Starting Over

2. Friends?

"I used to come here with my brother when things were rough in the family," Jake says looking out in the horizon. When we arrived my jaw hit the ground. The scenery is absolutely beautiful. The ocean seems to be never ending as we sit on big rocks looking out towards the blue surroundings.

I've learnt a lot about Jake in the small time that I've know him. He believes himself to be a hopeless romantic, he is a mummy's boy (causing jealousy to run through my body) and he is the youngest of three kids. 

It feels good being able to do things without having to have to get permission from someone because they're not happy with what they are doing with their life.

"I seem to be doing all the talking, tell me about yourself." He smirks nudging my shoulder.

"Okay, well I'm the only daughter of four kids. So I have a twin brother, a younger brother and an older brother. Adrian, who is my older brother is way too protective of me but my twin brother Jeremy is someone I can lean on, trust, and have a laugh around and my little brother Oliver he just plays video games all the time," I finish off.

"So surrounded by boys, huh?" He says watching a shipment boat in the far distance.

"Yep," empathising the 'p'. I turn my head to look at him, taking in his facial features. I notice that as he stares his jaw clenches showing of his defined jaw line.

"Lets play 10 questions," he turns to look at me stopping me from admiring his face.

"Sure, you go first" I love this game.

"What's your hobby?"

"Boxing, fighting whatever you wanna call it," I shrug.

"Really?"

"Yeah I live with three boys plus my dad has always been the sporty dad," I protest.

"True, so your not classified as a girly girl at all,"

"Ew no, never call me girly girl, ugh," I shiver just from saying that word.

He tilts his head back chuckling. "Alright your turn,"

"Favourite colour?" I ask.

"Blue for sure. Who's your favourite brother?"

"Jeremy of course," I answered.

The game kept going, we didn't keep count of the questions we just kept asking each other random questions.

***

"Thanks for today, I had fun." I say looking straight into his blue eyes. He parked his car in the car park of the cafe next to mine.

"It's my pleasure. I have one more question for you, though,"

"Yeah?" I say raising an eyebrow.

"What school do you go to?" Jake asks.

I put on a finger on my chin and look out the window. "I don't know if I can answer that,"

"Oh really now? I see how it is." His smirk growing.

"I guess you'll find out tomorrow what school I go to," I walk out of his car and jump into to mine. I roll my window down when I see Jake do the same thing.

"I'll see you around, Ella," he winks and drives off.

When I arrive home I am greeted with Adrian sitting at the bottom of the stairs.

He notices me coming in and glances at his watch. "You finished work at three, it's now six thirty," I roll my eyes and walk past towards the kitchen.

"Adrian, can you calm down a bit? I met up with a friend," I notice that dad has left me some dinner on the stove with a note next to it.

Jeremy is at his mates and I'm at training with Oliver.

See you soon, love dad :)

I smile at the cute gesture and put the plate of food in the microwave to reheat.

"Is this 'friend' a boy?" He asks, raising his eyebrows.

"And so what if it is?" The microwave beeps telling its finished. I take it out and sit down at the counter. Adrian's standing in front of me as I eat my dinner.

"I just don't think you're ready, you know after everything-"

"You don't need to remind me Adrian," I cut him off. "And who says I'm not ready?" I ask, my temper rising.

He was told countless times by my therapist to not push my buttons. It was one of the big reasons as to why I kept spiraling out.

Breath. Just breath.

"Sorry, I guess I'm just looking out for you." He  says softly making eye contact with me.

"And I'm truly grateful for that but it's suffocating, Adrian," I say grabbing his hands in mine. I sit for a while staring at him. "Anyway, how come your here and not with your wife and Skye?" I ask.

He looks up at me, "Lucy went to visit her parents up at the coast with Skye. So I decided to come here for dinner," he explains.

I get up from chair, "why didn't you go with them?" I ask putting my dishes in the dish washer and wiping down the counter.

"I've got a fight tomorrow night and I didn't want Lucy to miss her dad's birthday," he answers looking down at his watch. "I should get going anyway, don't wanna be late," he grabs his phone and keys and walks towards the front door, me following behind.

He opens the door and starts walking to his car, he suddenly turns around and engulfs me in a hug.

"I'm sorry, Ella...about before," my head rests on his chest as he chin is on my head. "I guess I'm just worried you'll never go back to the happy and careless girl you were," he pulls away and holds both my shoulders.

I hadn't realised that someone else had the same worries as me and it pains me to think that my loved ones know that I'm not the person I used to be.

I make eye contact with Adrian. I'm not sure why is wiping my cheek but I soon realise that has tear had rolled down my cheek.

"I, I know I'm not her anymore but I'm trying my hardest to become a version of her," I pause looking away from Adrian. "But it's going to take a long time to get there," he pulls me in for another hug.

"Just promise me you won't rush into anything if you don't feel one hundred percent positive and sure that it's the right thing to do," he kisses the top of my head before pulling away.

He looks me dead in the eyes waiting for my response.

"I promise,"