The Great Gatsby Chapter 5

June's POV

I woke up to the horrible shrill of my alarm clock. I really have to remember to throw that thing away! I looked over and saw that it was 7:30am. I'm supposed to meet Jay at 9am so I was going to wake up at 8am. But I suppose it won't hurt to wake up a little bit earlier. I sat up and turned it off then headed straight for the bathroom.

I took a quick bath and after I washed my hair I quickly dried off. I put on some deodorant then I went to my closet to pick out a short sleeved lacy powder blue dress. I put on stockings and matching shoes then I opened my jewelry box to pick out a silver bracelet and small opal earrings.

Then I went to the mirror to fix my hair and put on my makeup. For my hair I just let it fall in its natural curls and put a bucket bell hat over it. Since I'm going on the hydroplane I don't want to end up with my makeup running everywhere so I'll just put on a light shade of red lipstick. I sprayed some Mitsouko perfume and was ready to go.

I had a green apple for breakfast and headed on over to Jays house. I knocked on the door and the same butler as before lead me to the boardwalk behind the house. As we got closer I saw Jay standing next to the hydroplane if you can even call it that. This thing was more magnificent than the first one he had and that's honestly surprising!

"Shall we, June?" Jay asked holding his hand out to me. He tried to help me climb into the plane but before I could get one foot in properly the boat lurched forward sending me falling towards the deck. I nearly hit it when two hands grabbed my waist. Jay hoisted me back upright so my side was pressed up against his front. I could feel his stomach muscles tense and his heart started pounding in his chest.

"Please don't fall June. I don't want you to hurt yourself." He said while he slightly squeezed my waist.

"Thank you." I said smiling up at him. Jay smiled back and I felt him slowly let go of my waist. I turned around to sit in one of the plush chairs but as I turned my hip grazed just below his bellybutton making him let out a slight groan. And as if that wasn't enough he subconsciously pushed his hips forward! Does that mean that Jay… Oh I'm going to get embarrassed thinking about it! I couldn't help but blush as I walked to my seat and Jay went to go give coordinated to the captain of the boat.

Jay Gatsby's POV

I'm so stupid! Why would I do such a thing to June? All she did was accidentally graze me and I turn into a moronic boy! I hope she isn't upset with me. If she is then that messes up everything! I stood by the captain and pretended to give him orders until I got myself under control then I went to take my place in the chair opposite of June.

I looked over at her and my breath got in my throat. June was staring out at the ocean her head propped on one hand. I've never really noticed how soft and red her lips are. How her eyes can shine to a shade of amber against the sun instead of the brown I see every day… Wait! What am I thinking? The only woman for me is Daisy!

June's eyes fell on me, catching my stare. She held no discernible expression for a few seconds before that she smiled that wonderful genuine smile of hers.

"Are you ok, Jay?" She asked.

"Yes, thank you. I was just thinking. Are you having fun?"

"Yes I am. We picked a wondrous day for this. And the ocean is indescribable. I wish I could be as majestic and gorgeous as this scenery." June said the last part more to herself than to me. June isn't Daisy but that doesn't mean that she's ugly. In fact if she did look like daisy I don't think she'd be as gorgeous as she is now.

"But you are, June." I said before I could stop myself.

"Thank you." She said softly, smiling again shyly. She looks so soft and that thought made me blush darker than I ever have.

June grinned and stretched a hand, to hold my ring and pinky finger. The contact sent the shock I'd been feeling every time I was around her. Then she stood up and sat as close as the plane would allow. She was so close I could smell her delicious fragrance. Oh Daisy I can't believe I'm feeling like this about someone else. I wanted to scoot away from June but I don't want to make her upset so for the rest of the boat ride we sat like that.

After the ride I helped June out of the boat and we headed to my garage. It wasn't until we arrived at the garage did I notice that June and I were still holding hands. Though I have to admit I didn't mind too much especially since her hands are incredibly soft and warm.

I was broken out of my thoughts when I heard June gasp. She looked very impressed and I can see why she would be. It is a large garage. The garage had at least 10 separate carports and 2 double carports. There were so many different cars. I have almost every model ever made. But my favorite model stood in front of us. It was a custom made gigantic car. It was wide enough to be two cars. And just as long, too! It has platinum pipes and the flashy yellow just topped it all off.

"June how about we take this car to lunch?" June grinned and nodded. We stood there for a while until June spoke.

"Jay?"

"Yes?"

"Aren't you going to get behind the wheel?"

"I thought you might like to drive it."

