The Best of Her

Chapter sixteen

June.

I added a subtle glare to my words, to make sure they don't say some bullshit that will make her uncomfortable. Jamie had already introduced himself, which was only rewarded with silence from her part so I guess he gave up and is now fully concentrated on playing with the kittens as if they were toddlers.

Our two guests, Malu whom she already met and his younger brother was staring at her as if he has never seen a woman in his life. I don't blame him she was drop-dead gorgeous, but he better get his shit together. As if hearing my thoughts Malu slapped his brother's head and stood up. Walking towards us he extended his arm for a handshake as he introduced himself, "I am Malu, and the idiot that was gaping at you is my little brother, don't mind him."

She stars at his outstretched hand and then at his dimpled smile. And I honestly don't know what's going on inside her head. As The silence spread longer Malu still confident in himself added, "we have met before, I'm sure you remember me."

"I don't." her voice sounds cool, calm but something is telling me that she is not. She shook his hand and even though Malu was wounded by her confession he didn't let it be seen, and gratefully didn't embarrass him more.

Her eyes moved curiously to Nale, their gazes met and both withheld it. That is until Nale smiles, one of his very rare ones that he uses only when he wants to impress someone, "I'm Nale. It's nice to officially meet you," his eyes flicker to me before going back to her, "I've heard so much about you."

Oh, this little asshole. I've only talked about her to him because I know he would be the most understanding one. I've told him that she is so much more than her mean exterior, about the little jokes she starts to make when she is comfortable, And about how sweet her 'thank you' and 'please' are because I'm down that bad. I didn't share everything because I want to keep some parts to myself, but I did it because I couldn't help it when he asked me what I was smiling about.

I was still glowering at him when I felt her shift and her heavy gaze was now on me. "You talk about me to your friends, Dash?" There was her teasing self. And that nickname that's starting to grow on me. I fight a grin and try to act cool by shrugging it off. "I don't know what he is talking about."

Her pretty eyes shine with amusement as she nods, "sure thing." she then turns away and strolls to where the kitten park is situated, she stares down for a long minute, holding everyone's attention, all of us waiting for her next action. She crouches down and suddenly made a sound like a squeal, "how do they grow so fast?" I could have melted there and then. She delicately holds one of the kittens, petting it on the head and lovingly looking at it.

I was so entranced by her that I didn't even see Axel coming down from his room until he spoke. "So you do have emotions besides spite."

All eyes turn to him, but hers. We still haven't correctly made up, we were fine on the speaking terms but I know he is still mad at me for taking a liking to her. Too bad he will have to get over it because my liking for her is only growing by the minute. "Axel." my tone was sharp enough to give him the warning.

He ignores me, his sight fixated on Mavis until she finally drags her eyes to him. "I do have emotions." she looks at me, "Isn't that right June?"

"I made her laugh once," I said in a seriously proud tone and that got me her life-worthy smile. I would do anything for another one.

"She smiled!" Reyen exclaimed out loud, which made us laugh. Well apart from Axel and Mavis who were still in a staring contest. The laughter died quickly when we felt the tension shifting, Axel was now scowling at her. "You could at least apologize,"

She calmly put down the cat and stands tall in front of Axel. Eyes blazing, making sure to tell him that she isn't backing down. "I could, but I won't." her eyes once again found me, as if to make sure I was still here and a warm fuzzy feeling spread all over me. "But," her attention on Axel once again, "I will tell you that I won't insult you again, and that your friend group isn't as ridiculous as I thought it was."

It was quiet until Jamie burst out laughing and I couldn't help but chuckle I could see the shadow of a smirk on Mavis's lips as she saw Axel fighting the urge to smile too. But he quickly covers it up by rolling his eyes at her and turning away after throwing the words "you're unbelievable" at her.

"I think you're my new favorite person," Jamie was on his feet beaming at her and to my surprise her mouth quirked up in a small smile. "I'm flattered."

I feel nothing but immense pride right now, I'm so happy that she is enjoying herself and pulling off her restraint.

She walks back to the cats and sits next to Nale while Jamie calls from the kitchen, "Mavis do you want a drink?"

"Water, please." her eyes strained on the kitten in her lap as she tickles its belly, and I could have stood there and watched her all day. "Bro, are you going to stand there all day?" Jamie asked and I chuckled which only got me questionable looks.

"I will come back," I said out loud, but it was more directed at Mavis, she looked at me nodded and that gave me my answer before I went looking for Axel In the backyard. He was leaning against the wall, cigarette in hand and deep in thoughts. I wasn't a smoker myself but my friend was basically an addict and no matter how I talk to him about it he refuses to drop it. "You good?"

His blue eyes shift to me, and sometimes when I take him off guard I see the hollowness within them. he quickly covers it up as quickly as it came. He hides something like all of us do, something that you refuse to let others see, for your sake and theirs. Some people are like Mavis, who refuse to let people close to her by being mean to them, and some like Axel who covers the emptiness with his cocky smiles and snarky remarks. "Are you already bored with your new plaything? She is quite the show."

"Axel," I warn again. "I'm here to make sure my friend is okay and isn't holding any hard feelings, not to hear you talk shit."

He takes a drag from the cigarette and puffs out the smoke, then a lazy smile adorns his face. "That's so like you. Trying to keep everyone happy." he lit off the cig by stepping on it. "I'm not mad so you don't have to feel guilty."

"I don't feel guilty."

He chuckles, clutching his heart, "ouch, and here I thought you cared about my feelings." I roll my eyes at him and turn around to make my way inside when he adds, "did you invite her to our tonight's plans?"

I haven't thought about it, but now that he mentions it sounds like a good idea. I just hope Mavis enjoys marvel movies. "No, I haven't."

"Well, you should," he says and I quirk an eyebrow at him and he shrugs, "I'm just trying to help you get into her good grace."

"Even though you already are," he adds before going in. I can't help but feel at ease now that Axel isn't a problem anymore and then the second part of what he said sinks in and I giddily went inside to see my favorite mean girl.