Love Me Always (I Hate You...I Think)

by Davis, Anna

  I figured Leon would take me to the coffee shop down the road but when we passed it up and started heading out of the gang territory I was confused. We headed uptown onto the main street with all the little shops and bars.

  "This isn't your territory."

  "Actually it is now. Oliver won it over last weekend."

  "What?" I was confused. I still didn't understand all this gang stuff. Kimmy had tried to explain but I didn't really want to hear. "Well,” Leon started. “ Oliver has been vicious, to say the least, this last week since you've been gone. Last Saturday the day after the party, we went to the tournaments. First time he has been back since you two first started going together. Rusty or not he obliterated anyone in his path. With Jason gone Oliver is top of the leaders. Some of the other gangs have been lax and thinking that Oliver was getting weaker. I mean Jason had been causing a lot of mayhem and Oliver hadn't stopped it. So they have been getting off with trespassing in our area. However, last Saturday things changed very quickly. He almost took Sammy Gomez's head off."

  "Sammy Gomez? Who is that?" I asked my head reeling from all the information.

  "The leader or was leader of this area. Oliver is now in control." "So the guys, the gang from this area what do they do now?" I asked looking out the window as Leon pulled up to a small coffee shop.

  "They join us. Sammy isn't in control anymore Oliver put Georgie in charge over here. He still reports to Oliver for important decisions but he's the one who keeps Sammy's crew in order."

  "Gang politics are confusing," I muttered. "You'll get used to it," he smiled opening the car door. We headed inside. The shop was very relaxed. There were couches and comfortable chairs. It was more like a lounge then a coffee shop. We found a spot in the back. Two bean bag seats behind a wall divider.

  Shortly after we settled in a blonde-haired woman came around the corner tripping over Leon's foot and stumbling a little. Catching herself, she laughed nervously.

  "Sorry about that," she smiled looking down at Leon. Her cheeks went pink and her eyes widened. Looking away, she looked at me.

  "Umm...welcome to Java bean. My name is Lauren," she spoke in an awkward voice. Clearing her throat, she handed me a laminated page then one to Leon. He made an effort to graze her hand. She jerked it back startled.

  Leon grinned while looking down at his menu, "I'll just take coffee black and two glazed donuts. My little sister here wants Café Mocha, extra whip cream and a large chocolate chip muffin."

  She scribbled what he said and nodded, "I'll be back in a moment," she smiled at me.

  Once she was gone, I turned to glare at him. "She's nervous, don't tease her. How many times have you been here since Oliver claimed this territory?"

  With a grin on his face he raised an eyebrow at me, "Whatever do you mean?" "When she seen you her eyes got big. You come here and mess with her a lot don't you," I stated. It was too obvious not to notice.

  He grinned like the Cheshire cat, "She's too cute not to mess with."

  "You're acting like Jake," I frowned.

  "I'll take that as a compliment." Leon looked around the divider and got up on his knees waiting. I pulled my eyebrows together confused. What is he doing now? Lauren stepped around the divider Leon jumped up startling the poor girl. She gasp falling backwards. Leon stepped forward grabbing her waist and catching the tray.

  "We've got to stop meeting like this," he chuckled. She let out a huff; puffing out her cheeks in annoyance, she tried pushing him away.

  "Leon Christopher Sullivan, you did that on purpose," I scolded, then my eyes widened. He looked down at me shock. I had remembered his middle name. I don't ever remember him telling me his middle name but I remembered it.

  Lauren wiggled out of his arm giving him a look; I had to admit it was more cute then angry. Pursing her lips her bottom lip stuck out more in a pout. Taking the tray, she handed me my coffee and muffin then shoved his stuff at him. He sat it down grabbing her wrist before she could storm off.

  "Hey Lauren, I'm sorry about teasing you," he grinned, "I just find you reactions adorable. Maybe we could have dinner together and get to know each other properly?" He flashed a dazzling smile that I'd seen Jake use on many girls.

  Her cheeks flushed and she glanced at me. "Err…" "I'm his sister...or something like that. He can be a pain but he's a sweetheart," I smiled aiming a kick at his ankle. He jerked back. Lauren seemed flustered but nodded biting her lip she tried to hold back a grin.