"Jay your so kind. But I can't drive I'd be too afraid of scratching or crashing it."

"I'm sure you wouldn't crash it. And even if you did it would just be an accident and I wouldn't ask you to pay anything for repairs."

"Jay… I don't have any words to describe how kind you are. But I still can't and if I did crash the car I wouldn't feel comfortable with not paying you back."

"If you insist I'll drive. Let's go to lunch." I said as I held the door for her. June slid into the leather clad seat and nearly melted. The seat is as soft as butter. I saw June's expression and I couldn't help but smile.

I started the car and we sped off. I noticed the moment we took off June took her hat off. And let the wind go through her hair. But won't that ruin it though? I remember when I met daisy whenever we went for rides in her car she made sure the top stayed up until we stopped.

"June would you like me to pull the top up so the wind won't be a bother."

"No I'm fine. If there's one thing I love more than anything it's the wind. Many girls don't like it because it could potentially mess up their hair. But it's fine, it can't hurt it. It might help!" June said with a carefree smile.

"So June what-what is your opinion of me anyhow?"

"My opinion is you're a wonderful and generous man. And your one of the best friends I've ever had." June said with such sincerity in her voice I almost became overcome with happiness. No one had ever said anything like that to me. I swallowed the lump in my throat before speaking.

"Thank you for saying so. I was worried that you would get the wrong impression of me from all these bizarre accusations you must be hearing. A pack of lies I guarantee you. You've heard the stories. I will tell you God's truth about myself. I am the son from some very wealthy people in the Middle West. Sadly all of them are dead now. I was brought up in America but educated in Oxford as all my ancestors were for many years you see it's a tradition! After my family died I ran into a great deal of money. After that I looked like a young prince in all the capitals of Europe like Paris, Venice, Rome and Moscow and so on. I collected precious gems, chiefly rubies. I collected works of art, even painted a few for myself. Then came the War and in short I single handedly defeated the German army. Every ally government gave me a metal, even Montenegro. And this is something I always carry with me as a souvenir from my Oxford days. That was taken in trinity quad the man on my left is now the earl of Doncaster." I said as we stopped and I gave her the metal and picture.

"Jay you look so handsome!" June said as she reached over to pinch my cheek which made me blush involuntarily.

"Thank you. However you don't need to take my word for it. At lunch I'm going to introduce you to one of New York's most distinguished businessmen. A Mr. Meyer Wolfsheim my friend and he will confirm all I've told you and vouch for my character. You're probably curious as to where this is all coming from. I just want to tell you a little something about my life I don't want you to think I'm some nobody."

"Jay I could never think that of you. You're my best friend." June said and I almost crashed into a car from the surprise. June really is a true friend. Of all the people who over the years have faked and called themselves my friend only to leave me no one has ever said I was their best friend, that I really mean something to them. But with June she doesn't have to say it. I can see it in the way she looks at me.

"Thank you so much June. You see today I'm going to make a very big request of you. Ms. Baker will explain everything when you take her to tea."

"Jay about that I really don't think its best I go anywhere with Jordan. She really isn't my favorite person in the world. I'm not too fond of her so it would be best for me if you just told me."

"I'm sorry I had no idea. I'll call her and cancel your tea time. In the meantime I'll tell you I suppose after lunch." I said as I tried to control the amount of relief I felt. I'm so glad she didn't go straight to Jordan like I was hoping if she did. If she did she might have said no just because of something Jordan did to annoy or anger her. I don't think that June is that kind of person but when it comes to seeing Daisy I'm not taking any chances.

After a while we pulled up to the restaurant. I got out and opened June's door. We walked in together as the valet whisked the car away from behind us. As we entered the restaurant I saw Meyer sitting at a table looking very grumpy. He's still upset that we couldn't go to the speakeasy for lunch. We couldn't go because knowing June I don't think she'd be very comfortable in that sort of place. As we got closer to the table Meyer saw us and his eyes twinkled with happiness as he stood.

"My boy! How are you? Oh just look at you!" He said as he pulled me into a short hug. As he pulled away he seemed to notice June for the first time. He licked his lips and looked her at her body as if he was looking at a piece of meat. At that moment anger swirled in my chest and my fists clenched at my sides. How dare he look at her like that?! She wasn't his and she never would be! But… she isn't mine either. I love Daisy so why do I feel this way about her?

June POV

"Hello Ms. Carraway. It's nice to meet you. I know all about you. Mr. Gatsby talks about you often." Meyer said as he winked at me. Why would Jay speak about me often? Am I really that important to him?

