CHAPTER 26
Uncomfortable
Today is Monday. Almost a week since I got hit by that lorry. One week that I had my period (God Damn You!). Almost one week since we won that game. I sat in my lovely purple mini (thank you Momma and Daddy!) looking down the drive. I was going back to school today; I wasn't nervous. I was actually happy. Had my story; I had gone camping and came back Sunday
Jacob had been busy. Business had increased again when word got round that he had an extension built! Emily was constantly on the phone taking bookings and now he was fully booked up until the week before Christmas. He always left an hour for emergencies, but decided yesterday to leave a mechanic to deal with emergencies for the day as they were coming in left right and centre. Jacob made a work rota ensuring everyone had a go. I was so pleased that business was booming for him.
On Saturday, Lottie and I got together to make invitations inviting everyone we loved to Thanksgiving. I had to quickly explain to Lottie what it was all about. "Bit daft if you ask me," she said. "But if you want to do it then I'm up for it."
"Why do you think its daft?" I challenged.
"Dunno, just is," she shrugged as she glued a felt turkey onto the front of an invite.
"So's Robert Burns day but you don't see me taking the piss."
"Ok, I suppose. Each country in Britain celebrates their own patron saint's day, that's St Andrew's day for your information. I suppose it's the same here. Although I think the banks would take any holiday day whether or not it is in their own country to get a day off."
I laughed. "I suppose." I glued on a turkey.
"Alice found out yet?"
"Oh she will. She will know there is something going on, on that day as it will disappear."
"The wrath of Alice. I am looking forward to it!"
I gave Lottie a look. "I don't think you will."
"Hey, it's not me she is going to be mad at. It's you. Your idea."
"And if I'm going down, you're going down with me."
"And don't I know it," she glued another turkey on but got it stuck to her fingers, which she was now waving her hand in the air to try and get it off. "We used to get this glue at primary school when it would dry on your hand and you could peel it off. We would dunk our hand in the stuff then let it dry for the next class so we could sit and peel it off."
"You are easily amused."
"What? I was only ten at the time. Of course I was easily amused." She was still flapping the felt turkey around. Whilst she was distracted, I dabbed the little turkey I had in my hand with glue then reached over quickly stuck the little turkey on her right cheek. "Hey!" she turned to face me as she finally managed to get her turkey off her fingers.
"You had something on your face. I was getting it off," I replied. I was trying not to smile.
"Mmm," she gave me a look then forcefully stuck her turkey on to the card. She walked around with that little turkey on her face for three hours before she clocked herself in the mirror. "Nessie!" she shouted from the bathroom. "You are such a fanny!"
I rolled about on my bed for a good five minutes after that clutching my stomach; laughing. "You just called me an ass!"
"No, I called you a fanny. It means vagina – and I am using it as an insult," she stuck out her tongue.
"I think I need subtitles," I giggled. Lottie looked at me from the bathroom and a pillow suddenly hit my head. Made me laugh even harder. "Hey, you figured out a name for your car yet?"
Lottie looked up with a pained expression. "I don't have a particular name for it, but someone else does..." she trailed off.
"Who?"
"Emmett."
"Is it that bad?" Lottie mumbled something. "What did you say?"
"He calls it," she took a deep breath. "The 'BintMobile'," she had a disgusted look on her face. I burst out laughing again. "Hey! It's not funny you know."
"That so is! Wait until I tell everyone!"
I thought I heard Lottie growl.
I woke up on Sunday morning to find Alice staring at me. "Argh!" I screamed a little as she gave me a fright. "Who watches people sleep Alice?"
"I do apparently. Have I done something wrong Renesmee?" Her lip was pouted.
I looked over to my clock which read 7am. "Alice…it's too early for all of this." I flopped back down onto my bed and pulled the covers over my head. They got yanked back. "Hey!"
"Well?" Alice pressed.
"No. why would you think that?"
"Because I found this on the way here late last night," Alice held the offending object up as if it was exhibit A. "Why?"
"Why what?"
"Are you organising something without involving me?"
"You would have received an invite," I said nonchalantly.
"That is not the same Nessie. You know how much I take great pleasure in organising events, parties, weddings and you didn't include me on this," Alice pouted whilst giving me the eyes.
The 'eyes' is my move. It is how I can get anyone to do anything I wanted. I found that I only needed to pout a little bit and show a little wobble of my bottom lip. The 'eyes' started with me firstly looking down, usually at my hands or feet. This would mean my head was tilted down. I would then look up at my victim, but not moving my head from the downwards position, so I was looking through my long eyelashes. I also made my eyes wider to make them look bigger; hence the 'eyes'.
"Don't you try that one with me Alice. I invented that."
"It has actually been around for a while."
"So? I invented the way you are doing it now. I am not giving in. The party was my idea, Lottie agreed to hold it and I am organising it."
"But I organise events. Its my thing."
"It is Alice. But I want to do this. Sorry but I am not backing down." Alice sat back and folded her arms omitting a puff of air in annoyance. She kept trying the 'eyes' on me but I wasn't budging. We kept eye contact. I blinked, as it was the natural reaction for me, but Alice didn't. She was trying to freak me out; but it wasn't working. "It's not working Alice. Give up."
"No."
