Please Don't Tell (12 page)

             
I turned my head disgusted. “Eww, you know how I feel about her. Besides, I thought we were all going to the movies? Er...double-date and all.”

             
“Val’s going too. Besides, it’s a party for the basketball team.” Of course, the captain of the cheerleading squad was throwing a party for them. Heather’s one year older and a senior which puts her in several of Ethan’s classes and for some reason she thinks she thinks this makes her the Queen Bee at school.

             
I stopped and twisted around to Val. “Is that true? Are you going to her party?”

             
She narrowed her eyes at Jason, her hand still firmly wrapped in Matt’s. “Relax, everyone’s going. You don’t have to talk to her or even look at her. We can do the double date thing by going to get pizza before the party.”

             
My body tensed as Jason shook his head before he pulled away and started walking ahead. “I’m not going and that’s that, Val.” I stormed away from her and caught up with Jason just before the final bell.

             
             
             
             
             
             
***

             
I’d had a shitty day so I marched straight to my mother’s room after nuking some popcorn and calling in our dinner order for some much needed daytime drama. I’d much preferred watching it rather experience it on my own. I hated drama in my own life. I liked things simple and easy.  Full House was on and it had been obviously a repeat. Sure I’d seen the episode a zillion times, but still, it was John Stamos. My hand was deep inside the popcorn bowl looking for a few buttered pieces when he peered in. “What are we watching?” Ethan was already walking into my mother’s bedroom.

             
He crossed over closer toward me. I quickly grabbed the remote next to me and changed the channel. “Nothing.” Unfortunately, it landed on some QVC show selling God-awful sweaters.

             
He scratched at the back of his neck and then flopped down on the bed next to me. A whiff of his cologne hit me. “You don’t need to change the channel.” He added, “Let me guess?” He tapped his fingers on his chin. “Full House?”

             
I crossed my arms. “I was not watching Full House. I was just flipping around looking for something,” I said, as I eyed him. “Did you ever hear of knocking by the way?”

             
He turned onto his side. I watched out of the corner of my eye as he propped himself up on his elbow.“Let’s try something?” He asked. “Since I’ll be around for a while how about you tell me the reason you don’t seem to like me?”

             
I sat there trying to focus on the television. Not answering. I mean, how could I answer this?

             
He snatched the remote from my hand and turned off the television. I reached across him to take it, but he stuffed it behind his back. “Are you seriously hiding the remote?”

             
He smiled as I leaned over him. He was flat on his back. One hand fell on either side of the mattress next to his waist. “I’ll give it back when you answer my question.” He held my gaze as I considered the answer. Then I realized the way I’d positioned myself.

             
Flipping back over onto my side of the bed, I sighed. “I just don’t really know you anymore. You’ve changed.”

             
“All right, what do you want to know?”

             
“For instance, why did you want to do an exchange program here? I mean, you could have picked anywhere to go. Why here? Why New York?”

             
“Why not here? Does it really bother you that much?”

             
“I guess I’m just a little pissed that my mom, Aunt Anna and your mom hatched this plan without really asking how I felt about having you stay with us. It’s just weird.”

             
“Why is it weird, Sophie? We’ve known each other since we could walk.”

             
“Do I have to even tell you why? It should be painfully obvious.”

             
He raised his eyebrows. “Tell me, please? Because I have no idea.”

             
I huffed and flipped back over to face him. My hands were tucked under the side of my face. “It just is, okay? Let’s leave it at that.”

             
With his face turned slightly my way he gazed into my eyes then shifted onto his back and placed his arms behind his head. “Next question?”

             
“Why did you move to England?”

             
He didn’t answer right away and there was an awkward silence for a minute. “Truth is when my father passed away last year my mum fell apart. Then to top it all off my sister moved to London following a guy and my mother couldn’t take it.” He sighed, deeply. “So we packed up to be close to my Aunt Anna. I hated leaving Perth, but the one thing that helped me was reconnecting with Pete,” he answered, then slowly turned his face so that our eyes met once again.

             
When he said Peter’s name I closed my eyes and my mind flashed back to the hotel and his words. “Like a sister.”  I couldn’t let myself get more upset over something that clearly was never going to happen. When I opened my eyes, Ethan was studying me with a serious expression. We’d inched closer together, our bodies slightly pressed against one another. When did that happen?

