by G. Bailey
“You’re really good. Thank you for this, but I’m not this pretty,” I say, chuckling.
He laughs and kisses my forehead. “You don’t see yourself the way I do. You’re so beautiful, Elizabeth.”
I look into his eyes, and I decide I love hearing him use my full name. I kiss him gently before cuddling into his side.
“Thank you,” is all I can say, and I enjoy my time alone with him.
10
Izzy
The following morning, I wake up and do my usual routine, then dress in a lilac top that hangs off one shoulder. It hugs me tightly but doesn’t look too slutty. I decide on some low-rise jeans that show off a bit of my stomach. I leave my hair down, it’s all wavy from the French plait and looks nice with a bit of hairspray.
I bounce down the stairs and make some toast as the boys come into the kitchen. Harley looks even worse this morning, and my good mood quickly goes as I look at his bruised face. He glances at me and then seems to think about something before shaking his head and leaving the kitchen. The twins look at each other and seem to have a silent conversation, and Luke just starts eating cereal, still playing on his phone. I’m actually looking forward to school today, and I know I have to focus on that and not the secrets I’ve walked into.
I ignore them all, not knowing what to say because who am I to talk about secrets? I was up until midnight kissing their best friend. I butter my toast before eating and heading out the door. Just as I unlock my car, I hear Luke shout my name, and I see him running over.
“You all right, sis?” he asks, looking worried.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Don’t bother giving me the ‘no questions’ shit. I’ve heard it from you before. I don’t want to risk upsetting you all and getting kicked out, so I won’t ask,” I say a little too high-pitched to come across as unhurt. It’s because I feel disheartened; I care so much about them all already. But I have no idea how they feel about me. Am I just the unwanted, new sister that Harley feels responsible for until I’m older?
“What? No!” Luke practically shouts before lowering his voice and stepping closer. “You will never be kicked out, we love you. Hell, I love you, sis. It’s just there are things we don’t want to worry you about. Please don’t ever think you need to worry about leaving. I’d never let you,” he says as he pulls me into a hug and squeezes me tight. I nearly cry but hold it in and nod at him before getting into my car, and then driving to school.
What the hell are they hiding? I don’t get it. Maybe I should ask Blake, he might know. I guess I can ask him today when we are alone, which I damn well hope we are. It’s crazy how much I can’t stop thinking about him, even though I saw him last night.
I get out of my car, looking up at the huge, castle-like school before spotting Blake in front of me with a grin.
“Morning, beauty. Are you ready for another day?” he asks, and I blush because, yes, I’m that sort of girl.
I look away to compose myself a little, and I see Sebastian’s car pull up near mine. He hops out then walks over to us. I spot another blonde I haven't seen before getting out of the passenger seat, and she walks off into the school. Sebastian doesn't even glance back. He really is a player, and it worries me about how much of a player Blake is, or was–being his best friend. I look back at Blake, who is watching me, and I take a moment to take in his perfect-fitting black shorts with a light-grey jumper, which makes his chest look even bigger.
“Morning, sis, Blake,” Sebastian says, distracting me from my ogling. I’m guessing Sebastian saw something on Blake’s face because he throws a warning look at Blake before wrapping an arm around my shoulders. Sebastian pulls me into the school, with Blake walking next to us.
“You know, I don't like how well you seem to get along with my sister, Blake,” Sebastian says casually, but you can see his whole body radiates tension. I hold my breath wondering how Blake is going to answer that.
“We’re just friends, so chill, dude. What's wrong with that?” Blake asks casually. Even though I know we agreed to the one month before we tell them, I still feel a little discouraged at the statement. It’s not like I didn’t ask for him not to say anything, but part of me wants to hold his hand and let everyone know he is mine.
“As long as it's just friends, then we are cool. Are you coming to Anna's party tonight?” he asks Blake.
“Erm, yeah, I guess I am,” Blake says awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head and shoots a glance at me before looking down.
“Who's Anna? Is she another one of Sebastian’s conquests like this morning?” I joke, and Sebastian grins at me like he wanted me to ask that question.
