Chapter 10

"Okay what about this one, "My mother always used to say: The older you get, the better you get, unless you're a banana" He said wiggling his eyebrows.

I laughed at the statement. It was really funny. Placing my hand under my chin still smiling I replied "I believe that's Rose, the Golden girls"

"Dang it!" He kicked the poor pebble that was by his feet.

I laughed when I saw how frustrated he looked. It just felt so satisfying.

We were both standing close to the ocean as we watched the tides rise and fall.

I tucked my hands inside the pocket of my sweater as I shivered. I turned and looked at him, his face, his sharp jawline. He doesn't seem to notice I was staring at him or he was probably acting that he didn't. He looked lost in his thoughts.

It's been thirty minutes since we stood here, laughing and playing who said the funny statement. It was rather amusing to do something childish. I also got to see a different side of the so called Jason Kade not the stereotype that everyone made of him.

I never heard of this game we were playing before. Even though Jason just made it up, it was still fun, especially when I was the one winning. [Wink]

I have to admit though, I never thought I would find solace in my conversation with Jason. I really do appreciate that he was trying to make me laugh. I even forgot how annoying he was.

A few minutes ago, he seemed to have noticed my expression when he said that life quote. He had looked at me with care in his eyes as he helped me up from the floor. I know he wanted to ask what happened but he didn't, instead he diverted my attention from the fact that my mom is still alone with that man at the supermarket. I don't know if this is all an act to get closer to me, but I do feel that Jason is a nice person.

I felt lighter, a little happy and I was really glad that Jason had helped me clear my thoughts.

So what if my dad left us and treat us like shit?

Life moves on and I got to move with it.

"You seem to be a master at this...what's the secret?" He asked interrupting my thoughts.

I smirked and patted my shoulder smugly. "If I do tell you then it would no longer be a secret now would it"

Well, it wasn't really much of a secret, just constant watching of my sister's favourite comedy show. When you hear the same thing over and over it just sticks you know.

He looks at me and I felt my heart skipped a beat. Gosh! That sounded cliche, but seriously it did. That gaze, it felt heated, the way his hair flutters in the wind. His lips that slowly formed a smirk.

Oh come on, some people are just so handsome you just can't resist. I might not like the dude that much but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate his beauty...right? I am a sucker for cute and handsome boys...so yeah.

"But what if it's a special someone, won't you still share that secret?" He lowered his voice and smiled.

Damn! That voice. No Ruby do not fall for his trick. I mean there is no big deal if tell him. No! He would win next time if I do. Wait what am I saying? Next time, there won't be a next time.

I frowned.

"Shortcake!" He said snapping me out of my reverie.

Now that has made me forget that I was arguing with myself a while ago.

"I am not short!" I snapped at him. Anytime he calls me that, I always remember how he came up with that name. Pancake...he is the one that's a pancake.

He laughed. "I love how cute you look when you are riled up. It's really funny"

"You are crazy" I crossed my arms and start to move away from him.

How annoying! Such an annoying guy!! I am not that short. Why do I even care what he thinks. Ugh.

Oof-

I on something a little hard but soft. I raised my head up to see I was laying on Jason. He must have tackled me and turned halfway so I could land on him.

As much as I appreciate his thought of not allowing me to fall on the sand and him taking the impact himself, I was about to struggle out of his grasp.

But he held me tight and turned making me lay on the sand while he lay on top me. He used his elbows to push some of his weight off me.

"What if I am crazy?" He grinned showing his teeth. Staring into my eyes, he removed a strand of my hair.

We stared at each other for a while before I slowly mumbled out something.

He frowned. "What did you say?"

"Jay Jay. From now on I will call you Jay Jay because the way you act reminds me of a two year old who is a momma's boy"

I felt satisfied when I looked at his frowning face. Now he knows how it feels like to be given an embarrassing nickname. Well, the reason behind the nickname wasn't as embarrassing as mine though... hmm, thinking about it now it does sound lame.

My satisfaction bubble bursts when I saw his lips slowly form a happy smile. "I like it. My friends usually call me Jay, so this is totally cool. Even though the reason is a bit...off...I do like it. Thanks shortcake" he lean down.

I thought he was about to kiss me and was ready to punch him in the gut but nope, I felt his lips on my cheek.

He smiled at me before getting up and sitting beside my body which had just gone numbed.

My right cheek was burning. I could feel it, it was on fire. I gave him an aggrieved look before sitting down too, slowly cleaning my cheek. Ew, ew eww!!! I can't believe he pecked me. With this thought he mind, I cleaned my face harder.

I gave him another glance just to see him roll his eyes.

"Will you chill? It's not as if I stole your first kiss".

He might as well have. He stole my first right cheek kiss. That's... Ugh!

"Wanna play twenty questions?" He asked after a few minutes of silence.

I shrugged. "Yeah sure, I guess"

"Great, I can use this opportunity to get to know you. So, when is your birthday?"

"April 10..." I was a little hesitant to ask back, but I did. "What about you?"

"June 10. Do you like rap songs?"

I shook my head. "It reminds me of metal scrapping a tiled floor. What about you? What's your type of song?"

He looked hesitant, not replying.

"Come on, tell me"

He sighed..."I always like...Celine Dion songs" he looked away and at the ocean. I saw the slight pink of his cheeks.

Was he shy about it?

I shook my head chuckling. "There is nothing wrong about that. Your secret us safe with me though"

He let out a breath of relief while nodding.

A few minutes later, I was on my way back to the supermarket smiling. I had learned some new things about Jason and the fact that he was scared of water. I had ask him if he was then what was he doing at the beach? But he failed to answer.

From the few hours I had spend with him, he doesn't seem like a bad guy, just a little like the kind of guy every parents would want their kids to stay away from. He is a little bit of a play boy mixed with pervert. But he was childish too.

I can't judge him just by spending a few hours with him.

I stood there at the front of the supermarket starting at the dark cloud. It was going to rain soon.

The area was quiet, silent as the cemetery. It was giving me creepy vibes that sent goosebumps down my back. I looked at the my Dad's car that was still packed at the front of the supermarket. I sighed before unwillingly dragging my leg into the store.

Does mom even remember that Amina is still in the store room?

I took in a deep breath before pushing the door open.

I was shocked to find the scene in front of me. My mom kneeling and hugging my dad's leg as she cried, begging him to stay and not get married.

What the hell?

How did it get to this? What happened?

This scene was just...sad.

I looked at my dad indifferent face. He just stared at mom while trying to shake her off his leg.

Seeing this makes me wonder again...

Where had it all gone wrong