The Bully's Nerd

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

      My eyes slowly opened to the sound of a car radio and cars zooming past. I looked to my left and there in the driver's seat was Jake, humming along to the radio. I turned the other way in a groggy manner and pretended to still be asleep, avoiding the subject that was bound to come up. The light from the window was shining down on my face, as I leaned my head on the window, my mind blank and my heart in a steady paced that almost seemed abnormal to me. "I know you're awake Lenne," Jake said in a gruff voice, a smile dancing on his lips as he still looked at the road. I yawned and stretched in a cat like manner, my back popping and the circulation in my leg finally back. Looking over at Jake, I noticed the way his shoulders were so relaxed and his eyes twinkled with delight just looking at the road ahead. Before I could look away, he turned his head to look at me, smirking slightly and then silently looking back at the road. "So, if you don't mind me asking, where are we going?" I asked, my voice rough from crying earlier. I could tell he had questions or something to say at least, but for some reason, he wasn't pressing the matter.

      "Actually, we're going to some diner right outside the city. It seemed like you need to clear your mind and my older brother and I used to always go here when I was younger." He said with a small smile, but his body going tense when he mentioned his brother. "I didn't know you had an older brother," I said in a small voice, looking at him with curious eyes. The change in his facial features was small but noticeable. His eyes went cold and so did his tone. "A lot of people don't. He's not really involved anymore. At least not with me. We had a fall out a while ago. Nothing big." he said in a blunt tone, making it obvious that he didn't want to talk about it anymore. My face went from curious to disappointed, for I thought we were making progress on trying to be friends. Looking towards the window, the rest of the car ride went by in silence, the only sound was the low volume of the songs on the radio.

      When Jake killed the engine, we had stopped in front of a small vintage diner with hot pink and turquoise tiles on the outside spelling 'Big Jane's'. The smell was enough to make my stomach growl, and that was enough to make Jake laugh. Walking through the entrance, a small bell rang and a small lady with grey hair peeked her head out the kitchen door. Seeing Jake, her eyes widened and she began to scramble to get her apron off and walk through the little gate that allowed you to walk behind the counter.

      "Jake! Mi niño! Oh, my you're so big. Who's this adorable young lady?" She cooed, her thick accent coming through and her eyes scanning over my figure. Jake chuckled and took the small woman into his arms, giving her a hug. After he let go, he looked over at me with a small smile. "This is Lenne. She's the daughter of Mamá's friend, remember? The one I told you I'm staying with." he introduced me, her eyes getting wide and her smile getting bigger. Before I knew it, I was in a bone crushing hug with the small woman. Letting go, she kept rambling about her manners and how Jake hadn't visited in a while before back into the kitchen and bringing out a large plate of fries with a pretty big burger split in half. Jake and I ate in silence, not daring to interrupt the lady who I learned to be, Ms.June, who was going on about her son. The sun was setting when Jake and I said goodbye to Ms.June who insisted I come back soon with Jake to see her.

      "It gets a little lonely without a couple of familiar faces. Danny is away in college and I can't help but to pray I see Jake and his brother, Gregory whenever they drive around the area." she said with a warm smile, not noticing Jake tense up at the mention of his brother's name. Waving 'bye', we got in the car and drove back towards the city. At some point, the silence was too much to take. "What's your brother like?" I asked, my brows creasing as I looked over at Jake. His face contorted into one of what seemed hurt, disappointment, and anger all rolled into one. Never had I ever seen him get so worked up about something. Usually, he lets things roll off his back and he seems laid back. "He's someone you don't want to know about. He'd rather have a line of people who would take a bullet for him than have someone he actually would jump in front of a bullet for," he said coldly, his eyes narrowing slightly and his knuckles going white from how tight he was gripping the steering wheel. Deciding to leave it at that and not push it any further, I dozed off to sleep, my forehead resting on the window.

      "I still have a lot of questions for you Lenne. I just can't figure who you are out." was the last thing I heard before my mind faded to black and the hum of the car put me to sleep. Drowsiness soon replacing my curiosity.

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Well, that's another chapter for you Peaches. Hope it got you a bit interested and a bit warm and fuzzy on the inside because like sometimes I'm a bit of an odd romantic. Sigh. Anyways, any suggestions or ideas are greatly appreciated my darlings. It's almost insane how amazing you guys are and how much I appreciate your support. Keep on keeping on Peaches. The world and life keep moving. Love you -Aime