Always Been You

by Tracy Luu

“No one,” I said, shooting a warning look at the girls.

  “Then what’s with all the grins aimed at you?” he asked me.

  “It’s nothing,” said Amy, trying to hide a giggle from her mouth.

  “I know it’s not nothing. You girls were talking about someone that Jenna likes. So who has caught her attention?”

  “It’s no one important,” said Nikki. “We’re just gossiping about girl stuff.”

  “I find that hard to believe,” he said wryly.

  Casually, he slung an arm around my shoulders which caused Amy to raise her eyebrows meaningfully and Katie to smirk. Even Nikki quietly giggled and looked amused. However, rather than commenting, they all just winked at me knowingly and left to see what the guys were doing.

  “So who is it?” Jacob whispered to me once we were alone.

  “The girls were just joking around,” I said, slipping myself from under his arm.

  “Then how come it feels like you’re avoiding my question? Is it Aaron?”

  “No, it’s not Aaron.”

  “Is it me?”

  “Are you trying to be smart with me?”

  “I’ve always been this smart. You’ve just never been able to understand it until now.”

  “So claims the boy who thought that q-u-i-c-h-e sp—”

  Jacob quickly covered my mouth with his hand and leaned closer to my ear. “You told me you’d never tease me about that,” he hissed. “Didn’t I warn you I’d resort to something drastic if you mentioned it again?”

  “And exactly what is this drastic thing?” I said, moving his hand away.

  “I still have to think about that.”

  “We’d be here all night if we had to wait for you to figure things out…Mr. Quickie,” I grinned.

  I turned away from him when something hit me in the back of my head. Jacob had thrown a pillow at my head. But before I could throw it back, I was interrupted by Matt’s loud laugh. Eyebrows shooting upwards and eyes bulging wide, Jacob and I then quickly headed towards the den and found Matt looking at something on the computer screen.

  “Hey cuz, what I want to know is where you got that technique?” Matt asked impulsively, going into another fit of chuckles while making shaping motions with his hands.

  Once I saw what was on the monitor, I couldn’t help it and started to laugh too.

  Amy had snuck by with her digital camera and took a picture of Jacob when he was fixing the snow girl’s chest. She even had caught the tormented expression on his face.

  “Jacob was only following my instructions,” I said to Matt. “If I knew Amy was lurking around, I would’ve suggested something more appropriate.”

  “I’ll bet,” Matt grinned. “Now, let’s go and see if dinner’s ready yet. I’m starving.”

  Chapter 7

  New Year’s Eve!

  Since I was allowed to hold a party downstairs while my parents entertained their guests upstairs, Katie and I had decided to tackle the basement while Amy and Nikki helped my mom in the kitchen.

  While the guys were busy moving the furniture to make space for the guests, Katie and I had made subtle changes to the Christmas decorations. On the Christmas tree, we had taken off all the coloured ornaments, replacing them with silver ones instead. Once that was done, we then continued our silver theme and had pasted silver stars on to the walls, scattered prismatic balloons throughout my basement, and even had a huge disco ball suspended from the middle of the ceiling. We also had matching top hats, sparkling feathered tiaras, fringed horns with tassels, and serpentine throws to give to the guests when they arrived on the upstairs table by the front door.

  However, just when we thought we were finally done decorating, my mom came down the stairs. She was so impressed by what we had done, she decided that she wanted us to do the same to the upstairs living room.

  To make it more adult-oriented, Katie and I had turned that room into a gold theme. We took the red baubles from the tree, leaving the gold ones on, removed all the red bows scattered around the house, and had replaced the red candles in the glass votive holders around the room with cream ones. I even removed the poinsettia plant from the middle of the fireplace mantle, replacing it with the pink amaryllis that was on a table in the family room.

  “It’s nice of your parents to let us hold a party in the basement while they have their party in here,” said Katie, as she added some round gold ornaments into the glass container sitting on the dining room table. “It’s just too bad Aaron’s going to miss this.”

  “Yes, but what’s with the grin that makes me think you’re up to something?” I asked, weaving some gold ribbon around the fir garland wrapped around the banister.

