Unintended - Part 2
The next day I awoke to the sound of movement downstairs. Something I had found quite rare, knowing most of the family had left by the time I went to school, or even woke up on most days. After getting change into a pair of navy trousers and a black shirt, I headed down stairs to find my kid brother, Lucas, sitting opposite the kitchen counter.
It felt weird having a brother who was almost eight years younger than myself, the age difference causing more differences then one could imagine. Still, at the same time I felt over protective of him. I was that older brother that he wanted, the father he needed when ours wasn’t around. He was almost a younger version of myself, all the way down to the looks.
“What are you doing up?” I yawned as I headed to the fridge to find something to eat for breakfast.
“Couldn’t sleep.” He answered, taking another mouthful of cereal.
“Don’t tell Mum you were up this early, she will freak.”
“She’s never around anyway. Neither is Dad.” He scoffed.
“True.” I agreed, knowing full well how much they were never around. Most of the time I forget they even live in the same house. “Anyway, I gotta go to school. I’ll see you this afternoon.”
“See you bro.” Lucas waved goodbye before diving back into his breakfast.
I had decided to leave without breakfast. If I ever got hungry there was always somewhere I could pick up something to eat on the way, even if I despised the taste of take away food. I hopped into the Aston, feeling the engine purr to life, and headed off to school.
Ten minutes later I pulled up into the car park. There was no one loitering and I figured the bell had already rung, it’s not usual for me to be late. Taking my time, I picked up my books and headed to my first class. The teacher dismissed me and I took my seat at the back of the class and waited for it to finish. There was always an advantage to never being late.
By the time the end of the day had come, I hadn’t seen any of my friends nor had I seen Tyler. As I was about to take my car and leave, I spotted Matt and a few of his friends standing near the car. Each of them peculiarly standing at around the same height.
“Hello.” I smiled politely, and I noticed the other two take a step back.
Matt smiled back and stepped to the side so I could see his two friends, who were still looking at me with uncertainty. “This is Dominic and Tom.”
Dominic was slightly taller than Matt, but had dark blonde hair and grey eyes. The two looked like complete opposites in a way, but at the same time they did have their similarities. Tom was a lot more like Matt. He was taller than Dominic, but had the same dark hair that Matt had.
“Nice to meet you both.” But neither of them stepped forward. “Hey look, I’m heading to the water park tomorrow, you are all free to join.”
“I don’t have the money.” Tom said nervously, and I could see him and Dom take another step back.
“I can pay for everyone, doesn’t bother me.” I answered it so calmly, it made me forget that some people didn’t know I was rich. “So that’s four of us, I have two friends coming, do you have anyone else that would want to come? I would rather keep it to groups of four.”
“My brother would want to come.” Matt offered.
“Same with my sister.” Tom answered quickly after.
“It’s sorted then. Will see you all tomorrow.” I winked at Matt before getting in my car.
Before I had closed the door, I heard Dom mutter, “I can’t believe you are friends with Marcus Fin.”
The drive home seemed longer than usual. The engine almost put me to sleep, but I managed to make it back before my kid brother. As I pulled up, I saw him further down the road.
“Almost beat me.” I chuckled as I pulled my school bag out of the car.
“You won’t next time.” Lucas challenged me.
We walked up to the front door together, neither of us had much to say. My phone beeped as I reached the door and I took it out of my pocket to see who it was.
“Is Matt texting you again?” Lucas smiled at me.
I couldn’t help but look down at him suspiciously. “How’d you know? Wait...have you been checking my phone?”
“You left it in the bathroom yesterday. So was that Matt?” Lucas pushed for an answer.
“Yes it was.”
“What does he want?” He smiled innocently as he pushed to know more.
“He was texting to say his brother and Tom’s sister are ok to go to the water park tomorrow. Is that alright with you?”
“Will I get to meet him?”
“You’re not coming tomorrow, just taking a few of my friends.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
I walked inside and threw my school bag against the kitchen counter and Lucas followed.
“You know don’t you?” I rolled my eyes.
