Yeah right.
Mocking her pitiful behaviour, Libby made her way to class. The chances of a guy like Jackson being interested in her were slim to none.
Nothing much changed over the next few days. Her parents seemed to have as many good days as bad, and her attempts to draw them into conversations over dinner succeeded or failed accordingly. There were times she gave up trying, feeling belligerent. After all, who were the adults here? There was a part of her that wanted to tantrum like a toddler until they realised how much she was hurting. Reason always prevented her from doing it. They had enough problems without her acting the spoiled brat.
At school a pattern had started to emerge. Libby had sat with Tom for lunch since the day they’d met in the library, the two of them arguing good naturedly over books, music and the best movie ever made…whatever came to mind. He was easy company and they were never short of conversation. Then Kelly began to join them, more often than not with Danny in tow. Tom seemed on friendly terms with the couple already, particularly Kelly and she assumed they'd shared classes together in the past from the references they made.
The biggest surprise came when, after almost a week of this, Jackson arrived at the canteen with Danny. Without a qualm, he joined the group as though he sat with them every day. Libby watched him curiously, trying not to betray her racing pulse.
“Hey Jack. Did you get the parts you needed for the bike?”
The question floored Libby and she looked from Tom to Jackson in surprise. She hadn’t realised they knew each other at all beyond the fact that Jackson was Kelly's brother, yet here Tom was chatting easily as though they’d been friends for years.
“Yeah, they arrived last week.” He forked up some of the hot dinner that was passing for beef casserole. “I’ve got her up and running now.”
“His motorbike.” Tom explained, seeing Libby’s confused expression. “My dad owns the garage in town.”
“Right.” Libby glanced at Jackson again, watching as he downed the meal in quick mouthfuls. “Um, so you fixed up your own bike?”
Jackson looked at her, eyes steady on her face. Libby tried to ignore the heat rising in her cheeks. “Mostly.”
He turned his attention back to his food. Kelly rolled her eyes at Libby. “Jackson isn’t one for long sentences.”
Her brother sent her a dirty look. Danny laughed, but Libby wasn’t sure what he’d found so funny. She hardly cared. She could barely think of anything, her whole being seemed completely fixed on the boy opposite. She daren’t even look at him, but was still aware of every movement he made. His reply seemed to echo in her head. That voice…it was mad how it affected her.
“Libby?” Kelly had obviously asked her something. “Earth to Libby?”
“Hmm?” She glanced up to find everyone looking at her. Including Jackson. She could feel the weight of his gaze, and she had to fight the need to meet it.
“Tomorrow night?” Tom repeated. “The movies?”
“I...” Her voice trailed off. Tomorrow night. She could only wonder if Jackson would also be there, which made her want to kick herself. Since when was she the girl who wanted to throw herself at the nearest boy? She had no time for a relationship, and she really didn't want to get involved with anyone this close to her A levels.
Not that Jackson would be interested anyway.
It was a moment before she found her voice. “Sure. Sounds good.”
At her reply Jackson pushed to his feet, his knuckles white as he gripped the tray. The movement startled her. His face was hard, his eyes dark.
“Jack? What’s wrong?” Kelly looked up in concern. “What is it?”
He seemed to pull himself together then and Libby watched him with interest as he forced a smile.
“I just remembered something. It’s fine.” He looked at Libby and she could barely meet the intense stare. She glanced away, not able to watch as he walked away. What had that been about?
Kelly continued talking about the films that were showing, unconcerned at her brother’s abrupt departure. Danny sighed a little, sitting back in his chair. His eyes met Libby's and he smiled in what seemed to be encouragement. She couldn’t imagine why. She managed a small smile in response, then stared down at her untouched lunch.
Tom and Kelly argued good naturedly over which film to see, with Danny calmly maintaining that he’d be happy to see either. Tom sighed gustily, obviously admitting defeat.
“Fine. Your choice it is, but if it sucks you’re buying the drinks afterwards.”
“It won’t suck,” Kelly promised, smug in victory. “You’ll love it.”
