69

Background color
Font
Font size
Line height

Copyright © MonMoncheese
All Rights Reserved
69 Published 06.05.2020

•••

JAMES

Pushing my wet hair to the back, I turn off the shower and reach for the towel that hangs by one of the hooks on the door. Holding it in my hand, I wrap it over my hips, tying a knot to prevent it from falling.

As I watch a few drops of water fall from the shower head, I bring a hand to my hair and ruffle it to get rid of the excessed water.

Picking up my clothes, I unlock the door and push it open, my face coming in contact with the fog that was created from the hot water.

Turning to my left, I start walking in the direction of my locker.

I can hear the other showers running as I pass by some of the doors and I have to refrain myself from chuckling at a specific one.

Behind that certain door is someone singing at the top of their lungs.

I wouldn't be surprised if his voice was heard outside of the building.

"Yo, Zachary, please don't make singing your first career choice." I hear a guy say. There is a certain familiarity to the voice, but I struggle to pinpoint the owner of the voice.

"Hey! Don't kill his dreams." Someone else yells from the opposite row of showers and I let out a smile.

But it seems Zachary is too engrossed in the song because surprisingly he sings with a rich baritone causing a few of the guys to groan in response.

"Damn." Someone curses just I pass by their door and I shake my head at them.

He doesn't even sound that bad.

Walking in between the row of lockers, I don't stop until I'm standing in front of my own.

Dropping my clothes on the bench placed in the middle, I turn towards the locker and unlock it. Pushing the door to the side, I pull out the duffel bag that is pushed all the way to the back.

Dropping it on the bench before me, I pull the zipper opened and take out a clean attire. Reaching for the sweaty clothes from today's practice, I shove them inside the bag and push it aside. Grabbing the deorodant container, I spray it until the smell of sandalwood reaches my nose. Putting the cap over it, I place it back inside the top shelf of the locker.

Reaching down to the bench, I grab the navy blue shirt and throw it over my chest.

Unwrapping the towel wrapped over my lower body, I pick up my boxer briefs and slip them on. As the waistband comes in contact with my skin, I grab the pair of grey trackies and put them up. Tying the strings into a knot, I don't bother on putting cologne and simply shove the damp towel inside the duffel bag before zipping it close.

Grabbing my belongings from the locker, I shove the wallet inside my side pocket and turn my phone on. My eyes coming in contact with the screen.

But my face falls when I see the notifications.

I have a few messages from some friends, but none from the person I want to talk to.

Staring blankly at the phone, I let out a deep sigh.

I want to see her.

Turning my phone off, I throw the duffel bag over my shoulder and continue walking until I'm out of the boys locker room.

Strands of damp hair stick to my forehead just as a breeze brushes against my skin and I look ahead towards the parking lot.

Practice ended earlier than usual for me and a few others because of the upcoming footy game that we would have in two weeks. The first match would take place right here on the school grounds. And after much discussions, the coaches decided to give us a shorter practice to rest before the season started.

Nervous is not even close to describe how I'm feeling about this upcoming game. I'm confident in my skills, but I can't help but feel like this every new season.

Coming in contact with the front building of the school, I walk on the sidewalk until I reach the spacious parking lot that is now emptier because of the after school hours. The school has three parking lots, but the front one is the one that is used the most since it's right in front of the school.

As my gaze lands on the familiar car, I take out the keys and unlock it.

From my distance, I'm able to see the bright lights blink under the gloomy sky.

Stopping in front of the driver's seat, I open the door and place the duffel back next to my school bag that remains on the passenger seat.

Climbing inside, I reach for the seatbelt on the side and bring it over my chest before closing the door.

Turning the car on, I look behind me before driving out of the campus.

Just as if it were a habit, my mind drifts to her.

What is she doing right now?

The urge to see her is strong, but I didn't want to annoy her with my presence everyday.

I want to give her her own space.


I'm too engrossed in my thoughts that when I snap out of them I'm
entering the driveway.

