By the time we'd gotten back to the house, Sean's parents were back. Sean had taken my glass and went to put ice cubes in it as I hovered at the kitchen door.
“Erin.” Sean's Dad, Brian, crossed the room to hug me and kiss my cheek. “How are you?”
“Good thanks.” I smiled shyly.
“You're looking lovely.” He smiled as he looked me up and down, making me blush.
“Thanks. This is my sister's.” I cringed. Why did I have to tell him I was wearing my sister's clothes? I think 'thanks' would have been enough.
“Here you go.” Sean came to stand protectively, next to me, as he handed me my glass of orange juice.
“Thanks.” I smiled.
“I hope my son's looking after you?” Brian raised an eyebrow at Sean.
“Most definitely,” I flustered.
“Of course, Dad.” Sean dryly told him.
“Dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes.” Ruth called, breaking the friction.
“We'll be in the conservatory."
“What's the deal with you and your Dad?” I whispered as we sat down.
“Nothing really.” He shrugged.
“Nothing really?” I raised an eyebrow. He sighed when he realised I wasn't going to let this go.
“Firstly, he isn't happy that I'm not as into sports as I was.”
“And?” I knew there was more and I would drag it out of him, if I had to.
“I still don't like the way he spoke to you, the first time you met him.” He held his hand up before I spoke. “And he wants me to follow in his footsteps and manage the gym, or the other one he plans on opening, and I still don't know if that's what I want to do.” He sighed.
“Firstly, your Dad is fine with me, so don't worry about that.” I cuddled up next to him, and we stayed like that for a few minutes, neither of us speaking, then I quickly sat up and turned to look at him.
“What do you enjoy doing?” I asked, intrigued.
“Besides spending time with you?” He laughed. I nodded in reply. “I really do enjoy kickboxing.” He told me thoughtfully. “I would actually like to teach people.” He seemed to light up at this thought.
“Why don't you then?” He paused for a moment as he thought it over.
“Hmmm...” He smiled. “I like the sound of that."
“Maybe you could use one of the rooms at the gym.” He seemed to think about this, then all of a sudden he kissed me and gave me a huge hug.
“I love it, and I love you.” He kissed me again. I laughed at seeing him so excited.
“Dinner's ready.” Kelly called.
We got up and Sean took my hand and led me to a chair in the kitchen, next to his. He looked like he was ready to burst, as everyone sat down.
“Dad?” Sean spoke like an over-excited child. “How would you feel if I used one of the halls at the gym to teach kickboxing?”
The whole table fell silent as eyes moved between Sean and Brian.
“I think it's an excellent idea.” Ruth finally spoke, breaking the silence.
Sean smiled enthusiastically as he stroked my cheek.
“It was Erin's idea.” This seemed to break whatever thoughts Brian was thinking.
“Was it really?” Brian asked, as I nervously fidgeted in my seat, making Sean place his hand to my left cheek and stroke my birthmark.
“Kind of...” My throat was dry as I spoke.
“I really like it.” Brian smiled as I sighed with relief. James, who was sat next to me, patted my back. Then Brian turned to look at Sean. “We'll need to sort out a business plan and discuss advertising.”
They continued talking as I saw Ruth mouth the words, ‘Thank you.’
For the rest of the meal, Sean and Brian happily discussed all the details, leaving everyone else hardly getting a word in edgeways. Even when we had all finished, Sean and his Dad stayed at the table talking as I helped Ruth clear up.
“Thanks for that.” Ruth pointed to her son and husband. “It's been a while since I've seen them have a proper conversation, without a fight nearly breaking out.” She looked happy and relieved as I handed her dishes to put in the dishwasher. “How did you come up with it?” She asked puzzled. “Brian's been on at him for months to decide what he wants to do.”
“I just asked him what he enjoys.” I shrugged. Ruth looked at me and started laughing.
“I think that's the one thing no one asked him.” She closed the dishwasher then turned it on. “Are you going to be one of his students?” She asked seriously. It was my turn to laugh.
“I don't think so.”
“Why not?” She picked up a cloth and a bottle of disinfectant and started cleaning the sides.
“Not my cup of tea.” I laughed.
“I know what you mean.” Ruth smiled with a wink.
“Erin?” Kelly called from the conservatory door.
“Yes?” I turned to look at her.
“We're off to the summer house.” She pointed in the direction of it. “You fancy coming?” I looked at Sean, who had looked up at me.
“Go ahead. I'll follow down in a bit.” I leaned down to give him a kiss as I walked over to follow Kelly and the twins. I paused at the doorway to look at Ruth.
“You don't need any help do you?”
“Not at all. You go ahead and have fun.” She smiled.
Smiling back, I followed Kelly into the garden.
