Under Your Skin

Chapter 9

Is that a challenge, Miss Richards?

“Where would you like me to start then?”

“Anywhere. Okay, let’s see: family, friends, hobbies, interests, likes, dislikes, past relationships, future plans, they’re the usual topics aren’t they. Oh, and what’s the deal with you and Carlos.” Lana didn’t bother being subtle. She’d told him everything, so she deserved the same back.

“Haha yeah. Okay then, in order. I’ve got five brothers and two sisters, I know, I know, big family. I like spending time with my mates, but I don’t mind being on my own either. I like drawing and painting and I play guitar, I love to swim and run, as you know, but other than that I’m not that great at sports. Okay, unlike most guys, please don’t think I’m gay, but I enjoy a good romcom. I was with a girl called Sophie, for a quite a while, until she left me. Turned out she’d been spending time with none other than Carlos. Even before that me and him didn’t get on. He always used to take the piss, some things never change. That made it all worse. I was pretty cut up over it. About a year later, a month or so after they’d split up, when I was over it all, my sister kept on telling me about some guy she liked. She insisted I meet him, so one night I was all prepared to do the whole big-brother- I’m-gonna-kill-you-if-you-lay-a-finger-on-my-sister routine, and in walks Carlos. He just has this thing with messing with the people I love. Luckily my sister has good taste and she dumped him soon after. Then the whole thing with Tara, I warned her he was no good but she wouldn’t listen. He hurt her in some way, I know he did, she just wouldn’t tell us all how. I hate him, for everything he’s ever done. The world would be a better place if he just didn’t exist.”

She sat there with her mouth open, completely gobsmacked. She’d wanted an explanation, and she got it, but she didn’t know what to say now. “Jack, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”

“Hey, don’t be. You just have to promise me something- don’t let him hurt you. I know that you have to be around him cause of Mrs Carlson, but don’t ever let him hurt you.”

“I won’t.”

“Good, cause if he messes around with anyone else in my life then it’ll be the last straw. I’ve been saving up punches, god knows I’ve got enough reasons to finally knock him out.” Jack started to smile afterwards, and then looked around.  “Good, the waiter’s finally coming. I’m starving.”

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“Carlos?”

He turned around to see Mrs Carlson heading towards him.

“Yes Miss.”

“I need a favour.” This sounded ominous, he thought to himself.

“It’s about Lana. I need you to take her home today ‘cause I have to take Vic to the dentist and I don’t think I’ll be back in time. And I need you to tell her as well, because she’s out with Jack right now and I’ll be gone by the time she gets back. Thank you so much, Carlos.”

Before he could even reply, she was gone. This could all work out to his advantage though.

He saw Lana and Jack come back in through the gate just as the bell was about to go.

“I had a great time,” he told her, and she laughed, then stopped and smiled at him.

“So did I.”

They carried on walking inside and held open the door for her. She let him! Why would she let Jack, but when he tried to do it she walked through the other door instead?

He followed behind them, ready to corner Lana as soon as Jack was gone. Which was taking longer than he expected.

“Thanks for telling me about everything. It was good getting to know you a bit more. Hope we can do it again some time.” Could Jack be any more obvious if he tried?