Chapter.03- Foutre le camp Courtois!

Three: Foutre le camp, Courtois!

Caleb's POV

"Bloody hell! So you're the infamous chap who stood up to my sister!" An unfamiliar baby-faced teenage boy with blue eyes and brace along his teeth exclaimed.

I stood still and looked at him surprised and shocked. "I beg your pardon, qui est ce garçon?" My gaze slid to Luke whilst wondering when had I encountered his sister because I don't recall talking to any girl in a long time.

I am known for being quiet and brooding. Luke would always say that although it's a quality that's attractive occasionally, it was sometimes scary when I am quiet and I have this dark look when people approached me. He told me I was naturally terrifying off and on the field.

It's just that I am a selective talker and like being on my own. But I don't shy away if I am well acquainted and comfortable with the person, especially Luke and my other best friend.

"Le garçon est Carter. Harper's brother." Luke informed.

Harper.

I sucked in a breath as realisation dawned on me.

A distinct but vivid memory of a girl with a stunning pair of eyes and a ballet dress looking sad filled my head. I felt like someone had punched me in the stomach, I ground on my molars. Her dark brown eyes with gold flecks, her smile and her voice still haunt me to this day. Both in a good and bad way.

It's been nearly three years since I last saw her, and we didn't part on good terms because I was the biggest arse to her and she hated me for it. I wish I could go back in time and take back what I've said. But when I remember the flower field incident, and other events, it sort of justified my actions.

She may have thought of me as a knob-head back then, but she's no saint. Also I'd like to believe that I've become a better man now but she just doesn't approve it. I scoffed.

"Ah Vous êtes français oui?" The boy inquired with a grin. My gaze flicked to him, I nodded my head.

"Je Suis Carter. Enchanté!" He held up his fist, his blue eyes lit with mischief, there were some similarities between the siblings now that I saw him closer.

I stared and analysed him, he didn't flinch but beamed. Ordinarily, people felt uncomfortable and left, but he just stood there with a goofy grin. I fist-bumped him. "Ravi de rencontrer! Je sais l'angalais." I smiled feeling a bit comfortable.

A smug expression burgeoned on his face. "I know, I wanted to flaunt my French." This reminded me so much of his sister. "So what's your story with my sister, bruv? I've heard bits of it. You're the bloody ledge who told off my sister, I had to meet the man and you're a football ace as well."

"Errr....it's a long story." I chuckled uncomfortably, he was full of beans but he seemed cool. "How much do you know?"

"I've got all day mate. Well....not much. But my sister's hatred towards you whenever your name's mentioned piqued my interest so I have to know." He sat down on the fancy leather couch.

I looked at Lucas who just shrugged and gave us a cryptic smile. I turned to the boy who looked at me with inquisitive eyes, he looked like he was ready to bite my arm off. I sighed and told him what he needed to know, but Lucas interrupted me.

"....that's the flower field incident!"

"Belt up and bugger off mate!" I glared at him.

Both of them tittered up.

"Sorry," Luke lifted his arms up, "I am going to shower." He laughed as he left.

"Blimey! I knew my sister was bonkers. But this..." He shook his head but added. "Let's just say we're going to be really good friends after this and I love royally pissing off my sister. So---" He stopped talking when his phone rang, my eyes slid to the screen and I saw who it was.

Becks. The name flashed. It was a picture of her giving Carter a piggyback ride and smiling widely, my chest tightened.

"Speak of the devil..." Carter grinned wickedly and answered the phone. "Ah, Becks I was just talking about you. I'm at a friends'. Mhmm..." He rolled his eyes as he left the room.

I took a sip of my beer and stared at the flat screen, the game had been paused. I didn't know how long I stared at the screen until I was interrupted by Luke. I blinked.

"Does this tie go well with this or what?" Luke asked me.

I picked up the controller and unpaused the game. I allowed myself a millisecond to glance Luke's way, then my eyes returned to the screen, He was stood with two ties held in front of me with a questioning gaze.

"That one," I pointed to the one on his right. "Where're you going?"

