Revelations

Chapter two

When she had stopped laughing, she looked at me "No, certainly not. If I was, my parents would kill me for sure." If I'm honest, so would my parents, "You fancy coming to mine after school to watch a movie or chat about boys?" This is the first time I've had a decent friend, I couldn't let this opportunity pass me by.

"Yeah, sure I'd love to."

She grinned. "Sweet. I'll meet you outside geography after school. My Dad will pick us up.".

Sure enough, 4:10 came and she was outside waiting, slumped against the wall. "Hey, hey girl you ready?" I nodded. "Sweet, let's go." I followed her out to the car park. She walked over to a car-oh my god it was a Subaru Impreza, she opened the door for me.

I hopped inside taking it all in. Was this real? Suddenly I felt the soft leather under my fingertips, the smell of leather mixed with the woody notes of a mans aftershave was travelling up my nostrils. I knew it was real, after all. I was almost dribbling. when she slipped in next to me, smiling.

"Hey, Dad." Jo's Dad looked in the mirror at me then Jo. "Hey, sweetheart, have a good day?"

Jo said under her breath, "Yeah, it wasn't bad, same shit different day.

He laughed, his laughter was infectious, i've never really took any notice of an older man before, but Jo's dad didn't seem to be like the other older men.

Joe's dad looked as wise as the older man. On the other hand his laughter and grin made me feel like he had a very playful nature, maybe he was a bad boy once. Probably a boy racer.. but then he settled down to have Jo. As I was was observing his character he spoke again, "Jo who's this lovely young woman?" I blushed.

"Sorry Dad this is my friend, Gracie. She's coming over to our house. We're going to talk boys, eat popcorn, and watch films."

Jo's Dad smiled warmly at me and said, "Any friend of yours is a friend of mine." I smiled back at him.

When we got to Jo's house I was shocked. She had a real fancy house with pillars by the door. It was, to say the least, lush.

"Home sweet home," Jo said, before looking at me. "You coming?" I got out the car a little shellshocked. "Your house is out of this world Jo." Her Dad heard me and put a hand on my shoulder, "Our home is your home now, Gracie." He smiled down at me.

The interior was as stunning as the exterior. I followed Jo into the kitchen where a very beautiful woman was sitting at the table like something from a desiger kitchen magazine. She made everything look more expensive than it probably was. Just to the left, on the counter, was an array of popcorn, nibbles plus drinks. She looked over to me, smiling.

"Before you ask, I got your text. I got it all prepared for you. Hey, Gracie! It's so nice to meet you. Now go have fun, tea will be at 6:00."

Jo ran up to her Mum, kissing her cheek, "Thanks Mum, you're the best!" She grabbed the tray telling me to follow, which of course I did.

Once inside her bedroom I stood, not moving, worried I might have mud on my shoes. Everything was immaculate, even down to the crisp white linen that was laid out over a four poster bed, It was out of this world.

I started to walk around the room slowly, taking everything in. She had a en suite, plus a veranda which looked out on their pool. It was more of an adults room, than a teen room, but it was however taste fully decorated in a girly fashion. She knew I was shocked when she had to pick my jaw up off the floor.

"You've never seen a house this big before?" she said, chuckling. I shook my head. "Oh don't panic, It's just my home that's all. My Dad's in the bodyguard business my Mum's a fashion designer, so just chill."

Now I know why they had this big house and luxurious items. My Mum was a carer and my Dad was an engineer. We lived comfortably, but Jo was right. It didn't matter what we had, it's the people we share it with, that makes it home.

Damn, thinking of my Mum I had forgotten to let her know I'd be home late. I pulled out my mobile phone dialing her number. After four rings she picked up.

"Hello? Hey, Mum It's only me. I'm at a friend's house I'll be home later." I could tell by the gasp she was über excited for me.
"Ok, Gracie, I'll put you some dinner in the oven." Jo shook her head,

"No It's ok, Mum. I'm having dinner here."

I could hear her smile in her voice. "Sweetie, have fun!"

I said Good bye and put the phone back in my bag.

Jo tapped her hand on the bed, I joined her within seconds. It bounced underneath me. "So what you gonna do about Leighton?" I'm sure she saw my shocked look. She shook her head.

"What can I do? You seen how the girls swarmed round him. Have you looked at him? He's gorgeous with a capital G, Jo." She laughed.

"He's alright I suppose, but those girls you mentioned, he finds them irritating. The boys just follow him because he's popular. They mean nothing to him. He's not out to gain friends. He much prefers his own company,"

I shook my head. "That's exactly my point he's popular, I'm not. I have one friend and that's you." She smiled.

"Oh hon, it will all change for you, I'm sure. Maybe after everything you've been through, it's your turn for good luck. But I really don't think Leighton sees you as anything different from anyone else. He's only ever had one girlfriend. Her name was Reaba, and she was the school bitch. It lasted about a week." How did she know all this about him.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door and a new face popped it's head round. "Mum said tea's ready." He glanced at me smiling. "Hey!" Wow he was cute, he was a lot taller than his sister. I reckon he was a good 6 Ft 2, from where I was sitting I wasn't sure if his eyes were blue or green, but I definitely know his hair was a midnight black, it had a very stylish look....He was well fit.

I tried to sound normal as possible, "Hey yourself." A boyish grin fell upon his face and he looked back at Jo.

"Mum said now!"

She chucked a pillow at the door. "Get out, brat! Were coming." He chuckled before shutting the door behind him. His laughter could be heard all the way downstairs.

"Damn, Gracie, that's my brother Joshua. Two smiles in one day. You're gonna have to tell me your secret." We both threw ourselves back on the bed in fits of laughter.

When we walked into the kitchen the aromas of home cooking made me hungry. Around the table were a lot more people, well mainly guys, including the lad called Joshua who told us it was dinner time. I felt nervous by all these new faces, but all I could see was smiles and encouraging gestures. I suddenly felt at ease.

I was starving! Jo's Mum dished me a plate full of chicken stew with fluffy rice. When everyone had their dinners in front of them, we all tucked in.

Conversations were flying around the table. We all spoke of our day - they even involved me in the conversation. Jo's family made me feel so welcome, it was like being with my family.

Sitting opposite me was her five brothers, Reagan was twenty-five, he was just visiting. He was married and has his own house and business in Australia, he just comes home now and again for a vacation.

Hayden was Twenty-Three, he was spitting image of Jo's dad. Even his laugh was the same, turns out he's engaged to a doctor, they are to marry in a years time.

When I looked at the third guy something inside me stirred. A warm fuzzy feeling churned in my tummy. Taylor was twenty one, he was incredibly attractive, I caught him looking at me several times. Was he feeling it too? "Don't be stupid Gracie you will never have a man as fit as him.

Joshua was nineteen, we had already met but he was still lush. whilst Faelan was just a year older than us he was eighteen. He was probably the most mysterious. They were all gorgeous; tall, dark and handsome.

This family was the typical family you expect to see in films, they were all glamorous, mysterious, gorgeous, what was really interesting to know was Joshua and Faelan went to our school. How have I never seen them before.