  "Well...I get off at five."

  "Great," he grinned. "How about I pick you up then?" Then he realized something, "Oh," he looked down at me with a worried look. It made me want to hug the goof ball. He wanted to know if it was ok or if I needed him to stay with me.

  "I'll be just fine," I laughed, “Until five you’re my therapist though." "Deal," he nodded. Looking back at Lauren he leaned in she stiffened in shock. He planted a kiss on her cheek.

  "See you later then." "Great," she blinked; dazed and flustered she sauntered off. Leon plopped back down on his seat.

  "That was really sweet," I muttered. My heart ached, how I wish I had a guy that sweet. Well...Oliver was sweet...I bet he would kiss me like that.

  Leon was staring at me as I zoned out. Blushing I took a sip of my café mocha, cherishing the taste. It had been a long time since I have had my coffee.

  "Oh god," I groaned as the amazing liquid trickled down my throat.

  Leon chuckled. His face softened. "So, how have you been holding up sweetie?"

  Not looking up at him, I picked at the edge of my cup.

  "Not good," I admitted.

  "I can tell. Have you been sleeping at all?"

  "Not really."

  "Oliver misses you," he spoke sadly.

  "So Oliver has been really angry and violent, like with the tournament?" Leon sighed sinking deeper into the beanbag. "Everlyn, he hasn't been sleeping, or eating. Actually he's been pretty messed up since you left."

  "What do you mean? Like drunk?"

  "No-" Leon wouldn't look at me. "Leon," I told him sternly. "Tell me."

  "Sweetie, he's been doing drugs."

  "What?" I asked shocked. "Yeah, when Oliver was seventeen for a whole year he did coke. That was the year he beat the shit out of Jason. After he went to jail and got out he stopped. He didn't like how angry it made him. But the night you left one of the guys had some and Oliver did a line and well, he's been a complete dick ever since."

  I felt tears sting my eyes. "Ever, no don't cry. Look that is why he didn't want me to tell you. He knew you would blame yourself."

  "But Leon, I just don't even know anymore. I use to be strong, and I hate crying. But, now...now all I do is cry. I'm so depressed and I don't even know why. What is wrong with me?"

  Getting to his knees, he leaned over hugging me. "I don't understand why I can't remember. Something is wrong inside of me. I think I'm broken."

  Leon laughed softly. "You're not broken, Ever. You're depressed. You have a lot on you right now. Don't you worry about Oliver. Don't you worry about Kimmy and her hormones. Don't worry about anything or anyone but yourself."

  He leaned back taking my face in his hands. "You need time away from everyone and everything. Oliver understands that. You let us guys worry about him. You take care of you. You're not broken; there is nothing wrong with you. If Jake was here he would thump you between your eyes."

  I groaned. "Please don't thumb me. I have a headache." He laughed again. "I'm not Jake. I won't do that, unless you say there is something wrong with you again."

  I sighed. "So why do you look so tired?" I asked changing the subject. He gave a wry smile. "Since Oliver has been acting crazy not many people at home have been able to sleep. He's on 24 hour watch so he doesn't tear anything up."

  "Where is he right now?" "Well Jake got his stash and flushed it. We've sorta locked him in the house. He's going through withdraws. If you're thinking about going to see him that might not be a good idea right now. Let him get th
is shit outta him and he'll be good."

  "I...I don't want to see him," I muttered. "Not right now." Leon tugged on a strand of my hair. "I think that you should at least see him for Christmas. It's a little less than two weeks away. We're all going to have Christmas at the house. Please be there. I know it'll make him happy. For me?" He pouted.

  It was much like a look Logan had gave me many times in the hospital when he wanted my pudding. "The guys all miss you."

  "Ok," I nodded. "I'll come for Christmas."

  "Great. Now drink your coffee before it gets cold."

  ~Jake- 5 hours ago~ "Give it to me, Jake!" Oliver roared flinging his bedside lamp toward me. Dodging it just in time, it smashed to pieces against the wall.

  "I flushed it Oliver," I told him calmly. I had been Oliver's friend for a long time now and I have never seen him like this even when he was on this shit a couple of years ago.

