"So did you have a good night the other night?" Haley asks as we sit in class and I give a small shrug. I don't really know what to think about the other night. I put myself out there and embarrassed myself in front of the man at the front of the room.
He hasn't spoken to me, or even looked at me since walking into the class room and on top of that Tony hasn't returned home yet. Mom is home and I'm thinking he is off with slut Morgan isn't going over well for her.
Apparently I'm not the only one who hates that girl.
"Fine," I push out a smile and rest my chin on my palm. "Drank a little too much, but you know…fun."
"Good, but I talked to my mom and she really would like if you came to dinner sometime. Maybe Saturday?" she looks at me with such innocence in her eyes I wonder how she hangs out with me.
"Yeah, Hales, that would be really cool."
"Awesome," she spins back around to the front of the class and I sigh staring back out the window. Swearing the two squirrels running back and forth fighting is more entertaining than this class right now. Not that I don't normally enjoy Lucas's…Mr. Scott's class, it's just that I don't like English and on top of that I don't want to be here right now. Plus, these damn squirrels are really adorable, if you saw them right now.
"Brooke…" I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn to find Felix leaning in his desk toward me. "What's up, girl?"
"Uh, class," I whip my finger around the room and he laughs like that was really funny or something.
"Right, well tomorrow night after the game there is a party at my house," he states and my brow arches at him to why he is sharing this information. "You should come."
"I should, huh?" I twist a little in my seat to give him more attention. "And why is that? I mean, you've been to one party you've been to them all," I state with a small smirk and a bright smile appears against his tan skin.
"Well, you've never been to one of my parties before," he informs me like that explains it all. "Plus, you've never partied with me before."
"Mhmm…" his eyes sparkle at me and there is something so mysterious about his dark eyes. I don't like Felix in that way, but hell, I need something to get over Lucas and like they say the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else. I don't think Felix would be the worst option. "Well…"
"Felix," a sharp tone breaks the silent classroom as a heavy book collides with a desk. "I'm so sorry," Lucas's tone sarcastic as he drops down in his desk. "See I didn't mean for my teaching to get in the way of your conversation, please you and Miss Davis continue," he waves his hand toward us and my jaw unlocks a moment as I send him a glare. "I'll wait."
"Sorry Coach," Felix sinks back into his seat. "Just asking Brooke for uh…uh pencil."
"Yeah, I'm sure that's what you were getting from Brooke," anger laces his words and I release a dry laugh turning back to face the front. "Did you get it?" there seems almost a hidden meaning in his words and I really want to punch him in the face.
Snatching my phone from my pocket, I hide it behind Haley's back as I pound a text to him. Letting it send and I pass a pencil back to Felix.
"Yeah, got it," Felix wiggles the pencil in his hand. "Continue Mr. Scott."
"Alright," I hear his phone vibrate on his desk, drumming his fingers he stares at us a moment longer before grabbing some papers and moving toward the rows. "So we all know British Literature kinda…"
"Sucks?" Nathan asks, grabbing a white piece of paper and passing back. The room releasing a few laughs and even Lucas chuckles.
"I would word it differently but yes," Lucas states with a nod. "So being we have a test Friday over the first ten chapters. I thought we could partner up, and fill out these notecards."
"With?" this blonde chick in the back of the class I don't know the name of questions.
"Whatever you want," Lucas shrugs. "Read the chapters, write what you think is important on the card. Write as big or as small as you want. Hell, write every word if you want. Only rule is you can only use one note card front and back."
"Then what's the point of the partners?" Haley wonders looking at the notecard in her hand.
"You can use your partner's card also."
"Nice," one of Felix's friends high fives some guy beside him that I assume will be his partner.
"So partner up and get started," he waves us to go and everyone starts to cling to people.
"Alright," Haley, like I assumed turns toward me, pulling a pencil from behind her ear. "Want to do the first five and I do the next?"
"Actually," Nathan interrupts before I can speak and leans toward us. "Hales you mine being my partner?" he asks and I swear Haley stopped breathing.
"Uh…why?" she looks at me then back at him and I want to smack her.
