Don’t Poke The Bear

Chapter 14 Jack Owen

POV Jack Owen

The next day I got out of bed with a spring in my step. I was going to Frankie’s house and I could tell from the way she looked at me that she had missed me too. The reason we hadn’t properly dated before was because of Ashton, but now he was seeing her sister it meant that we could be together. Ashton and I arranged to go together and when I got into the car I was horrified to see that Bunny was with him and she bitched about her family the entire way there. She said that they all bullied her and that she was scared of them but as we went up the steps to Frankie’s front door I noticed that she was smiling and she looked excited. This girl was a f*****g lunatic but today she was my access to Frankie so I had to play ball. Fox opened the door and the smell of delicious food wafted outside to meet us. He invited us in and took our coats and got us a beer but didn’t acknowledge that Bunny was there. The whole house was loaded with people and kids running around and I liked that they had a huge family. Obviously their way of dealing with Bunny was to ignore her because everyone was friendly to us and no one spoke to her. Lion and Monkey were playing cards in the living room and asked me and Ashton to join them for a game. When they lost they started shouting in Italian and that’s when Frankie came out of the kitchen “boys no swearing in front of the kids” she said and that’s when she spotted me. She had a huge smile and so did I, I couldn’t believe I was actually there in her home after how things had ended with us. She was like a mother to all of her family and she was the type of woman that I wanted in my life. She had a baby monitor in her hand and when she looked at it she got excited “Teddy has woke up from his nap. Everybody to the table. I’ll go and get him” she said as she rushed through to the hallway. I loved this mothering side to her.

We all took our seats and the food looked out of this world. The kids had their own table in the living room and Monkey went around pouring us all some delicious red wine. He said it was sent over by The Beast but that he couldn’t be there because they were going away on holiday the next day and he had a lot to do before they went away. They all looked at each other like there was some huge secret I wasn’t part of but I didn’t care. I was just desperate to see Frankie. She walked in with Teddy and everybody gently said hello as he covered his ears. He had obviously just woke up and everyone was being nice and calm until Bunny stood up and startled him. She shouted “hello” and Frankie ignored her and walked Teddy along the length of the table “You’re the head of the family, you sit here” she said as she pulled out his seat. “I want Wolfie and Jack to sit with me” he said and I was touched that he had remembered me. Tiger got up and we switched places and Frankie mouthed ‘thank you’ to me but she had nothing to be thankful for because I thought Teddy was the best and I would do anything to sit close to Frankie. The dinner was fantastic, I loved being there with her family, the food was out of this world, Teddy was very funny and I was just far enough away from Bunny not to hear all her bullshit. After dessert I thought my stomach was about to explode. We all sat around sipping wine but every body looked like they needed a nap and that’s when Kitten finally arrived “there she is, the queen of the castle” said Teddy and I couldn’t help but laugh “I’m the queen she’s the princess” said Frankie and Kitten quietly said hello to everyone but rushed over to Frankie to hug her. “I’m sorry I’m late, I lost track of time” Frankie stroked her hair, “that’s alright, I kept dinner for you, it’s in the oven. Sit down let me get it for you.” Kitten took her seat and she looked tiny and fragile between her huge brothers. “No I’ll get it later” said Kitten “no you’ll eat it now” said Frankie and I could hear the change in her tone. Kitten was unnaturally skinny and she hadn’t ate a thing the day before at Bunny’s house but I couldn’t blame her for that but now to see her pass up Frankie’s food it was a little concerning. Everyone was still chatting when Bunny shouted over everyone. “Kitten it’s so obvious that you came here late to miss the food. I wish you’d realise we all know what you’re doing.. you need help” I’d had enough of this piece of work “really because the way you’re saying that isn’t helpful. Leave her alone” I snapped I couldn’t take it any more. Kitten was vulnerable, anyone could see that and Bunny was picking on her and I couldn’t have that. Frankie came back from the kitchen and she must have sensed the atmosphere. “What’s going on?” She asked “well I was just pointing out that Kitten looks awful and we have all been talking about how skinny she is” Frankie looked around at everybody at the table “who’s been talking? Because I haven’t heard a word about it and I’ve been here the whole time” said Frankie she put the plate of food in front of Kitten and she shook her head like she didn’t want it. “I’m sorry Kitten, it looks disgusting now because it’s all dried out. I’ll make