Hold On
Chapter Six
"Slow down." He called out again as i continued walking with a fast pace towards the cafeteria doors. I ignored the looks i was receiving from groups of people as i walked by them in a rush, trying to get away from Harry. They probably all think I'm crazy for running away from him, but they dont understand me. All i wanted to do at this school was be invisible and Harry is making it extremely hard. Why cant he just torment Kienna instead? Why me?
His calls get louder and angrier the more i ignore him, drawing more attention from people near by. In order to prevent a scene like yesterday, i slow down and let him catch up. "You're a fast walker, you know that?" He says out of breath as we walk side by side through the doors. I look up at him. "Seriously Harry. What do you want?" I ask him, emotionally defeated and still exhausted from last nights netflix marathon. I have no patients to deal with him today.
He huffs a laugh and smirks down at me as i look away. Even his smirk is enough to piss me off. His presence alone and him breathing the same air as me is pissing me off, but his face and body make up for it. God i just wanna slap him and play with his gorgeous chestnut curls at the same time and-
...
Yep. I'm definitely getting my period.
"Whats wrong with you today sunshine?" He asks, nudging me a little. "Dont touch me." I say bluntly and he laughs at me. "Jeez alright fine, i wont touch you." He tells me although I'm not really listening. I'm just focusing on where to go. He waits for my response but when i dont give him one he stares at me and i can see his expression change to worry and concern from the corner of my eye.
"Do i seriously piss you off that much?" He asked and i looked up at him to see his face had returned to his usual smirking expression. "Did it really take you this long to figure it out?" I asked and he laughed as we reached our classroom.
He pulled the door open and held it for me as i walked through. Harry is capable of being a gentlemen? Well I'll be damned. "Thanks." I said as i stepped inside and headed over to our lab counter.
There were only a few other people in the room aside from Harry and I. Although i dont know their names, they looked to be the type that show up to class ten minutes early and prep their notes. That used to be me at my old school, but things have changed. To be honest i dont know if i like it or not.
Both Harry and i sat down on our stools and he watched me carefully as i took out my binder and pencil case. His expression is different then I've seen before, however I've only known him for a day so i haven't seen many of his facial expressions. I dont plan on it either, but as i try to ignore the fact that he is full on staring me down from the corner of my eye i cant help but wonder what he's thinking. Its not like i care... I'm just curious.
I take out a piece of lined paper and a pen before writing my name and date on the top of it. Harry chuckled a little and shakes his head in disapproval as i do so. I can tell he's judging me, he doesn't do well at hiding it.
"Do you mind?" I ask him as i send a sharp glare in his direction. Its like i cant do anything while he's here. He makes it so hard to complete small tasks without second guessing my every move.
He smirks. "Do you mind?" He asks me and i roll my eyes, not understanding what he meant but not caring enough to figure it out. "You're a pain in the ass." I tell him and he chuckles as a heard of students come pouring into the classroom, followed by Mr. Rendee.
The bell rings shortly after that, signifying the beginning of this class. Mr. Rendee takes a seat at his desk and begins to take attendance as everyone else gets situated at their assigned counters. As surprising as it may seem, Harry didnt say anything else after i called him a pain in the ass, so i took a short moment to breathe and listen to the chatter of the students around me.
Somehow i managed to zone out as i stared at a wall, admiring the soft looking texture of the white paint that coated it. I always zone out like this. I guess I'm just easily distracted. However, as nice as it was for the brief seconds of minding my own business, i was snapped back into reality by a familiar high pitched, fake and bitchy voice that for some reason was finding itself awfully close to me.
I look to my right towards Harry and roll my eyes when i see what exactly is happening. Kienna had made her way over to our lab counter and was leaning over it on the opposite side, pressing her chest upwards so that her "goods" stood out as she spoke, creating a distraction for the asshole of a boy that was situated next to me.
"So you sing?" She asked and he shrugged, surprisingly not looking interested in the display my sister was presenting him through her low cut v-neck shirt. "Yeah a little." He said sounding slightly annoyed and she bit her lip flirtatiously. "Wow, thats so sexy." She winked, trying to sound seductive in her tone of voice. I snorted out a quiet laugh at her disgusting behaviour, but it was loud enough for both of them to hear.
They both turned their heads towards me and blinked, wondering when exactly i had zoned back in and had started to pay attention to their conversation. Kienna glared at me as a playfull smirk appeared on Harry's lips as he looked at me. God that smirk is so sexy when its not making fun of me. We held eye contact for a few seconds until he looked back at Kienna, suddenly looking a bit more interested in her.
He let his eyes wander down to her chest. "Thats a really nice shirt you got there." He winked and she turned her attention back to him as her cheeks turned a slight shade of red. I frowned a little at what i was seeing. Why is he flirting with her?
