Broken English (Broken Lives Book 1)

by Marita A. Hansen

  “I have no idea, and I don’t really give a shit, other than when Phelia finds out, cos I ain’t holding back anymore. I want her and you’re gonna help me.”

  “I can’t force her to like you. She goes for muscular, fit guys. She won’t want you, no matter how much you say bein’ fat ain’t a problem.”

  He grimaced. “She’s gonna be upset when she finds out Happy Meal’s dead. I’ll be there for her, lettin’ her cry on my shoulder.”

  “She’s more likely gonna cry on mine.”

  “Then, invite her here. We’ll double-team her.”

  I shot up off the bed. “I told you, I ain’t having a threesome!”

  He glared at me. “I killed for you, so you will get her here, and if you don’t—”

  I took a step towards him. “Yeah, what? You gonna cap me too?”

  “Of course not, but I will do one thing.”

  “What!”

  He leaned his face close to mine. “Tell your dad you’re fucking your teacher.”

  “You wouldn’t dare.”

  “I just killed two people, do you think runnin’ my mouth off will keep me awake at night?”

  “Firstly, I’m not fucking her, and secondly, mates don’t rat each other out.”

  “Firstly, your dad won’t know that, and secondly, mates help each other out.”

  “Not outta their clothes.”

  “I’m not gay!” he yelled. “I want Phelia. You bloody know that. I wank myself blind thinking ’bout her.”

  “I’m still not fucking her for you.”

  He pulled a face. “I really don’t get you. She’s the hottest thing in school, yet you whine like a li’l bitch ’bout doin’ her? Why do you hate her so much? Cos I really don’t get it.”

  “I don’t hate her, she just can’t suck cock or kiss to save herself, and there’s no way I wanna stick my dick where Happy Meal’s been.”

  “You already did, so you can do her again.”

  “I only fucked her mouth, and as I said, she sucked in a bad way.”

  “Then close your eyes and think of Mrs. Hatton.”

  I tensed at his words. “You’re just like your bitch auntie,” I snapped, what he’d said reminding me of what I had to do with her.

  He frowned. “What do you mean by that?”

  I went silent, not meaning to let it slip.

  “What do you mean by that?” he repeated, his voice now a growl.

  “She’s always making me do shit I don’t want,” I said, trying to think of something I could use as an example.

  “Like what?”

  “Cleaning my room,” I lied, realising it sounded lame, but not knowing what else to say.

  Jasper pulled a face. “You sound like a whining li’l kid.”

  “I’m still not having a threesome with you and Phelia.”

  “Then, fuck off! Cos, what I do for you obviously means shit.”

  I did just that. I stormed out of his room and bounded down the staircase, throwing his auntie a glare, the bitch hanging around the bottom of the stairs. I yanked open the front door and bolted outside, ignoring her question, the woman asking me what was wrong. I didn’t have enough time in the day to answer her, what she’d done to me now the least of my worries.

  27

  CLARA

  I could barely look Dante in the eye the following day, and although he came to my English class, he ignored me, until I called out his name for the roll. He looked up and said, “Toy boy,” then dropped his gaze and resumed what he was writing in his book, not reacting to the other students’ laughter, his jaw set in a hard line of anger.

  Jasper also didn’t laugh, his dark eyes going to mine. Goose bumps rose across my flesh, a feeling of unease making me look away. Wishing I was anywhere but here, I forced myself to continue with the class, fairly certain that Dante had told his best friend about what I’d done. Even though Dante had insisted he wouldn’t talk, I knew he would. I just knew it.

  A phone started ringing, snapping me out of my troubled thoughts. Phelia removed a cell from her bag and answered it. I went to tell her to put it away, but stopped at her startled cry.

  “What’s wrong, Phelia?” I asked.

  Instead of answering me, she started shaking her head, saying “No, no, no,” continually into her phone.

  I headed around my desk, going to her. She looked up at me with big eyes, the girl obviously in a state of shock. I took her phone out of her hand, Phelia not even fighting me.

  I placed it to my ear. “Who’s this?” I said into the phone.

  “No, who is this?” a hard voice answered.

  “Phelia’s English teacher. So, again, who are you and what did you say to her?”

