The Beauty and the Inked

Fourteen: Mom and a Friend

As I jogged away from the library, I almost regret my decision. Maybe if I waited a little longer Zack would have approached me... or something? I shook my head. Why would he even do that, right?

"Need a lift?"

Oh my god.

I turned to look at him; a playful smile was fastened on his lips. God, why does he have to look so beautiful? And why am I feeling attracted to him now?

"Excuse me?" I stopped from jogging. He was in his car, driving in a slow pace. "Are you following me?" I threw his old words on him.

"Y'know that's not really good. Recycling my words... tsk, tsk, tsk," he shook his head as if in disbelief. This is the reason why I do not want to be near Zack, he always makes fun of me, or so I feel.

"Sod off," I muttered.

"Ooh, see how rude you are."

That's it, "What now, Zack? You always make fun of me. You can go on your day without bullying me," I started to walk trying not to smile.

"I was just offering you-"

"No, thanks."

He chuckled, "Come on, Yssa. I promised not to be... a bleeder," he said, mocking me. Despite the fact that he is being completely arse right now, I can't deny the fact that he is beautiful. I wonder why he doesn't shave the stubble on his chin, well it looks hot. It surprised me as he opened the passenger door, "I'm trying my best here," he said.

I don't really need a lift; my house is just around the corner. I looked back and forth from Zack and ahead the street, I have decided to slide inside his car.

"So, you're looking for a job?" he asked me, his eyes were on the road.

"Yeah," I answered timidly.

"I know Greg," who's Greg? "Nick's brother," he said, answering my unspoken question. He turned left as I instructed. “I could help you."

"Are you serious?" my eyes were wide with amusement, "What happened to you?" I touched his forehead, "You're not sick, but you're being nice," I kid. I can feel the face-splitting grin on my face.

I sensed his discomfort, so I removed my hand from his forehead. I shuffled back to the passenger seat. He half-smiled, god knows how incredibly beautiful he is.

The car stopped right in front of the house, I turned to thank him but he was already out of his car, striding towards the passenger door to open. I can't believe this, "What happened to you?" I asked. I was rewarded with a shy smile.

"Thank you," I smiled. This is nice, Zack being a gentleman.

"So..." his hand was rubbing the back of his neck, hazel eyes were looking straight to mine.

"Do you, uhm, wanna come inside?" Uhm, have some breakfast?" I asked him. I guess there’s nothing wrong with inviting him, right? And there it was again, the captivating smile.

"Yeah sure."

I guess this won't be so awkward, right? I'm just being kind, well, he helped me before so maybe a breakfast wouldn't be so bad, and maybe after this we will be even- quits.

As we approached the door, I started to feel uneasy.

I admit. This is the first time that I will bring a guy to my house, not that this structure is my home. Just- I don't usually bring a guy to introduce to my Aunt Ruth, and now, to my mother. I pushed the door and ushered Zack inside, I walked straight to the kitchen.

"Just in time," my mum said. Her back was facing us, so Zack is still unnoticed. I can smell pancakes, I'm peckish, "Would you like to have tea or you prefer coffee?" she knows I hate tea. Why would she waste time asking?

"I'll have coffee, mom. You know I hate tea," I said with a stern voice. I glanced at Zack, who was at the moment surprised by the way I talked to my mum. But I ignored, "What would you like to have, Zack?" I asked. Loud enough to let my mum hear, in that case I won't have to introduce him anymore and to lessen the awkwardness.

My mum turned to see who I was talking to, her chocolate brown orbs landed to Zack.

"I'll have coffee," his deep voice comes out smoothly. His hands were tucked inside the pockets of his grey jacket.

I looked at my mum, who was obviously gaping at Zack . Well, look at that. Snap out of it, Ruby! I can't believe we have the same reaction.

"Oh, hi."

"Good morning, Mrs. ..."

"Pasco," my mum answered.

Zack nodded, "Mrs. Pasco."