“No, Anna's a regular of Blake’s, not mine,” he states and looks so happy I asked, while Blake looks ready to kill him. Sebastian isn’t stupid, I know he is watching me closely for my reaction. I put on a blank face as much as I can because I know him telling me about Blake’s love life was to try to scare me. Honestly, it hurt me more hearing about his past than I can say.
“Right, well I hope you both have a good night.” I try to put on a fake smile even if I feel hurt and jealous. He is going to a party at his ex's house. Should I be worried? I don't know what to think, but I know I don't like it.
“Yes, we will, the party is always mad and lots of pretty girls,” Sebastian says with a grin at Blake, which I don't like either, but it's not like I can say anything, right? What a mess.
We all go into art class together, where I ignore Blake’s eyes staring at my back and chat a little with Tristan about the work. It seems like forever before we can go to lunch, with Sebastian and Blake leading me. I just play games on my phone and pick at a sandwich as Blake stares me down. Several times, Blake tries to talk to me when Sebastian is distracted, but I just give him one-word answers. I know he hasn’t done anything wrong, but I don’t know how to deal with this now. I go to history–which Sebastian insists on taking me to–and Blake messages me as I walk into class.
Sexiest man alive: you can trust me, I'm yours. I don’t even want to go x
I think about replying as I sit down, but I put my phone away instead. Allie pops into class wearing a bright-pink dress, which suits her personality, making me smile slightly, and it helps me forget any other issues.
“Hey, Izzy, another history lesson. Oh, so boring. I have no idea why I took this class.” She yawns and drops into her seat by me. Tris clearly isn't coming into history today, he must have gone home.
The history lesson seems to drag on. I learn that Allie takes history, math, and gym. She also teaches dance on the weekends. She invites me to her class on Saturday, and I tell her I’ll think about it. I’m not really a dancer.
“Are you ready to go to my place? Lily is good to come over later.” I nod as we walk out of the school, and she says, “Follow my car; I can even try to drive slowly.” She laughs when I flick my coat at her.
“Sure, do you even know how to drive slower than fifty?” I shout over my shoulder as we get to our cars, hers is parked just behind mine. I hear her laughter as I slip into my car and follow her down the streets until we find a cottage, surrounded by green fields with trees in the distance.
My first thought is that it's like an old English home should be. It’s one of those houses with a thatched roof and grey stone. It’s not very big, but it’s very well looked after by the looks of it, and we had to pass through gates to arrive, so it’s private. There’s a big, newly-built garage by the side, but Allie just parks outside the house. I park near her, getting out of my car and walking over to her as she gets out.
“Come on in.” Allie waves over her shoulder as she opens the door. I feel my phone buzz in my pocket, but I ignore it. I don't want to deal with Blake–I’ll just start worrying, so I focus on the cottage. It has a small entrance hall with stairs going up.
Allie runs up the wooden stairs. I hear the steps creak, showing the age of the house, and I follow her up. She opens the second door, and it's a small room with a double bed. The room is
painted a pale-pink. It has a lot of pinks actually, but it looks good. It’s not too girly, but you can see Allie’s personality in it. It has fairy lights on the headboard of the bed and a classic, white wooden chest of drawers. There are two large, pink beanbags facing a large TV in the corner of the room. The room, itself, is a little messy with clothes thrown everywhere, but it doesn’t surprise me because Allie doesn’t seem like a clean freak.
I sit on the bed as Allie grabs some clothes from her walk-in closet, which is crammed with a crazy amount of clothes and shoes–which make me chuckle as she tries to shut the door.
“Right, I'm going to change and wash up a little. Want pizza or Chinese? I’ll order when I’m done,” Allie says.
“Pizza, I can order if you want?” I say.
“I know what Lily likes, so I might as well. What would you like?” she asks, standing by the door.
“Um, barbeque chicken? And green peppers?” I ask. Luke ordered that the other day and it was nice.
