I'm dating the love of my life.
The only problem I have with my life right now, is the fact our relationship is a secret. Scarlett didn't want to cause an upset so we're keeping it quiet. Which pretty much sucks since it's a great topic of conversation, at least for me.
However, the stressed expression Scarlett's worn all morning is a more pressing matter.
"You okay?" I ask, tugging on a curl as we walk to her locker after first period.
"Hm, oh, I'm fine." She offers hurriedly.
Bullshit, I send her a pointed look.
"I'm just stressed." She admits with a long sigh.
"Custody?" I ask, knowing the next month isn't going to be easy.
"That, on so many levels. College. The fact that my future is one big question mark doesn't help." She snips, panicking all over again.
I grab her shoulders, now is not the time to focus on that. "Is there anything I can do to help you?"
"I could use a hug." She offers meekly.
"Now, that I can do." I smirk, hugging her into me.
Waiting for her to let go, I try to think of something to make her smile.
"Happy one week!" I say brightly, knowing I've succeeded as she smiles. "I would've gotten you coffee, but I was running late."
Now in a full out grin, she flicks my nose. "I don't need coffee, you dweeb."
I'm beginning to think maybe she should take a break from caffeine.
"Good, now get to class." I order, kissing her quickly.
She gasps but I'm already gone.
Whistling for the first half of gym, James pelts me with a basketball. "What the hell is up with you?"
Shrugging, I toss the ball to Sage who does a rather impressive job of playing stupid. "Nothing, just woke up on the right side of the bed."
"For a whole week?" He deadpans.
I shrug, "Got a new pillow."
He watches me before darting his attention to Sage, who avoids him. "I'm asking Gabe."
"Why?" I ask, letting out a laugh.
He crosses his arms defiantly, "He always knows these things."
I don't think Gabe knows this one. For once I think I've pulled one over his head.
Suck on that.
*****
"Something's obviously up." Gabe harasses me on our walk through the lunch line.
"Is it?" I mock, picking up a chocolate chip cookie.
A punch gets thrown to my side. "I'm going to figure it out and when I do, it's over for you."
Snorting, I head back to the table. Sure thing.
Setting my tray down, I expect a hello but everyone stares at me. So now everyone is on board with the what's making Ashton smile mission. Great. Setting the cookie on Scarlett's napkin, I find her reading a piece of paper.
The same paper she spent half of fourth period obsessing over– the college project rubric.
"Sweetheart, you've been staring at that rubric for thirty minutes." I start, gently attempting to pull the paper from her hands.
Damn, she has a tight grip. Eventually I able to steal it away and rip it to shreds. My kind gesture is returned with a slap to the gut. "What did you do that for?"
Someone needs a chill pill. Cupping her chin, I angle her face up to mine. "I'll get you a copy of mine later, right now you need to forget about it and breathe."
Inhale oxygen like it's going out of style and release the crazy.
Doing what I say, she visibly calms down. Watch out, mom, I'm coming for your job. Kissing her, I hand back the fork I stole and meet the surprised faces of our friends.
Shit.
"What?" Scarlett mumbles through a bite of pasta, completely unaware of their heightened interest.
No one says a word as they gape at us. Here comes the dramatics.
"No." Zev starts, a small smile on his face. At least someone seems somewhat calm.
"Fucking." Gabe says in disbelief, dropping his phone on the floor. What a drama queen.
"Way." James finishes, his eyes wide. It's not that surprising.
"Are you two dating?" Ella and Stella ask together, completely freaking me out.
Scarlett tenses, shoving food into her mouth. Running my hand over the leg she has dangling over mine, I try not to smirk. Took the idiots long enough.
"How long?" James questions.
Offering a wink to Scar that I know confirms our relationship, I wait for even more chaos.
"One week." I say proudly, smiling like a complete fool.
One whole week of happiness and none of them noticed. What a crappy group of friends we have.
