I shimmied through two tables carrying a tray of drinks. I was watching the floor when one of the slid off the tray and on to the head of Jackson Hardwell. Jackson stood up, his eyes clouded with anger. “I- uh, I’ll get you a towel, God, I’m so sorry.” I stammered, watching helplessly as the second glass slid off the tray and splashed his crotch with water.
“He’s kinda hot.” Not now Allie. My brain and I have very different views on everything.
~*~
My face was burning and I knew I was crying when I brought the towel to him. He was standing in the back with his arms folded over his chest. He stood there watching me as I pushed open the door and looked up at his face with tears streaming down my face. My mascara was ruined and he sighed before letting the anger etched on his face dissolve into one of concern.
“I’m not having you fired. You can keep your job.” I broke down right there. I started sobbing in front of this boy whom I hardly knew. “Hey, hey, please stop crying…” I put my hands over my face and continued crying. Jackson wrapped his arms around me as I continued to sob. I pressed into his chest, he smelled like smoke, not from a cigarette, but from someone burning pine or maple. I stepped back from him, his face was concerned but his eyes were cold.
“T- They died. I was there, I remember it all, but I did nothing to help. They hate me, wherever they are, they hate me.” I sunk to my knees, shaking. I felt like I was going to throw up. He crouched down in front of me, reaching out with both hands and taking my face in his hands.
“Who? I’m sure whoever they are, they don’t hate you.” He spoke quietly, as if not trying to scare me. I was looking at the ground, sure that if I said their names I was going to vomit.
“My parents, my little brother. They were shot, I was too but medics arrived seconds after and they-” I let out a sob, biting the inside of my cheek after to keep myself from letting out another. “They died, today’s the anniversary and I have to go to the cemetery. “I didn’t even try to save them.” I choked out those next few words before standing up. “I’m sorry,” I said, rushing to get out of the room. “I’ll pay you back, just uh- don’t tell anyone about what I just told you. I’m sorry about spilling the stuff on you.” I stumbled over my words.
I let the door slam. I sprinted to my car, arguing with myself if I should go back in or not. Jackson Hardwell hugged me. Jackson, the boy that hated everyone and everything. Jackson. The local bad boy. (Also the local heartthrob.) I walked home. The entire three miles of me singing Its in His Kiss. I opened the door to our large home to find it empty. Eliott had obviously returned home earlier because the mayo was still on the counter. I grabbed box of spicy dried peas and my robe and headed to our upstairs lounge. My aunt left a note to me on my laptop saying that she hoped I had a good day, but little did she know I had a shit day and it was only getting worse. I laid down on the couch, reimaging Jackson. He had steely grey eyes and a very squared jaw. His shoulders were broad and he wasn’t extremely muscled but he did have a six pack and some great biceps. His hair was a dark brown and it was long on top but shaved on the sides. He was a heartthrob.
~*~
I walked over to the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. I wasn’t that pretty, but I had a nice body and a great personality so I guess that made up for it. I had an oval face and light blue eyes. My nose wasn’t big but my nostrils made my nose look wider than it really was.
Who made the word nostrils?
It’s a funny word.
I looked back up not realizing I had been looking down. My red hair was pinned into a ponytail and when I let it down it framed my face. It was naturally straight but I preferred it curled. I stepped away from the mirror realising I was in my work uniform and it smelled like the fish sticks that had been soaking in carrot juice.
I peeled the uniform of with a look of disgust, it was white with blue and white stripes going down. The bust was tight but it flared out at the waist, a look that made me look like a doll. I pulled on some sleep shorts and a bra, the bra was a sports bra to all you pervs out there. I grabbed my robe and pulled it. I reached down and pulled the cushions off the couch. I set them down and pulled out the pull-out couch. I pulled the string on the overhead light and turned off the light, then I jogged over to the movie system and pushed in Hachi a Dog’s Tale. I closed the sliding glass door that led into this room before pulling a blanket over me and calling Doc to come lay on my legs.
I guess I fell asleep.
~*~
The movie was over and when I sat up there was something I never expected to see. Jackson was sitting on the end of my pull out couch petting Doc. I shrieked, pulling my robe closed and pulling my blanket up.
“Morning.” Jackson wore a smirk, it was attractive I must say but it made him look to cocky. I shuddered, watching him stroke my dog’s head. I didn’t like the way it looked, he was too comfortable.
“Doc, here.” Doc looked at me wearily before hopping up on the bed and placing his head on my thighs. I glanced up at Jackson.
“What, I was just petting your dog… You’re jealous, you want me to pet you like that, huh?” He laughed and I bit my tongue. I wanted to rip off his beautiful little head. “Well, don’t get too mad, but, that isn’t why I’m here.” I looked confused and angry, at least that’s what I was feeling.
“Why? Why are you here? To embarrass me? Well, I already did that and then I told you my biggest secret, so. Why are you here?” He laughed at my response. Jackson grabbed my foot and pulled me towards him and I screamed before struggling frantically.
“Chill I was just coming to say that I won’t tell anyone your dirty little secret.” I smiled at him before realising there was a ‘but...’ coming. “But, In return for you coming to my house and cleaning and cooking for me.” I closed my eyes and lifted my hand to my temples.
“Fine. I’ll be your stupid slave.” I groaned and stood up, my hands grabbing the bust of my robe and pulling it together. I stood up and clutched my side, the burning was intense and excruciating. Jackson grabbed my arm and pulled me back down on the pull-out. I had stood up to fast and the wind was knocked out of me.
“The hell was that Allie?” He looked at me, I coughed and sputtered my response. He pulled my hand away from my chest and moved my robe away, revealing the scars I had hidden from everyone except Eliott. The scars were a bright pink and they were like craters. Seven of them. Seven of those little beebees went into my side and put me in the hospital for almost seven months. He opened his mouth but closed it, sighing sadly. I looked over and saw Eliott coming up the stairs towards the lounge. I shrieked when Eliott pushed open the door and punched Jackson right in the face.