He threw the other tie unceremoniously across the couch and tied the one I'd selected. "It's Charlotte's birthday today. You remember Charlotte, don't you?"

I narrowed my eyes. "Mhmm, I vaguely remember her, she's blonde, isn't she?" I mumbled distractedly and he confirmed it with a nod of his head. "Wait, that's today?" I frowned.

He let out a groan of frustration. "Bloody hell! I'm going to attend the party without a tie." He threw the tie and it landed on the coffee table after struggling with it. "Yes, it's today, you should come."

I pulled a face. "Are you taking a fucking piss me at?" I looked up to see if he was being serious. His eyes glimmered and lips twitched which indicated he was just taking the piss.

"I would never! It's just that I have no one to accompany me and Charlotte would appreciate it."

"Bastard!" I muttered under my breath. He began laughing as he disappeared from the room.

The urge to say yes was so very great, but I stopped myself from doing so. I reminded myself that it wouldn't end well for both of us and that might just ruin the party. Was I even ready to face her again?

I wasn't. At least, not yet. Because I knew I'd say something and it would be disastrous for everyone.

Carter entered the living room. "I'll be off now. Ring me up whenever you're free and let's go over to your parent's next time. Au revoir!" Carter saluted and left.

"Fab!" I hollered.

I'd told him about the bowling alley and other cool stuff that I had growing up at my parent's house and he wanted to come over. Carter was a cool lad, he wasn't too overbearing and I liked his company in a very short period. That was also because of what he'd said earlier.

"Where did that lad go?" Luke came back downstairs.

"He left a while ago. Why?"

"Though I'd drop him off. Now saves me time since he left." Luke shrugged and walked towards the door. "Are you sure you don't want to come?" He hollered.

I turned off the game and followed him out. "You're a prick," I muttered as I pulled out my keys.

Shrugging he locked the door and walked towards his car whilst I walked to mine. "I'll see you at training. Bye, C-Bomb!" He yelled.

"Stop calling me that, mate." I groaned.

I saw him smirk and slide into his sleek car. Because one does not simply climb into a car like his.

"Bye, Luke fluke!" I smiled smugly.

He glared at me and flipped me off. "Foutre le camp Courtois!" He yelled and rolled up his window.

"Vous aussi Smith!" I revved the engine of my car and we both drove off in the opposite direction.

I exhaled, my shoulders slumped. My thoughts went back to Harper, then it drifted to our previous encounter, I shuddered at the memory. I just hoped that our next encounter wouldn't be as bitter as our first.

But something told me that it would be much worse and I looked forward to it...

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Rebecca's POV

The days leading to Charlotte's birthday passed by quickly, we practised very hard for the upcoming competition, balancing studying and going to lectures, as the weeks that led to finals approached quite fast it was very exhausting. I waited for the break period eagerly.

Before I knew it, it was Saturday. I would've jumped with joy because ordinarily, we didn't have lectures, but my professor decided that it would be good to take extra classes to cram in everything before finals, we still had a lot to cover.

Charlotte, lucky girl didn't have to attend this class, although we both studied history and her elective classes were quite ahead she'd chosen another paper and I'd chosen this:

Ancient Medicine in Greece and Rome. Which was more fun.

And guess who single-handedly overlooked the entire paper?

Professor King, of course!

She had a short blonde bob, reading glasses perched on the bridge of her nose. Was a force to be reckoned with, although a stout woman, she was the no-nonsense professor, quite terrifying when it came to class and grading our papers, she knew her onions very well. She expected the best from all of us and abhorred half-arsed efforts, I had experienced it first hand during year one and the amount of red ink on my paper had me sobbing and that blotted all the ink on the paper making it seem like I cried bloodied tears. It might as well be. She told me that I could write better than this and I was lazy to put in any effort.

Imagine being told that by the professor who you thought was your favourite? And I thought I was going to get excellent grades because I'd often answer in her class, but when I saw my essay it'd felt like I'd been stabbed by her ink pen in the chest.

Once I had calmed down, and sensibility came back I'd realised that it was a botched up work and accepted my fate.

Ah, they were all sweet memories now!