             
We were face to face which made me slightly uncomfortable. His hands were tucked neatly under the side of his face. Which just made lying next to him that much harder. It took a hell of a lot of will power on my part not to lean over that extra inch and make a move. Any move. I knew it was wrong to even think like that, but I suddenly wanted to know what it would feel like to kiss him. When I looked at him my body tingled and goosebumps appeared out of nowhere.  Yet, we both remained still and silent. Here we were moments later and still lying side by side, studying one another and I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Or as Jason would say, ‘I couldn’t step up to the plate.’ The thought of Jason startled me, so I turned onto my back. A pang of guilt had suddenly hit me like a tidal wave for even thinking of kissing Ethan.

             
I had to say something--anything to break through the silence. “I heard about your father on the trip. I’m sorry for not saying anything then. I should’ve sent a letter or called you when I got back. I’m so sorry,” I whispered.

             
He sat up abruptly and fiddled with the bottom of his jeans. “It’s okay.  Pete really helped me through everything and when the trip was mentioned, my mother jumped on the idea. Pete insisted that I get off my arse and come see you. So I did, and here we are together on your mum’s bed only a few months later.”

             
I had been attempting to figure out why Peter would insist that he come see me on vacation when the doorbell rang, breaking me out of thought. “That would be the pizza.” I scooted off the bed. Relieved to have the interruption and ran downstairs to get away from him.

             
The three of us ate the pizza at the island while Gran heated up a can of soup on the stove. Austin and Ethan chatted about Australia and Xbox the entire time. I’d glanced in his direction every once in a while and noticed him sneaking glances at me as well. When he caught me staring for a second too long, he winked and I choked on my can of pop. This caused a curious grin and if his eyes could laugh, I was convinced that they were laughing at me.

             
Once Gran retreated to the family room and turned on her usual show of Wheel of Fortune. I made up a lame excuse and darted to my room.

             
And, a quick text to Val. Come over NOW!

             
She responded instantly. Can’t. With Matt. Have fun!

             
To which I responded, Gee, thanks for your help.

             
Anytime!!: Tell Hottie I said hello:)

             
So, without any help from my supposed to be best friend, who apparently was ditching me for a few feels, I flipped my cell shut and started on my Calculus.

             
An hour of crappy homework later, I heard music coming from down the hall. I knew it had been Ethan and not Austin since I heard a band I didn’t recognize. He definitely liked what he called, “Classic rock.” And, oddly enough it lulled me to sleep.

             
             
             
             
             
Chapter 12

             
When I woke, I glanced at the clock, relieved that I had the best night sleep since Ethan arrived. When I came downstairs I glanced into the living room. Ethan and Austin were arguing over an Xbox game that they were playing. Ethan looked up when he saw me waiting in the foyer with my backpack slung over my shoulder.

             
Standing up from the sofa, but keeping his eyes on the television, Ethan said, “We’ll pick this up later. This one is not over mate.” He told Austin, as he chucked the controller onto the couch. My Grandmother walked out of the kitchen and handed us each a brown bag full of lunch. “You two have a good day.”

             
We both looked at her. “Um, thanks, Gran.” We each took the bag.

             
Austin laughed, holding his arms up and flexing his muscles. “Yeah, right. Like you even have a chance of beating the champ.”

             
We walked out together, our feet slushing through the fresh snow that fell the night before. “You need to teach me how to beat your brother.”

             
I smiled and jumped into my car. I cranked on the heat as the engine to my little Toyota roared to life. I held my hands up to the vent and rubbed them together. “So, how’s school going so far?” It seemed like an easy question, one that I hadn’t asked before. But, he stayed silent for a moment, like he was trying to figure out the answer to an impossible question.

             
“It’s fine, but what’s the deal with you and Heather?” He asked as he turned down the heat and looked over at me.

             
I met his glance. “For one...she just about ruined middle school for me,” I said before adding,“Trust me, stay away from her. She’s not your type.”

             
His smug grin appeared once again. “Really? You might be surprised at my type. But, for arguments sake, what type is she?”

             
With one hand on the steering wheel and the other running through my hair, I peeked over at him momentarily. “Well, let’s just say if you’re only after making it to home base, you should have no problem.”

             
He laughed softly. “Ah, back to baseball talk.”

