Never The End

Chapter 6 - The Question

I

I smiled as Jason walked in but inside my heart was beating so fast, I thought it was going to explode. My mum welcomed them and ushered us all into the dining room. She took Mr Truman's jacket and hung it on the coat stand by the front door. Jason's parents were absolutely stunning. His mum had wavy, auburn hair and beautifully long eyelashes - she could easily have been a super model. His dad was David Beckhams twin. Jason definitely had his dad's eyes.

I looked down at my dress and tugged it awkwardly to the side. Seeing them looking like that made me wish I'd make a bit more of an effort.

We all spilled into the dining room and looked for the cringey hand-made place cards mum had made. I took my seat opposite Jason and placed the napkin on my lap.

"Wow Olivia, you have a lovely house." Jason's mum cooed.

"Thank you." I was embarrassed, you could tell by the way she said it that she thought it was tiny and boring... so did I really but I could imagine the kind of house they lived in and it was on completely different scale to ours.

"Yeah, it's nice." Jason retorted.

I blushed uncontrollably. My mouth was dry as a bone. "Thanks." The word came out at just above an audible whisper.

“So, how long have you been living here?” Jason’s dad looked at me inquisitively.

“The house?... Or the town?”

“Either.” He laughed to himself.

“The house.... About five years, we moved here after my dad left. The town... As long as I can remember really. I’ve always lived in this town... just different houses, obviously because I’ve only been here five years.” I realised I was babbling on so managed to restrain myself.

“Really? Gosh, you’ll have to show Jason all the ropes then!” Jason’s mum piped up.

Jason grinned at me patronisingly. “Yes Olivia, you must show me. It would be awfully kind of you.” His smarmy smile made me shiver. Urgh.

“Of course, it’d be my pleasure,” I smiled through gritted teeth.

“Lovely.”

Just as things began to get awkward mum came in with two plates of steaming food. "Guests first." She made a small giggling sound as she placed one of the dishes in front of Jason's dad, the second in front of Jason. I noticed Jason’s parents both placing their napkins on their laps. As I looked closer, I saw that the “napkins” were actually pieces of folded up tissue paper.

I cringed unbelievably and chose to leave mine where it was. Jason seemed to find the makeshift napkins particularly amusing. He examined his very carefully before smiling politely at me and placing it on his lap in pursuit.

His dad picked up his knife and fork and began eating straight away.

"DAD!" Jason whispered. "Wait."

"Oh sorry, where on earth are my manners? You aren't normally this conscientious Jason!" He roared with laughter and Jason's cheeks flushed a colour almost as red as mine.

My plate came out next, followed swiftly by Jason's mums and my mums.

I could feel Jason's eyes boring into me as I pushed my peas round the plate -too nervous to even eat. I don't know why I was so tense, I think it was the awkward silence that was making me panic. I took the first bite of the slightly grey roast chicken. As I chewed it, bits crumbled in my mouth. I struggled to swallow the powdery poultry. It was disgusting, no one liked to admit it but I could tell they were all thinking it.

I cleared my throat... "Erm. Jason.... could you..... gravy.... pass please.....?" Why couldn't I speak?!?!?" I mean.... please.... you.... me give.... gravy?"

Jason seemed to understand me and gave me the gravy boat. For a split second, our hands touched and we shared a look. I pulled the gravy from his hands. The bottom of the boat caught the vase of flowers in the middle. Scalding hot gravy lined my dress.

It seemed to happen in slow motion. My plate smashed right down the middle as the gravy boat landed on it. Shards of china scattered around me. Mum leapt from the table. She bustled over to me, pulled a tissue from her pocket and started mopping the table.

"Oh Lord! Jason help Olivia carry the plate into the kitchen please." His mum said, frowning. He carried it himself - I don't think mum would've really trusted me after that little episode anyway.

I followed him to the kitchen, my head hung sheepishly.

"Sorry about that... I'm so clumsy." I said as I pushed the door open for Jason.

He wasn't even listening to me. 

He placed the plate by the side of the sink and took a step towards me. His hand brushed mine. He leaned in, slowly. His breath smelt softly of mint. I kind of liked it...I felt his lips press against my own. I looked at him. His eyes were closed making his eyelashes look really long. They were beautiful.... Get a grip. My eyes slowly followed pursuit and fluttered shut. His lips were warm and I felt them break into a smile before he pulled away.

"Let’s go finish our meal without throwing any more food around shall we?!" And he walked out. Wow.