Chapter 1
Westfield
High School
Sheffield,
England
A slow, steady
rain began to fall as the best player for Bootham School fielded the ball in
the center of the soccer field. He
wiped the rain from his eyes as he slicked his hair back to get a better look
at the scoreboard – Westfield 3; Bootham 2.
It was the
championship game and Bootham had a little over two minutes to attempt to tie
up the game and send it into overtime.
It was that or lose. Something
that Bootham did not want to do.
There were
only two things standing in the way of the Bootham player and the goal. One of them was in his way right now,
playing superb defense.
Seventeen year
old Mark Savage.
Mark stayed
right on top of the Bootham player, as he had most of the game everytime they
had the ball. However, the rain had
muddied the condition of the field, making his signature defensive moves a
little difficult to execute.
The Bootham
player faked around Mark and tried to pass off the ball to one of his
teamates. Mark managed a fancy spin
move and intercepted the ball, which caused a collective gasp from the packed
bleachers. No amount of rain was gonna
make these spectators leave. The championship
was on the line and it was gonna be theirs in less than two minutes.
Mark shook his
wet, light brown locks out of his eyes as he volleyed the ball back down the
other end of the field between his nimble feet as the clock began to wind
down. The roar of the crowd at the
taste of victory in its grasp began to swell.
However, it was dulled when Mark’s right foot slid on a patch of mud,
causing the Bootham defender to intercept the ball and take off towards the
Westfield goal.
That’s where
Bootham’s other obstacle was standing in its way.
Seventeen year
old Trevor Savage
Trevor stood
in front of his goal, defending it as if his life depended on it. He stood partially bent over, his elbows
almost resting on his knees, as he watched his cousin Mark take off after the
Bootham player who stole the ball from him.
Behind the
Bootham player, Mark came up like a shot to take his defensive stance, calling
out hand signals to his teammates. Mark
tried not to distract himself with the increasing roar of the crowd which was
getting louder and louder as the seconds ticked off closer to victory.
The Bootham
player sensed Mark coming up behind him and passed the ball off diagonally to
another teammate who was within scoring distance of the Westfield goal. Trevor
kept a sharp eye on both Bootham players.
One was positioned on the right, the other on the left. He already allowed Bootham two goals today –
two too many as far as he was concerned.
Twenty seconds
remained as the two Bootham players jockeyed the ball back and forth several
yards from the goal. Mark stayed on one
player while senior team captain, Craig Weston, stayed on the other.
Less than ten
seconds remained as the Bootham player to the right of Trevor took the ball
from his teammate on a lateral kick, then kicked it himself to the left side of
the goal.
Since Trevor
was on the right side, he lunged his long, lean body over to the left and
reached his hands out while in mid-air and grabbed the slick ball with his
hands. He tucked the ball protectively
against his mid-section, not thinking to put one hand down to break his fall on
the soggy ground. He came down hard upon his left shoulder and the only sound
he heard above the ecstatic crowd was a crunch.
Pain like he
never experienced in his life seared through his left shoulder as he lay on his
left side on the ground, the soccer ball never leaving the protectiveness of
his body.
His teammates
were oblivious to his injury as they ran over to Trevor who saved the game from
going into overtime and giving Westfield the long awaited championship they
worked so hard for all year.
Mark, being
the closest to the goal, pumped his fists wildly in the air as the clock ran
down to zero then ran over to his cousin and fell to his knees beside him.
“Bloody
fantastic, Trev,” Mark shouted. “You
did it, cuz.! We did it!!”
Mark saw
Trevor turn his head slowly to face him and saw the unspeakable pain in
his deep hazel eyes. “Mark,” he gasped. “My shoulder. I…I think
I…….it……oh, God, it hurts!”
The rest of
the Westfield team assailed the goal to fall on top of Trevor in a manner of
celebration. When Mark saw that
something was dreadfully wrong, he put his hand out towards his charging
teammates and halted them.
“No! Wait!
He’s hurt. Trev’s hurt bad. Go
get the coach. And…..get my Uncle Scott
in the stands.”
From the bleachers,
Dr. Scott Savage stopped cheering and clapping and stared towards the goal
where his prone son remained almost motionless on the ground after saving the
game. He then felt a tug on his arm and
turned towards his brother.
“Scott, Trev’s
not getting up,” Tyler said.
Scott then
turned to see a Westfield player trot over to the sidelines to get the
coach. He then saw the coach turn and
scan the bleachers, stopping when he saw Scott. The coached waved Scott to come down.
“Oh God,”
Scott murmured as he made his way out of the bleachers.
Tyler called
out after him. “Scott, do you want me
to come with you?”
Scott turned
around. “No, that’s okay. Go on home.
I’ll call you later. And, make
sure Chels doesn’t find out until I know whats wrong.”
“No problem,”
Tyler said as left the bleachers as well.
“I’ll make sure Grace doesn’t call her or anything.”
Scott jogged
across the muddy field, that he himself had once played upon years ago, and
headed towards the goal. The Westfield
players began to back away as Trevor’s father, a brilliant sports medicine
physician, came through.
Mark stood up
from Trevor’s side when he saw his uncle.
“Uncle Scott, its his shoulder.
He’s hurt really bad.”
Scott bent
down next to his son who’s face was contorted with pain. “Trevor…Trevor, what’s wrong? Where does it hurt?”
Trevor’s
breath was labored as he continued to wince from the pain, his father’s
soothing voice not even providing any comfort.
“Dad,” he
choked out. “Dad, my….my shoulder. It…..it…..”
That was the
last thing Trevor said before the excruciating pain caused him to black out.
Chapter
2
An ambulance
pulled into the emergency area of Shrewsbury Hospital. An attendant in waiting opened up the back
doors to see one of their own step out first.
“Oh, Dr.
Savage,” one of the attendants said.
“What have we got?”
“Its my son
Trevor,” Scott replied. “He either
broke or separated his shoulder in a game.
He’s also unconscious from the pain.
Is Dr. Seton on call today?”
“Yes, he
is. I’ll have him paged.”
The attendant
went inside to page Dr. Seton, an orthopedic specialist, as another one wheeled
Trevor out of the ambulance and into the emergency area. Scott stayed by his side, holding his hand,
willing him to wake up.
“Trevor,”
Scott said, rubbing his hand and arm.
“C’mon lad, wake up. I need you
awake.”
Just as an
emergency room attendant transferred Trevor’s rain-soaked, muddied form from
the gurney to a table, he began to stir.
“Uh,” he
softly groaned as his right hand immediately grasped his left shoulder. “Uh…..ow!”
Scott pulled
his hand away. “No, no Trevor. Don’t touch your shoulder. We’re not sure if its separated or broken.”
“Dad, can’t
you tell?” Trevor gasped out.
“No, I
can’t. You need a bone specialist in
here. Dr. Seton’s on call today. He’s the best here.”
Even as Scott
spoke those words, Dr. Seton appeared.
“Scott, what is it?”
“Victor, hi,”
Scott said. “I hope I didn’t pull you
away from anything urgent.”
“Just a late
lunch is all. Is….dear Lord, is that
Trevor?”
“Yeah. He injured his shoulder stopping a tying
goal in the championship game.”
Dr. Seton
smiled at Scott then down at Trevor. “I
take it that your efforts won the championship, eh lad?”
“Yes, but now
my bloody shoulder’s on fire,” Trevor panted.
“Well, lets
give you a little something to take the edge off that pain. Scott, any known allergies that I should be
aware of?”
“No, none.,”
Scott replied.
Dr. Seton gave
an order to a nurse who momentarily returned with a shot.
“Now, turn
over on your right side lad,” Dr. Seton said.
Trevor looked
at the needle in the hand of a hideous looking nurse. Where do you plan on putting that thing?”
“In your bum,
lad,” the nurse replied.
Even through
the pain, Trevor managed to be sufficiently humiliated. He turned pleading eyes to his father. “Dad!”
Scott tried
not to chuckle over his son’s shyness, so much like his own when he was his
age. Dr. Seton read between the lines
and took the needle from the nurse.
“I’ll take care of it.”
The nurse handed
the needle over and walked away. Dr.
Seton then carefully rolled Trevor on his right side and pulled his soccer
shorts down.
“This’ll only
sting a bit……”
“Ouch!”
Dr. Seton
pumped the Demerol filled needle into Trevor’s backside until it was empty. Removing the needle he carefully rolled
Trevor onto his back.
“You’ll be
feeling not much of anything in a few moments lad,” Dr. Seton said. “Lets get you up to x-ray and take a look at
that shoulder.”
Scott walked
by his son’s side as he was wheeled into x-ray. About fifteen minutes later, Dr. Seton had the x-rays.
“Just as I
hoped,” Dr. Seton said. “It isn’t
broken. Just a separation, which can be
just as painful. We’re gonna have to
re-set it in the socket and bandage him up good.”
Scott was
thankful for the quick-working Demerol that Trevor didn’t have to feel the
unbearable pain of having his shoulder repositioned. As he was being bandaged up, Scott went outside into a waiting
room so he could use his cell phone.
“’ello?”
“Grace, hi,
its Scott.”
“Scott,” Grace
exclaimed on the other end. “How’s
Trevor? Is he gonna be alright?”
“Yes, he’s
gonna be fine. His shoulder isn’t
broken, just separated. He’s being
mended up now and we should be leaving soon.
Do me a favor and call Chelsea to let her know what to expect when he
comes home. I know how you mum’s are
when it comes to your sons getting knocked around!”
“Yeah, and you
weren’t worried, right?” Grace quipped back at her brother-in-law.
Scott couldn’t
lie. “Alright, I was. Also, let Ty and Mark know that all’s well.”
“Well, Ty’s
been home, but Mark must still be with the team. I’ll let him know, though.”
“Thanks
Grace. You’re my favorite
sister-in-law, you know.”
“I’m your only
sister-in-law sweetie. Bye!”
Scott grinned and
clicked off his cell phone. He still
couldn’t believe that so many years had passed since him, Tyler and Grace
shared turbulent teen years together.
Now he and his brother were both married to their high school
sweethearts with two children apiece.
He and
Chelsea’s daughter, Stephanie, had been plucked out of her sophomore year of
university by a modeling scout and was fast becoming one of Europe’s top
fashion models. Ty and Grace’s
daughter, Abigail, is in the process of giving her parents fits as prepared to
enter her thirteenth year.
But, it was
their sons, Mark and Trevor, close in age and close in heart, who were stealing
the show in Sheffield. Though they were
cousins, they were closer than brothers and tighter than any two best friends
could be. Their popularity in school
and talent on the soccer field made the two of them teenage icons. And their incredible, youthful good looks
made made just about every lass sigh whenever they passed by.
Scott was so
pleased when Ty decided to leave Canterbury and move back to Sheffield full
time. Their father grew up here and so
did they. Now their children
would be.
Scott put his
memories aside and walked back in the room as Dr. Seton was helping Trevor off
the table and onto his feet. Scott
rushed forward to take him by his right arm.
“Steady there,
lad. You’ve got some powerful
painkillers in you.”
Trevor turned
a silly face to his father, evident that the medication had taken effect. “Mmmm, yeah……no pain dad.”
Dr. Seton gave
Scott a prescription for a more mild pain medication to ease him through until
his shoulder healed.
“Fortunately
it happened the last game of the season, the championship no less, so you’ll
have the entire off-season to heal,” Dr. Seton said. “Go home, rest up and celebrate your win, lad. After what you went through, you deserve
it.”
“Oh yeah,”
Trevor slurred a bit. “I’m gonna
celebrate alright. We’re gonna have a party.
A biiiiiiiig party with lotsa alcohol and lotsa girls.”
Dr. Seton
covered his mouth to contain his laughter as Scott cleared his throat.
“Well, girls
are fine, but I’m not so sure about the alcohol,” Scott said. “Then again, forget what I said about the
girls. You and that cousin of yours
have more hovering over you as it is.”
“Never enough
dad,” Trevor giggled. “We’re gonna take
right after Uncle Ty and grandpa!”
Trevor then
looked at Dr. Seton. “You know my uncle
and grandfather were famous rock stars.
Had girls all over them. Gonna
run in the family!”
Trevor grinned
wickedly from the effects of the Demerol as his father pulled him out. “C’mon stud, lets get you home.
As they
approached the emergency waiting room, Scott saw a very worried looking Mark
sitting there, head down, fingers hooked in the pockets of his jeans.
“Mark? Lad, what are you doing here?”
Mark looked up
upon hearing his uncle’s voice. He then
saw Trevor, bandaged and wobbly, and hurried over to him.
“Trev…Trev,
you okay, cuz?”
Trevor looked
up into Mark’s worried face and grinned.
“Ooooooh, I’m fiiiiiine,” he slurred out. “Just telling dad about the fab party planned for the weekend.”
Mark turned
sheepish eyes to his uncle. “Um…how
much did he tell you?”
“More than he
probably should,” Scott replied, raising a stern eyebrow at his nephew.
Mark gulped
then looked back at Trevor. “Bloody big
mouth.”
“Aye, it
wasn’t me talking,” Trevor defending himself.
“It was the….the……aye dad, whats the name of that kick-ass drug they
gave me?”
“Demerol, and
watch your language”.
“Yeah, oh
yeah…it was the Demerol, Mark. So don’t
blame me.”
“Well, since
we’re all being so open here,” Mark said, “I thought you might like to know
that Emily Prescott is gonna be at the party this weekend and looking sooooo
forward to seeing you.”
Trevor blushed
in his drug-induced state, which Scott caught on to. “Emily Prescott, hmm?”.
Trevor turned
even pinker before turning on Mark. “Bloody big mouth!”
Chapter
3
Twenty minutes
later, Scott walked his injured son into the house just as Chelsea came rushing
forward.
“Trevor,” she
gasped, looking at his left arm in a sling.
“Are you okay lad?”
“Ohhhh, just
fine mum,” Trevor drawled out. “We won
the championship, I’m feeling no pain and….and….oh yeah, big party this
weekend!
Chelsea
giggled then glanced at her husband. “How much did they give him?”
“A big ol’
shot of Demerol in the arse,” Scott replied.
