Chapter 14
When I wake, I stretch out on my bed like I always do, rumpling and pulling on the sheets even more. My iPhone screen states that it is eight fifty-eight, in the morning. I truly would prefer staying in bed sleeping just a while longer but I have to go check on Aster and Tooth. Getting out of bed I walk to the bathroom, I brush my teeth and wash my face, the cold water wakes me up but a loud yawn escapes through my lips. Beginning the task of detangling my hair, another yawn escapes. setting the brush down I french braid my bangs back and let my hair loose, changing into shorts and blouse in my tired state proves to be difficult; I end up hitting my face and banging my knees several times.
Ignoring the pain I somehow mange to slip into the white blouse and khaki shorts, as well as black nike calf socks. The sound of my iPhone ringing snaps my head up, which then smacks into the bathroom wall. I rub the tender spot as I walk over to the bedside table, I was finally wide awake. Too bad it took several hits to my head and legs, to get this way though.
Unplugging the phone from the charger, I glance at the screen, the caller ID says PRIVATE again,
"Hello," I lay back down on the bed closing my eyes
"Hey Snowflake," when Jack's sleepy voice cuts through the line I instantly get up and start torward the bedroom door, where I walk into the hallway and knock on Jack's door, and open it.
" Dude, I'm right next door why did you call? " I hang up, and lean against the now closed door. The room was still dark so I walk over to where I know the curtains are and draw them open.
"It's a bad habit, I forget things." I step away from the glass wall and sit down on the dark leather couch across from the bed.
"You worry me a lot dear, what the hell is your mom going to do with you?" I hear his light snort,
"I get that question a lot," it's my turn to laugh. "I can tell,sometimes I wonder how you can possible survive, the rest of your life." Jack laughs louder and I watch him shake his head.
"The real question is how the hell I've managed to survive this far, cause to tell you the truth I have no idea. It's like a daze,"
"I guess the world will never know." I stretch out on the couch and yawn, so much for being 'wide awake'.
"Yeah just how we all wonder, how you can possible ignore all my sexiness and act complety oblivious, I swear you acted like you didn't even care that you were so close to me yesterday in my boxers. Most girls would be all over me, you're seriously damaging my ego." I shrug my heart beating fast,
"How about you come and cuddle with me? I'll show you that I'm an excellent kisser," He extends his arms toward me, "My arms are waiting," I laugh,
"They can wait I haven't received my goat gif, books, or chocolates." He sighs,
"You're playing hard to get, aren't you? You secretly love me but want me to beg for you." I hear the joking tone in his voice and his smirk is playfully looking, either way my heart beats faster, my throat tightens and my stomach feels weird,
"Yep, you guessed my plan." Jack grins, and ruffles his hair,
"Come cuddle then," I laugh,
"You can give me a foot massgae instead," I get off the couch and lay down on his bed placing my sock clad feet on his chest, placing pillows under my back and head to prop myself up. His hands after a while begin to massage my soles through the fabric of my socks.
I relax into the movements letting my eyes close, it would be nice to fall asleep this way. But then Jack begins to tickle my feet and my eyes shoot open,
"No! Jack stop." I yank my feet out of his grasp but he just sits up and tugs them back, slapping his hands away I try to get out of his grasp, when his fingers begin to attack my stomach I'm squirming and trying to curl in on myself.
"Stop! Jack! Please, I can't breathe" my laugh fills the room and I can see Jack grinning down at me, my stomach is starting to hurt from laughing hard and I know my face must be as red as my hair. slapping his hands away I try to get a quick breath Before he attacks again, my squirm has made my shirt lift up exposing my stomach to his fingers making me laugh harder.
"You going to admit you love me?" He's clearly joking but I still hesitate, when his fingers tickle me harder I squirm harder my stomach burned from laughing and I was beginning to choke from lack of air. Jack seems to notice, because his fingers stop their attack, on my stomach. I immediately retreat away from him, landing on the floor, as I try to catch my breath, my stupid lungs couldn't seem to get enough oxygen.
"You okay?" Jack loops down at me from the bed a smile on his handsome face. I glare
"Oh, you shut the hell up! You are just asking for me to bitch slap you, and trust me Frostbite I'm a so close to going ahead and setting your brain upside!" When he laughs I let out an exasperated sigh of frustration, this little sexy asshole is really asking for it!
"I. Am. Not. Kidding. Frostbite. Do. Not. Try. Me." his smirk falters for a second, before he looks away and laughs quietly. Yep, this jerk is going down, I climb onto the bed and shove Jack into the headboard of the bed, using my legs to keep his arms and torso down I place a hand against his throat in a threatening manner,
"I hope you realize how intimate this position could be Banks. How'd you know I like a girl who likes to take charge?" My checks flush, and I shove myself away from a smug looking Jack. He manged to turn everything into…gah!
"You know what Jack, of you weren't such a cocky guy, I'd actually be able to understand how in the hell you have friends. It's a true mystery if you ask me," I turn my head to the side, watching Jack sideways. I nod my head tap my chin,
"Yep, even from this angle you're still cocky and a jerk." Jack scoffs, rolling his eyes.
"you love me and you know it Banks,as cocky as I may seem, you know you love me." I turn my head away to try and hide my blush.
"Nope, you still look stupid and cocky from this angle." I reach up to brush back my hair in place with my fingers, I could already feel tangles in the soft wavy waves of redness.
"Whatever, keep running away from me Banks. But trust me,you can't run away forever; you'll get tired oneday and I'll be waiting." I scoff, flick a stray lock of hair away from my face and face Jack.
"I wouldn't be so sure and smug about that Frostbite. In case you forgot Ive been state running champion, four years in a row. I don't get tired easily, even if you wait, you'll have to be patient for a long time." He smug grin turns into the small smile I've grown to like, twitching at the corner of his lips and softening his eyes.
"Then I'll wait, I've been meaning to practice my patience." I roll my eyes, and get off the bed.