  “Why would I be up to something when Jacob’s going to do all the work?”

  “Okay, you’re going to have to explain what you just said to me.”

  “I was just thinking if Aaron was here, Jacob would probably be keeping his eye on you two the entire night,” she clarified. “Since he knows Aaron isn’t coming, then I’m sure he’s happy that he doesn’t have to worry about Aaron kissing you at midnight.”

  “And why would he need to worry about that?”

  “Because Jacob will be the one kissing you instead,” she smirked.

  “Seriously, what are you guys up to?” I demanded.

  “All I’m saying is that since it’s technically a tradition, this is a way for him to kiss you without any real suspicions behind it.”

  “Like the mistletoe tradition?” I scowled.

  “Did Jacob kiss you once already?” asked my mom, carrying a tray of hors d’oeuvres into the living room.

  “Yes, he did,” Katie grinned at her.

  “But it was a forced kiss by Matt and Alex,” I said.

  “And he could’ve said no, but he didn’t because he likes you,” said Katie.

  “Well, I just had a nice conversation with the girls about how Jacob’s been acting around you, and I have to agree with Katie,” said my mom.

  “Oh, really?” I placed my hands on my hips.

  Truth be told, I was getting rather tired of these ‘hints’ that people kept throwing at me. Honestly, it was one thing for Amy and the girls to comment like this, but for my mom to make jokes too? I shot an unhappy look at Nikki and Amy waltzing right behind her with more food.

  “Dear, you already know how I feel about you and Jacob, but if that never happens, which from the look of it never will,” she aimed a glance at the girls, “then at least there still will be plenty of other eligible bachelors to choose from.”

  “I don’t want baba to set me up again,” I complained, ignoring my giggling friends.

  “Your dad means well,” she huffed gently. “His heart’s always in the right place. Just not when it comes to dealing with teenage daughters. Please be nice tonight and…amuse him.”

  With the party in full swing a few hours later, I decided to go and grab a drink from the fridge when I noticed my dad coming down the stairs. With his wine glass tipping precariously in his hand, he was looking tipsy as he began approaching everyone in the room, giving each of my friends an enthusiastic pat on the shoulder. When he reached Jacob, I then found it hard to keep a straight face as my dad pulled Jacob into a bone-crushing hug.

  “Oh, there you are, sweetheart,” my dad beamed at me. “You know, y…your mom’s right about Jacob here. He’s such a d…distinguished young man I think it would be gr…great if you and Jacob started to d…date. Don’t you think so J…Jacob?”

  “Um, sure?” said Jacob, shooting me a ‘Help me’ look.

  “Actually, baba, would it be alright with you if I took this distinguished young man and get him something to drink?” I said, holding back a smirk.

  “That’s a sp…splendid idea,” my dad grinned. “Jacob, I know y…you’ll definitely be f…fine in my d…daughter’s hands.”

  Casting me a very gratified look for rescuing him, Jacob quickly grabbed onto my outstretched hand once my dad let go, and he hastily
followed me up the stairs.

  “Hey, is it me or is your father pissed out of his mind?” he whispered.

  “Oh, he’s totally wasted. Let’s just hope my mom doesn’t kill him before the night is over,” I whispered back, as we headed into the kitchen where the mini bar was set up. “So, what do you want to drink?”

  “What can you make?”

  “Almost anything.”

  “Why don’t you choose something for me then?”

  “Okay, but I need one favour from you first.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I know you’re scared of my dad attacking you again, but can I at least have my hand back so I can make you something?” I said.

  Jacob suddenly blushed and let go. “Sorry. So, how come you know how to mix drinks?”

  “I’ve known how to mix drinks for a couple of years now,” I answered, grabbing a bottle of Bailey’s, some amaretto liqueur, and some ice from the freezer. “My dad always gets me to help out whenever he holds parties here for his clients.”

  “And he gave you tonight off because you’re also holding a party for your friends,” he said, as I added everything into a silver shaker.

  “Correct.” Pouring his concoction into a glass, I then topped it off with some whipped cream and passed his drink to him.

  “Are you sure this is edible?” he asked with scepticism, as he lifted the glass to his lips.