“Of course.” He smiled cheekily back, and I could see I wouldn’t live this down.
“Figures. But don’t tell Mum or Dad, got it?”
“I won’t.” He made a zipper closing action over his mouth, but I knew I could trust him not to tell. “So when do I get to meet him?”
“I don’t know.” I laughed nervously, feeling slightly under pressure. “Maybe next week, if he wants to come around.”
Lucas didn’t need me to say anymore. He had already ran upstairs in excitement.
We managed to push through the line at the gate, and ended up waiting only fifteen minutes. I didn’t like using a means of being rich to bypass a cue, but I was also impatient when it came to standing around. The crowds had started to get on my nerve as soon as we arrived, a young child, around Lucas’ age was running amuck and the parents of said child stood patiently inline ignoring him. Then a group of teenage girls arrived a few moments after us, and their loud chatter about us, enough to make me turn back to my car and leave. I was quite pleased when one of the workers walked past and I was able to bribe them to jump the line, with little flirting involved.
Inside the chatter increased to an almost ridiculous level, but at least we were in the park now. The group made a slow wander over to the change rooms where everyone but me and Matthew had to get changed. Leaving us to awkwardly wait outside by ourselves. Neither of us had said anything to each other since getting out of the car. It made it feel a little more uncomfortable between us, and I was determined to not let it ruin our day.
“So...” My desperate attempt at a conversation starter being very obvious. I shifted my hands self-consciously on my boardies, the black material making my skin look lighter than it was.
Matt looked at me, my eyes caught straight onto his gorgeous blue, and he bit his bottom lip. “Umm, yeah...” He muttered, looking down when I started to stare.
“Your friends are nice.” I commented, trying to take this conversation anywhere that didn’t lead to awkward mumbling.
“Thanks.” Matt hid a smile like he didn’t know what to say. “Aren’t your friends meant to be here?”
I looked over Matt’s shoulder to see Dominic, practically my half brother in a weird kind of way. He was the same height as me, a year older, but we both basically had the same build and personality. We had been friends for a very long time, he was probably the person I trusted most outside my family. Walking next to him was Chris, he wasn’t exactly like me and Dominic, but when we first met, the three of us meshed together like butter on toast. Though I hadn’t known him Chris long as Dominic, I still trusted him a great deal.
“They are.” I winked, gesturing for Matt to turn around. “Dominic, Chris, this is Matthew. Matt this is Dominic and Chris.” I introduced them, pointing out who was who to avoid confusion.
Dominic smiled happily and shook Matt’s hand like he was the fourth person to join our close group of three. It sent a strange feeling through my body seeing the three of them getting along. Chris stayed a step behind Dominic, but still offered Matt a polite hand shake. He never was the one for talking, which evened out with Dominic who sometimes never seemed to shut up.
“So what, it’s only the four of us?” Dominic quickly jumped to conclusions, his tone obviously heavy on sarcasm. “You said there were going to be eight of us Marcus!”
“Shut up idiot.” I laughed. You can always tell when someone is a good friend, you greet each other with insults. “The others are getting changed.”
“Whatever.” Dominic stuck out his tongue, his level of interest obviously in the red area.
A few minutes passed before Matt’s friends joined us. All dressed in their newly changed swimming gear. They looked a little nervous when they titled their heads up to spot Dominic and Chris standing behind me. The three of us much taller than the other boys.
Great another awkward moment.
“Introductions I guess.” I smiled jubilantly, doing anything to steer this away from a day of awkwardness. “Dominic and Chris.” I gestured to the two burley teenagers standing behind me. Dominic not being able to stop a cheerful chuckle. “Matthew, Paul, Tom, Jasmine and Dominic.” I gestured around the disfigured circle we were standing in. More than one of them quirked an eyebrow at me. “This might get confusing.” My hand spreading over my face as I rubbed my eyes.
The two Dominic’s eyed each other. The rest of us watching, trying to stifle a laugh. “Confusing? Just confusing, it’s going to be annoying.” The taller Dominic ranted. I could see this being a problem all day.
