House of Anubis CHAPTER 5

Jerome couldn't tell her the truth about not being able to sleep because he couldn't shake the thoughts of her and his horrible summer out his head but that's not what he told himself, he told himself 'I can't tell her about Sibuna'

"I couldn't get any sleep and Trudy caught me sitting at the dining table in the middle of the night. I guess it was the change in environment." Jerome falsely explained to the small girl beside him. She didn't believe him however she didn't want to upset him so she didn't press on. "You never got round to telling me about your holiday."

"I didn't really do much, my parents are building up to the London 2012 Olympics" Mara explained, it was true she wasn't trying to make Jerome feel better.

"They're both athletes right?" Jerome asked just to clarify.

"Yeah… how did you know? I've not really told anyone that before" Mara asked slightly confused.

"When Mick accused you of cheating on that sports quiz I remembered coming across a picture of your dad in a textbook and showed it to Mick to set him straight." Jerome explained to his crush.

"Jerome that's really nice of you. Thank you." Mara was touched he would take the time to do that for her.

"It was nothing. Honestly it was a pleasure to put Mick in his place." Jerome expressed Mara tried to supress a laugh – without such luck. Jerome lit up knowing he'd made her laugh.

"He isn't as bad as ya think you know. If ya get to know him he's actually really sweet." Mara replied, sounding less convincing with every word. Jerome caught the tone and smirked. "What are you smirking at?" Mara asked, catching herself grinning.

"Nothing" Jerome assured her, he stared at her longingly as they approached the house. As a result of Jerome not looking where he was going he walked into the wall surrounding the house. Mara burst into laughter. "It's not that funny!" Jerome announced rubbing his knee from hitting it on the wall.

"Oh trust me it is that funny" Mara laughed. Jerome faked a sad face and a pout. "Oh come on Mr Drama queen" She said and linked their arms and pulled him towards the house. Jerome chuckled. "That'll teach you for not looking where you're going." Mara whispered cheekily.

"Yeah, yeah, little Miss perfect. I will look where I'm going from now on." Jerome said slyly just then his phone buzzed. He had received a text message – 'Money in account. £300' – It was from his mother. He was very lucky to receive money from his mother but she had to in case the social found out she didn't. His face turned cold and pale.

"Are you ok Jerome?" Who was that from?" Mara asked as they entered the living room and sat on the sofa.

"My mother just telling me know the money she has to send is in my account. It's all I get from her every two months" Jerome told her, he didn't want to but the words just spilled out of his mouth before he thought about it. He looked empty; he felt the same after every text. Mara held his hand to comfort him.

"I'm sorry." Mara said at a loss for anything else to say. He smiled at her but then frowned at their hands and pulled them apart. Mara was hurt by his action but for an unknown reason (to her) "What's wrong? I mean apart from your mother. I mean why did you just recoil from me? I was only comforting you." Mara asked she wasn't usually this forward but with Jerome she felt she could be.

"I, uh… I didn't! I need to go find Alfie. I'll see you later, yeah?" Jerome stammered his way through a shaky response.

"Yeah ok, can we talk about this later then?" Mara felt slightly confused. They hadn't been there five minutes and he was running off. He nodded to her question and walked out of the room. Mara simply stared after him; he stopped just around the corner of the door.

"I love you" He whispered to himself.

"Hey. Jerome" Alfie explained, coming down the stairs.

"Hey Alfie you wanna go pull some welcome back pranks?" Jerome asked, wanting to forget about the soft and tender feeling of Mara's hand touching his.

"That sounds epic! I don't wanna be gone too long. There is no way I'm missing supper." Alfie replied. They started out of the house. "Hey Mara" Alfie called with a small wave as they passed the living room door. Alfie thought she was smiling as a greeting to him but in reality she was smiling at Jerome who smiled back. His smile filled with love and longing.

Mara sat alone in the living room for nearly two hours every else was who-knows-where. She was daydreaming when she was brought back to reality with a start.