“We eat the same pizza. We are totally meant to be BFF's.” She winks at me and walks out of the room.
I feel my phone buzz again, so I check it and see one message from Luke.
Luke: Are we good after this morning?
I message back saying we are good, and he sends a smiley face back. I look through my messages, seeing then that there are three from Blake.
Sexiest man alive: You ok? X
Him: Please reply, I don't want to go, but if I don't Sebastian will know something is up. I'm only going to stay ‘til he is occupied. X
Him: I miss you, I’ve wanted to kiss you all day. X
I groan, falling back on Allie’s bed, and decide to message him, as he is right. Sebastian would suspect something going on, and I want to get to know Blake without the pressure my brothers will put on us.
Me: Sorry, at I’m at Allie’s, I only just got these messages. I miss you too. But I won't lie, I am worried and maybe a little jealous. I wanted to do more than kiss you today, Blake ;) x
He replies nearly straight away, which makes me think he was waiting for a text. I can’t help the big smile that causes.
Him: Yeah I get that. I'm worried about you being at Tristan's house but I'm going with the we trust each other here and don't say stuff like that, I need a cold shower x
Me: Tris isn't here I don’t think, just me, Allie and Lily. Later. Enjoy the shower, hot stuff ;) x
Him: Can I call later? I need to hear your voice if I can’t hold you X
Me: Yep, I will message you when I'm home x
"Hey, who are you texting?" Allie asks as she sits next to me on the bed and looks over. Of course, she sees the name Blake put in.
"Sexiest man alive? Please tell me you didn't put that in?” She laughs loudly and lies down on the bed next to me.
“No. Blake has an ego the size of Mars and put that in.” I chuckle, hiding a blush, and she smiles.
"So are you and Blake doing the nasty?" She moves her eyebrows up and down.
I laugh. “It's complicated. We agreed to see each other in secret for one month and then tell my mad brothers. I don't want the pressure from them yet, you know?”
“Yeah, I do. Tristan would be the same with anyone I date. Shit, the last time I brought a date home, he all but chased him to his car,” she laughs, and I do too.
Someone knocks at the bedroom door and Allie shouts ‘come in.’ Lily pops her head around the door.
“Hey, guys,” she says as she drops her bag on the floor and hops on the end of the bed. I’m glad it’s a big bed or there wouldn’t be room, but I sit up anyway.
“Tris drove me here and let me in, but he had to leave. He says ‘hi’ but only to Izzy, though,” she frowns, and I laugh.
“Well, it’s pointless him hitting on her, when she is clearly crazy about someone else,” Allie says with a small laugh, and I roll my eyes.
“I’m not crazy. I’m just seeing how things go first,” I lie, as I know I'm crazy about him, but I can't admit that out loud yet.
“You keep telling yourself that, but I know how much you want to jump his bones,” Allie says, making me turn bright red, but she hardly notices.
“You've only been here a week, and you found someone? Details, now. Spill!" Lily says.
I can't help but laugh. “Blake, but please don’t tell anyone,” I say quietly as my cheeks blush, and Lily squeals then bounces on the bed. She has a very bubbly personality, which makes me think it’s strange she is with my very serious brother. I guess opposites attract and all that.
“Oh, I thought he wanted you last night! Well, considering he didn't take his eyes off you.” I start panicking as Lily looks back at me and holds her hands up in a surrender sign.
“Don't worry, the boys haven't noticed. I don't think,” Lily says, giving me a bit of relief.
“I hope not, it's a secret. One month to get to know each other before telling them. They are crazy over-protective. I don't want to risk it,” I tell her.
“Agreed, that's a good idea, my lips are sealed.” Lily laughs as she zips her lips up with her hands and throws away the key.
"So, tell us, how far have you gone with him? Is he as good as everyone says?" Allie asks, and I flinch a little, knowing he must have slept around for people to know how good he is. I square my shoulders back before answering.
“Not much, I want to take it slow; he's a lot more experienced than I am.” Which basically says I’m a virgin without saying it.