"I have it all arranged. Matt is cooking, but has said anyone can bring food if they wish. He needs to know numbers which is why the invites are going out tomorrow. Everyone will come anyway. Lottie and I bought decorations on Saturday and Port Angeles, and she is getting the bar stocked up."
"Music?" Alice asked harshly.
"Done. Lottie has a large collection of everything, but Dad said he can bring some if needed."
"Edward knows?" Alice hissed.
"Of course, he could hear it from me when I got home. He said to me that night after I got out of the shower. Look, what's the big deal? It's just something I am organising, there is no need to have an aneurysm."
"It. Is. Not. Possible. For. Me. To. Have. An. Aneurysm."
"Look Alice, deal with it. I have organised it, you will be coming and you will enjoy it." I grabbed my covers and pulled them over my head to indicate that the conversation was over. I heard Alice leave the room. I closed my eyes and went back to sleep.
That was how uneventful my weekend was. I was quite glad really. I started my engine and roared my way down the drive and made my way to Lottie's house. Emmett planned to leave Lottie's new car with a big bow on top in the parking lot of the school. An anonymous donation. The only people that knew were obviously Lottie, Gemma, Adeline and myself. The keys would be delivered by a 'courier' to her last class of the day and she would go out and win another Oscar. She was getting quite a collection. Alice on the other hand was still not speaking to me. After she left my bedroom yesterday, in the huff may I add, she tried to hide my invitations. She tried very hard not to think of them but Dad told me later last night were they were and handed them to me. I was surprised they hadn't been torn.
The invitation itself was on a plain white small card that had the little turkey on the front and the letters 'You are invited to Thanksgiving' on the front. Inside read the date, time and location and the option to bring food. We added a small silky piece of paper and a small envelope with Lottie's address on the front as an RSVP. They were now sitting in my bag which was on my passenger seat. I stopped off to the Post Office in the town, posted the ones that needed to be posted with the rest being handed out to my friends today. I then dashed to Lottie's as I only had fifteen minutes to get to was at the end of the drive waiting for me. "Hey Ness, you alright?" she said as she jumped in. I had the top down today.
"Sure am. Got the invites back. Dad found them," I frowned. "Alice wasn't saying much to me this morning."
"She needs to understand that you are allowed to organise things as well. How are you going to learn if you don't get the experience?"
"True. She is being a little bit of a pain about it. It's done with now."
"Cool. Matt is looking forward to it. Him and is boyfriend will definitely be there. Tony and Bessie said they are not coming, they want to do their own thing as does Chris, Damien, Jeff and Andrew."
"Sorted." I had reached the school in Nessie time. I had over taken a lot of cars to get here, but I was past caring. I pulled up next to Gemma's car and we only just made it to first class.
Lottie and I were now heading to the cafeteria after just getting out of history. We missed our break as Principle Green wanted to talk to Lottie about the accident, which Lottie wasn't giving much away, and to both of us about the game. We didn't have time to meet up with the gang at first break, but we were shortly as I could hear them in the cafeteria. "Hey Nessie, Lottie," Steven shouted as he waved from the back table. We grabbed some food and made our way over. The cafeteria was unusually busy today and I had no idea why.
I wasn't dressed too smart today as we had gym after lunch. I noticed Lottie was the same. She had on a two layered top, which both could be worn separately. The top underneath was dark blue and looked like a vest top, and the top over had sleeves and was a bottle green. It was very plain for Lottie. She had on her baggy carpenter jeans teamed with her nikes.
I was wearing my black skinny jeans (which Alice replaced for me) with red converse trainers along with a checked black and white shirt. Graham, Megan, Kirsty and Adeline were all casual as well. Steven and Clynt were smartly dressed as was Gemma and Julie. "You seen the new guys yet?" Clynt asked. We all shook our heads. "They have all been with their guidance councillor all day. No one has seen them yet."
"We weren't in with the guidance councillor when we first came," Lottie said with a puzzled look.
"That's cos you scared him away," Gemma laughed.
"That's cos he was being a bawbag."
"A what?" I asked.
"A bawbag."
"What's that?" Julie asked.
"Ball. Bag. I am sure you know what one of those are? Scottish remember?" We laughed at her description.
"You just sound weird. You should say it properly," Steven prodded her. We were sat in our usual spots around the table with Lottie and I with our backs to the crowd.
"How? All posh, I'll gan all Scottish ye ken. You'll no understand me noo," Lottie smiled wickedly. "Dinnae underestimate me bawjaws," she winked at Steven who laughed at her.
"Don't! I can't understand what you are saying," he giggled. "Really!"
"You have a thing about balls Lottie," Clynt chuckled.
"Says you." She made a flicking motion with her tongue to Clynt who laughed harder.
"Go back to normal! Please I beg of you," Graham put his hands together in a mock prayer. "I don't know what you are saying but I guarantee that it is only going to get worse."
Lottie smiled. "Ok. I'll go back to normal. I don't speak that strong unless I'm around other people that speak like that. My Dad was a strong Scot."
"Well, you speak so that we can all understand you missy," Clynt waggled his finger at her as Lottie stuck her tongue out at him. The gaggle of people behind us suddenly went quiet. The four new guys starting today just entered the cafeteria. I remember Lottie saying to me 'welcome to the thunderdome'. I turned around in my chair to look like everyone else.