Clearing my throat, I park the car before turning it off.

"I'm seriously going mad about her." I mumble to myself.

Taking out the keys from the car, I unclip the seatbelt over my chest and reach for the bags that were placed on the passenger seat.

Carrying both bags by the straps, I open the door and get down from the car.

Not wanting to enter from the back, I decide to walk around the car and exit the driveway.

Reaching the front door, I use my free hand to open it.

The moment I step inside the house, I hear a familiar sound of someone running around the house.

Knowing good and well who it is, I drop my bags on the couch beside me and wait for a certain puppy to appear in front of me.

The moment I hear a bark, I see the growing puppy run from around the corner at full speed.

Kneeling down to his level, a smile grows on my face just as Theo stands on two paws trying to lick my face. "Hello, boy!"

Scratching the back of his ears, I put him down on all fours and stare at his little dark eyes. "Did you miss me?" 

Theo only sticks out his tongue at my question and I let out a throaty chuckle.

"I did too."

After petting him for a few more seconds, I stand up from the ground and pick up both bags from the couch.

Walking in the direction of my room, Theo never looses track of me as he follows behind me.

Going up the stairs, I glance over my shoulder to catch sight of Theo as he struggles to keep up with my pace. 

Slowing my pace, Theo rapidly falls next to my side but he doesn't stay next to me for long since he races ahead of me, disappearing from my sight in a matter of seconds. 

Taking the last step, I walk through the hallway that leads to my room.

From my stance, I see Theo stop in front of the door, his face turned towards me as he waits for me to arrive.

"I'm coming, Theo. I'm coming." I lower my eyes to the impatient puppy who barks at me.

Reaching the door to my room, I pull the handle down and push it open.

Theo is the first to sprint inside while I close the door behind me. Looking back to Theo, I watch as he jumps on the bed and stares at me. Shaking my head at his persistence stare, I place both bags on the floor and take a seat on the bed, letting my back fall flat against the mattress.

With an arm under my head, I begin rub my forehead with my free hand.

"I'm knackered." I exhale through my lips, enjoying the feel of finally being able to rest.

To my side, I can hear Theo's steady breathing and I find myself dozing off slowly.

But just as I'm about to close my eyes, the ringing of my phone startles me.

Digging through my pocket, I pull out the phone and glance at the caller ID.

It's Nate.

Bringing the phone next to my ear, I answer. "Nathan, hey, mate."

There is a silence before he answers. "Hi, James."

"Is something wrong?" My brows furrow at his tone.

"I- James, have you talked to Rose today?" He continues, his voice holding the same tone from earlier.

"We exchanged a few messages earlier. Why? Is she okay?" I immediately sit up on the bed, several thoughts running through my head.

"I'm not sure." His words make my heart drop and I let out a shaky breath.

"What happened?" My voice grows serious, fear overtaking my body as I await for his next words.

Nate doesn't say anything for a few seconds and I begin to grow agitated at his silence. But before I even have the change to utter something, he takes me out of my torment. "She lied to me." A puzzled look grows on my face as he says that.

"Lie about what?"

I hear some background noise on Nathan's side before he continues. "She has a bruise on her arm, one that wasn't there yesterday." He starts and I close my eyes.

Please don't let it be what I think it is.

Please.

"Just after I arrived home from practice I went to check up on Rose. I didn't notice the bruise at first, despite the t-shirt she's wearing but I saw a bruise. I don't think she even knew the bruise was there until I mentioned it, otherwise she would have hidden it." Nathan takes a deep breath before continuing. "See the thing is that when I asked her about it she seemed confused. It wasn't until I questioned how she got the bruise that her face morphed into a different expression." While he stops, I glance down my lap, waiting for him to continue.

"It's clear that she lied to me, James. I saw the look on her face when I asked her where she got it from. She lied to me, I'm just not sure why."

"You're saying that Rose didn't know about the bruise until you pointed it out?" I ask, slightly confused with his words.

