Playing with Fire

by Elmi Raubenheimer

Warning: This story is rated PG for cursing and allusions to mature topics. You have been warned!

This is a work of fiction and does not depict any real persons or situations. It is still a work in progress and may change in future by the sole discretion of the author as the story develops.

Copyright 2011 This work is copyright Elmi Raubenheimer, the original author and sole owner of the work. No part of this document or future documents that are part of this book may be reproduced in any way.

Uploaded to http://www.scribd.com/collections/3355089/ Author Website: http://CreativeDepths.wordpress.com

Playing with Fire: Chapter 2 by Elmi Raubenheimer

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Chapter 2

When Gerri finally got home, she was surprised to see that the house was dark. Val should have been home by nowshe had class at the community college and her classes have ended hours ago. Troubled, Gerri unlocked the house and called Vals cell while she heated up some leftovers in the microwave. It went directly to voicemail. She took her food to her room, where she called Val every few minutes unsuccessfully. She was worried sick, and she didn't know what to do. Ever since their mom left, it has been just the two of them. Gerri did whatever she wanted, and things went from bad to worse until the incident that nearly claimed her life. Gerri was still ashamed of how selfish she has been, and has spent every waking moment trying to make it up to Val. She took care of her, provided for her, protected her, and worried about her like an overprotective mother. Lucky for her, Val was the exact opposite of the rebellious Gerri, which made her task marginally easier, but at times like this she had to force herself not to panic and call the fire brigade, the police and every hospital in the country. Breathe, Gerri, breathe. Shell be fine. Shes fine Gerri switched on her computer and logged onto WoW. Anything to distract herself before she completely freaked out. Hours later the outside lights went on, indicating movement. Gerri untangled herself from her headset and sneaked downstairs. Val was peering inside the fridge when Gerri quietly stepped into the doorway. She cleared her throat, making Val jump. You know youre in trouble, right? Gerri watched as Val turned scarlet. She pushed past Gerri, avoiding her eyes, but Gerri grabbed her arm before she could reach the stairs. Whats going on, Val? She tried to break free, but Gerri was stronger than her. She finally spun around, but the expression on her face was not what Gerri expected at all. Val looked happy. In fact, she was radiating. Wha

Playing with Fire: Chapter 2 by Elmi Raubenheimer

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Its nothing! Val struggled in vain to free herself from Gerris death grip. Let me go! Spit it out Val, or the wrath of the gods will come down on you I swear! Come on G Spill! Valerie sighed dramatically and rolled her eyes, but it was more to hide the smile that was threatening to break free. Well, she started, There is this guy Here we go, Gerri said mockingly. Valerie ignored her. Weve been seeing each other, like, for a while now Why dont I know about that? Gerri interrupted and Val glared at her. Gerri gave her a look of what? and shrugged. Anyway, Val said annoyed, His name is Bryan, and Im beginning to think that were serious. Why havent you told me? How long have you been seeing him? The thought of her innocent little sister getting serious about some stranger Gerri shuddered. Maybe she should send Val to a convent. A few months, give or take. We broke up a few times, but thats all in the past! She gave a sweet happy smile. Come on Val, I know that face. What happened? Val looked at Gerri with those large, innocent blue eyes, and pouted her lips. Then Gerri knew. You slept with him, didnt you? Gerri whispered hoarsely, too shocked to do anything else. Val just arched one eyebrow slightly but said nothing. That was definitely a yes. You slept with him? Gerri screamed and launched at her. She grabbed Val's upper arms and started shaking. Stop it! Youre hurting me! Val cried and struggled against her death grip. Gerri stopped shaking her and just stared helplessly at her whimpering sisters face. Why Val? Why would you do such a stupid, idiotic, dumb-ass thing? We love each other, okay? And stop acting like youre my mother! I am almost 19, Im not a child anymore! Val was getting angry, which only fuelled Gerris temper on. Havent I taught you anything, Val? Men will tell you they love you to lure you in, then sleep with you because, well, theyre animals so that's what they do, then, BAM! she slammed her hands together in front of Vals nose, They dump you because they only wanted to use you! They break you then leave you to die!

Playing with Fire: Chapter 2 by Elmi Raubenheimer

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Gerris eyes brimmed with moisture, and she forced herself to focus on the anger and ignore the hurt that was pulsing beneath the surface. Val stepped back angrily, a tear sliding down one cheek. Bryan is not Tom! This is not about you Gerri, this is about me and my life and what I want! I want Bryan and he wants me and theres nothing you can do about it! You clearly dont know what you want! You have your entire life ahead of you, yet you will gamble with your future over a guy? Gerri stopped, breathing heavily. She massaged her temples to try and calm down. Is he one of your classmates? she finally asked. No, Val said sulkily. Well? At least give me something, Gerri said annoyed. He... works over at the Steytler building. Thats a bit vague. He works at Steytler and Brown Inc. okay? Happy now? The gears in Gerris head was working overtime. Okay, Gerri said slowly, Its a funny coincidence that your boyfriend has the same name as Bryan Steytler, who happens to be the Steytler in Steytler and Brown, and of course owns the Steytler building. I mean, you would never be crazy enough to date a guy that is old enough to be your father. By the end of that sentence, Gerris voice has risen a few octaves. Valerie blushed and Gerri nearly launched at her again. Have you lost your mind? Theyre called sugar daddies Val, in case you havent heard, and they want trophies, not lifelong commitments! Stop it! He's only 18 years older than me and I am not his trophy! He loves me! Gerri and Val stared at each other, clearly at an impasse. Gerri took in her sister's pretty blond curls and sweet face, her big blue eyes framed by long lashes, her full lips and lean body. She was so beautiful. And completely unaware of it too. So innocent. So nave. Of course this guy has hidden motives! I know you dont want to hear it, Val, but it is true Val started to sob softly and Gerri just stared at her helplessly. How can you be so cruel? she sobbed and fumbled clumsily to retrieve a tissue from her purse. Im not cruel, Im just being hones Dont you want me to be happy? Val asked miserably.

Playing with Fire: Chapter 2 by Elmi Raubenheimer

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Of course I d I love him! He is kind to me and he thinks Im pretty and he gives me expensive presents. Val hiccuped and blew her nose loudly. Gerri knew she should be really, really mad, but it was simply impossible. Her sister, as sweet as she was, has always been rather gullible, only seeing the best in people, and that was one of the things Gerri loved most about her. She pulled Val into her arms and stroked her back soothingly. "Im sorry Val, I shouldnt have yelled at you or shaken your brains loose, she said, hugging her tightly. I was afraid you wont like him, she said softly, I want you to like him, Gerri. Hes really nice, hes not like you say he is. Gerri was not convinced, but she would do anything to see her sister happy. Tell you what, sweetie, she said and stood back to face Val, I will make an effort to get to know Bryan, and if he is as great as you say, Im sure I will love him. Val jumped up and down and clapped her hands in delight. You would? Like really? Yes, Gerri smiled and flipped her hair back. In fact, Ive just thought of the perfect plan. I will make you two dinner. Vals face fell a little. Gerri, you dont know how to cook, she said carefully. Well, that is how important you are to me! I will even learn to cook for you! Gerri thought she sounding quite confident, despite her misgivings. But how hard can it be? Valerie skipped happily to her room, leaving Gerri alone on the stairs. If she was going to put a stop to this nonsense, she not only had to win Valeries trust, she had to get closer to Bryan. Wasnt there a saying about keeping your enemies closer or something? She scowled a little when she thought of what she just promised. Shell have to buy a cookbook tomorrow. Nah, who's she kidding? She'll just Google it later tonight. And maybe find the manual for that stupid oven.

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