You could tell the two on the left were brothers. One looked slightly older than the other but had the same facial features. They had dark brown hair which was cropped short. They were very tanned. The one on the far left was taller than the other. His hair was slightly lighter than his brother and he looked like the older one. They looked roughly about six foot with the guy on the far left being slightly over. They both looked like they worked out and their clothes were designer. The one of the left wore a light blue open shirt with a black T-shirt and black jeans. His brother wore all black. They didn't look too happy to be here.
The other two were completely different. The one standing next to the brothers was huge. Emmett huge. He had black close cropped hair and he was built like a body builder. He had muscle on top of muscle. He had a round face with a little nose but wide blue eyes and full red lips. He was wearing blue baggy jeans and a t-shirt that look like it could rip any second. The guy next to him…well…just looked plain mean. He was as tall as the guy next to him but not as bulky. He had spiky blond hair and grey sharp eyes. He had a pointed nose which made him look like a bird. He was wearing black trousers, white shirt and a grey woollen sweater vest. He was surveying the crowd as if we were prey. He made me shiver a little.
Lottie noticed my shiver. "What's up?" she whispered. I inclined my head towards the new guys. "The one on the right? Does look like he could pounce any moment. The two on the left look a little nervous. But it's first day; we probably looked like that."
"I did, you didn't."
"Nah. I was nervous," she confirmed.
The boys moved to get their lunches. Because none of them had been in class, we had no idea what classes they were going to be in. We turned back round. I had lost interest as had Lottie. We resumed our conversation. "So Adeline, how'd the sex thing work out?" Lottie asked.
"Lottie! You can't ask that," I hissed.
"Just did. Well?"
Adeline looked up from her plate. "We did it on Saturday," she smiled coyly but still looking down.
"Nice," Lottie put her hand up for a high five which Adeline slapped then giggled. "Good?"
"Yeah, after the second time," she giggled.
"Quality," Lottie nodded. "Keith has been so busy that I haven't really seen him this week, so there has been no luvvin for Lottie," she shook her head then she smiled wickedly. "What about you Ness?"
"Nope, no nookie for Nessie." I looked at the gang who all burst out laughing. "What? Its true!"
"Aw Ness, that was funny. But you'll get some," Kirsty said. She was looking over to my right.
"I may get to see him tonight, probably not for nookie but we may have some fun." The chair on the table to my right made a scraping sound, followed by three more. The four boys sat down, but not really talking to each other. I looked back to Kirsty who was checking out the really tall one. He looked over and smiled at her; Kirsty blushed.
Big guy smiled more. "Hey, I'm Kevin Hall, or Kev. Kevin Hall," he addressed us all. "I moved here from Vancouver, Mom and Dad are doctors and work at Port Angeles."
Kirsty was too dumbstruck to speak. So I replied. "Hi Kev. I'm Nessie," I pointed to myself and started pointing around the table. "Lottie, Adeline, Gemma, Kirsty, Julie, Steven, Clynt, Megan and Graham. Lottie, Gemma and I know what it's like to be the new kids. We came here in August."
"Cool. Bit nervous cos this is a really small school. I just met these guys here," he pointed to the first of the two brothers who looked the oldest. "This is Conner and Cian McCarthy." They both waved and smiled for the first time.
"Hi, I am the eldest," Cian spoke first. "Our Mom and Dad are from Ireland, hence our names. I'm doing my last year of school and Conner is in the year below."
"So Conner, you are in our year then," I clarified and he nodded.
"We moved from Chicago. Mom and Dad are property developers and they have a big project coming up in Port Angeles. We don't know how long we will be here for," Conner said. "Hopefully for a while cos we are sick of moving."
"And this is Ethan Clark," Kevin pointed to the blond boy on the far end of the table. He barely looked up to acknowledge us. "He moved here from Seattle." We all looked at Ethan waiting for him to explain his story. He just sat there and picked at his sandwich. "Um," Kevin started. "He will be in our year as well." He turned back to us and shook his head slightly. I heard him mutter "Jerk," underneath his breath. Nobody else heard him.
"What classes do you have?" I asked Kevin.
"I am not in any of the advanced classes but I do have gym after lunch."
"You may be in the same classes as Megan, Graham, Adeline and Kirsty," I looked at Kirsty who just dropped her fork. "Lottie and I are in the advanced classes but take some of the same ones as you might do."
"Cool, I like exercise. I've been competing for the strongman competition and the end of next year." I quickly looked him over, I thought it would made sense given his bulk. "I've been weightlifting for years but I really wanted to do this. I won the under 21's in Vancouver a few months back, and became the Canadian champ last month before we moved down."
"Can you compete for America if you are Canadian?" Lottie asked.
"I was born in New York but both my parents are Canadian. So I think I could do both if I wanted. Mom and Dad have built me a weight room in the basement at home so I can train almost everyday. I do a lot of running as well. I can lift well over my weight now."
"Cool. I don't know what they can offer you here but the football team is dire," Lottie said and we all agreed. "They never win anything. You could try out for the basket ball team, but if you like hockey you would be able to join our team."
"The principle was going on about your match last week and told me to join. Don't think its my thing to be honest but I could give it a shot. Heard you are quite good."
"I think we are," Lottie said proudly.
"I liked lacrosse when I played at my last school," Conner said quietly. You could hear a little Irish tint to his American accent. "They don't have that here."
"No reason why you can't form your own team. Lottie did," Adeline said. "And look at last week. If you know how to play and can get the equipment donated then why not?"
