The Ryland Boys

Chapter 4: The Stares

Watching him, I felt a bit like a stalker but I reminded myself that I was just "looking for Lucas".

I hadn't realized there was a gym in this house until I got lost playing hide and seek, and for the last ten minutes I've been watching Jax beat the crap out of the punching bag.

He was good.

Obviously he's good, since he's a champion, but it was crazy, his speed was insane! I felt like maybe he might be better than what they say.

"Boo!"

Jumping, I smacked a hand over my chest and looked over at Lucas with slight relief that it was only him. God if it was anyone else watching me...I can't imagine the level of embarrassment.

He smiled wide "Scared ya didn't I?" He asked giving me his scary face, little did he know he not only scared the life out of me, but brought it back with the relief of his little face.

I laughed "Scared my hair off!" I said watching as he pulled open the gym door and ran inside to Jax, oh god please don't tell him. Should've seen this coming.

Crap.

Slowly stepping inside, knowing I broke my 'You stay out of my business, Ill stay out of yours' rule with Jax.

"Hey Lucas, come on, let's go play outside. I'll play dragons and knights! Pirate and Sailor?" I said watching as he began throwing his small fists at the punching bag. "Norah can- can you punch?" He asked as he scrunched his curious face dropping his tired hands to his sides.

A pushed back memory flashed in my mind, it stood out from the rest of my memories and I nodded "Like a mad woman." I said truthfully.

He crossed his arms over his chest slowly twisting from side to side. It seemed a bit silly in his cowboy costume "You believe her?" Lucas asked turning a furrowed brow to Jax.

Don't bring him into this dammit. Jax looked down at him shrugging before he wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead and took a steady breath "There's only way to find out." He said to Lucas.

We made eye contact before Jax went ahead tossing me a pair of gloves.

I caught them with my mind saying 'catch it or you'll look like a loser' and shook my head "Oh no, I'm not-" Lucas stared at me as if I had told him I shot his dog or something. This kid, I expect some extra spending money when he becomes a champion at something.

Sighing, I pulled on the gloves, my fingers popping out of the holes as the glove was just meant to protect my knuckles. When I took that stupid defense course I was given boxing gloves. Useless. I like these better.

Walking to the punching bag, I pulled my hair into a messy bun and began tossing the first two punches, each one was subtle and striking. One small one with a harder one right after it.

I gave a few hard and quick punches, a face of the past filling the view.

It's been three years since the party, three years since that night and those brown eyes. His heavy hot breathing, his hand shoving my face into the blanket.

Three years.

Tossing three quick punches, I ended with a hard kick to the bag, I took a step back noticing my eyes water.

Pushing the tears back, I looked to Lucas smiling "What'd you think?" I asked him steadying my breath.

His eyes where wide and he looked to Jax grabbing his hands "Did you see that Jax? Did you see her kick it's ass?" He asked him with a smile so wide it took over his face.

Jax was staring down at me with a studious stare, "Guess she wasn't lying." He said looking down at Lucas.

Taking the gloves off, I placed them on the bench "Alright Lucas, let's leave Jason here alone. Remember I promised I wouldn't bother him." I said his name wrong watching as he grinned while I walked Lucas out.

Heading out to the kitchen, I grabbed a water bottle opening it and drinking down the whole thing "Woah, breathe." Masons voice came out from behind me and I turned to him laughing.

Lucas was sitting on the counter in front of me, he turned his head to look behind me "She just beat up a man. Give her a break." He said with a mocking look to Mason.

I smirked down at Lucas and Mason walked over taking a sports drink from the fridge "Oh really? What man? Jax I hope." He said taking a drink and watching Lucas.

I've realized that Mason knows Lucas favors Jax, and that Mason taunts him to get a rise out of Lucas. I don't know why, but he likes messing with poor Lucas.

Lucas looked up at me with his face scrunched "You should beat up Mason." He said low.

Mason laughed "You think she can kick my ass? Come on Luke, she's a girl." He said giving me a wink and smile as he took a drink. He's taunting Lucas again.

I dared a look to Lucas, his eyes moving from me to Mason "Just because she's a girl doesn't mean she can't kick your butt. You're stupid, you're so stupid Mason." He said shaking his head.

"You busy?" I asked Mason, he shook his head confused and I nodded "Want to play some football? I feel like it's his sport." I said looking down at Lucas.

He smiled at me "She says cause I run and I tackle and I throw good."

Mason smirked "Is that so? So you're going to be the famous football player of the family?" He asked Lucas.

Lucas nodded "And Norahs going to be my coach. I want her to be my coach." He said staring at me with his puppy eyes.

"Well, she wants to be a teacher." Mason said leaning into Lucas "If she's your coach she can't be a teacher. You want her to give up her dream?" He asked.

I watched Lucas frown and shake his head "No, I don't." He said sweetly.

Mason grinned "Make sure when you become a star you give her monthly checks, she'll be the reason you are where you are." He said making me smile. Damn right.

Lucas nodded "She can have my money, I just want to make Jax proud." This kids too cute.