"Where you going?" I glance behind me to Jack as I stand by the open door,
"I have to make breakfast and wake Tooth and Aster, that and I have to start cleaning the house and throw in your guy's laundry." Leaning against the doorframe, my arms crossed I watch as Jack tries to get out of the rumbled bedsheets, grinning at his poor attempt of getting up.
"want me to help?"
"no,"
"Whatever, I'll be downstairs," exiting his room I walk down the stairs and into kitchen. warming up some milk for Aster's cereal I run back upstairs and knock on Tooth's bedroom door, opening it slowly, I find her still sleepy in her bed, I turn the nightlight off and open the curtains. I kneel down by her bed, and shake her shoulder gently.
"Tooth wake up. Time to get up." She let's out a soft mumble,
"I don't wanna,"scrunching up her nose she buries her face into the pillows,
"If you get up now, after I'm done with the chores I'll let you give Jack a makeover." Tooth lifts her head off the pillows, her light violet eyes, sparkling.
"really?" I grin as I nod my head.
"Yep," she let's out a giggle and throws off her pink and purple comforter and sheets off. Slipping out of bed she runs out of her room and into the bathroom knowing she took a long time brushing her already pearly white and straight teeth, I make her bed. adjusting her army of rainbow teddy bears and tucking away corners. I walk around her room and close drawers place stray crayons and markers into her pencil box. Hanging up her feathered Fairy/Hummingbird wings along with her ballet dress and her door I head into Aster's room next, I repeat the process of cleaning his room, letting him get a couple extra minutes of sleep.
I'd always loved the way all the rooms in the Overland household had painted murals on the walls; Tooth had her pink and light blue sky with and beautiful castle nestled in what looked like an exotic mountain area, a surrounded by blue, yellow, and green hummingbird/fairies. Aster's walls were painted to look like a green forest, with woodland animals and everything, the ceiling truly looked like a canopy of trees. Jack's room, had his winter-wonderland wood paintings, the snowflakes where amazing, and matched the dark blue and black curtains and bedspread. The guest room was painted a light lilac with white cherry blossoms. It was all really beautiful.
Walking over to Aster's crib I wake him up, change his diaper, and clothes. He yawns repeatedly as I try and brush his teeth, brushing my hand away and splashing water on to my arms.
"Hey, it's not time for my bath yet Aster." I pretend to look at his sternly as he laughs and splashes more water at me,
"Nope! Bath Time now!" I laugh at his cute 2 year old voice, and use a towel to cover myself as I wrap it around him, he squirms laughing out as I run out of the guest bathroom and down the stairs,
"Down! Me, down!" Aster yells as I run into the dinning room and place him down on his chair.
"Do you want cereal?" Aster nods excitedly and bangs his hands on the the polished wooden edge of the table.
"I thought so, " getting his cereal bowl and pouring him some Fruit Loops, I set it in front of him. Tooth comes bonding down the stairs in a pretty pink dress with white leggings underneath, she has her brush in her hands and her fair blond hair falls down her shoulders. Sitting down at her chair I place a plate with a strawberry pop-tart In front her her, I begin to brush her hair and braid the sides back but leave the rest down, her bangs are short and are easily brushed down to the side.
Going back into the kitchen I get a couple of pop-tarts and heat them up in the toaster, leaving one aside for myself I place the rest on a plate and pour two glasses of OJ, checking to see that Tooth and Aster are okay, I head upstairs and open Jack's bedroom door, walking into the room I balance the glass of the orange juice and plate of Pop-Tarts in my hands,
"Hey Jack, I brought you—" I almost drop the plate and glass as my checks heat up, I turn away,
"I'm sorry I should have knocked, I'm used to just walking into your room! " I place the plate down on the desk and bury my face in my hands.
God why did I have to walk into the room just as Jack happened to be changing!
" it's okay, Willow, you didn't really see anything I was turned away its alright, really." My face burns against my hands, and I feel myself beginning to hyperventilate slightly. It was so not okay! I take my face out of my hands and use them to support myself against the edge of the desk. Just take deep breathes Willow, deep breathes.
"Willow? You okay? I'm sorry." I hear the worry in Jack's voice, the soft soothing tone he was using, my shoulders were still shaking but a light shaky laugh escapes my lips.
"you're sorry! Jack, I was the one who barged in while you were changing, I'm sorry." He chuckles,
"Yeah, but I'm not the one hyperventilating, now I'm I? " I shrug as I struggle to catch my breath.
Come on, Willow get a freaking grip!
But instead I let myself slowly sink down to the floor, my back still facing Jack. Pushing my hair back,repeatedly I somehow mange to calm down when I Feel the light pressure of hands against my back and shoulders I stiffen. I let Jack pull me up though, slowly letting myself lean against his frame, the smell of mint and wintergreen flooding my senses. His arm wraps around my shoulders and my head leans against his neck. when my arm brushes against the bare skin of his chest I stiffen and pull back, sure enough, Jack only wore his dark blue Calvin Klein spandex boxers, which he had just been stepping into when I barged in. I glance away and try to scramble up on to my feet, trying to escape out the door, his hand closes around my wrist and pulls me away,
"Where are you going?"
"Downstairs, I though that was pretty obvious. Can you let go, Aster and Tooth are there by themselves." I tug on my wrist,
"No, you're running away from me, Why can't you just admit you like me. It's not anything big or Something, you're not the first, nor will you be the last, but I will tell you that you are the first I actu—" I interrupt him, an unknown anger filling me,
"Will you just get over yourself! I don't like you like that! You're little sister and Brother are downstairs without someone watching them! Let me go. Go bother some other girl with your little act!" his hand let's go of my wrist, his face that had been grinning just seconds before my outburst turns stony, his blue eyes harden. Regret fills me, as I watch his face turn distant and accusing.
No! I didn't mean that Jack! I really didn't! But of course I only scream this inside of my head, my hand falls limp against my side and I wish I had just let him finish whatever it was he was going to say! Why did I have to of act like a total bitch to him, he did nothing!
