2 weeks with Mr Popular (rewritten)

Chapter 2

Dinner was just a whole bunch of awkward moments and me trying not to choke on my food. Jace and I didn't interrupt my mother's chat with Mark because there was absolutely nothing we could butt in their conversation with. It's almost been two hours and they hadn't stopped talking. I tapped the table softly with my fingers to kill time. When the minute hand finally ended its last round, signalling that it's been two hours since we sat down for dinner. That was it.

I stood up, trying to make as little of that annoying squeaky sound as possible. "Mum, I'm gonna bring the plates to the sink yea?" I smiled.

She smiled back, "thanks sweety. But I don't think you'll be able to manage all these dishes alone. How bout you get Jason to help you?"

"Jace, mam. My name is Jace," Jace hid a snarl behind his fake smile.

Mark gave his son a glare which Jace either decided to ignore or pretend that he didn't see it. "I'll help you out there, Lia," he flashed me a warm smile and I couldn't tell if he was faking it.

I just nodded and started clearing the plates from the table and made my way to where the sink was. Jace was right behind me, I could sense his presence and his cologne was so strong, I'm pretty sure I could smell it if he stood out of my house. Right where I'd really want him to be at that moment. "So, you never told me you lived in this fancy ass of a house," he said as he leaned against the counter.

I rolled my eyes, "would I be stupid enough to tell my bully where I lived and what kind of house it is? I'm not that dumb. Besides, it's not like you give a shit or anything. Just... Just stay out of my way okay?"

He gave me a smirk, "I'm afraid this isn't gonna go your way. You do realise that I'll be here for two weeks till your mother comes back, right? I practically have to be in your way and actually give a shit about you. To make sure you don't do anything stupid, that's what your mother said."

"Why'd you even agree with this? If you don't want this job then just give it to someone else! There might be people more deserving out there who's in need of cash."

"And you think I can't see that? My dad is being a dick right now okay? He says I need to get my shit together and maybe get a proper job to redeem myself. Whatever that's supposed to mean. Just remember alright, I don't want this. I'm forced to."

"I'm pretty sure you're not gonna even be taking care of me," I mumbled.

"Would you want me to? After all, I'll become the one in charge and... You know I can do what I can do right?" His voice became soft. Dangerous and soft.

I looked into his eyes, they were challenging me. I rolled my eyes. I was sick and tired of being afraid. I'm nearly seventeen, it's about damn time I stood up for myself. "I don't give a crap about what you're gonna do when you're here. You're most probably gonna go party every single night and here's the freaking deal, I don't give a shit. So you can keep on threatening me for all I care. I'm done with being scared. I'm done with everything."

I shoved past him, purposely nudging him in the shoulder before making my way out. "Honey! Could you and Jason, I mean Jace, go up to your room and have some bonding time? You guys should get to know each other better since you're gonna be together for two weeks," my mother said. I looked into her eyes, giving her the do I have to? look but I gave in immediately after she sent me a death glare.

I groaned softly under my breath and headed upstairs, not caring if Jace was behind me or not. I was about to slam my door shut when a hand appeared out of nowhere and scared the crap out of me. It pushed the door backwards with such a great force that I fell backwards onto the soft carpet. "Shit sorry, didn't see you there." Jace. His voice was mixed with concern and sarcasm.