you something when you’re ready” the look of relief passed over her face and Monkey reached over and took her plate “you don’t mind, do you?” He asked. Bunny stood up “Jack I think you should apologise to me for the way you just snapped at me” I shook my head “I’m not going to apologise. I don’t like what you just did to Kitten and I don’t like how you treated her yesterday either.” I knew that I was only a guest and that I was out of line but I had to tell her exactly what I thought of her. “I think you should leave” said Frankie and I was scared that she was talking to me. When I realised she was talking to Bunny my heart leapt out my chest. She turned to Teddy “Bunny is being bad again and now she’s upset Kitten and Jack, is it alright with you if I ask her to go” Bunny started to laugh “why are you asking him? he doesn’t even know what planet he’s on” Frankie clenched her fists at her side as she slowly stood up and I must admit she was kind of scary. “I’m asking him because he’s the man of this house and he deserves that respect. And if you talk about him like that again I’m going to slit your throat. We only put up with you because we love him and he wants us all together but after all the horrible s**t you do… I mean The Beast isn’t here because of you… And after what you’ve just said I’m not asking you to leave, I’m going to take great pleasure throwing you out. And I don’t just mean out of here I mean you better pack your stuff and find a new place to live” by now Bunny was sobbing uncontrollably but I wasn’t buying her sad victim act. She was the root cause of all of this. The brothers all sat there in silence until Lions wife shouted “here,here throw her out Wolfie” I had to suppress a smile. “Wolfie she’s being bad but she’s only a little girl” said Teddy “she’s nearly the same age as me, she’s a big girl now” he looked confused “Wolfie isn’t happy because I’m dating Ashton and she dated him first and he picked me” said Bunny with a smug look on her twisted little face. Frankie put her hand up to stop her. “What’s all this Wolfie?” Said Monkey as he laughed hysterically. “Ashton and I had a few dates but that was ages ago and now he’s happy with Bunny and I’m really happy for them. It’s not about that at all. It’s about the awful things you’ve said about Teddy and Kitten and the fact that I just really don’t like you” Bunny stood up with her hands on her hips “and why is that? It’s because dad loved me and treated me like a princess and you’re jealous” “you’re actually deranged” said Kitten and it was the first time I seen any fight in her. “I don’t want to talk about dad” said Teddy and he started to cry. This huge man was in tears at the very mention of this monster. “Bunny.. dad kicked the s**t out of all of us exempt you. He treated me and Kitten and Mamba like dirt and starved us but with you it was worse. He may not have hit you but he groomed you. All the daddies little girl bullshit. Sitting on his knee for kisses. If he hadn’t died when he did you would be a very different person now. So for you to judge Teddy and Kitten for the scar’s he left on them when you’re sitting there like you’re perfect. I’m not jealous of you, I pitty you.” Bunny looked around the table and everyone clearly felt the same way about her. “He loved me” she said and Frankie took a deep breath “I love you, but I really can’t stand you. Get out whilst you can” The threat wasn’t missed by anybody and Frankie walked around the table and she pulled Bunny by the collar and dragged her to the front door and threw her out. “It’s about time someone did something about Bunny, she’s a monster.” Said Lions wife. I wondered how much they had put up with from Bunny. Ashton was shocked and he looked up the table to me “should I go and be with her?” He asked and I shook my head “I’m not letting you any where near her. You can text her tomorrow to let her know she’s dumped” and Monkey laughed and slapped me on the back. “I like you guys” he said and Frankie came back through to the dining room “I’m sorry this is a mess but what she said about Teddy and Kitten…she’s lucky I didn’t really hurt her” everyone assured her that she was in the right, well everyone except for Teddy. He stood up and said “wolfie I’m sad because of what you did to Bunny” Frankie looked like she was really beating herself up. “She’s a b***h” said Kitten and I smiled to let her know I was on her side. “Jack thank you for sticking up for me” said Kitten as Teddy walked into the living room and sat on the sofa. “Oh guys he’s really mad, I hate when he’s mad at me” said Frankie and she looked upset. “don’t worry, he knows you were in the right he just feels bad for her. He’ll calm down soon” Said Tiger as he poured himself another glass of wine. “maybe I will have something to eat now” said Kitten and everyone smiled but no one was as happy as Frankie. She bit her lip like she was about to cry “what do you fancy little kitten?” “Maybe some pasta if there’s any left” Frankie nodded her head and Fox’s wife rubbed Kittens shoulder to show her support then she leaned around to me and whispered when no one was looking “why don’t