"You've got to be kidding me?" Gabe states, already planning to harass me later.
"Welcome to reality." Sage says, smug that he's the only one who knew.
"You knew!" Ella shrieks, our secret completely forgotten.
"Don't blame me," He protests, "take that up with her."
And it's back.
"I just kinda figured it was obvious." Scarlett shrugs, taking the words right out my mouth.
"No, it wasn't!" Stella shouts. Yeah, we get that now.
Gabe props his feet on the table, a smug smile on his face. Wait, I think I liked the panic better. "Now that months of waiting are over, I suppose a congratulations are in order. Also, James and Zev owe me fifty bucks. Ella and Stella owe me fifteen."
Does he have no decency? At least wait for the shock to vanish.
They all whistle, earning the stares of half the cafeteria. Scarlett focuses on the table, beyond uncomfortable. Kissing her cheek, I smirk, "Come on, Sweetheart."
Nudging her with my nose, I wait for her to cave. As soon as she faces me I kiss her, relived there's no more hiding. The camera on us currently proves that.
"On a serious note," Zev says, posting his video to Snapchat. "Mom's letting me go camping out on our property and I want you guys to come. Elliot has asked for the boys to go so just bring the little ones as well."
"When?"
He checks his phone, "The weekend after spring break."
This is a perfect way to get out of my trip to Atlanta. Mom can't say no to camping with my friends, something I've never done before.
*****
"So what does my girlfriend have planned for today?" I ask Scarlett on our walk through the hall after lunch, swinging our hands back and forth.
She smiles, "Saffron has her first karate class today. Then after the twins' game, I have to take Silver to the doctor for a checkup."
Damn, I whistle, that's certainly a lot more than I thought. "Sounds like your plate is full."
"It is." she agrees tiredly.
"Do you think maybe I could come over after you're done with everything?" I suggest, hoping her answer isn't a fat no.
Tapping her cheek, I wait for the response, "I suppose."
"That didn't sound very convincing, Sweetheart." I protest with a smirk, wrapping my arms around her waist. I almost stop myself but it's okay, we're dating now.
"Well you see, Charming," She plays along, draping her hands behind my back, "it's going to be a very late night."
Someone's playing hard to get.
"I could always spend the night." I remind her innocently as I press her against the lockers.
I tend to get my way. Plus, I have a feeling Mom and Dad know I've never slept in Sage's room.
"I could be persuaded."
Massaging slow circles on her hips, I kiss her quickly. "How 'bout now?"
"I don't know. I am pretty tired." She taunts with a shrug.
Kissing her again, I pull away remembering what she said. "Did you sleep ok last night?"
She's supposed to tell me these things.
"I'll sleep better tonight." she admits with a small smile.
Brushing her hair out of the way, I try not to get my hopes up. "So, is that a yes."
Nodding as the warning bell rings, she tries to shove me off of her. "Go, you're going to be late."
Nuzzling my face in her neck, loving how peaceful I feel, I shrug. "And your point is."
"My point is," she says, struggling to keep from reacting, good to know I have that effect on her, "you'll see me in 45 minutes."
That's too long from now. I'm shoved off before I can offer my puppy dog eyes, those always work. Kissing her again, just because I can, I run for Algebra.
Sliding into my seat just as the bell rings, I get a punch to the arm. Glaring at Gabe, who's in the seat next to me today, I frown. "What the hell was that for?"
"For not telling me my ships sailed. I missed the bon voyage party and everything." He cries, causing Sage to snicker. Gabe hits the back of his head. "You're just as guilty, I now owe RJ fifty bucks."
Sage waves him off but I'm confused. "He bet on us." I barely know the guy.
"Yes!" Gabe cries, "He's the reason I got the others to up their sum. However, I didn't know he'd win. I thought you were gonna do it before spring break."
"Sorry?" I offer, unsure of how to respond.
"When exactly did you ask her?" He demands.