  "YOU WHAT!" Oliver bellowed charging forward. "Guys!" I yelled before Oliver plowed into me. Slamming me back into the wall Oliver punched me in the jaw. He was inhumanly strong. "I'm doing this for your own good!"

  Shoving Oliver backwards did nothing but anger him further. Leon, Logan, Alex and Tyler flew into the room then and the five of us wrestled Oliver to the ground. I had him in a headlock while Logan and Alex had his legs pinned. Leon and Tyler had his arms twisted behind his back.

  "Oliver chill out man," Alex yelled.

  "How much has he taken today?" Leon asked.

  "He did an 8 ball in under 12 hours, but he was messed up when he started."

  "What?" Logan gasp. "Shut up and help me get him in bed," I told them. We could worry about how much he took later.

  Oliver was yelling and freaking out. "Man, there had to have been something more than coke in that stuff," Leon grunted as we slung Oliver on the bed. He stopped struggling and just laid there holding his chest for a moment looking like he couldn't breathe. Grabbing his shoulder, I rolled him to his side. Suddenly he vomited all over the floor. Yelling we all jumped back out of the way.

  "Eeehhuuuckk," Logan gagged. "What is wrong with him? You don't think he overdosed do you?" Leon muttered watching as Oliver shook violently.

  "I'm not sure."

  "Should I call someone?" Kimmy questioned suddenly.

  We looked up to find Angie, Taylor, Kimmy and Jet at the door. "No, Kimmy. I think we're just going to watch him. If he gets worse then we'll take him. We don't need him getting into any more trouble with the cops. He's already walking a thin line as it is."

  "I'll take first watch," Leon said grabbing up a trashcan from just inside the bathroom door.

  "Alright I'll be back about four to take over." Leon nodded. Oliver groaned, he was staring unfocused at the ceiling now. There was no telling what was in the drugs. I had already flushed the rest so there was no way to find out either.

  I headed back to my bedroom where Taylor was waiting for me. "Is he going to be ok?" she asked frowning. I walked around to where she sat and wrapped her in my arms pressing her head against my stomach.

  "He'll be fine."

  "I wish Ever would get her memory back soon. She's is as depressed as he is." "I know Tater Tot but she needs some space. She needs time to find herself. She's lost right now. The best thing we can do is respect what she wants."

  "I know. I still think that if she were here she'd remember quicker," Taylor sighed lying back in the bed I climbed in next to her.

  "By the way, I hate when you call me Tater Tot," she huffed.

  "I know," I chuckled rolling over on top of her.

  She groaned. "Jake get off, you cow."

  "Moo."

  She laughed loudly. "You're insane."

  "Yep," I told her winking down at her lifting my body off hers.

  "But, you can't resist my sexiness."

  "Pshh...you wi-" I caught her mouth with mine cutting her off. Her lips tasted like strawberries. After a moment, I pulled back.

  "You know Tater Tot, I'm thinking-" "Thinking? Ouch, that must hurt."

  Flicking her between the eyes, I dropped all my weight on her again. She groaned.

  "I think you need to go on a diet."

  "I think you’re what I've been waiting for my whole life." She froze. "What?" she said breathlessly. Pushing myself up on my elbows, I looked down at her.

  "I promised you I would take care of you Taylor, and I mean it."

  "But?" she asked raising her eyebrow. It has always been so hard to earn her trust. Why does she always think there is a catch to everything?

  She sighed. "Sorry. I just -you know what I've been through."

  "I know," I whispered kissing her lips again.

  "Jake?"

  "Hmm?" "Will you promise me one thing?" she asked unsure. Her eyes held mine as if searching for some sign, maybe a shadow of doubt.

  "Promise me your heart?" she whispered so softly. I stared at her a moment taking in her beauty, and the look on her face, the fear of rejection.

  "I promise you the world Tater Tot," I smiled engulfing her in a hug and refusing to let go. Her shoulders relaxed as she sank into me. She muttered something softly into my chest but it was lost to me. I looked down to ask what she had said but she was sound asleep.

  ~Lie to Me~

  ~Ever~ I looked at myself in the mirror. I hadn't tried very hard to look nice. He's lucky I combed my hair at least. I had thrown my hair into a sloppy ponytail. No make-up covered my face. I couldn't really stand make-up; it was more annoying than it was worth. I had on a black pants and a simple black shirt with my knee-high boots. Eh, I looked ok. Definitely didn’t look like I was going on a date and I liked that.

