by Lauren Chow
I thought about what he said for a while as we sat in silence.
“Can you take me to Adam’s room? I need to talk to him,” I said quietly.
Jared nodded and helped me up, grabbing my hand as we leave the bedroom.
***
“Start talking Girl Scout! I’m excited you’re finally talking!” Adam said excitedly, bouncing on his bed.
“Which one do you want to hear first?” I said in a monotone voice. I wasn’t looking forward to either conversation. Adam’s excitement died and he looked at me with sympathy.
“Darkest to light?” he suggested. I nodded. Better do the dark stuff first and then change it to a lighter mood. I didn’t realize how good it felt to tell someone until Jared listened. It felt nice to be heard.
I quietly told him what I told Jared—luckily without tears or stuttering. Once I finished, Adam embraced me and I held him tight. Adam was my best friend and he deserved to know everything. He’d been with me since the beginning.
“Mark can rot in hell. He doesn’t know shit,” he mumbled and I laughed. This is what I needed. Adam knew how to make me laugh and smile.
“Thank you, Keller,” I mumbled into his shoulder.
Adam pulled back and smirked at me.
“One more thing you have to discuss with me... you’ve been dodging it for weeks now,” Adam said. I groaned. Maybe I should’ve started this conversation and then gone on to my dark fears and insecurities.
“What is there to tell? Jay and I are friends. We were in the back room just talking. The end,” I said simply. Adam gave me a look.
“That’s it?! That’s all you’re going to tell me? Didn’t you notice anything about Jay? I don’t even need my magic to know what’s going through that boy’s head,” Adam cried out, exasperated.
“Like what?” I asked, confused.
Adam raised his hands in the air.
“Girl Scout! What are we going to go with you? You know what? This is a discussion for another time. It’s just hurting me.”
“Alright?” I questioned after he mumbled to himself. What was he even talking about? He was making it sound like Jay liked me. That wasn’t possible. I may like him a little bit, but he couldn’t possibly reciprocate those feelings. I mean, look at Tanya instead—she was gorgeous!
We heard a soft knock before Tanya came in with a smile.
“Hey. The boys were bothering me so I came to find you guys,” Tanya said simply and hopped on Adam’s bed with a soft bounce.
I took a good look at Tanya. She looked healthier than she had when she got here. Her figure had come back, showing her light curves, and her eyes were filled with joy. Like she said, she’d found a straightener and got to work. She was quite girly compared to me. She wore a bit of makeup and did her hair in different pretty braids.
I didn’t even bother.
“We’re going to sing like Troy and Gabriella!” Adam sang and started bouncing on the bed, causing our smaller bodies to bounce as well.
I snorted. “More like Sharpay and Ryan,” I retorted.
Tanya giggled. “I pick the song!”
Tanya grabbed Adam’s iPod and scrolled through his music.
“Adam, I am not in the mood to sing right now,” I muttered as I wrapped my arms around my body.
“Yes you are. We need to get you out of your funk. What a better way to get you out of it with song? We need an audience!” Adam cheered. I looked at him, horrified.
No, we did not.
Apparently, I didn’t have a choice as Adam threw me over his shoulder and left the room with Tanya laughing behind us.
“Keller! Let me go!” I kicked and screamed my way through the living room. Everyone, excluding Maggie and Eric, was in the room and looking at us curiously. Adam plopped me on an empty recliner.
“I found one! Adam needs to approve though.” Tanya ran in. Adam looked at the screen and his eyes softened. He turned to me and gave me a soft smile.
“It’s perfect,” Adam whispered.
“Keller, I can’t sing with everyone staring at me. We only do this for karaoke, not performances,” I muttered to get myself out of his shenanigans.
“You sing?” Luke asked, surprised.
I put my fingers closely together as a sign saying a little.
“You should hear her. She’s really good,” Jay said. I tried not to blush. I look at Jared, who had a small smile on his face.
“Sing for me!” Drake yelled. Tony snickered at his childish behavior. Even though Tony was so tough he was still more of a kid at heart.
I sighed. There was no way I was getting out of this.
I turned to Adam who had the iPod ready. He came closer to me and bent down so he could whisper in my ear.
“You don’t have to sing, but just listen, alright? Since we aren’t getting through to you with talking, I decided to get you through music. This is dedicated to you, Girl Scout.”
Adam played the song and I recognized the tune.
Keller…
Adam sang softly to the music while I just listened.
Pretty pretty please
Don’t you ever feel
Like you’re less than
Less than perfect
Pretty pretty please
If you ever feel
Like you’re nothing
You are perfect to me
I felt some of my tears escape at his sweet motives.
When words fail, music speaks.
I blocked the world out.
Everything was gone.
Mark and his harsh words were gone.
My insecurities were gone.
I was just Clara Evans.
Once he finished the song, it was dead silent.
Soon, Jay started clapping and everyone started cheering, Drake and Tony were whooping.
I smiled and felt warmth flood through me. I got up and scampered to give Adam a tight hug.
“You are amazing Keller.”
I laughed through my tears.
“Group hug!” Drake shouted, and I felt myself get squished into their warm embrace. I smiled even wider.
