Chapter Twenty: Did Sparks Start To Fly?

“Well, um, did you understand whatever I spoke till now cause I just realized I’m not great in explaining stuffs.” I said doubtfully, slumping back on the sofa in the Common Room

“Andy, you ought to be joking! I now have a fair idea about the topic I am to research on.” Daniel spoke earnestly.

“Okay well, then lets proceed to the last part of the chapter. So there are two types of--- ”

“You won’t admit it, I know but you need a break for a while from handling a dim-witted student like me.” he interrupted me.

“I would want to admit that you’ve been a good student so far & I definitely won’t mind a break.”

“Then in that case, coffee at the canteen sounds good?”

“Sounds good.” I agreed.

***

“Here’s your coffee.” Daniel placed the cup on the table in front of me.

“Thanks.” I said as he took a seat at the canteen table opposite me with his own coffee cup.

We sipped our hot drinks & talked about general things, joked & laughed over random stuff. We were still at it when---

“What the bloody hell is happening here? I knew it!! There is something going on between you two.” Mark appeared, casting a suspicious look at us & sending a glare at Daniel, he spoke, “How dare you get cozy with my sister behind my back???”

“Mark please!!Have you lost it??” I said, appalled

“Its better you don’t speak a damn word!!” my brother retorted, “You are--”

“Mark, you’ve got to listen.” Drake interrupted, coming up on the scene, “I think you’re overreacting.”

“I’m overreacting Drake? Really? Today this guy is having coffee with my sister & tomorrow I might see these two kissing at a corridor & then he would even do uncensored stuff to my sister inside a closet!!” Mark threw a disgusted look at Daniel.

 “Mark, calm down.” Drake spoke, “I understand she s your sister but its not right to interfere in her life like this. Lets go from here.”

“But she doesn’t--”

“Its fair to leave it at that.” Drake interrupted my brother, “Your sister is prudent enough to make the right choices when it comes to friends & relationships. Lets go.”

Mark didn’t say anything after that but it was evident enough he wasn’t in the least convinced. Nonetheless, Drake took Mark away.

I was left very much disturbed with whatever had happened.

“Daniel, I’m really sorry on Mark’s behalf for his rude & irrelevant behavior.” I apologized.

“Its...Its alright. Don’t worry...” he responded, shocked for words at whatever unexpected had taken place.

****

I was walking out of the classroom after the English period when I heard a familiar voice from behind.

“I think you must say a massive thank you to me.”

I turned behind as see Drake approaching me with his lips curled in a smirk.

“Oh really? I don’t happen to remember any act of thankfulness that you’ve bestowed upon me.” I smiled tightly.

“Its because of me that Daniel & you would be able to date each other without Mark interfering in between. If you control your audacious attitude towards me, I could help you out in similar situations when you have flings with various other guys.” He said with a taunting grin.

I clenched my fists in anger. Never ever have I been in such a fury before. How dare he even speak to me like that!!!

“I don’t treat guys as use & throw tissue papers like you treat girls. And Daniel & I are good friends. Try to fit that in that skull of yours.” I shot back bitterly.

“Then in that case, don’t get involved with boys from the football team as the last thing I want would be to deal with problems caused in the team because of you.” he retorted.

We gave each other hateful looks before walking off in opposite directions.

***

“Can’t believe I made an advertisement. Sophia’s friend helped me with the jingle. Can’t wait to show the AD to you!” Laura gushed while on our way to the Lockers Room.

“To tell you the truth, I’m not that eager to see it.” I said quietly.

“Why? What’s wrong?” she asked, wide-eyed.

“You disappeared in thin air from the scene when I had a fall at the park.”

“Well, um, you see....it seemed like I wasn’t required there.” she hesitated.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean Daniel seemed totally into you, he was very much concerned & worried about you. Both of you were sitting on the bench & all. I didn’t want to poke my nose in between and play spoilt sport.” she confessed.

I rolled my eyes, “You just can’t be serious about what you said. Daniel & I are just good friends.”

“Maybe its only you who looks at it that way cause he seemed as though he has a thing for you.” She said as we walked in the Lockers room.

