How we began (now published, so sample only)

Chapter 4 - Persuasion is not the technique to use

© Sandra Corton 2014

Chapter 4 – Persuasion is not the technique to use.

Kayla threw her keys violently onto the tabletop. She closed her eyes and forced back the tears. Why did she have to feel so much for a guy that didn’t give a damn about her? She had thought all his little looks and winks had to mean something. It turned out the guy would flirt with anything that had a pulse.

“Hey ‘lil sis what’s with all the noise?” Mitchell McCrae walked in with a frown upon his face.

Kayla always hated to upset her brother, she liked to see him smiling, it made her life that much easier. His dark hair stood out with the bright blue steak he had added for some flair. While his eyes, the same green as hers reflected worry.

“Why are guys such jerks?” Kayla asked as her shoulders slumped.

“Wait a moment, you’re talking to one remember.” Mitchell raised a dark eyebrow.

“I don’t mean you Mitch. I’m talking about this guy at school.” Kayla replied with a huff.

“In that case I won’t take offense. So what did this loser do?” Mitchell watched as his sister paced and sorted her thoughts.

“I thought he liked me. I mean he finally took notice of my existence… he talked to me and was nice, kind of flirty you know…” She trailed off looking sad.

“And? There’s got to be more to it than that.”

“He kissed another girl today.” She finished on a sorrowful whisper and her brother let out a sigh.

“Come here sis.” He held open his arms.

Kayla fell into the warmth of his brotherly hug as the tears pricked her eyes again. It was moments like these that she was glad he was home, however briefly. She missed him when he was away but she knew how important it was for him to get his degree. It was just a shame his school was so far away.

“Okay so the most important fact here is that most guys are jerks and some never grow out of it either.” Mitchell informed her as he hugged her closer.

“Including you?” She couldn’t help but tease him if only to try to hide her own emotions.

“Hell no! I’m a way superior breed than just your average guy.” He stuck his nose in the air and she couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.

“What should I do though?” She asked seriously.

“Forget about him.” Mitchell clicked his fingers dramatically.

“If only it was that easy.” Kayla muttered.

“Alright then how about we try and attract his attention?” He sent her a wink.

“Oh yeah like how?” Kayla rolled her eyes at his suggestion.

“Let’s start with this hideous uniform they force you to wear.”

Kayla let out a groan at the excited look in her brother’s eyes. She should have known not to encourage a budding fashion designer into her boy problems. Still she guessed it couldn’t really do too much harm. Mitchell had been trying to change what he called her frumpy clothes for years, but this was only her uniform, so she couldn’t see that it would be a big deal.

She sat in her car at school the next morning and wondered whether she should just drive home straight away. Mitchell had gone overboard in his adjustments, as he liked to call them. Her new dress now fit her snugly but Kayla felt exposed. She had never really wore body-hugging clothes, except for when dancing. She preferred comfort over style and always had.