Disclaimer: Cheer4life4 does NOT own ANY part of House of Anubis.
Chapter 3
Jerome's POV
Mara came down the staircase at midnight-just like I had instructed her to do. When I could see just the faintest of a smile on her dainty face, I knew I'd made the right decision inviting her.
"Mara."
"Jerome. I got your text at 11, you're lucky I was still awake."
"That's my Mara," I smiled at her.
"And there's my Jerome." She smiled back, "What's this all about anyway?"
"I'm so sorry about what happened to you and Mick. I wanted to make it up to you, that's all."
"Well I'm flattered, but where are we going anyway? I mean, I didn't wear anything fancy…" she glanced down at her faded blue jeans and maroon pullover v-neck that stopped at the perfect place on her chest.
"What you're wearing is perfect."
Her eyebrows rose as she giggled. "Thanks…I think?"
I nodded. "Well then, off we go." I held out my arm so that she could link hers through it.
We ventured out into the darkness of the night, and she shivered at the chill and fear. She was so adorable…even when she was scared.
I led her down the twisted and curved path I had taken many times before when I was alone. The soft crunch of gravel could be heard beneath our feet and the trees that outlined the trail blew delicately.
Mara seemed to think I was taking her to the middle of nowhere because her nose scrunched up in confusion. "Jerome, is this the part where I find out you're the creepy mass murderer who tries to pull a knife on me?" Her chuckle was nervous and low.
"Hmm…maybe." I could feel her tense in my grasp. "Mara, I'm kidding," I nudged her with my elbow a bit and the corners of her lips turned up.
We kept along the walkway until we reached the designated area-the pond. I had a moonlit picnic under the stars set up in the perfect spot. The light glistened over the checkered blanket and wicker basket.
Mara took a bit to drink it all in. "Wow, this is incredible Jerome. Where ever did you find this place? It's so full of life."
"You like? I found it one day when I was hiding from Victor after I 'spilled' oil all over the staircase."
We burst out laughing together as I brought her to the designated snacking spot. She sat down elegantly, as only Mara could do.
Throughout the entire night, we laughed and talked about funny and personal experiences. I felt like I could be the real me around Mara. She was amazing…and I planned to tell her that.
"Then, my sister just popped out of the shower holding my creepy cat with it's jaws wide open. It scared me so badly, I fell to the floor and hit my head." She laughed hysterically and I watched her, chuckling softly myself.
Just then, a huge wind gusted our way and Mara hugged herself.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Where are my manners?" I shrugged my blue hoodie off and wrapped it around her freezing torso.
She blushed lightly, "thanks."
"You're so welcome. So, did I take your mind off of Mick for a little while?"
"To be honest, I'm not all that sad that we broke up anymore. I mean, we were just too different. He's the football jock and I'm the brains of the house. He puts up so many walls and I prefer to be open. He's the kind of guy who goes after many, many girls and I want only one guy who loves me as much as I love him…you know?"
I shook my head yes. "Actually I do. Last year, I was seeing a girl named Delilah. You remember her?" she nodded, "Yeah, well I thought she liked me for me…until I caught her cheating on me with…um…Mick."
Mara's eyes widened.
"But, I guess that's life. C'est la vie."
"True that."
We stared at each other intently for a moment, the moonlight sparkling in her big, brown, taunting eyes. I started to lean in until I was close enough to feel her breath on my lips.
"Life goes on, Mara."
"I know."
"Still scared?" I wiggled my eyebrows.
"Maybe."
"You don't have to be. You're safe as long as I'm here."
"Then why don't I feel safe?"
She was flirting back. "I don't know. Maybe this'll help."
And with that, I kissed her. It was soft and passionate…and she kissed me right back. Her lips tasted like peppermint and I couldn't get enough of her.
