Scarlett The Devil's Daughter

by S J Crabb

  Chapter Four

  When I come out I see that my brothers are still here. They are quite an intimidating sight and I wish that they would leave. Before they see me I duck into the kitchen and Mac looks up as I enter.

  "You ok honey, things got a bit fraught out there for a minute." Nodding I sink down on to a chair. He pushes a glass of water towards me which I accept with a grateful smile.

  Before he can say anything we look up as Drake comes into the kitchen. His face is thunderous and I feel suddenly nervous. He comes over and looking at me intently reaches a hand up to my head and traces the cut that won't appear to stop bleeding.

  Taking a hanky from his pocket he holds it to my head and applies pressure. Sitting down beside me he says gently, "I'm sorry Scarlett. I should have known that Morgan would go after you. You didn't deserve that."

  I feel in total shock. He is looking at me so kindly that I feel strangely vulnerable and tears well up in my eyes. I am not used to people being kind to me and it takes all of my resolve not to dissolve in a heap in front of him. Instead I just blink and shrug.

  "It's ok. I probably shouldn't have lost my temper either. I hope that I haven't driven your customers away."

  Drake snorts in disgust. "Those are customers that we can do without. What did she say to you?"

  Lowering my eyes I say quietly. "That I was to keep away from you because you were her boyfriend."

  He laughs incredulously. "Is that so? Well maybe in her dreams but having her as a girlfriend would be in my worst nightmares."

  I choke down a laugh and he tilts my face towards his and I can see his eyes twinkling as he says, "That's better; I knew you had it in you."

  I can feel myself blushing and push him away. He smiles gently. "You know you should smile more often. It totally transforms you and I kind of like it." Before I can answer Dylan pokes his head around the door. "You ok Scarlett? Sorry to ask but I'm dying out here." Drake looks cross but I jump up. "Yes I'm fine thanks, I'll be right there." Not looking at Drake I race outside and notice with relief that my brothers have gone.

  My shift continues as if nothing happened and I soon ease back into it. It certainly is a busy evening and it takes all of us just to keep everything going. We don't stop and it is with considerable relief that we close the door after the last customer leaves.

  Dylan cashes up and hands me my share of the tips. "It was a good night, thanks Scarlett. Sorry it was a bit difficult earlier on." Shrugging I pocket the money and turn to leave.

  Dylan grabs hold of my arm and looks at me with concern. "Are you ok Scarlett? It's just that you don't ever show anything and that's not good." I see his eyes filled with compassion and it causes a lump to form in my throat. I am not used to kindness and I react to it badly. Snatching my arm away I scowl at him. "I'm fine. Not everyone wants people knowing their business; some of us like to keep ourselves private if you know what I mean."

  I feel bad as he looks at me with disappointment. Then Drake appears and sensing the awkward atmosphere comes over and nods to Dylan to leave us. As soon as he is out of earshot he says sternly. "That was un-called for. He was only being kind. You know not everyone is after something; people can care without wanting anything in return. Sometimes it just helps to talk."

  Feeling ashamed I manage a small smile. "I'm sorry, you're right I'm such a bitch. The trouble is you can see what stable I am from. There are not a lot of laughs at home that's for sure and talking about ones feelings are seen as a sign of weakness where I'm from. You sort of develop a thick skin after a while."

  I am surprised when a smile totally transforms Drake's face. His eyes sparkle and I am totally mesmerised by them. "That's better Scarlett, I knew you could do it. By the end of the Summer we won't be able to shut you up."

  I can tell that he is joking and relax with a small laugh. Suddenly he looks more serious and his eyes hold mine and I can't look away. He stares at me for what seems like forever and then says softly, "There's something about you Scarlett that I can't work out. You're not like any other girl that I have ever met."

  I hear the sound of a motorbike outside which shatters the moment. Shrugging I look down. "Yeah well you probably wouldn't want to meet a girl like me anyway. Trouble follows me wherever I go, it's quite a lot to handle."

  Quickly I leave before he has a chance to reply.

  I see Ash waiting for me and take up my position behind him on the bike. He hesitates and turns to look at me saying gruffly, "You ok?" Looking down I wrap my arms around me defensively and snap, "Why wouldn't I be?"

  He turns around and starts the bike and once again I feel bad. As we head off home I feel so alone.