Audrey's strength

Best mom ever

I went to school with big smile on my face. I forgot for a moment about my mother. Well maybe didn't forget but I wasn't able to think about her. inside obligation made me call doctor Madsen.

In his opinion she was better, but our family still wasn't able to visit her.

I tried forget this conversation and focused on nice memories I was thinking about Jess. He was distant still interested in what I have to say. Still didn't know what he wanted from me. Now I thought maybe that if we become my friend uncle will pay him more. All people lived only to hurt me, destroy me, leave me.

Till lunch classess went smoothly. Mr Brown catched me on my way to cafeteria to eat something and to meet my friend.

In class already was sitting Jess. Did we do something?

"please sit down Audrey. I don't have much time so I invited you and Jess because I have to both of you same thing to say" we looked with Jess at each. His beautiful dark eyes was as surprised as mine.

"I see you both have no idea why you here so let me do the talking. U both are great writers. You read more than whole school together so I wanted ask if u interested in study literature. guys think about it and please say yes. Literature needs you. It's needs good writers to feel others heads with nonsense"

"Yes"I answerd

"No" Jess mumbled

" it's 1 to 1 than for yes team. Audrey hope your answer was real so you can go I need private time with Jess" I nodded while leaving Jess gave me sad look that he has to stay.

Rest day I didn't had opportunity to met Jess but week wasn't over,it was strange that always alone now was thinking to spent time with him. On my way to parking I heard one of the most beautiful sounds on earth. Delicious mumble of engine Dodge challenger from 1970'. I had to see it. And there it was, with beautiful long hood in front, black with silver, chrome accessories. Guy who was a driver noticed me and stepped on gas pedal, engine purred with beautiful sound.

"I was sure while I'm here my car will be surranded by boys, but girl it's interesting. You like it?"

"Very much it's perfect" I was amused.

"you wanna ride?"

"I wish but I'm a good girl and we don't get to cars with strangers" I was in love with this perfect machine but still afraid of this guy.

"I'm Bastien. I'm here to pick up my friend mayby u know him. And stop being good girl it doesn't suit you" he tried look friendly.

"I don't have friends here"

"And which of it is your car?"

"why u ask?"

"checking if u don't wanna fool me. So first you will make me love you and after we married will say baby sell it we need Toyota Prius" I couldn't stop laughing he was funny but still...

"you see this yellow black Mustang you blocking-its my ride so don't worry our future is safe. No for Prius" I didn't remember when I have such nice and funny conversation.

"So u lied to me" . He said and made sad face.

"You said that you don't have friends here still yesterday drove one home, worst wife ever"

"So u Jess friend" I said and heard husky voice of my friend behind my back.

"why my name appears?" he looked angry.

"my ex wife just lied to me, and it's all your fault." he joked and Jess rolled his eyes.

"Jess your friend loves my car but is afraid to say yes for a ride. Hepl me here" this time I rolled my eyes.

"let her drive" Jess winked to me with a smile.

"if he trust you - jump in" he left out driver place pushed Jess to make him room to get on passenger's.

Jess smiled and whispered "don't be a chicken he won't harm you" He was touching my back with his hands and his nose was in my hair. It felt so good to have him close but Dodge was waiting.

"mayby I will reverse from parking" Bastien stopped being comfortable with me behind the wheel.

"shh I'm trying to concentrate. It's 3 automatic?"

"yes and don't sush me here"

Minute later we were on the road. I saw that Bastien was impressed of my driving skills. On road full of turns I asked if it is checked car and everything work good. Bastien nodded.

"so let's go down from this mountain" I put pedal to the ground.

"f**k slow down u will kill us" I pulled hand break up and slide whole turn.

Soon after I changed to be Sunday's driver Bastien asked me to stop before parking.

"hey it was something. Add me here your name and number. " he hand over me the phone.

"I think it was one time baby" I smiled to him. He made super sad face and pleased me.

"one condition you will not tell to no one how was our ride ok?" I asked polite.

"if by no one u mean Jess you got my yes now type the number"

I gave my number, wrote a name and tossed phone back to him.

When I left the car my mouth was in wide smile. I just made my dream come true. I wanted said something to Jess but he didn't look at me. His gaze was cold and distant, not for a second looked at me.

====

Jesse's Pov

I was pissed off. I didn't have idea why I got so furious when I saw their happy conversations. Why they stopped before parking. To t*****e me? He just showed me how to conquest? She didn't talked with anybody but with Bastien they looked like know each for years. f*****g prince charming. How happy she was in that moment. Miss shy wasn't such an angel as she played to be.

