Lola's p.o.v
"Jack you have been stood here three minutes, my chips will be cold" he cleared his throat before he came inside. "This is a nice house" he said sitting down on the sofa "make yourself at home then" I murmured and he gave me a cheeky smirk.
I went to reach for the remote but the overstretch caused me to quietly grunt as I held my rib "let me see it Lola" Jacks eyes pleaded with me as I leaned back on the sofa next to him "honest I am okay, just bruising" he kept his stare on me "Jack stop staring you look a bit crazy" but he wouldn't budge and I sighed.
Ok I know this might sound stupid but I really just did not want a boy like him to see my stomach and my boobs in my Primark comfort bra.
He placed his hand on the edge of my shirt but I shifted to the left to avoid him "Lola, you are hurt and I know what I am talking about just let me see, please" I looked down but he tilted my head back as he gently placed his finger under my chin "are you nervous for me to see you?" he lowered his voice and in that moment I felt we were the only people in the world. I gave a small nod, feeling stupid and my cheeks flustered "Lola why, you are a beautiful girl" he moved closer to me and I turned my head to be face to face with him "it's silly, but I just I don't...don't like me, let alone the thought of a a boy like you see me" I bit my bottom lip "a boy like me?" he questioned "come on Jack we all know you are fi... look.. in good shape" I tripped over my words and he tucked a lose strand of hair behind my ear "everyone has their insecurities Lola, but I would never judge you, I think you are fit, I won't deny that, and seeing your 'stomach' is never going to change that" I couldn't help but smile and eventually I lifted my shirt a little for him to see the bruising.
I felt a shiver down my spine when he traced the bruise with his thumb before he headed to the kitchen "here, you just need to ice it for the next few days, and maybe have a bath might help you relax" he passed me an ice pack "thank you Jack, did know that, but thanks sir" he smiled and sat back next to me. After watching a film Jack stood up "come on, lets go out" he suggested "I've got a headache from hell so no" I moaned "I don't care, just take these and get up" he pulled me up before I had the chance to throw a tantrum and passed me some painkillers, "promise its the strong shit" I rolled my eyes before walking to the stairs, being stopped as he called my name "you have a really good bum" he winked at me and I rolled my eyes. Again.
Really? My heart just beat at and unhealthy pace, like some teenager in the books. I managed to calm myself as I changed into some leggings and a graphic grey hoodie, it might be James'? But it's mine now I suppose.
We decided to take a trip to get a coffee before we agreed to walk in the park. "Tell me about Lola Pearce" Jack said sipping his iced drink "well, what do you wanna know?" I asked putting my cigarette out "everything" he was doing that whole intense eye contact thing again "everything?" he nodded at my repetition "middle name is Grace, born June 10th, I am secretly a bit of a nerd. I was like you, in a close knit group, one of them is my ex kinda, like I said it's fucking complicated and he has gone a little awol" I said sipping my iced latte. Oat milk and Vanilla always.
"June 10, hm so what are you doing for your birthday then?" he asked, dodging the whole ex thing "nothing planned yet, normally I get drunk and spend it either being sick or blacking out, but I think the girls might come up with something" They most definitely will "well they can get out of hand sometimes, just to warn you" he warned me "I like the excitement" he raised his eyebrows "Abbie's obsessed with me as you know, about two months ago we were at a party and she was all over me the whole night, she got really smashed and tried to get into my pants, it was pretty desperate to be honest" I felt the second hand embarrassment; and soon some other stories about the girls and his lot were unveiled. I can't lie it usually ended up with both of us in tears of laughter or internally cringing.
"So" he gave me that what are you about to ask look, "tell me about Jack Trueblood then" I said standing up "isn't much about me, sorry to disappoint" he said taking a sip of beer. I dont know where it came from either, "thats a lie" I raised my eyebrow and managed to convinced him to talk a little "middle name is Aiden, birthday is November 3rd, from California and... I am single" he said and opened some snacks "single? what happened to Chloe?" I asked taking some M&Ms "we both decided to finish it" he said, emphasis on the both "what part of Cali are you from originally, you have a little accent?" I said "downtown originally...oh actually one thing I suppose, I'm a boxer" I looked at him in surprise "champion boxer?" I teased "I don't know about champ boxer but that would be great" he said and smiled at me "explains the black eye" he added "kinda figured that out hun" I winked "see...I was right about the attitude" he said, cocky in tone, so I just stared at him and he chuckled.
I went to pick up my phone to see Chris was calling but as I picked up my phone I split my drink down Jack "oh shit, so sorry" I said cleaning it up best as I could "no worries" he said taking his hoodie off, his shirt came up with it and I couldn't help but look
You know you would have.
I was snapped out my day dream when I saw his arm tattoo, I knew that tattoo?
Shit
I saw it yesterday
He was the one who helped me??
I stared into his eyes and I tried my hardest to go back and picture the guy with the balaclava helping me up, it was him I was sure of it, it was him, it was Jack.
"Lola you ok? You haven't spoke in 5 minutes" he asked "it was you, you helped me" he shrugged his shoulders "are you in some sorta gang Jack?" I didn't doubt that for a minute I knew he was, he stayed silent and he knew he couldn't lie to me "but Lola please, please you can't say anything, it has to stay between us" I could sense the desperation in his voice "Jack don't worry, it's our secret" I promised, what he does is none of my business "thank you Lola, that means a lot, but why help me" he said putting his hand on my leg but he quickly lifted it away which for some reason I didn't really want him to do, I liked it "scratch my back, I scratch yours, or beat up aggressive old men, whatever the case" he smiled at me and I did the same back.
