A Look Back: Rennillia Series - Prequel Page 8

  Smiling wide, he knew he had been forgiven as he said, “Seems like a waste, you have a whole hour until you had to be home.”

  I shook my head and rolled my eyes, saying, “Goodnight Jackson,” with a smile.

  Smiling his smile, Jackson winked at me then headed back to his truck.

  Inside my house, I walked to my room. Maybe Jackson did like me after all. I guess I couldn’t blame him for trying and maybe if I had slept with someone before I would’ve wanted to also. Starting to get excited about seeing him again, I opened my door smiling.

  Startled I blurted, “What the hell?” when I saw Hert sitting on my bed.

  Hert had not come near my house since we got in trouble with my father for washing dishes.

  “I came to see how your date went but I see it went pretty well,” he snapped.

  Confused, I stared at him before I glanced in the mirror and realized all my lipstick was off and my hair was down and wild.

  With a loud sigh, I informed, “It did go very well and by the way I didn’t put out, if that’s what you’re sayin’.”

  I could see the relief on his face as he pretended not to care saying, “It’s none of my business.”

  “Oh, and I got asked out on a second date,” I shared as I grabbed my pajamas and headed into the bathroom.

  I was a little surprised to see Hert still on my bed when I came out.

  “Are you sleeping over?” I asked smiling wide.

  Without a second thought, he replied, “Nope,” and climbed out my window.

  I closed my window and hopped into bed deciding, Hert could be nice when he wanted to and my date with Jackson was still the best first date ever.

  Chapter 13

  With butterflies in my stomach, when I woke, I couldn’t wait to see Jackson again. Hert kept glancing at me with a suspicious expression as he drove us to Emerson’s in his mother’s car. As sure as I was that Jackson meant it when he said he really liked me, I was still surprised when we pulled up to Emerson’s and his truck was parked outside. I was ecstatic but smart enough to know I shouldn’t let it show. Walking up the back driveway, we saw Emerson and Jackson out on the court. Trying very hard not to smile at the sight of him, I stood up tall doing my best to pretend I wasn’t thrilled to see him. The moment Jackson saw me he stopped playing and made his way over to us. Hert gave an ‘I don’t like him’ grunt while I gave Hert a dirty ‘knock it off’ look in return. When Jackson caught up to us Hert turned and walk over to Emerson making it clear Jackson wasn’t worth his time. Shrugging Hert off, Jackson stepped right in front of me.

  “I’m glad you showed up,” he shared with a smile.

  With a suspicious look, I said, “You knew I was coming over here.”

  His smile spread as he asked, “Then are you glad I showed up?”

  Unable to fight a smile of my own, I rolled my eyes at him. Incredibly pleased with my response, Jacks quickly kissed my cheek before jogging back to the court.

  Hert’s unhappy expression was all too clear as he walked back to my side. I stood at the edge of the court watching them practice while Hert stayed next to me giving Jackson ‘I hope you trip and fall’ looks every chance he got. Nudging Hert, I gave him a disapproving stare before I walked into the house to tell the Roberts’ hello. Fidora was in the kitchen preparing for lunch and after telling her ‘hi’, I stepped into the living room and found Mrs. Roberts coming down the stairs.

  “Rennillia, how are you today dear?” she greeted, before quickly saying, “I will be back this evening,” and continued down the stairs and out the front door. Thinking she seemed in a hurry, I was a little surprised. I guess even Mrs. Roberts, who was all about appearance and making the proper entrance, ran late every once and awhile. With nothing to do inside, I walked back through the kitchen and after Fidora notified me that lunch was ready, I walked out of the back door.

  The three of them were standing together. A little surprised at first, I quickly realized Hert was warning Jackson. I dashed over knowing there was fixing to be a fight by Hert’s serious expression and Jackson’s smirk.

  Scooting right in the middle, I smiled saying, “Lunch is ready.”

  Emerson, who had obviously been trying to be the peacemaker, said, “Let’s go eat,”

  Hert gave Jackson a ‘you’ve been warned’ glare before turning and walking into the house. Emerson shook his head and sighed as he followed.