“Good thing too. If he wasn’t
drugged up when Dr. Seton repositioned his shoulder, you would’ve heard him
scream bloody murder all the way from the hospital.”
“Well, I’m
glad I wasn’t there,” Chelsea said.
“Tyler said he was lying on the ground motionless for a while. That would’ve stopped my heart for
sure. Although, I would’ve loved to see
the game. We had too many children
today and not enough adults at the daycare so I couldn’t leave. Being the owner, I had to stay.”
“Don’t worry
luv,” Scott said. “The school had it
professionally taped for. Now…let me
help him up the stairs.”
Before Scott
turned towards the stairs with Trevor, Chelsea ran her fingers through her son’s
dark blonde hair.
“Are you
hungry lad? Do you want me to fix you
something before you lie down?”
Trevor shook
his head. “N….no, mum. Not too hungry.
Feel too good!”
He ended his
sentence with a snicker as Scott rolled his eyes and helped him up the
stairs. Since Trevor hadn’t cleaned up
since the game, Scott helped him into the bathroom so he could undress and
shower. As soon as Trevor was safely in
the shower, Scott went into his room and got him a clean t-shirt and pair of
shorts. He then waited until he heard
the shower turn off and Trevor come out, just in case he got woozy in the
shower and fell.
When Ty came
into his room with a towel around his waist, Scott went up to him. “Better?”
“Yeah, a
little,” Trevor replied. “Feels good to
be clean, though I had a hard time keeping the bandage dry.”
“Well, dry off
and get dressed. I’ve got some clean
ace bandages in my office.”
Scott came
back into Trevor’s room to find him lying in his bed on his right side in just
a pair of shorts. He was half asleep,
but Scott had to change the wet bandage.
He sat him up and began to unwrap the wet bandage then quickly rewrapped
it tight.
Since it hurt
Trevor to lift his arm, he couldn’t put a t-shirt on so Scott got him a short
sleeved buttoned one out of his closet and helped his arms into it and left it
unbuttoned.
Trevor then
lay back down and was asleep in an instant.
Scott stood above him, staring at his youthful, handsome face. He hadn’t tended to him this much since he
was a wee lad, but he didn’t mind. He
was so proud of Trevor in ways he couldn’t define.
True, Scott
loved Stephanie just as much. She was
his daugher after all – his princess.
But he regretted missing out on the first five years of her life when he
had no idea of her existance. That was
something he wished he could have back and do all over again, if only to not
have gone through the anguish of what happened to his beloved Chelsea all those
missing years. He had never believed in
fate, but it was fate that brought them back together after a five year
separation.
He’ll never
doubt fate again.
But, when
Trevor was born, he realized what he had missed with Stephanie. From the moment he came screaming out of his
mum’s womb, he felt unabashed pride and unconditional love soar through
him. In a span of a few moments, he had
Trevor’s entire life planned out.
And now, here
he was, seventeen years old, handsome, bright, popular and a mega-talented
goalie to boot. He was a perfect mix of
his parents with Scott’s dark blonde hair and quaint shyness and Chelsea’s
hazel eyes and even temperment.
If he were any
prouder, he’d bust!
With one last
look, he left the bedroom and closed the door.
He decended the stairs to the kitchen, went up behind his wife and put
his arms around her. Chelsea turned to
gaze into the face of the man she had loved since he was a fifteen year old
lad.
“Everything
okay up there?”
“Fine. He may be hurting when he wakes up from the
shot wearing off, but Dr. Seton gave him a prescription for something milder. He really gave his all today, Chelsea. You
should’ve seen him. He wanted that
championship no matter what the cost, even breaking his own body.”
“Well, I hope
it doesn’t have to go that far the next time,” Chelsea stated.
“Pros can get
pretty rough sometimes,” Scott said with a twinkle in his eye.
“Yeah, well
this isn’t the pros, Scott. Its only
high school.”
“Trevor’s not
gonna be in high school forever,” Scott said.
“He’ll be entering his last year in the fall.”
Chelsea turned
all the way to face her husband. “What
are you getting at Scott?”
“Well, I saw
several mysterious looking chaps in the stands today with clipboards, studying
the game and making notes.”
Chelsea’s eyes
widened as she put her hand to her mouth.
“Scott, you don’t mean…….?”
“Yep. Scouts.”
Chapter
4
Several blocks
away, Mark pulled his Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, his seventeeth birthday gift
from his dad, into the garage and entered the house. Grace was tending to dinner baking in the oven as he came in.
“You just
getting home from the game, Mark?
You’ve been gone for so long.”
“No mum. I just came from the hospital. As soon as I showered and changed after the
game, I headed over to Shrewsbury.
That’s where the ambulance took Trev.
I just wanted to make sure he was okay.
All the lads were worried about him.”
“And you the
most, as usual,” Grace said with a smirk.
Mark smirked
back. “Well, he is my partner in crime,
after all. Not many other lads at
school can keep up with me.”
“You mean, put
up with you,” came tart voice from behind.
Mark put his
hands on his hips and turned an arrogant stance to his twelve year old sister,
Abigail. “Bugger off, you little twit,”
Mark shot back.
“Mark, watch
it,” Grace chided her son.
“Yeah Mark,
watch it,” Abby mimicked.
“And I’ll hear
no more from you either, Miss Abby, understood?” Grace quickly corrected her
daughter. “I will not put up with smart
remarks from either one of you. As a
matter of fact, congratulate your brother.
They won their division championship today.”
“Oooh, now his
ego definitely won’t fit in this house,” Abby sneaked out.
Mark started
after Abby before Grace intercepted him.
“Abby! Enough,” Grace said. “I’ll cancel that little shopping trip
Saturday if I hear that sassy mouth of yours one more time.”
“Alright,
sorry. Mum, don’t cancel please. I need some new clothes. Everything’s either too short or
too….tight.”
Mark saw an
opportunity to tease his pesty sister.
“Well, nothing can’t be too tight up top. You don’t have any tits yet.”
“Mark
Randall!”
That voice
belonged to Ty who walked in on that comment.
Now Ty understood why his father used his first and middle name when he
was pissed. However, before he could
scold Mark, Abby had a few choice words for him too.
“Yeah, well,
at least I’m not up half the night wankering my brains out!”
Mark was
appalled. “You bloody little wench!”
Grace almost
choked. “Abigail Paige! That does it. Upstairs, now! I don’t
want to see you till dinner. And,
forget about Saturday.”
“But mum….”
Abby whined.
“No buts. I warned you. We’ll reschedule when you’ve learned to curb your tongue. Now go.”
Abby turned
evil eyes to Mark before she turned on her heel and huffed up the stairs. Mark cracked his knuckles.
“Dad, just let
me smack that smart little flap of hers just once!”
Ty looked at
his son. “And who, pray tell, is gonna
smack yours?”
“I’m sorry
dad, but she asks for it.”
“Mark, she’s
12 and testing her limits with her 17 year old brother. Mind you, you weren’t exactly an angel at
that age either.”
Mark twinkled
his sparkling green eyes which he inherited from his mum. “But I am now,
right?”
Ty grinned
right back at him. “No where’s
near! Now…where’ve you been? I thought you were coming straight home.”
“I stopped to
see Trev at the hospital. Just to make
sure he was okay.”
“Uncle Scott
called and said it was only a separation.
He should be much better by the weekend. I uh…understand there’s a big party this weekend.”
“Um,
yeah. At Craig’s house. Big pool party for the team.”
“Plenty of
lasses there?”
“Ohhhh, yeah.”
“And drop?”
Mark blew out
a breath and rolled his eyes. “Let me
guess. Uncle Scott told you that?”
“Actually your
cousin blurted it out,” Ty said with enthusiasm. “Seems you can learn a lot from someone under the influence of
Demerol.”
“Dad, its not
what you think. Craig’s parents are
gonna be there, but, you know….sometimes…someone may show up with a little
something to liven things up, ya know?”
Ty looked over
at Grace, who met his smirk with one of her own. “Oh, do I ever know,” Ty drawled out, remembering when a flask of
vodka was smuggled into Grace’s 15th birthday party so long ago.
“Mark, I can’t
control what other kids do, but I will not have you smuggle alcohol into a
party. Kids get drunk, then drive and it’ll all be our fault. Understand.”
“Yes, I
understand. Guess I’ll just have to
settle for the girls then,” Mark said with a grin.
“I’d say that
was the lesser of the two evils, but now I’m not so sure,” Ty replied.
“Me neither,”
Mark replied, with a mischievous twinkle in his green eyes.
“Go make
yourself useful before dinner lad,” Ty said, swatting him on the back.
“Think I’ll go
downstairs to my ‘sanctuary’ and let off some steam,” Mark said, heading
towards the basement door.
“Don’t leave
the door to the room open, Mark,” Grace reminded him. “Its only soundproof when the door is closed.”
Mark saluted
his mum then headed downstairs to the family’s finished entertainment
room.
When the door
closed, Grace turned to Ty. “Think his
little way of ‘letting off steam’ is gonna turn into something?”
Ty
shrugged. “Who knows? Anything’s possible. After all, he is my son! By the way, did I get an e-mail from Kevin?”
“Yeah, I
printed it out and put it on your desk.
So, who’s this new band?”
“Oh, someone
he’s been keeping a sharp eye on. He
thinks I should take a trip out there to catch their gig. Thinks they’re worth signing.”
“Kevin thinks
every band he hears is worth signing,” Grace mused. “I swear he’s like some old lady who takes in strays.”
“Well that’s
why we created Crossfire Records, Grace.
To give young bands a chance when the big labels won’t listen. Besides, his insticts are usually right. Out of the 25 acts we’ve signed, 13 have
gone onto multi-platinum success. Not
bad. Besides, that’s for Kev and I to
worry about. You, my dear, take care of
the administrative and management stuff, you know….the stuff we can’t be
bothered with.”
“So, you gonna
go and check them out?”
“Maybe next
week. I’d love to have you come with
me, but I don’t think Abby and Mark should be left alone. At least not together! I’m afraid they might kill each other.”
“She’s
beginning to push buttons Ty,” Grace said.
“Its normal for her age. Hell, I
remember doing that!”
“Yeah, but I
think she’d be more responsible if we went away. Now Mark…..he’s another story.
I’m sure as soon as we pull out of the driveway, this house would turn
into one big party. We’d come home to a
mess and…..lacy underthings probably stewn about!”
Grace gave her
husband a sly look. “Well, like you
said. He is your son!”
**********************************************
Down in the
basement, Mark entered a separate room that he labeled his ‘sanctuary’. It was a small room that his father had
built for him that practically screamed ‘teenage lad’. There was a small couch and a wall mounted
color telly as well as a shelf containing a state of the art CD player with
various CD’s scattered about.
The walls were
covered with posters of his favorite soccer players, bands and the latest and
hottest swimsuit and lingerie models.
But the centerpiece of the well insulated room was what stood in the
middle of the carpeted floor – his customized Pearl drum kit.
He sat on the
stool and grabbed a fresh pair of Zildjian brand drumsticks, a gift from his
great uncle Rick. He then turned to his
tape machine that had programmed dozens of his favorite songs with the drum
tracks all taken out.
When he
turned, he quickly glanced at the two posters that were behind him – his two
favorite.
One was of his
dad’s band, Crossfire. His eyes
especially wandered to the bass player, Mark Shepard, and the drummer, Randy
Spencer, for whom he was named after.
However, it
was Randy’s instrument that he had a longtime love for. Even though Mark considered it a hobby to
unwind and indulge his passion for music, his father had this special
soundproof room built so he could wail away without disturbing the rest of the
house.
Mark then
looked at the poster next to Crossfire’s – a classic collectable that was
encased in protective glass. It was a
poster of his grandfather’s band, Def Leppard, from their Pyromania days back
in 1983, that was signed by all the band members. Both posters were a reminder of where his love for music came
from.
He turned the
tape machine on and selected a song. As the music began, Mark expertly came in
on cue with the drums and wondered, as he always did, if this was more than
just a hobby.
Chapter
5
The next
morning, Trevor opened his eyes only to be greeted by a throbbing soreness in
his left shoulder. He carefully rolled
out of bed and made his way to the bathroom to find his prescription.
He then went
downstairs to find his mum in the kitchen.
Chelsea immediately went over to him and cupped the side of his head
with her hand.
“How you
feeling there, lad?”
“Sore, but not
as bad as yesterday. I’ve got my pain
medication, but I think I should eat something first.”
“You haven’t
eaten anything since before the game yesterday. You must be famished.”
“I am, but the
Demerol made me too sick to my stomach yesterday to eat.”
“Hmm, are you
still too sick for pecan-banana pancakes?”
Trevor grinned
at his mum. “Bloody no! I’d love those.”
“Well, it’s
the least I can do, considering you saved the game from going into overtime
yesterday. We’re very proud of you,
Trevor.”
Trevor glanced
down and blushed, a trait he inherited from his father and grandfather. “Thanks mum, but it was a team effort. Mark played the best I’ve ever seen. He
scored one of Westfield’s 3 goals too.”
Just then
Scott came into the kitchen, dressed in black trousers, white dress shirt and a
black, gray and red silk tie. Chelsea’s
eyes raked her handsome husband with appreciation. Even though she had known him since she was 15, he still took her
breath away, even at 41 years old.
“Off to the
hospital?”
“No, gotta
take the tram into the London clinic,” Scott said. “I have an appointment with Simon Farrell.”
Trevor’s eyes
almost fell out. “Simon Farrell? The Simon Farrell? The goalie for Manchester United?”
“The one and
only,” Scott said. “He blew his knee
out a few weeks ago and we’re gonna discuss some treatments.”
“I remember
seeing that game,” Trevor remembered with a shudder. “I saw how his foot got stuck in the ground while his leg twisted
and his kneecap………ugh, I don’t want to think about it.”
“Kinda makes
what happened to you yesterday seem mild, hmm?” Scott asked.
“Yeah, I guess
I’m lucky. Hopefully, he’ll recover.
That guy is a mega goalie. I
practically know all his moves and strategies.”
A lightbulb
went off over Scott’s head as he looked at his watch. “Tell you what. If you
can be ready in a half hour you can ride into London with me and you can meet
him.”