"I'm really not doing well Haley and I really need a good grade on this test. I get one more bad grade I can't play ball," he explains and she chews her lip. "Please? I hate to ask, I'm sure you want to work with Brooke, but-"
"It's fine," I wave my hand at him and send Haley a sly smile. "I already took this class back home, don't even need the credit," I tell him with a smile. "Felix, want to be my partner?"
"Of course," he slides his desk toward me and I send Haley a wink as she gives me a nervous smile. Glancing up at the front of the room, I see Lucas type something on his computer before his phone buzzes once again reminding him of the text I sent and he hadn't read.
And as Felix starts to talk about this stupid book, I just watch him. Watching him slide the lock on his phone, brows scrunch at the number I'm sure he doesn't know and opens the message.
'Fuck you - "Miss Davis"…'
Watching him stare at it a long moment before looking up at me, holding my gaze before he starts to type something into his phone, waiting a moment before I feel my phone going off.
'Fuck you?
Think as your teacher
I have a right to tell you not to talk in class.'
'Think as a teacher you aren't supposed to be a jealous asshole!' I pound back, waiting for him to get it and watch his entire expression change as he reads it. Pausing way longer than I like, he finally types something back and rises up mumbling something of being back.
'No cell phones in class'
"Hello?" I slide my phone to answer and sit moving the food on my plate.
"Brookie!" I hear the cheerful squeal of my close friend and form roommate. "Tell me things are awesome, because things here are boring as hell!"
"They are blah," I answer honestly, sinking back in my chair, pulling my leg up to rest on the chair. "How's home? Give me so gossip, I'm dying with all this happy bullshit here," I lie, honestly not wanting to discuss just how much drama I've already pulled myself into. Sure that would look great to everyone back home. Get kicked out of school back there; end up making out with my teacher here. I'm an overachiever.
"Well Sandi hooked up with Pete and there is a rumor going around she is pregnant."
"Shut up, prude Sandi is pregnant?" my jaw drops at the image of the little church girl that judged Alex and I for all of our guy friends actually got pregnant, pregnant by the biggest player in all of school.
"Yeah, apparently prude Sandi wasn't such a prude. According to Matt she had her run in with a couple lacrosse players."
"Judgmental skank," I mumble shoving some food in my mouth. If you're going to be skank more power to you but own it, don't judge people who are more open about it. "But Matt, how is he? I miss the little shit."
"Oh you know, he's Matt, causing issues, driving his mom bat shit crazy. The other day she walked in on him smoking a bowl while getting a little friendly visit from Leslie," she states and I release a loud laugh.
"That's my boy. Stupid bitch," I growl, very aware if it wasn't for her I'd be back home not dealing with Lucas and Tony drama and my mother. Oh god my mother! She drives me bat shit crazy.
"I know, but tell me what's going on? Any hotties around? Tell me there are some hot sexy gentlemen."
"Gentlemen no," I laugh at the idea, and chew my lip thinking of the rest. Thinking of honestly just Lucas. Since I've been here he is the only one to hold my attention when it comes to guys. I think it's because I compare everyone to Michael. He taught me I didn't have to settle for just anyone and I don't want too. Guys like Felix? Yeah he is fun to look at, maybe even flirt with but he isn't a guy I'd take seriously only because he wouldn't take me seriously.
Lucas took me serious.
"Guys here are just like everywhere else, Lex. Horny, frustrating and terrible at most things," I joke and she laughs on the other end.
"Brooke!" I hear the front door slam and instantly know it's my dear ole mother. Awesome.
"Lex I have to go, I'll text you later," I mumble, clicking off the phone and dropping my head back. "What?"
"Where is your brother?" she storms into the kitchen and I turn in my chair lifting my shoulders up.
"I told you, he was with Morgan," I lie again, her heels clicking against the tile as she moves to throw her purse down on the counter.
"He isn't and we both know that," she grips the counter and the little vein in her neck pulses out. "So tell me where he is because even I know he can't stand being around that tart more than a day."
