10 THINGS SHE HATES ABOUT GENDRY
Hey guys, sorry to publish so late, buut I was buried under piles of work for my coming exams :/ anyway, hope you'll like this chapter !
Chapter 11
Gendry opened the door and waited for Arya to step in first. He closed it behind them.
-Well, I think they're either in their rooms or in the kitchen. Maybe we can go say hello to my mom first ?
-Yeah, Arya nodded, sensing the nervousness rising inside her.
Gendry took her hand and led her to the kitchen first. There, they saw Johanna and Oberyn preparing the food.
-Mom ? Gendry called.
-Gendry ! Johanna replied with a smile. And Arya, hello dear, how are you ?
-I'm good, thank you. What about you ?
-Everything's fine. It's good to see you again, Johanna said as she gave Arya a big hug. This is Oberyn, my friend. He's living here and give me a hand for the ranch. Oberyn, this is Arya, you know, the girl Gendry can't stop talking about.
-Nice to meet you, Oberyn said as he shook her hand. I've heard a lot about you.
-Nice to meet you too, Arya smiled.
-Gendry, why don't you show Arya around the house while we finish cooking ? I think the kids are all in their rooms.
-Yeah, sure. See you later.
Gendry motioned for Arya to go first, and followed her as they did a tour of the house. The house indeed was huge. They went upstairs, which was mainly bedrooms and bathrooms. Then the attic which had been transformed in two rooms with one shared bathroom, for Gendry and Robb. So, he brought her there, rubbing the back of his neck as he opened the door to his room.
-Well, that's my own space, he softly said. Make yourself at home.
She smiled softly as she stepped into the room. Old rock posters on the walls, a wooden closed shelf for the clothes, and other shelves filled with books, CDs, DVDs and such. An acoustic guitar was in a corner, and some personal items on a little table by the bed, which wasn't made. It looked really nice, according to her.
-I like the posters, she smiled. Good choices. And I like your room, looks comfy.
-Thanks, he blushed. I made the furniture with Robb. He's very talented, you know ?
-Wow, that's impressive. My sister needs a new desk, you think he would accept if my dad hire him ?
-I don't know, you'd have to ask him, Gendry shrugged. But that's nice of you. I can go and see if he's in his room, if you want.
-No, don't disturb him, I'll see him later anyway, I guess.
-Maybe you want to sit down ? he smiled awkwardly as they were standing in the middle of the room.
-Yeah, okay, she answered before sitting down on the edge of the bed.
They sat down side by side in an awkward silence, before Gendry took her hand.
-I nearly forgot, I had to ask you something, he said with a smile. I mean, it would only make official what already exists, but call me old school. Arya, will you be my girlfriend ?
-Took you long enough, she whispered before kissing him. Of course, I will.
He grabbed her by the waist and placed his other hand on the nape of her neck as he deepened the kiss. Arya gladly let him as she passed her arms around his back. He started to trail down kisses on her jaw and down her neck before coming back to her lips. Her breathing was getting erratic, her fists balling on the fabric of his jumper.
-Hey, Gen, when are you… Oh !
Gendry and Arya literally jumped apart, blushing madly. A young man was standing in front of the bathroom door. He was tall, and nicely built. He had messy dark brown hair and a five-days stubble, with deep blue eyes and a playful smirk. He had black jeans and a blue denim shirt with rolled up sleeves.
-My virgin eyes ! he playfully cried as he covered his eyes with his hand.
-Stop it, Robb, Gendry groaned. I've stepped in your room and saw much worse, too many times to count. Robb, this is Arya Stark. Arya, this is Robb Martell, Oberyn's son.
-Nice to meet you, Robb said as he leaned to kiss her on the cheek.
-Hey, paws off, mate, Gendry growled as he playfully punched him. That's MY girl.
-Calm down, mate, Robb laughed. I've got my eyes set on someone else. Anyway, I was coming to ask when you were going to go and pick up your girlfriend, but I guess I already have my answer. You guys haven't seen Bella ? I haven't seen her since lunch. Angelica is playing in her room, but she's not with her.
-No, sorry, Gendry shook his head. But she promised me she'll be here for dinner so we should see her soon, don't worry. Why don't we go get Angelica and start a game downstairs ?
-You two can have some time to yourselves, I'll go take care of our little angel, Robb said as he turned to exit the room.
-No, we're coming, Gendry insisted. Angelica loves Arya.
-What ? Robb stopped and looked at Arya with wide eyes. But Angelica hates to be around new people usually !
-She taught me how to curtsy the other day, Arya smiled. And she said I had pretty big grey eyes, among other things. She was lovely, and super cute.
-Gen, do me a favour, don't let this one go. Ever. If Angelica approves, she's the one for you.
Arya and Gendry blushed madly and averted their gaze, but followed Robb downstairs to a pink-painted door. Robb knocked.
