Jealousy Can Be Flattering

Chapter Ten [In Editing]

The next morning I awoke to the scent of sizzling bacon and the sound of a grumbling stomach. I sat up, rubbing my eyes sleepily and tousling my messy bed hair. This was going to take forever to get ready. My hand flew to my stomach as it growls again. 

The sound instantly roused me from my half-conscious state. My eyes scanned the unfamiliar room and I panicked. Where the hell am I? I thought.

A chuckle sounded in my head. No need to worry, sis. You're at home. We let you stay in a spare room on the second floor for the night. The familiar voice of Joel Grey said.

I thought back to the previous day. Oh, right. The pack thing. Did I win the fight? I asked.

I was met with silence for a time, then, Don't you remember? You smashed them without even breaking a sweat. Now get downstairs, mom made breakfast.

I looked around and notice the room. The furniture was white and chrome, the bed sheets were white, there was a single feature wall the colour of coffee. In all a rather modern and almost sterile guest room. I'd bet there's a whole bunch more just like it. A thought hit me. Joel, I don't have any clothes for school. There is no way I'll be going in these pj's! I said, looking down at the cotton black tank and pink checkered shorts that someone has put me in.

Don't worry, there'll be some clothes ready after you've had breakfast.

Come down and have breakfast with us. A sweet, motherly voice chimed in. I could only assume it was Joel's mom.

I sighed, resigned, and slid my legs over the edge of the bed. I traversed a flight of stairs and entered into the kitchen. Sitting at an island bench was Joel, already dressed in a tight v-neck t-shirt and jeans. Out the massive french doors, I could see the wind was really blowing today. Winter is coming.

Joel's - sorry, our - mother - god that's weird - was busily serving up the last of the bacon on a plate. "Bacon sandwiches for breakfast today. Barbecue or ketchup?" She asked, indicating to two sauce bottles.

"Uh, thanks. Just barbecue is fine." I replied, sliding onto a stool next to Joel.

"Who would've thought, quiet little Jessica Jackson was my sister all along?" Joel said with his mouth full.

"Joel! You know full well that talking with your mouth full is rude!" His mother scolded. She carefully placed a plate with a bacon sandwich on it in front of me. I poured myself a glass of orange juice and tucked in eagerly.

"Joel, you will be driving Jess to school today." Joel nodded at his mom. "Jess there should be some clothes on the bed in the room you stayed in. Let me know if they don't fit and I'll see if I can find something else."

I nodded, swallowing my food. "Thanks Mrs. Grey." I said politely.

Her face fell momentarily but was then covered by an even brighter smile than before. It was one thing I'd noticed in people. If you looked around the edges of their smile, you could see the strain, clearly the markings of a fake smile.