Conner smiled brightly. "I might just try that, once I'm settled I could get a team together." He started eating again with more gusto. His brother smiled at him.
But Ethan was…I don't know…he made me a little uncomfortable. He wasn't making any effort to engage in the group although Kevin tried to get him involved. He gave little furtive glances out to the rest of the crowd in the cafeteria and then to us. I hadn't realised I was staring at him until he looked up at me. I didn't turn my eyes away but his eyes narrowed and his grey eyes pierced right through me. I shuddered. "You cold Ness?" Graham asked.
"No." I looked down at my plate and ate the rest of my sandwich. I could still feel him staring at me.
"Hello ladies, gentlemen…Mr Taylor," Principle Green said. He suddenly appeared behind us. He gave Steven a dirty look. He obviously hadn't gotten over the whole mic thing. "Do we have any volunteers to buddy up with our new students?"
We all looked round at him, including the guys. I knew what was coming. "Mr Greene, we never got a buddy?" Lottie asked.
"That's because you were quite clear to our guidance teacher when you first arrived. You could have had the tour and such but you shooed him away."
"But you should have made that your mission to come and get us no matter what was said. As a head teacher you should have set an example."
"Um….I…"
"I think these blokes here are old enough to look out for themselves. I am sure they don't need to be treated like five year olds," Lottie turned back round in her seat and ate her sandwich. Mr Greene looked like he was about to say something but then stormed off. Lottie looked up towards the next table. "But feel free to hang if you like. We don't bite…much," she quickly looked at me and snorted into her juice.
"Thanks. We haven't really spoken to many people. They just tend to stare," Kevin looked around.
"They do that," I said. "But if you would like showing around, I think Kirsty here would only be too kind," I smiled wickedly. Lottie was rubbing off on me.
Kirsty choked on her food then quickly swallowed it as she went red again. "Yeah…I…I would like to," she shyly smiled at Kevin. I knew she liked him. You could tell the moment he walked into the cafeteria.
"That would be nice. You can show me where the gym is, I would like to take a quick peek before we start class," Kevin said as he finished his lunch. Kirsty mumbled something incoherent. Kevin got up to put his tray away and Kirsty shovelled in the last of her sandwich as Kevin grabbed his bag.
"I'll put it away," I whispered. Kirsty nodded as she grabbed her bag and followed Kevin out of the cafeteria. As she reached the door she turned back and smiled at us. We all laughed as she left. "Finally, a man for Kirsty," I said to the gang.
"It's about time," Graham said. "She has been going on about being single for ages."
I looked at the clock on the far wall. "Time for gym shortly," I commented.
"I don't know if I can be arsed with it today. Arm still hurts a little," Lottie said as she leaned back in her chair.
"Unfortunately you have no choice," I said.
"I do, I could skive."
"No you won't and you know it," Adeline said. "You say you would but you couldn't. This is the one class you do enjoy. And I think the coach is doing something different today."
"How do you know that?" Megan asked.
"Cos I heard one of the teachers talking about an instructor being there today. So who knows?"
Conner leaned forward in his chair. "Would you guys mind if I tag along?"
"Of course we don't," I replied. "What about you Ethan?"
Ethan looked up as if he hadn't heard any part of our conversation, but I knew he had been listening. "Yeah," he mumbled. "I can tag along."
"Sorted," Lottie said as she stood up. We got up to follow as Lottie put her rubbish in the bin. We made our way slowly to the gym. Conner was talking to Adeline, Megan and Graham about his classes as was mainly with them. I noticed Ethan was dawdling behind us. he reminded me of someone who had done something wrong and looked shifty about it. He was hunched over but you could tell he had some muscle on him and that he was taller than he let on. I just didn't know what to make of him. You know when someone just makes you feel uncomfortable? And you get that weird spiders crawling up your neck feeling? That is what he made me feel like. But maybe I was judging him and I was brought up never to judge. I was going to make a point in including him and talking to him so I could get rid of this feeling. Maybe he was genuinely nervous and didn't want to be here. We reached the doors and separated off to the changing rooms. There were other girls from our year in there so Lottie went to the toilet to get changed. Once changed, we walked into the gym to join everyone else. There was a man in the middle of the gym talking to the coach. He was wearing what I could only describe as a pair of white pyjamas with a black belt around his middle. "Oh sweet, we are doing Tae Kwon Do," Lottie whispered. "I thought coach thought I was a right knob when I suggested it to him."
"You suggested it to him?" a girl in front asked.
"Sure did. It's fun. Tiring but fun."
The girl gave Lottie a look of disgust. "Why would you suggest it then?"
"Cos some people could do with getting a kick up the backside and I think that day has come," Lottie retorted as she rubbed her hands together. The girl in front turned round quickly and whispered something to her friend. If I remember, she used to be friends with Blaire.
Speaking of Blaire, she slipped in unnoticed; obviously I noticed her, and she stood at the back of the crowd trying to keep herself small. Her friends had abandoned her; she would eat alone on a bench on the far side of the parking lot. I felt quite sorry for her really. But she brought it on herself.
"Ok ladies and gentleman. First of all take off your trainers and socks. We do this in our bare feet," the instructor shouted. "My name is Ryan Morgan. I am wearing a dobok which is the suit we use to train in…." I zoned out. I knew what tae kwon do was as Lottie talked about it a few times. Ryan got us into lines of four and started us out stretching.
