Protector Series: Bonus Chapters and Content

ALTERNATE CHAPTER 8: Jerome Roy | Part V

ALTERNATE CHAPTER 8: Jerome Roy | Part V

~Jerome: age 17~

       "Are you actually out of your mind?" I asked Ryder. "We're not throwing a party while our parents are out."

       "Okay but last time I checked, this was my family's lake house, not yours," Ryder said. "You and your dad are just a guest so really, you don't have a say in the matter. The rest of us want to throw a party so you can just stay in your room or something."

       "And get in trouble because I let this party happen?" I asked. "No way."

       "Well, that sucks for you because, like I said, the rest of us want a party," Ryder said. "You're the only one who's not agreeing to it."

       I raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who doesn't want a party." I gestured to Nolan, who was sitting at the counter in the kitchen eating a piece of grape jam toast. "You really think he would agree to the party."

       "Sorry, but only people who vocally express their disagreement count," Ryder said.

       Nolan glared at Ryder but he didn't say anything. Ryder seemed to be as stubborn as could be so even if Nolan did vocally say he didn't want the party, Ryder would probably ignore him anyway so there was no point in Nolan saying anything.

       "See?" Ryder said. "Not a word so you're the only one disagreeing with it."

       "Even if Nolan did say something, you would still ignore the both of us," I said. "You really can't be stupid enough to throw a party after you got in trouble from going to one."

       "Actually, we got in trouble for going to a place that was off limits," Alan spoke up. "Our dad is totally fine with us going to parties."

       "Going to, not throwing when they're gone without their permission," I said.

       "Jerome, seriously, you're not a Prince," Ryder said. "Just shut up and stop arguing. We're doing this."

       Nolan snorted. "You don't get it, do you? Jerome and I will get in trouble just for not stopping you."

       "Then go for a walk or hang out by the lake," Ryder said. "Do anything that will make you not here in the lake house. After all, you are used to not doing anything with your own family."

       Yet again, Nolan went back to not talking. He just got off the stool, bringing his plate to the sink before walking to the living room and turning on the TV to play Mario Kart. He never bothered arguing with his family whenever they said something rude to him. He just went back to being silent.

       "Uh, no," Ryder said. "You're not going to be playing that when the party starts."

       "Since when did you become so bossy?" Nolan asked.

       "Around the same time you decided that you would rather talk to Jerome than your family," Ryder said.

       "No, I'm pretty sure you've been bossy this whole time," Nolan said.

       "Then why did you ask?" Ryder asked.

       "It was rhetorical. And just so we're clear, I'm saying no to the party as well. That better? You wanted me to say it, right?"

       "Well, it's too late. We already invited everyone and they are going to be here soon so why don't you and your best friend find a place to go?"

       "You didn't have to say best friend with such venom," I said. "I mean, I get that you're jealous that he talks to me more than you but you don't have to be a jerk over it."