             
The trouble with today was that it was Friday. Heather was throwing a huge bash, one that I had no intention of going to. Apparently, I was going to be the only Junior or Senior not engaging in illicit behavior and Jello-shots. Even Val had decided to break our rule of going to Heather’s and go with Matt. Which kinda pissed me off since the two of us have avoided her for the last several years.

             
Ever since Val told me she slept with Matt, I couldn’t help but notice she did everything he asked of her. She hadn’t come over after school to watch General Hospital this week. She blew me off on a shopping trip we had planned. That realization bothered me as well, because she had never been like that before. She wasn’t the type of girl who would dump her best friend just because some guy showed some interest. We were inseparable. And now...not so much.

             
I’d been distracted thinking of Val when Ethan’s hand reached over and touched mine. “Why don’t you come with me tonight? Let bygones be bygones.”

             
Was he just asking me to break one of my cardinal rules? Wait, was he just asking me out on a date? No, I decided quickly, he was asking me as a friend or possibly even a ‘sister type’. Fabulous! For a girl who had had only one real brother, boys acting like my brother/watchdog were starting to get annoying.

             
I pulled my hand back even though something told me to keep holding on to him. “Go if you want. I’m too busy.”

             
He shook his head.“Busy? Doing what?”

             
“Things, okay. I just have things to do.”

             
He laughed softly. “That’s shite and you know it.” He turned to face the window, but didn’t ask for any further details. And, I didn’t comment on his ever so true comment.  I relaxed as we finally pulled into the parking lot. Val was already waiting by her car.

             
I pulled in next to her, turning off my car and jumped out. “See ya later,” I yelled out to Ethan.

             
Val intertwined her arm around mine, pulling me toward the entrance doors. “So, did you change your mind? Will you come tonight, please?” She begged.

             
I shrugged. “Can’t. I’m on Austin duty tonight.” I lied.

             
She exhaled. “What? The kid’s old enough to sit alone isn’t he?”

             
“My mom asked me this morning. She’s running late. Sorry.” The only thing I was sorry about was the fact that she was blowing me off and going to Heather’s with Matt. Pride and my hate for Heather was literally standing in the way of going out and having a great time with my friends. But, as I looked up at the falling snow, I decided to be happy with my choice. There was nothing like a hot chocolate and a great movie on a night like this. Maybe this day even called for a snowman on the front lawn. Fresh fallen snow had covered the ground--temperatures below freezing. Why would I even want to go out in this?

             
The front doorbell rang at exactly seven. I pushed my curtain back and peered outside, noticing Jason’s car parked in the driveway. I ran downstairs excited that he’d changed his mind.

             
He was already inside, Ethan was walking him into the kitchen. Jason was in his usual fatigued pants and T-shirt, his short brown hair slicked back as always. He stood at maybe five foot-ten. He wore way too much hair product for my liking. Ethan was in his staple English clothes; a grey button down cardigan, denim jeans and his sambas. His blondish brown hair tousled loosely in place, scruff on his chin as he towered over Jason.

             
Jason walked over to me when I entered pulling me in for one of his bear hugs. “Hey, you’re not dressed.”

             
I looked down at my outfit. Since when is a Juicy sweatsuit not dressing? “For what?”

             
“Heather’s party,” he said, leaning over to kiss my lips. Then he looked away for a brief second then planted a really long kiss, one that said, “She’s mine, dude. Back off.”

             
I couldn’t help but pull back. Not because I knew Ethan was watching this weird display from Jason, but the fact he thought I would go to the party. I glanced over to Ethan who was doing his best to pretend not to notice what just happened and said, “I’m not going to Heather’s. I already told you this.” I whispered.

             
He pulled me in again. “Come on, please come. Her parents are gone and rumor has it that there’s a stocked bar.” He said, before looking back at Ethan quickly, his mouth came up to my ear, whispering, “Plenty of bedrooms available too.”

             
I narrowed my eyes, infuriated at him. “No. I said I’m not going,” I paused, looking back at Ethan then leaned into Jason’s ear.“But, you could stay here if you’d like. My mom won’t care.”

             
As I said this my mother came leisurely strolling in. “Jason, I thought I heard the bell. Are you kids all going out tonight?” Her eyes roamed over the three of us.