"Hello Mr. Wolfshire it's nice to meet you." I said as I stuck out my hand. He took it and held on for what seemed like 40 minutes. I tried to pull my hand back but he just held on and it took a stern glance from Jay to have him let go. I slipped my hand back and pressed it close to my tummy. Why was he holding on so long? That's odd...

"Come, come sit and let's enjoy our lunch." Meyer said breaking me out of my thoughts. He pulled out my chair and sat on the side of Jay. We all ordered the same thing steamed lobster with truffles while Jay looked very angry the entire time for some reason. His hands were fisted at his side, his jaw was clenched, and his teeth started to grind.

"Jay, you look very upset. Is there anything I can do?" I said softly as I held Jays hand in my own. At that he seemed to relax and his entire body seemed to disentangle.

"It's nothing. Everything is fine." He assured me and patted my hand. He really expects me to believe that when only a few minutes earlier he looked as if he wanted to hurt someone? But I left it all the same and settled for squeezing his hand in return.

"So Mrs. Carraway I understand you are looking for a business deal?" Meyer said as he turned his eyes to me. I watched as Jay's eyes widened. He immediately leaned closer to Wolfsheim.

"Oh no! No no no Meyer June is just the friend I was telling you about." Jay exclaimed quickly as he looked at me apologetically.

"Please forgive me. I had the wrong idea! I now see what it is… Mr. Gatsby while I am thinking of it now may be a great time to make that call we discussed earlier." He said as he lightly patted my back. Panic started to rise within me and I suddenly knew what he was trying to do. He wanted to get Jay to leave so he could be alone with me! Something about Meyer doesn't feel right. I don't know what it is but all I know is that Jay just cannot leave me! I stared to protest his leaving but then I stopped. It would be rude to try to keep Jay here when he obviously had work to attend to and I don't want to hurt Meyers feelings either. So with that thought I smiled encouragingly at Jay as he stood and went to the telephone to make the call.

"A fine man isn't he? When I had the pleasure of first meeting Mr. Gatsby shortly after the war I knew I'd met someone of fine breeding. He's an absolute gentleman and an oxford man! You know of oxford?" Meyer said as he watched Jay walk to the telephone before he turned to me. He placed his large hand on my wrist and started to lean closer.

"I've heard of it." I said as I leaned away uncomfortably in my seat.

"Then you know that a man like this can be trusted. As for someone like that he'd never so much as look at anyone else; especially when he has such a delectable girlfriend as yourself with him already. You know he has never had a girlfriend that I know of. So for him to meet you and talk about you as often as he does and go as far as introducing you to important friends of his he must really care for you." He said as he placed his other arm on the back of my chair. He was so close now that I could smell his aftershave. He is really too close! This is getting a really more that a little odd!

"But Jay and I are not-"

"Looking at my tie pin are you? The finest specimen of a human molar." I hadn't been before but at that I looked down and was slightly horrified to see that he really did have a human tooth on his tie! How did he get it?! On second thought I don't think I want to know the answer to that. Jay where are you?!

"Is everything alright?" I heard Jay say from behind me in a voice filled with barely concealed anger. At that moment Meyer retracted his arms and I sat up straight, every fiber in my being screaming with happiness.

"Yes… we were just talking about-"

"Well I think I shall leave the two of you alone to enjoy each other's company." Meyer said as he stood and quickly took his leave. The moment he was gone Jay immediately took his seat and held my hands in his. His hands were warm and his thumbs smoothed over mine.

"June what did Meyer say? I could see from afar that you were quite uncomfortable. I'm so sorry if he said anything odd."

"I'm afraid he has the wrong idea of you and me. He thinks we are… together. I was trying to tell him that we weren't but he wouldn't hear it." I said and Jay's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"I'm sorry if he made you uncomfortable."

"No it's my fault. I could have been a little firmer when I was explaining." I said and it was then I noticed how close he was. He really did smell nice and his lips look so… kissable. My eyes locked with his and I could feel my heart beat speed. Wait why am I feeling like this?! Where is my brain going!? I have someone! I quickly leaned back and was surprised that I hadn't noticed quite how close we were. Jay leaned away as well and removed his hands. He looked so embarrassed.

"Jay about that request we spoke of before…"

"Oh yes… that well-"And so began the tragic love story of Gatsby and Daisy. Gatsby explained after he went off to war that Daisy waited for him to return. When the war ended a year had passed but he still for some reason couldn't come back. And he imagined she had given up hope of his return. So she had become engaged to Tom Buchanan the wealthiest man in New York at the time. Gatsby also explained that he sent her a letter the day before her wedding. It was filled with love, promises and begs for her to say no to tom, to wait for him a little longer, and to not let him go. However she didn't reply and married Tom the next day.

