Beneath the Bench

Secret Journeys

"Your room is still a mess!" I looked up to see my mother standing with her hands on her hips.
"Oh sorry I was looking for something......" I yawned and rubbed my eyes.
"Ok, just get dressed." She lightened up a bit. "I'll make pancakes!"
Full up of my mums AMAZING pancakes, I walked to the bus stop. As the red double decker pulled up to the lonely bench where I waited, I picked up my bag and clambered on.
"Hi, Trace!" Linda called from behind me. I felt bad for bailing on her but I really needed to make sure Jake wasn't just a dream himself. I mouthed 'Not today...' And walked up towards where I could see Jake sitting.
"Hey...how are you?" I tapped his shoulder and he smiled.
"Yo! Trace cool last night!" He winked. Phew at least I wasn't dreaming, well I was but it meant something.
"Have you talked to Asling about the misunderstanding?" He shook his head.
"No she won't believe me she can read my mind when it comes to my feelings. She knew I had a fancy for you as soon as I first went into your dream." He sighed, swiftly brushing his hand through his hair, today concealed by a beanie yet still accomplishing that perfect quiff.
"Okay...we have to find somewhere private today where we can still hear the bell!" He laughed lightly and I blushed.
"We don't have to be private, other guys would be jealous that I have you!" He smirked.
"Doubt that! Nobody seemed to like me before you came. I'm sure girls are fighting over you!" He smiled.
"I've had a few Facebook messages but I don't really care." I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. He must have seen my hurt expression because he took my hand and whispered. "I only have eyes for you Trace. Weather blue or brown they're for you." I smiled and nestled into his chest. I felt safe.
"Oi lovebirds get a nest!" A roar of laughter was heard from behind me where Randy and his Possy hung out. I sighed, God I hated those guys!
"I don't need your permission to love my girl!" Jake defended me.
"Why would you ever want her she is weird! She's just ugh!" Randy put on a fake American accent.
"She's better then you'll ever get you heartless git!" I sniggered and Jake smirked as randy slunk back into his arrangement of groupies.
The rest of that week went by in pretty much the same pattern, each day Jake and me's plan to travel to Radiule becoming more and more active. As Friday came I asked my mum if I could take the long train journey to my father's house in Birmingham. She seemed reluctant to let me go but after much negotiation/arguing she agreed that I could leave on the Saturday morning.
After my final detention with Harrison I found Jake waiting for me outside school.
"I thought I could meet your mum today because you aren't grounded anymore?" I nodded in agreement and he took my hand and I led him to my house.
Just as we approached the corner of my street I turned to him. "I've never had a proper boyfriend before so my mum might cry or something embarrassing, just a warning. I'm new to this." He nodded.
"Me too....." I looked at him wide eyed.
"Your not telling me you, the most perfect human umm.....creature I have ever seen has never been in love." He shook his head.
"I've been asked out by other Radiciers but I always knew it wasn't right...." He grinned. "Until I saw you!" I blushed.
I unlocked my door and called my mum from upstairs.
"Who's this?" My mum asked from the top of the stairs raising her eyebrow.
"Oh mum this is Jake....Jake this is mum." Mum came down and said.
"Someone special?" I nodded slowly. She turned to him and shook his hand. "Call me Jane!" I mouthed a quick 'thank you' before groaning.
"What's for dinner? I'm hungry!" Mum walked to the kitchen and we followed.
"Your lucky kids, I made a double batch of shepherd's pie."
"Oh Ms waters." Mum raised her eyebrow. "Jane, I don't mean to be any trouble. It would be great to stay for dinner but I couldn't bare to put you to any extra effort!" He said. Wow I thought he was good before and now he's a charm with my mother too, this guys a keeper!
"Oh not at all!" He grinned and nodded.
"Thank you I'm hungry...." He groaned in a whisper which made me giggle.
As we sat at the oak dining table, talking about the SLAMS we had taken to Randy's pride that week, laughing.
"Dinners coming kids, Trace can you lay the table darling..." I blushed, my mum had all the worst nicknames for me.
"Ok!" I shouted through the door and skipped to the kitchen, theoretically blowing a kiss to Jake as I went, making him blush and reach out a hand to grasp the 'kiss' in the air.
As we ate the amazing cottage pie, Jake continued to charm my mum with things such as:
"You're an amazing cook Jane!" And. "You should go on Masterchef!" And even just a simple "Yum!" I smiled as mum blushed and Jake's hand found mine under the table.
Soon after we ate Jake had to return home so I kissed him goodbye and slept a dreamless night knowing Jake had Fridays off.
When I woke the next morning I had 3 missed calls and 6 messages from Jake.
*Where are we meeting*
*Are you up?*
*Can you get to the train station by 2:45?*
*Miss you already*
*Oh btw pack your contacts, and keep them on, even in Radiule*
*Text me when your up*
I quickly typed back.
*Sounds good I can probably get a lift by then. Looking forward to seeing you! T xxx*