I've always hated my temper but right now I despised it to my core,
"Jack, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I'm just…I'm just…" my voice trails off, and Jack sighs.
"Whatever Banks. Go watch Aster and Tooth, I have to practice getting over myself." He says the last part between clenched teeth, as he turns away and limps toward his bed, pausing to pull on a shirt, I not only regret my words but the fact that I couldn't just throw myself into his arms and whisper sorry over and over into his neck. My body aches to do just that but I force myself up, and exit the door closing it behind me. Already I felt my stupid pride swelling inside me, wiping out the anger and the regret; but it would be back, it always was.
I walk down the stairs, my muscles tense. I wanted nothing more then to be able to disappear into a pool or run until my legs burned horribly and my lungs began to feel worthless inside of me. Because right now that's how I felt.
Regret is a horrible feeling, like a sewage waste land spoiling your insides, burning up and killing you from the inside. but then again maybe I was the waste land.
I lean against the stair rails sighing deeply before, walking into the dinning room, both Tooth and Aster are finished eating, they look up when I enter.
"Why were you guys yelling? Were you doing that cuddling thing again?" I feel my chest ache at Tooth's words, I shake my head and force out a smile.
"No, we were just…I got mad, and then Jack got mad and… well we sorta yelled."
"You're not mad anymore right?" Tooth looks up her purple eyes full of child curiosity,
"No, at least I'm not." I sigh and rub my temples.
"how about you two go in the living room to play, while I wash the dishes and clean the table?" Tooth nods her head and helps Aster out of his chair, I set off to clear the table, taking my time to clean off the small milk splatters from Aster's cereal bowl. I hand wash the dishes and then dry them before placing them in the cupboards. Grabbing the broom from the closet, I sweep the kitchen and dinning room, I head into the living room and sweep there as well, after wards I mop.
For the next two hours I clean the house, making Aster and Tooth follow me around to keep an eye on both of them. At noon I'm pretty much done, so I go into Tooth's room where I turn the DVD player on and let them watch Tangled. I head to Tooth's closet and pick up her hamper, empty it into two separate laundry tubs; Tooth was pretty heat, her clothes were already sorted from white and colors. Running over to Aster's room I pick up his own hamper and begin to sort his clothes, this takes about a half hour
"Tooth,I'm going down to the laundry room to put the clothes in the washer machine I'll be right back." She nod her head, her eyes intent on the screen where Flynn and Tangled were running away from guards. Picking up the laundry tubs I head down the stairs and take two trips to get all three tubs into the laundry room. I start the colorful clothes first, adding the detergent and fabric softener.
I sit on top of the dryer afterwards, my iPhone besides me; I consider texting Peyton or Eric to get rid of the boredom and regret inside of me. Peyton and Eric were my best friends; Eric was my Cross-country co-captain, not only that but he was also an amazing at water polo. We've been friends since pre-school, and even kept in touch when I moved to Cali, for middle school. Peyton was a horseback rider, she spent most of the day at her fathers ranch practicing for show-jumping, dressage, cross-country, and everything else. I had met during Freshman year; like me she had just transferred back to Burgess, But Peyton was shy and gentle having been homeschooled up until then. Eric and I easily became friends with her, and I hadn't seen either of them since the last day of school.
I pick up my phone and scroll through my messages, I ignore all of the ones from Mason; thinking about it, why had I even given him my number, his problem was between Peyton not me. And trying to hang out with me would not get into her good graces, Peyton knew I had a low tolerance for ass holes like Mason, as cute as they happened to be.
I scroll through my more recent messages and wince as I find twenty from my mom, i send her a smiley face hoping that she isn't pissed I ignored her for that long. I get a response seconds later.
Took your time young lady, I've been trying to reach you to tell you I'll be getting home by tomorrow,
I frown,
2morrow? I'm still B.S. the Overland kids.
Her text reaches me a minute later,
I have to go, meeting in five min. love you sweetie
I sigh and place my phone down, I hear the sound of the front door opening but ignore it, instead I lean back against the wall waiting for the washing machine to finish its round.
I decide to make some nutella sandwiches for Aster and Tooth, as well as a strawberry smoothie. I'm just placing the bread slices on the bed when I hear a loud laugh, almost girlish come from upstairs deciding to ignore it I get up and take the smoothies and sandwiches apup to Tooth's room.
"You guys want sandwiches?" Both of them nod and I set the plates on the bedside table I lay down across the bed and watch as Flynn cuts Rapunzel's hair. I've always disliked this part of the movie, couldn't he have cut her hair slightly longer! I understand that he was on his death bed and everything but still!
I hear another loud laugh and decide that it's coming from Jacks room, he was probably watching TV real loud. I tune out the rest of the movie and when it's over I pop in Beauty and Beast. Head back to the laundry room and throw the clothes into the dryer. I look over at the tubs as I'm about to stuff the white clothing in, well shit I didn't get Jack's hamper. I groan and pull the white clothing out grabbing an empty tub I head upstairs. I walk to my own room first though, and change out of my clothing first I was pretty dirty from cleaning and I planned to sleep after throwing in Jacks clothing. Slipping on another white blouse and white shorts I leave my socks and white vans on. A yawn slips out as I eye the comfy looking bed, but I sigh instead and walk out to knock on Jack's door, I can hear the sound of the bed rustling and a light laugh, I knock again, louder.
the door suddenly opens reveling a hair tousled Jack, his shirt was creased and wrinkled and besides that he only wore his dark blue boxers. His lips were slightly swollen and his face was flushed. the light grin he had in his face fades when he sees me.
"What do you want Banks, " is voice is husky, and sounds annoyed and strained. I place on a scowl and lift up the laundry tub,
"Told you I was doing laundry today and you didn't give me your damn clothes."