“There is no way you’re a virgin at seventeen! You’re extremely…well, look at you!” Allie exclaims, and Lily nods in agreement.
“Can I just say ‘wow’? Blake not sleeping with someone straight away is unheard of. I'm shocked,” Lily says again at the mention of his past. I know I need to give him a chance to change for me, so, as far as I'm concerned, it's not anything to deal with now.
“Oh, sorry, Izzy. I guess that was insensitive,” Lily says, going red, and I smile.
“It’s all right, everyone has a past. I don't judge. I may be a virgin, but it never felt right with my ex. We did everything but have sex,” I say, clearly I’m not that innocent.
“That’s cool. I haven’t been with anyone since my ex. Honestly, I’m taking a break from boys,” Allie says with a dramatic sigh.
“I can’t say Elliot was my first, but he is like a new experience,” Lily says with a sigh, making me cringe at the thought and shake my head.
I glance at Allie, whose face looks angry, and she quickly changes the subject. “Cool, anyway, what movie we watching?”
The night is filled with us watching chick flicks, and I’m reminded why it’s nice to have female friends around. We eat our body weight in pizzas with lots of sweets. I check my phone to see it’s ten, and I say my goodbyes to them both before I get in my car to drive home. I remember to offer Lily a lift home, but she says she wants to stay over, and Allie says it’s fine. I send a quick message to Blake to tell him I’ll be home in ten minutes, hoping to get that phone call he talked about.
The house is silent as I pull up, and there are no cars out front, so everyone must be out. I unlock the door and relock it before going to bed. I stay awake, waiting for a text back, but after half an hour with no reply or phone call, I get into my PJ’s and hop into bed, drifting off into a restless sleep.
11
Blake
“Seb, maybe you should slow down, mate,” I shout over the loud music as Seb downs another shot after the last five he has had in less than ten minutes.
“No, you should catch up.” He pushes a shot glass of whisky to me.
Seb is right, I would usually be wasted by now, but, for once, I don't want to. I am planning on being sober enough to be able to call Izzy later. Honestly, even if I'm just eighteen, I'm getting bored with always partying.
“Come on, what the hell is up with you? You've turned down three hot girls tonight and had what–two beers?” Seb says with bloodshot eyes as he drinks another shot. Thankfully, he stop
s the shots to open a beer while I watch him, and then remembers he asked me something so we end up glaring at each other.
The answer I want to give him is, ‘no one compares to your sister, and I can't stop thinking about her,’ but I can't as I promised her one month; which I don't want to do. I want to tell everyone she is mine and kiss her when I want, but I will do anything for her. I'm crazy about her, and I need her happy. I can’t believe it’s only been a week since she dropped into my life. It feels like she has been here forever.
“Nothing's wrong, just not in the mood,” I say, finally moving my gaze from his and drinking some more of my second beer.
“Yeah, there is, what's up?” he asks, while looking up and down at the blonde that's rubbing a hand up his leg. He has been through countless women in the last two months, and Seb is always at every party. I know he is trying to forget her, but this isn't the way.
If I lost Izzy, and she moved away, would I be any better? I would go as crazy and broken as Seb is now. I know it is so much worse for him because he didn’t get to say goodbye, and five years was gone in a second.
“Nothing, but I could ask you the same question,” I say and regret it when Seb glares at me. I know what's wrong with him, but he hates to talk about her or even bring her up. I also know I shouldn't have said that to avoid my own issues.
"Nothing is wrong, Blake," Seb says sternly and carefully pushes the girl rubbing him away, looking down at the table.
She picks up her drink and walks away, but I don’t even glance her way as my attention is on my mate, who is seriously looking more fucked up.
“Fuck, sorry, mate. I shouldn't have said anything about her."
“It’s just, I can't stop thinking about her or where she is. Damn, I'm so fucking screwed up," he says loudly. I know he must be more seriously fucking drunk than I thought to even tell me that. He was terrible when he came to see me the day she left. I'll never forget having to see him destroyed like that. Fuck knows what I can do to help him.