Chapter 22

I turn around slowly to come face to face with my big brother. "Hey Nathan." I squeak out.

Nathan clearly isn't in a happy mood and completely ignores me. "Who the hell are you?" He glares at Spencer.

I open my mouth to speak but Spencer beats me to it. "I wish I could ask you the same thing, but sadly I've heard of you."

Mental face palm.

Ugh, they already hate each other and it hasn't even been two minutes yet.

Nathan doesn't like Spencer's reply whatsoever. "Listen here asshole. You stay away from my sister. If you so as lay a hand on her, I'll lay my hands on your neck and break it."

I gulp. I'm even more scared now. Nathan's never like this.

I intervene before either one of them can throw a punch. "Both of you stop it!"

They look at me like confused puppies.

"You seriously just meet each other and you're already throwing threats around?" I question with an angry tone.

Nathan sheepishly looks down.

Spencer puts his arms up in surrender. "I didn't do anything."

The other annoying guy in the room scoffs. "You were touching my little sister!"

Spencer rolls his eyes. "It's not like I was touching her inappropriately!"

"But how would I know if you two haven't done anything more than just touching?" Nathan accuses.

Why does everyone jump to the same assumption that Spencer and I are together?

A faint blush erupts on my cheeks. "I, um, We're, uh just friends." I awkwardly exclaim.

I sneak a look at Spencer in the corner of my eye. Let's just say I'm not the only flustered one.

"Jess, I trust you to make good decisions and I trust you with Lily's life. But I don't trust you in making the right friends." Nathan suddenly says. And I know by the look in his eyes he isn't just talking about Spencer.

Spencer catches on too and I feel his intense stare on the side of my face.

"You seriously think that Spencer is like two teenage girls who had nothing better to do than get their team captain drunk and get her in trouble?" I reply in a shocked and angered tone.

"I never said that Jess." Nathan quickly denies in a calm voice.

"But that's what you're implying." I give him a hard stare.

"Let's just put this all behind ourselves." Spencer states from beside me.

I give a defeated sigh.

"Alright." Nathan agrees. "I can't believe that I'm actually agreeing with this guy. I was literally ready to punch him earlier."

But instead of scolding my brother, I hug him. "Glad to see you big bro."

"Glad to see you too... Itsy-bitsy sister."

And there it is folks, my old nickname.

I immediately stop hugging him and give Nathan a punch in the chest.

"Ow sis, who knew all those wrestling lessons I gave you finally paid off." Nathan jokes as he rubs his 'injury'.

"Itsy-bitsy sister?" Spencer asks from behind us. "Guess I'm not the only one who can come up with fantastic nicknames."

Nathan chuckles and pretends that he's never meet Spencer before. They are literally 'putting this all behind themselves'. "Hello my names Nathan. Pleasure meeting a guy who is brave enough to play 'Storytime' with Lily."

And that's when I remember.... Lily was sitting there the whole time. Watching us. Listening to Nathan threaten Spencer's neck. Oh fudge.

I'm not the only one who realizes it to, all three of us turn to the living room and look down at Lily who sits on the carpet watching us intently.

Nathan breaks the thick layer of ice silence. "Hey little flower!"

Lily instantly gets up and runs into his open arms.

"I haven't seen you in ages!" He exclaims picking her up and twirling her around into the air.

Nathan does this every time he comes.

"Actually, it's only been two weeks." I correct him like I always do.

Nathan places Lily back down on the floor and turns to face Spencer.

"I guess since I'm somewhat the father figure in these crazy girls lives I'm suppose to act like it. So since it's not anywhere near supper time I have to be creative. Would you like to stay for lunch instead?"
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"You do know I could've cooked right?" Spencer asks through a mouthful of grilled cheese. It almost seems as though he's said that at least five times already. Oh right, it has been.

"Shut up and eat your Mac and Cheese." I bark through a mouthful of my 'delicious' homemade Mac and Cheese. It may not be the greatest but that's only because I usually just make it from the store bought packages. Blame 'Kraft Dinner'.