"This is completely stupid," I heard Ethan mutter, who was standing next to Lottie and I on the back row. "Who's stupid idea was this?"
"Mine actually," Lottie smiled at him.
"Well, this is fucking ridiculous. Why do people listen to you anyway?"
"Hey! Whats your problem?"
"People like you," Ethan hissed.
"Ok," Lottie said slowly. "If you have such a big problem we can sort it out when we are doing some sparring later," Lottie threatened.
"Good," Ethan said menacingly. "I did kickboxing back at my last school and this is complete crap. I'll have you crying to your father in no time."
"My Dad is dead. So I can't see that happening, fannybaws," Lottie retorted, she was going all Scottish again so I knew she was pissed. "Why are you being a dick? We are trying to be nice to you and you have made no effort back."
"Why should I? I didn't want to come to this stupid dumb ass school, not like I got much of a choice."
"But do you have to be such a prick?" I hissed.
"Yes. People are so false when they are trying to be nice to you. That's all I've had all day and they are so up themselves here. It's a fraudulent society," he hissed back.
"Look, I don't know what your problem is, but get over it. Some people deal with bigger things in life and if your whole attitude is because you just don't like it here then get a life," Lottie retaliated.
"I already have a life thanks. But I had to move to this dump."
"It isn't a dump," I defended. "This place is a nice town. People are nice – "
"You were expelled from your last school? Bets that's why you don't like it here. Why were you expelled," Lottie interrupted.
"I set fire to it."
"Nice. Couldn't have done a good job, you are still alive and kicking."
"I burned down the library," Ethan hissed again. "I have my reasons," he looked forward.
"Girl trouble, guy trouble," Lottie listed the reasons on her fingers. "Or you are one of these people that thinks life owes them something and the only way you will get it is if you went round shooting people. I reckon it's the last one," Lottie snorted. "I have no sympathy for you mate. You only have yourself to blame."
Ethan turned and walked sharply over to Lottie. He towered over her. "I burnt down the library," he whispered. "Cos my ex girlfriend was in it; now she is ashamed to show herself in public" he looked over at me. "Don't you dare presume who I am. You have no right. See if we get to spar later; I am so looking forward to it."
"You strike me as the type of person who wouldn't have a problem hitting a girl. You just need valid reason."
"Oh I would hit you any day, don't need a reason. Looking at you makes me want to vomit," he looked Lottie up and down to emphasise his point. "I hate foreigners. I hate pretty people," he looked at me when he said this. "I hate people in general. But I wouldn't mind hitting you," he spat.
"Did you just call me a foreigner? Oh, and see when you hiss, do you mind keeping the body fluids to a minimum," Lottie said as she wiped her face.
"Hey Ethan, we are only trying to be friends with you, but I can see now that that was a mistake," I said.
"You got that right. I don't need friends."
"I noticed. We won't be bothering with you again. We gave you a chance and we get the hint," I said with finality. Ethan walked back to his spot and stared straight ahead. I looked at Lottie as we both raised our eyebrows at what just happened. What a tit. Ok the fact I used 'tit' as an insult proves that Jacob is leaving his influence. I had to suppress a giggle.
"Ok folks, take a jog around the hall," Ryan instructed after we did some basic stretching. i joined Lottie as we made our way round. She went at her pace and I went at mine which meant I was faster. I knew she wouldn't mind. We jogged for roughly ten minutes with Ryan getting us to do things like side stepping, jumping and punching in the air. A few of the class were extremely unfit as they were red in the face and looked like they needed a defibrillator and some oxygen. I sidled up to Adeline, Kirsty and Lottie who were jogging together. Lottie was only a little red but the other two were the colour of beetroot.
"I…need….to….stop…My…boobs…are….trying….to….kill…..me," Adeline said breathelessly.
"Mines….are…trying….to….knock….me…..out," Kirsty added just as breathlessly.
Graham suddenly joined us. "I am sweating so much I think I may be having a stroke," he puffed.
"It's a hard workout. Needs to be for the sparring and pad work you do for it," Lottie puffed as well. "I think we can safely say that we will all be sore tomorrow."
"Ok guys, go back to your lines," Ryan shouted. We did as instructed and he showed us all how to punch properly. He then showed us how to do low blocks, high rising blocks, middle forearm blocks, outer forearms blocks, twin forearm blocks (using a high rising block with one arm along with an outer forearm block with the other arm) knife hand (hands are flat and pointed) guarding blocks, knife hand strikes and twin knife hand blocks. We did all this within thirty minutes. He showed us what stances we were to use and why we used them. "Ok guys, take a five minute break," Ryan instructed. "We will move onto kicking next."
We ran over to the stands and grabbed some water. I had to make it look like I was huffing and puffing, all part of the act. Lottie touched my arm. Don't look, but that Ethan bloke is staring at you. He is giving me the evil eye. He looks like an eagle ready to strike. She blew a kiss in his direction which caused his eyes to become slits.
With practice I found I didn't need to concentrate anymore when I touched someone to listen to what they thought. I know. The whole burning down the library thing? Do you think he made it up?
