Arsonist's Lullaby

Chapter 19 - Jesse

I couldn't believe I was going to France, especially with Sam. I was going to the country my mom loved and I was going with someone I loved.

It took me by surprise when I realized how strong my feelings for Sam were. But if I was being honest with myself, I fell in love with her that day we went out for pancakes. Even when we first met and her haunting yellow eyes met mine, I had a feeling she was going to be a big part of my life.

"Paris huh? Well let me tell you in advance to keep your pants on and to control yourself even though you might want to-" Mark started to lecture, making my ears bleed in embarrassment.

"Mark, stop. Please." I grimaced.

"I'm just being honest son. Sam is a good girl, amazing actually, and insanely beautiful. If you go and screw this up and mess around with some little Parisian, don't expect any of us to feel sorry for you cause she-" Mark scolded and I put my hands up to stop him from going on.

"I wasn't even thinking of messing with another girl Mark. Jesus." I made a face, putting tape around my knuckles.

"I'm just saying Jesse. From all the girls you've actually let us meet, she's different. The best thing that could ever happen to you I'll tell you that." He nodded with a serious look on his face.

"Yeah well if you love her so much why don't you date her then." I laughed making him smile.

"So you two are dating then?" He asked. Again, I made face and shrugged.

"I guess. I don't know. I like her, she likes me. It's more than like but we haven't labeled what we are exactly." I was ranting now but Mark didn't seem to mind.

"Neither of you would be happy about seeing other people, correct?" Mark asked.

"Of course not." I frowned.

"Then you're dating. She's officially your girlfriend." Mark said as if it were obvious. "People your age nowadays make relationships too complicated. You enjoy each others company, you don't want to see anyone else, then you're dating!"

I laughed seeing him get worked up.

"Now get your ass in the ring before I throw you in it myself." He nodded. I jumped in and started sparring for a few minutes, thinking about Sam when I heard someone come up from behind.

"Long time no see Jesse." Michael's deep voice sneered. I hesitated for a second then went back to sparring, not bothering to turn around.

He was the guy whose nose I broke for smart mouthing me a while ago when I was in one of my moods.

"What, no hello? You're ruder than I remember." He snickered, his friends laughing along with him.

"Do you also remember the bloody nose I gave you?" I replied keeping my eyes on the punching bag. I heard some people go "Oooh" and noticed a small crowd had started to form.

Damn it.

I tried to ignore everyone and keep my cool. Mark and been clear that if I started a fight again, he would throw me out of the gym for good, whether I was his nephew or not.

"Why don't you stop punching that bag and turn to face me like a real man?" He jeered but I kept punching it anyways. I had to stay calm. I wasn't going to get upset and get into a fight again. I was past that.

"That's what I thought. Nice to know you're still the same bitch I remembered you being." He laughed darkly and spat at my foot.

Gritting my teeth, I closed my eyes took a deep breath. I wiped his saliva off my foot against the mat and rolled my shoulders before going back to punching the bag, imagining Michael's face on it. The crowd had begun to disperse and I started feeling satisfied that I hadn't lost my cool.