Trevor shot up
from his chair and took off for the stairs in an instant. When Chelsea heard
the upstairs bathroom door close and the sound of the shower, she glanced at
her husband.
“I don’t think
I ever saw him move that fast!” Chelsea exclaimed. “Not to mention, he’s actually gonna forego pecan-banana
pancakes!”
“Well, we are
talking Simon Farrell, his hero,” Scott replied. “I think meeting the goalie of his dreams takes priority over his
favorite breakfast.”
“Do you think
seeing Simon with that devestating injury will discourage him at all?”
“No, but I
think it’ll give him a more realistic view of the pros,” Scott said. “If he can separate his shoulder in a high
school game, then he can be hurt just as badly in the pros.”
Chelsea
shuddered. “God, Scott, don’t even
mention it!”
“Could be
worse,” Scott mused. “He coulld be
playing American football.”
“Perish the
thought!” Chelsea said, horrified.
Just then,
there was a knock on the kitchen door.
Looking out the window, Chelsea saw that it was Mark and waved him in.
“Hi Aunt Chelsea,
Uncle Scott,” Mark said upon entering.
“I left some of my things at the school yesterday and I was on my way to
pick them up. Thought I’d stop by and
see how Trev was.”
No sooner than
Mark asked that, Trevor came bounding down the stairs in a pair of jeans,
sneakers and a white, short sleeved shirt that was untucked and barely
buttoned. His dark blonde hair was
still damp from his ultra-fast shower.
Mark looked at him amazed.
“You heal
bloody quick!”
“Are you
kidding? My shoulder’s on fire, but who
cares? I’m gonna meet Simon Farrell
today. Dad’s meeting him in London
today about his knee injury and I’m going with him.”
Mark was
dumbstruck. “Get out! Oh man, he’s a mega player, not to mention
that you practically worship the guy.”
“He’s the
reason I wanted to be a goalie,” Trevor said.
“I can’t wait to meet him. I got
to get his autograph.”
“Well, finish
fastening your clothes so we can leave,” Scott said.
“Wait,”
Chelsea said. “Trevor, have a muffin or
something so you can take your pills.”
“Oh,
yeah…right,” Trevor said as he wolfed down a blueberry muffin then took two of
his pain meds with a glass or orange juice.
“Ready!”
“Trevor, you
still have to take it easy,” Scott reminded him. “Remember, your shoulder was yanked out of the socket.”
Chelsea
squeezed her eyes shut. “Scott, please
stop saying that.”
“Oh, he’ll be
fine Aunt Chelsea,” Mark said with a handsome grin. “Anyway, if he’s still in pain for the party on Saturday, I’m
sure there’ll be something or…..someone there to make him feel better!”
Trevor turned
warning eyes to Mark. “Will you shut
your bloody big trap about that?”
Scott
smirked. “Ah, yes. What was that lass’ name again? Emily Prescott?”
Trevor gave
Mark the look of death, all the while beginning to blush.
Chelsea looked
at her son. “Emily? What happened to
Kristin?”
Mark answered
for him. “Oh, she’s been history for a
while Aunt Chelsea. Although, she’s
been in denial over it. Emily
transferred to Westfield the beginning of the year and Trev’s had his eye on
her ever since, but he couldn’t make a move since Kristin was hanging onto him
like a leech.”
Trevor stared
down Mark. “Are you finished?”
“I could go
on,” Mark answered with glee.
“Yeah, we
could go on about your girlfriends,” Trevor sassed back.
“Gladly,” Mark
replied shamlessly.
Chelsea
crinkled her brow in thought. “Aren’t
you seeing…what’s her name….Sherry…or is it Cheryl?”
“Both
actually,” Mark proudly announced. “But
they’re history too.”
“What
happened?” Chelsea asked.
Mark bit hit
lip and looked a little guilty.
“Um…..one found out about the other!”
Scott rolled
his eyes with a grin. “You lads need a
Palm Pilot to keep up with your girlfriends!’
He then caught the time on the clock.
“Lets go Trevor. We’ve got a tram to catch.”
Trevor
high-fived Mark with his good arm. “I’m
off to meet my idol.”
“I’m off to
find a new playmate,” Mark replied.
“Later.”
Chapter
6
Trevor sat in
his father’s office in his London based clinic reading a sports magazine while
listening to his portable CD player.
The soreness in his left shoulder was causing him discomfort, but the
thought of meeting Simon Farrell seemed to dull it. That and seeing Emily Prescott this weekend.
Ever since she
transferred to Westfield at the beginning of the year, he was enraptured. Whenever he passed her in the hall or
spotted her in one of his classes, he longed to try to strike up a chat with
her. But with Kristin’s claws being
firmly sunk into his skin, he never took advantage of an opportunity.
But, he
finally had to tell Kristin that it was over.
Not that they had much of a relationship in the first place, except for
the one very overheated snogging session in Kristin’s bedroom which led to
Trevor waving ‘bye-bye’ to his precious virginity. After that, she had
become possessive and jealous, something he could no longer deal with.
Now that he
was officially free, he planned on not wasting anymore time in getting to know
Emily.
Trevor was so
into his thoughts, that he didn’t see his father come in. When he finally did look up, he looked right
past his father to the man behind him dressed in a FIFA sweatshirt, navy blue
sweatpants and balancing on a cane. It
was Simon Farrell. Goalie extrodinaire.
Trevor closed
his magazine and pulled his earphones out as he kept his fascinated gaze on
Simon while standing up.
“Simon, this
is my son Trevor, whom I can safely say is your biggest fan,” Scott said.
Simon held out
his hand. “Pleased to meet you lad, not
to mention that I’m flattered.”
Trevor was
completely starry-eyed as he shook Simon’s hand. “Mr. Farrell, I…..”
“No,
please. Call me Simon.”
“Simon,”
Trevor repeated. “Believe me, the
pleasure’s all mine. I think you’re a
super mega goalie. I’ve yet to see
anyone else who has moves like yours.”
Simon puffed
up a bit and grinned. “Well, thank you
so much Trevor. I may need you as my personal cheerleader when
it comes time for me to prove to Manchester that I’ll be as good as new after
this injury.”
“How is it?”
Trevor asked. “That is….if you don’t mind my asking.”
“Well, all I
can do is hope that the treatment your father and I discussed will work. I shredded my knee pretty bad. Time will tell.”
Trevor looked
a little somber over the news. He knew
that injuries can happen to anyone – he should know!
“I understand
that you’re nursing an injury yourself lad,” Simon continued. “Your shoulder?”
Trevor touched
his left shoulder lightly. “Um,
yeah. I separated it. However, when it happened I heard a crunch
and thought I broke it for sure.”
“Well,
fortunately its only separated,” Simon replied. “How’d you do it?”
Trevor’s
natural shyness took over as he glanced towards the floor. “Well…..”
“Tell him the
truth, lad,” Scott urged.
“Well, I made
this wicked lunge to prevent a game tying goal in our championship game. I grabbed the ball and didn’t put my hand
down to prevent my fall. I came right
down on my shoulder.”
“Ah, I
see. How is it now?”
“It’s a
throbbing, dull ache, but not as painful as when it first happened.”
“Well, it
sounds as if you saved the game, Trevor,” Simon stated. “And with that shoulder of yours all
bandaged up, I guess its safe to say that you’ll be having the lasses fawn all
over you. Nothing like a wounded hero.”
Trevor’s
cheeks sufficiently pinkened. “Yeah,
well I guess you should know all about that Simon. I happen to know that a lot of your fans are female.”
Now it was
Simon’s turn to blush. “I suppose,
but…..there are downsides to that lad.
Professional soccer isn’t all glory, recognition. If you’re ever
afforded the opportunity, wonderful.
But, in the meantime, put your energy into your education because you
may need it to fall back on.”
Trevor nodded,
appreciating the advice, but also wondering if there was a hidden message
behind it. Simon then turned to Scott.
“Well, Dr.
Savage, I guess I should get going. Thank you again for all you’ve done. I’ll keep you updated on the progress.”
“Oh, wait.”
Trevor said, going back to his magazine and flipping the pages. When he came across an action shot taken of
Simon from his last game, he ripped it out and handed it to him with a pen.
“Please, I
must have your autograph,” he practically begged.
Simon gladly
took the picture and signed his name to it with the pen. “Here you go lad. Take care of that shoulder, and good luck next season. And…in school.”
“Thank you
Simon. I hope all goes well with your
knee. I’ll be awaiting your return to
Manchester.”
Simon then
shook Trevor’s hand before turning to leave.
Scott found himself alone with his son.
“Happy?”
“You have no
idea!” Trevor replied. “But….his
negativity about a career in soccer bothered me a bit.”
“Well, I don’t
think it was about the sport, but the pitfalls that comes with it. I don’t know how well you follow his personal
life, but he’s in the middle of a divorce right now.”
“Wow, no, I
didn’t know that,” Trevor replied. “I
wonder if its because of his career?”
“Well, lets
just say that he does have a lot of female fans and, well, it can cause
problems,” Scott said. “Listen, I’ve got one more appointment. After that, lets get some lunch in the
centre then head back home.”
“Brilliant.”
Scott left and
Trevor put his earphones back in. As he
listened to his music, he secretly wonder what it would be like to have female
fans following him all over.
Chapter
7
Mark rolled
his Jeep into the Westfield High School parking lot and trotted inside to get
some of his he left in his locker.
After stuffing them in a bag, he back out, rounding the corner by the administration
office. He noticed the light on, even
though school had ended for the summer
Just as he
passed the door, it opened, almost hitting him in the face.
“Blimey, watch
out,” he called out. “You almost
hit…….”
Mark’s speech
was halted at the sight of a pair of mesmerizing gray-green eyes attached to a
face so lovely that his jaw actually dropped.
The girl took
one look at Mark and pretty much had the same reaction.
“I’m…I’m
sorry,” she said in a sweet voice. “I
didn’t know anyone was in the school.”
“Well, I could
say the same thing about you,” Mark replied, eyeing her glossy chestnut colored
hair that fell past her shoulders.
“Well,
actually I’m finishing my senior year here in the fall,” she replied. “I just moved here from Canterbury. I’m here to do my admission papers.”
“Canterbury? I lived there until I was five, I think,”
Mark said.
“Yeah, I
know all about it,” Tara thought to herself.
“Well, this is
fortunate,” Mark said with flirting green eyes. “I’ll look forward to see you.
Then again, why wait? Perhaps we
can see each other before then?”
The girl
blushed behind her grin. “You’re not shy, are you?”
Mark gave her
his most intense stare. “What do you
think?”
The girl
flustered a bit from the youthful sex appeal that seemed to drip from
Mark. “I….I’d say not.”
“So, will you
consider it?”
“Perhaps,” she
replied. “My name’s Tara, by the way.”
Mark held his
hand out as she took it. “I’m
Mark. Mark Savage.”
All of a
sudden, the blush of infatuation on Tara’s face dropped. “Did….did you say Savage?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Pardon me for
asking, but…..what’s your dad’s name?”
Mark looked a
little puzzled at her question, but then figured out why. “His name is Tyler. Or Ty, as his close friends call him. Let me guess, your parents were probably
fans of his band years ago, right?”
“Something
like that,” Tara quietly said in a trembling voice.
Mark saw the
sudden change in her. “Something wrong?”
“No,
nevermind,” she said curtly. “I…I have
to go.”
She turned
quickly and walked away from him as fast as she could, but Mark dashed after
her.
“Hey,
wait! What’s the matter?”
Tara turned
around and regarded Mark with indifference.
“Look, its nothing really. I
just have to go. I have a ride waiting
for me.”
“Well, can I
have your number then? Maybe we can go
out over the summer and get to know each other…….”
“I don’t think
that’s a good idea anymore,” Tara replied, cutting him off.
Mark was
puzzled. “What? Just a moment ago you were considering
it. What the hell did I say that
changed your mind?”
Tara stopped
and turned. “Its not what you said, but
who you are, that changed my mind.
Sorry, but I really have to go.”
Before Mark
could respond, she took off down the hall, through the double doors and
outside.
Mark stood
there dumbfounded for a moment. Truth
be told, he never had a lass diss him like that and he was rightly humbled.
And bothered.
“Who does
that wench think she is, saying that and not giving me an opportunity to defend
myself,” Mark thought
to himself.
With a look of
determination, he stalked down the hall and went outside after her, only to see
a faint glimpse of her face through a car window as it took off.
Mark stood
there for a moment before walking to his Jeep.
He got in and looked at the situation in a different light.
“Probably
some cold snooty lass who thinks she’s better than everyone,” he reasoned to himself. “There’s more than one fish in the sea. Forget about her Mark!”
*********************
As the car
pulled away, Tara tried hard not to look back when she saw Mark Savage appear
in the parking lot. It was a good thing
she found out who he was before she got too sucked in by those convincing green
eyes. Green eyes that reminded her of
her brother’s.
“Stay away
from him, Tara,” she
thought to herself. “It’ll just stir
up painful memories that you don’t need.
Forget about him!”
Chapter
8
Late Saturday
morning, Mark pulled his Jeep up in front of Trevor’s house to pick him up for
the party. Already with him were two of
their closest mates, Sean and Wesley.
When all four lads were piled in the Jeep, Mark took off for the party.
Sean eyed
Trevor’s bandaged shoulder and arm in a sling.
“So Trev, how’s the shoulder mate?”
“Still hurts,
but its more of a dull ache, rather than the blinding pain when it first
happened. Then again, I didn’t feel too
much once the doctor gave me a shot of Demerol in my arse.”
“Doctor?”
Wesley asked. “No pretty nurse?”
“Well,
actually a nurse was gonna give it to me, but I just didn’t feel like dropping
my shorts in front of her. Anyway, she
looked like Mrs. Horton.”
Mark shuddered
at the thought of the homely girl’s gym teacher. “Blimey! There’s a sight
that’ll deflate your dick anyday!”
“Speaking of
which, I hope mine gets to see some action at this party,” Sean mused. “Especially since it’s a pool party.”
“Oh mate, and
Jessica Bishop’s gonna be there,” Wesley groaned. “Just the thought of her in a bikini’s gonna give me a day-long
boner.”