No, I think he is deadly serious. Git. I bet he totes a gun. I also bet he thought about gunning down a few people. I wondered what it was that set his hate-o-meter to me though. Surely I can't be that annoying? I raised my eyebrow at Lottie and she snorted. Hey! The others seem nice enough. Kevin and Kirsty are talking to each other in the corner. Conner is chatting to Graham but Ethan; Strange boy. I know I know, shouldn't judge a book by its cover but his glowing personality came through a little huh? You know when someone gives you that uneasy feeling-
I thought that earlier Lottie. He was staring at me and he gave me the chills. I think we should keep our distance.
After I kick his ass.
Of course.
Lottie let go of me as Ryan shouted for everyone to go back to their lines. He went through kicking next. He showed us front snap kicks, side piercing kicks, high rising kicks, turning kicks, jump/front snap kick. He got us to do all of these but he showed us a reverse turning kick, exchange kick and a three hundred and sixty degree kick. "Ok, grab a partner and a pad and practice what I have shown you."
Lottie and I made a beeline for each other and she grabbed a pad. We practiced our punching and kicking. I noticed Ethan didn't have a partner and was with practicing with Ryan. He looked a little mad. Lottie and I took turns, I noticed Megan and Adeline were partners, Graham and Conner had partnered up and Kirsty and Kevin were still with each other. Kevin looked huge compared to Kirsty. I internally laughed.
After ten minutes of practice with the pads Ryan shouted instructions again. "Ok, we are going to do some light sparring, but I believe there are at least two of you that have done this before so we shall get you two up and let you set your own pace. Charlotte? Ethan?" they both stood up. "Cool, Charlotte-"
"Lottie," Lottie pulled a face.
Ryan tried to suppress a smile. "Lottie, you are a red belt black tag?" Lottie nodded. "Cool, Have you thought about going for your black belt?"
"Had a lot going on this year, I practice in the gym Mum built but there are no local clubs to go to. I've been doing it for five years."
"I am opening one and I am handing out leaflets at the end if you are interested. You can do your black belt training in Seattle. Ethan, you are the kickboxer?" He nodded crossing his arms. "What experience do you have?"
"I have been kickboxing for five years. No ranking though," he said quietly.
"Just good experience. That's all good," Ryan encouraged. "Do you both have your sparring equipment?" Lottie and Ethan both nodded. "Ok, go and get them on and meet us back out here. I'll go through the basics with these guys."
"Hey, did you know to bring your stuff?" I asked Lottie as she was about to leave.
"Yeah, the coach left a message at home, that's what is in my extra bag," she replied as she left.
I was a little concerned. Ethan now had a smile on his face as he left. I hope Lottie wouldn't do anything stupid and accidentally reveal herself. Ryan went through the basics of sparring and spoke about the rules again. Ethan returned wearing boxing gloves, gum shield, shin pads and padding over his feet. Lottie came out wearing the same although her gloves didn't cover the palm of her hand unlike Ethan' had made a large ring around the hall and sat down. Lottie and Ethan walked into the middle. "Ok you two. Bow to each other and set your own pace. Just want to show these guys how it's done. Keep it clean."
Lottie and Ethan bowed to each other, as Lottie raised herself up Ethan struck with a hard kick to Lottie's thigh."Ooooh," we all groaned. That had to hurt. Lottie looked up at him and put her guard up. Instead of having one fist in front of the other with one hand slightly higher, she had her right foot forward, right first up in front of her face with her left fist covering her groin area. Unusual but when Ethan kicked again, she blocked it quickly with the lower fist.
They traded blows back and forth, neither one hitting but always blocking. Ethan certainly wasn't holding back and neither was Lottie.
Suddenly Ethan hit Lottie's recovering arm with a hard high kick causing Lottie fell to her knees. Ethan aimed to kick her in the head; he reared back his right foot ready to slam into Lottie's head. "You deserve this along with your false idiotic friends you fat cow," he whispered loud enough for Lottie to hear, and me of course.
Some of us stood up, the instructor looked on horrified. His foot was inches from Lottie's face as she deftly caught it with two hands. And I knew she wasn't using her power. She pushed him back causing him to fall on the floor. "He told you to keep it clean you fucking idiot!" Lottie got back up. "You want a fight Ethan? Then have at it. I don't know why you are the way you are but I'm gonna knock the shit out of you," she slammed her fists together which reminded me of Emmett. Ethan got back up and was almost growling at Lottie. He punched and kicked at full force, with Lottie defending each move. I had seen her do this before, making everyone do the work before she got a blow in when we trained out in the clearing. It was a good play on her part. She suddenly turned her back to him, turned her head back and used her now back leg to deliver a piercing kick to his abdomen then she did a reverse turning kick to his chest which sent him careening to the floor. "That'll teach you, you jumped up little shit," Lottie whispered as she leaned over him. Ethan was clutching his stomach as he rolled slightly on the floor.
"That is how you win a sparring match," Ryan shouted in relief. "Ok, you guys grab some of my spare sparring gear and partner up."
Lottie was still standing over Ethan and she put her hand out to help him up. She was being sportsmanlike. He smacked it away. "I don't need your help you fat bitch," he groaned. "I'll get you back."
"Oh wow. What an original insult, like I never heard that before," she rolled her eyes. I rushed over. "You shouldn't make threats that you can't carry out," Lottie said.
"Oh I will. My ex is paying for that right now. I may not get you but I am sure someone close to you doesn't want to get burned," he looked at me.