"It's his girlfriend," I tell her like she is stupid and her brow arches at me. "Usually people can spend a day or so with their girlfriend."
"Please, he is just using her and we all know it," her hand flips at me and suddenly I wonder if mom isn't as dumb as we've always thought. "Tony isn't like you, he can't stand being alone," she states and I wonder if just complimented me or not.
"Uh, thanks," I mutter and she flashes a smile that kinda makes a chill run up my spine. She probably shouldn't ever smile, especially at children.
"Brooke?"
"Oh look," I point toward the front door after I hear it close once again. "Tony's home," I spin in my chair and go place my plate in the sink.
"Hey, Brooke you ready to go?" Tony walks in casually, like he hasn't been missing a couple days. "Mom," he gives her a nod and her eyes narrow.
"Tony where have you been?"
"At Luke's," he answers with a shrug, shifting his gaze between mom and me. "He just moved into his new place so I helped him," he explains and if it wasn't that I knew he was lying I would think he was actually telling the truth.
"Uh huh," mom watches him a moment before looking back at me. "Well, make sure to keep in touch next time."
"Yes, because you and Richard always check in when ya'll go missing," he mutters and then nods his head at me. "You ready?" he repeats and I look at him completely confused to what he is talking about.
"Go where?"
"Karen's, I told you we were going to dinner. I do it every week."
"Tony I'm home," Mom tells him, his head tilting to look at her like she had seven heads.
"That's great," he nods at her and picks his keys up. "I have to be there in twenty. Are you coming or not?"
"Umm…" my gaze shifts between them and for a split second I swear I see pain strike over my mother before she slowly releases a breath. "Sure," I slowly slide my purse off the counter and up on my arm. "Mom," I pause an awkward moment at the door and look back at her. "Want to come?" I offer and I swear Tony's jaw drops completely to the floor. "Karen's food is really good."
"Yeah, Brooke," her tone makes me think she is being sincere until she releases a skin crawling laugh. "Like I'd want to spend time around that judgmental woman. No thanks," her hand flips up before she storms up to her room and slams the door.
"Brooke," Tony calls pulling me from staring at where my mother just left, swearing for a second she looked hurt. Not doubting for a second she was jealous of Karen, hard not to be when your own son would rather be around her than you. "Let's go," he waves me to follow and with a groan I turn to follow him out the door, not missing when he muttered. "Can't believe you tried to invite her."
Awkward.
This entire situation is awkward and I wonder why I thought it would be better to sit in a room with Lucas than hang with my mother. As he continues to clear his throat and scrape his knife against the plate, I'm started to think having my mother on my case about life would have been better.
Least I can tune her out.
"So Brooke," Karen speaks and for the first time since sitting down for dinner I pull my eyes from the food before me. "How was school? Anything interesting happen?" she questions and Lucas actually chokes on his food, taking a sip of his drink before muttering 'Sorry, went down wrong pipe'.
"It was fine," I speak slowly still watching him before looking at Karen. "I made cheerleading and I talked my friend Haley into doing it," I speak and she gives a slow nod, a gentle smile on her face as if she is truly interested in what I'm saying. "We have our first game Friday; I'm nervous, but really excited."
"Brooke, that's awesome. Maybe I'll come by and watch you," she says and my mouth opens to speak before snapping it shut again and I give a smile.
"Yeah?"
"Of course, I used to cheer in school. I miss being around it, plus I told Lucas I'd come to a few games. Rather watch ya'll routines and live in the past than watch that sport."
"Gee, thanks mom," Lucas's finally speaks and his eyes roll. "Glad coming to see your only child is such a bore and chore for you."
"Oh come on Luke," Tony laughs pulling his fork from his mouth. "You know why Ma doesn't like that sport. The fact she even steps in that gym shows how much she loves you," he says confusing me, but Karen and Lucas seem to understand, because Lucas laughs and Karen sends a wink to my brother.
"Why do you hate the sport?" I can't help but ask and their happy moment stops as all eyes look at me before awkwardly looking at their plate. "Sorry…didn't mean to…overstep."
