Three
Finally I had made it home. Discarding of my satchel bag, I slumped into the nearest chair; exhausted from my first day. Although it had been astonishing, it was everything I expected it to be but more. A tiresome day meant I was going to retire to bed as soon as possible. Gathering my bag, I slowly made my way up the winding staircase.
Light all of a sudden filled the dimly lit hall way as a door opened. Along with the light, laughter carelessly flooded the hall way. This caused me to stop mid way and look over the top of the oak banister.
A dark toned boy backed out from the door, laughter emitting from him. Of course I knew this boy, it was Max. My plans of a deep slumber were quickly forgotten as I scurried down the stairs to see him.
"Max!" I squeaked as I embraced him, squeezing his tiny body, happy to see him. He hugged me back before coughing dramatically, my cue to release him. Max was like my little brother, we can fight like crazy but we'll protect each other till the end.
"Sorry I can't stay and chat but the ladies are waiting" He winked, oozing confidence. I was unfamiliar to this side of him. I giggled under my breath.
"And who might these ladies be mr?" Raising my eyebrow. His dark eyes still had some sort of childlike innocence which made his newly found confidence unbelievable. "I thought I was your number one lady" I smiled, playing along, I wasn't about to spoil his fun.
"Well what can I say the ladies love me" He shrugged.
"Someone's being a bit cocky today. Who's been teaching you the tricks of the trade? Let me guess was it Dan? Or Jordan? Yeah that's it, it's gotta be Jordan. Well don't be listening to him because the ladies don't-"
"Actually it was me" An unfamiliar voice interrupted. I looked up to match the voice to a face that had been eaves dropping into our conversation.
My brown eyes connected with a pair of blue-green eyes, chocolate hair that I was sure were evolving into bouncy curls and a smirk. My breath hitched into my throat as I took the face that I knew in. Shock suppressed my features making it next to impossible to speak. It was a face I knew but I doubt my face had the same affect on him. He stared at me, leaning against the door frame as if he owned the place, waiting for me to say something.
I wished I had carried on up the stairs and had ignored the enticing laughter. I didn't understand why he was here? Why would he come to a place like this willingly? I wanted to run and hope that he wouldn't remember my face although I knew that was also impossible. When we got back to school he would recognise me.
"Aw Jen, did you have a good day?" Samantha appeared from behind him. I nodded unsure of what to say, I wasn't up for engaging in conversation, I just wanted to get out of there as quick as possible.
She didn't seem to pick up on my off mood as she glided past him to stand between us.
"I see you've met Harry; you know each other from school right?" She smiled seeming pleased of the idea not realising how this could turn bad, really bad.
Of course I knew Harry from school. Everyone knew Harry; it was Harry Styles the most popular boy at our school. However when I say I know him it's not on a personal level more of from a distance. People like him wouldn't be seen dead stood next to me. I was surprised he was able to stomach this situation for as long as he has already. I opened my mouth to reply coldly but Harry beat me to it.
"I guess so, we're in a few of the same classes" He replied, looking me up and down. I glared at him causing him to abruptly stop.
"Splendid!" Samantha beamed, clasping her hands together. "Since you're going to be spending your evenings here for the next two weeks on work experience then Jen could give you a tour of the place" My stomach diminished. I was going to have to see him for the next two weeks. My high from earlier had been dropped and trodden on repeatedly. Realisation sat into him as his features twisted, I could almost hear the cogs turn in his brain. He now knows the truth. The truth that only Eva knows. The truth that I hoped him of all people would never find out. My social status metaphorically descended. He probably thought I was some sort of freak, living in a care home with no family. No doubt it would soon be the topic of all gossip; he just wouldn't be able to keep this to himself.
I decided now wasn't the time to dwell on this but to use this opportunity as an escape route. Both eyes were now scalding my skin waiting for my answer. Keeping my eyes low I braced myself for a quick get away.
"Actually I'm pretty tired so I'm gonna head off to bed" And with that I turned on my heel and made a swift exit up the stairs, leaving them both at the bottom of the stairs, confused at my behaviour. All the while I mentally prepared myself for the jeers and the teasing that were about to head my way.
Hey, hoped you like? Anyway I'm still stuck on a title for this story so I was wondering if you guys like the name Times Like These or not? Please review, thank-you for the patience. Much love xoxo