“Have you been to the summerhouse before?” She asked as we walked side by side, as the twins ran ahead.
“Yeah, Sean gave me a tour before dinner.”
We carried on walking in silence. I was unsure what to say. I wasn't used to being around people and I'd never had a proper conversation with Kelly before.
“I was thinking of going clothes shopping at the end of the month, do you fancy coming?” She breezily asked me.
“Sure.” I smiled, and she seemed to sigh with relief.
“I normally go alone. Paul and James aren't really into shopping, unless it's for themselves and my Mum is always working.” I nodded as I listened. “I don't actually relate well to other girls since all of this, and most people don't understand what's going on with me and the twins.” She said with a sad sigh.
“I never seem to relate to anyone full stop” I laughed nervously. Kelly gave me a warm smile in reply.
“Well, I hope that will change now.” She gently touched my shoulder. “And thanks.”
“What for?” I asked confused.
“Sean and my Dad, and for making my brother happy. It's been a long time since I've seen him so happy.” She paused and looked at me. “Actually, I don't think I've ever seen him this happy before, so thank you.” She gave me a wide genuine smile.
“You're welcome?” I laughed more in confusion as to whether they were the right words.
By the time the summerhouse came into view the twins were already inside.
“I actually expected you to have lots of friends.” I had heard that Kelly was popular, like Kasey-Ray.
“I did.” We entered the summerhouse to find the twins sitting on two beanbags with one of the games consoles switched on. “But when I found out what I could do, I found it hard to talk to others, I was actually nervous in case I revealed myself in front of my friends.” She went to sit in front of the sofa, kicking her shoes off and pulling her feet up.
“Eventually my friends stopped calling.” She shrugged and actually seemed upset thinking about it. Sensing this, the twins moved in unison, towards Kelly and rested their heads on her legs. There was something so comforting and loving as I watched the three of them. “On a plus though.” She smiled as she leaned down and gave each twin a kiss on the head. “I have met these two.” She looked so happy as she spoke about them.
“How did you get together?” I enquired.
They were fascinating and I wanted to know everything, but I didn't know them all that well, so I didn’t expect Kelly to fill me in on all of it, just yet.
“Well, it was through
Sean. He had started hanging around with them, and they were always round here. I couldn't get rid of them if I tried.” She teased, making the twins quickly look up, with faces like they were offended. “Was funny though. They seemed to hate each other.” The twins laughed at this. “I knew I had feelings for them, but I had no idea which. I actually thought it was because they were so identical, that I couldn't tell them apart, well not at first.” She smiled. “But I soon found out that they were complete opposites, and I love them both equally.”
She paused to look at Paul and James, lovingly. Then quickly turned and leaned over to touch my leg, with a laugh.
“You know what's funny?” I shook my head. "The day we got together was the day they stopped arguing. Their family love me for that. They still find our relationship weird, but love the fact I've brought them together.” She laughed as me and the twins joined in.
“What's so funny?” Sean asked, as he came to sit next to me on the sofa.
“I was just telling Erin about how these two used to fight before we got together.”
“Ah, I remember so well.” Sean laughed too as he leaned into me. I raised my arm as he rested his head on my lap. “They used to have proper fist fights, and there's no way they would be sitting there like that, playing a game together.” He laughed.
“We weren't that bad.” Paul scoffed.
“You were.” Sean continued laughing. “I remember one time you two had a fight over a game of football and me and Justin had to separate you both.”
Paul didn't reply to this as he turned back to the game he and James were playing, as I started to stroke Sean's hair.
“So?” Kelly playfully slapped Sean's leg.
Sean moved his knees to one side, so he could see his sister, and gave her a puzzled expression.
“What happened with you and Dad?” Sean smiled but said nothing. “Come one, don't keep us in suspense.”
The twins paused the game they were playing and turned to look at Sean with interest.
“Okay, okay.” He laughed, as he sat up, swapping seats with me so his back was against the armrest and his legs were bent over mine. “He seems really excited. I think more so that I'm excited about doing this and he said that if it takes off then we will kit one hall out for my classes. I just need to get certified as an instructor before we can do anything else.” Everyone was nodding, I wasn't sure if they knew anything about kickboxing or the process, I knew I had no idea. “Luckily my sensei has a certification program and said I can start next week. I also have to get a police check and insurance."
“Oh well, that's you out then. The police will fail you." James laughed.
“Ha-ha.” Sean playfully kicked his shoulder. “Anyway I'm really looking forward to it. Probably be a slow start, but I hope it takes off.”
“Me too.” I whispered, proud of him. He leaned over to kiss me.
“So who fancies a game of pool?” Sean went to stand up, as I looked at him like I was a deer in headlights.
