Chapter Forty-One: Fair Kisses

“Do you think my hair looks okay?” I asked, looking in the review mirror- also known as the mirror to block the sun. “You guys sure, it looks fine?” I said, asking once more not even giving them a chance to answer. I was just too nervous for my date with Gavin, I am pretty sure it was our first kind of official first date and I honestly didn’t want Thomas screwing it up for me.

“How long until, we get to wherever we are going? Because I honestly don’t think I survive in this car much longer with Miss Freaking Out.” Thomas said, directing his attention to Ben who behind the wheel.

“That makes two of us,” He said, to Thomas. “But, to answer your question, not much longer. We should be arriving at the place in two minutes.”

I heard Thomas let out a sigh, “Good. Because I am pretty sure my IQ is lowering, with all the perfume and hair spray that you put on. Like I can smell you from here.”

“Well aren’t you the greatest brother, anyone could have?” I said, sarcastically. “I am sorry that I am a bit nervous for my first date.”

“I am quite shocked that you even got a date in the first place,” I heard Thomas mutter from the back seat.

My jaw dropped as I turned around, “Thomas…” I began slowly. “I might be your older sister, but I am willing to push you out of this car if you do not stop with the insults. Am I understood?” I asked, but in return Thomas just rolled his eyes looking out the window.

“Glad we have come to an understanding,” I muttered, turning around in my seat.

My fingers soon found its way to the bottom of my skirt as I began to fiddle with the ends of it. I was beyond nervous for this date and I may have gone overboard with the perfume and hair spray.

Holly helped me pick my outfit. She was just as excited as I was for this date, mostly because apparently if they didn’t come up with this genius plan of locking us in the closet, we would have never been going on a date in the first place.

Holly came over and did my hair and makeup. It only took an hour and a half so I wasn’t complaining. Plus, it didn’t turn out bad, so I was satisfied on the way I looked. She curled my hair, giving it this beachy look. The only makeup that she did was lip gloss, eyeliner and mascara. I wasn’t too big on the other stuff so it was quick and easy. For the outfit she picked out a black skater skirt and black and a plain white blouse that I tucked into my skirt. Over that I had a red and black plaid shirt, because apparently to her, plaid was very trendy right now.

“You excited for this date?” Ben asked, as his eyes stayed glued to the road.

I nodded my head, “Yeah. How was Gavin when you talked to him about where the date was being held?” I asked, the question that has been on my mind ever since.

Gavin wanted to pick Thomas and I from my house then we would go to the date, since he wanted it to be a surprise. But, I refused telling him he should just tell me so I could meet him there. However, Gavin being the stubborn boy that he is, settled for telling Ben where we were going so that he could drop us off. I know he was a bit wary about letting Ben take me to our date. Nevertheless, at least we’ve came to an agreement.

“He gave me weird looks. Like he thought I was going to spill the beans to you.”

“But, you didn’t. So I think you should be pretty proud of yourself, considering it is hard to resist this.” I said, pointing to myself.

“Oh please, someone barf me.” I heard Thomas, groan.

I rolled my eyes as I looked out the window. I noticed trees and lots of land, there was also a lot of cars in front and behind us as they all seemed to be going the same way.

The first thing I saw when the trees started disappearing was a Ferris wheel. I soon then started to see a lot of other rides and that is when I realized where we are.

“Gavin is taking me to the fair?”

“He is actually taking you, Thomas, and most probably Garrett. But, yeah you are going to the fair.”

I let out a small squeal. The last time I went to the fair was when I was Thomas’ age. So excuse me if I was a little excited.

Ben’s car came into a slow halt as he stopped the car, turning of the engine. I watched as people on all ages walked towards the entrance of the fair.

“Do you want me to pick you up, later?” Ben asked, as Thomas and I got out of the car.

I shook my head, “Nah its fine. I will probably get Gavin to drop us back home or something.”

Ben nodded his head, “Okay. But, if anything happens. Call me.”

“What’s the worst that could happen? A meteor comes out of nowhere and strikes Alice and I?” Thomas questioned, coming over to stand next to me.