"Get it later, I'm busy." I glare up at him,
"No, I need it right now. Whatever your 'busy' is it can damn wait," I'm surprised by the harsh tone in my voice, and apparently so is Jack,
"Whatever it's in the bathroom get it yourself." He turns to walk away and I see that on his bed is a tousled looking Jasmine Altemeyer. Like Jack her clothes are creased I can see a pink shirt lying on the floor and blush deeply as I walk in and into the bathroom.
"Told you I was busy!" I can hear the smirk in Jack's voice as I dump in his clothing, out of the corner of my eye I can see that he'a continuing whatever he left off at, he kisses along Jasmine's neck and collarbone his hands exploring elsewhere. Jasmine's own hands trail along his chest. I feel my throat tighten and my eyes burn, I feel sick too my stomach, as stand and pick up the laundry filled tub. I close the bathroom door, and I see Jack look up,
"You done? I have a couple dirty hoddies on the couch. Thanks!" He smirks as he continues his assault on Jasmine's neck, his eyes following me to the leather couch; had it been just this morning I had been in here laughing with him? I pick the dark blue hoodies up and dump them in tub crossing my arms I loo. Up at the ceiling I didn't want to see them anymore.
"Anything else?" I expect my voice to sound harsh and strong but instead its soft and low, and cracks slightly at the end, I clear my throat and Jack looks up once more, he seems surprised at my tone of voice
"Nope that's it," His voice is softer as well and I feel my eyes burn again, I turn quickly and head to the door, picking up the tub and closing the door behind me I run down to the laundry room and ket myself fall to the cold floor of the room. I couldn't get the image of him kissing her out of my head. My eyes sting but I don't let the tears fall, there is no way I'm crying over that pathetic bastard. but I'm lying to myself, because second later the tears come flowing slowly down my checks. My eyes sting from not crying in a while and I still feel sick too my stomach. My phone begins to ring; gosh damn perfect timing! I ignore it and wipe my tears off. The phone begins to ring again, not even bothering to check the caller ID, I pick up.
"Hello?" My voice cracks, and I push my hair back, get your shit together Willow!
"Um, Willow? It's me Jamie, whats wrong?" I let out a muffled gasp between my hand as a soft sob comes out of my mouth, taking a deep and shaky breath,
"Nothing."
"That doesn't sound like a 'nothing', it's alright you can tell me." I let out another soft sob as I listen to Jamie's soothing voice.
"Jack's a huge fucktard of a jerk, that's what's wrong." I hear Jamie's light laugh at the other end.
"I guess he can be, what he'd do to you? I could beat him up for you, though I'm guessing you'd rather do the honors?" I let out a shaky laugh.
"Yeah, you're damn right about that." I wipe years away and a soft breath escapes.
"You feeling better?" I can hear the concern in his voice, Jamie was so sweet how the hell could he be friends with an asshole like Jack?
"Yeah, but I still think Jacks a big jerk."
"What he'd do? You don't have to talk about it if you want, hey I was calling because Mom wants to take Aster, Tooth and Sophie to the movies is three all right?"
"yeah that would be great, I'll get them ready,"
"I could take you to the Sweet Factory and let you have a sugar high?" I laugh at his offer
"That sounds tempting, but I'll pass with the sugar high, Id rather not be sicker to my stomach. " Kay then I'll pick you up at three when mom comes and gets the kids. Hope you feel better, don't straggle Jack just yet though he still owes me ten bucks. " I laugh.
"I won't see you later Jamie,"
"Bye," I hang up and stay against the wall, but I get up and stuff Jacks clothing into the washer. I wipe my face again and head upstairs and into the bathroom where I rinse my face, with cold water. When I look up only my eyes give me away. I unbraid my bangs and brush them out letting them fall into my eyes, I walk into Tooth's room and announce the movie night with Sophie. I help them take baths and let them continue to watch their current movie. I take my own shower and change into a deep blue button up shirt, white skinny jeans and black flats. I braid my hair back into a regular French braid, my bangs teased back into wisps but still falling in my eyes. My regular blue eyeliner is replaced with a soft silver. it's still pretty early but I still have to stop by the store to pick up food for the rest of the week. I don't do purses but instead slip my iPhone into my pocket along with my credit card.
Im exiting my room when Jack's door opens, he steps out looking as tousled as before maybe even a bit more. I slip past him ignoring the pain my chest,
"Whoa, where are you going Willow? " I turn back and glare at him,
"Like you care," I cross my arms defensively.
"I do care, why wouldn't I? " I roll my eyes, "Jasmines waiting for you," he frowns and then smirks
"you're jealous, aren't you Banks? " I roll my eyes again, my anger rising.
"like I said before, get the fuck over yourself Frost, I don't give a crap what you do with your life. I just know one thing and that's that you better make sure Aster and Tooth don't see any of the shit you're doing with Jasmine." I turn to go down the stairs but then turn back.
"Oh, and don't play with girls hearts Jack, of this is just going to be some stupid one night stand between you and Jasmine make sure she agrees with it, because getting cut off by someone hurts. "
"Id say the same to You Banks, don't lead on a guy when you're just going to be angry about everything later. Guys have hearts too." I scoff,
"yeah they do all except you,"
"what are you trying to say? I'm not the one who—" I interrupt him.
"I don't want to argue, go back to Jasmine please."
"She just left a few minutes ago."
"Well then call up some other Cheer leader,"
"I'm not like that! The only reason I called up Jasmine was because I wanted, to make you jealous. I'm an idiot and a big asshole, but at least I admit what I feel like and that's that I–I don't have to explain myself to you, think what you want but I am nothing like that. You have no idea how I feel Willow, you're not even close; and you don't know how much that bothers me." the cold look in his eye as he watches me hurts, I want nothing more then to hug him or do something instead of standing defensively against the stair railing.
"Then tell me how you feel Jack, help me think the way you want me too. Or should I just keep going on with life knowing what a big asshole you really are." the sarcasm and venom in my voice surprises both of us, I've blown it again. I can see the anger in his cold and hard blue eyes. I watch as he sets his jaw, the corner of his lips twitching into a scowl.
"I'm not wasting my breath on you, no matter what I'll say you'll still think I'm a asshole."