Paul's laugh interrupted my panic.
“You wanting your arse handed to you again do you?” Paul stood up, putting his controller down. Sean laughed as he winked at me.
“How about a game of doubles? I'll have Erin and you choose whoever.”
“Do you want me to play one handed, to give you a chance?” The more cocky Paul became, the more my nervousness calmed and I wanted to play and beat him. “Trust me, you will need both your arms.” I teased, making everyone stop to look at me. I was surprised at my fighting talk. It didn't have the effect I wanted, as I think Paul thought I was hyping up my boyfriend.
“Have you seen Sean play?” Paul laughed as he pointed at Sean. I nodded as I followed them into the other room.
“But I think this game, he may show you a thing or two." I smiled as I picked up a cue. “You can break.” I smiled sweetly at Paul, and for a second he looked nervous.
“Bruv?” He called to James, and then quickly looked at Kelly.
“Go ahead, I'll watch. I have a feeling this may be an interesting game.” Kelly went to sit on one of the stools.
For the start of the game, Paul was laughing as he took his turn, then Sean, and then James. Eventually it was my turn and I managed to sink four balls, along with wiping the smile off Paul's face.
By the time Sean had finished his turn, both sides had one ball each and the black. James sank the last ball and was now on the black. He didn't manage to pot it, but lined me up perfectly to sink the last remaining ball.
As I got ready to take the final shot, I looked up at Paul and smiled.
“Any final words?” I heard Kelly and Sean laugh. I kept my eyes still on Paul as I took my shot and sank the black. Sean high fived me as I stood up straight and went to put the cue back.
Paul was still staring at the pool table, expressionless. We all turned to look at him. I was unsure of what he was thinking. Was he angry? Then he started laughing, as he turned to me and held out his hand.
“Well played.” He said sincerely and then turned to look at Sean. “You could have told me that you had a hustler as a girlfriend.” Sean laughed.
“And miss seeing the look on your face? I don't think so.” Sean came to stand behind me, pulling me into his arms as his cheek pressed against mine.
“Oh, you have to play Justin.” Paul quickly said as he rubbed his hands together at this thought.
“Where is Justin?” I asked, stopping the laughter dead.
“He hasn't forgiven himself over what Jessica did to you.” James quietly spoke.
The sound of Jessica's name made me flinch. Sean kissed my cheek as he gave me a gentle squeeze.
No one said anything, and it felt like we had stood there for ten minutes before Sean finally spoke.
“Anyway, I want some time alone with my pretty lady, before I take her home.” He lightly stepped to my side as he kept one arm around me. “See you guys later.”
“Bye.” I waved as Sean led me out of the summerhouse, leaving Kelly, Paul and James standing there, silently watching us leave.
“What do you fancy doing?” Sean moved his hand from my waist to hold my hand.
“I don't know.” I shrugged. I'd lost the will to do anything after Jessica's name was mentioned. “I'm actually feeling really tired.”
Sean stopped suddenly, almost dragging me backwards, because he was still holding my hand.
“What's wrong? Are you okay?” He asked me, pulling me in front of him.
“Yeah I'm fine. Just tired.” I faked a yawn.
“Did that upset you?” He pointed back to where we had just come from.
“No, not at all.” I lied, hoping I sounded convincing. “I'm just really tired and I want to be wide awake for seeing Dr Hammersmith tomorrow.”
“Hmmm...” he didn't look convinced as he still stood there looking at me.
Eventually he sighed and started walking.
“Okay.” He didn't look like he believed a word I'd said, but I was relieved when he didn't press me further.
We carried on walking in silence. The only time we spoke was when we got inside his house.
“I'm just going to take Erin home.” Sean told his parents, who were sat watching TV.
“Okay, bye love and I'll see you soon.” Ruth lifted her hand to touch my arm.
“Bye Erin.” Brian smiled.
I waved as I followed Sean outside and climbed into the car.
For the whole ten minute journey, neither of us spoke. Finally when we pulled up outside the house Sean switched off the engine and turned to look at me as he reached over to touch my face.
“You okay?” He seemed really concerned now as I turned to look at him.
“Yeah I'm fine. Honest.” I forced a huge smile. “I'll see you in the morning”
Then I leaned over to kiss him, which took him by surprise at first, as it was always him who made the first move, but he didn't complain.
“I love you.” He whispered as we eventually pul
led away.
“I love you too.” I smiled, leaning in for one more quick kiss, and then turned to get out of the car.
“I'll be round about nine.” He told me when I had walked round to the driver's side of his car. “I'll text you when I'm leaving.”
“Okay.” I stole another kiss, and turned to head inside. “Night.” I called after him as he started his engine and eventually pulled away as I went inside.
Chapter 13