The Gang Leader and The Street Fighter

Chapter Seventeen

*Esme POV*

I sigh as I hear my name being called, looking over I roll my eyes when I see James and his friends jogging towards me.

A minute of peace that's all I wanted...is that to much to ask? I yell inwardly.

I sigh out loud, "Yes James?"  Looking away from him, I lean my back against the bleachers and look into the distance.

"Please, Esme, try not to sound to excited that I'm here." He replies back sarcastically.

I roll my eyes, "Is there a reason for you coming here other than to annoy the fuck out of me?"

Creaking fills my ears as I feel the others sit around me. A hand is hesitantly placed on my shoulder.

"What happened back there, Es?" Danny asks, his eyes filled with worry.

"My son came home with a bruise on his face," I say in a broken whisper, "and I didn't notice until this morning."  A tear slid down my cheek before I hastily wiped it. I could feel my eyes hardening as I put my wall back up, stoping the flood of tears from falling.

There was silence before Conner said, "We didn't know you had kids?" Though he made it sound like a question.

"You're a horrible liar Conner." I say as I roll my eyes.

"Is Chris the father?" James asked. I'm stare back at him shocked that he said Chris's name with hostility. That only lasted a moment before I busted out laughing.

"Me....a-and C-C-Chris?" I say in between laughs. The boys just looked at me confused, so I decided to explain.

"Chris is a brother to me, guys." I say.

"But...I...what?" They all say.

I roll my eyes," Look, Chris and I's story is something none of you need to know. But all my kids are adopted you could say."

"Then where does Chris come in?" Payton asks.

"Like I said, Chris is a brother to me, but to the children...he's their father figure."

"Soo...you guys have never been together?" James asks cautiously.

I cross my arms over my chest and narrow my eyes at him, "Not that it's any of your business, but no."

He groans and rolls his eyes before saying, "What the hell Es! Why are you always so angry with me? It's like you hate me!"

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but we didn't get off on the right foot, especially when I chased away Mark." I say calmly.

"That's your own damn fault for sticking you little nose where it doesn't belong!" He says raising his voice.

"I'm trying to help you!" I yell back. "But you know what? I'm done with warning you, when it happens it'll be on your hands."

He stared at me for a while and the others looked at us back and fourth.
"Can we please start over?" He asks me in a quiet voice.

My eyes narrow again as I searched his face. Sticking out my hand I smile and say, "Hi, I'm Esme. And you are?"

He grins back placing his hand in mine, "I'm James, great to meet you."

******************time lapse******* ***********************************
Three months have gone by since the day James and I decided to start over. At first we would all hang out at school, then the movies and at the park. But sometime in between that time James and I had gotten closer and what do you know? He asked me out. At first I had my doubts, I mean he's still selling out on the streets and even though nothing happened yet, I can't help but feel a shiver of unease every time my guy churns.

With some encouragement from Chris, Conner, Danny, Payton, Liam, and Lucas...I agreed. James's has been sweet but I can't help the pang of nervousness I feel thinking about how he'll react when finally meeting my kids.

Right now we're all walking towards my car,except for Chris who already left to pick up the kids and head home, when Lucas started talking.

"Hey I heard Athena's fighting again tonight and we haven't been there in forever, why don't we stop by?"

The boys thought about it before nodding, "You in, Es?" James asks.

I shake my head, "I can't. I have to watch over some things that are really important."

The boys look disappointed and I can't help but feel my heart pulse with guilt before I push it away.

"Okay, Es. Maybe next time." Conner says.

I nod my head putting a smile on my face, "I gotta go, I'll see you guys tomorrow." I peck James on the lips before getting into my car and heading off the lot leaving the boys behind.

A/N: hello lovelies! I decided to update since I couldn't sleep. I hope you like it and thanks so much for being patient with me and understanding. I'll try to update as soon as possible.

Thanks to the new follows and adds to reading lists. Also to my in-line commenters. I love reading those.

As always...vote, comment, etc :)

-xx Nicole