  Looking at the clock it was 7:10. He was late so why should I dress up for someone who wasn't going to be on time anyways. I waited another ten minutes in annoyance.

  Finally, the doorbell rang. Glancing at the door, I shrugged. I'll make him wait for me now. After a few knocks I sluggishly got up and opened the door. Harper was leaning there annoyance written on his face. He looked up quickly plastering on a smile. His hand that was behind his back. He whipped out a bundle of roses.

  "Thanks," I muttered taking the flowers and looking him over. He didn’t look like he was dressed for a date either. He had on blue jeans and a white tee with a black and green motorcycle jacket on.

  "Sorry I'm late. I left a little later than I should have, the traffic was horrible." I didn't believe a word he said for some reason. I really actually didn't like him, nor did I want to go on this date. But for some reason I found myself saying, "It's ok."

  "Ready to go?" he smiled holding out his arm and giving me a one over. He said nothing about my lack of formal date attire. Sitting the flowers down on the table by my door I stepped out locking my apartment up then took his arm.

  The ride into the city was awkward. He made small talk and told me about his dad's business, about their many mansions and vacation houses. I wasn't interested but I played along.

  Once in the city we headed for the richer side of town. I had never been to this area before. The restaurants were too fancy for my taste and the people were snobby. Give me a nightclub and some good music, that's where I want to be, not in some country club. Harper pulled up outside of a restaurant.

  It looked simple and cute outside. A man came around and took Harper's car keys while another opened the door for me to step out. Harper came to my side and we entered the restaurant.

  I instantly felt under dressed we were both vastly underdressed. Every other man waiting in line were with women who wore sparkling dresses and hair styles that should be on a red carpet not a restaurant to eat dinner.

  I got a few glances from the women, there snide looks made me want to stab them in the face. Harper guided me right up to the front of the line.

  "Mr. Jackson," the man waiting to lead people to their seats greeted.

  "Raul," Harper replied. "Is my table ready?" "Excuse me, we have been in line for fifteen minutes you can wait just like the rest o
f us," an older man sneered looking at Harper like he was trailer trash.

  "The owner of the restaurant’s son waits for no one," Raul told the man matter-o-factly.

  I looked at Harper shocked. His dad owned this restaurant too?

  Raul led us to a table in the back of the restaurant. A few people recognized Harper and he greeted them with a handshake. "You're awfully popular," I joked when he came back to my side and we finally sat down. He shrugged. "It comes with the money. Where the money is, the people are. Once the money is gone, so are they."

  I nodded, "Sounds about right."

  "What would you like for start out with, Sir?" Raul asked.

  Harper told him some ridiculous name. French I guessed, maybe Italian?

  "Aww, of course. Nothing but the best," Raul winked at me and left.

  "What was that you told him?" I questioned. "I just got us a very nice bottle of wine. Have you ever been here before? Surely Oliver would have taken you?" Harper questioned.

  "If he did I don't remember," I frowned. "You know Oliver don't you? That's how I know you. I met you through him?"

  "No, not exactly. I have associated with him a long time ago. However, I have never had the privilege of meeting you up close. I don't blame Oliver though for wanting to covet such a jewel," Harper winked.

  I felt my cheeks heat up. I looked down at the silk tablecloth embarrassed. "So Everlyn, what happened with you and Oliver anyways? I heard what your friend was yelling about, but I would like to hear it from you."

  "Oh...it's not really that interesting," I muttered.

  "Nonsense, I'd love to hear it," he smiled. "Ok...well, all I know it what I've been told," I started unsure. Should I be telling him all this?

  Harper smiled reassuringly.

  "Well Oliver was my teacher and I started to like him but...he-"

  "Is in a gang. I know," Harper smiled. I stared at him a moment. How does he know that?

  "Like I said I knew him a long time ago," he shrugged. "Here you are sir," Raul said coming up to the table with two glasses and a black bottle. He poured us a glass of the red liquid.

  "Have you decided what you would like to eat?" he asked gesturing to the menus in front of us. Blushing I realized I hadn't even opened mine to look at it yet.