Chapter four

Jems’ mum was on the couch watching TV. Her hair was pulled up in a messy bun with a few strands falling across her face. She was wearing a pink jersey, shorts, and socks while eating a bag of chips. Just then, Jems, who had just gotten back from school, opened the door and walked in with Derick.

“Mum!” Jems screamed as she ran up to her mum to give her a hug.

“My love, I’ve missed you,” Emily said as she hugged her daughter. “And who might this be?” she asked, looking at Derick.

“Good evening, ma'am. I’m Derick,” he said with a little bow. “I’m her body…”

But Jems cut him off before he could finish his sentence.

“Friend,” she said, jumping from the couch and rushing over to Derick’s side. “He’s my friend, Mum. I made a new friend while you were away,” she said, now holding Derick’s arm and smiling. “But he has to go now,” she added, pushing him toward the door.

“Jems, stop! How rude of you. You invite a friend over and you’re sending him off without even offering him a drink?” Emily said, standing up. “What would you like to have, dear?”

“Nothing, ma'am. I’m okay,” he answered politely.

“I didn’t know my daughter had a friend who was this handsome,” she said, smiling as she looked at Jems.

“Mum, it’s not what you’re thinking, trust me,” Jems said, rolling her eyes.

“Are you sure you don’t want anything?” she asked, facing Derick. “Juice, tea, water? Or would you like to stay for dinner?”

“I would’ve loved to, Mrs. Dawson, but I’m very busy. I already had a chat with Miss Jems on our way here, and…”

Emily cut him off before he could finish.

“Miss? You call her Miss Jems? I thought you said you two were friends,” she said, raising her eyebrows while looking at Jems.

“Haha, Mum, that’s just…” Jems started to explain, but Derick spoke over her.

“That’s just how I referred to her the first time we met when we were just strangers. That’s how I always addressed her since I worked for Mr. Dawson. I guess it just stuck,” he said, scratching the back of his head.

“Ooh, okay. I understand. Well, it was nice meeting you, Derick. I hope you drop by next time.”

“Sure, ma'am,” Derick said, smiling.

“I’ll see him out, Mum,” Jems said as she walked out with Derick. Once they were outside, she sighed. "The reason why I lied is because my dad didn’t tell her about the accident. She was away for over three months looking after my aunt who just gave birth. She has no idea about any of the things that have been happening. Telling her now would probably be a shock, and she’d get angry that we kept it from her. That’s why…”

Before she could finish, Derick interrupted her.

“Miss Jems, I never asked you anything. You don’t have to explain yourself to me,” he said without looking at her. “And it wasn’t necessary to walk me out. You can go back inside.”

As he reached the gate, he stopped and looked at Jems, who was staring at him in silence.

“It wasn’t necessary to hold my arm, either. You could have said I was your friend from where you were sitting. I hope it doesn’t repeat itself next time,” he said as he walked out of the gate.

“But you kept smiling today... I thought we had finally become friends,” she whispered to herself, her head facing the ground.

“Jems, why aren’t you coming in?” Emily called out as she stood in the front doorway.

“I’m coming!” Jems said as she ran toward her mum.

“So, who was that guy?” Emily asked, winking at her.

“Trust me, it’s not what you think,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Why don’t we talk about you? You have no idea how much I’ve missed you,” Jems added as she hugged her, placing her head on her mother’s lap.

“I’ve missed you too, my love,” Emily said, gently patting Jems’ hair. “And I have a big surprise for you,” she giggled.

“What? You got me a gift?” Jems’ eyes lit up.

“On the dining table, there’s a big box. Go open it.” Jems ran to the table and grabbed the box, ripping off the wrapping paper. Inside was a white T-shirt that said Big Sister and two pairs of baby socks, one pink and the other blue.

“Mum, you got me a T-shirt! It’s so gorgeous, thank you! I love it... but I don’t understand what I’m supposed to do with the socks,” Jems said, looking at them, confused.

“Jems, look at what’s written on the shirt. You’ll understand why the socks are there.”

“Big Sister…” she read aloud. Then she looked at the socks again. Suddenly, she gasped. “Mum, do you mean... are you saying... no, you’re joking!” her voice shook with emotion. Emily, who was already crying, nodded as she walked toward Jems.

“Yes, my love. I’m pregnant. You’re going to be a big sister,” Emily said as she hugged Jems, and they both cried tears of joy.

Just then, Nana walked in on their moment. “So, Jems, how do you feel about being a big sister?”

“I’m so happy, Nana!” she said, holding her Nanny's hand and jumping in circles.

“Ooh, my Jems… stop. You know I’m not as energetic as you,” Nana said, letting go of Jems’ hand with a laugh.

“You don’t know how happy I am. I’ve always wanted a sibling, and now Mum has made my dream come true!” Jems grabbed Emily’s face and kissed her cheeks over and over. “You’re the best mum!”

“Now we have to wait for your dad to get home so we can share the surprise with him,” Emily said, giggling. “I can imagine how thrilled he’s going to be.”

“I can’t wait to tell him!”

“But first, you need to have your bath and change out of your uniform,” Emily reminded her.

“You’re right,” Jems said as she ran upstairs.

“Be careful!” her Nanny called after her.

Jems’ POV

I soaked in the hot bathwater as thoughts of the day ran through my head. I don’t know what went wrong.

He smiled at me today. He actually smiled and even patted my head. He was talking so gently, like he wasn’t even himself. That wasn’t the Derick I know. I swear, I saw him smile three times in a row. Three! At school, when he touched my head, I honestly thought he was possessed.

But then, on the ride home... silence. He didn’t say a word. Normally, even if I asked him something dumb, he’d at least grunt out a “yeah” or “no.” That’s the Derick I’m used to. But today? He was cold. Too cold.

Remembering how he treated me during the ride still makes my heart ache. There was no way I was letting Ethan get away with what he said to me. I had said as much out loud, but Derick didn’t say anything. His eyes stayed glued to the road like I hadn’t spoken at all.

I let out a short laugh, trying to lighten the mood. “And why would you think I have a crush on Ethan?” I said, still chuckling. But the laugh faded when I realized he still wasn’t responding. Not even a glance my way.

“Is there a problem?” I asked, my voice a little sharper. Still nothing. Just that same fixed stare at the road ahead.

Fine. I turned to look out the window, the silence between us heavier than before.

“I know you never come on Saturdays since I don’t usually go out,” I said, trying to keep it casual, “but I’ll be going out this Saturday. So make sure you’re here by 12 p.m.”

This time, he finally said something: “Okay.”

I just wore my headphones after that because the silence was getting unbearable. I sighed now and slammed my hand against my forehead, displacing some bubbles. I can't get the image out of my head, holding onto him like that. It wasn’t even necessary.

I kicked my feet in the water. Starting tomorrow, I’m going to be so rude to him. I’ll match his energy. I curved my lips into a mischievous smile. But for now, I still need to figure out how I’m going to tell Mum about the accident without her freaking out.

I closed my eyes, trying to relax.