Not that I was scared but it sent a little shiver down my spine. Time to tell this idiot what for. "Oh get a grip," I put my hands on my hips. "You need to get over yourself. Don't threaten my friends cos if you think Lottie is scary then I am your worst nightmare, you think she can do damage, I can do worse." I growled vampire style which in turn caused Ethan to turn white. "Come on Lottie. We tried being friendly to this, what was the term you used…fannyballs, but quite frankly, he is just not worth the effort." We both turned around and made our way to the other end of the hall.
"Nessie?" Lottie whispered once we reached the back.
"What?" we started sparring, lightly of course.
"I think I need to be careful this time. He really means business."
"We need to be careful. He has a grudge against anyone and everyone who have it a little easier than he does. It is like he has sociopathic tendencies. He wants to hate people," I looked at him getting up from the ground. "It drives him I think. I dread to think of the poor girl who was caught in that fire, if what he says is true."
"One way to find out. Do you fancy coming to the toilet?" I nodded. Lottie and I excused ourselves and went to the changing room. She got our her mobile and loaded up the internet on it and googled library fire + Seattle. She sat down on the bench in shock. "Bloody hell, its true. A girl called Madison Harvey was caught in the fire and now has permanent scarring to her face and body. She had to undergo reconstructive surgery. It says here that the cause was unknown but suspicions fell onto a local boy. But because they could find any evidence he was never charged but he was expelled from school. Jesus."
I took the phone from Lottie. "What sick bastard would do this to anyone?"
"Ethan obviously. His parents probably wanted a fresh start and moved here. I feel sorry for them."
I gave Lottie her phone back to put away. "What causes someone to hate people so much though? Why be like that?"
"Some people are just born that way I guess. We'll keep an eye on him." We wandered back into the gym and seen that Ethan was sitting on the stands. He obviously didn't want to fight anyone. Ego had been bashed.
Lottie and I continued sparring until a man in a UPS uniform interrupted the session. "Hello. Looking for a Ms Willets?"
"That's me," Lottie raised her hand.
"Parcel for you."
"Hey," the coach shouted. "What gives you the right to come in here and disrupt my class?"
"The principle," the UPS man replied. "Said I could come right on through. Ms Willets. This is your parcel, I am sure you will I find what fits it, outside. You won't be able to miss it," he winked and smiled. Lottie signed for her 'parcel' and put it next to her water bottle.
Our friends jogged over with Kevin and Conner. "What is it?" Megan asked.
"I have no idea," Lottie said innocently. "I'll open it when the coach doesn't look so pissed. Hey we have something to tell you guys, come spar down here with us. We'll switch." Lottie and I switched partners frequently so we could warn our friends. I honestly didn't think when I saw this guy a few hours ago, how horrible and dangerous he could be. We told our friends everything including Kevin and Conner.
"Wow, what a freak," Kevin laughed. "I can't see him pull anything stupid here. I don't think he would have the balls."
"Oh I don't know," Adeline said. "He was quite happy to try and knock Lottie out."
"I agree. We will keep him in our line of sight at all times. What drama," Graham exclaimed as he put his hand to his head.
"You are so gay sometimes Graham," Lottie whispered.
"Nah, just a good actor," he smiled. We got back to sparring. We all had a go at sparring lightly with each other. Lottie gave us all tips and I was enjoying myself. It was good to have this type of training. I asked Dad a last year if I could do this but he gave me a horrified look when I explained it was incase the Volturi came again I could at least try and look after myself. Emmett was keen to train me but Dad point blank refused. I decided I was going to join Lottie if she was going to attend Ryan's class. No doubt she would make everyone go even if it meant that we all knew how to defend ourselves.
"Ok guys. Time to warm down. Good session today I think. If you would like to join a regular class I will be holding them here on a Wednesday night between seven and nine pm. I hope you all decide to come," he smiled. He handed us all leaflets. I put mine in my pocket. I was going to join this whether Dad liked it or not.
"It's been a while since I've been to a class. My last instructor was a right bastard, made me run with my gum shield!"
"Oh, wow, what a bastard," I said sarcastically. "You have such a hard life."
"I do," Lottie replied. "I'm joining," Lottie ran off to see the instructor. I was glad she would be able to channel her rage in a proper way. I was just looking to learn some moves. She came back as Graham, Adeline, Megan and Kirsty joined us.
"Hey Kirsty, how is Kevin?" I asked.
"Fine, he asked me if he could meet me before school tomorrow so he can walk with me," she replied as she blushed.
"Ooooh, nice," Lottie said. "You finally have a man, its about god damn time," she high fived her.
"He hasn't asked me out-"
"But he has asked to walk you to school though?" I clarified.
"And he is walking me home once we are all changed, and what's in the box?" Kirsty turned to Lottie.
"Oh, give me a tick," she ran over to grab it and ran back. I knew Lottie had told Gemma and Adeline over the weekend and Gemma agreed that the car being an anonymous donation was fitting. In fact the words were 'I can't wait to see your Mom's face when you tell her'. Lottie opened the bulky package to reveal a small black box. She lifted the lid to reveal a car key with a little bow that would match the car's paint.
"Oh my god Lottie! Is that what I think it is?" Kirsty shouted grabbing the key. Her little scream grabbed the attention of the rest of the class and they started to gather round. "Lottie, did you buy yourself a car?"