I was pissed off on both of them. He saw I was with her yesterday, but still want her for himself. f*****g best friend.

And she Audrey so flirty. f**k, f**k why I even bothered.

Finally they came back. She looked so thrilled I couldn't watch it and went straight to car. When Bastien drove away I was looking at her reflection in my side mirror. Audrey stood there like a column without movement only her hair waved on wind. She stared at us, in that moment I realized that maybe my attitude hurt her. She shook her head as if chased away all bad thoughts and went car.

"Bash stop the car" I yelled at him. We were closse to crossroad.

"what, what happened u realized you an asshole to her?" I rolled my eyes but he did what I was asking for.

"look" I punched him in arm and showed parking. I got out the car to be ready to run help her.

Audrey was in car and in front of it's hood stood this douchebag Declan who I beat yesterday. I wasn't sure if she saw him.

He blocked her way out. I was ready to interfere but She wait a moment after put the car into reverse and passed him by sidewalk. She was safe so I tried get back to car but door were closed. And window was up so I could crowded hand to open them.

"what the f**k let me in and let's go"

"no bro"

"come on I don't want she sees me"

"and I think she has to"

In the moment she was behind our car Bash opened door for me. I saw her sad eyes but got back on my seat. Bastien didn't move, opened his window and put head out, show her to do the same with his hand. She listened to him

"sunshine you ok?" he asked

"I'm perfectly fine Bastien" her voice didn't sound fine. But Bash waved to her and we were on the move.

While I was thinking about her Bash dropped my phone on my laps.

"open it, and don't thank me. It's my duty to help u. Especially in relationships" he looked happy. She affected him with her light.

I unblock cell and contacts "Audrey" and her number appeared.

"you sure it's hers?"

"we won't know till you try"

I was in better mood. I was able to reach her. But why, why I even cared . Maybe it's just good be able to talk with a girl.

"Audrey is beautiful, don't f**k it, bro" great advice. But what is here to f**k up.

===

Audrey's Pov

It wasn't good day. I didn't want over thinking so I ate and played whole evening on my console. Went sleep early. It's not my fate to have friend.

He was so odd but peculiar. I didn't knew why at one moment he liked me and other hated me. f**k it Audrey you great on your own I said to myself. First time it sounded like lie.

Morning came fast. I prepared for school. I chose comfy outfit. Black jeans, black t-shirt, colorful hoodie and white snickers. I hid my neck with shawl it wasn't great match but who cares.

For the first time since New school year I noticed that with Jess we had math and biology classes. Before was also English. But I didn't try to talk with him or at least look at him. I felt his eyes on my back.

Every time I felt his gaze shiver went through my spine. I wanted find courage to speak with him.

Yesterday was hard. First he talked with me, than not and looked angry. But after waited to check if I'm alright. Even I wanted asked him so many questions I decided avoid him.

Finally came lunch. I sat on my chair and took novel out. Jess was already reading and didn't pay attention to me. I couldn't focus on letters put my head up. Tried say something but only gasped and went back to book. I think I did it few times. When again I tried start talking. He put his eyes on me.

"what? Talk." he used his husky voice. I wanted start my question but cafeteria door smashed liked someone tried kick them out. I looked up and saw my mother. She tried hide her hospital outfit under someone's too big jacket. Her hair looked like no one brushed or washed it since she left home. Her eyes. Her brown orbs looked on fire. I wanted hide but was paralised. I felt tears on my face. Jess looked at me and grabbed my hand.

"Where is my sweet baby" she yelled at whole room. I wanted dissolve in the air.

"oh I see her. Thanks for nothing "

I didn't move but observed how she approaches to my table. She threw someone from chair and took it to my table. When she sat tried touch me I could only stepped back. Room was full of student's whispers. She heard them also.

"oh shut up little bastards. You so perfect? Aren't you all living in disfunctional families. Divorces, death, griefs. So shut up." after room was filled with silence and she focused on me.

"my sweet and beautiful daughter! I think it's my only chance to tell you I'm sorry. I didn't want to hurt you. Show momy how hudge demage I've done" and again she reached me. I didn't let her touch me.

"oh baby, I don't wish it was you. I really am. To tell you the truth I always wished it was me. He was stronger he would raise you better. I just can't heal. U need forgive me."

