CHAPTER 18: he hides a lot of secrets

vote and comment

Brielle was here again and I didn't know why. Maybe it has something to do with the Liam situation or maybe it was just because my brother's still a bit stupid, but I was really getting used to her presence to the point where whenever she's not around, the house feels emptier.

I watched from a distance as Brielle came through the gate, throwing a wave to Coco before coming in the direction of my house. She pretty much knew where everything was and it gave me a weird feeling.

She never ventured too close to me though, unless we were talking about what to do about Liam. It seemed she respected when I needed space and always kept well away when I was in that phase. I still couldn't get over her beautiful blonde hair and blue eyes. She's like the kind of girl every guy would want in their lives.

"Owen, have you seen Jaxon anywhere?" she asked in that soft tone of her's. Her voice was like silk, soft and melodious to hear. Again, seriously, again? Why does she always want to see Jaxon?

"Who's asking?" I grunted in response as she only scoffs before giggling, a smirk appearing on her face. She placed her hands on her hips as she released a chuckle.

"It's me, silly. Brielle, one of your brother's best friends? He has some chemistry work he needs help with."

It was always Jaxon. Jaxon was always the reason she even bothered to get the bus here in the first place. Why? It's not like she loves him...

...right?

A feeling settled itself in my stomach as I gulped before pointing straight above me where Jax's room was. He was studying and I knew it. Just a few minutes ago, I heard him shouting in fits of fury:

Chemistry can go suck my dick!

Sure, I couldn't agree more, but I do love to see him clueless about something. It entertained me the more I thought about it.

"He's upstairs in his room. If I were you, I would just leave him to drown in all his work." Brielle releases a snort before making her way past me and to the front door. I watched as her slender legs moved from left to right and how her ass-.

No, I can't say that. I just can't. It was wrong enough having her around me nearly every day. I watched as the door closed after her before settling back on the chair and groaning in frustration.

For some reason, I just can't get her out of my head. No matter what I do, it leads back to Brielle. There isn't a day where I don't think about her. I see some sunflowers and I immediately think 'hey, they're Brielle's favourite' and whenever I go to a fast food place, I think of how her little gob can fit all those fries and that burger.

As I looked out into the distance, I rub my hand across my face. Why can't I just forget her gorgeous smile or how her fucking eyes twinkle every time I look at her? Fuck, I'm whipped, I thought, well that's just great.

After a few more minutes, I decided to take a stroll through town. It was cooler than yesterday so there were more people strolling around. The people either said 'hello' or asked how my family were and some of the children even came up to me. I caught sight of Alfonso with Kiara as they fed the watchdog. They were extremely happy to have each other's company and Bobo, the old husky dog was running circles around them.

"My dear boy." I turned around to see Mr Perkins with his cowboy styled hat on his head. Some of the women, who were walking around that day, whispered to each other as they saw him or some swooned over by his existence. He always was the Casanova of dad's group and it seemed to have stuck with him since he and dad were young.

"Well, if it isn't Prince Charming. How thankful are we for being graced by your existence," I said, bowing down to him as he released a loud chuckle, bringing me in for a bear hug. Compared to him, I was quite thin. Well, he is quite muscly compared to me, like a football player or a bouncer at the club.

"Always a joker, eh, boy?" I nodded before running a hand through my hair, messing it up as I swatted his hand away, "so how is your brother? Doing well I hope-oh, how about his sugar levels. Still eating the sweets?"

"Yeah and still a bit thick, but you know, I love him and all," I said as he released a chuckle again, "I heard Miss Thomson's around. God, I haven't seen her mother since she was in high school."

"You know her?" I asked. How is it that everyone just knows her? He nodded before running a hand through his hair.

"Obviously, I was in college when she was in high school, but our mothers were close friends and plus, she was best friends with my late girlfriend." I never really knew Brielle's mother, but I could tell they were just like each other. The same curious and talkative personality comes to mind. Brielle got on well with others and wasn't that quiet, but she was also curious about the world and about everything.

We talked for a bit as some of the other women looked at us. Now that Mr Perkins was back, they all seemed to care less about anything else except ogling him like some lunatics. Soon, I returned to my house to see Kiara exiting through the door. A smile takes over my face as Jasmine ran after her, her favourite ball in her hand.

"There's some food in the fridge if you want any for dinner. Me and your uncle will be out late so don't wait for us," she spoke as she brought me in for a hug, kissing my forehead and ruffling my hair. I nodded, my hand rubbing her back before she draws back, "I just took Jasmine for a walk and she needs a drink."

I picked up the small terrier and she licked my face her paws on either side of my face. My hand rubbed through her fur as she panted before woofing.

Kiara headed off and I headed inside, Jasmine in my arms. Voices in the kitchen brought my attention to the room. My dog tried to wiggle free from my grasp as I stared at her in confusion. That's weird. She usually doesn't do that. I let her down and she scampers into the kitchen where a gleeful squeal was heard. Yep, definitely Brielle, I thought.