  “Of course it’s edible, but you’re not supposed to drink it like that,” I said, placing my hand on top of the glass.

  “Then how else am I supposed to drink this? You didn’t even give me a straw.”

  “You need to put your hands behind your back, put your mouth around the rim, and down it.”

  He hesitated a bit, but shrugged his shoulders and did exactly what I told him to do.

  “Hey, this is really good,” he said. “What do you call this?”

  “A blowjob.”

  “What did you just—?” He was interrupted by my mom poking her head in the doorway.

  “Jenna, your dad wants me to tell you Daniel’s here,” she said.

  “Daniel?” asked Jacob, quickly hiding the empty glass behind his back.

  “He’s Jenna’s dad’s boss’ son,” she explained.

  “Do I really have to meet him?” I pleaded.

  “Honestly, Jenna,” she chided. “All you have to do is socialise with him for a bit and then you won’t have to talk to him anymore. So hurry up.”

  “Are you and this Daniel guy, well, you know…dating?” asked Jacob, as we watched my mom leave the kitchen.

  “God no,” I said. “My dad has this weird thing about setting me up with sons of his co-workers or even one of his interns. It’s a bit annoying really.”

  “So why don’t you just tell him no?”

  “I don’t want to hurt his feelings, I guess. I’d rather tough it out and just be nice to them until they leave.”

  My mom popped her head back in. “Jenna, are you coming?”

  “Yeah, yeah,” I sighed.

  “You better do what she says,” chuckled Jacob, as my mom left the room. “Who knows how a drunken father is going to act when he’s wasted like this.”

  “Shut up,” I retorted.

  Jacob pushed me out of the kitchen and down the hall, but instead of going into the living room where my parents and their friends were, I quickly headed down the stairs.

  “I thought your mom wanted you to meet this Daniel guy?” asked Jacob.

  “I’m sure she’s already forgotten about it,” I said.

  We entered back in to the room and saw that everyone had moved off to the side. Apparently, they were afraid of Matt. He was floundering around the room, his hips gyrating to the upbeat music blaring in the background.

  “I’m ashamed to be related to him right now,” said Jacob with a dramatic sigh. Suddenly, he grinned. “Hey, look behind you.”

  I spun my head and understood why he had to smile. Devon and Nikki were eyeing each other appreciatively from opposite ends of the room.

  “Do you think they realise they’re making goo-goo eyes at each other in front of everyone?” Jacob said with a soft chuckle.

  “No, and let’s not embarrass them,” I scolded quietly.

  “Will it change your mind if I told you he’s liked her since last summer?” he grinned which earned him a punch in the arm. “Hey! What was that for?”

  “How come you never mentioned this to me?”

  “Devon swore me not to tell,” he said. “Even if Alex and Matt already suspect something, don’t you go and tell the others. He’ll murder me if anyone found out I mentioned this. But now that you do know, care to make a wager on when they’ll get their act together?”

  “Not interested,” I muttered, ignoring his outstretched hand.

  “Why not?”

  “Because I know you’ll find a way to cheat so you can win.”

  “You wound me deeply, Jenna,” he said, pretending to stab his chest. “Oh, hey, Nikki.”

  “Hi, Jacob,” she said, giving both of us a small smile. “Jenna, can I talk to you?”

  Without waiting for an answer, she grabbed my arm and yanked me towards the couch.

  “What’s the hurry?” I asked her.

  “I need to tell you something away from eavesdroppers,” she said, looking at Jacob, who was breaking out in laughter. “Out of the girls, you’re the only one I know who can keep a secret, and I need to get this off my chest before I go crazy.”

  “So tell me what it is before you do,” I grinned.

  “This is not a joking matter, Jenna,” she said tersely.

  “Sorry. So what is it?”

  “I’m having issues every time I see…”

  “Devon,” I concluded. “I saw how you guys were looking at each other just now.”

  “Oh, my gosh!” Nikki’s eyes went wide. “Did anyone else see?”

  “It doesn’t look that way,” I said, surveying the room. “So how come you’re having issues with Devon?”