“Dominic One and Dominic Two.” Chris laughed, patting his friend on the head.
“Get stuffed.” He pushed Chris’ hand away and gently punched him in the shoulder, showing his annoyance.
Of course it was up to me and step in and solve the problem. Everyone else shying away from the sudden expression of the taller boys. “Dominic.” I pointed to my friend. “Dom.” I pointed to Matt’s blonde haired friend. “Everyone happy with that?”
A majority of nods aimed in my direction. It had been an easy call, already knowing Dominic hated being nicknamed. Matt’s friend Dom use to it by now.
Not the best way to have started the day.
“I think that’s the best ride so far!” Dominic’s loud hollers had somewhat gotten the whole group to ease up. Matt’s friends were all trying their best to actively engage in conversation with my friends. Even the shy Chris opened his mouth every now and then.
I was only a pace behind Matt, and I quickened my step, almost breathing down the back of his neck. My hand resting on his hip, keeping hidden from the rest of the group. It was rather thrilling to have to maintain the secret. “We should get away from them for a bit.” I whispered in his ear. It looked no more suspicious then having a private conversation with a friend.
“So what’s up next?” Dominic’s grizzly hand pushed on my shoulder forcing me to stumble into Matt. The unexpected contact making my checks flush. “The Flash Water, the Stingray, the Wave Walker...” He got more excited with each ride he listed.
“Actually, Matt and I were going to get something to eat. The rest of you can go on rides and we’ll catch up with you later.” That was innocent...right?
“Wimps.” Dominic teased, grabbing Dom and Paul under his arms and pushing them towards the direction of their next ride. Both of them having no say as the rest of the group followed.
A sigh of relief escaped me as I watched them disappear, blending into the crowd.
“You’re hungry?” Matt questioned me, the confusion in his voice undeniable.
“No.” I laughed, rubbing my fingers gingerly through his hair. “I just wanted to get us away from everyone.” My lips tracing the line of his jaw. The skin so soft to the touch. As I was about to kiss him he pulled away. A nervous look on his face. I noticed a group of high school girls looking at us, it was hard to read if they were disgusted or gushing.
“Can we go somewhere more private?” Matt’s words making my ears ring in pleasure. I nodded, slipping my hand into his and pulling him away with me.
His warm body was pressed against mine. Our naked chests rubbing as we snogged each other without a care in the world. Both of us had lost track of how long we had been away from the group. Somehow it didn’t matter.
Matt moaned as my tongue slipped into his mouth. His fingers twisted in my hair. The nerves tingling endlessly. He pulled away, taking in a loud gasp of air. His warm breath floating over my face.
“That was...” My voice trailing off as I tried to recover.
“Wow.” Matt finished. Both of us giggling like kids.
I swept my hand through his hair again. His cute blue eyes making me want to kiss him again. But at the same time I just want to stare at him. His facial features more than enough to keep me satisfied.
“Why do I feel like Dominic knows something?” His shy voice whispered against my shoulder as he braced himself under my arms.
“Because he’s my best friend and there are no secrets between us.” I smiled, nibbling at his ear.
“Dom knows as well.”
Both of us laughed again. His lips touching mine in a warm kiss when I heard the faint click of a camera go off behind us. I turned my head swiftly and spotted Chris leaning victoriously against the nearest building.
“Got ya.” He smirked, waving the phone.
-----
“Come on Lucas give me back my phone!” I scampered down the stairs, a few feet behind him. The little bugger being quicker then he looked. The phone chimed away as I received another incoming message.
“Bet that one is from Matt as well.” Lucas giggled manically, turning at the bottom of the stairs and taking off into the lounge room.
Chelsea just stared at the two of us and rolled her eyes. It wasn’t unusual for the two of us to be mucking around. She always seemed to be around the house lately, seeing as her parents had been working double shifts. I felt sorry for the kid, she had become almost like a sister to us with the amount of time she was over because of the absence of her parents.
“This is pay back for not taking me yesterday.” Lucas continued to laugh as he barricaded himself behind the lounge. Coming awfully close to knocking the TV off it’s cabinet. He stuck out his tongue for emphasis.