When I got into the kitchen, Brielle stood there with Jas in her arms, her small tail wagging as she licked Brie's face all over. Well, I've seen everything now. A small sting of betrayal makes me frown slightly and soon, Brielle's eyes meet mine.

"O-Oh, hey, I didn't know you were here," she spoke, her voice soft as she placed my dog back down on the ground, her little whines echoing through the air as her small paws played with her shoelaces.

"You know what, you're one of the only people she allows to hold her," I told her, leaning against the doorway as she smiled sheepishly, "there are only two other people who let her do that. Me and Jax."

"Well, I'm one lucky girl then," she giggled as she fiddled with some loose strands of thread on her shorts, "me and Jaxon were finishing up. I won't be going until six in the evening because mom's got the keys to the gate and I highly doubt she left them open before she went this morning."

I nodded before walking towards the island and grabbing the car keys to my car, which stood proudly outside my house. Looking towards Brielle, I looked at her expectantly. She has yet to discover a favourite place to many of the young men in the town, who usually go there to escape their mothers or wives. A lot of women go there too, but only to whoop the asses of the men who left the house to 'feed the dogs'.

"Come on, I want to show you something." she nodded and followed me out of the house and to my car, "I'll see you later. Do you mind talking to Malcolm about the plan?"

My brother nodded before heading out through the back door as I followed Brielle out. She was waiting for me by my car whilst she talked on the phone to someone. I watched her get into the car, her conversation never stopping as I got into the driver's seat. I started the engine as her eyes moved to mine slightly before looking in front of her.

"No, I'll be fine tonight, mom. Yeah...yeah, okay," she spoke to someone who sounded like her mother. Soon, she ends the call and sighs before a small smile appears on her face, "sorry about that. My mother can be a bit...patronising? She means well, but she's always worried about me."

"You're mother's lucky she doesn't have to stress too much about the kind of stuff you get up to. My mother was constantly praying we don't get murdered or something," I chuckled lightly, but I noticed Brielle didn't laugh along. Why would she? Why would anyone for that matter? My mom was always scared for our lives rather than her own and whenever dad wasn't around, we'd sleep in her room because she always lived in fear like that.

The rest of our journey was in awkward silence. Okay, so I'm not exactly the smooth talker, but I don't really get to know the girls that I find attractive. Most of them only wanted one thing and I delivered. Brielle was different though. I actually wanted to try and get to know her and she wasn't like the other girls. She was different. A good different.

When we arrived, she cocked an eyebrow up at me. We were at the local bar and I must say, I didn't expect this many men to be there. I only sighed before getting out, Brielle's voice making me turn back to her.

"Did you seriously just bring me to a club?" she retorted as I huffed, "because there is no way in hell I'm getting out of this car."

"Doll, I want to show you something inside. Come on, I won't let any of these guys do anything to you. I'm not an ass like that." she crossed her arms over her chest before huffing and getting out. It was weird, but as soon as she got out, all eyes were on her. Not just the men, but also the women, who were there as well.

I guided her inside, my hand on the small of her back as she smiled up at me with that same innocent smile. God, that is cute as hell, I thought as the further we walked in the more people whispered.

'Our lad is finally growing up.'

'Is she the new Queen?'

'She looks like a doll.'

I mentally smirked as I guided her into the back where usually, it was only staff allowed in there, but I'm the leader so what the heck? She seemed confused for a while until she took in the sight of the empty basketball court. Then she was more confused.

"W-What?" she started, "what are we doing here?"

I guided her out to the court where, by the hoop, there were a few basketballs left behind.

"I heard you liked a bit of basketball," he spoke, his voice sounding more excited the closer we got to the court. Huh, I wonder where he heard that? Because I'm not quite fond of basketball.

"Really? I've only just found out," I laughed at my own joke, Owen rolling his eyes as I picked up a basketball, bouncing it on the ground a few times, "I'm quite short so basketball isn't really my sport."

Owen snorted slightly behind his hand and my head snapped over to him, glaring holes through his skull. I may be five foot five, but he's like six foot so obviously, I seem small to him even though I'm the smallest in the friendship group.

We ended up playing a few small matches between ourselves, the majority of which Owen won and some I won with his help.

I soon realised that Darren was stood outside the court, looking at us with an evil glint in his eyes. Either that or it was a perverted glint. With him, you never know.

"How are the lovebirds?" he hollered and I freezer, dropping the ball and looking to Owen, whose teeth were clenched as his piercing eyes shot through Darren.

"What are you doing here?" he snapped, the mood around us changing from something so warm to icy cold as goosebumps formed on my skin.

Darren Oakley is the womaniser of SVA, claiming girls as his as quickly as he shoots hoops in basketball in one match, which is a lot. He's got a classic bad boy look to him, but he's also a gentleman, which explains why he can get any girl he wishes. Maybe he should take up acting seeing as he's so good at playing different types of boys.

"Came here to practice and caught me quite a beauty." I knew he was talking about me when he said that. Why would he be talking about me? He winked at me, a Cheshire cat grin on his face. Sure, any girl could swoon over someone as attractive as Darren, but anyone who wasn't a desperate hoe would know that he wasn't worth all the effort.