  “I work for her boyfriend’s father, Jonah McDonald. I’m ringing to let Phelia know that Ronnie and his mother were murdered.”

  I blinked, stunned by what he’d said.

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t tell her in person,” he continued. “I’ll ring her with the funeral details when I have ’em.” He hung up.

  I returned my attention to Phelia, telling her what he’d said about the funeral, adding, “Would you like me to phone someone to come get you?”

  “N-n-no one’s home.” She covered her face and burst into tears.

  Pushing out of his seat, Dante went to her, placing his hands on the back of her chair, his expression upset. “I’ll take her home.”

  Jasper bounded out of his chair a second later, going to her other side. “I’ll also help.”

  I nodded, not wanting to say no. And even if I did, I didn’t think they would listen to me. Jasper was already pulling Phelia up, wrapping a large arm around her.

  He nodded at her desk. “Grab her bag, Dante,” he said, steering her toward the doorway.

  Keeping his eyes down, Dante swiped up Phelia’s bag and followed them out of the classroom, Phelia’s friends tagging along behind him. As soon as they’d left, the other students started talking amongst themselves, their chatter tinged with excitement, rather than sorrow over Ronald’s murder. Leaving them to talk, I slipped into my small office, which was attached to the classroom. I grabbed my phone, calling the principal to tell him what had happened.

  “I’ve just heard,” he replied. “If any of your students need someone to speak to, please send them through to the counsellor’s office.”

  I replied with an affirmative, returning to my class a moment later. None of the students took up the offer, the only ones caring about Ronald’s death already gone.

  ***

  The next day Dante, Jasper, and Phelia didn’t show for class. Phelia stayed away for the rest of the week, while the two boys returned the following day. As expected, Dante ignored me. I refrained from calling his name out, deciding not to push my luck.

  And when rehearsals came round the week after, he turned up with a sombre Phelia, something between them having changed. I watched from the seats below as they practiced, Dante acting affectionately towards her, touching her arm every so often, coaxing out a smile from her. I wondered whether he was doing it to be supportive of her or to make me jealous, because at times I caught him looking at me, probably wanting to see my reaction. And to my shame, it did make me jealous. Immensely. But I pushed it down, knowing it was selfish of me to think that way, especially after Phelia’s boyfriend had been murdered. I’d found out that both Ronald and his mother had been gunned down in a home invasion, the two of them getting in the way of a robber. It was all over the news, the lead story both on TV and in the newspapers. It drummed home to me just how dangerous this area was, that anyone could die at any given moment. Whether they were a high school kid or a middle-aged mother, no one was safe.

  The following day, Phelia started sitting in front of Dante and Jasper. Her friends shifted with her, the group coercing the other students who’d been there to move. I didn’t make them shift back, although I had to constantly tell the girls to stop talking.

  A week later I walked into class, fin
ding Phelia sitting on Dante’s desk. Her legs were on either side of him, with her feet hooked behind his chair, trapping him in. Jasper was twisted in his seat, facing her, his large hand holding her much smaller one. But it was Dante she was focused on, her eyes locked onto his beautiful face, totally entranced by it, so much so that I wondered whether she even realised Jasper was holding her hand.

  She leaned towards Dante, looking like she was going to kiss him. Jasper yanked at her hand, causing her to stop.

  “Jasper!” she snapped, pulling free. “What is wrong with you?”

  He pointed a finger at her. “You. Don’t try to kiss him again, you’re mine.”

  “No, I’m not—”

  “You wanna bet.” He grabbed her head and yanked it down, planting his lips against hers. She tried to jerk away, but Jasper held on tight.

  I went to yell at him to stop, but Dante got in first. He smacked the back of Jasper’s head, barking, “Let her go!”

  Jasper let go and whipped his head around to Dante. “Don’t fuckin’ touch me. I told you—”

  “And I told you not to touch her unless she agrees, so back off!”

  Jasper shoved out of his chair, sending it crashing to the floor. Without a word, he grabbed his bag and stalked down the aisle, leaving the class with a loud bang of the door.

  Phelia slid down into Jasper’s seat, the girl thanking Dante. But he wasn’t looking at her.

