Chapter.14- "You Know I Love It When You Treat Me Bad."

Fourteen: "You Know I Love It When You Treat Me Bad."

"He's so adorable!" We cooed in unison.

"This one is a recent addition to the colony, his name is Squidge, who is a beautiful boy!" Charlotte added as showed us pictures of the Humboldt Penguins and Grey Seals.

We were still sat inside the café, to quote Rachel, reminiscing my days as a former bully of the MVP of the English National Football team and one of the major Football Clubs, I sighed to myself as Rachel scolded me when she'd heard about my notorious and criminal behaviour through Charlotte, of course, she'd deliberately left out the part where Caleb was horrid to me. I just took it all with a pinch of salt. Granted my blonde best friend didn't know everything as she wasn't there to witness the horror and heard about it only through me, she made Caleb seem like the victim.

Of course, my piss poor attempt of diverting the subject even backfired when I even agreed to the notion that Caleb was indeed jealous.

Of me!

I even went as far as to propose and explain that he'd been jealous because perhaps he fancied Kayden, also that could explain why he'd steal the flower and take horrid pictures of us. Maybe if he was the one who was stood next to Kayden then he'd have been happy. That was the only other possibility I could think of.

Charlotte and Rachel had looked at me as if I'd said that I was responsible for Great Fire in 1666 instead of Thomas Farynor. They, of course, refuted that claim and called it rubbish and began arguing.

I'd had enough and begged them to change the subject since I was already feeling incredibly cheesed off taking a walk down memory lane. And that diversion had come in the form of Sebastian Dashwood! Sebastian had rung Charlotte to show her a video of the pup he was working with, then the conversation gradually bled into talk about marine life.

"This is Ray, Sheba and Yulelogs. There are many more and I can't quite remember their names." Charlotte swiped on her phone as she looked fondly at the Seals.

"You've been there?"

"Of course! Sebastian took me there on his day off and we interacted with the Grey Seal residents and I got hear their rescue stories and learnt a great deal about their characters and why they now have a permanent home here at the Sanctuary. I also learnt how the team at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary rescued over 70 injured or abandoned Grey Seals every year from around the Cornish Coast." She explained with unbridled excitement.

"Wow, that is amazing!" Rachel said in awe.

Charlotte nodded her head. "Indeed! But it's sad as most of them are pups who are injured, or malnourished because they're separated from their mum. So they rehabilitate them and provide a permanent home sometimes."

"Oh, that's awful. But I'm glad they're rescued and given a home." I pouted when I saw a cute pup interacting with Sebastian and how he was caring for the pup.

"Isn't he the cutest when he interacts with animals? Charlotte began to coo, showing us pictures of the two Seals Sebastian was dealing with. "My heart warms to see him interact with those animals." She looked at her boyfriend with so much awe and adoration.

She wasn't wrong it was nice to see him interact with the animals, it was like a different side to him. He was a natural!

"Did you know that the scientific name for the Grey seal is Halichoerus grypus which means hooked-nose sea-pig!" She looked at us with wide wintry green eyes, excitement lining them.

We shook our heads.

"Well, now you do!" She smiled proudly.

"So is he going to be a marine animal expert?" Rachel asked. "What exactly does he do there?"

"I think he's in the resident's placement? I don't know but he's really involved with both placements. He does both Rehabilitation and Residents. All I know is that all placements will include the same general daily routine with resident animal feeding, husbandry and care; however, there is a different focus of activities depending on the time of year. I've seen him rescue pups once and participate in training activities." She explained.

"Oh, that's fantastic! I really admire him, he's so hardworking." I shot her a smile.

She agreed with a smile. "He is." She quickly pocketed her phone and cleared her throat. "Now, swiftly moving on, we don't have much time left before the finals and we need to start practising."

"Don't worry, we've made adequate preparations beforehand. We've selected songs and choreography and I've sent some to the girls and they've all sent in their responses. So, all you need to do, my blonde friend is finalise the set." Rachel smiled smugly, sipping tea.