“No problem,
Wes,” Trevor said. “Just think of Mrs.
Horton. That should keep it down!”
“Seems like
you may be taking that advice Trev,” Wesley said. “Especially since Emily Prescott’s gonna be there. You’ve had the hots for her since day one. And now that Kristin’s out of the picture,
you can pursue her.”
“Trev, I still can’t believe you ditched her,” Sean
said. “She was mega-fine.”
“Guess once
she made you a man, you had no use for her anymore, right cuz?” Mark quipped.
Trevor punched
Mark in the arm. “That’s not true. I
just didn’t expect it to happen that way so fast. But, blimey, her parents weren’t home and she had pinned to her
bed with her tongue down my throat and, before I knew it, she was shoving a
condom in my hand. What the bloody hell
was I supposed to say?”
“How about…’thank
you God’,” Sean snickered.
Trevor
grinned. “Yeah well, don’t get me
wrong…it was flippin’ fantastic, but she thought she owned me afterwards. She practically told the entire junior
class what we did.”
“Yeah, well if
it wasn’t for her, I never would’ve found out,” Mark said. “Lads are supposed to kiss and tell,
Trev, especially when it involves their first shag! Besides, we promised each other when we were younger that when it
happened, we’d tell each other. Hell, I
was on the phone with you the next day after I bonked Sherry!”
“Cuz, if you
really had your way, you would’ve been on the phone with me while you were
coming! And besides….it was Cheryl.”
“Oh…..yeah,
right,” Mark sheepisly said with a grin.
“No wonder
they’re history,” Sean said. “You
couldn’t even keep them straight.
Probably screamed out Sherry’s name when you were shagging Cheryl.”
Wesley shook
his head. “Crikey Mark, you and Trev
just step right in it! Just give it a
rest so Sean and I can have a chance.”
“Well, I’ve
got my sights set on Emily,” Trevor said.
“Its Mark you gotta worry about.
He’s hell-bent on finding summer companionship.”
“Yeah, and I
almost thought I found it when I stopped at school a few days ago.,” Mark said.
“What do you
mean, almost?” Sean asked.
“Losing your touch before you’re eighteen, mate?”
“No, its not
that,” Mark stated. “She was a strange
wench. Bloody beautiful, but strange. I
ran into her while I went back to clean out my locker. She was coming out of the office where she
was signing up for the fall. She moved
here from Canterbury, believe it or not.
I struck up a chat with her and she seemed interested, but as soon as I
told her my name she clammed up.”
“Hmmm, maybe
your reputation with lasses reached her tender little ears as soon as she
stepped foot in Sheffield,” Wesley surmised.
“Yeah, well
screw her! I’m sure I’ll spot someone
at the party that’ll offer me some type of carnal fun today.”
Sean put an
imaginary mic up to his mouth.
“Attention! Attention all
fathers in Sheffield. Lock up your
daughters immediately. Mark Savage is
on the prowl!”
Mark reached
his hand back to swat at Sean, just as he pulled up to the party.
Chapter
9
The
championship celebration for Westfield High’s soccer team was underway as Mark
and Trevor made their way into the backyard with Sean and Wesley close behind.
The party’s
host, senior team captain Craig Weston,
goodnaturedly threw up his hands as they walked in.
“Okay mates,”
Craig loudly announced. “The Savage
cousin’s have arrived. The party can
now officially begin!”
Trevor rolled
his eyes and blushed as Mark puffed his chest with pride. Sean shoved Craig in the arm. “Aye, what about me and Wes, matie?”
Craig jokingly
shoved him back. “Well when you blokes
either make a game winning save or score at least one goal per game, then I might consider it!”
“Aye, maybe
its best you don’t announce me,” Wesley said.
“My eyes spot the lovely Jessica Bishop so I think I’ll just sneak up
and surprise her. Maybe it’ll cause her
top to fall off!”
Wesley grabbed
something to drink and went off to seek more amusing activities. Craig then turned to Trevor, noticing his
sling and his bandaged left shoulder, which was visible under his FIFA tank.
“Aw, are you really
hurt that bad, Trev? Or are you just
being a poser to get attention from the lasses?”
“Perhaps I
should’ve brought my x-ray to show you just how much of a ‘poser’ I really am,”
Trevor shot back. “I separated the
blasted thing.”
Craig put an
arm around Trevor. “Well, perhaps we
can convince some lass to kiss it and make it better.”
“If that were
the case, he probably would’ve showed up with his pecker bandaged,” Mark
jibed. “Anyway, if Trev’s looking for
sympathy, he won’t have to look too far.
Seems the object of his affection is sitting on the edge of the pool
cooling off her toes.”
Trevor looked
over and saw Emily Prescott swirling her tanned legs in the pool water as she
sat at the edge. Even though he was
several yards away, Trevor could make
out her firm little breasts contained by her fitted white tank top. He felt himself stir in his shorts and he
immediately pictured Mrs. Horton! But
Emily looked so fresh, so innocent and so hot at the same time that it didn’t
help.
He kept his eyes
on her until she looked up and spotted him looking at her. She offered him a shy, lovely smile before
another lass sat down beside her, blocking his view.
Trevor shook
the cobwebs from his brain and got himself something cold to drink – fast! Mark saw this and didn’t pass up an attempt
to rib his cousin.
“Whats the
matter Trev? Thoughts of the girls gym
teacher not working?”
Trevor gave
Mark and evil stare. “How’d you like your
shoulder separated?”
**************************************
Over by the
pool, Emily Prescott’s vision of Trevor Savage was disappointingly blocked by
one of her girlfriends. When she tried
to crane her head around her, her girlfriend turned to see what was so
interesting.
“See something
you like, Em?”
“You could say
that Morgan,” Emily replied.
“Didn’t take
long for you two to scope each other out,” Morgan said. “Give him some time, he just got here. Once he’s done pounding his chest with all
the other lads I think he’ll make his move.”
“I don’t know,
he seems awfully shy sometimes,” Emily said.
“That’s only
in the beginning. Once he gets warmed
up, he becomes a shameless flirt just like Mark.”
“Mark,”
came a sarcastic voice from the sun chair behind them.
Emily turned
around towards the chair. “I heard that
Tara. Do you know something I don’t?”
“If only
you did,” Tara thought
to herself. “Your mum kept it from
you all these years.”
“Nothing
except the usual,” Tara replied, careful not to let her true feelings
show. “I’ve heard enough about him at
Tapton. Plus you can’t even open the
bloody Sheffield Star without reading what heros he and that cousin of his is.”
“What are you
gonna do, fault him for being talented?
Tara, stop being so paranoid.
He’s just a lad.”
“With a
reputation that I don’t want to become part of, thank you very much,” Tara
confessed. “And…for your information
Em, Trevor’s isn’t any better.”
“Somehow I
don’t think they’d intentionally hurt a lass’ feelings,” Emily told her.
“Whatever,”
Tara murmured.
“Well, he did
break up with Kristen after they slept together.,” Morgan said
Emily rolled
her eyes. “Tara, I know all about the
sordid details, not to mention Trevor not taking too kindly to her blabbing it
to the whole school.”
“Really? I would think a lad would be on top of a
building with a bullhorn announcing it himself,” Tara said sarcastically. “Anyway, it doesn’t matter. Look Em, if you want to be pursued by Trevor
Savage, then there’s nothing I can do to stop you. Just as long as that cousin of his stays clear of me.”
“I don’t know
Tara. I think you really should give
Mark the benefit of the doubt. I mean,
they’re cousins and we’re cousins. It
would be kinda cool if the four of us got on famously.”
“Oooooh,
kissing cousins!” Morgan giggled.
“I don’t want
to give Mark Savage anything, thank you,” Tara replied.
“He has
more than enough as it is, the rich, spoiled lad!”
“Well, good
luck trying to steer clear of Mark today at the party, Tara. Especially since I see him craning his neck
in your direction.”
Chapter
10
Mark looked
over at the lass by the pool. He then
nudged Craig. “Aye, who’s that lass on
the sun chair behind Emily? She looks
kinda familiar.”
Craig looked
in Mark’s direction and saw who he was referring to. “Ah, I believe her name is Tara.
She’s Emily’s cousin. She’ll be
attending Westfield in the fall..”
Mark continued
to stare at the lovely, dark haired lass before recognition caused him to
choke. “Did…did you say her name was
Tara?”
“Yeah, why?”
Mark turned
narrowed eyes to his mates. “Why? I’ll tell you why? She’s the bitch who blew me off at school a
few days ago, that’s why?”
Craig
laughed. “Blew you off in a bad way
or……in a good way?”
Mark swatted
him in the shoulder. “Stuff it! I should march on over there and tell that
little snit just what I really think of her.”
“Calm down
cuz,” Trevor said. “You’re letting your
pride get in the way. There’s plenty other’s here to choose from.”
“Yeah, but you
know what they say Trev,” Sean added.
“You always want what you can’t have.
Guess Tara didn’t fall for Mark’s irresistable charm and now he’s
miffed!”
“Who wants
her?” Mark said appalled. “Bloody
wench. I wouldn’t waste my time. Trev’s right….she’s not the only lass here. However, if the opportunity presents itself,
I wouldn’t mind telling her off for the other day.”
“Mark, don’t
go ruining anything for me and Emily by mouthing off to her cousin,” Trevor
said. “Just be cool.”
“Don’t worry,”
Mark said, slinging an arm around Trevor.
“If the lovely wench and I just happen to come face to face, I”ll handle
it with tact, okay?”
“I’ll believe
that when I see it,” Trevor said.
“Well, I’m starving. I’m gonna
get myself something to eat.”
“What about
Emily?”
“Mark, I just
got here. I’m not like you. Plus, I don’t want to seem desperate. I’ll talk to her today.”
“Don’t forget
to get her number,” Sean reminded.
“Will you
blokes stuff it,” Trevor said before stalking off to the food table.
As Mark
watched Trevor take off, his eyes glanced back to Tara, who had disappeared
from her chair. Mark shrugged, telling
himself not to care, as he went to go say hi to some of his other mates.
He turned and
saw Tara getting a can of pop out of a nearby cooler. The teenage male pride in him wouldn’t let him let this be. He casually made his way over to the cooler
just as Tara looked up.
“We meet
again, I see,” Mark said with a hint of sarcasm.
Tara looked up
into Mark’s mischievous green eyes and tried to hold her ground. “Um, yes I guess we do.”
Mark folded
his arms and stared her down, trying to remain unaffected by her unique
gray-green eyes. “You know, I think
that was bloody rude of you taking off on me like you did the other day. The least you could’ve done was let me
defend myself.”
Tara would not
be intimidated. “Well, I’m sorry that I
insulted you and hurt you’re little feelings.
However, I’m still not interested.”
“Ouch!” Mark
said with mock hurt. “Look, we
obviously got off to the wrong foot.
Lets start all over again.”
Mark took her
hand and brought it to his lips and mocked a bow. “Please to meet you, lass.
I’m Mark Savage.”
Before he
could kiss her hand, Tara yanked it away.
“I already told you…I know who you are. And, forgive me if this offends you, but I really don’t want
anything to do with you.”
Mark was
beginning to get frustrated as well as angry.
“How is it that you already know me if you just moved here?”
Tara looked
for something believable to say other than the truth. “Fine. If you must know,
you seem to have quite a reputation.
You’re nothing but a strutting, swaggering, full-of-yourself rich lad
who thinks that no lass can resist. And that cousin of yours is probably no
better.”
Mark’s tone
got a little hot. “Don’t go bringing
Trevor into this, especially since he’s not here to defend himself. And besides, I’m not rich…my dad is.”
“Don’t
remind me,” Tara thought.
“Also…… I’m
not gonna lie to you and say that I don’t enjoy a lass’ attention. What lad doesn’t?”
“Its not
that,” Tara tried to reason as his green eyes were beginning to suck her in
again. “Its just…..I’m not in the mood
to have my heart broken, okay? If my
cousin Emily is willing to risk her heart to Trevor, then that’s her business. Mine is staying safely where it is. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to
rejoin my friends. Is that enough
warning for you? I don’t want you think
that I’m just taking off!”
Mark changed
his strategy and leaned in a little closer to her. “You know,” he said in a husky tone. “Sarcasm doesn’t look good on a beautiful lass such as yourself.”
Tara was taken
aback by his compliment, given in a voice that sent a chill up her spine and an
even warmer feeling in a very forbidden place.
“Get out of
there Tara,” her mind screamed.
“Get out before you won’t be able to resist. That’s what he’s known for.
That’s what his father was known for.
And…so was your brother, God rest his soul.”
Tara gathered
her bearings and met his gorgeous green eyes with her own. “Flattery may work on the other lasses, but
not me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I ask
that you please leave me alone.”
With that,
Tara brushed past him and went back to reclaim her spot by the pool. Mark stood there dumbfounded, even as he
watched her perfect little bottom in a pair of khaki cotton shorts walk away
from him. He ran his fingers through
his tousled light brown hair in frustration, as the sight of her lovely face
and tight little body had his own wired.
He bent down
and grabbed a can of pop out of the cooler, desperate to dissuade the heat of
his body. “Bloody little wench,”
he murmured.
Mark then
thought about Sean said about wanting what you can’t have.
“You want
me to leave you alone, Tara?”
he thought to himself. “Well, you
can forget about it! I’m gonna find out
just what’s up with you.”
Chapter 11
An hour or so
later held a can of pop in his hand that was in a sling, while he polished off
the remains of a second cheeseburger with the other. Just then, he saw Wesley come over to him, holding something
conspicuously under his shirt.
“Aye, that
Jessica Bishop is naughtier than she looks,” Wesley winked as he pulled out a
small thermos out from under his shirt.
“She snuck some whiskey from her parents house and brought it here. I’m just gonna casually go around and see
who wants a shot.”
“Wes, just
make sure Mark doesn’t have any,” Trevor said.
“He’s driving, remember.”
‘No
problem. Anyway, you need it more.
Here, take a shot. You’ll need it to
get up the nerve to talk to Emily.”
Trevor looked
embarrassed. “No I don’t!”
