations-too focused on furthering his own name.

Pippa remained off with other kids and Mom conversed with some of the women, leaving me off to the side to convince a waiter I was allowed to have champagne. I didn't drink too much, just a little by pure curiosity. Yet, I set the glass down and ventured off from my post when I thought I saw a familiar figure. I tried to follow after, looking for the person I thought it was, but afraid of actually finding them. After several turns and conversation disruptions, I knew I'd lost the person, whether they were who I thought or not. I sighed and turned around to go back to where I'd been only to meet eyes with the woman.

She stood in a group, who all continued to talk, not noticing us as we stared back at each other. My eyes narrowed at the woman Dad had been cheating on Mom with. I shook my head, taking a step back, disgusted with the sight of her. She started after me, concern on her face. Oh, good. So she knows who I am, I thought bitterly. Glad Dad had time to bring my name up while he'd been so busy screwing her.

"Jack-" she began.

"No." I said firmly, cutting her off. I turned and walked away. Once again, I'd felt betrayed. Dad certainly hadn't mentioned she'd be here-then again, if he had he would have been given hell. Had that been why he was so excited? That woman being the only reason he'd wanted to be here?

I scoured for Pippa and her new friends, wanting to waste time as quickly as possible and try to get everything off my mind. Unlike many of the other party occupants, we left earlier in the evening since tomorrow both Pippa and I had to go to school.

When we'd stopped on the way home at a gas station, Dad getting out to pump it and Pippa out cold in the seat next to me.

"So, Jack." Mom started from the passenger seat, using a tone I knew only meant trouble for me. "I noticed you getting awfully comfy with someone." My mind automatically went back to the kiss with Aster, everything else this evening becoming miniscule in retrospect. I felt my cheeks heat, feeling the amazing sensation that was his lips on my own. I knew that the true feel of our joined lips would fade from my memory soon, convincing me I needed to persuade him to give me another. "...Are you gay?" She inquired lightly, facing forward and not bothering to meet my eyes, probably realizing how embarassed I was.

"I don't know." I admitted honestly. "Aster's the only person I've ever been attracted to."

"And I can see why. Great taste, by the way." She complimented and I could hear the smile in her voice.

"Yeah, but it'd never last. He doesn't live here and he'll be gone by Christmas at the latest." I explained, my heart physically constricting in pain at the thought of him leaving and never returning again.

"Well, long-distance relationships aren't ideal for anyone, but it's worth a shot if you really want to continue this with him." She suggested.

"Oh, no. We aren't actually anything." I back-pedaled quickly. "It was just a kiss."

"Oh, well," she turned to look at me now, "could've fooled me." She answered with a wink. I felt my face heat instantly, though I smiled back at her bashfully.

Just then, Dad got back into the car, halting our conversation. Once home, I woke Pippa since she needed to get in pajamas and brush her teeth. I went upstairs and did the same, our reflections in the mirror as we cleaned our teeth showed us both slumped over with disheveled hair and glazed-over eyes. I gave my sister a hug and kiss on the forehead before going off to my own room.

~0~

The morning brought a happy smile to my face. I'd be seeing Aster today-sure several hours from now, but today nonetheless. I started Locked Out of Heaven by Bruno Mars as I got ready, singing along passionately. I felt the lyrics matched how I felt about the Australian pretty well. Having not known him before Friday, I felt that something huge had been happening in the world all this time and I'd been cut out of it-missing out on this beautiful man. Some people didn't believe in love at first sight; frankly, neither had I up until a few days ago. I mean, how could you love a person you didn't know, right?

But I did know him. I somehow knew for fact that he was the type that liked to get sarcastic and pick playful fights with people he was close to, but could be very serious when a situation called for it. He was handsome, charming and strong and he knew exactly how he effected me. And despite my fierce feelings toward him, which I was sure was evident to anyone, he still seemed totally interested.

Unintended by Muse started up right after and I took a few moments to close my eyes and sway to it, letting it move me, keeping the green-eyed man in my thoughts.

Woot! Another chapter! I'd also suggest listening to Unintended by Muse. The lyrics-by extreme coincidence-fit the story almost perfectly. Give it a try and see if you can guess what's really going on behind the scenes. I've also left hints along the way. In the next chapter or two, the true plot will be revealed and I'm thinking the story will have fifteen chapters total. So please review with anything you'd like to tell me-including songs that remind you of Jack and Bunny :p

~I'mBelleGoose