“You know what? Maybe it is best if I just hang out with you guys and Gavin.” Ben said, moving his hand to take off his seatbelt.

I shook my head, “No. Ben,” I began, softly. “You have to learn to trust us, well me. And you have to learn to ignore Thomas.”

“I ignore you all the time, you ignoring me doesn’t bother me.” My brother said, walking away from the car and towards the entrance of the fair.

“But it’s my job, Alice. You once told me that I wasn’t doing my job as a bodyguard.”

“That was a long time ago.” I defended.

“That was the first day of school.” He replied.

“Look, your father trusts me. Please, if anything happens you will call me. Got it?”

I nodded my head, closing the door of his car. “Got it, Ben.”

He nodded, “Good. Now have fun.”

I smiled, as he began to roll up the passenger seat window. I took a few steps away from the car, as Ben started up the engine.

I liked Ben. But, I did not like like him, like how I did with Gavin. Sure, I wasn’t going to lie. If I was a normal girl and didn’t think of Ben as a brother and as my cousin’s ex. I am pretty sure I would fall for him.

“So are we going to just stand here all day or are we going to go find your lover?” Thomas asked interrupting my thoughts.

“I thought you went to the entrance, why are you back?”

“Because it would be awkward if I just went up to your lover and started talking to him.” He replied.

“He’s not my lover.”

“Sorry, I meant your boyfriend.” Thomas said, correcting himself with a satisfied grin on his face.

“I am one minute away from hurting you.”

“And I am one comment away from sending you over the edge.” He replied, as I narrowed my eyes at him. “Never mind. I can see I already drove you over the edge.”

“Let’s go,” I said, tugging Thomas’ sleeve as we walked towards the line of people waiting to get in. “Why is there a fair in the middle of the week, anyways? Let alone in April.”

“It’s Tuesday. It’s not the middle of the week, yet.” Thomas said, correcting me. “And it’s because it is the month of Easter! You know what Easter is, do you?”

I gave my brother a look, “Of course I know what Easter is!”

He was talking to me as if I was the younger sibling.

“Well, since Easter is only a week and a half away usually there would be a fair in town. It only lasts a couple of days, but it’s this year they wanted to do something different and make the fair a little bit earlier.”

“Why can’t they just have the fair on Easter?”

Thomas shrugged his shoulders, “How am I supposed to know? I am not some type of mind reader.”

“But you are a hacker.”

He narrowed his eyes at me, before directing his attention to something behind me. “Oh, look there’s your lover.”

I wanted to say something, but I thought against it. Considering what I was going to say would probably just get me in trouble, since Thomas had a mouth on him.

I turned around and saw Gavin with Garrett as his eyes scanned the people. His eyes slowly came to a stop as it landed on me. A smile slowly started to make its way onto my face as he approached me with Garrett in tow.

He slowly came to a halt as he stood before me and Thomas, as I gave him a small smile. He was wearing a grey hoody and black jeans that were fitted on his waist. I was glad he wasn’t low-riding like most boys my age, because honestly that was a major pet-peeve of mine.

“Hey.”

“Hey,” He replied back.

I know it was awkward when I didn’t say anything, like how are you? But, I was already nervous with the whole meeting of the Thomas.

“Ali!” I heard, Garrett squeal my name as he wrapped his arms around my leg.

“Hey, Garrett!” I said, picking him up and propping him on my waist. “How are you?”

He nodded his head, excitedly. “Good. I lost a tooth yesterday.” He said, putting his finger in his mouth showing me the empty spot where his tooth once was.

“That’s neat. Did the tooth fairy come?”

He shook his head, the smile on his face dropping. “No. But Gavy said that the tooth fairy probably got lost or something. So she should visit tonight.”

I nodded my head, “Yeah she probably did get lost.”

Garrett nodded his head his brown hair falling in his eyes. “Yeah. So I am gonna stay up all night and wait for her.”

“I bet you are,” I replied, chuckling placing Garrett on his feet, because he kept squirming in my hold.

“You still believe in the tooth fairy? Kid, you do realize that it is all fa-"

I elbowed Thomas in the arm, telling him to shut up. He couldn’t spoil the kids dream. He was only four and if I was Garrett’s age I wouldn’t want to know that there was no such thing as the tooth fairy.

