Chapter 278: Apologies (4)
Lastly, Jake heard about it from Damien and was ruthless about it.
He drawled, "So, a house in the outskirts, right? Just like our house."
"Yeah," Mary nodded, looking pissed.
Jake sneered, "And you will furnish it, right?"
"Yeah, I will." Mary agreed to this request as it was rare for Jake to be this demanding. He usually did stuff himself and never let others make the bed. He was that kind of a type, yet he was mercilessly going at her bank account!
Jake harrumphed, "You will also cover bills for a year."
"Isn’t that too much?!" Mary slammed her hands onto the table, growling at Jake.
Her little brother however sneered at her. "You want me to ask for more? You will mow my lawn, then!"
Mary hitched. "Never! I will make spare keys and bother you whenever I want if you keep ordering me! I did good work with that muscle man! My fault he’s on steroids?!"
"You call him running at us a good work?! You have more than a loose screw?! Ten?!" Jake barked back.
Mary spat at the table, "You have twenty loose screws! You know we couldn’t take him away from the stairs because of the cameras!"
As these two argued, Meredith interjected, "Could you bring me up to speed?"
"Ah," Jake parted his lips. "Well, Damien felt like Triple M would do something, so he asked these two to keep an eye on and stop him in case he follows us. It happened, but my stupid sister didn’t think ahead!"
"Excuse me!" Mary pushed out her chest. "Why is no one blaming Robert?!"
"You traitor!" Robert exclaimed.
"Who would blame him when he’s putting up with you day after day?!" Jake shouted back.
"All’s well that ends well, and I make him finish well every night!" Mary proudly exclaimed.
Jake, Meredith, and Robert reddened, getting stunned.
No one uttered a word.
Oblivious to the fact that, despite Jake and Meredith dating, these two were young and virgins and relatively new to each other, Mary continued the talk as though she had said normal stuff to her family members.
She said, "We’re leaving today. You have lots of fun. Your sister is glad you have started boarding horizons and stuff! If your titty girl gets up duff, you can rely on us and Dad! I’ll make your brats my allies. See ya back soon!
Ah, right, right! Take care of him, Meredith! He’s an idiot, stupid, and obsessive about archery, but I believe in ya! Make him obsessed! You have it all, girl!"
She left the table.
Robert sighed and apologized, "Mary just doesn’t hold back. I’m sorry for her, and I hope you will have a great time with no one bothering you! If you need help, call me."
"Yeah… thanks," Jake replied.
"Have a safe trip," Meredith replied.
Jake peeked at her, finding her all red. Even her neck flushed.
"…you’re so sweet, Meredith."
"…not now," Meredith replied. ’My head must be steaming! That’s the difference between me and someone experienced! I could never be so bold about s-s-sex!’
-
At last, Justin returned to the hotel.
It was easy to spot him because he had a bandage over his head. He was also draped by his new girlfriend, who cried into his shoulder as she embraced him.
It was cute to see them.
Jake didn’t want to disturb their moment, but it was time to step in and apologize for everything he had done.
Meredith also supported him.
Holding his hand tightly, she walked beside him to Justin and Daniela.
These two had noticed them.
For a short moment, a heavy silence blanketed them.
Jake felt a firm squeeze on his hand, urging him to speak.
"How’s your eye?" Jake asked.
"Okay… I still must check it back home, but it should be fine," Justin replied.
Jake didn’t know what had happened, but he had forgotten all the words and apologies he had prepared. It was as though his mind had become empty before him.
He could only utter the most common apologies. "I’m sorry… I went overboard. I shouldn’t have even raised my hands at you… it happened so fast… and I can’t believe it ended up with you going to the hospital…"
It could be seen that Jake was flustered and lost, and each of his words was genuine.
"You really didn’t hold back," Justin faintly smiled. "You also dominated me today in the arena. You have become so much stronger that I don’t know if I can strengthen your archery!"
"You can… of course you can! You’re so strong yourself! Don’t sell yourself short, bro," Jake weakly smiled.
Justin reciprocated his smile.
He feared that he would never be able to talk with Jake about archery and magic and work together. He also regretted coming to Jake and not asking him about his mood.
It was so apparent that Jake had been burdened.
He acted upon his feelings and impatience.
Justin also didn’t like the bridge created in Casual Clowns between him and Jake. It felt so wrong that he also thought of something to make it up with Jake.
He didn’t know how it would happen, so he cried a lot to Daniela after the battle.
It was a miracle that Jake changed so fast.
Justin realized with a glance who was accountable for that.
Meredith also smiled from ear to ear as she saw Jake and Justin talking about their friendship.
Noticing Justin’s stare, Meredith parted her lips, "I’m Meredith. Your battle happened partially because of me, so I also owe you an apology. Forgive me for not noticing about it earlier."
Justin turned flustered, "You had nothing to do with it, Miss Meredith! It’s all fine! Jake’s my first friend, and Casual Clowns is my second home! It was our fault, so you don’t have to apologize!"
"I want to thank Daniela for that slap. It hurt, but that’s what I needed," Jake said.
Daniela nodded with a smile.
Jake smiled at the couple, "You two are lucky to have each other. Have fun in South America’s server, Justin."
"Eh?" Justin blinked.
Jake took Meredith away, leaving the couple alone.
Justin tried to get Jake back, to no avail.
His friend just waved at them before taking his girlfriend for a walk.
After making a call, Justin realized that Jake had changed their team’s choice!
His eyes watered.
He clenched his hands. "Even if you don’t consider me your best friend, you’ll always be my best friend!"
Meanwhile, Meredith peeked at her boyfriend.
She leaned down and smiled at him. "You’re so shy. It’s adorable."
It reminded Jake of her attitude the day he met her.
He chuckled, "You’re the sweetest."
"Keep trying," Meredith looked away. "I ate so much! We should run for a little!"
Jake gasped, "You wearing a sports bra?"
Meredith hitched. "I have forgotten!"
"So… let’s rent bikes?" Jake suggested.
"Good idea!" Meredith nodded.
"We bike in a row. You’re first. Hehe."
"Your intent is leaking out through that smirk of yours. Just don’t crash into me," Meredith commented. ’My rogue is just like his sister! I’ll let it slide today!’
A/N: Volume 3 ends! Happy about our Casual Clowns and their relationships? I sprinkled romance and I will soon add romance tag, but what you guys think about it so far? Should I focus more on romance in the upcoming Volume 4 or have it less? How’s Jake’s gf? I guess she’s the most important addition to the team now!