“Fine,” Wesley
said. “So….what are you waiting
for? Day’s gonna be over soon.”
Trevor looked
over at Emily then back to Wesley.
“Alright….give me a shot.”
Trevor winced
as the tiny amount of whiskey burned his throat. “Blimey, that’s nasty.”
“Bet it will numb
the pain in your shoulder better than those drugs,” Wesley said. “Now…go!”
Wesley shoved
Trevor in Emily’s direction. He knew it
was now or never. He was thankful that
she was still by the pool and alone so he could talk to her in private. Even though he didn’t have a problem getting
a lass’ attention, he was still tongue-tied when it came to chatting
He came up
behind Emily was sitting on the edge of the pool with one of her legs stretched
forward to try to grab an inflated toy with her toes. Her movements made her ponytail holding her shiny, tawny colored
hair sway back and forth.
“Emily?” he
said in a low voice.
She didn’t
hear him and continued to reach for the toy.
“Emily!” he
said louder.
Not only did
she hear him, but his voice startled her so that it sent her right into the
pool up to her waist. Trevor wanted to
crawl under a rock and die.
“Oh God…oh my
God, Emily, I’m…..God, I’m sorry luv.
I….I didn’t mean to startle you.”
Emily turned
around in the pool and looked up at Trevors gorgeous, but contrite face. How could she not forgive a face like that?
“Its…its
alright Trevor,” she said. “I guess it
serves me right trying to grab at that stupid inflatable duck with my foot.”
Since she was
in the low end, she walked over to the stairs and came out. Trevor grabbed a towel and went to her.
“Again, I am
so sorry,” he said, handing her the towel.
“I know you
are. Fortunately, I brought a change of
clothes.”
Trevor
couldn’t help his eyes from glancing down at her breasts. The chill of the pool water had caused her
nipples to harden through her lycra tank.
The sight
caused him to harden as well!
Emily looked
down too and saw her reaction to the water and gasped. She caught Trevor looking before had a
chance to discreetly look away.
“Um….excuse me
a moment,” she said as she walked over to a beach bag. She pulled out a t-shirt and threw it over
herself then went back to Trevor.
“Sorry, the
water was a bit cold.”
“I know, I
could tell,” Trevor said, not realizing what he said. “Uh….I mean…..it..it looks cold. And uh….you were uh….shivering.”
Trevor just
clamped his mouth shut before he did anymore damage and ruin his chance with
Emily. Maybe that shot of whiskey
impaired his brain already!
“So,
Trevor….how’s your shoulder? I understand
that it was only separated.”
Trevor was
thankful for the change of subject.
“Oh, yeah. Its okay. I still have to keep it stable. The doctor had to re-set it in the socket.”
“Oh, that
must’ve hurt,” she said, putting a comforting hand on his arm.
The cool of
her hand on his sunwarmed arm sent a chill right up his spine. But it was the look in her pale, golden
brown eyes that caused a more pleasurable feeling elsewhere.
“Well, I was
given a shot of Demerol at the hospital so I didn’t feel too much of anything,”
he replied with a shy look.
“Well, I’m
glad you’re okay. And…..I’m glad you
were able to make it today,” Emily said.
“Me too,” he
replied. “About both things. I’m glad you’re here too. Um…I think you know I’m not seeing Kirstin
anymore.”
“Yes, I
heard.”
Trevor
groaned. “Oh…..just what did you
hear?” The last thing Trevor wanted
Emily to know was the details of his moment of passion with Kristin that she
blabbed all over school.
“Oh…..just
that you broke up, is all,” Emily lied, not wanting to embarrass him.
Trevor blew
out a relieved breath. “Oh, okay. Um…Emily, I…..well, you know…now that we’ve
got two months before we go back to school, I….I was wondering if you’d like to do something over the summer
sometimes. You know….maybe a movie…get
something to eat…..or both.”
Emily couldn’t
hide her smirk over how shy he was, especially since he had no reason to
be. She knew that he didn’t have to
utter a single word and the lasses would line up. But….he was interested in her and wanted to see her.
“Trevor, I
would like that very much. Sounds like
fun. Summers can be quite boring in
Sheffield sometimes.”
“Well…..maybe
this summer won’t have to be,” he said.
“Um, listen. I was told that you
have a cousin here. That she’s entering
Westfield in the fall.”
“Oh yes,
Tara. She moved here from Canterbury
and is living with my parents and I.
She had a very difficult life.”
“Oh…sorry to
hear that. Anything you can tell me?”
“Just the
usual sad story. Her father took off on
her mum when she became pregnant with her.
Her mum had her and raised her on her own. But her mum died six months ago so she came to live with us.”
“Wow, that’s
so sad. Maybe that’s why she’s so
bitter.”
“What do you
mean?”
“Oh, well, you
see Mark ran into her at school a few days ago when she was there
registering. He tried hitting on her
but she shot him down.”
“Ah, she
didn’t tell me that,” Emily said. “Hmm,
perhaps there’s a way I can change her mind.
If I can…maybe…you know…the four of us could double.”
“That would be
brilliant. So…..um…. can I call you?
Emily nodded
before going back over to her beach bag.
She tore a piece of paper out of a magazine inside then grabbed a purple
pen. She wrote her name and her number
then folded the paper. Walking back
over to Trevor, she handed it to him.
“Here.”
Trevor took
it, brushing his fingers against hers in the process. “Thanks,” he said, putting it in his pocket. “I’ll call you soon. I promise.”
“I’ll look
forward to it.”
Just then, Tara
came over. “Emily, c’mon. Its almost 3. Your mum needs the car back.”
Emily frowned
and turned back to Trevor. “I’m sorry,
but I have to leave. My mum lend me the
car to come here, but she needs it back by 3.
I’m sorry but I have to go.”
“Its okay luv,
especially now that I have your number.”
Emily blushed
before looking at Tara. “Oh, forgive
me. Tara, this is Trevor Savage. Trevor, this is my cousin Tara. She’ll be attending Westfield in the fall.”
“Nice to meet
you Tara,” Trevor said. “I understand
you met my cousin Mark a few days ago at school.”
“Yes Tara,”
Emily said. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because there
was nothing to tell, that’s why? I’ll
wait for you by the car, okay?”
Tara took off
leaving Emily and Trevor bewildered. “You’re
right – she is bitter,” Emily said.
“Moreso than when she first came to stay with us.”
“Well, good
luck trying to make her sweet on Mark.”
“I’ll do my
best. Bye Trev.”
“Bye Emily.”
As Emily left,
Trevor stood there with a silly look on his face, which was erased when he felt
Mark’s arm go around him.
“So?”
“Yes, I got
her number. And….I asked her to put in
a good word for you with Tara.”
“Thanks
cuz. I’d like to find out just what
that mystery lass is all about. As for you, what a week you had? Saved the championship game. Survived a separated shoulder. And now…you’ve finally hooked up with Emily,
eh? Things couldn’t go any more perfect
for ya.”
No sooner than
Mark said that, Sean came barrelling up to .
“Guess who’s parked out in front of Craig’s house in her car like some
crazed stalker?”
“Who?”
“Kristin!”
Chapter
12
Trevor’s face
paled. “Blimey, no! Was she invited?”
“Not according
to Craig,” Sean replied. “Probably just
here to snoop.”
“I told you
she was in denial, Trev,” Mark said.
“Oh, and wait until she finds out about you and Emily!”
Trevor buried
his face in his hands. “Crikey!”
Sean looked at
him unsympathetically. “Hmm, got two
lasses vying for you attention, eh? It
must really suck being you!”
“Maybe she’ll
just get bored and take off,” Mark said.
“C’mon, lets enjoy the rest of the day.”
By 7:00,
mostly everyone left except for Trevor, Mark, Sean and Wesley. They retreated to Craig’s basement to take
turns winding down with a few games of snooker. Wesley still had the thermos of whiskey which everyone, except
for Mark, polished off until they had a nice little buzz going.
As the four of
them were about to leave, Craig noticed a car parked in front of his house.
“Crikey, its
Kristin still! Don’t tell me she’s been
sitting there all this time?”
Trevor took a
deep sigh. “Look, let me just go talk
to her and see what she wants.”
“Well, its
obvious what she wants,” Mark wiggled his brows. “I wouldn’t get in that car mate. She may take off and kidnap you.”
“Look, I gotta
put an end to this,” Trevor said.
“Plus, I just don’t want to ignore her either. I don’t want to hurt her feelings or anything. Wait for me in the jeep, hopefully it won’t
take long.”
Trevor went
outside and, fueled by the whiskey, marched up to Kristin’s car. He saw her smile at him as he made his way
over. He opened the car door and got
in.
“Kristin, what
are you doing here?”
Kristin looked
at him with a rehearsed, sad face. “Oh
Trevor,” she said in her best, distressed voice. “I…..I wanted to see you.
I’m afraid to call, figuring you won’t want to talk to me. I knew you’d be here today. I should’ve been
too, you know. Guess I’m on the outside
now that we’re broken up.”
Trevor noticed
a hint of bitterness in her voice and flinched. Kristin didn’t take their break up well and knew that she’d
probably resort to tears and drama to try to convince him to get back together.
But, since he didn’t have a mean bone in his body, he turned to Kristin and
took her hand.
“Kristin,
listen to me. I’m sorry, but I just
don’t see it working out for us. I
don’t want to hurt you, but I can’t stay in a relationship that I’m not
comfortable with anymore. After we were
together that afternoon, you went and told the entire school practically. And then you changed. I don’t like the jealousy or
possessiveness.”
Krisitn turned
on the waterworks. “Trevor, I’m
sorry. I’m so, so sorry. You’re right – I shouldn’t have told people
what we did. I didn’t mean for it to
get around. Please forgive me,
luv. I…I want another chance. I promise I won’t act like that anymore.”
Trevor hated
hurting her, but he also thought of Emily whom he just got a foot in the door
with. He didn’t want to ruin anything.
“Luv, I
appreciate your apology, but I don’t want to get back together. Please, lets end this civilly, okay?”
Kristin’s
carefully, practiced performance dramatically changed. Her eyes narrowed and her lips purshed. “There’s someone else, isn’t there? Its Emily, right?”
Trevor
gulped. “What…..h…how did you….?”
“I got word
that you were interested in her,” she sharply replied. “And, I just happened to call a friend of
mine who was at the party before I came over.
She said that you were looking pretty cozy with Emily. Also said that she gave you her number.”
Now Trevor was
getting annoyed. This had to stop. “Okay, fine! You’re right, Kristin. I
do like Emily and I did get her number.
I have nothing to hide. You and
I broke up and I’m free to pursue whoever I want.”
Kristin
sarcastically rolled her eyes and changed her course. “Well…..if that’s what you want to settle for. Little Miss ‘I’m Gonna Wait till My Wedding
Night’ Emily. C’mon, Trev. You’ve had a taste of what its like. You think Emily’s gonna lay down early and
easy for you? No! She’ll probably tease you till your ballocks
explode. Now……I know what you like and
I can give it to you whenever you want it baby.”
With that,
Kristin leaned in and kissed his neck.
Trevor was about to pull her away, but the effects of the whiskey,
combined with the feel of her lips on the sensitive part of his neck, caused
his body to stir. It felt too good to
stop, but he had to.
“Kristin…please,
don’t…..don’t do that,” he stammered, although he did nothing to stop her.
“You sure,”
she whispered in his ear before lightly running the tip of her tongue around
it. She smiled wickedly when Trevor
rewarded her with a satisfied groan of pleasure.
“I didn’t
think so Trev,” she huskily whispered again.
She continued
to kiss his neck as he involuntarily leaned his head back to give her better
access. However, some aspect of his
brain was functioning, even as he became painfully hard in his shorts.
“Kristin,” he
panted. “Kristin, c’mon. Stop.
Okay? This has got to stop.”
“Make me,” she
challenged as her hand slid to his lean, muscular thigh. All Trevor could do was breath heavier as
the whiskey was clouding his good judgement and good sense.
Kristin then
covered his mouth with hers as her wandering hand slid from his thigh to what was
straining against the fly of his shorts.
Trevor groaned deep at the feel of her squeezing him, which caused her
to groan as well.
“Yeah, Trev,”
she whispered in his mouth. “I know how
you like that. I’ll touch you like that
all the time. Please luv…..please stay
with me.”
Through an
aroused haze, Trevor’s hazel eyes fluttered open. “Kristin….please…c’mon……we…we can’t do this. No more.”
“Tell me to
stop then,” she challenged him as her head dipped down to his lap. “Tell me Trev. I’ll do whatever you say.”
Even as Trevor
contemplated that, he felt her fingers unfasten his shorts. It was accompanied by the feel of her warm,
soft hand grasping his cock.
“Ah, yeah,” he drawled out.
“Do you want
me to stop?”
“I…I…” Trevor stammered.
She stroked
him teasingly. “Do you?”
“You…..you
have to……..” he tried to spit out as he began to grind his hips upward.
“Do you?” she
asked one final time before taking him in her mouth.
“Fuck
no! Oh God! Dammit, Kristin, don’t stop!
God, don’t stop!”
She removed
her mouth momentarily. “Didn’t think
so,” she said with mischief before continuing to orally pleasure him.
The power of
the whiskey and the feeling of Kristin’s mouth sucking him hard completely
overtook Trevor’s numb mind and seventeen year old body. He didn’t fight his helpless state. Instead, he gave into it as he dug his
fingers in Kristin’s hair as he released himself in her mouth.
Trevor sat
there catching his breath as Kristin’s head slithered its way back up. He grasped his chin and turned his head
towards her.
“I don’t think
Emily would know the first thing about giving a proper blow job.”
Her knowing
grin and sarcastic words snapped Trevor back from the afterglow of his
orgasm. Everything that just transpired
in the course of a few minutes hit him in the face and he was instantly
disgusted. Seeing Kristin’s true plan
of attack, he took her hand and pulled it off his chin.
“I can’t
believe you! I can’t fucking believe
you! You planned this, didn’t you?”
Trevor’s
natural, even temper was sorely tried.
As much as he was known for being calm and level-headed, Kristin’s
motives made his skin crawl, not to mention her hurtful comments towards Emily,
who didn’t deserve them.