Thomas just glared at me in return as I gave him a pointed look to shut his trap. I heard a chuckle as I directed my attention to Gavin.

“So, I am guessing this is the brother who wants to meet me.” Gavin said, directing his attention to Thomas, who was just staring at Gavin with narrowed eyes.

I nodded my head, “This is my brother Thom-" I stopped mid-sentence when I realized I didn’t want tell Gavin my brothers full name. “This is Tommy. Tom for short.” I said, nodding head.

I felt a pair of eyes on me, when I turned to my head to Thomas. “Really Tommy? That is the best you can do?” He asked, his eyebrows raised.

I elbowed him to the arm, basically trying to refrain him for opening that big mouth of his.

Gavin just stared at us with a blank look on his face. “O-okay,” He said, finally speaking. “How about we get our tickets and then we can start?”

I nodded my head, grabbing Thomas’ arm. “You can go ahead and grab the tickets, I am just going to have a word with Tom for a minute.” I explained.

Gavin nodded his head, grabbing Garrett’s hand and walking towards the line of people waiting to purchase their tickets to enter the fair.

Once they were out of view, I turned my head to face my brother with the big mouth. “Do you want him to know I am lying?” I asked, throwing my hands up in frustration.

Thomas let out a snort, “Is it really my fault that you are a bad liar? Like honestly, out of all names you pick Tommy? What kind of name is that?”

I narrowed my eyes at him, “A name that just so happens to be yours.”

He rolled those light eyes of his, “Okay fine. Tommy it is.”

“Good. Because I swear one more screw up, the deal is off.” I told him, seriously.

He shrugged his shoulders, “If you knew what was in that file. I doubt you would have wanted to call of the deal, because trust me, knowing what is in that file is worth putting up with me.”

I gave my brother a look, “Whatever. Just don’t mess up, okay?”

“No promises.” He muttered, walking towards the same direction Gavin and Garrett had just walked off too.

I let out a sigh, pulling down my black skater skirt, as the wind nipped my skin. I began to walk over to the long line of people waiting.

I passed by the bunch of people as I looked for my brother and the two other dark brown haired boys. Once I saw them, I began to pick up my pace, walking over to them.

They were at the front of the line, as I noticed Gavin crouching over putting the wrist band in order to enter the fair, on my brother. 

Once he was done he turned his attention to me. I gave him a small smile, “Is everything alright?” Gavin asked, me. His brown eyes looking over at me in worry.

I nodded my head, holding out my wrist for him to place the band over it. “Everything is just fine.” I said, smiling.

“Alright if you say so…” He said, clasping the band onto my wrist. He then turned his attention towards the boys, “Which ride do you guys want to go on?”

“The swings!” Thomas, exclaimed.

“Alright, let’s get going shall we?” I said, making a move to follow Thomas and Garrett who were running off towards the ride.

As I made a move, I felt Gavin grab my arm pulling me backwards. “I forgot to tell you,” Gavin whispered to me, pulling me towards his chest. “You look beautiful. I was going to say hot, but I doubted you wanted to be compared to a temperature.” He said, as I let out a snort.

I felt my cheeks get hot, as Gavin entwined his hands with mine. “Come on, let’s get going, before we lose them.” He said, as we walked hand in hand in the direction our brothers headed of in.

*

“Yes….” I said, shouting as I filled up my balloon faster than Gavin.

“Congrats,” Gavin muttered, sourly. Probably upset that I beat him the second time.

“Thanks.” I said, smirking.

“Which one would you like?” The owner of the booth asked. I pointed to a stuffed snake as he gave me a weird look. He probably thought I was going to go for the unicorn or something.

Once he gave me the stuffed snake I handed it over to Garrett who was looking up at me in wide eyes. He was blabbering the whole time about wanting a stuffed snake. Don’t ask me why, because honestly I don’t even know.

Garrett let out hissing noises as he put the head of the snake towards Thomas’ face. “It’s gonna eat you!” Garrett yelled, as Thomas just looked at the young boy weirdly.