             
“Hey, Mrs. G. I’m just trying to convince Sophie here to come out tonight, but she says she’s too busy,” he told her and shrugged with a grin at me. Like maybe she would veto my decision. She would never in a million years. She respected me and my choices. And, she didn’t take kindly to being called Mrs. G. She’d asked me to tell him and I did, but he never listened. I’d never been sure if my Mom even liked Jason. Something inside of me told me that she didn’t.

             
She smiled at Jason then faced Ethan. “How about you Ethan? What are your plans tonight?”

             
“Actually, I’m just waiting for my ride to come.” Then he turned to me. “I could stay here if you wanted to hang out?”

             
His ride? Who the hell was picking him up for the party? Scratch that, I didn’t want to know. “No thanks. Don’t do me any favors.”

             
My mother walked over to the refrigerator pulling out a bottle of white wine when Jason stepped closer to me. “Last chance.”

             
“See yourself out.” I told him, before stomping up the staircase. I didn’t look back as the door slammed behind me and I pushed forward taking two steps at a time.

             
It hadn’t been five more minutes when I heard the doorbell ring again. I shoved myself from my desk chair and placed The Crucible aside, peeking out the window.  I had to rub my eyes into focus when I saw Ethan hopping into Heather’s car with all her cronies for her party.

             
I couldn’t believe it. He had only been here a week and he’s already broken rule six. I fumbled with my purse and dug out my cell, taking note of the time. I dialed anyway, noting mentally that it was just after midnight in London. I didn’t care. We had spoken several times since the vacation and I needed his advice.

             
Peter picked up right away. “Sophie, is everything all right? It’s late.” He asked.

             
“No, it’s not all right. Ethan is driving me crazy. Why in the hell is he here, anyway?” I yelled into the phone.

             
“Calm down will you. What’s the problem?”

             
Everything seemed to pile out all at once. “For starters he walks around half naked all the time, his smug grin, his laughing at me and now he’s heading to a party with arch enemy number one. How could he do that to me?”

             
Peter laughed into the phone. “From what I understand you’re not making this easy on him either.”

             
“What? Why? What did he tell you?” I demanded.

             
“Play nice, Sophie. He’s just trying to make some friends while he’s there.”

             
Just hearing Peter’s voice settled me down.

             
“I am playing nice. He could so do without her as a friend though. She’s like the wicked witch of the west.”

             
“Who?”

             
“Aren’t you paying attention? Arch enemy number one.”

             
“I’ll talk to him tomorrow when he calls, okay? Now, tell me how’s it really going?”

             
“Fine. I guess.”

             
“I hear you have...what did Ethan call him? A boy toy named Jason. Is that the same one you mentioned before?”

             
“Jesus, not you, too? He’s a boy that’s it.”

             
“A boy you’re dating?”

             
“Yeah.”

             
“Be careful, Soph. Ethan doesn’t care for him. Says he’s a real wanker.”

             
“He is not and I’m sick of talking about Ethan. How’s Claire?” I asked in a harsher tone than I intended. I really couldn’t care less about her, but needed to change the direction of the conversation.

             
I could hear him sigh through the phone. “Claire’s grand. How’s the family?”

             
“Just peachy.” I hesitated and mumbled, “I miss you Peter.”

             
“You too, Sophie. Go get some sleep.”

             
After hanging up with Peter I felt somewhat better. He always had this crazy way of calming me down without even trying. I actually started to understand the sister comment, because at times like this he not only acted as a big brother, he felt like one, too.

             
I couldn’t very well sleep knowing Ethan and Val were both at Heather’s party. I listened to the radio, but that only reminded me of what I was probably missing. Around midnight I saw car lights pull into the driveway. My lights had already been off, so I jumped out of bed and peeked out my window. It was Ethan, of course, returning from his night of debauchery. I couldn’t place the car, but he got out alone and stumbled to the front walk. “Hmph, drunk..figures.” I should have known by all the beer he drank on vacation that he was one of those kind of guys. I wouldn’t waste another breath on him. I mean, sure Jason drank at parties too, but I never saw him stumbling afterwards.

             
I heard a loud bang come from downstairs and then heavy footsteps as he came up the steps. I quickly turned over pretending to be asleep. I heard his heavy breathing outside my door. He stayed there for several seconds and then the sound of his breathing vanished.