Kristin was
unaffected. “Hey, I gave you the
opportunity to stop. You didn’t want
to.”
“Of course I
didn’t want to Kristin,” he shot back.
“Crikey, no lad who’s got a lass sucking him off is gonna tell her to
stop! So much for your bloody promise
about changing. Goodbye Kristin.”
Trevor opened
the car door, got out and slammed it shut.
Kristin watched him stalk towards Mark’s jeep as her face contorted with
anger.
“Fine
Trevor,” she said to herself. “Wait
till school starts. Emily doesn’t know
who she’s up against.”
Trevor got
into the Jeep where Mark, Sean and Wesley were waiting for him. He slammed the door closed and blew out a
breath.
“Lets go,” he
huffed at Mark.
Mark just
stared at him, grinning like an idiot.
Trevor finally looked at him.
“What?”
“Your fly’s
open,” Mark non-chalantly said.
Trevor looked
down, zipped up then buried his flushed face in his hands.
Sean
chuckled. “Yep! Like I said earlier Trev. It must suck being you!”
Chapter
13
Trevor arrived
home around 8:00pm and found his mum in the family room.
“Hi mum, I’m
home.”
Cheslea looked
at the clock then back at her son.
“Well, you must’ve had a good time,” she said with a bit of a
smirk. “How’s your shoulder, lad?”
“Okay, just a
bit achy. I’m gonna take a pill then
head on up to my room. I’m a bit knackered.
Where’s dad?”
“In his
office.”
“Okay, night
mum.”
Trevor went
down the hall and stopped in front of his dad’s office and knocked on the
slightly open door before pushing it open all the way.
“Aye dad. Just want to let you know I’m home.”
Scott pulled
his glasses off, then dropped his pen before leaning back in his leather swivel
chair. “Enjoy yourself lad?”
Trevor tried
to block out his close encounter with Kristin and, instead, focused on Emily.
“Yeah, I did,”
he said with a blushing grin.
“I take it by
the look on your face that you hooked up with Emily,” Scott said
knowingly.
“I did. Got her number.”
“That’s my
boy! Didn’t think you’d have to try too
hard.”
Trevor rolled
his eyes with embarrassment. “Oh,
stop. Listen, my shoulder’s a little
sore so I’m just gonna take one of my pills and crash for the night.”
“Okay. ‘Night, lad.”
“Goodnight,”
Trevor said before heading up to his room.
He stopped in the bathroom to wash his face and brush his teeth. He then took one of his pain pills then
headed to his room. He emptied out the
pockets of his shorts and his eyes immediately fell upon the piece of paper
with Emily’s phone number. His face instantly warmed at the image of her smile
and the rememberance of her soft touch on his arm.
He was
starting to get aroused just at the thought of it and ran his hand over his
face in frustration to calm himself down.
He threw her number on his desk then stripped his clothes off. He put on a pair of Abercrombie and Fitch
boxers and nothing else. He turned off
the light, flopped into bed on his
stomach with his portable CD player and stuck the earphones in his ears.
The blaring
rock music in his ears was soon drowned out with thoughts of Emily, which
instantly led to thoughts of Kristin and her manipulative little move
tonight. Thank God her and her family
go on holiday every year at this time and he won’t have to see her until school
probably starts up again. He didn’t
need her getting in the way of him getting together with Emily over the summer.
He still
couldn’t believe that he let Kristin get away with that tonight. But then, he was a seventeen year old
lad. You just don’t know the word ‘no’
when you’re that age and a lass is offering to pleasure you in the most
exquisite way possible. As soon as she
began to kiss his neck and run her hand along his thigh, he was lost, as much
as he was disgusted. He knew he
shouldn’t have let it get that far, especially since they were broken up and he
wanted to pursue Emily. But when
Kristin took him in her mouth, everything flew from his brain with the
exception of getting off.
“Dammit!” Trevor murmured in frustration as he
rolled on his back. His thoughts were
causing him to harden and poke into the mattress. He took calming breaths and concentrating on the song he was
listening to, but it was no good. It
just wouldn’t go down.
“Aw, fuck,” he hissed to himself as he guiltily
slipped his hand inside his boxers and stroked himself until he climaxed. He then pulled his earphones out as he shot
out of bed to pull his wet, sticky boxers off.
Being a teenage lad certainly did suck sometimes!
Chapter
14
Mark pulled
his Jeep in the three car garage then entered the mud room through the
connecting door. The house was
unusually quiet. He went downstairs to
the entertainment room where he found Abby sprawled on the couch chatting
incessantly to a girlfriend on the phone about….what else?
“Oh God,
Lisa!” Mark heard Abby exclaim on the phone.
“How could you possibly think Seth is cuter than Tommy? Tommy is postively to die for! He’s
got these amazing blue eyes and the most dazzling smile. I’m practically a puddle when he looks at
me.”
Mark couldn’t
take it anymore. He just couldn’t pass up the chance.
“Oh….oh
Tommy,” he said in a
little girl’s voice. “Oh, I think
you are just the living end. Oh when
you look at me with those big blue eyes I could just die!”
Abby looked up
in horror at her eavesdropping older brother.
“You bloody wanker!” she shrieked, throwing the receiver down. She then picked up a throw pillow and the
telly remote and threw them at him.
“Get out of here, Mark! You
already cost me a shopping trip with mum!”
Mark dodged
the flying objects. “Speaking of which,
where are they?”
“I don’t
know,” Abby shot back. “Probably in the
living room. Why don’t you expend some
energy and go look for them yourselves and leave me alone!”
“Little
wench,” Mark growled at her. “Maybe I
should find this Tommy-chap and warn him to stay away from a shrew like you!”
Abby’s eyes
bulged. “You! You better not do anything of the sort Mark. I’ll kill you if you do!”
“Yeah, you and
what army of other flat-chested,12 year old girls?”
“Hold on
Lisa,” Abby screamed into the phone before taking off after Mark. He shot up the stairs like lightening before
she reached him. “Yeah, you better
run,” she yelled after him.
Mark laughed
to himself all the way into the living room.
His parents weren’t there. He
checked his father’s office. He wasn’t
there either. Perplexed, he went
upstairs and passed their bedroom on the way to his room. Their bedroom door was closed and he put an
ear to it and heard his parents gasping in the throes of passion.
“Yeah, oh yeah Grace. God, baby, you feel so good.”
“Oh God, Ty faster! Faster and….harder!”
Mark recoiled
in absolute disgust and fled to his room.
No one wanted to imagine their parents still doing it, especially his
own. Sure they were only in their early
40’s, but still!
Mark turned
his CD player on in the effort of trying to forget what he just heard. If anything, it only reminded him of what he
wasn’t getting. Like clockwork,
just the mere thought of it got him hard.
But it was the thought of it with Tara that made him almost lose it in
his shorts.
“Damn, that
lass is gonna haunt me until I find out what she’s about,” he thought to
himself. He hoped that things worked
out with Trevor and Emily and that he’d put in a good word for him with
Tara. Crikey, Mark never had to rely on
anyone to get a lass. All he had to do
was give then an intense, green-eyed stare and flash his brilliant smile and
they were in his hands. But not this
one. Sean was right – we always want
what we can’t have, and Mark wanted Tara badly!
But something
told him that she wasn’t one to toss aside once she was caught. There was something mysterious about
her. Something that he was gonan
discover no matter how long it took.
Chapter
15
The next
morning, Mark came downstairs, freshly showered in a pair of olive green cargo
shorts and a Sheffield Wednesday t-shirt.
He found his father at the table reading the Sheffield Star, a toasted
bagel and cup of tea right next to it.
He looked up when he saw his son.
“Aye,” Ty
said. “What time did you get in last
night?”
“Um,
early…..8:00 o’clock,” Mark replied. “I
just headed right to my room.”
“Well, you
could’ve told your mother and I you were home Mark.”
Mark began to
fidget with his words. “Um, well I
uh……tried to, but I um…..you guys were in your bedroom.”
Ty raised his
eyebrows over his son overhearing him and Grace make love the night
before. “Ah, I see. Your mum and I were a little…..busy.”
“Yeah, yeah,
yeah, okay,” Mark cut him off. “I don’t
need to hear the details dad.”
“Pipe down
sport,” Ty said. “Crikey, its not like
your mother and I are fossils. I still
got it you know? Remember, I used to be
a rock star. Speaking of which, your
grandpa Joe is over grandpa Sav’s house.
I think you should take the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone
and go visit them. Your grandpa Joe
will get a kick of that t-shirt.”
“Piss him off
is more like it,” Mark mused. “May as
well. Got nothing else better to do.”
“Whats wrong?”
Ty asked with a grin. “Didn’t pick up
the lass of your dreams at the party yesterday?”
“No,” Mark
blurted out. “Well, yes and no. I mean, she was there, but she has no
interest in me. Can you believe it?”
“Hardly,
stud,” Ty chuckled. “What does she look
like?”
Mark gave his
father a wicked look to which Ty caught on.
“That good, aye?”
“Better than
good,” Mark replied. “But there’s
something weird about her. I think she
knows me or….us or something. She’s
orginally from Canterbury, so as soon as she found out my last name she got all
strange on me.”
“Maybe her
family knows of us from Canterbury,” Ty said.
“Did you ask her?”
“She wouldn’t
give me the chance. She acted like I
was public enemy #1 or something.”
“So, you gonna
give up on her?”
“No bloody way
dad! She just so happens to be cousins
with Emily, the lass that Trev’s all hot and heavy over. Hopefully they’ll put in a good word for me
so she’ll change her mind.”
“You’re really
sweet on her, aren’t you?” Ty said amused.
“No…well,
yeah, I mean…..she’s just a bloody mystery.”
“Hmmm, doesn’t
have anything to do with wanting something we can’t automatically have now,
would it?”
Mark look at
his father with his mouth agape, then promptly closed it. It wasn’t like him to wear his feelings on
his sleeve.
“Yeah,
well….,I’m gonna stop over Trev’s and see if he wants to go see the grandpa’s
with me. Later dad.”
Minutes later,
Trevor answered the ringing doorbell to find his cousin there.
“Aye, what’s
up?”
“I’ve been
charged with visiting the grandpa’s today.
Grandpa Joe is over Grandpa Sav’s.
Wanna come?”
“Sure, why
not. I’m bored as hell,” Trevor grumbled.
“What do you
mean?” Mark asked. “You’re the one who
got a phone number yesterday, while I got dissed. When are you gonna call Emily?”
“Not right
now,” Trevor said. “I don’t want to
seem to anxious, is all.”
“Or are you
just feeling guilty about Kristin giving you a little lip service last night?”
Trevor rolled
warning eyes at Mark. “Stuff it,
Mark. Don’t bring that up. I’m sick to death over it.”
“You’re sick?
I had to come home last night to overhear my parents shagging in their
bedroom!”
Trevor
winced. “Aw, crikey, no way!”
“Thank God my
mum wasn’t home when I came downstairs.
I don’t think I’d be able to face her.”
“Oh, I think
you’re just jealous because they’re getting more than you,” Trevor said with a
wicked grin.
Mark shook his
head in disgust. “Blimey Trev, cut it
out! Now, do you wanna come to see the
grandpa’s or not?”
“Sure.”
Just then,
Trevor heard the sound of a key turning in the front door followed by it
opening. That was further followed by
the sound of a resonant female voice.
“Yoo-hoo,
anyone home?”
Trevor ran out
in the hall. “Steph? What are you doing here?”
Stephanie
Savage, a willowly, yet curvy 5’10 stunning fashion model, sauntered across the
hardwood foyer on a pair of long, endless legs. Her runway, perfect body was clad in all white, from the fitted,
micro shorts to the mid-riff baring halter that made her tanned skin glow.
“Is that
anyway to greet your long, lost sister Trev,” she said giving him a hug and a
kiss. Trevor hugged her back,
completely unaffected by her stunning beauty.
She was, after all, his sister.
But, underneath her perfect exterior, lied a brazen wench with a
headstrong temper, language that would make a wild soccer fan blush and enough
bad habits that she probably hoped Cosmo never get a hold of.
Mark, on the
other hand, couldn’t hide his usual teenage reaction.
“Crikey
Steph,” he boldly blurted out. “Are you
sure you’re my cousin?”
Stephanie put
a hand on a haughty hip and gave Mark a dazzle blue-eyed stare. “Mark, even if I weren’t, you wouldn’t stand
a bloody chance!”
“And, if you
think Tara’s a wench, my sister’s 10 times worse,” Trevor said, before
Stephanie nailed him in the left shoulder with her fist. Trevor yelped in pain and almost keeled
over.
“Whats wrong
with you, sissy boy?” Stephanie asked.
“You popped
him in his bad shoulder, that’s what,” Mark replied. “He separated it in the championship game last week.”
Stephanie
immediately rubbed her baby brother’s left shoulder. “God, Trev, I’m sorry. I
didn’t know.”
“Damn, sis,
you’ve got some right punch there. I
feel sorry for the guy who unfortunately winds up with you for life.”
Stephanie’s
perfectly chisled features suddenly looked sheepish as she nervously fingered
her glossy dark blonde hair. “Um…well….you
can tell him that when you meet him.”
Trevor looked
at her quizzically. “What do you mean?”
Stephanie held
out her left hand that had a simple gold band on her left finger. “I eloped last week.”
Chapter
16
Trevor’s jaw
dropped at his sister’s unexpected announcement. “You what?
“I’m a married
woman,” Stephanie happily announced.
“Who’s the
guy?”
“His name’s
Francesco Trivilani, Frank for short.”
“Hmmm, Irish
chap I see,” Mark mused.
“He was born
and raised in Naples, Italy. I met him
during the Versace show in Milan. He’s
a model too.”
“Of course,”
Trevor said unaffected.
“Anyway, we’ve
known each other a long time, but just got serious the last couple of
months. He popped the question out of
the blue a month ago. He had no ring, nothing,
but I didn’t care. He’s a very private
person, kind of a homebody when he’s not off on a shoot, so we balance each
other out perfectly.”
“You know,
mum’s gonna kill you Steph,” Trevor said.