“Snakes don’t eat people.” Thomas said.

“Yeah but they do bite.” I said, pointing out.

“The snake is gonna bite you…” Garrett said, as he chased after Thomas who looked at the boy in wide eyes, taking off the other way.

I let out a chuckle, as I watched Garrett chase Thomas around people who were caught in the middle of their game.

“That was a really nice thing for you to do.” Gavin said, coming up from behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist.

I stiffened at his touch, but once I knew it was him. I relaxed into his hold.

“It’s not a big deal, I knew how much he wanted a snake after he threw away the teddy bear you gave him.” I said, chuckling at the memory.

“Yeah… That wasn’t very nice.”

I snorted, “I wonder where he gets it from.”

Gavin didn’t respond as I felt his chin rest on my shoulder. We watched silently as I leaned back on Gavin’s chest as we watched Thomas run over to us.

“Please, make him stop…” He said, pointing to Garrett, slightly breathless.

I rolled my eyes, Thomas didn’t really like little children and it showed because he wasn’t really bonding with Garrett like I hoped, for.

I felt as Gavin release his arms from me as he walked over to Thomas. “How about you and I have a little talk?”

I raised my eyebrows at him. I didn’t know what Gavin wanted to say to Thomas but I wasn’t going to lie I was a little bit curious.

Thomas shrugged his shoulders as him and Gavin walked over to an empty bench. I was out of hearing range, but I just watched the two closely as Thomas stood on the bench so he was the same height as Gavin.

I watched as my younger brother pointed his finger in front of Gavin’s face. As Gavin just stared back at Thomas nodding his head to whatever he was saying, an amused look was plastered on his face.

A few minutes later I could tell they were done there conversation because Thomas held out his hand for Gavin to shake jumping off the bench running over to where Garrett and I were standing.

“Come on Garrett, why don’t we go play that game over there.” Thomas said, his mood suddenly changing all of a sudden as he led the four year old towards one of the whack the mole games.

Gavin slowly approached me a suspicious look on his face. “I don’t know what you said to him, but thank you.”

“I didn’t say anything. I actually barely got a word in.”

“Then what was that all about?”

“Don’t worry about it.” Gavin said, shoving his hands into his pockets.

I smiled, as I leaned over and planted a small kiss on Gavin’s cheek. Once I pulled away I couldn’t help but reveal the goofy look on my face.

“What was that for?” He asked, looking shocked that I was bold enough to do that.

I shook my head, “Don’t worry about it.” I replied, walking over to where Thomas and Garrett were, ignoring the stare digging into my back, leaving behind a confused Gavin.

*

“My stomach… It hurts…” Thomas complained, as I tightened my grip under his armpits to help steady him as we walked towards the parking lot.

“That is what you get after you eat three hotdogs, drink two slushies’ and devour a boat load of candy.” I muttered, as my brother just groaned in response.

“It’s not my fault, Gavin said that I was going to be fine.” Thomas complained, his voice sounding hoarse.

“And you really believe him? This is coming from a guy who ate five hotdogs himself.” I retorted, rubbing my forehead on my arm. “Mom and dad are going to kill me when they see you like this.” I muttered, to myself quietly. But, not quiet enough that Thomas heard me.

“Well this is your fault now,” Thomas said, as we approached Gavin’s rusty red truck.

I sighed, waiting for Gavin to unlock the car. When he did I opened up the door for the back seat, helping Thomas climb inside. Once he did, I quickly helped him with his seatbelt as I noticed Gavin doing the same strapping a sleeping Garrett into his car seat.

Thomas closed his eyes as he rested his head on his shoulder. I shut the door, opening the front seat and climbing in. I had no idea how I was going to explain Thomas’ food sickness to them.

I strapped myself into the car as I waited for Gavin to do the same and start the engine. “He’s going to be fine. You are worrying too much.” Gavin said softly, his eyes glued to the road in front of him.

“I am not worried about Thom-" I said, before correcting myself. “Tommy, I am worried about me! What am I supposed to tell my parents?”

Gavin let out an unattractive snort, “You are an amazing, sister.” He said, sarcastically.

