Love is just a game-Rafe Cameron/Pogue story

Chapter 12

I didn't move. I've been in my room for a week. Since Rafe and I broke up. I know we've only dated for fifteen days, but it felt like a lifetime.

"Sweetie?" Miranda said, knocking on my door and entering anyways.

"I see you haven't touched your breakfast. I probably should have brought you ice cream. Maybe you would have eaten it," she said. "How about we go for a walk."

I didn't answer her. Mostly because I didn't feel like talking...to anyone.

I sat up to hug my mom, who was sitting on my bed.
I owe her everything.

"I take that as a yes," she said.

I walked in the exact clothes I've been wearing. Rafe's t-shirt and blue shorts.

"You've missed school. You're going to have to make it up," Miranda explained.

"Can we..not talk about school. Please," I complained.

"Sure. It's a beautiful day ou-."

"Can we make one stop?" I asked her.

She nodded her head. "Yeah, of course."

I wanted to return something...to Rafe.

I stood outside of his house. I hesitated to knock on the door.

"Liv, I don't think you should be doing this," Miranda added.

"Why not?"

"It's the only thing you have left of him."

She was completely and utterly right. If I gave his shirt back, then I would have nothing.

I was the first one to knock on the door.

Ward opened the door with a welcoming smile. "Miranda, what a lovely surprise," Ward said. "Please, come on in."

My mom looked at me. "No thank you."

He looked at me then back at my mom. "What can i do for you?" He asked.

"Liv would like to return something...to Rafe," She responded.

Ward pointed to the stairs. "He's just right up there, in his room. You remember where that is, right?"

I stared at him, fiercely.

"Why don't we check out your garden?" My mom asked.

"You know, they've been pretty bad. Why don't you take a look. Oh, now that you're here. Here is an invitation to the Midsummer's party we will be throwing here. We are also throwing a get together pre-hand party. I advise you to come to both, please."

"I'll think about it."

I left my mom and went up to Rafes room. His door was wide open.

I entered the room without knocking. I peeked in and saw him standing by his dresser.

I took off his shirt and threw at him.

"There's your shirt," I said. He caught and kept it in his hands. I looked at it, then rolled my eyes. I turned around and walked up to his door. I stopped and looked back at him. "Before I forget, your dad just invited my family to the Midsummer's party. I might go, so don't get any ideas."

I stared at him until he responded. "I won't," he said.

•••••••••••••••••••••

I left my mom at Ward's house, in his garden. I needed a break, so I went to John B's house.

I laid on a hammock and rocked myself side to side. I looked over as I heard leaf's crunching. JJ came out behind a tree.

He laid on the hammock opposite to me.

I closed my eyes and opened them. "Are you going to the pre-hand party?" JJ asked.

"I don't think that's a good idea, but if my mom goes...I'll go," I replied.

"Sounds to me, like you're having trouble in paradise," he said.

I sighed. I turned into my side and stared at JJ. "It's going to come out anyways and it's better for you to hear it from me."

JJ turned over and faced me.

"Okay, so I've been pretty busy lately," I said slowly. "Um...I've been hanging out with somebody-actually dating somebody..or at least I was."

I bit my lip, while raising my eyebrows towards each other. "I've been seeing Rafe."

JJ turned on his back and stared at the sky.

"JJ?" I asked him. I turned on my back and looked us as well. I folded my hands on my stomach.

JJ sighed, before speaking. "Are you happy?" I heard him say. I titled my head in his direction.

"I was," I replied.

"Then I was too," he said.

I smiled.

JJ was like my older brother. To hear him give me approval, made me the happiest girl ever.

JJ was a smooth talker, I know that if the Pogues had something to say, he would defend me.

"You know, if I go...I get to bring a date," I told him. "If you're up to it."

He took a breath of air. "I'll go," he said.

I started to get all excited, then he shut me down. "Under one condition..."

"That is?" I asked him.

"Don't expect me to look sharp," he said. I laughed.

"Don't worry, I won't. I promise."