I know he grew up with his mom and sister, but his sister's not around anymore and his dad's away a lot even though I've never seen him like ever. It wasn't my business to ask and with a huge guy like Darren, he can pretty much squash me within a few seconds.

Owen rolled his eyes at the sight in front of him. It seemed as if he was jealous. Of what, though? It's not like I'm going to jump straight into Darren's arms when I hear the first compliment come out of his mouth. The mood hasn't changed since Darren first got here and as I looked at Owen, his eyes were deep with desperation.

"U-Uh, maybe we should go. I'm quite hungry," I told Owen, who nodded, his arm going over my shoulders as we headed outside where Darren met us on our way back in.

"I'm quite famished. Mind if I join?" he asked, his voice deep and polite.

"I thought you had to practice," Owen snapped, his arm tightening around me as Darren rolled his eyes. I think he also noticed that. God, Owen, you need to be more discreet.

"I'll practice later. It would be nice to get to know Brielle a bit, wouldn't it?" I looked up to see Owen's teeth clenched slightly as he sighed before leading me inside so we can get some food and drinks.

Darren made conversing with each other a walk in the park and he always had something interesting to say, which Owen doesn't. His answers to my questions were short and blunt, to say the least. It would be nice if he'd take more consideration in what I had to say.

Actually, scratch that.

It would be nice if he'd take more consideration in my existence.

We headed inside where Owen bought me a drink, some ice cold coca cola. I wasn't really into the whole alcoholic beverages in the afternoon and I don't think my mother would appreciate me coming home all sloshed.

Owen made little conversation as me and Darren spoke of the recent demands to get students more into exercise than drugs or alcohol and all I can say is that they're going to fail. The whole time, Owen just took small sips of his drink before placing the glass back on the table, the sound of ice against glass catching my attention.

"I think keeping students away from drugs is a good idea, but alcohol's going to be harder. Obviously, it would be bad if it was an addiction, but that's the stereotype these days with people our age," Darren ranted on as I smiled at Owen.

"Of course, drugs would be a big no-no for everyone. We've never had an incident with drugs in school and look at how Calston ended up," I said as he nodded enthusiastically. Wow, he's really into this stuff, I thought. I'm not saying it's bad, but I've never seen someone this interested in the health of other students on an important level. It's rare, especially from anyone from Owen's gang.

Now that I think about it, I have been noticing Darren's enthusiasm when it comes to healthcare. In biology, he shows great interest in cells and immunology as well as palaeontology and actually found it easier than any of the other students when we studied it. They were brief lessons, but he seemed to understand more than what we were learning at the time.

During our lessons in physical ed, he seemed to know the bones and muscles a lot more than us and had probably memorised them more than we have.

"You seem to be really smart about all this stuff," I started as he rubbed the back of his neck, his eyes shifting away in embarrassment, "surely, you already knew all this stuff sooner."

"Well, yeah, my mom wants me to be a doctor. I used to read medical textbooks back in middle school and a few years back, my knowledge on everything broadening the more I read and the more documentaries I watched. My dad used to be a doctor so our house was filled with folders and books of information and personal experiences."

I know that Darren's dad isn't around anymore and obviously, it's a bittersweet feeling to know that he wants to carry on his father's legacy. His father used to be the gang doctor until he died a few years ago suddenly.

"I guess that explains why you know so much," I said, taking a final sip of my drink.

The mood seemed to have changed when a smirk suddenly appears on Darren's face. Oh, god no. Owen's grip on me tightened as I gulped slowly. Whenever that smirk is on Darren's face, he's always up to something or some shit and it's only going to end badly.

"Now, enough about me, what about you, darling? Tell me something about you," he said, his tone sly. I placed a finger on my chin, thinking about something about me.

"Well, I was born here and my parents used to be together, but stuff happened so me and mom left," I said. I wasn't going to give away my past too much to them and I couldn't have it going around. People might think I have a dysfunctional family, which is true but I'd rather not relive everything that happened.

I shared more facts about me and the more the conversation went, the more I thought I was off the hook on questions about my past relationships until I saw Darren's eyes light up as he talked about his last relationship.

"So what about you? I'm sure a pretty girl like you is quite the catch to the boys," he spoke, his voice suggesting to me and I gulped. Fuck, this is what I was worried about, I thought. Everyone knew about me and Jordan, but some people didn't and it looks like Darren was one yet to find out.

I'm not going to tell him. I don't even care. I can't because every time I do, my heart feels the same ache it did years ago and every memory I shared with him comes running back to me. I struggled enough with trusting people and Jordan really was the last straw for me.

Owen looked down at me with concern in his eyes as my jaw clenched. My eyes flutter as the familiar feeling of heartbreak comes back to me.

"Oh, I see. Past life of heartbreak, I presume." I nodded, biting my lip as my gaze shifted slightly so I didn't have to face Darren, "I'm sure everything's changed for you now. You must have a better life than before. Maybe, I could take you out sometime and boost your confidence."

"Darren," Owen