Spencer did indeed decide to stay for lunch and by the looks of it right now he is probably deeply regretting it. Lily has been bugging Spencer to tell her a story about how she is a princess and everything. And she's not only bothering him, she's also bugging Nathan. That's what he gets for coming back when she's in a storytelling mood. Actually Lily's always in that mood. She tried to with me but I immediately made my case that I've made up about 1,000 stories for her in the past month.

"So I'm guessing you play soccer too?" Nathan suddenly questions Spencer.

"And why would you think that?" Spencer answers with another question.

"If my little sister, the soccer maniac, even thought of interacting with you in the first place you mostly likely have to play soccer." Nathan points out as he dips his grilled cheese in ketchup.

"Ouch man." Spencer jokes even though he doesn't exactly see, to take it lightly. "But to answer your question, yes I do play soccer."

Nathan nods his head in triumph.

Spencer continues. "In fact, Kitten and I play on the same team. I'm the captain of the schools boys team."

And for once Nathan didn't reply instantly. He is usually, scratch that, always talking.

"Didn't I tell you I tried out for the boys team?" I ask him as I twiddle my fork in the air at him.

But by the look on his face I can tell I did not.

"There is no girls team at Northwood High and you know how important soccer is to me Nathan." I explain to him.

"You're playing on a team full of hormonal, girl crazy, teenage boys who will run around the field shirtless. Not to mention that your the only girl on the boys team, Jess." Nathan finally says something, but I'd actually rather he didn't say that.

"Hey." Spencer begins in an insulted tone. "As one of those 'hormonal, girl crazy, teenage boys', I am certain that we will nothing to hurt or bother her." He uses his fingers as quotations.

"Please." Nathan scoffs. "I'm not worried you guys will hurt her, if anything I'm worried for you guys. But I am certain one of you idiots will, at some point, bother her."

"Nathan," I give an exaggerated sigh. "I can handle myself. I'm not some little child who can't make any decisions. No offence Lily." I add giving a glance to my cheerful sister beside me.

"Non taken." She pipes up, even though I doubt she even knows what we are talking about. Lily continues humming to herself quietly and I immediately recognize the song. Of course. Let it go.

"I'm also not saying you're a little child Jess." Nathan begins. "I'm just implying that you're ally smaller than them."

I slowly put my grilled cheese. Dear plate, hold my grilled cheese, things just got real up in here.

"You're judging all of this based on my size." I give him a look of disbelief. "You seriously don't think I should do this based on how I'm obviously shorter and everything than them?"

"Okay, never mind what I said." He starts. "Let's just forget all of this." He stuffs his mouth with grilled cheese.

I huff but don't say anything. I will not 'forget all of this'. If my own brother is having doubts about it, do other people as well? I don't know if I want to learn that out for myself or just continue being naïve. But do Spencer and all of them have doubts too?

"Let's talk about something else." Spencer suggests.

"Frozen!" Lily yells excitedly.

All three of us give her an annoyed look and she gets the hint. I think all of us have had enough Frozen, Princesses, story time, and anything related to Elsa and Anna.

"How about we talk about you Jess?" Nathan grins evilly. Oh no.

I instantly shaken my head in fear.

But he obviously ignores my disagreement. "When Jess was younger, boy was she clumsy. Our parents had to baby proof everything up until she was 5."

Spencer barks out laughter. "I think you should still baby proof the house."

Nathan chuckles and reaches over the table to give Spencer a high-five. And Spencer gladly excepts it.

Well at least they are bonding, less than two hours ago they practically hated each other. But they're bonding over my humiliating childhood moments. I didn't sign up for this.

"You know how Jess loves to eat, right?" Nathan suddenly asks him.

"Oh god yea," Spencer responds. "I'm surprised she's not the size of an ogre by now."

I squint my eyes at him sourly. "What day is it today? Insult and embarrass Jess day? No, so stop."

Sadly Nathan starts the story. "Well, when she was in grade 4 they had a end of the year class party. And Jess here, the food fanatic, ate almost half of the whole classes snacks. But right before the bell rang, signally the beginning of summer, she threw up all over one of her classmates. Was it Todd Toddson?"

I scoff. "No..."