I wonder if Jax knows how much Lucas idolizes him. It's normal for siblings to idolize their older siblings but still, it's cute. I never had a sibling, I always wanted one but dad passed away a year after I was born and mom never wanted to be with anyone ever again. I guess losing her soul mate was too difficult for her.

"Lets go play so I can kick your ass and tell Jax how crappy you play." Mason said walking out the door.

Putting Lucas on the floor, he went chasing after Mason screaming for all the staff to play with us.

Going outside, I set up the lines in the backyard with Jerry's help. "Jax is going to play!" Lucas called running over happy.

I eyed the door to see Jax walk out talking to Mason.

Oh for the love of god...

Lucas eyed Mason "You're team captain and I'm team captain because I don't want to be on your team." He said to Mason as he walked up.

I pulled my hair into a ponytail and Lucas eyed the crowd, Mason let Lucas pick first.

"Norah!" He said pointing to me, I smirked and walked over to his side feeling like he's going to regret that decision after Mason chooses Jax.

Which he will, because that's a Mason thing to do.

Mason eyed Jax "I choose Jax." He said c*****g an eyebrow at Lucas who scowled "You can't take him! He's my friend!" He said angry.

I watched Masons eyes move to me "Give me Norah and Ill give you Jax." He said smirking.

Lucas took my hand and shook his head "You're mean to her." He said furrowing his eyebrows.

Leaning down I looked to Lucas "I could switch with Jax if you want." I said "I can kick Masons butt anyways. Remember?" I asked.

Lucas stared at Jax and then moved his eyes to me "I want you on my team." He said staring into my eyes.

I f*****g love this kid.

Nodding, I stood "Lets Get Emily." I said to him.

She was quick and catches good.

He agreed "Emily!" He said, Emily walked over and stood beside me smiling.

"Lame, I pick Dexter." Mason said as the big built body guard came to his side.

Lucas eyed Dexter in sorrow and then looked to the crowd "Mack!" He said smirking softly to himself.

The other bodyguard came out, he wasn't as big but he seemed faster.

By the time they finished choosing, we chose the name Lightning for our team, the guys chose Roaches. Apparently because roaches don't die.

The first twenty minutes of the game the Roaches kicked Lightning's ass by two to six.

"Run Emily!" I called out as Dexter slammed me to the floor.

Laughing, he moved aside and I stood up watching her get a touch down.

Fuck yes!

We started again, this time I was going to run the ball, I took a steady breath and stared forward at Jax.

He looked to Mason laughing and saying something about how it's unfair.

So you think.

As Lucas hiked the ball to Jerry, he tossed it to Mack, I ran behind Jax and to the other side, Mack threw the ball and I jumped up catching it and running with Jax hot on my heels.

Mason slammed into my side and I tucked holding the ball and landing behind the line standing and tossing the ball down "Touchdown!" I shouted looking to Jax who was grinning.

Lucas came running to me with a big smile "I knew you'd do it!" He said giving me a half five.

"We're still not done." Mason said smiling, and I nodded going back to the line.

This time Mack would be the quarterback for Emily who'd run it.

As Lucas tossed the ball to Jerry, Jerry tossed it to me and I went to throw it but was lifted off my feet.

"Ah!" I cried as Mason began running me to the other end.

Toss the ball!

Looking to Jerry, I stood my upper half up and threw it to him.

As Jerry caught it, Mason put me down and went running for Jerry.

"Run Jere!" I shouted running after Mason.

Lucas ran after Mason kicking him and I hurried past them to Jerry, Jax was ready to tackle him but I jumped in front and went tumbling in a roll over the grass.

His arms wrapped around me covering my head until we stopped rolling and just laid there, I lifted my head off his chest watching Jerry.

I sat up nervously "Go! Go!" I shouted to Jerry and as he made a touch down I smiled "f**k yes!" 

Looking down at Jax, I watched him stare up at me with his judging eyes. Realizing I was sitting on the guys chest I stood up "Sorry." I muttered before hurrying to Lucas.

We made another three points, until I let Lucas run it.

"Go Lucas! Go!" I shouted as I ran behind him shoulder to shoulder with Mason.

Laughing as Mason was trying to get to Lucas I looked behind us at Dexter.

My focus on Dexter and Mason kept me from my eyes on the other guy who picked up Lucas and went running with him.

Crap!

By the end of the game, we beat them by two points and Lucas wouldn't let Mason forget it.

We all headed to the kitchen getting drinks, Dexter smirked down at me "How old are you?" He asked in a low tone with a small smile.

He was cute, probably in his early thirties.

"Twenty two." I said watching him with a small smile.

Dexter nodded "You want to get dinner some time?" He asked drinking some water with a grin.

Oh "How-How old are you?" I asked him with a bit of a weirded look but a smile to keep it kind.

He laughed "twenty seven." He stated "How old did you think I was?" He asked.

I shrugged "Thirty two maybe." I laughed and Lucas walked over staring at Dexter "Good game Dex. You played the wrong team but I forgive your disloyalty." He said shaking Dexters hand.