  “I get all flustered, tongue-tied…you name it, I’ve got it,” she sighed. “I like him and all, but I’m not really sure if he likes me back.”

  “Why would you say that?”

  “If you or Jacob aren’t around, sometimes we have trouble with a normal conversation,” she explained. “How do you manage to deal with your emotions when you’re around Jacob?”

  “It isn’t as simple as it looks,” I said. “It took almost two years for our friendship to get back to normal. I even had to test myself to see if I could handle being around Jacob.”

  “But you look so at ease with each other.”

  “It’s because I’ve already told myself we will never happen. I know we are all destined to have a soul mate, but if it’s not him, and he’s only meant to be a friend, I wouldn’t have it any other way. But aren’t we getting a bit sidetracked here? I thought we’re supposed to be talking about your situation, not mine.”

  “Then what should I do?”

  “All I can tell you is that things will turn out fine. Just be yourself and try not to worry or be too nervous around him.”

  “I wish it were that simple.”

  Before I could say anything else, Jacob appeared, sat down next to me, and passed me one of the cups in his hands. I sniffed the drink.

  “It’s not like what you gave me,” he muttered.

  “What did she give you?” Nikki asked him.

  “A blowjob,” he sighed.

  “You know, Jacob, I thought a guy would be pleased when a girl gives him a blowjob,” smirked Nikki.

  “Not that kind, you idiot,” I said quickly. “It was a drink I made for him.”

  “Are you sure ab—?”

  “So what are you two talking about?” interjected Jacob, looking a little flushed.

  “It’s a little problem I’m having,” she smirked again, trying to hide the laughter in her voice.

  “It’s Devon, isn’t it?” asked Jacob. It
was his turn to grin as Nikki’s eyes went wide.

  “How…?” she asked, looking at me for answers.

  “I was just with him talking about you,” said Jacob.

  “W…what did he say?”

  “He’s worried something’s bothering you and is only asking because he likes you.”

  “Um, Jacob, telling someone their crush likes them doesn’t make it any easier,” I said.

  “Why not? If I liked you, I’d be happy to hear it from a friend that you liked me too.”

  “And do you like her?” asked Nikki.

  “Of course,” he replied. “She’s a really great friend.”

  “I see,” said Nikki.

  “So, Nikki, now that you know Devon likes you, why don’t you go and tell him you like him too?” I said, desperately trying to get the conversation off me.

  “I can’t do that,” she complained. “That’s too embarrassing.”

  “Then what else are you planning to do?” asked Jacob.

  “I don’t know,” she sighed heavily. “I never really thought that far.”

  Jacob looked at me for a moment and a grin broke onto his face. “Hey Devon!” he bellowed.

  “What are you doing?” hissed Nikki.

  “Helping you along,” he smirked.

  “No Ja—”

  “What’s up?” asked Devon.

  “Nikki needs to talk to you,” said Jacob.

  “Oh.” Devon’ eyes flicked to Nikki. “I need to talk to you too.”

  Giving Devon an inarticulate sound of an agreement, Nikki then inconspicuously gave Jacob a hard kick in the shin before following Devon out into the hall.

  “You do know that could’ve backfired right?” I asked accusingly.

  “It got them talking didn’t it?” he smirked.

  “And you said you wouldn’t cheat,” I muttered.

  “Jenna, where are you?” my mom yelled from the top of the stairs.

  “Damn, she remembered,” I sighed at Jacob. “Hey, make sure you tell me what I’ve missed between those two while I’m gone.”

  “Sure and good luck with…Daniel,” he teased.

  “Shut it you,” I said and headed up the stairs.

  Despite their assertions, how could my parents think Daniel Summer could possibly be construed as being eligible, or even be considered single for me to date? True, he smiled politely when we were introduced, except I quickly found out that he was such a pompous jerk. There was no way under any circumstances I could possibly be coerced into dating him, even if he was the last man on earth. Furthermore, I cared even less about how rich his family fortune was, or how it would benefit me if I became his girl. So instead of standing here listening to his pompous remarks, I lamely pretended someone was calling my name and hastily went back down to the basement to join my friends.