But he calls my bluff. "It was. Anyways she started a throw up chain. Poor Todd, grossed out by all the vomited, threw up too. And then someone else did and so on. I'm pretty sure your teacher, Mrs. Martens, threw up as well. And right when the last person threw up the bell rang."

Spencer barks into full on laughter.

Embarrassed, I cover my face with my hands.

Once Spencer recovers from laughing I uncover my face. "Yep and that's enough embarrassing stories for today folks. Spencer's leaving."

"I am?"

I respond by lifting him and dragging him by his sweater hood.

"Come by anytime for more of her crazy childhood stories." Nathan hollers from the dining room.
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"Good magnificent morning class!" Mr.Davis greets as he trots into the class. And for once he actually looks delighted to be teaching our class.

It's now Monday morning, first period, yay. The rest of the weekend Lily and I just spent a lot of time with Nathan before he goes back to the local college and we won't see him for another two weeks. Also Spencer did not come back over for some more stories and I'm glad he chose not to.

"Good morning Mr. Davis." I reply along with the rest of the class, but I certainly sound more enthusiastic than the rest of them.

"I hope you all finished your essays because I will be collecting them......" He pauses for dramatic effect. "Right now!"

I get mine out of my bag and hand it to Mr. Davis as he comes around.

He quickly scans over the title of it. "Ah, I see you chose a very good topic. What children can learn from their grandparents and great-grandparents. I look forward to reading it."

I thank him and tell him how I put lots of work into it.

The rest of the period flies by. Surprisingly only a few people forgot the essay was due. Usually more people forget since Mr. Davis always assigns them for Monday and most people are too busy out partying on the weekend to care.

"So what did you right your essay about?" I ask Spencer and Parker as we walk through the bustling hallway.

"I wrote mine on what would happen if cats ruled the world." Parker states.

My jaw drops. "Tell me you didn't...."

"Sorry, no can do." He replies seriously.

"You're joking."

"Well, Mr. Davis actually does like cats. A lot." Spencer points out as we turn the corner.

"Yea I'm joking...." Parker gives up. "I wrote about how schools should ban Harry Potter for promoting witchcraft." He continues walking as I freeze.

"That's even worse Parker." I grumble.

"Give me one good reason why that's a bad topic." Parker protests.

"Oh I give plenty more reasons that just one" I mumble to myself.

"First of all, I love all thing Harry Potter. Second of all Mr. Davis will definitely give you an F!" I state in an obvious tone.

"Relax Kitten," Spencer says calmly. "He's just messing with you. Parker came over yesterday asking for help on the essay and finally came up with a somewhat good topic. And I can ensure you it's not one of those stupid ones."

"Ugh dude." Parker grumbles to Spencer. "Why'd you gotta tell her. I'm not kidding this time I promise. I did what if school sports teams were dropped."

I nod my head in appreciation. "That's a judicious topic."

"I have no idea what you just said but I'll take it as a compliment." And with that last comment Parkers off to his next class.

"So what did you chose?" I ask Spencer as I open my locker.

"Oh nothing special." He says.

I'm curious, but I decide not to pry anymore. I think I learned my lesson by even asking Parker.

"Well, I better get to class." I respond as I close my locker.

"Same. See you at lunch."

"See you at lunch." A small smile makes it's way to my face and he returns it.
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"Are you ready for the next lunch debate, courtesy of Nova and Jace?" Spencer whispers in my ear as we make our way to our usual table.

"Oh totally. I'm thrilled." I whisper back sarcastically.

I place my cafeteria tray down on the table and sit down beside Emma. Spencer sits down beside me with his tray full of food. And he says I should be the size of an ogre.

"Hey guys!" She greets happily. "How was your weekend?"

"Good." Spencer and I say in unison. Well that's not weird since we did spend part of the weekend together.

"That's good." Emma replies, not catching on. She continues munching on her 'amazing' salad.

"I don't understand you at all Nova!" Jace says in an exaggerated tone.

"You don't understand me? You're the one who thinks Superman is better than Batman!" Nova complains angrily.