“You stole her one, shining moment to plan her daughter’s wedding.”
“I know, but
she’ll understand. If Frank and I had a
big fancy wedding, there’d be no privacy.
We just upped and eloped one night.”
“So where is
he?”
“He’s with his
family in Naples, breaking the news to them.
We agreed to to it separately, then, if all goes well, everyone will get
together to meet. So, no telling mum
and dad until I’m ready, okay? By the
way, where are they?”
“Mum’s at the
daycare and dad went for a jog. He’s
off today.”
Just then the
front door opened again and in came Scott dressed in a gray t-shirt and blue
running shorts.
“Aye Trev,”
Scott called out. “Who’s car is that
parked….”
“Hi daddy,”
Stephanie said all sugary sweet as if she were still his little girl.
Scott perused
his 26 year old daughters long, lithe body clad in very little and
groaned. “Crikey, Stephanie! Don’t tell me you’re traipsing around
Sheffield dressed like that. This isn’t
the streets of Paris, you know.”
“Daddy, I’ve
worn less than this in that swimsuit shot.”
“Don’t remind
me,” Scott chided her. “Your
grandfather nearly busted a blood vessel when he saw that. So, what brings you home lass?”
“Go on Steph,”
Trevor giggled. “Tell him.”
Stephanie gave
her brother a look that could kill before turning sweet blue eyes to her
father. “Well, I just finished a photo
shoot in Figi and am free for the next month.
Thought I’d take this time to visit my family.”
“Speaking of
which, Mark and I are headed over to see the grandpa’s. Wanna come with us?”
“Oh,
sure….love to see them,” Stephanie said hurriedly.
“Um, could you
please put something else on before you see your grandfather,” Scott
pleaded. “Especially since your great
uncle Joe is there.”
“Daddy, I
think you’re confusing him with great uncle Phil who likes ‘em young!”
Scott rolled
his eyes over his sassy daughter. “Um,
what about tonight? Do you all want to
go out?”
“Actually, I’d
rather have mum’s cooking.” Stephanie said.
“Good, we can
talk and catch up after dinner.” Scott replied.
Stephanie
didn’t look ready to spill the beans about her marital state so early. “Um,
well daddy, I already have plans for after dinner.”
“What plans?”
Trevor folded
his arms and smirked at her. “Yeah sis,
what plans? I’m sure mum and dad
would love to hear what you’ve been up to!”
Stephanie put
her hand on Trevor’s injured shoulder and started to lightly squeeze it. “Don’t you remember little brother,”
Stephanie said with a warning tone.
“We’re going to the fun fair tonight.
I passed it all set up on the way here.”
Stephanie’s
eyes pleaded with Trevor, even as she increased the pressure on his
shoulder. “Oh, oh yeah the fun
fair. Right. Well, I can’t turn down escorting my lovely sister to the fun
fair.”
“Me too,” Mark
chimed in. “A woman as beautiful as my
cousin Stephanie needs two men to protect her from all the sex crazed blokes in
Sheffield.”
Scott looked
from his children to his nephew and knew something was up, but passed it
off. “Whatever. I’ll call your mother at the daycare and let
her know you’re here. Now, go change
before seeing your grandfather.”
“Yes daddy.”
Chapter
17
A half hour
later, Trevor, Mark and Stephanie were entering the elder Savage
household. Paige was delighted by the
sight of her gorgeous granddaughter.
“Stephanie
luv, you’re in town! What a surprise!”
“Yes I am,
grandma. I have the next month off.”
Paige then
looked at her incredibly handsome grandsons.
“And you two. Your father’s
haven’t bragged enough about that game last week. How’s your shoulder Trevor?”
“Better
grandma, thanks.” Trevor replied.
“So, where are
those troublemaking men?” Mark said with a smirk.
“Out on the
deck. Your grandpa Joe is the one
talking and your grandpa Sav will be listening without any interest, in case
you can’t tell them apart.”
Mark headed
out through the sliding doors first. At
the sound of the door sliding open, Joe turned his face towards it, which lit
up at the sight of his grandson.
“There’s the
champ,” Joe said with a smile, his dimples still firmly in place after all
these years. He slowly got up as Mark
went over to him.
“Aye grandpa
Joe, how are you?”
“Excellent,
considering most men my age are probably six feet under.”
Mark laughed
and turned to his grandpa Sav who was asleep in his chair. Joe saw too and huffed.
“Old
coot! Can’t even stay awake.”
“I’m awake
Joe, I’m just pretending to be asleep so you’d shut up,” Sav said, opening his
still, startling blue eyes. He, too,
got up, and hugged his grandson.
“How’ve you
been sport? I’m sorry I missed the game
last week. Bleedin’ bronchitis got the
best of me.”
“That’s okay
grandpa Sav,” Mark replied. “We’ll have
the tape of the game pretty soon. Once
I get it, I’ll bring it over and we’ll watch it together.”
Just then,
Trevor and Stephanie stepped out into the deck. Joe took one look at Stephanie and got a wicked look on his face.
“Damn, if I
was only 60 years younger,” he mused.
“This is a treat.”
“Hello Uncle
Joe,” Stephanie said, kissing him. “I’m
home for a bit.”
Trevor went
over to Sav and hugged him. “Aye lad, I heard about that brilliant save
you made in the championship game. I
can’t wait to see the tape. How’s your
shoulder.?”
“Better,
thanks grandpa.”
“And I
uh…..heard you lads had quite a celebration yesterday,” Joe said.
“Yeah. Big party at the senior captain’s house,”
Mark said.
“Hmm, lots of
pretty lasses I suppose?” Joe said with a grin.
Stephanie
threw her hands up. “Okay, I think I’ll
go inside and visit with grandma while the four of you sex maniacs talk about
us women in a lewd fashion.”
Stephanie then
retreated back into the house. “I
don’t know where that one got her temper,” Sav said. “Both Scott and Chelsea are so even tempered.”
“Probably from
your wife, mate,” Joe said. “So lads,
got any juicy news for a couple of bored, old men?”
“Speak for
yourself, mate,” Sav snarled back, before turning back to his
grandsons. “So, who are the girlfriends
du jour?”
Trevor rolled
his eyes and blushed. “Aw, grandpa,
c’mon.”
Joe laughed
out loud. “Ha! Ain’t no doubt who’s grandson he is. Too shy to kiss and tell, just like you
Sav. Now Mark, I know you’re bold like
me. C’mon, fess up lad.”
“Well, I’m not
seeing Cheryl anymore.”
“I thought it
was Sherry?” Joe asked.
“Oh, her
too. I was secretly dating both of
them, but they kinds both found out.”
“Crikey Sav,
these lads have a headstart on outdoing us,” Joe chuckled. “So, any new lass on the horizon Mark?”
“Well, I just
met this lass Tara, but she’s giving me quite the chase.”
“Seems the
combined, Savage/Elliott charm that he got from his parents doesn’t dazzle
her,” Trevor mused.
Mark turned to
Trevor with green eyes of steel.
“Fine. Why don’t you tell us all
how you used your charm on Emily, Trev?”
Sav looked at
Trevor with a raised brow. “Emily? What happened to uh…....what was her
name….Christine….?”
“Um, Kristin,
grandpa,” Trevor corrected.
“Oh yeah,
right.”
Joe laughed
again. “First it was the eyes. Then it
was the hearing. Now it’s the
memory. Tell me Sav, is it still
functioning ‘south of the border’?.”
Sav’s beautifully
aged face looked at Joe with a sneer.
“Stuff it, Joe.”
“I still can!”
“In your
dreams, old bastard,” Sav sneered.
Trevor and
Mark shook their heads. “You guys are
so bad,” Trevor said.
“Look who we
are” Joe proudly announced.
“Hey grandpa, did
dad tell you he took me to meet Simon Farrell?” Trevor said all aglow. “He was treating him for his shredded knee
in the London clinic and I rode in with him.
I actually talked with the guy and got his autograph. God, what I wouldn’t do to be that guy on
the field.”
“Perhaps you
will, lad,” Sav reassured him.
“Remember, you’re entering your senior year. Lot of scouts are gonna be at the games.”
“Hmm, maybe
Mark and I will be picked up together.
What do you say to that cuz?”
Mark
shrugged. “Oh, I don’t know. I mean, I love soccer. I love watching it and playing it, but I
don’t know if I want it as a career.
I’d like to think of it as fun, not a responsibility.”
“Any ideas on
what you want to do after highschool lad?” Joe asked Mark.
Mark shook his
head. “No. None at all. I don’t know
what do to. I guess I should start
looking into universities, but I just don’t know what to go for.”
“Mark, don’t
worry,” Sav said. “Your father went
through the same thing. He hadn’t a
clue what to major in.”
“Well, he
didn’t have to worry about that for long,” Mark said. “He quit university after his first year when he put the band
together.”
“Tell me
Mark….what do you like to do?” Sav asked.
Mark grinned
devilishly. “Well…………!”
Joe let out a
loud shout. “Ha! He definitely is our grandson!”
Sav rolled his
eyes at Joe before looking back at Mark.
“Besides…..that.”
“Honestly
grandpa, the one thing that I truly love is playing the drums.”
Sav shook his
head back and forth and laughed. “I
swear, you’re the son your great uncle Rick never had. Ever since you took up the drums when you
were three, he never failed to shove it in our faces. Who knows, maybe there’s a musical future on the horizon for you
lad?”
“I don’t
know,” Mark said. “I wish I did know
for sure. I mean, Trev already knows he
wants to play soccer professionally and I’m sure he’ll get scouted.”
“Gee, thanks
cuz,” Trevor said.
“I just wish I
knew what my future held,” Mark continued.
It would only
be a matter of time before both lads knew what their futures held.
Chapter
18
Earlier that
evening, Scott, Chelsea, Trevor and Stephanie had dinner together. Stephanie fidgeted from the news she had to
eventually tell her parents and Trevor saw it.
He kept kicking her under the table to egg her on, but she just kicked
him back. A little too hard.
“Ow, that
smarted wench!”
Scott looked
at him. “Whats wrong with you two?”
Stephanie
narrowed her eyes at her brother before he answered. “Just showing her how much I missed her, “ he lied.
Afterwards,
Stephanie helped her mum clean up before grabbing Trevor by the arm. “C’mon, lets get out of here. The tension is too much. I need a cigarette bad. Crikey, I wish you were old enough because I
need a drink as well.”
“Well, you’ll
have to settle for snowcones and candy floss at the fun fair,” Trevor answered.
“Great, just
what I need! Sugar to wind me up more
than I already am. C’mon, lets go pick
up Mark.”
After they
left, Chelsea went up to her husband.
“Something’s up with her.”
“I’m glad I’m
not the only one who thought she was acting strange,” Scott replied. “Whatever it is, she’s using Trevor to avoid
us. Why else would she want to
willingly go out with her seventeen year old brother and cousin?”
“Well,
whatever it is, I think we’ll know about before her little holiday is up,”
Chelsea said. “In the meantime, do you
notice anything?”
Scott’s eyes
glanced around. “No. Should I?”
“You should,
Dr. Obvious,” she said with a hint of sweet sarcasm. “An empty house. And I do stress the word empty.”
Scott’s blue
eyes narrowed with desire. “Hmm, just
what are you suggesting, luv?”
“I’m
suggesting that we find out how strong our new kitchen table is!”
*******************************************
At the fun
fair, Trevor, Mark and Stephanie walked around for a bit. As with everywhere she went, every male eye,
and a few female ones, did triple takes when Stephanie walked by. If it wasn’t because she was recognized from
the many magazine covers she’s graced, it was her obvious, supermodel height
and beauty that stood out among the crowd.
Stephanie knew
she was being stared at, was used to it, but she wasn’t in the mood
tonight.
“Crikey, why
can’t I just go somewhere where I’m not noticed?” she huffed as she shoved pieces
of candy floss in her mouth.
“Oh, I don’t
know Steph,” Trevor said with sarcasm.
“Maybe the miniscule denim shorts and little tiny shirt has something to
do with it.”
Stephanie
rolled her eyes at her brother. “Why
should it? Half the girls walking
around here are dressed like this. It’s
the style.”
“Yeah, but not
all these girls are as tall as Big Ben,” Mark mused.
Stephanie shot
him a dirty look.
“Nor as
breathtaking as a perfect, starfilled night,” Mark quickly said, saving
himself.
Trevor looked
about to hurl. “Oh blimey, that’s
lame! You do take after Grandpa
Joe!”
“Aye
Trev! Mark! What are you blokes doing…….”
Sean and
Wesley called out to them from behind, but were immediately halted in their
tracks when their eyes fell upon Stephanie, who smirked at their dumbstruck
faces.
Trevor reached
forward and closed their jaws shut. “Do
you mind? You’re getting drool on my
new Nike’s.”
Sean began to
stammer. “Who…who…….?”
Mark decided
to have a little fun at Sean and Wesley’s expense. He looped his arm around Stephanie’s waist and pulled her
close. “I got tired of highschool
lasses and decided that I wanted a real woman!”
Stephanie
elbowed Mark in the ribs and he ‘ooofed’ in response as Trevor cut in.
“Sean, Wes,
this is my sister Stephanie. She’s a
fashion model, if you haven’t already been able to tell.”
“Supermodel?” Wesley repeated. “Luv, you are a goddess!”
Stephanie
twinkled her incredible blue eyes at the smitten teenage lads. “Why thank you, lad,” she cooed.
Trevor winced. “Goddess my arse! If you heard her belch the alphabet after a few pints of ale you
wouldn’t think she’d be much of a goddess!”
Stephanie gave
her brother the finger. “Bite me, you
little prick!”
Trevor then
looked at Sean and Wesley. “See, such a
lady, isn’t she?” But the two lads
looked too lovestruck to hear anything that was being said. Stephanie shook her head and chuckled before
shoving the remains of her candy floss at Mark.
“Oh what the
hell,” she said, looping an arm through Sean and Wesleys. “How would you lads like to go for a spin on
the big wheel with me?”
Sean and
Wesley looked about to pass out from excitement. “Uh…uh, yeah, sure,” Sean replied. “L..l..lets go.”
