Chapter 13
1181 Words
L.J was focusing so hard her hands were starting to shake, as she kept walking. She was currently wearing the high heels that Cam made her buy and walking down a self-made runway in her backyard. She was balancing a book on her head, looking at Aaron at the end of the runway giving her more instructions on what to do and how to walk. Shane was on her left and Cam was on her right, walking along with her, just in case she falls.
"Keep your back straight and pull back your shoulders. Place your feet in front of each other crossing them slightly" L.J did as Aaron said and felt her ankles wobble at that motion. She tried to save herself by placing the other one in front her, but it hooked on the back of her leg, and started to tumble forward. She threw all her weight backwards, thinking that it would stop her from falling, but she forgot that she had a limited amount of floor to walk on and she stepped over the edge, her arms flailing as she waited for the impact. Suddenly she felt two arms around her body, and she opened her eyes to see Shane looking down at her with concern.
"Are you alright?" He asks, and she nods, not having any words. L.J just felt like she was saved by her prince charming. He set her down without breaking eye contact once, and L.J felt like she was under a spell as Shane's green eyes bored into her own blue eyes.
"L.J!" She heard Cam and Aaron yell as they rush to her.
"Are you hurt?" Aaron asks, but she shakes her head.
"I'm ok" She says and the boys nod.
"Well I think that is enough for today" She says, and everyone heads inside to find L.J's father sitting at the counter in the kitchen.
"Hello father" L.J was always serious with her parents because she didn't feel comfortable being open with them at all. L.J never used the term 'mom' or 'dad' since she didn't really know them all that well, and she didn't see them a lot.
"Lara-Jean" Her father says and nods once, curtly.
"Mr. Walker" They guys say, and he does the exact same thing with them. They look to L.J all awkward and unsure of what to do so she showed them to the door and joined them on the porch.
"I guess I'll see you guys tomorrow at school alright" She says, and they nod, saying goodbye, and waling to their own houses. L.J was about to head upstairs when her father stopped her, interrogating her.
"What's going on in the backyard?" He asks his voice dull, and neutral so L.J couldn't tell if he minded the stuff in the yard or not.
"I'm learning how to be more lady like" She says and for the first time since she greeted him her father gave her a glace over his newspaper.
"Oh?" He raises an eyebrow, and L.J nods, lifting the heels that were in her hands.
"Yeah" Is all she says, pursing her lips. L.J wish she could just run upstairs and do her own thing, but she knew she couldn't.
"Alright then" Her father says and turns his back to her, sipping his coffee, and reading the sports section.
When she got to her room, she played music and danced around, just being a normal teenager for about two hours until her phone rang.
"Hello?" She answered without even looking at the caller ID.
"L.J do you want to come over for dinner?" It was Shane on the phone and she nodded but realized he couldn't see her, so she replied with a 'yes' instead.
"I'll be there in about ten minutes" She says, and they say goodbye, and L.J grabs a jacket and slips on some sneakers. She walks down the stairs expecting to see her father there, but there was nobody but her a note taped to the fridge in the house. She walked over and read what it said sighing as she already knew the drill.
'Your mother and I will not be home for a few days. I have been called out on a lawsuit in the U.K and your mother needs to teach at a medical school overseas for a week or two
PS. There is money in your bank account'
She has gotten used to the notes and being left behind for her, but it's not to say that she always liked it. She walks out her door, making a left to Shane's house. A few steps later she reached his door, knocking. The door opened, and he stood in front of her with a smile on his face. Shane lived alone with his mother since his father passed away a few years ago. He hugs her picking her up like he always does, and then gently sets her down.
"Hey L.J, what's up?" He asks instantly knowing that there was something wrong with her. She gave him a sad smile and shook her head, waving him off.
"It's nothing really, I just need some family time" She says, referring to being with Shane and his mom. L.J basically grew up in three different houses, with five different parental figures. Her parents have always been obsessed with work, but they at least used to make time for their friends, but now it never happens. She remembered when her parents reunited with Cam's parents. It was a bit awkward at first between her mom and Cam's dad, but they got over it.
"L.J, honey" Shane's mom gave her a hug and she almost broke down and cried at the soft, sweet touch. The woman was so happy and calm all the time, that it made everyone else happy.
"Hey Mrs. Santiago" L.J says hugging her back. After dinner the rest of the night was spent, talking, laughing and reminiscing in the old days. Shane walked L.J to the door when it was time to leave and walked her back to her door. He stood there for a few seconds just staring at her.
"What?" She asks starting to rub her face, scared that there was something on it. He grabs her hands and hold them in his.
"There's nothing on your face, L.J" He says, and she chuckles.
"Oh, then why were you looking at me like that?" She asks, and he smiles shaking his head, as he lets it drop.
"Only you, L.J" He says confusing her as to what he meant, but she didn’t get any time to ask him as he kissed her forehead, and then walked back to his own house again.
L.J didn't know what he meant by 'only you' but it was probably nothing. She shoved it out of her brain and shook off her shoulders. She has other things to think about tonight. She has to prepare herself, and be ready, because tomorrow is the day that she is going to walk into school with a new look.
- Writer