-so you see Daisy and I have a very complicated past. She meant so much to me then and still does. I would do absolutely anything to have her with me again."

"What if she didn't reply to your letter for a reason?" I asked him curiously. "What if she really did fall in love with Tom and wants to be with him? If she loved you really she would have waited for the longest of times if it meant she could be yours again. Tom had to have wooed her before he married her so the entire time she was not really waiting she was dating him and accepting the proposal." I spoke with as much conviction as I could. I have to speak plainly with him if to just to be able to show him what a shallow girl Daisy was, and to save him from experiencing more disappointment and heartache than he already has experienced.

Jay squeezed his eyes shut and ran his hand over his forehead. It was like my words had hit him like a cold splash of reality that he did not want to accept. I softly placed my hand on his shoulder for comfort. He suddenly turned back to me and pulled my hands together to fit between his. I desperately wanted to look away from the intenseness of his blue eyes but he had me trapped in his grasp and he was leaning in so close.

"Daisy is just caught up in this fantasy of loving Tom to compensate for us not being together. She is only with him because I was gone such a long time. She had to be so lonely with me gone. And now she doesn't have to be lonely. She never loved him." He said as if he was convincing himself and not me.

"I have to think this over Jay. After all if what you're saying is true then why didn't you marry someone? You were gone a long time so why not be with someone else like she was to compensate? You didn't because she was always there in your mind. But you weren't always in hers so for her to go ahead and marry him she must not truly love you as much as she seemed." I said finally. I wanted to say a lot more but Jay started to tense again and looked angrier than he did before. So I didn't say anything else. Jay simply nodded solemnly and pulled away from me.

We sat at the table and after a long awkward silence Jay and I went back to the car and he took us home. The entire car ride was even worse. We didn't even look over at each other. By the time we got back it was dark out and Jay dropped me off without one word.

I went inside and immediately changed into my silk black nightgown. Normally I would be hungry about now. But after everything I've heard today I just want to sleep. My head feels so foggy and so many thoughts are swimming everywhere. Jay loved daisy… it was so stupid of me to even think of liking him. Even if it was a small crush… I have someone anyway… and he would love daisy the golden girl. And me… he used me just to get to her.

I can't believe this! I thought Jay was my friend. All my life I've moved a lot and I've always longed for a friend! A person to be my best friend and care for me and never leave then I think I found him and it turns out he's using me to get to my… dimwitted cousin! And once he has her through me he'll forget even my name. Well I won't disappoint, I'll give them both what they want and after I'm having nothing to do with Daisy, Jay, Jordan, or Tom. This is all too overwhelming for me and I do not appreciate being used like a toy.

I was just about to go to bed when I saw a blinding light come in through one of the windows. I looked out of it and saw Jay's home was lit from the floor level to the cellar. It looked like another party was about to start but no one was there. I walked closer to the front of my home to see Jay walking around in my front yard. What is he doing out there?!

I opened my door and marched over to where Jay was barefoot. As he looked at me I saw the shock on his face and felt self-conscious. I was wearing a thin silk nightgown, with no shoes, makeup, and my hair was quite untidy.

"We…really didn't eat anything earlier. Would you like to go to Coney Island?" He said finally.

"It's too late."

"Well, suppose we take a plunge in my swimming pool? I haven't used it all summer."

"I must go to bed."

"All right."

"I'll call up Daisy tomorrow to come over for tea. Would the day after tomorrow be alright for you?"

"Yes but the real question is would it suit you. I hate to put you through trouble… And…Well I…I want to get the grass cut." He said as he fidgeted under my cold gaze.

"I've been meaning to ask you June you don't make much money do you? If you'll forgive me. I have a little business on the side it's a tad underhand however you may make a nice cut of money on the side." He said. I then felt anger start to flow through me. It isn't enough for this lying… to use me just to get to daisy but he has to insult me too!

"Jay it's just a favor…Yes a favor I'm happy to do it." I said as I forced a smile. It's more like I'm happy to get you away from me and out of my life. He looked so shocked. Someone please don't tell me that no one has ever done the man a favor! Well it's none of my business… not anymore. I walked into the house and went to make the call but before I did I looked out to see Jay was still in the yard. He looked so alone and sad… like he knew I was angry with him and would never speak to him again. He looked like he knew he just lost his only true friend.