“Sure, sure.” Unconvinced, Tom picked up his tray just as the bell signalled end of lunch. “Coming to History, Libby?”
“Hmm?” She looked over at him as she slung her bag over her shoulder. “Yep, ready when you are.”
He frowned. “You look a bit pale. Is it another headache?”
She smiled. The headaches had lessened this week; she’d only had one or two and they’d been in the evenings. All in all, they were the least of her worries. “No, I’m just tired.”
“Get an early night,” Danny advised as they deposited their trays by the kitchens. “You’ll need all the energy you can get tomorrow.”
At her startled glance, he grinned. “Kelly’s awful movie choice?”
“Yes, right.” She smacked her forehead. “Sorry, I can’t seem to focus.”
He muttered something then, but she missed it. It sounded strangely like ‘that’ll be the least of it.’ Assuming she’d misheard she started to ask him, but Kelly whisked him away.
She watched them leave, feeling as though she’d just misunderstood something fundamental.
“Ready?” Tom’s voice startled her.
“What? Yes.” She shook off the feeling and sent him a smile. “Let’s go.”
Chapter Four
The movie was awful.
“Shocking, as predicted.” Tom made the announcement as they spilled out of the cinema.
Danny laughed. “I agree. It was nothing but a chick-flick masquerading as an action movie. Bad call, Kel.”
The girl raised her eyebrows. “Depends on your point of view,” she replied tartly. “I wanted to see it, you all agreed to see it. Sounds like success to me.”
“We won’t fall for it again,” Tom replied darkly. “Drinks are on you. Lead the way.”
Libby smiled, linking arms with Kelly as they headed towards the Beauton Arms.
“Did you enjoy it, Lib?”
“Um, it was okay.”
Kelly rolled her eyes. “Like you noticed.”
“What do you mean?” She kept her voice casual.
“You looked half asleep.”
Libby narrowed her eyes. The response was weak and she was certain it hadn’t been what Kelly meant.
“Because it was awful,” Tom butted in. “Truly. I want two drinks.”
“Fine, fine. Next time you choose,” Kelly batted her lashes at a guy who held open the pub door as they passed inside. Danny rolled his eyes heavenward as the victim gazed after her with what could only be described as a dazzled expression. Kelly had that effect on people, Libby thought in amusement, and she knew when to use it.
They made their way to the bar, leaving the boys to find a table.
“Are you okay?”
She started at Kelly’s question, and made an effort to relax. She couldn't shake the restless feeling she'd had all evening.
“Yeah. Just thinking about how small this town is.” She smiled. “Almost too small.”
“I know, right?” Kelly smiled. “Nothing but cows. But we're allowed in here under age, which is good, else there'd be nowhere for us to go.”
“Soft drinks only, as well you know,” the barman interrupted good naturedly. “Don't give your friend here the wrong idea.”
Kelly rolled her eyes. “An orange juice and three cokes please, Mike.”
Laughing, Libby shook her head as Mike turned away t
o fill their order. “Nothing but cows? I'm sure the locals will be thrilled to hear that description.”
“If it weren't for the cows, there'd be no one here at all,” her friend pointed out sagely. “FYI,” Kelly added in a whisper, “The owner of this place has a son in school too. He's absolutely gorgeous and I think he's a serious delinquent. That's why they let us in here – it means they can keep an eye on him.”
She broke off to thank the barman. Libby shook her head, picking up two of the glasses and following the redhead back to the boys. “How is it you seem to know everything?”
Kelly shrugged, trying not to smile. “It's a gift.”
The weekend dragged into the next week and that nagging restlessness didn't let up. A truce seemed to have been reached at home, although Libby still felt like she was walking on eggshells most of the time. As for Jackson…every time she saw him it felt as though her blood ran hot. She knew she blushed when he looked at her and was mortified by it. It was unexpected and more than a little confusing.