Words could not describe how Charlotte's face had brightened. "Oh, my gosh! I am so very proud of you two. It's quite admirable that you didn't fanny around. Now, hand over the list and let me decide."

Rachel picked up her phone and handed Charlotte the list and Charlotte scanned it, her eyes skimming over the screen. "You sexy sharp pitches! This is aca-awesome!" She exclaimed glancing at both of us. "So I know what I want and I've narrowed it down, we can begin discussing the choreography and all that jazz today and we'll start rigorous practice tomorrow," Chars said.

Rachel and I agreed. "Adequate! We'll go to your place, and get cracking!" I cracked my knuckles and we stood up to leave.

"Fab! Let's go quickly!" Charlotte was already pushing the glass doors and stepping outside.

************

I hummed a tune as I walked down the corridor, the smell of freshly baked garlic bread and lasagne wafted to my nose, my stomach grumbled. I was just in time for supper. I was right knackered after we'd discussed and finalised on the set then choreographed some of the dance moves.

"Darling, you're back just in time for supper!" My darling mother clapped excitedly.

I turned in her direction. "Indeed?" I queried, my eyebrows pinching in suspicion.

She nodded her head. "Indeed. You must be so peckish!" She steered me towards the dining table where it was already set.

My mouth watered at the sight before me, my stomach literally begged for food. My feet moved forward and I inhaled the aroma of scrumptious food, then sat down on my chair as my mother rushed out. I was left all alone and wanted to tuck in but then decided to wait until my parents were present.

"Ah, Harper, what an exquisite surprise to see you here!"

I nearly face-planted in one of the dishes at the sound of that voice. "What're you doing here?" Turning around, I demanded.

"Why, I invited him." Carter flashed me grin.

They shared a look. "Of course I simply had to come. Your dear mother and Carter insisted I stay for dinner and I couldn't refuse them. And I had to since it'd be rude of me to not stay and say hello to you." He beamed. "I've missed you terribly."

"Lucky me!" I muttered sarcastically. My mood dampening, not even twenty-four hours have passed and we've met again already.

"You know it!" His blue eyes glittering as he winked at me. "But don't get too excited."

I growled, just then my mother entered with my father in tow, a blinding smile on her face.

"Excellent everyone's here! Sit, sit!" She beamed and ushered Caleb to sit next to the empty chair beside her on the opposite side.

He flashed her an arresting smile. "It's alright, I'll just sit next to Harper."

"But the table's been already set," Dad pointed out.

"Not to worry dear, I'll set them next to Rebecca." Mum offered, although she was gobsmacked at his confession.

"Heavens, no, I'll rearrange it myself!" He assured her.

"How about I rearrange your face and intestines instead?" I growled under my breath.

He immediately turned in my direction. "I beg your pardon?"

Oh, so that's how he wanted to play, is it? Then I'll have to up the ante.

"Oh, certainly not! You cannot sit next to me!" I shook my head vehemently.

"And pray why not?" Mum narrowed her eyes.

"Did you forget about your germaphobia?" I frantically looked around and widened my eyes the size of dinner plates. He stiffened.

Ha, gotcha!

"Germaphobia? What's she on about, bruv?" Carter scratched his head like a confused primate.

"What're you trying to say, ducky? That he has germaphobia?" Dad looked amused.

"Yes, I am. Poor thing revealed to Kayden and I last night he has germaphobia, didn't you monkey? I've been sneezing an awful lot lately and I don't want you to get anxious." As if right on cue, I sneezed twice in a row. On Caleb.

I heard dad snort. "That's absolute bollocks!" Dad and I shared a look.

"Is it true dear?" Mum asked worriedly.

"Plainly not, mother. She's lying! You know how she loves to trouble him and make things up." Carter twisted his lips to the side.

"Eee you cheeky monkey! Watch your mouth," I sneered, "I have no desire to do such things. Especially matters concerning him. Besides he confessed in front of Kayden last night," I explained.

