Thicker than Blood - Book One (Watty Awards 2012)

Chapter Three

Sprawled on my back I stared at the white ceiling, at least my bed was comfy. I had finished unpacking all my things and played with Hayden for a while. Taking him out of the nannies hands, she didn't seem to mind and he definitely didn't.

He really didn't like her.

It was after dinner and for me it had been served up in my room. I was still banned from my step mothers sight apparently... I didn't really find that a punishment, I didn't like seeing her either.

At nine exactly my phone rang.

Surprised I fumbled as I picked up. I wasn't used to being called, I usually didn't have any friends thanks to Eliza.

Of course it was Missy.

'Hey Amy!' she chirped happily when I finally managed to pick up. 'How's it going? Finished unpacking?' the girl hurried to ask. Then suddenly she added: 'Oh Jake says Hi and Nathaniel is glaring... You are glaring!'

I couldn't help but laugh. Missy was just so happy and impulsive, a lot like Elliot actually. Only then did I realize that Nathaniel was probably Mr. Flynn's name. I liked it... It was a little old fashioned but it suited him.

'Say Hi back to them for me Missy,' I told my friend still smiling. 'And yeah I'm done packing, I'm grounded though...'

'Amelia says Hi back guys,' Missy repeated for me. I could imagine her lying on her back on the couch, her legs dangling of the top. It seemed a very typical position for her.

'Wait what? Grounded? Why!'

I groaned as I threw myself backwards on my bed again, 'You are not going to believe this Missy...'

'Why? What happened? Nate go away!' Missy's voice became a little annoyed as she was fending off her older brother obviously. I could hear him talking in the background, but I couldn't hear what he was saying.

I was blushing now, even though no one could see me. The object of the reason for my grounding was right there! He might even be able to hear me talk... This was embarrassing.

'Eh... I got grounded because apparently I was flirting with your brother,' I told Missy as softly as possible in the hope that Nathaniel couldn't hear.

'What? You didn't flirt with Jake... What are you talking about?' Missy said loudly though and I really wanted to hit her on the head. Groaning again I buried my face in my pillow.

'Missy! The other brother!'

'Oh... Well you weren't flirting with him either... In fact you were the only one NOT flirting with him today. Much to his disappointment I might add. Ouch Nate! That's not nice! Can you believe that Amy? My own brother and legal guardian just totally hit me!'

'I would have hit you too for that Missy, I don't need your brother to hear all that... It's embarrassing,' I told my new friend softly but I couldn't help but smile a little. Mr. Flynn wanted me to flirt with him? Or was that just a joke?