-Angelica ?
-Robbie ! the high-pitched voice of the little girl answered.
They heard the padding of her little feet against the wooden floor and she opened the door. She squealed as she jumped into Robb's arms. Then she turned her head and beamed at Gendry – the two boys were her favourite persons in the world. Then she noticed Arya.
-Hi, Arya ! she smiled. You came to have dinner with us ?
-Yes, little one. Are you okay with that ?
-Yes. Do you know how to curtsy now ?
The three laughed and went into the living room downstairs, setting up a board game.
Half an hour later, the twins ran downstairs and crashed onto the mat in the living room, apparently fighting with each other.
-Guys ! Gendry said with authority. Stop it !
Angelica hurried to hide into Robb's arms. Arya stood up and rolled up her sleeves.
-May I ? she asked Gendry with a little smile.
Gendry lifted up an eyebrow, not understanding what she meant. She took off her stilettos and went to the twins' side. She grabbed Rickon by the arms and the legs and lifted him effortlessly onto her back, before dropping him onto an armchair. Then she grabbed Lommy before he could reach his twin and kept his hands under control, stopping any other movements to free himself.
-Now, boys, she said. You don't fight in the presence of a lady ! You keep it for behind closed doors. Got it ?
-Yes, ma'am, Lommy said, wincing under her strong grip on his hands.
Arya released him and went back to Gendry, sitting down next to him.
-How did you do that ? Robb asked with wonder. Considering your figure I would have never guessed that you were able to do this ! No offense, but you're not that tall compared to them.
-I do fencing, and I run and work out. But my dad's a police officer, and I've hung out at the police station a lot since I'm a little devil. I picked up a few tricks. Sorry I interfered, but Angelica doesn't seem to like it when they fight.
Gendry gave her a kiss on the cheek.
-Bwark, Cara groaned as she entered the room, mimicking someone throwing up. No PDA in front of the children, please. Have some mercy for us normal people that can restrain themselves from sucking each other's faces in public.
-Cara ! Gendry and Robb yelled at the same time, angry.
-Cara, apologize to Arya, right now ! Gendry said with an authoritative tone.
-Or what ? she asked, looking at her black painted nails.
-Cara, Robb piped in. Arya has done nothing wrong to you, and you're just making a fool of yourself in front of our guest. We would all appreciate it if you would apologize. That's just basic politeness.
Cara huffed, but Robb's glare kept her there. She crossed her arms and turned to Arya.
-Sorry, she mumbled.
-It's okay, Arya said, feeling awkward. Thank you for… apologizing, I guess.
Cara went and sat down sideways in an armchair, typing on her phone. Oberyn and Johanna arrived a few minutes later, and called everyone for dinner.
-Mom, wait, Bella said she'll be there, Gendry noticed. Where is she ?
-Robb, Oberyn said. Do you mind looking for her around the stables ? You know she loves staying around the horses, and she said she needed to look after this new pony we received the other day.
Robb sprinted out the room, while the others moved toward the dining room. Gendry pulled the chair for Arya and sat down next to her, keeping her hand in his. Robb came in not long after, followed by a tall and slim woman. She had long dark brown hair falling in smooth waves around a beautiful face. She had a pale skin, blue eyes and bright pink lips. She was very pretty.
-Oh, hi, you must be Arya ! she smiled as she walked to their guest. I'm sorry I'm late, I didn't check the time while I was out. I'm Bella, Gendry's older sister. Nice to meet you.
Arya was engulfed in a hug.
-Nice to meet you too, she smiled.
-So, kids, Johanna called. I believe everyone have met now. Oberyn and I made lasagne, so let's dig in.
She gave a nice portion to everyone.
-Oh, Robb, Arya had something to ask you, Gendry smiled.
-Really ? Robb frowned slightly. What is it ?
-Well, Gendry told me you made the furniture in his room yourself ? That's impressive.
Robb blushed as Oberyn beamed with pride.
-And I was wondering if you could make a desk for my younger sister ? My dad would pay you, of course. We'd have to discuss the details with him and my sister, but does the idea sounds good for you ?
-Are you joking ? Robb smiled widely. That's be great ! Yeah, sure, I can come by sometime to see with your sister what she wants, just tell me when.
-Great, Arya smiled.
-That's very kind of you to think of Robb, Arya, Oberyn smiled. Thank you.
-What is it now ? We're her new charity event ? Cara snarled.
-Cara ! everyone except Arya and Angelica yelled.
-I'm sorry, Arya, Gendry whispered.
-Oh, stop it, we all know who she is ! Cara rolled her eyes. Don't we, Bella ?
Bella dropped her head in shame.
-Rickon, Lommy, do you mind taking Angelica to watch some Disney movie in the living room ? Johanna said with an even voice.
