The family secret

12 - Fixing mistakes, part 2

AVA

She ran downstairs when she heard her mother scream of happiness. JJ spread his arms wide for Ava to jump in. He lifted her up in his arms and circled around, before placing her on the ground again.

‘I missed you!’ Ava hugged him one more time. She hadn't seen JJ for over a month now. He called her a few times, but didn't come by much.

‘I missed you too, Pava.’ JJ called her by her nickname. She punched him in the chest.

‘Don't call me that.’

He grinned. ‘What are you doing today? Wanna hang out with your big brother?’

‘Yeah, I love to. But I have to return a dress at the mall later this day.’

‘I can bring you.’

‘That would be great.’ The only reason her mother let her go back to the mall after she was arrested, was by bringing back the dress she had bought earlier that day. It was a nice dress, but she needed an excuse to go back. She was going to meet the mister anonymous. Was it a good idea? Probably not, but at least JJ was now with her.

Mother asked if he had breakfast yet and he told her he was famished. They were sitting on the opposite sides of the table.

‘So, tell me how is your girl doing these days?’ she asked.

JJ almost spit out his orange juice. ‘Good.’

Ava shook her head. ‘Is she still ignoring you? Did you kiss and make it up?’

His face was red like a beet. ‘Something like that. I don't know. Maybe I went a bit too far.’

JJ had a few girlfriends over the years, but he never was in love like he was with this girl. He didn't want to tell her name or where she lived, but she had her ways to find out. One day he will slip up and tell her.

‘How long are you staying this time?’

‘Till tomorrow.’ He said and took a strawberry from the bowl mother had placed on the table. Ava took a hand full of blueberry's and put them one by one into her mouth. Her thoughts were wondering off to her meeting with the anonymous person. She didn't listen to JJ talking about his friends and competitions. All she could think of was seeing the boy who got her arrested again. It must be him. It had to be him. Right?

JADEN

On his first free day this week he took his car to the one place he could think of: the club where he met Stella, his butterfly. He was going to apologize to her. He tried to find her info, but all he was left with was more questions. He didn't know her last name, her phone number, he didn't even know her name was Stella until she left him the note. He remembered she worked here a lot. She worked during lunches, she once told him. Parking his car in front of the club, made him nervous. Was his apologize enough to forgive him for not calling her all week?

He entered the club and was surprised to see it was almost full. There were only a few seats left to sit. He found a booth in the end by a window. From where he was sitting, he could see his own car.

‘Hello my name is Alex. How can I help you today?’ A girl with black curly hair was waiting for his answer, only to blush when he finally looked at her. ‘Oh God.’ she said.

‘I hope he won't be on the menu today. I like girls you know.’ He said back to her. It made her even more blush. ‘I will have a coffee and the Saturday special with extra bacon.’ With a smile on his face, he watched her walk away from him. She had a nice ass, a nice body and he totally would of f**k her, if he didn't come for Stella. He was going to make it right with her first. He wasn't the man w***e his father said he was.

Alex came back with his coffee. ‘Can I get you anything else?’

‘Can you tell me if Stella is working here today?’

Her mouth dropped for a second. ‘She wasn't feeling well today. I think she is the back. Should I tell her you're here?’

‘That would be lovely.’ Jaden took small sips from his coffee. He could see Alex staring at him a few times. When Stella came into the café, she pointed towards him and Stella just shook her head and went away again.

‘She doesn't want to talk with you.’ Alex said as she brings him the Saturday special, an omelet with onions and bacon, with extra bacon.

‘Do you have a pen and paper?’ he asked. She gave a bloc note and a pen.

Dear Stella,

I was coming by to apologize to you.

I've been distant to you. It hadn't anything to do with you. I'm sorry.

My father gave me a job. It took a lot of time off my week and I didn't find the right time to call you. I remember our deal. I want to keep my word.

Please call me,

Jaden

‘Can you give Stella this note. I put my cell number on the back and tell her I’m sorry.’

Alex walked away. She seemed sad I had more interest in Stella than her. He didn't care. He just needed his butterfly back in his arms.

AVA

All men in the family Weekland drove like maniacs. How hard was it to keep to the speed limit? They were at the mall way too early for her meeting. Her nerves were killing her right now. But she had a plan and it would be something to remember.

‘Do you want to buy a Starbucks? I could use some coffee. Mom won’t give me some.’ Ava pulled out her wallet. ‘I buy.’

‘Deal.’ JJ said smiling.

They ordered both a caramel Frappuccino and sat down at the bench Ava had met the strange boy the last time. She looked around hoping to see him. All she got was stares back from people who recognized her and her brother. A few people even asked to take a picture with them. Then an elderly lady stood still in front of her. She was tiny and had grey hair.

‘I was told to give you this paper by someone. You read it and you have to say what you choose back to me.’ she told Ava, while giving her a piece of paper.

Ava was shocked. She looked over to JJ, but he didn't seem to notice the woman. He was staring at his phone. ‘What? Who send you? What did he look like?’ The anonymous person didn't even come in person, she thought. Now her plan failed.

‘I can't give you any more information.’

Ava slowly opened the folded paper.

What do you choose?

Should we tell the world you have a crush on your brother's best friend but got rejected by him or should we tell your brother Julian is gay?’

Ava's mouth felt open. She only told her best friends and her mother about her crush on Brent. She never told anyone he rejected her. How did they find out? ‘This isn't true.’ Ava said. ‘The last thing. It isn't true.’

‘Only one way to find out.’ The lady pulled the paper out of Ava's hand and walked away. Tears were filling her eyes. She was shaking with fear. What if it's true? Julian would never forgive her if he knew what she did.

‘Who was that? What did she show you?’ JJ asked. He was just as confused as she was.

‘I think we are going to find out soon. I just hope it's not true.’

JADEN

Stella never came back into the diner. She didn't call him. He waited for her for over two hours. He paid for the food and the coffee and went back to his car. He drove his car in reverse and nearly hit a lady walking by.

‘Shit.’ he screamed. He stepped out of the car. ‘I'm so sorry. Did I hurt you?’

‘No, you didn't.’ the lady said as she was standing up.

‘Stella.’ he whispered when he saw who he almost hit. She brushed over her work clothes with her hands, looking beautiful even in her uniformp.

‘You didn't hit me. I just fell.’

‘Are you okay?’

‘I'm fine.’ Stella sighed. ‘I got your letter.’

‘I don't have your phone number.’ he told her. He lowered his head with shame.

‘I never gave you my number.’

‘You told me to call you.’

‘I never thought you would.’

‘What are we doing about it?’

‘I don't know.’

Jaden stares deep in her dark blue eyes. He takes a step closer. And another. She is almost in his reach.

‘You got a job?’

‘I hate it.’ He took another step closer.

‘What are you doing?’ she whispers.

‘I was going to kiss you.’

‘Why?’

‘Because I want your lips on my lips.’ He kissed her with a lot of passion. He never kissed a girl like this. He licked her lips asking for permission to enter hers. He needed to taste all of her. She let him enter and their tongues twirled together. She kissed him back with need. He wanted more of her, but held back. Her soft lips drove him crazy. When they let go, he was panting and she was standing wobbly on her legs. ‘You okay?’ He asked.

‘I'm better than okay. I just am a little dizzy today. Nothing to worry about.’ She pressed her lips one more time on his. ‘I have to go home now. I have your number. Shall I send you my address? My boyfriend isn't at home this weekend. Maybe you can stop by tonight?’ She forgave him!

‘Yes.’ This time he blushed at her. ‘I would like that very much.’