"It's not that severe, so I can sit down next to her. I'm learning to cope with it," Caleb said solemnly. We glared at each other that was equivalent to a Mexican standoff, eyes and words as sharp as any real gun, the only thing missing was the tumbleweed rolling around in the background.

"Right, let's sit down." Dad rolled his eyes, putting an end to our faux standoff.

"Last night?" Mother frowned. "You met last night? She was on a date with that lovely boy. I suppose you met them?" She set the napkin on her lap. "Where did he take you? Did you kiss?"

I felt the blood rush to my face. Why did she have to bring this up?

"They didn't I made sure of that!" Dad announced proudly.

"So, little Harper didn't bang last night?" I heard Caleb close to my ear.

My left shoulder pinched to my ear as I made a non-committal noise in the back of my throat. I pinched his leg. He inhaled sharply through his teeth and bucked forward.

"You know I love it when you treat me bad!" He wiggled his eyebrows.

I ignored him. "He took me to the Oval Restaurant, at Wellesley, it was wonderful, I had a lovely time until he interrupted us." I pointed to Caleb.

"Hey, I was just trying to protect that lad from you, even if he seemed dodgy--"

"That's what I said!" Carter exclaimed.

"He's not dodgy! If anyone's dodgy it's your mate over here." I then turned to Caleb, "I'll do whatever I want to Kayden, what's it to you?"

"I will not just stand there and watch you bully him! He does not deserve that, with his delicate features and pretty face he should be protected from the likes of you." He stared at me and I looked at him as if he'd revealed to me he wears pink knickers.

"The food's getting cold, let's tuck in!" Dad interrupted when I was about to open my mouth.

"I thought you wouldn't agree to stay for dinner, dear but I'm glad you did." She smiled at Caleb who was sat next to me.

"I couldn't say no to the kind invitation." He flashed her a smile.

"Why exactly are you here?" I stage-whispered.

"Same reason as you are! I was invited too." He bumped his shoulder with mine.

What a doughnut!

"Darling have some of the lasagne." Mum insisted as she passed the dish.

"Oh, don't worry mum, I'll get it," I reassured her.

Then I stuck my spoon into the baked pasta and picked up the garlic bread from Caleb's plate as soon as he'd finished serving some on his plate and even before he could pick up his fork.

Cue the crickets chirping and the wind that whistled throughout the dining room.

I heard the dropping of cutlery. "What the hell are you doing?" Caleb demanded harshly.

"Oh, you don't remember? I am doing exactly what you accused me of: looting people, that is." I batted my eyelashes and he looked like he wanted to bat me over the head with a club. "I'm simply living up to the title."

"Rebecca! Have you no manners?"

"What?"

Both my parents spoke at the same time.

"Ask him," I tipped my chin towards Caleb, "he told Kayden last night that I looted people of their food, and was a wild little thing, didn't you monkey?" I bumped my shoulder with him as I chewed my food.

"You know you're beautiful when you're heartless." He turned slightly and whispered with a cheeky smile.

I clasped both my hands in front of me and stared off into the distance with a dreamy sigh. "Awww indeed? Thank you."

He coughed then became po-faced as he answered my parents. "I stand by it! I was right, see you're doing it again! You stole his tiramisu and now you're stealing my food as well." He accused.

"What's going on?" Dad looked confused.

"Oh yes as if that wasn't enough he even manhandled me!"

"You what?" Dad roared as he stood up.

"M-Man hand--?" Caleb's face paled. "She was the one who attacked me first when I merely stated the facts, the least I could do was defend myself by deflecting her hit," Caleb convinced my dad calmly. "I simply cannot risk getting bruised."

"You what?" My mother shrieked. "Did someone witness what happened?" Mum panicked.

"I don't regret it one bit! He even stole the flowers Kayden gave me and when asked to take pictures he intentionally took blurred ones. Now that I think about it, it's as if you're jealous of me."

"And why would I be jealous?" Caleb scoffed.

"Perhaps you fancy him. That's the only way I can explain your criminal behaviour!"

Carter spat out his water and he sputtered turning red.

"What?" Caleb cried out. "That's ridiculous! Where'd you even get that idea from?"

