Gamble on Love

Chapter Sixteen

I run downstairs, where both my parents are sitting. "Hello Rae. We haven't seen Lucas around in a while." Mum questions, confused.

Wow they noticed something happened that didn't revolve around themselves? "I broke up with him."

Dad looks up at this. "Why?"

"I was scared." I now have their full attention.

They exchange confused glances. "Why?" Dad repeats.

"I didn't believe in love." Mum opens her mouth to interrupt but I held out a hand. "Please don't interrupt me. I need to say this." They obediently close their mouths. "The only idea of love I had was you two. And all you ever do is fucking argue about everything. I was scared that if I let myself love Lucas he would only ever hurt me and it would end in disaster. That we would end up like you. I'm not saying I blame you for my stupid decision of breaking up with Lucas. I don't. It was my fault and I'm going to make things right. But I'm fucking sick to death of being in a house where all you both ever do is shout at each other. So please try and work things out between you. Just try."

Mum has tears falling down her face. "Oh Rae darling I'm so sorry. We didn't think about what it must be like for you. You must have felt so alone." Mum and dad exchange looks, and mum continues, "We do love each other sweetheart. I know we don't show it often but we do. And we aren't always happy: that's relationships for you. There will always be ups and downs you just have to be strong enough to work through them and not give up on each other." 

Dad adds, "I've never cheated on your mother Raelynn. I know you think I have but I haven't. I would never cheat on your mother and disrespect her like that."

Softly, I say, "I believe you dad."

Dad nods. "Right. Now that mushy shit is over, go get your guy back." He reluctantly adds, "I like him."

"I like him too." I whisper.

"You finally realised?" Mum smiles at me. "There were sparks flying between you two. The way Lucas looked at you... well, it was obvious he felt something for you."

"But I haven't known him that long."

Mum shrugs. "It doesn't matter. Love is love."

I stand up. "I've got to go. Can we all have dinner tonight? No arguing?"

Mum and dad look at each other with smiles on their faces. "Yes. We can do that." 

As fast as I can, I run back to my room, get changed, grab my phone and start running to Lucas's house.

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A sprained ankle, grazed legs and elbows, two heart attacks and a near death experience later, I finally arrive outside Lucas and Jesse's house.

I collapse on the ground, desperately gulping in air. The door open, and Jesse and Callan step outside. It takes them a minute to see me. 

"What the fuck-" Callan starts but is cut off by Jesse.

"-are you doing here? How dare you? How fucking dare you! You have the nerve to show up here after what you did to my brother! Why are you here, huh? Wanna break his heart some more? It's already shattered into a million pieces because of you bitch." Jesse's voice is laced with malice.

I flinch. Fucking hell being on the end of Jesse's anger is a fucking terrifying experience. I somehow manage to stand up and Callan snorts with laughter at the state of me, but stops when Jesse glares at him. "Jesse please-"