Trevor looked
at them. “Do I have to hose you two
down now or later?”
“Yeah,
whatever,” Wesley mindlessly said as he walked off with Stephanie.
Trevor
chuckled after them. “What a couple of
saps! No bloke can be in that
awe of a woman!”
Just then
Trevor turned and ran smack into Emily who looked at at him with a glorious
smile.
“Trevor,” she
nervously said. “Hi.”
“Uh…uh…uh,”
was all Trevor could muster.
Chapter
19
Trevor clamped
down on his stammering long enough to form some words in his brain.
“Emily, h..hi
luv.”
“I didn’t
think you lads liked things like this,” Emily said.
“Well,
actually I do, but I escorted my sister here who wanted to go.”
“Your sister?”
“Um, yeah,
that really tall figure walking towards the big wheel with Sean and
Wes.”
Emily looked
in that direction and her jaw dropped.
“That’s your sister? We
were staring at her before. I knew it
was her. Savage. Stephanie Savage, the
model.”
“That’s her,”
Trevor said with a bit of pride. “Um,
did you say we?”
“Yeah. I’m
here with Tara.” Emily turned to call
out to Tara and found her right behind her.
“Oh, there you are. Look who’s
here.”
Just as Tara
looked up, she looked right past Trevor to see Mark standing behind him,
finishing off the remains of Stephanie’s candy floss. Her heart pounded a bit upon seeing Mark before she looked away
towards Trevor.
“Hi Trevor,”
Tara quietly said before looking away.
Trevor saw
where she was looking and turned around to see Mark. He then looked back at Emily who just shrugged her
shoulders. He had to get these two
together somehow.
“Emily luv,
would you um…like to take a spin on the big wheel with me?”
Emily’s face
lit up a bit. “Oh, sure. I’d love to.” She then looked at Tara.
“You don’t mind, do you?”
Tara shook her
head, careful to avoid eye contact with Mark.
“No, not at all.”
“Well, how
about you and Mark coming……”
“No, thank
you,” Tara replied, cutting him off.
As Trevor and
Emily took off towards the big wheel, Mark regarded Tara. “Well, I guess its obvious, Tara, that you
don’t want to be in close quarters with me.”
“I just don’t
want to go on any rides, that’s all.”
“Scared of
heights….?”
“No!” she shot
back.
“Alright,
fine. Then um…how’s about we play one
of the games? Let me win you a
prize?”
“I don’t need
you to do anything for me,” Tara bit back.
“What I’d
like to do is take you over my knee, you rude wench,” Mark thought to himself. For some reason, the thought of that began
to get him excited. He quickly changed
gears.
“Fine
then. How about I challenge
you? The game of your choice. I bet I can beat you. I’ll just win a prize for myself.”
“Oh, you’d
look quite the nancy boy walking around the fair with a cute little stuffed
animal,” she said.
“Hey, I’m a
modern bloke. I don’t have a problem
embracing my feminine side.”
“Oh, yeah
right,” Tara laughed. “I bet all your
soccer mates would love to hear you say that.
You’re on, hot shot!”
After several
games in which they both tied with wins, Tara walked over to the side of one of
the game trailers to tie a loose sneaker lace.
Mark stood there holding a stuffed Winnie the Pooh, ugly green alien
and soccer ball as he watched her lift
a slender, tanned leg on the hitch of the trailer and bend over to tie it. The lusty teenager in him was rampant with
thoughts of getting behind her in that position.
“Dammit,”
he muttered.
“What?” Tara
asked, looking up.
“Nothing.”
Tara finished
then went over to Mark to grab her Winnie the Pooh out of his hands.
“Well, thanks
for helping me kill time, Mark. I’m
gonna go find Emily.”
“Don’t worry,
they’ll find us. I’m sure they just
lost track of time. They really seem to
like each other.”
“I don’t want
to wait for them, I want to find Emily because I want to leave,” Tara said a
little exasperated.
Mark began to
get annoyed. “Blimey, Tara. Am I that much of a bastard that you don’t
want to be in my presence? You seem to
have the evil agenda against me, for what reason I don’t know, and I don’t
think its fair. I’ve never been mean or
rude to you, not to mention that I’ve been the perfect gentleman.”
“Oh? You mean you’re usually used to ravishing
lasses right away?”
Mark narrowed
his eyes at her. “No, I’m not.”
“Face it
Mark,” she huffed. “The only reason
you’re interested in me is because I don’t fawn all over you like you’re
probably used to. Lads like you are
only interested in the chase. Once you
catch a lass and get your way, you lose interest. So, you know what I’ll do?
I’ll satisfy that curiosity of yours so you can finally leave me alone.”
Tara put her
hands on his shoulders and flattened him up against the side of the
trailer. She then pressed the length of
her young, tight body up against his and drew him down for a kiss.
Mark gasped at
her sudden move and immediately dropped the stuffed toys to wrap his arms
around her waist, just as her tongue entered his mouth.
What started
out as a lesson that she wanted to teach him, turned out to be something
totally unexpected. She had only kissed
a few boys, but they were always sloppy.
Mark Savage certainly knew how to kiss.
She was so lost in the feeling of his lips and tongue, not to mention
the heat from his fingers as it found a bare patch of skin between her crop top
and shorts, that she forgot her true intention for wanting to kiss him. Her body took on life of its own as it began
to slide back and forth across his.
When her bare thigh brushed across the growing hardness behind the fly
of his jeans, she gasped and pulled away fast.
Mark stood
there still flat against the trailer, breathing heavily, his face flushed and
hot. Tara didn’t mean for it to get
that far, she just wanted to teach him a lesson. She took a deep breath and got her bearings.
“There! Now you know what I’m like. Imbed it in your brain, because you’ll never
have it again.”
Mark’s chest
heaved from his excitement as he narrowed his eyes at Tara. “You bloody, fucking tease! I’ve been nice and patient with you since
day one, but all you’ve been is a rude, malicious little bitch. You are so fortunate that my parents raised
me to respect women, else I’d drag you behind this trailer, push you to your
knees and make you finish what you started!”
Mark was
rewarded for that little speech with a stinging slap across his face before
Tara grabbed her Winnie The Pooh and took off out of the fun fair.
Chapter
20
Trevor and
Emily were let off the big wheel, followed by the car containing Stephanie,
Sean and Wesley. Stephanie went up to
her brother after getting off.
“Well, I’m in
luck because I just spotted an ale stand from the top of the big wheel. I need one bad – and a cigarette.”
“Mind if we
tag along?” Sean asked for him and Wesley.
Stephanie
looked at the two lads and smirked.
“Oh, why not? But I warn you
lads, hanging around with me may tarnish your reputation.”
“Cool!” Sean
exclaimed.
“Fine by me,”
Wesley also replied. “I think Jessica
Bishop’s walking around here somewhere.
I want to get her jealous, making her see what she’s missing out on.”
Stephanie
turned sour eyes to Trevor. “This is
how low I’ve sunk! I’m a world famous
supermodel and I’m squiring two starry-eyed teenage lads around a fun fair so I
can get their girlfriend’s jealous.”
“Well, you
could go home and tell mum and dad your wonderful news,” Trevor said with a
smirk.
“You really
are a little prick, Trev,” Stephanie huffed. “C’mon, lads. Lets go turn
some heads.”
Stephanie then
grabbed each of them by the arm and trudged off. Emily watched them walk away before turning to Trevor.
“Your sister
is a hoot! I never would’ve figured her
to be so, well, regular. I guess I was
blinded by her supermodel status.”
“Oh, she’s
worse than regular,” Trevor laughed.
“She smokes like a chimney, drinks like a fish and curses like the
devil.”
“Its hard to
imagine she’s your sister because you seem so different from her,” Emily
said. “You seem more quiet, more
reserved.”
“I am. I take
after my dad. We still don’t know who
Steph takes after. Probably my
grandma.”
Emily smiled
and looked into Trevors gorgeous hazel eyes.
Trevor saw the look and began to warm a bit. “Um, Emily I’m….I’m sorry I haven’t called you yet.”
“Trevor, I
just gave you my number yesterday,” she replied. “I knew you would when you were ready.”
“Well, um….now
that we’re here, I was uh…..wondering if you’d like to to go the music festival
Wednesday night at the park. They’ve
got several local bands playing that night.
I thought maybe we’d go a little early and get something to eat there
before the bands come on. What do you
say?”
“Sounds like
fun. I’d love to.”
“Hey, maybe if
Mark and Tara are finally getting along they can come too.”
“That’d be
great. Speaking of which, maybe we
should go find them.”
As they turned
to walk towards the games trailer, they immediately spotted a very angry Mark
stalking over to them.
“Uh oh,” Emily
said. “He doesn’t look too happy. And Tara’s not with him.”
“Mark, whats
wrong?” Trevor asked. “You look about
to kill.”
“I am!” he
spat out, then looked at Emily. “That
cousin of yours, that is.”
Emily
gasped. “What happened?”
“She’s a game
playing little bitch, that’s what! I’ve
been patient with her long enough. One
moment we were playing some games, nice and civil. Then the snitty remarks start to fly, then she pushes me up
against one of trailer and kisses me, then when I’m about to bloody explode,
she pushes herself away. I told her
exactly what I thought of her teasing and she slapped me across the face then
stormed off. What the hell is wrong
with her?”
Emily looked a
bit worried. “I don’t know. I tried talking to her after the party
yesterday, but she got all weird on me.
But, this isn’t like her. She’s
never been this hostile. She only
started being like this since…since…..”
“Since she met
me,” Mark finished.
“Maybe you
should try talking to her again,” Trevor said.
“Oh, I’m gonna
do more than that,” Emily replied.
“Whatever’s bothering her has got to stop before she does herself harm.
I don’t care if I have to beat it out of her.
I think I better leave and go hunt her down.”
“Okay luv,”
Trevor said. “I’ll uh…..see you
Wednesday?”
“Looking forward
to it.”
Trevor wanted
so bad to lean down and give her a quick kiss, but chickened out. Emily walked away, leaving the two lads
alone.
“I sure hope
Emily isn’t a shrew like her cousin, else you’d probably be better off with
Kristin cuz,” Mark snipped. “She’s
flippin’ psycho!”
“Something’s
just bothering her Mark. Emily will get
it out of her. Speaking of which, I’ve
got a date with her Wednesday. Going to
the music festival.”
“Well, bully
for you cuz,” Mark said sarcastically.
Trevor threw his
arm around Mark. “C’mon. Lets go find my sister before she does any
damage. I’m sure we’ll find out whats
going on with Tara.
****************************
Emily’s eyes
scanned the sidewalks as she drove down the street until her eyes fell upon a
figure up ahead holding a stuffed Winnie The Pooh. She sped up and quickly pulled over, unrolled the electric window
on the passengers side.
“Tara, whats
going on with you?”
Tara looked at
Emily with tear-streaked eyes and just stood there. Emily put the car in park and got out and went to her. She took her by the shoulders and make her
face her.
“Tara, c’mon,
what’s the matter? This isn’t like
you. I’ve left you alone, but I can’t
anymore. I’m gonna find out whats wrong
if I have to beat it out of you.
Please, please tell me.”
Tara began to
cry. “It’s a long story. I guess our mum’s kept it from you all these
years.”
“Kept what?”
“Lets go to
the park and I’ll tell you.”
Chapter
21
Mark slammed
the front door of his house as he came inside.
He stalked into the kitchen where he almost knocked his father over.
“Hey,” Ty
said.
“Hey,” Mark
mumbled back. “I’m going down to my
sanctuary.”
“Whats wrong
Mark?”
Mark put one
hand on the doorknob to the downstairs entertainment room and turned to his
father. “Women, dad! They’re lunatics! Absolute, bloody, flippin’ lunatics!”
With that,
Mark opened the door and disappeared downstairs. When the door closed, Ty chuckled to himself. “Get used to it, lad!”
******************************************
Meanwhile,
Trevor pulled Stephanie’s rented car in front of their parent’s house then got
out to help his slightly tipsy sister out of the car.
“C’mon, you
lush.”
“I’m not
drunk,” Stephanie adamantly stated.
“I’m just feeling a good buzz.”
They went in
the house and went into the family room.
Chelsea was in a corner easy chair reading a book while Scott was
relaxing on the couch watching the telly.
“We’re home,”
Trevor announced.
“Yes we are,”
Stephanie giggled. “I actually had a good
time. Felt like a little girl. Oh, and Trev here got himself a date for
this week. Probably gonna try to get to
second base.”
Trevor looked
at his sister with daggers then leaned into her ear and quietly hummed the
wedding march. Stephanie clamed her
mouth shut, but her parents had enough.
“Stephanie,
what’s up with you?” Scott asked.
“You’ve been acting strange since you got here.”
“Nothing
daddy,” she lied. “I’m fine.”
“No you’re not
lass,” Chelsea said. “You sound a
little tanked to me. Were you
drinking?”
“Just some ale
at the fair. Mum, I’m 26 years
old. Plus, Trev drove home. I’m fine.”
“Stephanie,
I’m not stupid,” Chelsea said. “You’re
hiding something from us. You know you
can tell us anything. What’s wrong?”
“Tell them,”
Trevor whispered.
“No,” she
whipsered back.
“I heard
that,” Scott said. “Tell us what?”
“Go on,”
Trevor urged.
“Stop it.”
“Yes,”
“No.”
“What?”
“C’mon!”
“Oh, for
bloody Pete’s sake!” she groaned out.
“I got married!”
**************************************
“Oh my God
Tara,” Emily exclaimed. “You’re right,
I never knew any of this. I knew things
were difficult for you and your mum, but I never knew the extent of it.”
“Yeah, well
know you know the reason why I’ve been acting this way,” Tara replied.
“But its not
reason enough for you to take it out on Mark,” Emily said. “Its not his fault. You’ve been mean to him for no reason at
all.”
“I know its
not his fault,” Tara said on the verge of new tears. “Its just……he’s just a reminder of what my life probably could’ve
been like. What I could’ve had. What I didn’t have to struggle for.”
“That’s not a
viable reason and you know it,” Emily said.
“Tara, you have to apologize to him for tonight. And….you have to tell him.”