“Yeah Yeah, I know you love making up your own stories & think that its true.” I said, dumping my books in my locker & closing it tight shut.

“Okay, we won’t discuss this any further. Happy?” she said, sitting on the bench next to me.

“Better.”

“Now just the final step of completing the AD remains. Need some fine editing but the question is who’s gonna do it.” Laura sighed.

“Mark.” I said instantly, “Mark is good in editing & stuff like that. He would surely do that for you.”

Laura’s eyeballs were on the verge of popping out, “M-Mark???”

“Yes? Any problem?” I raised a brow.

“Uh....well, n-no.” ahe glanced sideways.

****

Mark & I didn’t speak with each other for the rest of the day at home after school. Dinner was a silent affair. Our parents could make out all was not well between us. They told us that its best we resolve matters as soon as we can but neither me nor Mark made any move for that.

The next day was Saturday. Laura came home. It was very much evident that she was nervous when I greeted her inside.

I was just about to knock the door of Mark’s room when my friend stopped me.

“Um, are you sure there is no one except Mark who is capable of editing my AD properly?” Laura asked, fidgeting with herself.

“Do you mean to say that you don’t trust my brother’s capabilities?”

“N-N-Noo..I didn’t mean that I---”

“Andy, are you there outside?” Mark’s call interrupted Laura.

“Lets go.” I nudged Laura. She followed me as I walked inside the room.

Laura’s eyes studied the floor when Mark looked at her & then at me.

“Well, what’s it?” he asked.

I told him everything about the AD & asked whether he would be glad enough to do the editing.

“Okay, I will do my best.” he agreed, “Show me what you two have been shooting.”

Laura had her AD in a pendrive. She was handing it to my brother but she was so clumsy that it nearly fell out of her hand but Mark caught it.

“I-I...I am s-sorry...” she mumbled in panic.

“Relax.” My brother said, amused.

It was a 30 sec advertisement. Laura had used the camera really well & shot it beautifully. I was in the AD for about 10 seconds and, well, I looked better than what I had expected.

“Awesome stuff there, great!” Mark complimented my friend.

“Th..Thanks.” she muttered meekly.

“Great! So now you sit with Mark & discuss the editing process while I make a quick exit from here.” I told Laura & prepared to depart.

“W-Wait! Why are you going? Stay back please.” she sounded rather flustered.

I turned around to look at her, “ I’m not required here! Don’t wanna poke my nose & play spoilt sport.”

Did I just repeat what Laura had said to me? I bet I saw red color coming on Laura’s cheeks as her eyes explored the floor. The devil that I am, I smirked.

I grew solemn when I looked at my brother & spoke, “Besides, Mark & I are not on good terms these days so I better leave from here.”

“Andy, wait!! Listen to me! Andy!”

I heard Mark call from behind but I ignored him & walked off.

***

That night I was seated on the swing in the lawn of my house. It was a pleasant atmosphere with the cool breeze swishing around, the half moon shining high above in the vast sky with few clouds lurking around. Mum & Dad had gone to another town for the weekend to attend some exhibition.

It was also the night of Susan’s big party. It must have already started around sometime back. Crap! Why the hell am I even thinking of that? Not that I want to go there ofcourse! I have already made it clear that I am not a party type girl.

“Can I sit here?”

I got aware of Mark’s presence beside me.

“Why are you asking me? After all, you dictate your terms & conditions in my life.” I responded quietly, without looking at him.

“Andy listen, I’m sorry! I know I’ve behaved like an absolute jerk but trust me, I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

I looked at him. There was remorse in his eyes.

He spoke again, “Its just that I don’t ever want you to suffer in pain lest you fall in love with the wrong person....But I know you are mature enough to understand what is right & what is wrong...And I know Daniel & you are just friends.”

“Thanks, I’m glad you said that.” I said, smiling a bit.

“So...are we fine?”

“Absolutely. For a brother who is just a year elder to me, that’s quite a massive thing to say.” I remarked.

Mark laughed, “I will take that as a compliment.”

“Drake has gone to Susan’s party?”I laughed stiffly. Damn!!Why the hell am I even bothered about that?

“Yep.” answered Mark, “He must be having a great time there with all the hot chicks around him, doing what it takes to get his attention. He might probably bed one of them tonight!”