"Thanks, but trust me i have other shirts that are a lot better then this one." She said seductively although her weak pickup line made her look incredibly stupid. I would have laughed, but Harry's "turned on" expression left a sickening feeling in my stomach... It was almost like i was mad that he was talking to her like this.
"I'll have to see them sometime." He said to her, his smirk hardening as her eyes met his lips and then wandered down his built upper body. "You definitely will" she told him as she licked her lips slightly, almost making me gag. "You should text me sometime." He told her before hinting towards her phone. Fumes went off in my head as she opened her phone to her contacts and slid it over to him. Why is he giving her his number?! I thought he was hitting on me?!
Get over it Jess you should have known something like this would happen. He's a player, remember? You should have known that his attention would only be on you for a short period of time until he got bored.
Does that mean he's bored?
Of me?
Is Kienna better than me?
Wait, why do i care?! I dont even like Harry! He's an asshole!
But you like the positive attention he gives you. It flatters you and in a way it turns you on.
No i dont. And no it doesn't.
Yes you do, and you know it does.
I sigh out loud. Am i really arguing with the voice inside my head? Whats the point of all this? Like i said, i dont like Harry. He's a horrible person with only one intention. And I'm well aware of exactly what that intention is. I'm not stupid, and i dont plan on falling for him or his tricks anytime soon.
Once the two of them finish exchanging numbers, Harry quickly looks towards me to see if I'm still watching and pulls Kienna in before whispering something in her ear. Her cheeks turn an even brighter shade of red as a smile dances on her lips. He pulls away from her and winks at her before she starts to walk towards her counter. Something about that made me feel slightly more agrivated. Possibly due to the fact that i couldn't hear what he had said to her, or the fact that he had glanced at me first to see if i was still paying attention before he did so. Its almost like he was trying to make me mad.
Dont be stupid. He doesn't care enough about you to purposely try and agrivate you. He agrivates you enough just by being near you, and he knows that.
He looked at me once again, his smirk which i swear is permanently evident on his face is visible to my eyes once again, but i try to act as if i didnt notice. However i can tell my expression has turned slightly gloomy, which for some reason seemed to put him in a better mood.
What an asshole.
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Harry didnt speak to me for the remainer of the class and didnt bother texting me for my last two classes either.
Who does he think he is?!
And what the hell is wrong with me?!
Why do i care if he talks to me or not? I should be grateful that he isn't texting me right now. I'm free. And thats what i wanted. Isn't it? God i hate all of his mind games. I've only known him for a day and a half and he's already messed with my mind in a hundred different ways.
I shake the thought of him out of my head as i take a seat on the cold metal bleachers positioned in the center of the field. I swing my legs up to rest on the length of the row beside me and lean my back against the surprisingly comfortable railing as i take out a binder from my bag.
Tryouts will be starting any minute now, and I'm praying that Ryan wont make a complete fool of himself. A part of me wants to pay attention to the tryout, but the other part of me, (a bigger part of me) wants to ignore it and focus on my school work since i know Harry will be on the field as well. He's the last person i want to see, and that's not because he pissed me off in Chemistry. Its because he's an all around bad person, and i dont need to be further associated with him.
If i get away from him now i still have a chance at being invisible. No one will remember my name if i keep my head down and i will be free to live a quiet life full of good grades and peaceful classes. Getting away from him will thankfully be a lot easier now, because of Kienna. For once in her life she actually did something right.
Too far Jess, too far. Dial down the anger just a bit. She's still your sister after all.
Whatever, Conscience. I dont care anymore.
I look up from my school work as i see a group of boys exit the school and make their way over to the center of the field where a tall and muscular man is waiting with a clip board and whistle. I squint my eyes as i try to spot my brother in the crowd. After a few seconds of searching, i finally found him. His head is down as he nervously scratches the back of his neck, trying not to look up and be intimidated by the other 40 guys that stand around him.
I feel bad.
Ryan has been acting so different lately. Even though its only been a day and a bit, i can sense his confidence taking a turn for the worse and thats something i never thought I'd say. Ry has always been the most confident in my family, other than Kienna of course. But unlike her, he is never cocky. I really hope he can bring back that part of his personality, because I'd hate to see him let go of it. That was one of the things i admired about him, that he was never affraid of anything. I always wished i could be like him in that way.
My eyes suddenly dart to the right and spot a familiar figure standing close by him. My heart stops at how hot he looks in his equipment and how his chestnut curls stand out against his gold and white jersey. Then i glare at him, hating myself for admiring his incredibly good looks when he doesn't have the personality to match. Before i even realize that I'm staring, he turns his head towards me and catches me looking at him. Quickly, I look back at my binder as my hands begins to shake.
