Danger Love Ahead

Chapter Eleven: Rumours

(April's version)

"I don't need any more counseling," I answered again when mom brought up the issue.

"You've been home for two days now," Mom stated worriedly. "Your seizures are not letting up..Don't lie to me young lady!!" I closed my mouth quickly being caught at spewing a lie. I mean, almost spewing a lie. "I can hear you up there.." Mom's eyes teared up and I moved to hug her but she waved me off. "I'm alright. I just... The pain you're going through right now...I thought it would all be better."

"Mom, I don't want to go back to London," I pleaded. "Okay, so I'm having a hard time. I got through it the last time, I can do it again..." I paused uncertainly. Mom blinked back more tears. "This time, I want to get through this without having to be shipped off."

"Then take counseling," it was Mom's turn to plead. "I can't take, having to see you suffer so much. Both Kenny and I are worried about you." I stayed silent knowing I couldn't find a way out of this. Mom checked her time, hurriedly swiping her tears away. "Oh..I'm late for.. Can we talk later about this?"

"Yes, mom," I agreed hugging her. Kenny came around the counter into the kitchen and hugged my knees. I stared at him in surprise before returning the hug.

"Get better soon," Kenny ordered. "You twerp," he added to make it clear that we were still at each others throats. I saluted and watched him grin before he ran off to the car.

"Hey mom," I called out. She paused at the door and turned curiously at me. "How's the job at school?" She smiled.

"It's great," she confessed before frowning. "But there's this young man who keeps asking for you."

"Really?" I asked. "Did he have blond hair and blue eyes..and his kinda really tall..." I paused when mom raised her eyebrow at me. I cleared my throat and tried to lean against the counter casually. "What about him?"

"He seems nice," she grinned. "And respectable too. He never asked for an address or your phone number. He just wanted to know if you were alright." I felt the warmth in my cheeks and faked a cough, trying to hide my blush. Mom left after that but her knowing smile was embarrassing. 

"Noooo," I moaned and clung to the door as a range of pain surfaced through my ribs. Red hot pain seared across my chest and bright spots were appearing everywhere. I breathed as slowly as I could but another stab had me howling. It felt like something was holding my heart and squeezing the tender organ. Another wave and I grabbed the wood of the door, scraping my nails along the length. I didn't want to feel it anymore. It was too intense. "Please," I sobbed and tensed when the pain throbbed again.Then it was over. Exhausted, I cuddled against my bedroom door and cried. I missed my Dad, I missed Sr.Giana and I missed being happy. Then I thought of mom and of Kenny and of Brandon. A tiny smile formed on my lips. I should be grateful for them. 

I jumped slightly at the shrill tone of the phone as it rung. Sniffing and rubbing my eyes, I crawled to my bedside and reached for my phone. Clearing my throat for a normal voice, I answered,

"Hello?"

"Hi?" a female voice greeted hesitantly. "Um..April?"

"Yeah?" I replied.

"It's Amanda." I beamed.

"Amanda, hey! How'd you get my number?"

"Mariah gave it to me."

"How did Mariah get my number?"

"Brandon gave it to her..." she gasped. "Oops, I wasn't supposed to tell you that. He wanted to know if you were ok, please dont tell him I told you."

"Why won't he talk to me?" I asked disappointed.

"He feels like he came on too strong the other day," Amanda explained before squealing. "So you two kissed huh? Anyway, Brandon didn't want to make you feel like he was nosing around your business. But I bet his dying inside." Blushing, I asked,

"Who else knows about..about the kiss?"

"No one," Amanda replied hesitantly again. "But...there are rumors. And Kira is not happy." I flinched at the name.

"What's wrong with that girl?" I asked in frustration. "What is her problem? I'm sure I haven't done anything to wrong her."

"Except steal both attention and Brandon from her," Amanda muttered. "It's the way she thinks. But, April. If going out with Brandon means having a tango with Kira, I suggest you turn tail."

"What no!" I objected. "I really like Brandon. Reaally like him."

"April, Brandon's known for his charming ways and his endless girlfriends. Look, it's your first crush, I get it but..."

"No, Am..please," I pleaded feeling my eyes water. "I suffered so much from Kira. I won't lose Brandon to her too." I heard Amanda sigh.

"Kira isn't...someone you really want to mess with," Amanda explained uncomfortably. "She's got her issues, April. Both her and her brother were adopted. She used to be so nice back then before her parents thought to drop the bombshell. She didn't take it well and became slightly psycho."

"And her brother?" I asked. Amanda cleared her throat awkwardly. 

"Her brother's sort of..into her," she whispered. "Even before they found out they were adopted." My mouth opened in disgust.

"Incest?" 

"Her parents seem to think they're a perfect family. In reality, they're completely warped and the neighborhood's smart enough to stay clear."

"But these are just rumors, right?" I asked. There was silence on the other end. I sighed dejectedly.

"On to more happier topics," I changed the subject and grinned before asking, "How good did Brandon look today in school?"