Maybe they care a little bit.
Just a little.
“Tony stop strangling me with your huge butcher arms,” Adam croaked while Tony cheekily pulled back.
20 - Oblivious
“Stop babying me!”
“But you just recovered—”
“It’s healed, Drake! Let me train, woman!” I groaned and glared daggers at him.
“Did you just call me a woman?”
I’d finally convinced Eric to let me back into the training room. He was very hesitant to do so though. He was acting like an overprotective father. I had to train sooner or later though. I’d learned the harsh reality that no one was going to play nice on the battlefield. I needed be prepared, and this was one step closer to recovery.
However, no one else felt the same way I did.
I peeked over and saw Tanya with Jared and Tony, who were showing her regular fighting positions. I focused back on Drake.
“Drake, come on. Crank it up a little bit. Stop acting like I’m a china doll. Come at me!” I demanded as I got into position.
Drake closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He opened them with blank eyes. It’s on now. I guess I asked for it.
I didn’t see the first strike until I landed on the floor. Quickly, I kicked my left foot up and made contact with Drake’s leg, causing him to lose his balance. As he fell, I jumped back up into position. Drake lunged as I did basic defense techniques as he kept launching his fists at me, using my arms to block the hits. Eventually, my arms started to throb when his hits got stronger. I need to work more on the weights.
I gasped as the pain registered from someone kicking my side and I fell, reacquainting myself with the blue mat. I saw a foot step closer, and I rolled over to see my opponents. I ignored my now bruised side as I cautiousl
y stood back up, eyeing Jared.
Apparently, Jared wanted to join in, which unnerved me. I was used to Drake’s fighting style; he usually used his speed to get to his opponents. Jared was more built than Drake, so I’d have to be cautious with his strength.
Jared ran straight towards me to strike. I ducked as he performed a high kick. I twisted my body so that I could elbow Jared in the gut and kick Drake in the stomach as he came towards us. I moved so that they were in-between me, and then I looked back and forth. I realized I was stuck in between them.
This wasn’t going to end so well.
They both charged towards me at the same time and I panicked. Me and my big mouth for training.
I got an idea and at the last second, I attempted to do the splits, each leg between both of theirs. They crashed into each other and stumbled back. I took the opportunity to lay on my back and quickly moved so that I could kick them both in the crotch.
Jared grunted and Drake squealed, both holding themselves. I got up and shoved them on the ground. I jumped up and down in excitement.
“I win!” I screamed with joy. I twirled and danced around and looked to see everyone else laughing.
“You kick ass, Girl Scout!” Adam cheered. Tony chuckled next to him, and I swear I saw a color change on Adam’s face. Was he... flushing? I was going to ask him about that later.
I helped Drake and Jared up.
“Was that necessary?” Drake squeaked until he cleared his voice. “I mean, was that necessary?” he growled in a deeper voice.
I giggled and saw Jared with a little smile on his face but could tell he was hiding his pain.
“Good job, Clara. Next time, don’t hit the genitals,” he grunted.
I laughed and gave him a hug. I pulled back and spotted Jay wearing a scowl. I frowned a little. What was wrong with him? Like someone was pulling me with a rope, I walked up to him and looked at him curiously as he looked down at me with his intense grey eyes.
“You okay, Jay?” I asked shyly.
He gave me a small smile.
“I’m good Clair. Come on, I think training is over for today.”
He wrapped his arm around my shoulder, and we walked out of the training room.
“What are we going to do after we freshen up?” I asked curiously as Jay walked me to my room. Jay gave me a shrug.
“No clue. I think Maggie wants to work on more of your magic. Adam will probably try to get the rest of us to do something. That guy is like a little kid with way too much sugar.” I shook my head.
“Unlike Tony? That guy can’t hold still for a second. If he got a tattoo, it would be completely messed up because of his squirming.” I laughed and Adam joined in. We both smiled as we stood in front of my door.
“Thanks for taking me to my room,” I said shyly. Without my permission, my body went on its tiptoes and I reached for his cheek as a thank you. My eyes widened as I kissed the bottom of Jay’s jaw instead. If he weren’t so dang tall, I would’ve kissed him on the cheek.
My lips tingled and before I embarrassed myself further or saw his reaction, I went inside my room and closed the door.
I leaned down against the door and turned beet-red. What did I just do?!?
Stupid!
Clara, all you did was give him a kiss on the jaw—no biggie.
How come it feels like a biggie? It felt... intimate.
I couldn’t help the dreamy smile that was on my face as I freshened up. I took a shower and replaced my training clothes with jean shorts and a yellow tank top. I put my hair up in a ponytail as an attempt to tame the monster that was my hair. I took off my bracelet for now. I needed to practice my mind reading, so why not do it here?
I heard a knock on the door and it slowly opened to reveal a squealing Tanya. Did everyone squeal?
Tanya slammed and locked the door and barreled to my bed.
“I want details!” Tanya demanded.
I looked at her like she was crazy.
“What details?” I gaped.
Tanya gives me a “Are you kidding” look.