-No, sure thing, mom, Lommy said while Rickon took Angelica in his arms.
-Now, young lady, the mother said as she zeroed her eyes on Cara.
-Excuse me, Mrs. Waters ? Arya tried.
-You can call me Johanna, dear, she smiled quickly. What is it ?
-May I speak freely ?
She nodded.
-Okay, Cara. I believe you're referring to the fact that I dated Joffrey for one month, a few years ago. I won't deny it, though I regret this time with all my heart. And I thank the Seven to have put some sense into my mind. And after speaking with Gendry, I've come to understand that Joffrey is Angelica's father, but he's not aware of it. And counting the months, I've realized Angelica must have been conceived while Joffrey and I were dating. I already hate the guy, and knowing that, I hate him even more. And I'd never blame Bella for what happened, if anyone needs to be blamed, it's that blond prick ! Sorry, Mrs. Wa… Sorry, Johanna.
-It's okay, dear. He is a prick.
Everyone chuckled, loosening the tension.
-So, Cara, Arya continued. I don't know what exactly is your problem with me. But I'm here because I really like this guy. And I don't plan on not seeing him just because you're having PMS. And Angelica is a wonderful kid, except for the blond hair she has nothing of that prick, and every good side of this family. Now, is there anything else ?
Cara looked ashamed.
-No, she muttered. I'm sorry. I'm just…
-… protective of your family. I know, I see it. I understand. You're a lot like me, you know ? During the past few weeks, Blondie tried to make a move on my younger sister. He had this bet with his friend, daring him to sleep with her on prom night. Good thing, another guy caught my sister before him. A good guy. But anyway, what I'm trying to say is, I've been doing all I could just to keep him away from her. I too, am protective of my family. So, it's fine. Now, I believe these lasagnes won't eat themselves, and I'm hungry.
Johanna grabbed Arya hand and mouthed a "thank you". They ate peacefully, Cara being much more cheerful now. Dinner ended calmly and they went to the living room.
Gendry had grabbed Arya by the waist so she was sitting down on his legs, making her blush. Angelica had fallen asleep in Robb's arms, Bella was passed out on the sofa, the twins were playing a board game with Cara, and Johanna and Oberyn were talking with Gendry and Arya.
-Well, Gendry said after a while. It's nearly eleven, let's get the kids to sleep, and I'll drive Arya back.
Cara stood up and motioned for the twins to go as she followed them. Gendry took Angelica off of Robb's arms, followed by Arya as he walked upstairs. Robb managed to lift Bella into his arms without waking her up, and carried her bridal style upstairs to her own room.
-Gen… Angelica whined in the other room. I don't want to sleep…
-Shhh, little princess. It's time to close your eyes. I'll see you tomorrow, okay ? Sweet dreams, little angel.
They silently exited the room and went downstairs. Arya hugged Johanna and Oberyn goodbye, before Gendry took her hand and they walked to his car. He turned the heater on a little once inside, and started driving toward her house.
-I'm deeply sorry about Cara's behaviour. She had never been so… harsh, before. And I'm glad it's settled, but you didn't have to say all of this. Well at least now everyone is clear about it. But…
-Hey, Gendry, it's okay, she reassured him as she took his hand. It certainly made dinner more interesting. And I admire Cara, that girl can stand up for herself.
-Yeah, he chuckled. She's the most hard-headed in the family. I'm talking with her about taking some sports classes, maybe something with fights, to control of all that energy.
-I can assure you we have a good coach for the fencing team in our high school. There's the jousting team too, and maybe some wrestling classes as well.
-I'll tell her. Oh, do I have to bring anything next week ? Flowers for your sister ? A gift for your father ? Something for you ? I don't know what I'm supposed to do, I'm sorry.
-Oh, why don't you go talk about it with Jon ? Sansa texted me earlier that she got Jon invited too, so you wouldn't feel too nervous. And the interrogatory would be on the two of you, which might make it easier for both of you. And now I'm talking too much, so, go see Jon.
-Alright. Sounds good.
The rest of the ride was spent with jokes and small talk. Eventually he parked in front of her house.
-So, we're here.
-Yeah.
An awkward silence settled between the two of them.
-It was a great evening, thank you, Arya said.
-No, thank you for coming and bear with my crazy, big family. They love you, by the way. Can I walk you to the door ?
-Yeah, sure.
He hurried to her side and helped her out of the car before taking her hand and slowly walking with her to the door. They stopped in front of it and he brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear.
-I call you tomorrow ? he asked. And maybe we can go out ? Or on Sunday ?
-Tomorrow sounds perfect, she smiled.
They shared a long loving kiss before saying goodnight to each other. Arya went into the house, Gendry went back to his car, and drove away.
Here it is ! As usual, please leave a review, and pictures are available on my facebook page !