Way to go idiot! He saw you looking at him! He probably thinks you're such a creep.
Who cares? Let him think what he wants, i dont care. Like I've said a million times; he's an asshole, and i hate him.
I continue to focus on my Maths homework, only looking up a few times to see how Ryan is doing and surprisingly, he's not completely horrible at football. There had to have been at least 5 other guys that were much worse than him. That must suck to be them. I can only imagine how embarrassed they must be.
I wouldn't be caught dead trying out for a sports team. I have nothing against them, except for the fact that i cant play sports whatsoever. Doesn't matter whether its basketball, swimming, volleyball, soccer or any other sport on the list, i just simply cannot play it. And there is no shame in that. I've come to accept it.
Another reason why i would never try out for a team is because the tryout sessions are extremely long. I've been sitting here for over an hour, and the tryout is still going on. However, it looks like they're just about to end as they all gather in a circle. The coach's voice is loud and strong enough to be heard from where I'm sitting although i cant entirely make out what he's saying. Its not like its of any worth to me anyways, so i shrug it off.
I start packing up my things, thanking god that its finally over as the large group of boys begin shouting and chanting as a final goodbye before separating off into small groups to go back into the school. Some stay behind to talk to the coach (Ryan included), some decide to grab a drink before heading inside, and others decide to stay around and chat for a while and collapse on the grass exhausted from the work out they had just endured.
However, there was one individual that to my dismay decided to do something completely different. He decided that he was going to approach me for a reason i have yet to understand. I took a deep breath to prepare myself for whatever was about to happen.
I hear a laugh as i try to ignore his presence and continue packing up my things. "Came to see me did you?" He asked me although he knew i obviously didnt. "Dont flatter yourself. I came to watch my brother." I told him, not daring to look him in the eye. I cant stand his smirking expression. No matter how attractive it may be, it annoys me to a point of no return. It makes me want to scream and punch him with everything i have in me. But worst of all, it makes me insecure. Why? I have no idea. It just does.
He continues to stare at me as he nods. "Yeah i saw him earlier. He's... Not bad." He said, trying to sugar coat the fact that he wasn't the best Sir Mgginly has seen. I shrugged. "He did alright. Hopefully he'll make it." I stated as i stood up from the bench and placed the strap of my bag over my shoulder. I gave him a look as if telling him to move, but he didnt. I knew he wouldn't. Instead, he ignored my obviously annoyed expression and said something that shocked me entirely.
"Will you go out with me?" He asked.
I stood there, shocked and confused at the question. Did he seriously just ask me that?
First of all, what does he mean "go out with him" thats such a widely defined question that could mean millions of things. I narrowed my eyes at him. He didn't look nervous, but instead showed a vast amount of confidence as he waited for my response.
"Go out with you?" I asked and he nodded, as if the question was nothing. I huffed a laugh as i thought about it. I know exactly what Harry has in mind here, and i will definitely not play this game. He probably thinks he can buy me dinner and then I'll owe him something later on. No bloody way will i ever need to owe him something.
"No." I said bluntly and he chuckled a little. "Why did i have a feeling you were going to say that?" He asked and i shrugged. "I dunno, maybe because you've been an asshole to me, got me in detention and are planning on hooking up with my sister?" I said and instantly regretting it.
Now he knows you were upset about him talking to Kienna! You've probably got him thinking that he made you jealous you idiot!
The voice in the back of my head screams at me as another one of Harry's million dollar smirks creeps upon his lips. "Who's hooking up with our sister?" Ryan interrupts as he walks up to the two of us.
Harry looks back at him and gives him a bro hug. "Hey mate." He said and Ryan nods as their bodies separate. "Jessica here was just trying to set me up with Kienna." He lied and my jaw dropped. What a fucking dick! I cant believe he just blatantly lied to my brother! He's probably just worried that if he tells Ryan he asked me out he will get his face punched in on the spot.
I roll my eyes and ignore his comment completely. "How was the tryout?" I asked Ryan, changing the subject, and he looked towards me. "It was okay i guess. I dont think I'll make the team though." He said sadly and Harry patted him supportingly on the back. "Dont worry, I'll help you out. I'll talk to coach and guarantee you a spot. Then we'll train together until you're one of the greatest players this school has ever seen." He assured him.
Ryan smiled. "Really? Thanks man i owe you one." He said before looking towards me. "And i owe you a huge one too." He told me, referring to the whole Maddy situation. I smiled to the best of my ability although it was quite hard since i had realized that Harry had just befriended him. I pray to The Lord that the two of them dont become close. Even the thought of them hanging out together makes me cringe. I dont know what I'd do if Harry turned him into an asshole. There was an awkward silence for a moment as none of us wanted to start up a conversation. Not because it was uncomfortable, just because we genuinely had nothing else to say.