"Oh no, honey," Karen places her hand on mine when she catches how out of place I feel. "Lucas's father, my ex-boyfriend, used to play. He treated the sport like there was nothing more to life."
"And because of it he left my mom pregnant and moved to college and on with his life," bitterness laces Lucas's voice and suddenly I feel really guilty bringing it up.
"It worked out for the best," Karen speaks to the table before locking eyes on her son. "And because of it you got your brother, Nathan, so I can't be bitter."
"Well you're a better person than me," Tony finishes off his food and pushes his plate back and I look at him wondering if I should ask about where he was the last few days. Not that I don't know, but still. I wonder what they discussed. I wonder if they are back together. I wonder if he saw his son. "But I'm done. Luke you get dishes tonight."
"Bull! I got them last week!" Lucas objects and I rise up clearing my plate from the table and moving it toward the sink.
"Yeah and I did it the other night when you went missing for some random reason," he speaks and my body tenses and Lucas's does to very aware of the night he is talking about and why he was in such a weird mood. However, I didn't know he actually went semi missing.
"Well I had work I had to finish," Lucas muttered before standing up and grabbing some plates. "But fine, I'll clean."
"That a boy," Karen kissed his head. "Tony would you mind helping me move my dresser. I was rearranging my room and with Lucas's bad shoulder he couldn't pull on it."
"No problem," Tony rises up and starts to follow her out the room. Running a rag over the plate in my hand I stand a little uncomfortable as they leave the room and the tension between Lucas and I grows.
"I can do this, Luke," I whisper when he places a plate in the sink. "You mom always makes me dinner, least I could do is clean."
"You don't have too, Brooke," he takes a step back from me and for a split second I want to ask if being close to me makes him as nervous as it does me. Just being a foot away makes my skin tingle, you can only imagine how I feel when he is just a few inches. "It's my mom, it's her house. I can do it," he hits the knob on the faucet water spewing out.
"Luke…" my hand nervously reaches forward to touch his arm that is halfway in the soap water and his jaw clenches. "Is this how it's going to be? Awkward and uncomfortable all the time," I wonder and his eyes cut to the right at me. "I get it, I got it. I'm sorry," I give a one shoulder shrug and watch him swallow hard when I bite my lower lip. "But…"
"But what?" his voice dry and I glance down than back at him.
"But I really love your mom," my voice cracks a bit and my shoulder comes up. "When she talks to me she really talks to me," heat forms in my eyes and I curse how stupid I'm being right now. "She really cares what I'm saying even if it's dumb."
"Brooke…"
"No one has done that before and I just…I don't want to stop coming for dinner. Yet if you want me too, I will," I tell him honestly and watch him weigh that in his head. So many things flickering through his eyes before he gives me that gentle smile that makes my stomach flip.
"Of course I don't mind you coming over for dinner," he finally says and relief washes over me. "It's fine you coming over as long as you're comfortable."
"Think it might take me awhile to feel comfortable around you again, Lucas," I release a dry laugh and his gaze drops to his soapy hands. "I…I didn't mean…shit I didn't mean because of that," I rush to tell him. "I just meant…I told you about Michael and I let you see me vulnerable. I let my wall down and it's a little embarrassing now."
"Brooke…" his head drops and shakes as his eyes squeeze tight. "Please don't think-"
"Ok," Tony's voice interrupts him and I take a big step back as my eyes dart to the ground, secretly cursing my brother's timing. I don't know what Lucas was about to say, but for some reason the look in his eyes makes me really wish I would have heard it. "All moved. Now I need a beer," he walks over to the fridge and grabs a beer before heading into the living room just a few feet away.
Holding Lucas's gaze, I open my mouth to speak before closing it again. The words he was going to speak lost in the unknown as his eyes just bore into mine making a chill run up my spine. And when I can't take the silence and tightens building between us I start to slowly move backward.
"I uh," I finally break the silence and clasp my hands together nervously. "I'm going to go hang with Tony. Have fun with the dishes," I give a tight lip smile, before spinning on my feet and out the room. Hoping the tension between us soon vanishes.
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