  “Are you gonna come eat?” I asked Jackson, motioning towards the back door.

  Shaking his head, he replied, “I think your friend might need a minute.”

  Smiling a little, I informed, “Yea, he doesn’t like you very much.”

  “Good thing I’m not tryin’ to get with him then, huh?” he laughed.

  Slightly offended, I questioned, “'Cause you’re trying to ‘get with’ me?”

  With a smirk, he admitted, “Trying, not succeeding.”

  How could I not like him, when he made me smile just by being himself?

  Rolling my eyes, I offered, “You’re actually not doing too bad.”

  Smiling wide, he wrapped his arms around me and kissed me. Unsure if it was his kiss or the air that gave me a chill, I shivered slightly as goose bumps covered my arms.

  Seemingly proud of himself, Jackson cheered, “Guess I am doing pretty good.”

  Rolling my eyes with a smile, I laughed, “Don’t get all excited I’m just cold.”

  Making a pouty face, he let go and walked over to the garage. Swiftly making his way back carrying a green hoodie, he handed it to me. Smiling, he helped me put it on. He zipped it all the way up then kissed me again.

  As I gave him a startled look, he smiled and said, “Just checkin’.”

  Shaking my head at Jackson, I smiled, completely smitten with him.

  Emerson and Hert were still inside while Jackson and I sat outside on the court. Holding one of my hands Jackson tugged on the bottom of the opposite sleeve of his hoodie.

  “Please let me take you out again?” he asked before smiling wide.

  With a slight sigh I replied, “I don’t think so,” as I shook my head.

  Appearing slightly disappointed but still cheerful, Jackson questioned, “Why not?”

  Shrugging, I explained, “I just don’t like the idea of you taking me where you’ve taken other girls,” with an apologetic smile.

  “I haven’t,” he insisted.

  Slightly smiling, I shared, “You can’t take me to that restaurant every time, it’s really expensive and I don’t wanna go to little rooms with beds in them either.”

  After a moment of thought, Jackson cheered, “Then I know the perfect place. All you have to do is say yes.”

  Exhaling loudly, I agreed, saying, “Okay.”

  Smiling wide, he tugged on my sleeve then kissed me until we heard footsteps close behind.

  Looking up, I was a little embarrassed to see Hert and Emerson walking up. Knowing my face was turning red, I leaned my head into Jackson’s shoulder. I heard Hert mumble something before Emerson walked around us.

  “Sorry to interrupt you two,” with a laugh.

  Then Hert snapped, “Let’s go.”

  I could feel myself frowning as I started to say, “But I’m not…” then Jackson spoke up, informing, “I’ll take Ren home.”

  With an irritated expression, Hert stated, “No you won’t.”

  Pulling away from me, Jackson stood up saying, “Excuse me?”

  Jumping up, I looked at Hert and ordered, “Just go to the car, I’ll be there in a second.”

  Hert turned and walked away after giving Jackson a hateful glare.

  “What’s his problem?” Jackson fussed stepping closer to me.

  Shaking my head with a sigh, I explained, “He’s just kinda that way. He doesn’t know you.”

  Pulling me close, Jackson kissed me before asking, “Do you have to go?”

  Nodding, I gave a soft smile before saying, “Yea, I better.”

  His smil
e was softer too now as he asked, “Can I pick you for school tomorrow?”

  Shaking my head, I replied, “I’m not allowed to ride with anyone but Emerson.”

  After pausing for a moment to think, he offered, “Then can you get to school early tomorrow so I can see you before class?”

  “If its okay with Em, I will,” I agreed.

  As Jackson looked over at him, Emerson said, “Sure.”

  I smiled at Emerson before turning back to Jackson and blurting, “Oh, your jacket.”

  I started to give Jackson his hoodie back when he stopped me, saying, “I’ll get it from you in the morning.”

  Smiling, I zipped it back up. Kissing me one more time Jackson hesitantly let go. I gave Emerson a smile and little wave before heading to the car.

  The closer I got to the car, the more irritated I became. Watching Hert’s unpleasant expression as he refused to look at me, I got in and slammed the door. With a slight grunt he pulled out of the Roberts’ back driveway and we headed to my house.