“And he-" I said, referring to Thomas. “Is an amazing brother. Did you know he had to blackmail me in order to allow him to meet you?”

“I hope when Garrett gets older he isn’t going to blackmail me like that…” He muttered, looking at the review mirror, checking on his brother.

“They are always so cute and innocent when they are young. Then they grow up to hack into the security system, just to spy on people.”

“What?” Gavin asked, confused.

“What?” I repeated.

He turned his head to look at me for a brief second, before his eyes turned back to the road. “You are honestly something else Miss Clair.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” I said, smirking.

He rolled his gorgeous dark brown eyes, as a chuckle escaped his soft pink lips. My eyes widened in shock as I just realized the thoughts I had for Gavin swarming in my head. Did I honestly just think that?

I looked over at Gavin and saw his lips move, but didn’t hear anything come out. I blinked a couple of times, bringing myself back to reality. “Pardon? Did you say something?”

He gave me a confused look, “Are you okay? I was called you three times…”

I nodded my head, “Sorry. I was just thinking.”

“What were you thinking about?”

“You.” I blurted, before I had a chance to think before I spoke.

A smirk made its way onto Gavin’s face, as I felt my cheeks become hot. “You were thinking about me? Are you having sexual fantasies about me, Miss Clair?”

My eyes narrowed into slits, “No. I wasn’t having that about you.” I said, not wanting to repeat such a word.

“Then what were you thinking about? And you better tell me because I can do this all day…”

“Do what?” I asked, a little unsure to hear an answer.

“You know tell you about certain things that can happen between you and me.” Gavin replied, smirking.

“Could you stop that?” I said, hissing. “We have one innocent child in the car and a demon. And I am not talking about Tommy.” I said, slowly.

Gavin turned to me a small smile on his face. “It’s so easy getting you riled up. It fills the empty hole in my heart.”

I raised my eyebrows, “You have an empty hole in your heart?”

Gavin nodded his head, “Yeah. Don’t you?”

“No…” I answered, slowly.

“I am pretty sure you do. You just don’t know it yet.”

“You aren’t making any sense. Why would I have a hole in my heart?” I asked, not before realizing something. “Wait you don’t me literally, right?”

“Of course I don’t mean literally. Are you stupid? I am pretty sure if you had an actual hole you would be dead… but don’t quote me on it, I am no doctor.”

I ran my hands through my hair, tangling my fingers in them. “I honestly, cannot believe I am having this conversation.” I said, aloud.

Gavin rolled his eyes at me, “I meant to say that everybody has a hole in there heart that is supposed to be filled by the person that they love and who truly loves them.”

I opened and closed my mouth repeatedly, not knowing what to say. “A-are you okay?”

“Yeah, I am fine. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Because you were just a cocky, annoying jerk and now you are this sweet, sentimental jerk.”

He glanced at me from the corner of his eyes, slowly stopping the car and turning off the engine. “Glad to know that I will always be a jerk in your eyes.”

I smiled, sweetly at him. I took my eyes off Gavin for a second to notice that he had stopped the car at our usual spot where he would drop me off.

I unbuckled my seatbelt, grabbing the door handle. “Thanks for the ride.” I said, before getting out. “I had a lot of fun on our date.” I said, smiling.

“Me too.” He replied, with a small smile on his face.

“See you tomorrow.” I said, about to open the door.

“Wait!” Gavin called out, “You are forgetting something.”

I knitted my eyebrows in confusion as I felt my pocket for my phone. “I think I have everything. The only thing I brought was my phone and some money. Which you refused me to use.”

“I wasn’t going to let you pay. Boys always pay for their dates.”

“That’s sexist.”

“That’s reality.” He replied.

I rolled my eyes, “What am I forgetting?” I asked, giving up on whatever game he was playing.

“A goodnight kiss, it’s usually the best thing to end a wonderful day. So pucker up, buttercup.” He said, puckering his lips.

I raised my eyebrows at him. Yes, I will admit I wouldn’t mind kissing him at this moment. But, even though it wouldn’t be my first kiss. I wanted it to be something special, especially since I actually liked the idiot.