Shit his smile was contagious.
"Sorry I need to speak to C quick" I called him back and he anwered after three rings;
L! I miss you man this is all falling apart
What's happening C I just don't get it?
Neither Lola, basically I spoke to said lover boy, ok I bashed his door down basically but anyway; he just seemed like he hated me, he was angry and looked upset...
But I don't get it like ok be sad James but why you gotta treat everyone like this?
Honestly I don't get it, I managed to calm him a little and by the time I left two hours later we were on civil paths but honestly I just feel like he does not care about us. And hell I anit wasting my time with that kinda 'friend' L
Nah, I understand, it isn't fair but I think I am going to attempt to speak to him, maybe he can be a little more open to me
I wish you the best with it L, we will speak soon yeah?
Yeah, love ya C and thanks for checking on him
No worries boss, love you too!
"Trouble with paradise, L?" Jack raised his brow "we was never a paradise, I just don't understand James he is abandoning the others and has no valid reason" I sighed "maybe now you are gone he just doesn't feel the need to have them in his life, this guy seems a little odd moving" Jack said and I nodded "not wrong there".
"Lola?" I mumbled a response to Jacks asking of my name "yesterday when you said that it wasn't the first time what did you mean?" he asked "oh don't worry it...." he cut me off "please tell me" he was serious in voice "I mean where I lived was like everywhere else it has it's good and bad parts, I hung around James place when we were young and I wasn't exactly perfect or keeping our of trouble. I got attacked" I said gently placing my hand over my thigh were my skin was scarred, but that wasn't some attack, them ones were my own work "were you ever hurt badly?" he moved a little closer "I was stabbed once...few days after my fifteenth" I said and he looked at me with worry in his eyes "where?" he asked "my upper ribs luckily it didn't cause any serious damage" I responded "were they caught?" he asked and I just shook my head "I am sorry Lola, I know the feeling, I've been stabbed and shot myself" he sighed as he carried on "I was 14 when I was stabbed in the chest but luckily no serious damage, then I was shot in January just gone just below my rib cage on the right" I looked at him then I smiled at him "who would have thought you can bond over your stabbing stories eh" he gave a little smile but he held my hand "please tell me you're all ok now though and out of trouble"
Why was he so protective?
"Was many years ago, I am fine now" I reassured him and we decided to head home.
I haven't been fine in years.
I saw my parents were home, really the one time they are here has to be now.
"Thanks for today I had a good time" I said giving his spare helmet back "me too, I've got a fight on Wednesday, come" he said putting the helmet back on "I'll think about it" I teased and he smiled "you know that wasn't a question, you have to come" I rolled my eyes "bye" I let out a little laugh before he drove off and a smile crept onto my face as I walked inside.
I saw that mum and dad were talking to Lauren and Jai. "Hey" I said siting on the counter "hi" Lauren replied "Lola, me and dad have to go away on business Friday to Monday so you can stay at Jai's for the few days" mum told me "missing your daughters 18th birthday, well thanks for the offer you two but my mates said they are throwing a party" I said going to get a drink "oh ok then" I felt bad for my attitude but that just really pissed me off if I am honest.
Do I feel I am acting entitled, yes. But do I also want to just spend time with them, honestly Yes.
"Have you been drinking, you stink of booze and smoke" dad scrunched " I had a few beers with a friend what's the deal? I am going upstairs" I said grabbing a can "drop the attitude" he said. I didn't say anything else before leaving, I can't be dealing with them right now that man can really wind me up sometimes.
I got in the bath and laid there listening to music for about an hour, I was thinking of how Jack helped me and how he seemed so calm and relaxed talking to me even when we talked about the deep stuff, there is an instant trust there. Then again I felt the same about him even though I've known him five minutes he's just so trustworthy and loyal, you can just sense these things sometimes.
He is like a golden retriever. Strong stance, loyal, kinda cute and would pet him, maybe even stroke....
"Stop you creep" I mumbled to myself as I grabbed a towel, my ribs still hurt a little but I just kept icing them and hoping for the best.
I was scrolling Netflix and checked my phone to see a message from the one and only;
Jack: Evening Miss Pearce. I had a good time today and thank you for understanding everything, means a lot x
A smile crept on my face as I replied;
Read my mind I was just thinking of you, I had a good time too and I wouldn't ever judge you for what you do, we all have secrets x tomorrow remind me to ask the girls help plan a party because my mum and dad are leaving so I need to plan it ASAP x
What their gonna leave you on your birthday? x
'Business is business' x
Well we are just gonna have to make this party a good one then x
Trust me I never throw a bad party babe x
I trust you, what time do you get to school? x
About 8:30 why? x
No reason, gotta go train see you at school x and Lola?
Yes Jack Trueblood? x
I have been thinking of you too :) x see you tomorrow
Tomorrow it is x
I bit my lip and placed a cushion over my face. GET A GRIP it has been a few days Lola!
I tried blocking out the thoughts but every time I tried to relax I was just thinking about him. I just couldn't stop thinking about him and smiled to myself whenever I thought of that cheeky smirk, amazing smile, his laugh, his tattoos, his body...
What is going on with me? I have never felt like this before.
Thanks for reading hope you enjoyed, vote and comment if you did! xxx