When Lightning Strikes

When Lightning Strikes: Chapter 17

 The whole three hours at Rodger’s was a nightmare for me. Everybody except me and Aubrey were gulping down Corona’s or taking shots. They were all having fun chatting and playing on the x-Box, while I felt like puking, and not because I was drunk. I felt Michelle’s glare every time I glanced at Jason. I was paranoid that she would suddenly announce to everyone in the room what a horrible sister I was, or that she’d whisper everything in Aubrey’s ear. Then my sister would turn to me, eyes filled with anger, hurt and betrayal.

I was itching to grab my sister and drag her away. I didn’t want her anywhere near Michelle.

I would also have to talk to Jason, but I couldn’t around everyone else. I needed somewhere private, as we couldn’t risk someone overhearing us.

Once Jason dropped both Aubrey and I home, I rushed inside and took a calming, warm shower. I was going to visit him after this. I couldn’t let Michelle’s threat slide. We needed a plan, a solution … anything.

“Going somewhere?” Dad asked as I jogged downstairs. I had changed out of my day clothes and into a fresh pair of jeans and a light top. He saw the car keys jangling in my hand and frowned. “Do you want me to drive you?”

I shook my head quickly. I didn’t need him bombarding me with questions. “It’s alright; I’m fine on my own.”

His eyes narrowed, scanning my face. Then, they widened as if he had just had a revelation. “Oh god, Cee. Please don’t tell me you’re not …”

My heart stopped. He knew? Was it that obvious?

“I will kill that Frenchie! I can’t believe that good for nothing moron is trying to seduce my girl into a night of fun! Oh no, I don’t think so! Not on my watch!”

Mom suddenly came into the room, alarmed by his raised voice. “What’s wrong?”

I burst out laughing because I found this situation so funny. I was so relieved that he hadn’t suspected that I was meeting up with Aubrey’s man and yet I found it humorous that he thought I was seeing Vince in secret. If only dad knew the truth … he would blow up even more.

“Have you gone bonkers, Cee? This is no laughing matter!” Dad insisted.

Mom’s lips curved up as she realised that I wasn’t running off into the night to secretly visit Vince. “Honey, I think you’re the one who’s a bit crazy.”

“Say that again,” dad dared.

She laughed louder. “Stop being ridiculous, Ken. Clearly she’s not going to see Vince. Just look at her, she’s laughing at you.”

Dad looked up into my eyes and indeed saw the truth. His cheeks flamed red, which made me giggle. I loved him so much.

“I assure you, I’m not seeing Vince. It’s really over between us. I don’t like him more than a friend.” It was strange how I got over him so quickly.

Dad looked immensely relieved and mom placed a kiss on his forehead. “So where are you going then?”

No way was I going to tell him the truth, but maybe I could make something up which had to do with the Levine’s. Ah yes … “I’m visiting Delilah. You know Jason’s little sister? When I was doing teaching experience, she was in my class.”

Mom’s eyes lit up. “Oh, she’s just adorable! Say hello to Camille and Warren for me too!”

“Of course.” I think they were Jason’s parents. “See you guys!”

As I drove to their house, I thought about how I would approach Jason with the subject. Would he be as scared as I was? Would he tell Aubrey or threaten Michelle back? No, he was too good to that.