Holding On (Memories)

and he does without question. We pass down into the basement Dad converted into a mini-gym when I hit puberty, and I head straight for the punching bag in the corner. Alec stand behind it, grabbing it and holding it still for me.
    I work out my frustrations, one punch after another, letting out my frustrations. I let out all her sarcastic comments, her biting insults, her hard looks, and her disdainful attitude towards me.
    And as much of a git as it makes me sound, I’m not used to wanting someone I can’t have.

Chapter Seven
    JEN

    Lexy purses her lips, and slams her phone on the side, screen down. I raise an eyebrow.
    “He will not leave me alone,” she grinds out. “Jayna is coming to the party tomorrow night because her parents know mine, and Adrian is her date. Which he keeps reminding me about.”
    “Well give Polly a cracker,” I spit out. Lexy smiles slightly. “Your friends are assholes.”
    “Yep,” she agrees. “This is gonna be a disaster, isn’t it? Adrian is gonna do everything he can to get under Alec’s skin.”
    “Then we have to keep him calm.” I shrug. “Number one, keep him away from Twat One and Twat Two. Number two, make sure Bing is around because he can calm Alec down – failing that, smack Adrian himself. And number three, keep me around.”
    “Why?”
    “Because…” I grin. “…If Jayna tries anything I will go country bumpkin ninja bitch on her ass.”
    Lexy laughs. “Country bumpkin against a city… A city what?”
    I tilt my head to the side. “Do we need to put a “city” in there? Can’t we just call her Crayola in honour of her make-up?”
    Lexy snorts, covering her face with her hands. She bends forward, her whole body shaking. I grin again, fighting my own laughter.
    Honestly, I’m so bloody brilliant I think people would pay to have my sense of humour.
    I’m just saying.
    Lexy sits back up, wiping under her eyes. “Yep. Yep, we could go for that.” She nods.
    Alec strolls into the kitchen towards Lexy, and wraps his arms around her shoulders from behind. He rests his chin on her shoulder, and her face automatically turns into his. I feel a stab of jealousy as I watch them together. I’m starting to really miss Carl – and as irritated as I am with him right now, I’d give anything for a cuddle.
    “All right, Princess?” he says to her.
    She smiles. “Yep. Just talking about tomorrow.”
    Alec grunts, sitting next to her.
    “Don’t be grumpy,” I playfully scold him. “It’s a party.”
    “Yeah, well I can’t say I’m looking forward to seeing Adrian.” His jaw visibly clenches. Lexy leans into him, resting her head on his shoulder. He kisses the top of her head.
    “It’ll be fine,” she soothes. “He’s not a bad person, he’s just… Used to getting what he wants.”
    “Why does that sound like almost everyone I’ve met in this city so far?” Alec says dryly. I smile in agreement, amused.
    Lexy sits up straight. “Excuse me?”
    Both Alec and I raise our eyebrows, and she backs down, smiling sheepishly.
    “Okay, okay,” she acquiesces. “But I’m not that bad. Anymore.”
    “Unlike your brother.” Alec glances at me and smirks. My expression hardens.
    “That is because Bing is an arrogant pillock,” I reply, mentally patting myself on the back for using one of my prepared words for him.
    “She has a point.” Lexy shrugs.
    “Off subject. Back to Adrian – remember that night at the Bonfire Party?” Alec reminds me, and Lexy looks down. I narrow my eyes at him. “I’m just saying I was ready to break his neck, okay? So forgive me if Adrian’s presence at the party tomorrow night stops me from looking forward to it that much.”
    I sigh. “Like I told Lexy, if anyone tries anything, I will go country bumpkin ninja bitch on them. Sorted?”
    Alec stares at me blankly for a second, and turns to Lexy. “Did you give her sugar today?”
    Lexy shakes her head. “No. She’s just being normal.”
    “I don’t think Jen knows how to do normal.”
    I get up, grab my coat, and make to leave. I smack the back of Alec’s head as I leave.
    “Ow! You-”
    “Bye see you tomorrow!” I yell, grinning. I step out of the house, shutting the door behind me, and make my way to the bus stop down the street. My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I reach for it.
    Carl: I have to work late tonight. Talk tomorrow instead?
    Me: Can’t. Si’s party.
    Carl: Right. Have fun.
    Me: With Bing? Not likely.
    Carl: What?
    I smile