"If you keep acting like one, of course I'll always think you're one. Actions speak louder than words, and right now you're using both to seem like a jerk." Jack strides up to me his limp almost non existent as I back away into the wall away from the stairs.
"You're mad at me, I can tell. But please just let me show you that I'm not a jerk. I'm more than the cocky jock you make me out to be." I scoff, looking up at his stony face, he was a foot away.
"Then do show, Sir Cockiness, show thee that thou' aren't a big asshole." My voice drips with sarcasm, as I glower up at him, his lips twitch into a smile and he turns his head away.
"God, Willow, you're making this hard for me. Stop with you're cuteness I'm trying to stay angry here."he leans his head back tugging at his hair,
"Well I have enough anger for the both of us," he whips his head back to face me, and smirks,
"Oh really?" He corners me a into the wall placing a hand on either side of my head, he leans in, close enough that when I breathe my chest brushes against his own, I try to duck under his arm but he leans even closer. I avoid his gaze and instead look at his chest, covered in gray shirt I stare at a stray thread.
Do not look up. Do not look up. Do not– oh what the hell,
I glance upward and find his blue eyes looking down at me, my glare returns and I cross my arms once more, brushing them against his chest as I do so. Glaring at him, I try to take deep breathe through my nose, but the smell of his cologne makes it hard. A little voice in my head tells me to lean into him and wrap my arms around his neck, and I do the reasonable thing. I tell that stupid little voice to shut the fuck up and go sort through some childhood memories.
"You still angry?" he licks his lips and my heart flutters my glare falters for a few seconds, and then returns.
"kay then, how about now?" He leans forward until his chest is pressed tightly against my own, I close my eyes, and feel my arms fall limply to my sides my fingertips pressing against the wall. I turn my head away and let out a shaky breath, there is no way I'm going to let him no how much this is affecting me.
"This is just making me angrier, you douche bag." my eyes flit up to his own and then flit away.
"I don't believe that,"
"Well then believe it, Frost!" I stand up on my tiptoes so that my eyes are almost eye level with his own, I'm close enough that I can feel his warm breath against my face. I avoid thinking that I would only have to lean in an inch or two before my lips met his. Instead I look into his eyes.
"Show me that you're not a jerk and let me get by," he chuckles and in the dim light of the hallway I think his checks are flushed. I know my own probably are.
"okay then," his eyelids close and he leans in, my head jerks to the side and his lips met up with my check. I turn my head as his eyelids open, he smiles his eyes looking softer but still slightly cold.
"You're never going to make this easy for me are you?" I shake my head and press my hands against his chest trying to shove him back. He doesn't budge despite the fact that he has a cast on.
"Can I get past? You shouldn't even be up, later you're going to be in pain, and you're not supposed to take pain meds anymore."
"aw you're worried about me,"
"I will knee you in the groin right now if you don't let me past, get your ass in your room right now." He sighs, and lifts one hand away, tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear he lifts his arm completely I duck under. Straightening my blouse I walk past him and down the stairs, taking them two at a time I disappear into the laundry room and take the clothes out and into the dryer. I feel my iPhone buzz in my pocket, and check to see a text from Jamie,
we're outside
Sure enough it's ten to three, slipping my phone back in my pocket I close the dryer door and go upstairs. I help Tooth and Aster get their shoes on and tell them to go downstairs, I consider going to check Jack, but I've had enough of his bullshit for one day.
Joining Aster and Tooth in the living room, we head outside where Ms. Bennett's car waits, behind her is Jamie's light silver convertible the hood pulled back. I help Tooth and Sophie into the kid car seats and wave to Sophie. Closing the back door I walk over to Jamie's car, and slip into the passenger seat.
"Hey Willow,"
"hey Jamie, nice car you have here. "
"Thanks I just got it but you should see Jack's car if you'd like to really see a nice car." Jamie flips a small switch and the cover of the car unfolds and clicks into place.
"what type of car does, Jack have?" I click my seatbelt and Jamie pulls out of the driveway.
"A ford Mustang, cobalt blue, silver sports stripes. Leather seats, roomy interior. Damn, it's a really good looking car. It was present from his dad for winning the state hockey championship match." That does sound like a good looking car, I guess it must be in the garage due toJack injuring His leg.
"Where's his dad?" Jamie turns on the radio and an over played Justin Timberlake song comes on, he turns it down low so that it's pretty much background music.
"He's on a business trip, like usual. I think the last time Jack saw him was like five, six months ago? He's almost never home, Jack has a grudge against him because of it, so he always gets him expensive gifts to make up for it. but knowing Jack I know that only makes it worse. He wasn't even at the hockey match, Jack was pissed off for weeks the car actually made it worse." Poor Jack, I know what that feels like.
I find myself wishing I hadn't been so hard on him, then I shove the thought back.
"It's pretty rough, my parents split up when I was like five. I remember throwing this huge tantrum fit and they took me to disneyworld. Like that could make everything better, a year later my dad go remarried and now he has two twin boys. They're just a bit older than Sophie and Tooth. "
"Did you're mom ever get remarried?" I shake my head
"No, but she's been going out with her boyfriend" I shudder. "For three years now, she's also pretty good friends with my Dad's new wife too." Jamie notices my shudder at the word 'Boyfriend' and laughs.
"You don't like the guy?" I laugh, and tuck my bangs behind my ear.
"No, Peter's alright, a bit annoying but alright. I just find it strange that my mom has a boyfriend."
"and you don't?" Jamie interrupts and we both laugh.
"yeah, dating isn't really my thing. Guys find me obnoxious and they don't like the idea of a girl that can probably outrun them or something." Jamie snorts.
"That's stupid wouldn't they prefer a girl like that instead of a snobby cheerleader? And by the way the guys and I don't find you obnoxious, we like you the way you are. the very fact that you can probably beat us, actually makes us like you even more." the corners of his lips twitch."Especially Jack." My breath falters for a second, what Did he say about Jack? that he likes me. I shake my head; yeah right.
