Piercing Hearts (Len & John Pearce/Justice Crew Fanfic)

Chapter 3: Never Back Down

* John’s POV *

“I bet Len’s having another issue with his alarm clock.” Samson joked as we have been waiting for him for an hour already before we start with rehearsals. For the week, he has been late three out of five meetings, and all his excuse was something to do with not waking up early.

“Maybe the guy’s in love and has been spending his nights with a girl.” Lukas uttered.

Though, I don’t think that’s the case. Whenever Len has his eyes for someone, he couldn’t just shut up. Eventually, he would tell everyone in the family and torture us with stories about his current girl. At times, the girls would be surprised that we would know all about her even though it was the first time we have met her.

“Don’t think so. The guy’s been quiet.” I told them. “As if you don’t know how Len acts with a girl.” I chuckled as Paulie agreed with me.

“He might have changed, you know.” Lukas told me. “Maybe this time, he wouldn’t want to jinx his own relationship.” I doubt that.

Even if we were twins, we were so different. If he was all about telling everyone his current find, I was the quiet one minding my own business, especially when it comes to the girls I’m currently going out with. If there’s anything I have learned in my previous relationships, it was to keep every part to myself and the girl involved. Well at least, not everything.

I think letting everyone know of what I do in my relationships, only brings more trouble. Although I know that when it was with my first love, it was all my fault. I was tempted, and I missed her when she left for the States, even though I knew that she would just be there for a few months, and I regret all of that.

Never knew karma was real when I felt my life going down the hill. Every time I wanted to be happy, I was being pulled down on the ground. No girl ever replaced her in my heart, which only made it harder for me to find that one true love. But then again, maybe it was Joanna all along, and I pushed her out of my life, instead of letting her stay with me.

Anyway, enough about my dramatic life, it only reminds me of how I’ve suffered these past years and now is not the time to reminisce about it. Not when I’m in a public place, or more like with my mates as we were waiting for my twin brother so we can start with the rehearsals.

A few minutes passed and Len finally entered the studio, apologizing to everyone how late he was. “I’m sorry!” He exclaimed. “I woke up early, and dropped by mum’s and Harley was there and wanted to play.” He smiled as we all believed him.

If there’s someone who doesn’t lie, it was Lenny. Like I said, he was always tagged as the good one - the twin who only does the nicest things, putting others first, before himself. So yes, he was now off the hook as we all know Harley doesn’t live with him and we know how much he would like to spend time with his son.  

“Fine, then. But you owe us some dinner tonight.” Solo exclaimed as we all started rehearsals, finally, and for the first time, Len didn’t even complain about it, which was kind of odd. Perhaps he knew he was really in the wrong here, especially when it comes to work.

***

“That was some work!” Paulie exclaimed as we were already done with rehearsals. It was already late, and yet, we’re still pumped up to have a good time. Obviously, everyone’s a bit more excited as it was Lenny’s treat. I mean, who wouldn’t want freebies?

After we were done changing up, we headed out to dinner at some pizza place downtown so we can all enjoy some time off at Scape later on as we all needed a break from our hard work.

Once we were all done, we stood up and ready to party. As we were leaving, a group of girls was about to come inside the restaurant as my eyes widen, my jaw dropping at the fact that Joanna was one of the girls, especially when I have just reminded myself this morning how I have missed her, and now, she’s back.

To be honest, I have no idea how I’ll react or what to say. It was as if my tongue hid in some cave as my mind stopped working. As much as I wanted to speak right now, I had been unsuccessful in coming up with a simple ‘hello’.

“Hey Joanna, been a long time.” But Samson was there to save me, as well as help me make Joanna stay right there in front of us for a few more minutes, even though her friends had already come in.

“Hi Samson. How have you been?” She smiled as I remember how sweet it was. Her eyes never left mine as she spoke – it was like we were having our own world again, and only us was the one who would understand what each look was for. Although now, I wasn’t sure what this meant for us.

“I’m good! Are you back here for good?” Samson asked.

“I’m not sure.” She uttered and suddenly has woken up from that staring contest we were sort of having. “Anyway, it was nice to see you guys. Congrats with Justice Crew, by the way. Too bad I wasn’t here when you guys won.” She smiled as she walked past me. “Hey Little Lenny.” She teased as Len turned into a bright red tomato, which got me all confused.

Len hated her so I didn’t think he would actually blush with hearing Joanna teasing him. If it were, it would be for other reasons and not like right now when he’s actually smiling about it, waving his hand towards the girl.

“Hi Joanna.” Len uttered as I turned around, and the two were having a little conversation with their eyes. I can feel it as the others can two.

“How’s Harley?” She asked Len.

There was a look on her face that says she notice me, but was trying to ignore me. That was something I was familiar with, and she uses that whenever she wanted to make me feel jealous towards some guy. In this case, she was using my twin brother, who apparently doesn’t hate her any longer. The fact that the two were actually talking with one another, not in a mean way, was surprising, not just to me, but with all the guys too.

“He’s fine. I got to play with him this morning.” Len shared, proudly. “He loved the bear, thanks.”

“Aww, that’s good to hear.” Joanna uttered. “Well, I wouldn’t hold you for too long. Your mates are waiting.” She uttered as she took a peek behind Lenny, towards us. “Have a good night, Little Lenny.” She giggled as Len groan.

“Joanna…”

“I know, I’m sorry I just couldn’t help it.” She giggled some more, waving her hand towards a blushing Lenny.

Once Joanna had left, Lenny turned to face us, avoiding my gaze. However, even the guys were too curious what just happened there that Samson was actually helping me out the whole night, speaking on behalf of me; although I knew it was just pure coincidence.

“What was that?” Samson asked. He chuckled as he took turns looking at me and Len. But then, Len must have gotten deaf as even Samson was full on ignored. When he called Len again, he had a straight face on as if nothing happened. “Len?”

“Yeah?” He asked as he continued walking. He was leading the troop towards Scape, not even looking behind if we were following.

“What was that with Joanna?” Samson asked again. “Since when did you two make up?”

“Oh, that. Um.” Len stuttered. It was the first time he turned around, perhaps checking if I was near, but I pretended I wasn’t listening at all. To be honest, I was all ears because if there was someone in here who needed to know it was me, even though others would think it would be none of my business.

I left Joanna, so why would I need to know what was that? Maybe because Len’s my twin brother, and that was the last thing I was expecting – no, it wasn’t even something I knew would happen. And right now, I felt being betrayed by someone I thought would have my back, even if I was in the wrong. Just knowing he would still be there to support me was good enough, but Len turned his back on me.

“Something came up.” I uttered, stopping the boys from walking. Len stopped too, but he didn’t turn around to meet my gaze. “I have to go now.” I told them, even though I have no idea what I should do. Of course, beer came in mind, and even if I know that’s one of the reasons why we were going to Scape, I wanted to have some time alone. “You guys have fun.” I uttered.

Especially you, Little Lenny.