After about five seconds of silence i decided to break the ice. "We should get going Ry. You still need to get changed and our bus comes in half an hour." I reminded him and he nods. "Alright I'll go g-" "You're not taking the bus. I'll drive you guys home." Harry cuts in and i give him a look to signify i was going to strangle him.
"Thats quite alright Harry. We're fine taking the bus." I said, making sure to keep my tone semi friendly so that Ryan wouldn't be suspicious of anything. Harry only waved me off. "Dont worry about it Love. I'd be more than happy to drive you." He told me and Ryan clapped his hands together before i had the chance to say anything else. "Great thanks so much. I hate taking the bus. Let's go get changed." He said to him and my head nearly exploded.
Did Ryan actually just agree to have this crazy son of a bitch drive us home?! Fuck that. I'm not sitting in a car with him and i am sure as hell not letting him find out where i live.
"Oh, but Harry, you're probably so tired. We dont want to discourage you so we-" Ryan cut me off before i could finish. "Jess stop. He's offered to drive us and we will kindly accept the offer. We will be fast getting changed and we will meet you at the front doors. See you then." He said, ending the conversation as He and Harry turned and headed towards the school.
I wanted to punch him.
Both of them actually.
I swear to god whatever Harry is planning, he better leave my brother out of it. He should know by now that I'm not going to fall for any of his bullshit. I dont think I've ever disliked someone as strongly as i dislike him.
His attitude is absolutely horrendous and it makes me wonder who the hell raised him. If my kid ever acted the way Harry does i would ground him for life. No joke. He disgusts me and i cant stand being near him anymore.
The fact that he actually had the guts to ask me out after everything he's said and done to me so far is insane. I'm at the point where I'm not even applauding his bravery i just hate him so much.
You dont hate him, dont be rediculous. That is a strong word.
Okay okay fine. I dont hate him. But I'm getting close. Reeeeeeally bloody close.
Ryan and Harry keep to their word and are extremely fast to change and meet me at the front doors. Both of them look as if they had jumped in the showers quick as their hair is wet and they dont smell like cow manure anymore. That is something i am extremely grateful for seeing as how i now have to endure a ten minute car ride with the both of them.
"Alright let's go." Ry spoke up and Harry grabbed the keys to his car out of his pocket and started to move towards his black jeep renegade before unlocking it and climbing in the drivers seat. My eyes widen and almost fall out as i notice that the drivers seat is on the opposite side of the car. Oh right. I forgot we were in The U.K. I guess i still haven't gotten used to that yet.
As we all get in and buckle our seatbelts, Harry starts the car and slowly backs out of the parking lot. "Where am i headed?" He asks and i can see Ryan blank out.
Seriously? He doesn't know out address? Thats like one of the only things he was asked to do when we got here; remember the address in case of emergency. And did he do that? Nope. Of course he didnt.
I rolled my eyes before speaking up. "10300 Hillsmount Road." I told him and he nodded before putting the address into his GPS.
I immediately look out the window as he begins to drive, ignoring the fact that he can see me perfectly through the rear view mirror, and has taken many oportunities to glance at me every now and then. Even as the two boys make conversation, i stay quiet. Not wanting to have to speak another word to that boy for the rest of today and hopefully the rest of my life.
I admire the town as we drive through, realizing for the first time how beautiful it actually is. Everything is so taken care of around here. The gardens are all tended to and look stunning as they all have gorgeous displays of different flowers and trees. All of the side walks and roads are newly paved and the houses we passed were so tiny and cute. I wish we lived in this part of town, but instead we live on the complete opposite side of Holmes Chapel. In the middle of nowhere i might add.
It doesn't take long to get to the foresty area near my house as we drive up a long gravel road. I've been down this road a few times, but only in a limo with tinted windows, making it hard to really appreciate the beauty of the forest around us. But soon, the forest ends and we begin to drive up Hillsmount Road, which if you haven't guessed is on a hill and it overlooks the town. I hate how far away it is from everything. I feel so isolated.
"Holy shit." Harry mutters as he rolls up to our gigantic household and parks infront of the decorative fountain. "This is your house?" He asks in pure awe as Ryan and I unbuckle our seatbelts. Ry laughs. "Yeah. Thanks for the ride man." He said and Harry nodded, unable to respond due to how amazed he was at what he saw. I wasn't kidding when i said it reminded me of a castle.
"Bye." I said as i opened the car door and practically ran to the house. I needed to get away from him. I swear another second and i would have said something i would have regretted.
Ryan closes the front door as he steps inside and looks at me with a smirk. "I think he likes you" he told me and i nearly puked. "Ew." I said and he smiled as he shook his head at me.