"Thanks," I feel my checks warm up and turn to look out the window as we almost reach downtown.
"No problem, and what do you mean Peter's annoying?" I grin as I turn back to face Jamie he has his eyes on the road but his body is slight angled my way.
"He doesn't like that fact that I'm athletic, he'd prefer me to join the Cheerleading squad or just focus on my grades. just like my step mom, they think I'm wasting my time on sports when I can be focusing on grades to get a full ride scholarship to a unversity from high grades."
"You can get a scholarship, for a sports team."
"you try telling them that, they're pretty oblivious about it." We're quiet for a while, the sound of the engine purring and the soft radio music the only noises.
"So, are you feeling better? You know about earlier." Jamie's voice is soft, he glances over at me, I have to take a deep breath before answering.
"Yeah, sorta, I'm still mad, but I'm not going to go all teary on you again. It was stupid to cry about it early."
Stupid and pathetic.
Weak and humiliating.
"What happened? I mean if it's alright for me to ask." I smile at he rushes out the last part.
"it's alright, but it's pretty embarrassing, I can't believe I let it bother me that much." Jamie nods and I feel the car stop. I look up and see that we're parked in the mall parking lot. Besides him mom's car. we get out of the car and I help get the kids out of the car.
"Were going to go see a movie, you kids can do whatever you want." Jamie and I agree with his mom and he kisses her check and ruffles Sophie's hair. We enter the mall and go separate ways, and the kids one way and Jamie and I another way.
"Where do you wanna go?" Jamie has his hands in the pockets of his jeans,the collar of his light brown shirt was turned upward, it kinda bothered me. I reach out and adjust it.
"Sorry," Jamie smiles
"nah, it's okay, I'm surprised mom didn't notice, so where too?" I look around and sigh.
"I don't know, you choose."
"well, I wanted to stop by Game-Stop if that's okay,"
"No, that's fine, let's go." we walk side by side as we head to the escalators, I step on first, and Jamie gets on he brushes past me and begins to walk up the already moving steps.
"What are you doing?" I begin to follow as we brush past other people.
"its too slow." I laugh and we finally reach the top, Jamie waits for me and heads over to the small video game store.
when we get there he begins to look through the games, I look around with him and chose out two for Dakota and Isaac; it take is around half an hour to finally decide on the games and pay for them.
"For you step brothers?"
"Yep, where to next?" A grin spreads across Jamie's face
"well… I wasn't kidding when I offered up a sugar high, and the Sweet Factory is around the corner." He raises his eyebrows and I grin around with him,
"Hmm, like I said before it's very tempting. I think I'm going to go along with this plan." Jamie jumps up slightly,
"Well then my taste buds are waiting, let's go."
Our trip to the small candy store proves to be very hard, we both fill our baggies and buy separate candy. When we exit we go to sit down at a bench, across from a small fountain where a group of middle school girls giggle and gossip. Their shirts and short shorts way to tight. I'm watching them giggle away at the group of older guys across the way, besides Hot Topic. They looked like college guys, with leather jackets and stubble on their faces. I get up to throw the empty candy bag away,
"Hey is it okay if I go down to Shoe Palace? I need to buy a new pair of converse and I might take a while buying them."Jamie asks me, when I head back.
"Sure how about we meet up here in a hour, I wanted to go check out some books."
"Yeah, I'll call you, don't get lost."
"I won't, but if you get lost, remember that the lost kid area is across from Hollister." Jamie laughs at my response.
"hey I should be telling that to you, I'm taller and older, and please don't feel offended on me asking, how's the weather down there." I laugh out loud and gently shove his shoulder.
"I'm like four inches shorter than you, and if you're older then remember that the elderly help service area is on the first floor. " we both laugh and Jamie pats my head.
"I'll remember that now all you have to do is remember your mom's name and your home phone okay?" He tries to keep his voice serious but his voice shakes with laughter towards the end.
"fine then, I'll see you in an hour." Jamie pats my head again grinning when I push his hand away, he turns and we part ways.
Barnes and Noble was downstairs so I might as well check out Hot Topic since it was pretty close, then I'd head over to the Sports Chalet to get some new running spandex shorts and sports bras.
When I walk past the middle school girls they begin to giggle. I take a closer look at them, their faces are coated in makeup, way too much blush and foundation. One of them points at me and whispers to her friend, I ignore them as I head Hot Topic, there was a sale on Doctor Who items. I remember when I watch the show with Jack and explained it all to him, and how he had said he wanted a bow tie. I push back my hair and walk into the store passing the group of college guys, I ignore there glances as well as I head to the back of the store, Fall out Boy's My songs Know what you did in the dark blares through the store speakers, I had recently grown pretty appreciative of their music. I look at a variety of shirts and grin when I find Harry Potter shirt, sadly they don't have one in my size. I move on to the necklaces and bracelets and chose out a couple of charms for my charm bracelet, which I didn't wear during the summer sine I swam most of the time and didn't want to get it wet.
I look at some of the Doctor Who items and then stroll over to the bow ties, I pick out a regular black one and a light blue one with lacy edges. Lastly I get a black Hoodie with the Imagine Dragons logo and name on it. Heading over to cash register I place my things down. A guy probably a year or two older than me with jet black hair that has the tips dyed in electric blue, and a lip piercing smiles, as he checks out the items.
"Anything else, darling. We also have a sale on earrings and piercings." He smiles, as he inclines his head toward the earring and piercing stand.
"No, thank you, that'll be all." The guy shrugs and gives me the final price, I swipe my credit card press my pin and tuck the silver credit card back into my pocket. He places the items in a bag and smiles as he hands them to me.
"thanks for shopping at Hot Topic come again darling." I smile back and head out, adjusting the plastic bag, the group of college boys has grown and they block the door exit, I murmur excuse me's as I slip in past the guys.