"go away" I mumbled. She didn't hear it. So got up and moved chair closer much to close.

"what did you just said to me, little monster" and sweetness disappeared. She tried grab me but Jess interfered.

He pulled her as far as she let him.

"and who the f**k are you, how dare you touch me?" her brown eyes on fire was fully scanning him.

"I'm Audrey's friend" he answered without fear.

I heard sirens getting closer to building. Didn't know if it was police or ambulance. I just felt that in one or two minutes I will be free from her.

"you handsome, but sad. You bad boy? You know James was one. But it was on a surface. Deep down he was an angel. Are you an angel? I will tell you a secret how to get to my daughter's heart. Get her trust, and let her spill all pain she keeps inside. Sound Simple don't u think? But it's f*****g hard. She closed everything even I can't read her anymore. oh I hear my ride is on place." Paramedics took her on bed. While they were ready to go my mother asked for one last opportunity to talked with me. Medic looked at me and I nodded.

" Dre I think this time I will not find strength for even try to get better. Baby I'm broken so broken. I'm sorry I've broken your life too. You maybe on your own forever." she was crying but I didn't care. Few days earlier she tried to kill me and now was waiting for my forgiveness or to pity her.

" You know I don't care. I prefere be on my own." I turned off her and didn't look how they were taking her on medic bed out of room, out of school building, out of my life.

I was red from embarress and anger at the same time. I couldn't breathe and than felt dizziness was falling.

===

Jesse's pov

I didn't know how to protected Audrey from her mother. This woman entered cafeteria like a tornado.

I didn't wanna even imagine a nightmare she was living it. When finally paramedics took her mother to hospital I saw Audrey looking into the window. She was loosing consciousness. I run as fast as I could to catch her before she collapsed. Last inches I slide on my knees to her.

My mom came to us, picked up our stuff gave it to me and said to take Audrey home. Mom opened for me worker's stairs and I took Audrey in my arms. She was light as feather. She put her arms around my neck. With two packs on my back and Audrey in my arms I got to parking. I needed find keys. Her pockets were empty. I had to open her backpack. While I was looking for keys my attention took notebook. It had black cover with purple sticker with words"i wish it was you" I was curioused but decided respect her privacy. Keys were in inner pocket. As gently as its possible put her on passengers seat and set the belt on. I took off her scarf. She needed air. Her neck still was covered with brusies. I tweaked her bangs and kissed her forehead I knew she wasn't aware but I did it.

While driving from school she mumbled "not to home, please don't leave, don't take me home"

If not to hers where should I take her? My home was the best and only option.

At home laid her down on couch and covered with warm blanket. Didn't knew what else to do. I sat in her legs and observed Audrey. She was beautiful her dark long hair looked like contrast to her pale skin and light blue eyes. She had kissable lips. Audrey was tall but skinny. Her legs was long and neat. She hid her brest under loose t-shirts and hoodies still wasn't flat.

"you staring"

===

Audrey's pov

I open my eyes. I wasn't in my bed or on my couch. The skin on my neck was exposed I was covered with fluffy blanket. I wanted move but I couldn't straightened my legs. Something was blocking me I moved head and noticed legs looked higher and saw Jess.

"you staring" I said and had to close my eyes just for some more time .

I didn't know how long I was sleeping. From dreams brought me phone vibration on the coffee table.

"ms you need let me talk, yes I'm not Audrey....I'm Jess, she is with me....Yes she is in one piece... because she sleeps... yes I will tell her. Yes I will take care of her. Yes she will stay here till morning." when I thought it's over I heard." you never met me but I know your sandwiches and chocolate cake if it help authenticate me. Ok when she woke up I will ask her to call you no matter of time. Good bye"

When Jess came back to room I was fully awake.

"Hi sleeping beauty, how do you feel? Sorry u at my place. When we were out from school u asked not to take you home. I didn't know where else I can drive so here we are." he sat this time not by my feet but closer. With his hand he stroked my hair and head. After moved his head to mine.

" so how u feel?"

" I will not lie, I feel terrible. I'm ashamed of myself, I'm full of feelings I don't understand and and you have cosy couch and nice home. Thank you for everything and I'm so so sorry for my mother I hope she didn't hurt you" I was bubbling like freak.

"shyyy. She did nothing to me. Don't worry. What feelings you don't understand?" he didn't let me freed myself from his grip. We still were touching with our heads. With fingers he touched my face other hand he held on my back. I put both my hands on his muscular chest. Under my fingers I felt his skin and rhythm of his heart.