  His eyes were locked onto me.

  I dropped my gaze and headed around my desk, calling out the roll. When I came to his name, I skipped it again, just marking him as present.

  28

  DANTE

  The police came to my house, not because they suspected me of Happy Meal’s murder, but because I’d been attacked by a ‘burglar’ too. They thought the person who’d attacked me could be the same person who’d broken into Happy Meal’s house. I continued with my bullshit story, saying that I didn’t get a look at the guy’s face. They left me alone after that, although I’d heard from a source that the Devil’s Crew thought Happy Meal’s death was gang related. Their members were asking around about it, a few Skins getting roughed up in the process. But nothing, other than minor skirmishes, had come from it. Yet, it didn’t mean I had gotten off scot-free, because I knew they weren’t going to stop until they’d found Happy Meal’s killer. Not only that, every time I saw Phelia I was racked with guilt. Despite her wanting me more than Happy Meal, she’d still cared for the prick, her grief real. Grief caused by Jasper—in my name. And I did feel responsible. Although I’d hated Happy Meal, I knew how much a loved one’s death affected the people left behind. My mother’s passing had hurt for so long, still did, twisting my insides every time I thought about her, and now Phelia was experiencing something akin to that. It might not be as fierce. Losing someone you liked as opposed to a loved one wasn’t in the same league, but she still cried, mourning the loss of Happy Meal.

  And right now, as we walked down the corridor to rehearsal, she looked like she was close to tears again, her chocolate-brown eyes glossy. She was probably thinking about Happy Meal, since it was the day after a memorial service held in his name.

  I grabbed her arm and pulled her over to the wall just outside the hall. “If you need to skip the rehearsal I can walk you home,” I offered.

  She shook her head. “I don’t want you losing your part cos of me.”

  “I’m sure Mrs. Hatton will understand if you needa go home.”

  She smiled, her mournful look disappearing in a second. “Okay. Go tell her. I’ll wait out here for you.”

  I frowned, the sudden change in her behaviour suspect. But instead of calling her out on it, I nodded and pushed through the double doors.

  As usual, Mrs. Hatton was sitting a few rows away from the stage, minus Lindy, who was normally superglued to her side. Up on stage, Jasper was rehearsing with Annabelle. As I headed down the aisle, Mrs. Hatton looked over her shoulder, her face steeling into the blank expression I was sure she’d patented just for me. It made me think she hated seeing me, which hurt, but I continued forward, stopping next to her. I blanked my own expression, mirroring hers, not wanting her to know how much she affected me. She looked even more gorgeous today. Her honey-blonde hair was hanging loose around her shoulders, framing her perfect face, while her silver-grey eyes were reflecting her blue summer-dress, like the moon reflecting the ocean. A pathetically soppy description, flowery shit not my thing, but it really did describe her eyes.

  She frowned. “What do you want, Dante?”

  I tensed at her harsh tone, reinforcing her newfound dislike for me. “Phelia’s upset over Ha ... Ronald’s death. Is it all right we skip rehearsal so I can take her home?”

  A loud thud came from the stage before she could reply. I looked over, finding Jasper heading my way, my mate probably having left an indent in the floor where he’d jumped down.

  “I’m practically finished my rehearsal,” he said. “So, I’ll take her.”

  I shook my head, not liking how Jasper was trying to force his way into Phelia’s life. He was becoming too aggressive; to the point he was starting to scare her. “I promised I’d go with her.”

  “Well, too bad, you have rehearsal.”

  “With her.”

  “Practice with Annabelle, she’s her understudy.” He gave me a slap on the back as he headed for the doorway, a warning to stay put rather than a friendly pat. Plus, he was still pissed off with me for the slap I’d given him when he’d forcefully kissed Phelia.

  I followed him. “Jasper, she’s not interested in you, no matter how hard you push.”

  He spun around, getting his face into mine. “While lately you seem to be a bit too interested in her. Have you changed your mind ’bout Phelia?”

  “No. I just feel—” I stopped myself before I could say guilty.

  “You shouldn’t feel anything.” He leaned close to my ear. “This is all on me,” he whispered into it, obviously knowing what I was about to blurt out, “so stop acting like a twat and back off. I told you I’ll look after her, while you can go fuck Mrs. Hatton.”