"Hey Willow is that you?" My head lifts at a familiar English accent, turning around Parker stands before me, his black hair is slicked in a messy style though I can tell he must have spent an hour styling it this way, unlike Jack he practically woke up with the whole messy hairstyle ready to go.
"Hey Parker." He's wearing dark jeans that cling to his leg in a nice…I guess I can say sexy way, his black muscle shirt and leather jacket add to the whole, college boy look.I stand getting slightly crowed by the other guys I'm uncomfortable, and the smell of various colognes some stronger than others is clouding my nose.
"Hey, guys! Move aside you're blocking the exit and almost squashing Willow here. Move your asses." His friends shove each other as they move their large group to the side.
"Better?" I look up and nod, "You here by yourself?" His accent is so, fitting. It doesn't sound ridiculous like my slight British accent.
"No, I came with a friend but we split up to met later." Parker nods his head,
"where are you going next?" I think about it decide I'll order my books online,
"well I was going to go to Barnes and Noble but I'll just order my books online. So I guess I'm going to Sports Chalet."
"I'll go with you,"
"You don't have to, you're with your friends, you should spend time with them. They could also leave without you."
"I'm depriving so they couldn't leave without me and I want to speak some time with you." I scoff,
"You, a college student wants to spend time with a high school senior. Yeah right." Rolling my eyes I start to walk away.
"Wait, is this because I kissed you, I'm sorry I shouldn't have. It was pretty uncalled for, but I want to make up for my behavior. I do want to spend time with you." The guys behind him catcall and shout, I turn my head to glare at them and most of them fall silent.
"See, if you can make these idiots shut up by just glaring at them you're more than just a high school senior." sighing I cross my arms.
"Whatever then." I turn and walk away, Parker catches up with me easily.
"you're mad about something, what's wrong?" I ignore his question, I feel sullen. But I don't blame Jack anymore, I blame myself.
Stupid idiotic me.
Stupid idiotic regret.
Stupid idiotic Jack. Messing with my head with those blue eyes and cute smirks.
I hear a familiar laugh an. Look up, Jasmine was sitting at a table in front of Starbucks with a bunch of other cheerleaders, I can see her and Jack on the bed again, I stop dead in my tracks and Parker bumps into me.
"What's wrong, Willow?" he tries to follow my line of view but I turn my head and advert my eyes so he can't find Jasmine.
"I–I I'm sorry, I'm being a jerk. It's not you it's something that happened earlier, and forget it." I throw my head back in frustration, Parker looks down at me with concern in his golden eyes. They're such a beautiful shade, and stand out against his dark clothing and pale skin. Like pools of honey, or liquid topaz, as I look at them longer they're suddenly cobalt blue, full of mischief and playfulness. My heart wrenches when I blink and the illusions is gone. Jack isn't here, it's Parker.
"Has anyone every told you, that your eyes are just the perfect shade of stormy gray? They look like the fog over the lake, during the winter." My checks heat up as I shake my head.
"well I'm both glad and disappointed at that." He smiles easily, and I smile along with him. He presses his palm into my check and I feel a sudden comfort with him, his thumb runs circles into my skin softly.
"We should get going to Sports Chalet." nodding at his words, I continue to stare up at him, he lets out a soft laugh and let's his hand fall, and wraps it around my wrist, gently sliding his hand down until they meet my fingers where they intertwine, my hand is much to small for his own, and feels strange as his own envelopes it. I feel like a child as we begin to walk, I find myself glancing back at Jasmine, and stiffen as I find her eyes on me. Our eyes meet, and she glances upward, at Parker I think before flitting back to me and then down at her phone.
I turn away and tug my hand away from Parker's, he's startled so I pretend to push my hair back with both hands and then take my iPhone out to check the time. I had twenty-five minutes before I had to met up with Jamie. When we enter the store I head over to the teens and woman's area where a variety of sports wear awaits. I choose out two pairs of black spandex shorts and green one just in case we have to wear school colors to meets. Besides me Parker is looking at a rack of variety sports Knee and elbow pads. I walk a bit ahead and look at the sports bra selection. I pick out my size, and try to find lightweight but padded ones. I didn't like wearing regular bras underneath, and preferred to get more padded and supportive ones. Unhooking black, white, and dark blue ones I head back to where Parker is trying not to look uncomfortable.
"you done?" his voice sounds strained.
"Yeah," he shoves his hands in his pockets and walk with me to the cash register. I pay and we're out of the store. He offers to stop by Starbucks to buy some coffee but I decline, Jasmine might still be there; instead we head over to the icee stand and I get a fruit punch slurpee while he gets a grape one. He pays despite my refusal, while we walk back to where I'm supposed to meet Jamie, I ask him about college. He tells me he'll be attending the local university to stay close to home, and his friends. He doesn't know what career he want to pursue yet but that he'll figure it out.
"Hey can I have your phone number? I'd like to meet up you sometime, maybe we can go running together." Im Surprised at his request
"Sure hand me your phone." He takes a black iPhone out of his pocket and hands it to on the contact adder. I enter my name and phone number, and hand it back, he nods at his phone and whispers a punch line from a cheesy movie. I laugh anyway and look up at him as I hear the sound of a camera going off,
"you did not just take a picture me," I try to glare at him but he holds his hands up and shakes his head trying to look innocent, I reach up to take his phone but he holds up in the air out of my reach.
"Sorry, Willow no can do." He's grinning as I reach up supporting my weight against his chest as I try and take the iPhone without jumping up.
"Parker Black! Give me that phone right now!" I stomp my door down on his shoe and he winces I reach up and grasp his phone. Yes! He chuckles as I reaches over my shoulder to grab it but I squirm out of the way,
"You're going to need my passcode." I stick my tongue out at him,
"Nope, don't care you're not getting it back. " he chuckles and lunges for it, I duck and he misses. Ha!
"Willow come on you're really going to leave me without a way to communicate?"
"Yes." I say it like it's the most obvious thing in the world, He lunges again and I duck but his arm wraps around my waist and using his other arm he plucks the phone out of my hand.