“Well... we were in the living room when a flushing Jay walked in. He seemed dazed and kept running into the furniture. He hasn’t responded to anyone after Drake helped him sit in the recliner downstairs,” Tanya said with wide eyes while laughing.
I looked at her, shocked. What happened to him?
“Is Jay sick? All I did was give him a kiss on the jaw. It was an accident though. I was thanking him for taking me to my room. Did I disgust him?” I said, worriedly. I didn’t mean to make him sick. Did my cooties get him?
Tanya looked at me and burst into laughter. I glared at her. It was not funny!
“Oh that boy has it bad. Just think what would happen if you gave him an actual kiss. He would pass out!” Tanya snorted in her hysterics.
I flushed at the thought. Jay wouldn’t want that from me.
You’re nothing. Useless.
“No, he doesn’t. He’s probably thinking about someone else—like maybe he has a girlfriend he’s thinking of.” My heart clenched at the thought. Maybe that’s it. Am I making moves on him when he has a girlfriend?!
Tanya looked at me in disbelief.
“Oh my gosh. Adam was right,” she said in awe.
“What was he—”
I was cut off by banging on the door.
“Let me in, Girl Scout! I have questions!”
Of course Keller showed up when he was mentioned. Tanya got up and opened the door.
“Don’t try to ask. Clara knows nothing. You weren’t kidding at how oblivious she is,” Tanya mumbled.
Oblivious of what?
“I’m not oblivious! You guys are always hiding stuff from me!” I huffed, crossing my arms. All they did was shake their heads with smirks on their stupid faces.
“Let’s meet with the rest of the gang,” Adam said slyly, grabbing Tanya’s hand and mine and dragging us to the living room.
***
JAY WOODS
I smiled at Clara's closed door. I don’t know how long I stood there, caressing my jaw with my fingers. She kissed me! Well, not on the lips, but I’m counting that as something.
Go downstairs before she catches you staring at her door like a moron.
I reluctantly made my way downstairs, my jaw still tingling from her touch. I didn’t see the couch until it was too late as I flipped over and landed on the recliner upside down.
“You alright there?” Luke asked, amused as everyone laughed at my expense.
I barely registered the sentence through my head as I got lost in my thoughts. Was that a sign? Does she like me?
Stop hoping for something that won’t happen.
I had a massive crush on Clair. Damn it. I sounded like a wimpy schoolboy. Soon I was going to give her a paper saying ‘Do you like me? Check yes or no’!
I heard a bunch of murmurs, but I ignored them as Drake helped me into my chair, and I stared at the wall, trying to read between the lines.
“You really like her, don’t you man?” Luke said, snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked at him sheepishly.
“It’s that obvious, isn’t it?” I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Luke smirked and gave me a nod.
Drake, Jared, and Tony plopped on the couch.
“Don’t worry Jay,” Jared said. “She likes you too. You can ask Adam for confirmation.”
Clara had feelings for me? The thought warmed me until I felt like I was on fire.
“It doesn’t matter,” I sighed. “Too much shit is going on. Something is going on with Clair and she—”
“Clair? Is that a pet name?” Drake questioned teasingly. I glared at him before turning my attention to Jared.
“She’s been... distant. I want to know what’s going on.”
Jared sighed and rubbed his face with his hands.
“It’s not my business to tell you. It’s Clara’s story, not mine. She�
�ll tell you when she’s ready.”
Jared knew and not me? I tried not to feel jealous. I’d known Clair longer than him and she’d spilled her guts to him. I tried not to feel hurt.
Tony chuckled and leaned back, engulfing his chair. That guy was huge. He was taller than all of us.
“Don’t worry Jay, Jared doesn’t like her,” he laughed. “His relationship with Clara is... different. Definitely not romantic.”
I was about to ask what the hell that meant, but shut my mouth when Adam bulldozed into the room with Tanya and Clair.
***
CLARA EVANS
Adam dragged Tanya and I into the love seat with him. Since I was small enough, I didn’t have a hard time breathing between the two of them. Even though Tanya was smaller than the guys, she had to be five foot ten (in other words, she was still taller than me).
I looked and saw Jay looking out of the window. I flushed and concentrated on the wall.
“I’m bored,” Adam announced.
Way to speak your mind buddy.
“You’re always bored,” Luke muttered.
Adam gave Luke a playful glare before turning to me.
“Play with me!” he whined.
“Are you six? I thought I was supposed to act like the immature one,” I said, offended even though we all knew that was a lie.
Adam usually was the crazy excited one who wanted to go bungee jumping, while I wanted to stay home and read a good book. I did have my childish moments though, frequently.
“Girl Scout, come on. Don’t make me use one of our codes,” he whispered loudly in my ear.
I narrowed my eyes. He wouldn’t dare. I guess he could read my thoughts as he gave me a smirk.
“What code?” Tony asked curiously.
We ignored him, and Adam pointed to his head. I sighed because I knew exactly what he wanted. I looked to read Adam’s mind.
Pickle juice.
Oh boy. I raised an eyebrow, and he nodded eagerly. I sighed and hesitantly gave in.
“You owe me big time, buddy,” I muttered.
I’d never done this before and I really hoped that I never had to do it. Guess things were different now.