Chapter 18 – Mr. Nigel’s Grandson #2
Her wanting her brother to like me and him actually liking me were two entirely different things.
“That’s the plan,” Sophie said. “But first we need to see his notebook. Because if Scarlett has proof that Axel likes her, she’s going to ask him to the Sadie Hawkins dance.”
“What’s a Sadie Hawkins dance?”
“It’s where the girl gets to ask the guy instead of the other way around. It’s Scarlett’s chance to make the first move.”
Parker nodded. “Okay, I’ll help. But I want to come to the Sadie Hawkins dance too.”
Um... “It’s only for high schoolers, Parker.”
“But girls ask the guys. And the guy has to say yes and take them to the high school dance.”
“That’s not exactly how it works.” The guys didn’t have to say yes. It wasn’t like a hostage situation.
Parker turned to RJ. “Take me to the Sadie Hawkins dance.”
RJ laughed. “You’re like five.”
“I’m nine.”
RJ just shook his head. “Not happening. And you didn’t even ask. It sounded a lot more like a demand.”
“Yes, I demand that you take me to the Sadie Hawkins dance. Or else.”
“What the hell?” RJ turned to me. “I’m not doing that.”
Parker kicked him again.
“Stop kicking me!”
“Then take me to the dance.”
“No.”
“RJ,” I said. “Come on. She’s going to help us solve the countdown.”
“Are you kidding me right now?” he said.
“Suck it up, buttercup,” Sophie said.
“I can’t take a five year old to a high school dance.”
“Nine,” Parker said.
RJ sighed.
“Please,” I mouthed silently.
RJ just glared at me.
I leaned in to whisper to him. “Please.”
“I’m not...”
“RJ, just say yes and you can cancel later.”
RJ sighed. “Fine. Whatever. I’ll take you to the Sadie Hawkins dance.”
Parker smiled up at him. “Great. I’ll show you my dresses while we’re at my place.” And then she turned to Sophie. “Will you also buy another of my paintings?”
“Of course,” Sophie said. “I need another Parker original.”
Parker smiled. “Okay. Let’s go break into Axel’s room again. Luckily I found the key I’d lost.” She turned around. “Mom! I’m going out with my friends.”
Aunt Hails turned around from her spot on the couch. “What?”
“I’m going out, Mom. With my friends.” She pointed to us. “Geez,” she whispered. “She’s always like this.”
Sophie laughed. “The four of us wanted to get some fresh air. We’ll be back in a bit.”
“Okay, have fun,” Aunt Hails said.
Axel was staring at me. I quickly turned my head to drop his gaze. Just to see that Jacob was staring at me too. In a way I didn’t understand. It wasn’t pity like Uncle Matt. Jacob just looked...kind of sad.
Luckily Parker grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the room.
***
RJ flipped through the pages of Axel’s notebook. “This is so weird.”
“Do you know what it is?” I asked. “More of the numbers are crossed out this time.”
“It’s definitely a countdown,” RJ said.
“No shit,” Sophie said. “A countdown to what?”
RJ shrugged. “I have no idea. It’ll take me some time. Can I take this?”
“No you can’t take it,” I said. “I’m pretty sure he crosses off numbers every day. He’ll know that it’s missing.”
RJ pulled his phone out and started snapping the pictures that he needed. He tossed the notebook back in Axel’s desk drawer.
I turned it so that it was exactly how we’d found it. And then I stared at the drawer where Sophie had found the big box of condoms. I wondered if more were missing.
“What the hell is this?” RJ said.
I turned around. He was holding a frame. I looked at the picture of Mr. Nigel and Axel in it.
“This feels like a weird sex thing.”
I laughed. “They’re celebrating a win.”
“Why would he have this framed on his desk though?”
“It doesn’t exactly fit the rest of the décor in his room,” Sophie said. “Maybe Mr. Nigel gave it to him?”
“But why?” I asked
Parker walked into the room holding an armful of dresses. “You can pick what I wear,” she said to RJ.
“Wear whatever you want.”
“No, I want you to pick.”
“The green one,” RJ said.
“Why?”
“Because it’s on top.”
“No, you have to look.” She took turns holding up the different dresses.
“Fine, the blue one,” RJ said.
“Why?”
“Because it matches your eyes.”
Parker had the same ocean blue eyes as Axel. And the dress really did match them.
Parker smiled. “Okay.”
This would have been cute if it wasn’t so weird. “Parker, do you know why Axel has this?”
“Yes. Axel’s grandfather gave it to him.”
Sophie, RJ, and I all stared at each other.
“Um,” I said. “Axel doesn’t have a grandfather.” Both Uncle Tyler and Aunt Hailey’s fathers had passed away before Axel was born.
“Yes he does.”
“I don’t think so,” I said.
“Yes huh. Mr. Nigel adopted him as his grandson. He lets me call him grandpa too now.” Parker smiled. “He’s fun.”
I just stared at her. I had heard Mr. Nigel mention something about that a while ago. But I’d been super distracted. I was pretty sure that was the day that I’d almost been forced to kiss Henley.
“Wait,” Sophie said. “Mr. Nigel’s grandson.” She stared at me.
I knew exactly what she was thinking. “Jacob said Mr. Nigel was too busy to give us the security footage from Odegaard because he was hanging out with his new grandson. His grandson is...Axel?”
“Something weird is going on here,” RJ said. “But don’t worry, I’ll figure it out, baby doll.”
“Don’t call her that,” Parker said.
Yes, please stop calling me that.
“Why?” RJ asked Parker.
“Because we’re dating, and it’s rude to me, idiot.”
“Now we’re dating?” RJ asked. “This feels like a real Mr. Halifax situation, and I’m not trying to get arrested.”
Sophie slapped his arm.
“Who is Mr. Halifax?” Parker asked.
“A teacher who is older than all of us,” RJ said. “He might be your type.”
Sophie slapped his arm again. “I call dibs on Mr. Halifax. Parker, stick to my brother.”
“Okay,” Parker said. “Do you guys want to draw on Axel’s walls now?”
“No,” Sophie and I said at the same time.