It was hardly any wonder he hadn’t spoken to her since that day at lunch, although when she saw him he would nod in acknowledgement before disappearing a moment later. She’d never known anyone move through a crowd like he did. Mind you, when the other students stepped warily out of your path it was probably fairly easy to make your way through, she mused. Keeping his peers at a distance was one thing Jackson was definitely good at.
Kelly was his polar opposite. Vivid, energetic and always good humoured, she was the perfect anecdote to the rest of Libby’s life. Biology was her favourite class by far and not just because of the subject. Kelly made her forget about her parents’ troubles, about her weird fascination with Jackson. She was laughing again, and the headaches never troubled her after time with the bubbly redhead.
Kelly seemed to return the sentiment, excitedly inviting herself over one evening when Libby mentioned that her parents were going out.
It was fun to have a friend over for dinner, to gossip and laugh over a couple of pizzas. Libby had missed Sally and the ease of an old friendship. With Kelly, and the fact that her parents had gone out for dinner taking the tension with them, Libby felt carefree for the first time in weeks.
“Wow, great room.” Kelly wandered over to the notice board, filled with pictures of Libby with her parents at various holiday spots, with Sally and others. “You’ve been to Australia?”
The amazement in Kelly’s voice had Libby smiling. “Yeah. Australia, New Zealand, the Cook Islands. It was a great trip.”
“And living in London.” She sat cross-legged on Libby’s bed, settling in as though she’d spent most of her life there. “You must’ve loved that.”
“Hmm.” Libby shrugged, non-committal. She had enjoyed it once. “It’s just a city. It’s not as though I got to go to Madame Tussauds every day or anything.”
“So why did you move here?”
“Dad’s company went bankrupt,” Libby didn’t see any reason to hide the truth. There was nothing to be ashamed of after all. “One of his partners was a crook and dad and the others didn’t find out until it was too late. So we decided to come here and start afresh. Different lifestyle, you know.”
Kelly nodded. “And do you like it so far? I mean, it’s a big change isn’t it?”
Libby smiled ruefully. What hadn’t changed? School, her friends, her parents… “It is what it is. Mum and dad seem to be taking it hardest.”
“It sucks when the olds are arguing,” Kelly agreed. Her expression was sympathetic and Libby felt a little better for it. She wasn’t alone in having parents who argued after all and it wasn’t as though they were at each other’s throats all the time. She didn’t dwell on the awkward silences that filled the gaps between those rows. Adults argued, no biggie.
“Tell me about it.” She flicked her music on and adjusted the volume down a bit. “Still, they’re out to dinner tonight with dad’s boss, so that might cheer them up.”
“Did you have a boyfriend back in London?” Kelly was looking at the picture board again, frowning a little in concentration.
“No.” She grimaced a bit.
Kelly glanced over her shoulder. “Are you otherwise inclined?”
“Gay?” Laughing outright, she wondered whether Kelly would’ve had to ask if she knew how much time she spent thinking about Jackson. “No. Just no boyfriend.”
“None at all?”
Libby pressed her lips together. She knew her lack of interest in boys marked her out as being odd. “I’m not really interested in relationships.”
“Bad experience?”
Knowing that the last boy who'd asked her out only wanted to see how far he could get? It wasn't a great experience, she thought wryly. “Not exactly. Honestly, I'm just not interested in boys right now.”
Kelly leaned back against the wall, eyes steady on hers. “Really?”
“Really. I'm a total nerd,” she joked. “It's all about getting into the uni I want. I don't want anything interfering with that.”
“I wish I was as focused as you are,” Kelly grimaced. “It's not Danny's fault. He's all about planning ahead and pushing me to do my best, you know? I just don't know what I want to do. Everyone else has something.”
“You love music. I assumed you'd go into something in that field.”
“Yeah, well, musical careers don't pay well,” Kelly pulled a face. “Dad's not that enthusiastic. Anyway, we've got a little time left to think about it. In the meantime, I might try to see if we can find a boy around here to distract you a bit. A little fun is good for the soul, you know.”
Libby smiled. “So they say. Talking of boyfriends, tell me about Danny. I hear you guys have been inseparable since you arrived in Beauton.”
