Her first crush

12

Leona walked into the living room.
"Hey, Jane", she greeted and headed for the stairs.
"Hey", Jane replied and noticed the sullen look, "not feeling well? "
She didn't stop, "I guess so".
"Need some medicine? "
"No, thanks".
         Nelly bounced into the living room that moment and jumped at Jane, hugging her. She was frightened out of her wits because of the sudden action.
"What's wrong with you today? "She asked. She liked the new Nelly.
"We're going for a family picnic in two days time".

                     *     *     *

LEONA'S POV
"picnic? "Pascal and I said in unison.
"Yeah! Sounds fun right? "Mrs Brown said, smiling.
"Yeah, mom", Nelly was excited.
"I'll just stay at home ", Pascal said.
"No, you won't. Right mom? "Nelly turned to his mom.
"Yeah! Everyone is coming". She affirmed.
"But......... ", I wanted to say but why?
"No buts", Mrs brown shut me up.
Jane came in with our food at that moment.
"You should come too, Jane", Mrs Brown said to her as she served us.
The older woman's cheeks flushed. "I won't be needed"
"This isn't gonna be an old school reunion anyway"
"Nelly! ", everyone shouted.
He looked at his mom and saw that she was angry.
"I'm sorry I was rude", he said to Jane.
"Its alright ", she replied and hurriedly left the dining room.
   
I felt so much pity for Jane. I digged into my food but it tasted like ashes in my mouth. I guess I was still thinking about the match. I stood up. "I'll go up first, goodnight ".
Everyone stared at me but I left.
A day passed and the day of the picnic came. Pascal drove the family bus and everyone was chattering except Leona. She took out her phone and texted Marie.
Won't be in school today.
"Yo! What's up ", Nelly moved to her side.
"Hey"
"You look dead"
"Really"
"Yeah! You should have put some make up on, Pascal likes it you know". He grinned devilishly and winked at her.
She smiled despite herself, "don't even think of it".
"I know you like him"
      Jane turned to Nelly, "are you bugging that poor girl again? "
Nelly rolled his eyes and Leona giggled. He whispered into Leona's ear, "wrath of Lucifer". He left for his seat.
"What did he say? "Jane asked.
Leona looked at Nelly and smiled again. "Nothing".

PASCAL'S POV
Night came and we all ate together. Leona kept on drinking scotch. Wondering about what was wrong with her, I kept a close eye on her without saying a word. Nelly headed in first and mom followed.
Leona took another cup of scotch.

LEONA'S POV
I gulped down the scotch and it burned down my throat.
"Take her in. Her room is by the left, I'm heading in. "I heard Jane say.

PASCAL'S POV
I looked away. I was pissed off. Why must I take a drunk girl to her room? How am I gonna do that?. Last time I did, I absolutely regretted it. My ex had emptied all the contents in her stomach on me. A muscle flinched in my jaw. Charlisse's memory only brought hurt.
I stood up and took the bottle from her hands. I took her to her room and laid her on the bed. I was almost leaving when I heard her mumble something. I moved closer to her and I heard her words loud and clear.
Pascal, you're arrogant but cool. I think of you everyday. You're good looking and talented and I think I'm crushing on you.
I walked away and I tried to close the door gently, but I ended up banging it really hard. "Screw that".