" I don't wanna talk about it. Please don't make me to do it. Like since forever I don't talk with people mostly because I don't know how. I even told you wrong. I'm a mess I'm sorry I effected you with my s**t. If we weren't sit together during lunch u wouldn't even had to look at her" Jess pulled me into his arms and squeezed me strong. I could tuck in his warmth.

" shyyyy baby, don't cry Audrey please. You did nothing wrong. It's me who need say sorry I should take u out of cafeteria in a moment she walked in. So don't cry please. I will not ask more about your feelings ok? Come on stop crying I feel so useless now" when he made circles on my back I felt better. His scent and warmth let me calm down. He heard I stopped crying but didn't let me from his arms. Like he knew that I needed this hug.

"Hey don't felt to sleep, I need to fed you" he left me from his arms with his thumb he grabbed my chin and lift my head up. With both his hands cleared my face from tears.

"I will leave you for a moment I must go to kitchen ok? Will u wait for me?" he asked with fear I will run or worst.

"I will be here I promise, do you need help?"

"nope I'm the chief of kitchen in this house" he smiled and vanished behind the wall.

It gave me some time to look around room I was in. In the middle stood couch and coffee table. Behind was full of novels bookshelf. In front tv. On walls were few framed pics. One paid my full attention. It's photo of Jess and someone similar but younger. Jess looked happy and because of that smile was different from Jess I met at school. I sat on couch, wrapped blanket around myself and was waiting for Jess. I did everything to not play in my head lunch meeting with mother. But with every blink of the eyes I saw her and heard her words. Jess came to me with bowl of soup. It smelled delicious. He sat by me and started feeding me.

"I can do it by myself, you know. I'm not a baby" I mumbled before eating another spoon.

"let me please"

I nodded and for a moment I felt like a princess. It was me who was important, not my mother who I had to take care all my teen life. And soup was incredible. Wasn't too salty or hot and still full of spices. I was disappointed when bowl was empty.

"You want refill? He smiled

" No thank you I'm full. But it was amazing, best soup ever"

"thanks"

"You did it?" He shaked his head " wow u can win with Marry title of best cook ever". Giving him compliments was easy.

"you cook Adrey?" again questions I smiled to myself at least we were talking about nothing.

"half yes half no"

"it isn't satisfying answer"

"I can but I don't like and I'm not very good at it. I make tasty pancakes, not bad spagetti and can bake. When it was just me and my mom I had to prepare food. But with Marry I'm free from it. Satisfied?"

"yes, and if we talk about Marry" he passed me phone.

"she was calling multiple times and I found guts to pick up. She's worry about you and I promised to make u call her. So please do it".

"I think I don't want to" I dropped phone as far as possible from me. He bent to take it and put into my hands.

"Just say hello and that you all right. If she will start interrogate you hang out. Oh I told her that u will stay here for night. It you don't want to, tell her she will waits for you, and now call." I rolled my eyes and obeyed.

It was fast call I even didn't listen to her.

"would you like see room where you will sleep? Mayby you would like fresh yourself? " he asked in such sweet way.

"No, I mean yes but not in this moment. And I don't wanna be burden so I can sleep on this couch."I looked into his dark orbs which was completely focused on me.

" You not a burden and my bed it's much more comfortable so u will sleep better. Now can I ask you something?" I rolled my eyes, he smiled

" you like questions Mr Jess. You can but I can't guarantee to answer". I closed my eyes and prayed to haven please nothing personal.

"why u gave your number to Bastien?"

"Wait what?" he surprised me.

"you heard me" his tone was super serious. It made me smile. Was he little jealous? I had to answer truly to cheer him up.

"It was payment for silent. I said I will write down my number if our ride remain secret"

"Why? Something happened, you got hurt, he did something to you?" he grabbed my arms under elbows with anger not at me but at his friend.

I could only laugh.

This time I put my hands on his shoulders. And waved head to catched his gaze. Finally our eyes met.

"Nothing happened. I felt great in this car and let myself for too much. My havy foot took over me and I even drift. And because I assumed Bash like you work for my uncle so I wanted this event stayed only between me and him." Jess was hothead and I liked it.

"It was my phone. he waited for me when I drove myself home with you and your car. He proposed to invite you to our race practice later that evening. I told him I don't have your number. Next day I forgot my cell to school and he brought it with him" for the first time I saw that he blushed.