I sit there munching on my yummy fries and watching them bickering on and on about stupid things like an old married couple. And that's when I remember everything. Everything that Jace did. He got Sebastian killed. He got Sebastian drunk. He got Sebastian in the lake. He was Sebastian's best friend and he's the reason Sebastian dead. Jace is the reason Spencer lost his twin brother. And he is sitting right across from me. And Spencer.

  I don't know how Spencer can handle it all, being near Jace, because boy I can't. I immediately stop eating my lunch and just sit there. But luckily no one notices my sudden lose of appetite. Except Spencer.

"What's the matter kitten?" He whispers into my left ear, his breath tickling my neck. Spencer's eyes shine with immediate concern. He knows I 'never stop eating'.

I look around the table to make sure everyone is too busy paying attention to the argument between Nova and Jace. Coast is clear. "How can you do this? Just sit here and pretend that nothing ever happened. How can you not want to say anything to Jace?" I whisper back, my eyes blazing with emotions.

"Oh trust me, I want to say something to him. I have said something to him. Right before I got him sent to the hospital. But that's another story." Spencer quietly and quickly responds.

Surprisingly, seeing Jace in the hospital all bruised and beaten, doesn't seem to faze me. I know this sounds harsh, but he definitely deserves it.

I lightly nod my head and instead of responding with words I respond with actions. I softly grab Spencer's hand underneath the table. And everyone don't have a clue.

I look back to see Spencer's reaction but I can tell its strong by the way I can feel his eyes burning an intense stare at the side of my face.

And we come back to the argument between the 'old married couple'. That's what I'm calling them now. I don't fully support Nova and Jace dating because of what Jace did, but that doesn't mean I can't tease them.

Their argument quickly ended thanks to Emma who, like me, had enough of their bickering. She even stated how Nova and Jace should do us all a favour and just admit their feelings for each other already. I literally gave her a high-five for that and yelled 'Preach'.

"So, are you ready for the teams first official practice tonight guys... And Jess?" Parker asks, making sure to add me since I'm definitely not a guy.

I give him a look of appreciation but then my smile suddenly falters. "Um, tonight?" I squeak out.

Spencer is the one to reply. "Yea, right after school. Coach wants to hold a practice tonight since we need to get into shape for next Monday's game. It's against SouthWood high which is our schools biggest rival. Didn't you get the text I sent you this morning?"

I make a guilty face. "I sorta slept in, actually not just sorta, I seriously slept in and I had only thirty minutes to get myself ready, get Lily ready, and everything. So I didn't really have time to check my phone I just brought it though." I slip my phone out from my pocket and wave it in the air.

"Wait hold the phone." Emma states so I stop waving it. "No not literally Jess."

I give her a sheepish grin and put my actual phone away.

"Who is Lily?"

I raise my eyebrow. "I haven't told you I have a little sister named Lily?"

Nova, Emma, and Jace all shake their heads. Oh, I thought I at least mentioned Lily to Emma the night of Clarissa's legendary party. But I guess it could've slipped my mind that night since I was also publicly humiliated and turned into a human pizza by the contemptible, crazy cheerleader everyone knows as Clarissa Simmons.

"Oh well, anyways she is five years old, supposedly looks like the miniature version of me, and is a hardcore Frozen fanatic." I exclaim.

"Aww, she sounds adorable." Emma gushes. "I have to meet her a.s.a.p!"

"Count me in too." Nova adds. "I want to see if she really is baby Jess, and if she is she might have some of your amazing qualities." Nova says sarcastically with a smirk on her face.

"Hey." I grumble and cross my arms. Is everyday  'insult and embarrass Jess day?'

"Just kidding." She puts her arms up in surrender. "But I would really love to see this kid. She might have your 'amazing' singing abilities, I mean not everyone can sound just like Adele."

  Well, there she goes bringing up the time when I was bothering Spencer by singing Adele's 'Hello'. Spencer chased me around practically the whole school, yelling at me to stop singing. Ah, good times.

"Oh I know." I reply and do my best attempt at flipping my hair back with my hand. "Lily can be the new Elsa that's how good she sings." I joke.

"Not to mention the time I dared you to eat that gigantic box of fries that the cafeteria for some reason puts on sale. I'm pretty sure it's the size of an extra, extra, extra, large. I mean no one ever orders that much fries, but you did. Sadly, I had to give you five bucks for that, totally worth it though."