I feared her, all of us did but she was quite approachable if you had any doubts. Her classes were very interesting and I took very detailed notes which were quite unnecessary, they were all interesting and everyone participated in it on their own accord, and if you lived by my notes you'd top the class.

"Next in hearing ancient voices, we'll look at the Perseus Project," Prof. King went to the next slide. "Does anybody here have any idea what the Perseus Project is about?" She asked, her eyes scanning the amphitheatre like classroom.

I looked at my wristwatch, five more minutes for the bell to go off. I was on the edge of my seat, fidgeting, and bit the back of my pen.

"Something to do with an experiment regarding Perseus in the ancient times, his conquests perhaps?" A lad answered.

A few snickers were heard.

She looked as if she wanted to say something but just exhaled. "Quite the opposite Roger, it's a digital library that contains ancient Greek and Latin texts," she explained and continued, "to explore health in the ancient world we need to be able to access ancient sources and that's where the Perseus Project comes in handy."

Some of us oohed and ahhed as we saw the slides.

The bell went off, indicating the end of the four-hour lecture. I wanted to raise both my hands in praise, I couldn't take it anymore.

"I wish we had time, you can all look it up online. But I will be sending you the links to Livius, Project Gutenberg and Inscriptions and Papyri which will help you lot with the next topics and readings. I expect all of you to go through them, I'll email them to you. Have a lovely weekend." She turned off the PowerPoint.

Most of the kids grumbled, so did I.

How are we supposed to have a lovely weekend when she's asked us to read?

The class quickly emptied, I was in dire need of a shower, I reeked of BO. The girls and I met early in the morning for practice, we got the last part right. So that was so relieving. As soon as practice was over I rushed to class.

We were going to meet each other in the evening at the party. I reached home sometime in the afternoon and was knackered. I dove into my bed, and before I knew it I'd zonked out. I woke up my to my phone buzzing, I hadn't even realised how long I was out for, all I knew was that I kept telling myself that I'd go shower in five minutes. I finally reached for my phone and saw Char's name flash across the screen.

I groaned like a lion cub, I didn't want to leave this bed. All I wanted was to wear my pyjamas, stay in bed and watch a nice movie with an ice cream tub. It's not because I didn't want to attend my best friend's birthday, it's just that I didn't want to meet people, tomorrow I'd be reading the course work, so I wanted to enjoy today without having to put much effort.

It also happened to be her grandmother's birthday too. Her grandfather and parents went full out with the celebrations that were to take place at her Grandparent's Estates.

She rang me up one more time, I answered.

"I thought you were dead!" She yelled.

"I wish." My voice groggy and mind disoriented. I wiped the drool with the sleeve of my jacket.

The line was awfully quiet. But then... "Rebecca Harper Sienna Docherty don't tell me you're sleeping?!" She shrieked.

I cringed. "Stop bloody yelling! I was so knackered."

"Take a nap tomorrow, get your cute arse here."

I yawned like Mufasa. Ugh so unladylike I know!

"Chars, I love you to bits, but can I just show up in my pyjamas?" Or better yet, not show up at all?

Of course, I didn't tell her that.

I crossed my fingers and hoped she'd comply. But one can only hope.

"Are you bloody joking? You know what? Go ahead but don't come to me when you regret it after coming here which I know you will because you won't get another opportunity like this." She continued, "this is a formal event, I'd drag you out of the house with a dress myself, but if you insist on wearing pyjamas I don't mind, but don't blame me."

I sighed. "Fine, I'll wear that dress. I'm doing this because you've given me no choice and I love you."

"Adequate! While you're at it try a different hairstyle, don't come here in a half-arsed low chignon, yeah? Try to look your best today, you'll thank me later." She sounded oddly cryptic.

I narrowed my eyes at the ceiling and yawned, which made my eyes water. "What do you mean?" My stomach churned but also flipped.

"Get your arse over here and find out for yourself."

"Alright, I will," I said defeated. "It better be worth it!"

"Darling it's going to rock your world. Now that wasn't so bad, now was it?" She gloated. I grunted in response. She continued, "thank you, you won't regret it. I'm so glad I could convince you. I gotta go, I'll see you at the party." And hung up.