  About five minutes into our drive, I couldn’t keep quiet, “I cannot believe you.”

  “Me? I can’t believe you would do that in front of everybody,” he griped.

  Furious now, I argued, “What? Kiss him? And what everybody? We were outside by ourselves until you so rudely interrupted us.”

  Pulling off to the side of the road, Hert stopped the car and turned to me shouting, “Kissed? He was all over you!”

  Taking a moment to reflect, I shouted, “No he wasn’t!”

  Lowering his tone, he informed, “Guys like Jackson only take a girl out for one reason.”

  Narrowing my eyes, I griped, “Oh, as opposed to guys that sneak over to a girl’s house when her parents aren’t home for one thing and don’t even bother to take her out.”

  “Why do you always have to bring her up?” he shouted at me.

  I shouted back, “Because I know what you do and you don’t know him.”

  “Neither do you,” he stated.

  Shaking my head, I said, “Both you and Emerson said he only takes a girl out once. He asked me out again that night after he took me home. I know he has a reputation Hert but in case you didn’t realize it, so do you and I.”

  “That’s different,” he argued.

  With a light sigh, I defended, “Whether it’s true or not, everybody here gets talked about and I don’t care what people say,” after pausing a moment, I informed, “I’m going to keep seeing him, because I like him. Just like I’m friends with you because I like you and if it just so happens he gets that one thing from me that is between me and him and has nothing to do with you.”

  Without another word Hert pulled the car back onto the road and continued to my house.

  Stopping in front of my house, Hert and I looked at each other. My father’s car was sitting in the driveway, which meant he was home.

  “Do you want me to run you back to Roberts’ house and have him bring you home?” he suggested.

  Shaking my head, I declined, saying, “I’m already here.”

  Hert appeared worried as he questioned, “Are you sure?”

  Nodding, I got out of the car and walked to my front door. I wasn’t worried about my father finding out Hert gave me a ride home because he never watched for me to get in. However, I was still disappointed he was back.

  Slowly walking inside, I unsuccessfully tried to go straight to my room.

  “Where have you been?” my father questioned as I took Jackson’s hoodie off and tossed it on the couch.

  Making my way back to the kitchen, I replied, “Emerson’s.”

  My father narrowed his eyes and asked, “How was your date?”

  I swallowed hard, saying, “Sorry?”

  “Don’t play dumb with me, it’s all over town!” he shouted.

  Standing there staring at him, I felt sick.

  Nodding, he gritted his teeth, asking, “Did I give you permission?”

  “No sir,” I replied.

  Standing up, he hollered, “Do you think you can just do whatever you want?”

  Thinking ‘yes’, I answered, “No sir.”

  “Yes you do!” my father blurted before growling, “It’s bad enough you disobey me but to disrespect me with that taig!”

  I quickly realized I must have made a face at him because I promptly got slapped right across it.

  Turning to walk away, I mumbled, “Does taig mean not Emerson?” to myself.

  Grabbing my arm my father jerked me back, causing me to hit the table. It scooted a few inches across the floor as the pain in my hip caused me to lose my balance.

  Catching me by my face, he leaned very close, griping, “It means stay your ass away from that mick.”

  As my father let go, I sat on the floor.

  I watched him start to walk off. Suddenly, I couldn’t keep quiet. It was one thing for my father to hate Hert as a person but how could he dislike Jackson simply because he was Irish.

  Scrambling to my feet, I shouted, “Why?”

  In a fury, he turned around, yelling, “Are you questioning me?”

  “Yes,” I blurted.

  Stunned he shouted, “What?”

  As sarcastic as I could, I said, “Yes sir.”

  That was all it took for the back of my father’s hand to go right across my eye.

  Holding my fingers against the outside corner of my eye, I snapped, “What the hell’s wrong with you?”

  Unsure of why that came out of my mouth, I was just as shocked as he was.

  Grabbing the front of my shirt, my father snarled, “Mignotta, merdoso,” then spit in my face.

  Everything else was pretty much a blur after that, until finally, I couldn’t take it anymore.