"Mhm."

"And when you asked her about it, she lied?" My brows are drawn together as I try to understand why Rose would lie to her brother.

"Yeah," I hear Nate sigh from his side and I grow gloomy.

It seems that Theo notices my change because he whines, nudging my side with his nose as he looks up at me with those puppy eyes of his.

Giving him a small smile, I brush a hand through his fur. "I'm okay, boy." I mumble quietly before turning back to the phone.

"Earlier when we talked, I didn't notice any change in her. She seemed to be her usual self with me."

"That's the thing, James." Nathan lets out a frustrated sigh. "She seems okay, she's happy right now, because of you. I'm just not sure why she lied to me."

As Nathan continues speaking, I hear the tone of his voice changing.

He's upset because Rose lied to him.

But why would she do that?

Massaging the back of my neck, I grow angry at the thought of someone hurting Rose.

"Do you think it was inflicted?" My voice is clear as I ask this.

"Honestly, I don't know." Nathan sighs. "If it was an accident she wouldn't have lied to me. There is no reason for her to lie, not to me."

"It's so unlike her." He continues, his voice barely above a whisper.

As Nate grows quiet, I stand up from the bed.

"Hey, Nathan," I call out and he hums in response. "I'm going to call her just after I finish talking to you. Perhaps she will tell me something."

"Please do, if she doesn't trust me anymore, then she should at least trust you." I flinch as he says that.

He's hurting because Rose lied to him. Especially when their love for each other is so big. He just wants to protect her, and her lie must be hurting him inside.

I understand him.

"Nathan, do not say that. She trusts you. To Rose you are the best brother she could have ever asked for." I tell him. I didn't want him thinking that Rose doesn't trust hum anymore because I find that hard to believe. But there must be a reason for her lie.

"I don't think she trusts me anymore." He says quietly.

"You're wrong, Nathan. She does, she trusts you so much. Look, I know you're upset but just believe me. Rose does trust you, but there must be a reason for lying about the bruise."

Nathan takes a while to respond, but when he does, he sighs. "Perhaps, you're right."

"You'll believe me, later. I will let you know if she tells me anything, okay?"

"Yeah."

Nodding at his answer I open my mouth to say something, but he beats me to it.

"Thank you, James. I mean it." My eyes grow wide at his words, unsure as to why he's telling me this all of a sudden.

"I worry about her too." Is all I say.

"I know, and I can never thank you enough." He tells me. "Bye, James."

"Bye."

Removing the phone from ear, I end the call.

I can't help but grow worried at Nathan's words. I haven't forgotten about the things that Rose goes through during school, and it only makes it worse that I can't do anything about it.

I couldn't wait any longer, I was beginning to grow impatient.

Soon I would have to tell her the truth about me.

But I don't want to hurt her.

My jaw thicks as I think about hurting Rose.

That is the last thing I ever want to do, but sadly, that is what will happen when I tell the truth.

I will be the one to hurt her. The one responsible for her pain.

It's going to be me.

She's going to ignore me.


At the thought of her ignoring me, my blood turns cold.

I hated keeping this lie from her.

Clenching my jaw at the phone screen, I click on her name.

As the phone continues to ring I find myself pacing around the room.

Was I wrong?

Is Rose not doing as well as I think she is?

Was I a fool to think that I was helping Rose?

My insecurities start clawing at me as the phone continues to ring and I grow restless.

Was I ever the reason behind one of her smiles?

"Answer me, Rose." I mumble under my breath. "Please, baby."

Please.

"James!" My fists unclench at the sound of her voice.

"Hi, princess." I respond back, a breath of relief escaping my lips.

"Did you call me because you missed me?" I can practically hear the smirk in her voice as she speaks and I roll my eyes at her words.

She's back.

"I would say no, but that would be an utter lie." I tell her as I open the door to my room.

"Rose, give me a minute please." I tell her before calling the puppy on the bed.