"I win!" I glare but it slowly turns to a smile.
"Whatever." he still hasn't unwrapped his arm from around my waist but I don't mind. The sweet and musky scent of his cologne isn't as nice and wonderful like Jack's but it's still a pleasant smell.
"you have longer arms and you're taller, talk about a disadvantage for me." He loosens his arm as he smiles.
"Yeah just like if we entered a beauty pageant right now everybody would be at a disadvantage by You." My checks heat up, and I slip out of his arm, brushing back my bangs.
"Thats not true. If it were a swimming or running match then you'd be correct but I'd lose in a beauty pageant." he opens his arm to say something but I spot Jamie walking up to Us.
"Hey Jamie!" He reaches us.
"Hey Willow,who's thi–Parker." Jamie's face turns strained with dislike, Parker's face does the same.
"Bennett." The two boys glare at each other, I step in between them.
"Whoa easy, what's wrong with you guys?" They continue to glare at each other.
"Nothing, I'll call you later Willow, I had a great time." Parker continues to glare at Jamie but reaches over and wraps an arm around my shoulders rubs my back and then heads back on the direction of where his friends are still hanging around. I turn my attention back to Jamie.
"What was that?" He ignores my question
"Why are you hanging out with him? he's not a good person." I groan
"Gosh you're just like Jack, he's a good person, he hasn't done anything bad."
"maybe not yet but he has before and he'll do it again," Jamie and I begin to walk back to where the AMC theatre is.
"What's that mean? What did he do before?" Jamie sighs,
"Jack and Parker have some bad history between them. Parker…you should ask Jack to tell you it's not my story to tell. But we don't want it to happen again, and I don't think Jack would want it involve you, believe it or not I know Jack cares about you Willow." I roll my eyes, this didn't make sense,
"He cares about me?" I scoff, "he has a very damn stupid way of showing it then." Jamie sighs.
"Trust me I've know Jack since we were in diapers. I can tell, "
"So I stay away from Parker and you're both happy?" Jamie nods,
"wanna just get home already, Mom says the movie isn't over until around five something and it's barley four thirty."
"okay then." we change direction and exit the mall into the parking lot. I slip into the passenger seat and the ride home is silent except for a few jokes against the music coming from the radio.
When Jamie pulls into the driveway I get my things and slip out.
"See you thanks, Jamie."
"later Willow." When he pulls out of the driveway I walk up the steps,and unlock the house, I head upstairs and set my things in my room, I try on the spandex shorts and sports bras and they fit—thank god—.changing back into regular shorts and a shirt I go downstairs and make a quick dinner of spaghetti, letting it cool I serve a plate and go back upstairs where I knock on Jack's door. I can hear the sound of a video game console,and then his lazy voice.
"want food?" I hold the plate up and he nods his head I walk over to his bedside table, and set it down then I take out his medicine and lay it out.
"you have fun?" His voice surprises me, it's full of venom and when I turn to look at him there's pain in both his eyes and voice, along with anger.
"What do you mean? Jack are you in pain? I told you, that you were abusing your leg to much." I sit down on the bed and place the back of my hand against his check and then his forehead it was hot!
"Jack you're burning up, eat your food so you can take the pills." I brush his hair back off his forehead where it's slightly damp from sweat.
"I'm alright, but you didn't answer my question. did you have fun with Parker?" my eyes open wide with surprise.
"how did you—"
"What are you doing Willow, you're going to get yourself hurt. Trust me he's not good for you." Neither are you Jack, and you've hurt me more.
"why do you care?" I mumble as I close my eyes.
"I just do," I stand,
"What happened between you and Parker? Jamie said you had bad history."
"I don't want to talk about it."
"Then, stay out of my business, if you won't talk why should I? And if it makes you feel any better or safer or what ever the crap you need. I'm not doing anything with Parker we're just friends." Jack sighs.
"I'm sorry," wait what! I expected him to yell to seem like a cocky idiot, but did he just say he ws sorry.
"I'm sorry, I'm trying not to act like a jerk. I really am."he turns his head away from me and my chest aches I sigh and sink into the bed, laying my head against his chest. I can feel his chin on the top of it, and his arms wrap around me, strong and secure. The rest of me is pressed against his side. I can feel and hear his heartbeat it's beating fast but not as fast as my own. My hand reaches up to slowly caress the side of his face, the other one pressed against his side. He let's his fingers trail up my arm and then down,
this is comfort.
This is safety.
what I felt earlier with Parker was nothing compared with this feeling, but these soft caresses and embrace was merely comfort and nothing else, that was the only thing i could ever have with Jack. He'd never like me in another way, it hurt to know that. I lift my head
" You should eat,or you'll be pain later. " Jack sighs and unwraps his arms from me.
"can you just stay for Awhile or is that to ouch to ask?"
"No I'll stay just let me go get a book to read, I'll be right back." He sits up and begins to eat while I stand and go get a book, I end up choosing Divergent. It was my favorite of the trilogy.
heading back to the room I seat down on the couch, and try not to remember the events of earlier in the day, but it's hard when you're in the same room with the same person. I an still see hI'm and Jasmine but I blink and he's on his bed eating spaghetti.
My iPhone vibrates, and I slide it open to find a text from Parker, I place the phone down,may be I should listen to Jack and Jamie. But I still want to now why. I look down at the text out of curiosity though;
what are you doing?
right now Parker, I'm ignoring you and trying to believe Jack, because if I had a chose I would pick Jack. Even when he's a cocky jerk, he still manages to make me lightheaded. I guess Jack was right, anyone can fall for him and his pretty blue eyes.
His head suddenly turns and his eyes meets mine, his lips twitch and he shakes his head his hair getting messier.
A/N: I'm horrible at this updating thing! I'm sorry, hope you enjoyed review, favorite follow, feel free to give me ideas! Thanks for all the lovely past reviews I think I might have a Jack POVchapter soon, and any ideas in a new character? I'd love to hear what you think!
PENGUIN OUT!