  “I’m sorry…I’m sorry,” I cried, before lying, “I …I was trying to…to make him jealous… Emerson has a girlfriend…I’m sorry…”

  My father instantly stopped and stared at me before turning and walking away. Curling up on the kitchen floor, I wanted to throw up. I made myself sick. How could I have said I was sorry?

  It took me awhile but I finally got up and grabbed Jackson’s hoodie as I made my way to my room. Not only had I cried like a baby, I pretended I was using Jackson.

  Luckily, the only real mark on my face was a tiny cut on the corner of my eye, where my father’s ring caught me. I knew the red blotches across my face would go away, since they weren’t already turning into bruises, making it easier to explain my eye. The rest of me was nothing that long sleeves couldn’t remedy. I took a shower and other than my hip, I wasn’t all that sore.

  Carefully getting into bed, I started to close my eyes. There was a light tap on my window. Lying there, I debated on whether or not to open it. Knowing Hert would be worried if I didn’t acknowledge him, I sat up and motioned for him to come in.

  “Go lock my door,” I whispered as he climbed in.

  He did as he was told before sitting down on the little bench by my bed.

  Pulling my comforter up to my chin, I asked, “Is everything okay?”

  With a dead stare he said, “You tell me.”

  “My father doesn’t know you dropped me off,” I shared, waiting for him to relax.

  “Then why?” he asked, pulling the comforted down.

  Shrugging, I replied, “Apparently you’re not the only one that doesn’t like Jackson,” before saying, “He said it’s all over town that I went out with him.”

  “Are you hurt?” he whispered, looking at my arms and shoulder then to my eye.

  Shaking my head, I admitted, “Just my pride.”

  Hert gave me a strange look as I explained, “I said I was sorry.”

  Exhaling loudly, he closed his eyes and shook his head.

  “Are you gonna stay?” I asked, hoping he would.

  Appearing as though he wished he could, Hert replied, “I can’t.”

  Nodding, I said, “Ok, see you tomorrow,” forcing a slight smile.

  Hert nodded back and climbed
out of my window.

  Curling up in my comforter, I rolled onto my side. Hoping Jackson would be okay with just hanging out at Emerson’s, I still wanted to see him but I wasn’t sure he was worth getting my ass kicked just to do it. I really did like him. More than any other guy I had ever liked like that.

  Chapter 14

  Excited and a little nervous when Emerson and I pulled into the parking lot at school, Jackson was already there. Em looked over at me as I looked at him smiling wide. Shaking his head with a slight laugh, he let go of my hand. As the car came to a stop, I watched Jackson walk up and open my door. I smiled at him before I grabbed my books and his hoodie from the back seat. Hopping out, I handed Jackson his hoodie. Flashing his incredible smile at me he took my books and set them in the bed of his truck before putting his hoodie on and wrapping his arms around me.

  Jackson leaned against his truck, holding me against him. Glancing around to make sure no one was looking first, he quickly kissed me.

  Emerson walked past us, saying, “I’m going to go find Helena, see you two later,” with a smile.

  When we both turned our heads to say goodbye, Jackson looked at me, asking, “What happened to your eye?”

  Not realizing it was noticeable, I didn’t think about anyone being that close to my face.

  “Oh, it’s just a little cut,” I replied, fluffing it off.

  “Does it hurt?” he asked, sounding concerned.

  As I shook my head, he asked, “Has anyone kissed it?”

  I gave him a strange look before he softly kissed the corner of my eye. I really wanted to kiss him back but since we were at school I couldn’t.

  “Thank you,” I whispered, smiling at him.

  Jackson frowned slightly, saying, “Your friend is here.”

  Turning around, I saw Hert walking up to us.

  Even though I had turned my back to Jackson he didn’t let go of me. Adjusting himself lower against his truck he rested his chin on my shoulder with his arms snug around my ribs.

  “You alright?” Hert asked, completely ignoring Jackson.

  With a nod, I said, “Yea,” as Hert walked past us.

  Quickly kissing my cheek, Jackson asked, “Why wouldn’t you be alright?”

  Shrugging, I fibbed, saying, “Maybe 'cause some guy has his hands all over me in the parking lot.”