"Theo!" I pat the door to get his attention. With wide eyes, he cocks his head to the side as he tries to decipher my actions. "Come on, we're going out on a walk." In a matter of seconds he stands up and jumps down to the floor.

"Come on, buddy." I leave the door slightly ajar and continue walking with Theo by my side.

"I'm back, princess." I bring the phone next to my ear.

"Theo is your dog, right?" She asks as I walk down the stairs.

"Mhm, I sent you a picture of him once."

Unlike earlier, Theo seems to run ahead of me, never looking back at me.

"I want to meet him." Her words ring in my ear.

"You want to meet Theo?" I repeat her question in case I heard wrong.

"Yes, let me meet him." She stars. "I know that when you sent me the picture I wasn't doing my best, but I really did find him adorable. And now that we know each other, I want to meet that little cutie."

My lips stretch into grin as I hear her talk about Theo in a loving way.

Standing in front of the door, I grab his leash and lean down on one knee to connect it to his collar.

Grabbing the least with one hand, I stand up from the ground and open the door.

"Tomorrow." I tell her.

"Are you lying to me?" Her voice grows serious. "Because if you are, husband or not, I will hurt you."

Raising a brow at her words, I turn to people waiting for me to open the door.

"No, princess. I'm not lying to you." I let out a chuckle. Twisting the knkb underneath my hands, I open the door. Theo attempts to run away, but the least pulls his back in place.

What an impatient puppy he is.

Stepping outside, I close the door behind me.

"Tomorrow after practice I can take Theo and you to Elven park. You two can bond over there."

"Aw, I'm finally going to meet that little fluff ball." She cooes and I shake my head.

Walking on the sidewalk, Theo begins to bark in excitement.

"Rose," I bite my lip before pausing. I didn't want to draw any suspicions from her so I had to be careful with my next words.

"How are you?" I finally say.

"Me?" She questions.

"Yes, you."

"I'm doing pretty good." She answers and I bring my head to the side.

She's not lying... there is no hint of a lie. She genuinely sounds happy.

I'm forced to stop as Theo begins to sniff the grass, looking for a place to use the restroom.

"Rose, have you been thinking about those girls from the mall?" I continue, slightly afraid of her reaction. 

"I won't lie to you, James." Rose Lowe's her voice and I grow in alert. "Um, I did think about their words, earlier. But then I thought about what you told me and I felt slightly better."

"Do you want to talk about it?" I ask her.

"I rather not," She answers quickly. "I just want to forget about it."

I take a few seconds to answer deciding o  whether or not to drop the subject.

Eventually, I give in and reply. "Alright, princess. But you know you can trust me, right?" I stare ahead into a void as I wait for her to respond.

"I know," her voice grows happy and a certain weight is lifted from my shouders.

"Good."

○○○

A WHOLE FREAKING WEEK.

SEVEN DAYS WITHOUT AN UDATE FOR YOU.

I HATE NOT BEING TO UPDATE EVERYDAY LIKE I USED TO. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS. 🥺🥺

I AM UPSET ABOUT IT.

LET THE FURY BE UNLEASHED.

DON'T HATE ME, PLEEEAASE. 😭😭😭

My babies, I'm not doing it on purpose, I'm just not in my house. I won't be home in like a month so my routine has changed.

I'm only able to write so little right now. But, I mean it, I'm not doing it on purpose. I really do miss updating everyday.

I also got behind on answering the comments, again. 😢😢

BUT I WILL CATCH UP.

BECAUSE I HAVE THE POWER OF DINOS ON MY SIDE.

😅😅 sorry.

No, I lied. I'm not sorry. 😂 I'm only slightly embarrassed.

But yes, don't stop commenting, I have so much fun reading your comments. They make me so happy. *cries in tiny*

I also tried to make this chapter longer since it's been a whole since the last update.

Any last words, well, oh yes, I LOOOOOVW YOU ALL.

Yes yes, okay, bye. I'm sure you're tired of me.

You are reading the story above: TeenFic.Net