Kelly made a humming noise in her throat as though she was undecided about something. Libby sat on the desk chair, swinging it so she sat opposite her new friend.
“We met before we moved here, actually. Our families have been friends a long time.” Kelly flicked a glance at Libby. “He’s pretty gorgeous, don’t you think?”
“Yes,” she grinned. “Do you want me to congratulate you?”
A short burst of laughter had Kelly falling back across the bed. “Ah, I deserve it. He’s all mine and he’s completely delicious.”
“I wish I’d never answered,” Libby rolled her eyes.
“I just wondered what your type was.”
“Please.” Libby snorted. “It doesn’t matter what my type is. I’m not blind; I can see he’s pretty.”
“Pretty?” Kelly was still grinning. “I won’t tell him you said that. So is there anyone who’s caught your fancy? You know, theoretically.”
“What, you’re my mother now?” Libby teased. There was no way she was about to admit her weird fixation on Jackson. That would be sure to cross the friendship line and she didn’t want to lose Kelly. Not now she had come to like her so much. “No, no one in Beauton has caught my eye.”
Kelly looked at her speculatively. “We’ll see. But in the meantime, if you want to come out with me and Danny on Friday, I’ll get Jackson to tag along.”
She almost choked. “What? Jackson? Why?”
“Well I wouldn’t want you to feel like a third wheel. And you’re completely safe with him.” She looked impish. “You don’t like Jack?”
“I...” Libby paused, tried to gain a firm grip on herself. “We’ve never spoken. Well, once. Kind of. He…I don’t think he likes me much.”
“Why would you think that?”
Uncomfortable, Libby busied herself with her tablet, flicking through her play lists. “Just an impression. Unless he scowls at everyone he sees.” She paused at that. “He does, actually.”
“Yeah, he’s pretty antisocial at times.” Kelly replied. “He likes you.”
Libby fumbled, almost dropping the tablet. “I don’t…we’ve never really spoken.”
“So you said.” Kelly smiled at her, an amused quirk of the lips that had Libby flushing in
embarrassment. “Hang on.”
She pulled her phone out of her pocket, checked the caller id. “Danny.”
Libby watched Kelly’s eyes soften, the warmth of pleasure giving her a glow that was almost painful to see. Her mother used to look like that around her dad, she mused glumly. She hadn’t seen it in a long time.
“Sure. I’m on my way down.” Kelly ended the call and bounced up to her feet. “Danny’s here.”
“It must be handy to have a chauffeur as a boyfriend,” Libby teased as they made their way downstairs.
Kelly pulled on her coat. “He’s a bit protective.”
Libby opened the front door, smiling as she saw Danny waiting on the driveway. “So I see.”
“It’s dark out here,” he defended himself. “I’d rather pick her up than have her walking around town alone.”
“Still so sensible,” Kelly shook her head sadly. “After all this time together.”
“One of you should be,” Libby replied, tongue in cheek.
Danny laughed. “True enough. Besides, if it wasn’t me it’d be Jack. Or Ian.”
“My dad,” Kelly supplied, seeing Libby’s questioning look. “I’m surrounded by macho males.”
“You’re lucky. I always wanted a brother,” Libby leant against the door frame as Kelly skipped lightly down the porch steps.
She turned around, walking backwards as she grinned mischievously. “You can have Jackson for a brother, if you’d like. I think he’s a pain in the ass.”
Libby couldn’t school the horrified expression that she knew crossed her face. Kelly laughed uproariously, and Danny all but had to bundle her into the car.
“See you tomorrow.” He flicked her a sympathetic look as he got into the driver’s seat.
“Sure.” Libby waved them off before shutting the door firmly. There was no way on earth she’d be happy to have Jackson as a relative of any kind.
Chapter Five
By the time her first class was in swing on Monday morning, Libby wished she’d just stayed in bed. The weather was awful; bucketing rain and distant thunder made for a miserable day. Her head was throbbing unbearably.
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