The Wrong Best Friend

Chapter Eight: Heating Up

CHAPTER 8 : Heating Up.

"I like me better when I'm with you."
- Lauv

"I can't believe he left you to fend you on your own." Luke's mom shakes her head in disapproval.

"It's okay Mrs.James he had soccer practice." I smile and she laughs wagging her dainty finger at me.

"Now now what did I tell you about calling me Mrs.James?"

I crack a smile, "Yes Marie I remember."

I ramble everything to them as we have tea and a light snack. Both the women listen to me intently, occasionally sipping from their cups. Mum's eyes perk up when I tell her about Martha and the job. Marie congratulates me and tells me how proud she is of me even though we met just a while back and how wonderful it is that I'm helping my family at such a tender age.

She not once asks where our Dad is and I'm guessing she has already connected the dots or that she doesn't want to pry or maybe she just doesn't care. But I don't really think that's the case. She seems wonderful.

Today was really productive and good. Even though the students at school are a bit clichè and weird, I actually look foward to go and see them again.

Cause its always nice when people don't know how messed up your life really is. Gives them less to mock and comment about it to you.

People always have something to say to you. But it's us who gets to decide whether to listen or not. Right?

I shake my thoughts away when I hear loud running footsteps approaching us. The triplets jump on the couch causing Marie to frown deeply.

"Boys!"

It's all it takes for them to straighten up and mumble an apology to my mum. I sit there watching in awe. I wish I could control my brats like this.

"It's okay Marie, I don't mind." Mum laughs.

"Where's Will and Em?" I ask looking around.

"Will took her to the park." Mum's lips twitch and my mouth hangs open.

"You're kidding me. He did not."

"Guess your little brother isn't so little anymore El." Mum smirks when I let out a depressed sigh.

"Guess I'm not her favourite sister anymore now. That jealous brat trying to sweep off my place from her heart." I say keeping a hand on my heart closing my eyes.

"Ellen stop being dramatic." Mum rolls her eyes, and Marie watches us in amusement. The triplets sit in front of the T.V with wide eyes watching Ninja Turtle. They warmed up pretty soon.

"I need to go to Target. I'll see you later." Marie starts getting up and Mum claps her hand.

"I'll come with. I need to get some stuff. Eleanor look after the kids, William will be home soon."

I open my mouth to protest but she cuts me off.

"I'll cook your favourite dinner." She smiles slyly rubbing her hands and I plaster a wide smile.

"Sure. No problem."

"Luke will be home soon too. I'll leave him a message. And don't trust him to look after these," she points towards the couch where her kids were lounging "they make the house look worse than Hell." she sighs making me chuckle.

"Go Marie, I'll look after them."

"Great! We'll be home soon. Don't mess the house Eleanor. "

"I--"