  “Nuthin’ is happening between us.”

  “Nor will there be anything happening between you and Phelia. Got it?”

  “Don’t do anything she doesn’t want.”

  “I won’t.”

  I frowned, not sure if I believed him.

  “Don’t look at me like that,” he snapped. “And the only way I’ll let you come with me and Phelia is if you soften her up for me.”

  “I’m not—” I stopped talking as Phelia poked her head through the doorway. “Can we go, already?” she asked.

  Jasper turned around. “I’m takin’ you home.”

  She shook her head. “No, Dante promised me he would.”

  “He said I can take you.”

  Her panicked gaze shot to me. “Dante, you promised.”

  “We’ll both take you,” I said, not liking the relief on her face. I didn’t think Jasper would force her, but with the way he was acting of late, I knew he’d definitely coerce her into doing something she didn’t want—like his auntie had done to me... No, that bitch had forced me. She might not have physically held me down, but her words had chained me to my bed, getting the same results.

  I glanced behind me. “Is that all right, miss?” I said, now even more determined to go with them.

  Mrs. Hatton nodded, again, giving me the impression she didn’t give a shit either way.

  I turned back around and headed for Phelia, Jasper walking alongside me. We exited through the doorway. Phelia instantly latched onto my arm as I entered the corridor, the smile on her face not giving the impression of someone who was grieving. I wondered whether she was playing me, using Happy Meal’s death to wheedle her way into my life.

  I pulled free from her grip and took hold of her shoulders, pushing her gently against the lockers. “What do you want from me?” I asked, looking her in the eyes.

  “What do you mean?
” she answered, unable to keep my gaze.

  “You know.”

  “To take me home.”

  “Will your parents be there?”

  “No, they’re at work.”

  “So, what do you want from me?”

  “Just to take me home.”

  “And—”

  She grimaced. “Why are you making this hard, Dante?”

  “Do you really want to go home cos you’re upset over Happy Meal or cos you want in my pants?”

  “Dante!”

  “Cos if you do, go with Jasper. I’m not interested in fucking you.”

  She screwed up her face. “But why? You’ve been so nice to me lately.”

  “Cos you’re upset over Happy Meal’s death,” Jasper cut in.

  Phelia’s face twisted. “Is that the only reason?”

  “For him, but not me,” Jasper answered. “I like you for you, so quit tryna get with Dante, he’ll never be interested in you.”

  Phelia started crying, making me feel like shit.

  I shot Jasper a glare. “You don’t hafta be such a prick ’bout it.”

  Jasper shrugged. “It’s true. You have no interest in her, so fuck off. I’ll take her home.”

  “No!” Phelia cried. “You’ll try to kiss me again.”

  “And what’s so wrong with my kisses?” Jasper snapped.

  “I want Dante, not you.”

  “Well, he’s not interested, I am, so you’re comin’ with me.” Jasper extended his hand to grab her.

  Phelia latched onto me, wrapping her arms around my waist. I went to pull away, but stopped as the double doors to the hall opened. Mrs. Hatton stepped through them. She froze as her eyes fell on Phelia, the chick hugging me tight. Mrs. Hatton dropped her gaze and scurried off. Annabelle appeared a second later. Her eyes also fell on what Phelia was doing, upset colouring her expression as well. She headed off after Mrs. Hatton.

  “Oh, for fuck’s sake!” Jasper snapped. “Does every bitch want you?”

  I unwrapped Phelia’s arms from around me. “Not the ones I want.”

  “Dante!” Phelia said. “I’ll do whatever you like. I’ll be good for you.”

  I looked over at Jasper, who was now staring at the floor, anger and upset warring across his face. It hurt seeing him like that. I knew he had a hard time getting with girls, his weight hindering him greatly. I also knew it hurt him when chicks swarmed me, while ignoring him. I breathed out, knowing I had to swallow my pride, as well as the bile now threatening to come up, because my mate needed me, no matter whether what he wanted grossed me out. Plus, if I managed to get Phelia to soften towards him, maybe she would eventually drop her infatuation with me and move onto Jasper, because it was getting really old.