I remember that day clearly. Those were some pretty good fries. But I sure was full after that dare.

I turn to look at Emma to see if she will contribute to Nova and me joking around. But I see that she is full on silent and I can practically see the gears in her head spinning in thought.

"How come you had to help Lily get ready for school?" Emma suddenly blurts out. "Shouldn't your parents do that?"

I silently pray that no one hears the heart attack I'm having right now. My eyes widen in alert. I can't tell them my parents are dead like this. Awhile ago I thought of telling them each in private or something but it obviously slipped my mind.

Quick Jess, think of a lie.

"Um...." I trail off awkwardly. "My parents are out of town right now. Some business thing they have to attend. They won't be back in awhile. Something about a road trip too."

Luckily, they can't see my legs jittering up and down rapidly underneath the table. I try to stop them with my hand and quickly succeed.

And luckily they buy it. Well Spencer didn't have to of course. He already knows everything, but knows I'm not ready to tell them like this.

"Oh okay." Emma replies. "So I assume you watch her 24/7, including after school?"

"Um, yea." I ask in a confused tone.

"Well, then how are you going to go to practice after school and watch Lily? I don't suppose you can be in two places at once, I mean you are pretty smart but not that smart." Nova explains.

I groan in defeat. "No I'm definitely not that smart Nova." I bang my head down on the table dramatically.

"But I am." A recognizable voice states.

I lift my head up to see Spencer looking down at me.

"My mom can pick Lily up from school I suppose, since she's already picking Sam up too. And I don't think she would mind at all watching her for awhile until you get home. Trust me, she loves you girls." Spencer comments.

"Really?" I ask unsurely. "She doesn't have to do that."

"No it's fine. Sam will also be happy since Lily and him are like best friends or something." He replies.

"Thanks so much Spence." I use his nickname I once joked about giving him. Glad I just remembered it.

"Don't not ever call me that again." He huffs and rolls his eyes.

"Wait." Emma suddenly says. "Your mom Spencer, as in the Ruby Gold?"

We all give her a 'duh' look.

"Oh hush." She mumbles. "She's the marketing manager for one of the most famous fashion industries in all of the United States!"

"Really?" I turn to Spencer."Cool. Too bad I'm not into fashion like Emma is or else I would be freaking out with her."

"That wouldn't have been so good for when you meet her though." He jokes back.

"And you meet her!" Emma states dramatically.

"Um yea." I reply in a calm tone, which coincidentally is the exact opposite of how Emma is reacting right now.

"You lucky duck." She grumbles.

"Mrs. Gold is amazing Emma." I jokingly rub it in. "She's so nice, funny, and also has great fashion, unlike me on the fashion taste."

"Actually," Spencer begins to disagree. "I find that you and my mom are a lot like weirdly. Except for the fashion part, totally different." He adds to cover up the compliment.

I stick my tongue out at him in response.

"Well, I better call my mom and make sure she's fine with watching Lily for a bit." He pulls out his slick black iPhone.

And right in the middle of the conversation he calls his mom.

Emma starts jumping up and down excitedly in her seat. Nova soon stops the maniac by holding on to her legs and head.

"Hey mom." Spencer starts. "Yes I'm aware. I was wondering if you could watch Lily for awhile after school for Jess. It would mean a lot to her. Okay. Okay. Yes mom. I'll put her on the phone." He reaches hands me his phone.

I quickly give him a confused look but not for long because I don't want to leave the poor women waiting for too long.

"Hi Mrs. Gold." I greet to her in a cheery tone.

I hear her grumble over the phone. "Hi Jess. How many times will I have to tell you for it to get through your pretty head that you can call me Ruby?"

I giggle. "Sorry habit."

"Anyways, I wanted to talk to you."

"About you watching Lily right? Because if that's to much than-" I begin but she immediately hushes me.

"Oh don't worry dear, I'd be glad to watch Lily for you. She is hilarious. Reminds me of her sister." She jokes. "But I don't want to talk about that Jess. I was wondering if you would like to come over for dinner some time? You see I asked my forgetful son to tell you but he obviously forgot. He gets that from his father."