“Not happening.”

“Why not?” Gavin asked, doing this pouty thing with his lips.

“Because I’d rather not kiss you in front of our younger brothers.”

“Really? They are sleeping, what they don’t know can’t hurt them.”

“It can’t hurt them, but it can scar them. Why am I saying can? It has already scarred me!” I heard a voice say. I turned around to notice Thomas who was awake watching us with a disgusted look on his face.

I looked at Thomas in pure shock, “You were awake this whole time?” He nodded his head slowly. “Why didn’t you say anything?” I asked, flabbergasted.

“What am I supposed to say? Hey guys can you quit flirting, it’s making me want to gauge my eyes out.”

My eyes widened. “Yeah, something along those lines.”

Thomas rolled his eyes, “I am gone.” He said, unbuckling himself and opening the door.

I watched as he walked around the car and proceeded to walk home. I noticed that he swayed when he walked as if he was drunk. I knew I had to catch up with him or he would end up being hit by a car, considering the chicken had to cross the road in order to get home.

“I have to go.” I said, opening the door and getting out.

“So, no goodbye kiss?”

I shook my head, “No goodbye kiss.” I repeated.

“But, can I at least do this?” Gavin said, leaning over to me. I stood still as his lips came in contact with my skin. I felt tingles from the spot that he just kissed. “Just wanted to return the favour, from earlier.” He said, whispering. “Night.”

A goofy grin made its way onto my face, as I finally got out of his truck. “Night.” I replied, softly.

Once Gavin’s truck pulled out of the curb I ran towards my brother who didn’t make it so far, since he was still in sight. I jogged over to him as he looked to have a hard time standing still or even standing for that matter.

“What’s wrong with you?” I asked, grabbing a hold of him.

I felt Thomas tense as I came in contact with him. “Nothing. What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing.” I murmured, as we both crossed the almost deserted street. It was almost around midnight and things even in a busy city like DC were starting to settle down.

It was a silent walk back to the house. Once we made it to the gates the guards let us in without asking any questions. I am pretty sure my mom told them we would be back this late, since I texted her during the fair to let her know.

As we made our way down the drive way, I turned to Thomas. “Did you have fun?”

He nodded his head, his eyes droopy. “Yeah. I actually did.”

“I’m glad.” I said, softly. “What do you think of him?”

“Honestly… I think he is the perfect person for you. And I would be kind of bummed if something were to go wrong between the two of you.”

“That would make two of us.”

Thomas didn’t reply as we made our way inside the house. We didn’t say anything more as I watched Thomas head for the stairs.

“Thomas!” I called out, stopping him from making another step. He turned to look at me, a questioning look on his face. “Do you mind if you can give me the file now?”

He didn’t say anything as he removed his hand from the railing and jumping down from the stair that he was on. He then walked over to a bench, I watched as he opened it pulling out the file I was chasing after him this morning for.

“That’s where you put it?”

“How did you even know about that?”

“I have a lot of free time.” He replied, “Night.” And with that, he disappeared up the stairs.

I opened the file, slowly. Curious to why Thomas was so wary on giving it to me. But, as soon as I read the first couple of sentences I knew the reason why. And honestly, I couldn’t help but feel shocked because now I think I finally knew the reason to why you don’t judge a book but its cover. Because Ashley was living proof to that question.

*****

 Hello Lovelies,

So this chapter is nine pages on word and over 5000 words… Sooo no one better not complain about the shortness cause as Thomas or Tommy if you prefer I will gauge your eyes out. What did you think of this? And Thomas and Garrett and the whole meeting of the two? I want to read your comments so write them below, because it is almost midnight and I stayed up writing this for you all!

So guys I love you all and I just want to let you know that but, guys I do have a life of my own and sometimes updating is not my number one priority. I have field hockey, homework, a social life and I am planning a huge event for the grade nines so it is honestly taking up most of my time. Because guys try organizing over 300 people into groups… it is not easy. I love you and I am so thankful for you all sticking with me this far! If I cannot update I do let you know, I don’t just disappear because honestly I don’t think it would be fair to you.

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