“You said you didn’t wanna go.” I gawked, momentarily surprised by his response. I watched as he stuck out his tongue and pulled off a cheeky grin, obviously playing with me. “Now give me back my phone.”
“Say please!” He continued to taunt. I made a note to get him back for it later.
Both of us eyed each other. The lounge being the only thing caught between the two of us. I waited for him to pull a fake turn, and used the opportunity to hurdle over the lounge and grab the phone from his hand, holding it above me so he couldn’t grab it again. It chimed again in my hand, and I almost dropped it from surprise.
This hadn’t been what I planned to do on Sunday, especially after going to the water park yesterday and getting fried by the sun. Not only was I exhausted from chasing Lucas all around the house, I also had to baby sit him and Chelsea until my parents got home, which wouldn’t be till late. On top of that, Lucas was already in a particularly annoying mood.
I sat down on the lounge and held my head between my hands, cradling my phone so it couldn’t be grabbed. Why today? I thought.
“I’m sorry.” Lucas apologised, realising how quickly the mood changed.
“It’s ok bud.” I looked up at him and pulled off a false smile. “I’m just feeling a bit tired. Why don’t you and Chelsea go put a movie on.”
Lucas nodded and left the room. He knew when I wasn’t in the mood to play and it was something I admired about him. Nothing is more annoying than a younger brother not knowing when to give up.
A moment later I pulled my phone out and looked at the bright screen, which stung my eyes in the dark room. There were three notifications for unread messages. I opened the first one, which had been from Matt. He was thanking me for taking him and his friends to the water park yesterday. It seemed rather generic, but my heart still skipped a beat as I read it. The second message was from Matt as well, but it wasn’t the one to catch my attention. The last text had been from Chris, a small photo attached to it.
I pulled the image up on the full size of my screen and couldn’t help but chuckle. Chris had seen us on the one time the two of us had snuck off yesterday to exchange a small kiss. Which I was now looking at on my phone. The smile on my face to joyful to hide.
The weekend seemed to pass quicker than I had anticipated. If only it could have lasted just another day. Instead I got up like every other morning to face the day ahead. I found myself awake earlier than usual, hearing my parents close the front door as they left. I decided to use the extra time to walk to school, it would be a good relief to take my mind off everything.
The walk kept my mind clear, I had only wished it was a little cooler as the sun beat down on my face. By the time I had arrived at school, everyone was hanging out in the car park before class, like they normally did. For once I was surprised not to see Tyler beating down on someone smaller than him. He was actually nowhere in sight.
I moved into the main hall without loitering outside like everyone else. I was stopped after passing the first classroom and I had to turn around quickly to see who had said my name.
“Ah, Mr. Fin, I would like to speak with you in my office.” Principle Burke said it so casually that the thought of being in trouble didn’t even cross my mind, but the groups of girls around me either giggled or gasped.
“Sure. Guess I don’t really have a choice.” I answered expressionlessly, tucking my hands into my pockets and making the girls sigh.
I dawdled on my way to his office, hearing the bell ring before I had even walked inside. Another class I was going to miss. It was starting to be a habit.
I sat on the chair closest to the door, and waited for Burke to take a seat opposite me. I couldn’t think of any reason why he would want to talk to me, but obviously it was something important.
“Don’t worry, you’re not in trouble.” He explained before taking a seat.
“Didn’t think I was.” I spoke honestly.
“Of course.” Burke smiled, before looking off into the distance. “Actually I wanted to talk about your grades.”
“What about them?”
“They are all back to straight A’s. Well done. See what happens when you hang with the right crowd. With that said, I don’t want to see them drop again. You’re a good kid, don’t let peer pressure spoil that. I’m willing to move you back to your original classes if you want, it’s your choice.”
“That’s fine with me.”
“I won’t hold you any longer then, you can head back to class.”
He didn’t need to tell me twice. As nice as Burke was, I didn’t want to spend too much time in the principal’s office. So I got up and left, and headed straight for my first class.