Mr. Wallis

Part 40 (Mathew's POV)

She couldn't had noticed anything peculiar about the way I kissed her, nor how I held her as if I was afraid she'd go running away into the lake. No, she, at best, thought I had just over-done it as I always do when I am instructing her on physical shows of affection. My head spins as I pace from wall to wall.

She did not feel anything, because I did not either... 

My mouth went sour as Jack kept knocking, begging to let him in.

"Come now, Custard Pie!" He would taunt me till my death bed, I was sure of it. Slouching, I walk over, and swing open the door only enough to see Jack, the eldest of the Wallis Boys, stuffing his face with chocolates from a paper bag.

Man-child. I roll my eyes. "What is it?" His foot pops open the door just enough for him to squeeze passed me. We both were not as slender as Peter, in fact, we were what my mother would say meat and potato men, so as he brushed past me, it felt as if two tectonic plates were colliding . Shoving him back with my chest, he in return used his shoulder to block it.

Smacking his lips with a smile, Jack chuckled. "Oh, what's this? So tense, little brother. We have not wrestled since we were children." Making a stance, he winked, "Want to go at it once more, eh? You might actually bruise my lip this time."

Coldly my face stared at him while I shut the door. He never could grow up. Either he behaved like a complete brute that couldn't keep his hands off women, or like a child who had forgotten all the lessons of conduct.

"Mother should have smacked your wrists more often," I muttered as he sat back, still devouring the sweets.

Mouthing my words, Jack mocked my posture and moved his eyes onto mine as I sat in the chair across from him. The silent treatment was a quick way to irritate him. My face became placid as I stared back at him with my legs crossed and my arm resting over the desk.

The clock ticked. I could see he was about ready to burst. Expected a swear word, even a bit of annoyance, but instead a smile slowly curled around his cheeks. How odd.

"I wonder if right now Lania is enjoying the place I had suggested for her little outting with Mr. Sport."

Dale Sport. How fantastic.

My wrist cracked at the mention of it. So he knew where they were tonight? The air became thick with anticipation, I wanted to know where they were, where she was.

Jack looked away as if the lamp was the most interesting thing in the bloody room, then added, "Hmm, tis a shame that we aren't allowed to interfere with it. The girl has to be on her own with this one, no?" He popped a chocolate, then choked for a second.

"Try not to die in my room. I detest flies."

Clearing his throat, he continued the small torture. "Perhaps she'll put those lessons to good use, who knows, if the lad is lucky...she might kiss him."

Mentally a fist knocked luck out the way. Like bloody hell they will kiss.

"It's a their first date." I say trying to drill down the silly emotions squirming under my skin.

Scoffing, Jack bobs his head, "Right, brother, as if that has ever stopped us from stealing a kiss?"

He had a damn point. Now that he brought it up, the idea of Dale stealing a quick smooch ended sending my legs to rise. Before I knew it, I had fully stood up. Now what? My eyes darted for his. Great, he was grinning as if he had achieved something.

"Oh, where are you going?"

"To find a shovel, and bury your cursed smile eight feet under," I reply while grabbing my keys. Once my hand was at the knob, Jack snorted out how fun this all was. I was about to lock both us in and show him his little brother could still put up a fight after all these years, but he suggested food.

"I feel like -a certain need for asian cuisine, how about you? There is this lovely place I had seen, The Pearl Eye."

I squinted my eyes to see if he was serious. Jack rasied a brow in response, "Oh, not hungry for something sweet and sour?"

I was not stupid. Jack had given me the name of the place Lania was having dinner with Mr. Sport.

The grip of my hands tightened over the steering wheel.

How grand, I am jealous.

"Jealous of that punk with horrible taste in facial hair," I mutter alone. The night provides enough cover for me as I sit in the car a good distance away from the restaurant. It was a simple place with enough plants to have it be considered a national park. Quickly spotting the little couple, I thank the large windows for exposing the entire date to me.

She would tuck her chin as she spoke, and he'd try and get her to look up at him. During one point, Dale even twirled his fork with a piece of shrimp over her mouth to have her warm up to him.

With a blushed expression she had forced herself to take a bite.

Right out my heart, a voice whispered. Quickly, before the universe could interfere, I mentally slapped that nonsense out of my head.

Christ. I could not point out with words what was wrong with me. I was sitting like a pathetic puppy, watching over something that I was suppose to be proud of. The entire reason was to have her open up to the one male she was interested in.

Trying to look away, I admit I couldn't. Though I could hear nothing but cars pass, and the trees rustle, when she opened her mouth or laughed...I heard as if she were at my side.

This is what Father wanted, for her to be able to comfortably be with who she wanted. And it was Dale. My head moves away from the scene. It was all playing out wonderfully.

"Wonderfully," my voice fell flat as my eyes focused on the moon. The voice that demanded me to sharpen my attitude and stand with my chin high had slowly crept back into my thoughts.

You always get the job done, well done, now turn the key, go finish those blasted letters that are due tomorrow, and call it a night. There's absolutely nothing here for you.

As I start the engine, I agree with it all. I am far to old to be thrown away from my personal schedual just for a silly girl.

The second I had thought it, my phone buzzed.  Picking it up, I saw her name: Lania.

"Are you awake?" She had texted. My head turns to see she was no longer sitting with Dale. Chances were she had rushed away to the restroom.

"Yes."

"I had texted Peter, and Jack, but no one answered back, I need help."

"I was your last resort, love?" I cursed myself after sending that message. It was to stay in my head, yet this digits of mind couldn't resist typing it.

"I'm nervous. I don't know what to do. I want to run away, but I want to stay at the same time. What do I do?" A few second later she sent a shorter text, "Ps I didn't want to bother you or your work, I don't need you falling asleep on me again."

So you did wish for me to continue our kiss?  I wanted to send it, but I could not find the bloody courage to press send. Instead I adviced her to try and pretend she was out with my brothers, or me, "...do try, if possible."

Her reply came shortly after I had started pulling away from the lot.

"Impossible. There's only one you."

So then what are you doing in there...