"You uh, trying to get at Lucas's babysitter again?" Mason asked looking over at Dexter before smirking to me.

Dexter stood and laughed to himself "I get it Mase. I'll back off." He cleared his throat and looked back at me "You're one hell of a woman, don't let this joke get to you." He said gesturing to Mason before walking out.

Looking over at Lucas, he was smiling talking to Jax who was listening intently.

"Keep dreaming. He doesn't like your type, the guy likes bitches, the tatted, pierced up girls with their dignity in the garbage." Mason said catching me off guard, I shook my head "I don't-"

Mason nodded "Bare face, jeans and T-shirt's, you're too natural for him." He said low.

I stared to Mason wondering if I made it that obvious I thought he was hot. "I know I'm not, I wouldn't anyways. I don't mix business with pleasure." I said smiling at him.

He leaned toward me "How long has it been since you, felt pleasure?" He asked staring at my lips as he spoke.

Oh god you try too hard.

I laughed and shook my head "I'm not going into that with you Mase." I said looking away.

Mason smirked "Jax may not find the natural, mysterious girls sexy" He began before leaning into my ear "But that's exactly my type." He said before he turned and walked out the kitchen.

I sat there trying to comprehend why and what could possess Mason to just make things awkward but after a moment of realizing, it's Mason, I noticed exactly what possessed him. Himself. He's just taunting me like he taunts Lucas.

Dinner rolled around and I sat beside Lucas as he chomped on his roast beef sandwich. "I wanted to let you three know that your mom, Alison, and I will be gone next Friday and Saturday. Uncle Todd is getting heart surgery done, it's best we're there to support him and his family." Benson stated before taking a bite of his sandwich.

I bit into mine, reminding myself to thank the chef because this was glorious.

"I know you two are old enough to understand what no parties means. Please tell me I don't have to explain to you two again." Alison said as she stared between the boys.

Looking to Lucas I made a face and he smiled "Does that-Does that mean that Noraaah gets to stay Saturday?" Lucas asked his mom leaning into the plate.

I moved his elbow off the plate and wiped it, my mind wondering if that does mean I have to work Saturday.

"Yes. I haven't formally requested the day, but would you mind being here Saturday till around nine?" She asked me, I thought of mom and then thought of Lucas being alone with the guys and Lindsay, "I don't mind. What time should I come by Saturday?" I asked.

Alison stared at me for a while "Oh, I was hoping you'd stay from Friday morning until Saturday night." She said before biting into her dinner.

I'm going to sleep here?

I looked up at Mason knowing he was going to have some stupid grin, he did.

Looking down at Lucas he smiled and begged "Please." He said.

Alison cut in "If she's not comfortable with it, we have to respect her decision Lucas."

"No, I-I can stay. I'm fine with that." I said smiling to Alison. She gave me a relieved sigh "I'm so happy I gave you a shot. I almost didn't." She said admitting and looking to Benson.

He laughed and I sunk a bit in my seat "You stood there with your torn skirt, bed hair, your blazer on indoors, smelling like cat food and not to mention the lateness." She shook her head saying.

Oh wonderful.

I kept my eyes on the plate fighting back a blush, Mason grinned "Not to mention the coffee stain on her shirt." He said taking a bite.

Nodding I sighed "Rough morning." I said nervously. God they remember my first day? This is horrible! Is that how they see me mow?

Mason leaned forward "Don't worry, eventually we'll forget." He winked and I wondered if he meant after I was long gone. After this summers over I'm sure that's the only way they'll remember me.

Lucas went on to tell how our team won football today and Mason and Jax suck.

Mason tried to tell Lucas he let us win and Jax elbowed him telling Lucas "Good game, you kicked our asses." Which only clarifies why Jax is Lucas's favorite.

"Angeline is here." Jerry said looking to Jax.

Angeline?

He stood and headed out the door, the eyes following were worrisome.

I didn't ask, instead I took Lucas to his room singing the Abcs while he brushed.

Whoever Angeline was, she was in Jax's room and they've been in there for a while.

"Who's Angeline?" I asked Jax as he finished brushing.

He furrowed his eyebrows "She comes once a month and they stay in Jax's room then he pays her some money and she leaves." Prostitute?

I stared down at him confused "Oh, okay." I stayed quiet and as I tucked him in and read him a story, he fell asleep and I headed out the door shutting the light off and closing it quietly.

The door beside his opened and an older woman stepped out giving him a smile, Jax handed her a fifty and she pocketed it "See you in a month." She said going down the stairs.

Jax looked over and stared down at me, I'm sure my face held so many emotions including disgust.

"You stay out of my business, I stay out of yours. Right?" He said crossing his arms over his chest.

Giving a nod, I let go of Lucas's bedroom door, "Right." I said before going to the stairs and looking back. He stood in the doorway eyeing me with his own judgy stare, I walked down the steps feeling his eyes on me until I was out of sight.

What a d**k, I mean I know Lindsay's a b***h, but really?