"So now you have mine while I don't have yours" I made announcement to make him feel less embarrassed but with this sentence I got blush.

Without hesitating he pulled his phone out of pocket and gave me a call.

"Now you have"

I put his number to my contacts thinking if I ever use it. I wanted wash away sadness.

"Jess can you go to car with me?"

"you wanna go?" he asked with tone of sadness in his voice.

"yes, I wanna go" I made small pause "to get shower so I need take sports bag with my clothes from trunk" I said trying hard to keep my laugh.

"Always prepared, always prepared" he mumbled while was standing up.

"you don't have to go, I will bring it to you".

While he was out I checked my phone. Marry tried to reach me.

Jess came back dropped bag and rushed to me. He sat close to me put his hands on my shoulders. When I turn to him still with head in cell he used his thumb to pulled me up to look at him

"What happened?" and he checked my eyes. He blushed and turned from me.

"f**k I was sure u cry, sorry"

"It's OK. Now please take me to bathroom" Jess stood up held out his hand for mine and led me up the stairs to his room.

His room was painted blue and had bed, desk, wardrobe and bookshelf.

"f**k I forgot your bag" and he vanished I heard him running down and up.

"It's heavy how much clothes u have in it?"

"Only one set but shoes included, I got it in case I sleep in car." again I said too much. He pierced his eyes in me but didn't asked why.

"so I will give you t-shirt as pj, and shorts" without waiting for my answer he opened wardrobe took something and handed it too me. I didn't know why but I started to cry. He moved closer and just wrapped me with his arms.

"Hey whats going on? I did something? Please stop." his hands were all over me. He stroked me gentle waiting for me to calm down.

"Why u so good with me? We barely know each." I asked afraid to listen the answer.

"Because I like you" he answered quietly. I didn't moved. And so was he. It was so warm and pleasant to be in his arms.

"Enough cuddling, go shower". I didn't know why I listened his commands.

When I got out Jess was preparing bed for me. He smiled when look at me in his clothes. I run straight to the bed felt red hot wave on my face. He wrapped me in a quilt and wanted to leave. I catched his hand.

"please don't go". He sighed and sat on the bed.

"sorry I'm selfish u must be exhausted"

"truly I am, so make some room for me. I will lay with you till you sleep, ok?" He asked but without waiting for my answer took his shoes and socks down and layed down between wall and me.

" I don't like lay on verge" he announced and got closer to me. He put his hand on me and his head in crock of my neck and shoulder.

"sleep please" demented

"sir, yes sir" I said and closed my eyes. Jess felt asleep and didn't left me. Soon before sunrise I woke up and was in strong grip of his arms. In this hold I aslept without nightmare. Later woke me up running water. I took phone to check time. It was 7. He was or early bird or didn't slept well. He went out only with wrapped towel on his hips. As fast as I could I played sleeping. I amused him. It was nice to hear his laugh.

"I saw you. You don't need pretend sleep" he turn to wardrobe

I tilted my head out from under the covers. His back was shaped like a trapezoid ,his body was build only with delicately marked muscles.

"you stare at me, feel it" and his eyes was looking for mine.

God's front was much better than back. His chest was touchable. On his neck was silver chain with a fine pendant. I never had opportunity to stare at guy's body like this, so I cherished this moment. I put my head up and saw his smile. Water from his hair was leaking on his face. He looked fresh and smelled beautiful.

"well it's my first time to see that guy chose his clothes for so long" I giggled

He came to bed leaned over me. Drops of water from his hair fell into my eyes. With my hand resting gently on his face tried to push him away.

"go away wet monster" I couldn't stop laughing. He started to tickle me.

"no, please stop" I begged him. He did it immediately. But again put his head to mine.

"time to get up Audrey"

"why it's only 7?" I hid under duvet.

"you promised Marry meeting"

" I thought you got up because u didn't slept well" I made sad face.

"well you snore, but I slept like baby with you by my side. I got up for you, not because of you." last part he whispered to my ear. I liked have him inches from me. With my hands I brushed his wet hair

"My knight in shying armor, well now without armor."

We both laughed but didn't move. I tried made some order with his hairs.

"Westend effort. My hair likes mess"

"just trying to expose your eyes"

"go for shower I need to put clothes on, and soon we will be late even to school" With him was no place for it. I liked his firmness so I got up and went shower.