"The way you behaved last night when you tried to sabotage my relationship with him! You made me look like a bad person! But remember that he's mine!"

"He's not your property! Your claims are rubbish!" He countered back.

"Please don't even deny, I've seen the way you looked at him last night. Even spaghetti is straight until it's wet!" I muttered.

This time dad coughed on his food.

"You cantankerous girl!" Mother looked like she was going to spit out hell fire.

That's when I knew I was absolutely buggered!

Let's just say that what happened next was not pleasant. The whole time when supper was supposed to be a pleasant one turned out to be a circus show with both Caleb and I blaming each other the rest of the night.

I stomped my way through the corridor, gritting my teeth, Caleb had already made my life hell. It was exhausting being petty then arguing with him and with how proficient he'd gotten at it had narked me off an awful lot.

"Just the person I was looking for." Caleb stepped out of Carter's room and walked towards me with a victorious smile.

"Fabulous!" I grumbled. "Reckon you're here to tell me you fancy Kayden?"

His eyes widened, irises that were a shade darker shrank back revealing a beautiful circle of blue hue. "How'd you know?" He stopped in front of me. "Mhmm, now that you've mentioned it, it made me think of that lad and... his cute little bottom." He proceeded to describe all the ways in which he liked Kayden's bum. "They're firm and round, like an apple. I once saw it during a photoshoot and I can't stop thinking about it. He's really pretty, if I'm being honest, and probably my type as well." He relished the look of pure shock etched on my face and even won the pissing contest.

Wind whistled through the corridor and around me as I was stood slack-jawed and my eyeballs popped out of my sockets then dropped to the ground like gumballs and onto the carpeted floor.

I growled and gnashed my teeth. "You are vulgar and shameless beyond help!"

"Whoops shouldn't have said that." He chuckled but bent down a bit. "This I'll let you know: I really love it when you treat me bad." He bopped my nose. "Especially... in front of your mummy."

I was narked at his statement. "What sort of a man are you? Using my mother to threaten me? Threaten me like a man instead of using my mother you coward!"

"It's easier that way! When life gives you lemons you become a lemon grower and all that jazz, Harper! I like seeing you scared of your mother and I love using it to my advantage." He winked.

My face hardened. I reached for his ear and twisted it. "Why're you doing this to me?"

Cursing, he pulled away from my grasp, nursed his ear that had turned red. "If you were acquainted with a person like Harper then you'd know and do the same thing as well."

"You know I recall you being a timid little thing. And don't think for a second that just because you're famous now you can run rings around me easily and treat me this way. We were children when that happened. For fuck's sake grow up!" I seethed.

His face hardened and I flinched when he took a step forward all traces of humour erased. "See, that's where you're mistaken," he began darkly, he looked very intimidating, but I stood my ground, "You think I'm still the same helpless little boy. You think you can run rings around me easily just as you did before, don't you? Well, let me remind you that I am not and will not let you bully me or others. I'm a man now not a helpless little boy--"

"Stop being dramatic. You're a man only when I tell you you're a man!" I interrupted.

"Your lack of respect is so disturbing!" He growled.

"My lack of respect is proportional to your attitude!" I countered back.

"Wake up, Harper. You don't even feel remorse!" He breathed hard then exhaled as if disappointed. "Well, it's my fault for thinking that--," he shook his head, "nevermind, I expected too much," he spoke softly yet it was cold and walked away.

"Then--" I closed my eyes, "maybe we should go our separate ways! Never to cross paths ever again, that would be best," I said over my shoulder softly and walked down the corridor to my bedroom.

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OOOF that was so harsh Rebethacca! What do you all think? Is this the end for them? Will they really go their separate ways? does caleb feel the same way?

I know Rebecca seems to be selfish and ignorant person but don't worry, she has her reasons and will become better as the story progresses.

So drama suggestions: Just One Bite, it's a web series and it's short. Watch both the seasons.

Anyroad, please comment, vote, follow and share.

Have a lovely weekend, loves!!xx