I put my face on the pillow and let out a silent scream when I heard the knock on the door I screamed louder.

"Rebecca are you all right?" Mum looked at me with concern.

"Yes, yes," I said too quickly. "Can you help me with my hair, please?"

She smiled. "Of course! Come on!"

"Let me take a quick bath!" I jumped off the bed and hopped into the shower.

Not missing how my mother shook her head in disapproval. "Fiddlesticks not you as well! Your brother isn't here yet and you haven't even...." She huffed, pinched her eyes and closed the door.

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

I wore the dress Chars got me and it was stunning. It was a knee-length evening burgundy red, off-the-shoulder dress, it was cinched at the waist, and fell freely into a pleated skirt with minimalistic lace flower detailings. It fit like a glove and made me look gorgeous. Mum helped me with the hair and makeup. My hair was in soft luscious curls, the front two portions pulled back and secured behind, the rest of my hair cascaded down freely. The makeup was kept minimalistic and natural, just mascara, and light gloss to finish it off.

I put on my black stiletto platforms and went downstairs. My legs wobbled, it was strange to walk in heels after a very long time, but I liked it because it gave confidence. I felt beautiful. I saw my Mum waiting for me and her face broke into a grin.

"You look gorgeous, darling!" Mum gushed.

"You look fab!" I complimented her, she looked like a million bucks in midnight blue dress from her latest collection. My parents were attending because they're all closely associated with the Kingsley's.

They couldn't refuse expensive bubbly and business talk.

"Ducky!" I turned around to see my dad smile at me. "Good, you're here. The car's ready why don't you girls go and take a seat."

I frowned, we were still waiting? I thought I was late. I was about to ask him, just then Carter came barrelling down the stairs.

"Finally, let's leave!" My dad huffed and began to walk.

"Why're you late? And who is this new friend?" I furrowed my eyebrows, because I had rang him earlier to remind him to come home early and he'd informed me that he was spending time with his new friend. Usually, my brother would be dressed and ready to go before anyone else, so I was surprised today.

Carter grinned evilly, his braces glinted under the lights. "I was actually at Luke's, came home twenty minutes ago and lost track of time. Oh, about my new friend... his name is Caleb..." He trailed off buttoning his shirt properly. He looked at me smugly.

I froze. Caleb? It couldn't be him right? I tried to convince myself otherwise.

"You did not!" I gaped. "Don't associate with him, he's not nice," I warned him.

"You're not a nice person and you don't get to dictate who I do or don't get to associate with!" He ground out.

"I am going to box your ears, you prick!" I reached to thump him.

"Touch me and I'm telling mum and dad." He threatened. "And I know what you did!" He narrowed his eyes.

"Oooh, I quiver with fear!" I feigned a shudder and shoved him. "You do? What'd he tell you?" I looked at him curiously.

"Shut up Scar!" He scowled. "Let's see if you'll be this smug when mum gets through with you. I am not telling you anything, you should be aware of what you did!"

I stalked towards him. Just like Scar did to Zazu.

"Ducky, Rhys hurry up!" Dad called out. Both my parents addressed Carter by his middle name: Rhys. I don't know why, but they just did.

"Impeccable timing dad!" Carter stuck his tongue at me and slid in the car.

I hurriedly got in as well and glared at Carter. If he did tell on me, Mum would flip out a little bit because she partially knew what I'd done, but dad would just not care. He'd be amused and possibly be chuffed.

Bugger! If I ever see Caleb again I'm going to kill him!

I sighed, I hadn't thought about Caleb in three years as much as I have in a fortnight and my mood dampened. I wished to forget and the only possible way was Charlotte's cryptic surprise which I looked forward tonight. Hopefully, that would make me feel better.

And to quote her: Rock my world!

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NEW UPDATE: I added Caleb's pov, and just thought why not give a little introduction of him here;), lemme know what you all think of this! And what do you think will be the surprise??

And you guys, I will introduce both the male and female lead face to face in a few chapters, so please be patient.

Please vote and comment. I hope you liked this chappie.

Saranghe!xx