Mark laughed saying that but I knew whatever he said was very true. That somewhere poked me like a sharp needle. I tried to shrug off that prickly feeling somehow. Why am I thinking so much of Susan’s party? It ought to be the least of my concerns.

You’re thinking of Susan’s party cause you don’t like the fact that Drake is there surrounded by girls, I heard the voice of my brain say that.

What crap!! If you don’t have anything to speak then keep shut!!, I retorted in my mind.

Truth is bitter Andy.

Brain, if you don’t want to get banged, then watch your big mouth.

“But you didn’t go to the party cause you know Susan invited you just to be in Drake’s good books?” I asked.

“That’s right.” replied Mark, “Hey, I have an idea! Lets go somewhere & spend some sibling time together. What say?”

“That sounds great. I am in!” I agreed.

“I was thinking we should go to a night club.”

Mark & I were startled to hear that voice. We looked behind & saw Drake standing there.

“What are you doing here?” enquired Mark, “I thought you went to the party.”

“I did go but didn’t feel like staying there so came straight here.” Drake shrugged.

“Oh...kay? That’s strange cause you never leave any parties midway, especially Susan’s.” my brother said.

Their conversation was fading in the background for me as I was unabashedly gawking at Drake.

I dunno why but I felt, um, sort of, um glad he left from Susan’s party & was here?

I shouldn’t take myself seriously for I’m very strange sometimes.

I was still ogling at Drake. Thankfully, he didn’t notice me do that. He had worn black colored tight faded jeans & nylon shirt. His hair looked breath taking.

His features looked sexier tonight.

Damn it! Why the crap I am thinking of him like that!!

Stupid brain, stop working!!

“We should go for a hang out. The three of us! It will be fun!” Drake said enthusiastically.

“Nope. Mark & I have already made plans & you’re definitely not a part of it.” I refused flatly.

“Club seems to be a good idea. Never been to one for a while now!” Mark said, grinning widely.

“Excuse me Mark?” I raised my eyebrow at him.

“That’s decided then. We are going!” Drake said.

“Yep.” nodded Mark.

“You two carry on then, I don’t wanna come along.” I said.

“She’s joking, right?” Drake asked Mark.

“You guessed it right,” Mark told Drake.

“If you want me to come along, then promise me you two won’t booze.” I kept my condition.

“She’s joking again, right?” Drake asked Mark.

“You guess it right. Again.” Mark told Drake.

“Hey, I’m not joking! I’m damn serious!” I frowned hard at them.

“See, you should be proud of your sister.” Drake told Mark.

“Absolutely. Andy has an amazing sense of humor.” Mark nodded.

I rolled my eyes. Boys!!They can be so so so annoying at times, I tell you!

I decided to accompany them. I didn’t have anything great to do at home anyway. I went upstairs to my room to get ready. I opened my cupboard & selected a dark blue knee length frock to wear & then tied my hair into a simple pony tail. A lose strand of my hair automatically fell on my right cheek. Not bothering a bit to apply anything to my face, I headed downstairs. Drake was waiting in the living room. Mark & I came there almost at the same time.

We were leaving the house when Mark said,

“I forgot my car keys. Will fetch it.”

My brother made his way to his room.

“I still can’t digest the fact that you left Susan’s high profile party that apparently had everything to fulfill all kinds of your needs.” I remarked.

Drake smirked & walked towards me. It was only when he had come way too near me, he whispered into my ears,

“Maybe I need something else tonight.”

He was still smirking when my shocked eyes met his sly ones. He stepped away from me just in time before Mark came back with the car keys.

My brother sat at the driver’s seat, Drake sat at the passenger seat next to him while I had the back seat entirely to myself.

As much as I would have loved to, I couldn’t erase the uneasy feeling at the pit of my stomach telling me  that something completely unexpected & unpredictable was to happen tonight. Jeez!

~*~*~*~

Hello everyone :D

Another chapter of this story. This is one of my most favorite parts that I have written so far. Hope you have like it :)

I'm particularly excited for the next chapter. Hope you're with me on that ;)

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Thanks,

enchantedgirlXX