I giggle again and everyone gives me a look. Spencer leans in to try and hear what she said but I shove him away. "I would absolutely love to come over for dinner sometime. We'll have to make plans soon."

Suddenly the bell signalling the end of lunch rings. "Oh Mrs. Gold I'm going to have to call you back or something another time. Class is starting soon."

Weirdly she chuckles. "Yes, I know how studious you are. I sometimes wish Spencer was a bit more into school. Anyhow, bye Jess." And her cheerful voice is the last I here from her.
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"Come on Dawson pick up the pace! My grandma can run faster than you and she's 95!" Coach Bennett hollers from the sidelines of the track. I look behind me to see a guy way back there, dropping sweat.

I wonder if Coach is reconsidering his choice of teammates?

I ignore the burning pain in my legs and try and keep up with Spencer and Parker. They were kind enough to stick by my side. Meanwhile, Jace decided to sprint off right at the beginning. He's probably feeling the burn now.

"How many more laps?" I huff trying not to sound whiny.

"Only three more boys!" Spencer's voice erupts through the area.

"And me." I jokingly raise my hand as we continue at our normal speed.

After those three, somewhat tortuous laps we all come to a stop in the middle of the field.

"Alright now that I got your attention by making you all do 8 laps.... I hope that you will finally take this seriously. Next Monday we have our first game of the season against SouthWood High. This also happens to be the most important game of the season since they are our schools rival. But we can beat them. With the right amount of skill, speed, and aggression we can whop their butts."

I seriously almost just forgot he was a teacher at that moment.

We all cheer.

"They play ruff and dirty so beware. Especially you Jess, once they hear or see that a girl is playing the will definitely target you. But I know you can handle them, they're just like pesky mosquitoes, but once they attack....Bam you swat them." He makes a huge clap with his hands to add dramatic effect. "Well I think I've said enough, I'll leave the rest to Spencer."

"Great metaphor Coach." Spencer begins from beside me. "He's exactly right guys. We have to trained hard and work hard. And that's exactly why we will have practice almost everyday after school till Monday."

Surprisingly nobody grumbles or disagrees.

"But to kick off this first practice," Spencer continues. "No pun intended. We'll first start off with some basic dribbling. Now I know you might not all think this is affective but it really is. Passing should be at least 40 percent of the game. So let's all split into partners are start dribbling!"

We all do as he says. And that's when I realize I don't have a partner.

Spencer and Parker are already dribbling back and forth. Brian and some other Junior guy, probably one of his other friends, are starting as well.

I look around to see that everyone else already has a partner. At least I don't have to go with-

My thoughts are suddenly stopped when someone pokes me one the back and I slightly jump.

"Hey partner." Jace says with a grin on his face.

I wonder if he had that same grin on his face when Sebastian died. Or when Spencer, I instantly stop my self from having the next thought.

I manage to force out a possibly believable smile. "Hey partner."

I've been trying to avoid direct contact with him all day. And this is what I get? Partners with him in our first every team drill. Thanks a lot.

I jog away from him so that we can actually start the drill. But one thought continues to run through my mind the whole time. I'm literally dribbling with the devil. Well, not literally but you get my drift right?

I also beg to myself that he won't try and go into conversation with me any further. But I know that also doesn't go my way when u see him beginning to open his mouth to talk.

But that's not what worries me. It's what he says.

"So Jessa, how come you've been avoiding me lately? Is it something I've done in the past?"

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Hey perfect people! Oh cliffhanger again!

Anyways won't make this too long since for once I don't have too much to say:). Just to let everyone know, my updating schedule might change soon! My spring/summer soccer is starting up again! But sadly practices are on Mondays, which also happens to be the nights I update:(

But anyhow hope you all liked this chapter! What did you think of Nathan coming back? Or Spencer's moms short reappearance? Do you guys want to see more of her? And how do you think Jess will reply to Jace's question? And why on earth did he call her Jessa? Let me know in the comments below! And don't be a silent reader!

Bye for now my lovely bookworms,
Ashley🌸