Game On

Chapter Twenty-One

(Attached: everyone this chapter)

JORDAN'S P.O.V

"Can you just stop being so immature and talk to me?" Spencer complains, moodily stirring his cereal.

It's Saturday morning and we've been sitting at the kitchen bench eating our breakfast for the past ten minutes.

Sometimes in the mall, I'll watch a mother sit on a bench while her three year old son tugs at the sleeve of her sweater. "Mum. Mumma. Mummy. Ma. Mother. Mum. Mumma. Mummy. Ma. Mother." Bugging her over and over, until she finally releases a deep exasperated sigh and gives him her attention. "What do you want Timmy?" She would say. And then Timmy would shrug, because if he's being really honest, Timmy didn't need nor want anything, he just wanted to remind his mum of his presence.

Anyway, so that basically what's going on between Spencer and I.

"Jordan. Jordy. Jords. Dan. Ordan. Jordan. Jordy. Jords. Dan. Ordan." He whines from across the table. He's got a little smile on his face because he can tell how much he's pissing me off.

I bite the inside of my lip, willing myself not to break. I've done so well for so long, I must not be weak.

"Larry isn't real."

Chair scraping on the wooden floors, I stand up so fast my vision goes blurry. "Say it again. I dare you." I seethe through my teeth. My hands are gripped onto the table, the only anchor stopping myself from tightening them around his neck.

"Fucking hell! I'm sorry!" He squeals, backing away. I haven't seen Spencer look this scared since he insulted Draco Malfoy back when I was seven.

I take a deep breath and look up to the ceiling. "Lord, give me strength."

My brother takes a gulp. "I didn't mean it, you know I didn't. Hazza loves boobear!" His shaking hands are held infront of his face to protect himself.

"Then why'd you say it?" I'm using my 'inside voice' now.

Spencer gives me a sad smile. "Desperate times call for desperate measures Jordan."

I look my brother in the eyes for the first time in more than a week. He looks even worse than me. "I'm sorry Spence. But you just-"

He cuts my off, pulling me into one of his infamous bearhugs. "I know Jords, I'm so sorry." He whispers, stroking the top of my head.

"Why?" I sniffle into his shoulder.

"It doesn't matter why we beat him up, the only thing that matters is that we did, and you got hurt because of it. Hurt physically and emotionally."

I wriggle out of his arms. "I just want you to like the guy I like. He's good. He's safe."

Spencer nods in understanding. "If you had to be dating a boy, I'm glad it's Logan."

"Yay!" I squeal, clapping my hands. "That makes me feel so much better." I feel as if a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

He laughs at my reaction, but then almost immediately slips into a serious tone. "But this doesn't mean I'm happy about you joining the dating scene little miss." He scolds, wagging his pointer finger at me.

I roll my eyes and laugh. "Duly noted. Father." I add, hopping on the couch.

Now that my life's into the normal lane, I'm looking forward to chilling with my brother, watching some quality television, re-reading my favourite books, eating some unhealthy food, and wasting away my weekend. Nothing. I repeat, nothing, can ruin these positive vibes.