"Let's eat," my mum had already placed two plates on the table, she added another.

I don't know why this feels so awkward maybe because I'm sharing breakfast with my mother, or maybe because of the demigod's presence. Either way, I know will end up awkwardly.

"So, Zack," my mum started. Oh no, "Are you my daughter’s friend?" she asked.

"I guess," Zack answered with a light laugh, his eyes locked with mine. I can't decipher the message he was sending away with his gaze. But the smile on his lips makes me bit the insides of mine.

"Yssa just got back here, where did you guys met?" she asked, making me feel more uneasy. She's breaking my rule, and now I'm on the edge to lash out on her.

"We met in New York," Zack answered, not meeting my eyes anymore. Oh come on, the thought of our first encounter almost made me stop eating. I can see a now ghost of a smile in Zack's lips. He remembers, too.

Stop with the questions, Ruby. I just want her to shut her mouth. This is beyond uncomfortable. I don't even know how to shut my mum's mouth, she's making this breakfast difficult for me.

"Really?" she gushed.

"Stop asking questions," my tone was clipped. I took a sip from my coffee, "You're breaking my rules."

"I was just... never mind. I'm sorry, darling," her eyes averted. I hate it; I hate how I have to lash out to her. But she's pushing my buttons, and I don't know how long I can keep my temper.

Am I feeling guilty?

Of course, not! There's nothing to be guilty of. I chewed the last piece of my pancake. The silence that had enveloped the three of us was torn as my chair made a screeching sound. I made my way to the living room, my finger pressed on my forehead. I paced back and forth. Why am I so troubled? Zack's and my mum's presence isn't a good combination.

I heard footsteps getting nearer to where I was standing, "You should now go," I said without even looking at him.

Zack's throaty laugh irritates me, "Chill."

"Just go, Zack," I plop on the couch, "If you're planning to throw some agitating comments, not now, please."

"So, you're practically kicking me out," he said. My eyes locked with his, his expression were rather amused than hurt.

"Zack, just go. Okay?" my voice was so small, exhaustion was clear in it, "My mum is enough to drive me crazy, and I can't deal with both of you."

"I thought, maybe you want a lift back to the library?" when I looked up at him, he was biting his bottom lip, and a shy expression was dominant on his beautiful face.

"Why?"

"What do you mean 'why'?" he huffs, oh no... "Shouldn't be it, 'thank you'?" he's right, instead of me thanking him, I just let my stupidity dominates the moment and ruin his mood.

"Okay, I'm sorry," I was on my feet stomping away from him. He was nice a few seconds ago and now he's fuming, and it's my fault. I took the stairs two at a time, making effort to escape as fast as I can. When I got to my room, I locked the door behind me.

I have to be back at library in two hours. I rummaged my closet, in search for anything to wear. I've got four dresses: a plain black, which has a low-cut neckline; a white cotton, knee-length; a ruby red with sequence; and a navy blue umbrella cut. Of course, I chose the one with the most formal design, the navy blue. I pulled from under my bed the only heels that I had brought, a black pump. I took a shower and towel dried my hair. The lack of primping stuff is killing me. When I receive my first paycheck, I will buy a lot. I mean it, a lot of stuff: dresses, blower, hair iron, and curler, all that I needed.

After half an hour, my hair is individually pinned to the side, and the other side is curled loosely. I had managed to curl it using bobby pins. I applied makeup, just enough for me to look presentable. I grabbed my only sling bag, a black one and put my necessities inside: my perfume, a tube of lipstick, handkerchief, my mobile, a small mirror, and my wallet.

I went downstairs, ignoring my mum. I don't want to spoil my mood any further. I'm afraid it would affect my appointment. I glanced at the wall clock; it's already 9:45. I rushed out the door, my heels thumping on the wood. I've got fifteen minutes to reach the library, but with my pumps, I'd probably be crippled when I got there.

I almost dropped my bag as a male figure came into view.