Fighter { Book 3 }

Chapter 6 - Plan B

I wake up to my alarm blaring and Jer groaning. "Elle!" Jer exclaims frustrated. "Sorry. Go back to sleep." I say and get up to get ready for training. "Where are you going?" Jer asks. "Well, I'm going to train. Sorry about the alarm. Go back to sleep." I insist. "No, I'm coming too. I want to learn." Jer argues. "Okay, you have ten minutes to get ready," I tell him and he nods walking out of my room. I change into sweatpants and a hoodie. I walk downstairs and wait for Jer. He comes down a few minutes later dressed similarly. "Okay, first we're going to jog a little into the woods and back again then go to the class. We'll go to archery first then to self-defense. Ready?" I ask him and he nods. "Yeah, I guess," Jer says.

After jogging we go towards the archery arena. I tell the instructor that Jer is only here to watch today and he agrees to let him stay. "It's a pretty big arena," Jer says when we reach. "Yeah, it is. You can join from tomorrow if you want." I tell him. "I want to see you shoot first." Jer insists. "Okay." I agree. I get into the proper stance and aim before taking a deep breath and releasing the arrow. It flies across the arena and hits the dead center of the target. "Whoa," Jer exclaims. I laugh quietly. "Thanks. It took some time but I can finally hit dead center." I say with a smile and he responds with a proud smile. "That's pretty cool. I'm definitely joining and you have to teach me." Jer orders and I nod. "Sure. You don't mind if I practice a few more shots right?" I ask him and he shakes his head.

After five or six more shots, we both leave for self-defense. An hour later we're both back home. "I'm going to take a shower and make breakfast. Any requests?" I ask Jer as we head upstairs. "Yeah. How about French toast?" Jer asks. I turn and look at him questioningly. "I missed your cooking," Jer says sheepishly. "Sure. French toast sounds great. I'll ask Jenna if she wants to join us." I say and Jer nods. "Okay. See you downstairs." He says and rushes into his room. I just shake my head and go to my room.

After taking a shower I change into denim shorts, white tee, and a jacket. I put on shoes and take my bag from yesterday with me. There was something at the Lockwood mansion today so I had to go. I go to Jenna's room and knock. Jenna opens the door and smiles at me. "Good morning Jen. I'm making French Toast, so you want some?" I ask her and she smiles wider. "Yes, definitely. I'll just get ready and come downstairs." Jenna tells me. "Okay," I say and head downstairs. I start to prepare breakfast and coffee, soon Jer comes and helps me. "So I uhh wanted to talk to you." Jer starts. "Sure. What is it?" I ask him. "I... I'm dating someone." Jer says hurriedly. I stare at him a few seconds before hugging him. "I knew it. I'm so happy for you." I tell him. He smiles widely, before hugging me. "Thanks, Elle," Jer says and I hug him back tightly. "Okay, when do I get the honor to meet your other half?" I ask him and he chuckles a little but it's not shy or even nervous it's a little anxious laugh as though he's scared. "Uh, soon. Promise." Jer says and I nod while smiling. "Good. Let's finish breakfast." I say and he smiles relaxing a bit. After that Jenna joins us and we all sit down to have a quiet breakfast.

"You going to the Lockwood thing?" I ask Jenna and she nods sighing. "It's not like I have a choice in it. You?" Jenna asks and I give an exasperated sigh and Jen and Jer both laugh. "It's not funny. Try having Care as your best friend then you'll understand the pain." I tell them and they laugh again. I swear my family is sadistic, they enjoy my pain. I wash my plate and cup and head towards the door. "Okay, people see you later," I say to them and they wave to me. "Bye Elle," Jer says loudly. I glare at him and he smiles. I walk to my car and text Caroline that I'll be there soon and start driving towards the Lockwood mansion. I hear my phone ring and see that Care sent a text.

Care 💕
Hey Elle. Can you come to the Salvatore Boarding House?

Ari ⭐
Sure. I'll be there soon.

I text Care back and change my route to the boarding house. What even is she doing there? I reach in a few minutes and get out. I see Jer heading towards the door. I run a little and reach him. "What are you doing here?" I ask him as soon as he's in hearing distance. "Geez, Elle. Don't scare me like that." Jer says and I give him a look. "I'm here to help." Jer states. "Help? Jer I love you, I do but Damon isn't the person to help. Please just... just don't go near him. I almost lost you because of him and I can't actually lose you. So please." I plead and Jer looks a little guilty. "Fine. I guess you are right. He doesn't deserve help and he hurt you. I'm sorry." Jer says and I hug him. "I'm not trying to keep you away or anything but I just need to know you're safe. Okay?" I ask him and he nods. "Okay. So can you give me a lift?" Jer asks. "Sure. I just have to meet Care and then we'll leave." I tell him and he nods.