"Nope, Mum wouldn't allow me to get another one. Why don't we get changed and we can go and find out." We all thanked Ryan for a good class with a few class members grabbing leaflets from him as we all rushed to get changed. Lottie didn't even bother going into the toilet this time. I knew Emmett took her for a spin when the car was revealed but he put it away until now so that Lottie could build up her excitement. Make it all seem real. I noticed a few of the girls stare at Lottie's scarring when she took off her top. I subtly stood in front of her so they would avert their glares. She wasn't for a show and tell.
The bell rang signalling the end of the gathered up our gear and met Conner, Graham and Kevin outside the changing area. Ethan was hanging back; still giving us dirty looks. We ignored him now. We gave him a chance. I still couldn't get over how nasty he was; it came from nowhere! The rest of our class followed us, even Blaire was behind them to see what the fuss was about. We walked into the parking lot to see a crowd gathered around the car. I knew it was the car cos it couldn't be anything else. The crowd moved as we entered the ring and Lottie raised her new key and clicked.
The car clicked back in response. Emmett had even put a large blue bow on top of it with a large card attached. Lottie made her way through the crowd and pulled the card down from the roof. "What does it say?" I prompted.
Lottie opened up the card. "Um….It says Dear Ms Willets. I believe due to the unfortunate incident that happened on Tuesday night after such a victory as team captain, especially when you shot your opposing team member on the ass. I herby donate this vehicle to you for your heroic efforts," Lottie folded the card back over. I knew Emmett wrote that card.
"Who's it from?" Someone asked from the crowd.
"It doesn't say. There isn't a name," Lottie replied.
"So someone would donate you a car?" sneered Ethan. We turned to look at him. "Why would someone do that and what do they have to gain?"
"For your information," Megan round on him and folded her arms. "She saved someone's life last week, he would have died if she didn't do what she did."
"Oh, wow. But again, I reiterate what I just said, why would someone buy her a car and an expensive one at that?"
"Look Ethan. I really don't get what your problem is with everyone here, but she saved someone's life but her own car got obliterated in the process. Word travels fast in this town and everyone knows that her Mom wouldn't buy another one for her," I said as I folded my arms.
"What's your problem dude?" a tall blond boy shouted from the crowd. "Someone sent this chick a car, I say she should accept it."
"Yeah," the rest of the crowd agreed.
"Urgh, I don't care," Ethan spat. He sharply turned and walked off.
"What is with that guy?" the blond boy asked as he sidled up to me.
"He has sociopathic tendencies. He really doesn't like people. He is very vocal about it," I replied.
"Dude has issues. I get it. We all do but there is no need to sound off like that. Hey girl, nice car," he high fived Lottie then left. He was nice enough.
Lottie pulled off the bow. "Who fancies coming for a spin?"
"Are you going to accept it? Julie asked as her, Steven, Clynt, Gemma and Cian joined us.
"Hell Yeah!," Lottie reached to pull the large envelope that was on the front seat. "It's all been put in my name," she leafed through the documents. "And why not. Mum isn't going to replace my car."
"Cool," Julie smiled. "If you were going to refuse it I would have asked if you were feeling alright. It is a nice ride."
"It sure is," Clynt said as he ran his hand along the roof as he peered inside. "I'm up for that ride." he looked up and made a motion with his right hand; his thumb, index and little finger sticking out and stuck out his tongue. I giggled. "Steven?"
"Hell yeah!" Steven pulled open the passenger side door. "Shot gun!"
"Hey!" Clynt shouted.
"Stop fighting ladies. Everyone can get a go at the front. Nessie?"
"I'll get a go later Lottie. Enjoy it. I've got my car to get home," I winked at her. She winked back and got into the drivers side.
"Thanks Ness. I'll catch you later," she said as Adeline and Graham jumped in the back of Lottie's new car. The crowd dissipated which allowed Lottie to pull out and rev her way out the parking lot. Kirsty and Kevin said their goodbyes and made their way out the parking lot, Gemma made her way to her car.
"Julie?" a voice asked from behind me.
She turned round, "Yes Cian.
"Um…I was wondering if you would like to walk home with us?" Cian inclined his head towards his brother.
"Yes, I'll walk home with you. Megan is on the way home as well."
"The more the merrier," Cian smiled as they walked away from me.
"Bye Ness!" Julie shouted.
"Bye," I shouted. Megan, Cian and Conner waved back at me. I had the feeling our group just added three more people. The more the merrier I thought. They all seemed like nice guys.
As I walked over to my car, I felt eyes on me. The parking lot was emptying out as I looked round. I found the eyes that were looking at , who was sitting in his black car. His electric window suddenly pulled up allowing him to be hidden behind it. But I could still feel his eyes on me.
I shuddered. I got into the car and got out the parking lot as fast as I could. There was only one person I wanted to see.
AN - What are you guys thinking so far? I hope you are enjoying it. Please review!
Bawbag (as in ballbag)- Glasgow, Scotland origin, derogitary name given to one who is annoying, useless or just plain stupid. To compare one with such an ugly part of the male anatomy should be insult enough...
Fannybaws - derogatory Glasgow word meaning stupid bastard, most commonly used at the end of a sentence
Gan – Going
Ye Ken – you know
Dinnae – don't.
Noo – Now.
Fanny - 1) British term for vagina. Used as an insult 2) someone with special needs 3) American term for ass