you give Frankie a hand in the kitchen, I think she’d like it” I suppose it was obvious that I liked her. “I’ll pretend to come with you then leave you in there if you’d like” I appreciated her offering to help “no I’ll go in but can you both distract my brother” I got up and heard Kitten call over “Ashton where are you from?” She asked. “I’m from Texas ma’am” “what is it like there?” Asked Tiger and I could hear him talking to them all as I went into the kitchen and Frankie had her back to me. She was stirring something in a pot and I seen her dab her eyes as I walked in. She was clearly upset and I wanted to hold her and tell her I was going to look after her but I wasn’t sure if that was what she wanted. “Where are the kids?” I asked and she pointed towards the door. “Are you alright?” I asked and she nodded her head. But she didn’t look at me. I couldn’t help myself I went up behind her and put my arms around her and kissed her cheek. She stopped what she was doing and turned to face me. “Thank you for defending Kitten” I planted a kiss on her lips and she smiled. “You did the right thing by throwing her out” “I know but now Teddy is mad with me and I’m already upset that he’s going away for two weeks without me” “you’re the best sister anyone can ask for” she wiped a tear away “thank you.. but I’m not. The Beast is taking him on holiday to give me a rest. He keeps saying he’s worried about me, but the truth is I haven’t been myself since everything with us. I’m sorry about everything that happened” I felt awful that our short romance had affected her in such a bad way. “no I’m sorry, it’s all my fault. I’ve missed you Frankie” “I’ve missed you too” she said as she finally gave into her tears. “So Teddy won’t be here for a while so you will have a bit of time on your hands. Why don’t you let me take you out on a date?” “I’d like that” she said with a huge smile. “tomorrow night? I’ll book us a table” she nodded her head. One of her nephews came into the kitchen, his name was Marco and he was a cute kid “auntie mamba is on the phone, she said she needs to speak to you but I said you were busy so she asked me to give you a message” Frankie’s eyes were wide and she started to stutter “what did she say?” I had never seen Frankie look frightened before but I could see that she was bricking it from her sister Mamba. “She said you were unkind to Auntie Bunny and she’s not happy. I like when Auntie Mamba swears she’s so funny.” Frankie looked terrified but her nephew was in stitches laughing. “She said she’s on her way” he turned and ran back out into the hallway. “Auntie Mamba is coming” he shouted and I could hear someone drop a glass and lots of movement coming from the dining room “listen Jack you and Ashton should get out of here” I didn’t know what to say or who this Mamba thought she was but I knew I didn’t want to hang around to find out. I could hear the Archer brothers shout goodbye into the kitchen and wish Frankie good luck. Frankie quickly dished Kittens food onto a plate and I followed her into the dining room when we got there Kitten was sitting with Ashton and the place was deserted. Half drunk glasses of wine and someone had even left their coat and a handbag. They were obviously in a hurry to get out of there. Frankie put the food down in front of Kitten “eat up quickly shes on her way” Kitten took a piece of pasta and put it in mouth like she hadn’t ate for weeks. There was a loud bang and I looked at Frankie “what was that?” She was taking calming breathes “That’s her, she’s on the roof. You really need to go” she started to push me towards the door “Kitten you better run too” Kitten took a gun out from the back of her trousers “no I’ve got four bullets here, that should keep her at bay until I’ve finished my pasta” the patio doors burst open and a woman dressed in black leather motorcycle gear and helmet stood at the entrance and she slowly walked in. Ashton rushed around the table to me and I didn’t blame him. Frankie put her hands up “listen I can explain, she was being a b***h to everyone. Please calm down” Teddy rushed through and he was crying and this dark figure in the door way just telted her head to the one side and he turned and ran away as fast as he could. Frankie pushed both Ashton and me towards the front door “I’m sorry you both have leave but thank you for a lovely evening” she said as she slammed the door. “What was that? I mean who was that?” Asked Ashton “that’s the other sister Mamba, she’s not happy about all that with Bunny” “do you think we should go in and try and explain to her what happened” Although he was my brother he could be pretty dumb sometimes “you can do what you like mate, but I’m out of here” I said as I rushed along the street to the nearest pub because I needed a whiskey to settle my neves. I asked the bartender for two double shots and I drank Ashtons as well as my own. I could hear people in the bar talking about the noisy helicopters “it will be that Archer family again they’re a bunch of animals that lot” I couldn’t believe the night I’d had, and these people were right, because they were a bunch of animals.