"After the game, I apologized and asked her out." To sum it up nicely.
Gabe just stares at me, "What else?"
"There is nothing else." I state.
"Bro, you can't make me lose fifty bucks and then not tell me how it happened." He protests, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Yeah, I can." I say, "Should've been there."
He gasps, damn, Ella and Stella didn't even seem this upset.
Just when I think all of the drama is over, Maria Vincent turns around. "So you and Scarlett are officially a couple?"
I nod, not wanting to talk to her. Why did Sage choose to sit in front of Gabe today?
Reaching over, her hand rests on my arm. "I'll be waiting to entertain you once you get bored."
Shuddering, I take my arm back. "That's not going to happen so go harass someone else."
She shrugs like we're just making small talk. "I know you will, even if you don't. She's not very pretty or fun to be around for that matter."
I just stare at her, unable to fathom how rude she's being.
"Yo, bitch." Sage starts, gaining her attention. "That's my sister you're talking about."
"And? The same could be said for Ella, you have my number." She says with a wink.
Even Gabe seems to be at a loss for words, but I focus on her hand once again on my arm. "Maria, my girlfriend wouldn't be very fond of your attitude towards me, or her for that matter, so I think you should stop before she finds out."
Shoving her off, I fake a smile.
"And what could she do about it?"
"Kick your ass." Gabe mutters.
"She would make your face so hideous, not even the desperate douches you hook up with would want to go near you." I confirm.
She gasps, trying to find something to say to have the last word. Finally, she stomps her foot. "You have lip gloss on your lips."
Smirking as she turns around, I face the guys who are getting a little too close to see if she's right.
"What, is winter berry not my shade?" I question, unbothered by the fact she was right.
Sage smirks, "Nah, you're more of a cranberry mist guy if I do say so myself."
Of course, he would know that.
*****
"Ash, I have to go." Scarlett protests, trying to make a run for her car.
Being selfish, I lock my arms around her as my lips find hers. "Five more minutes."
"No." She squirms like a fish out of water.
"We don't even have to kiss." I counter even though I really want to. I've waited five months to be able to do that whenever I wanted. But I just want to be with her.
That gets her to stop long enough to kiss me, "That's not the issue. I have to get Saff changed and to class in 15 minutes."
"No." I pout weakly as my arms loosen up their hold.
"You'll see me tonight." She assures me on the same soft tone she uses with the twins.
"That's right, when I'm alone with you in your bed." I smirk suggestively.
She turns bright red as a few kids look over at us. Maybe I said that a little too loud. "Bye." she says with one last kiss before darting to her car.
I laugh, waiting till she leaves the parking lot to get ready for practice. On my way, I find Jake Bowman watching me from his motorcycle. Fighting the urge to flip him off, I walk right by him. why does he always seem to be creeping up on me?
*****
"So, you and my sister." Sage starts as he drains pasta noodles.
"You and Ella." I counter just to push his buttons.
The smirk falls, "Screw you."
"Yeah." I snort, "That's what I'm gonna do to your sister." A spatula gets chucked at my head, followed by a metal bowl that manages to hit my knee. "Maybe that was a little too far."
"You think?" He snaps, not as pissed as he's trying to be.
Snickering, I sit down. "Someone's a little defensive."
He flips me off as the garage door is thrown open, a disheveled Scarlett carrying a sleeping Saffron inside.
"What the hell happened to you?" Sage asks, taking the words right out of my mouth.
"We got a flat tire." She says as the twins come inside.
"What!" Sage and I shout. Why didn't she call me? I would've helped her. Especially since it's so late.
Saffron wakes up, causing Scarlett to glare at us as she sets her down. She sits there for a minute, rubbing her temples with her eyes shut.
"How did you get home?" Sage questions, making bowls of food for everyone.
"I changed the tire on the side of the road."
"That explains the shirt." Sage jokes but all I can focus on is how tired and dirty she looks.
"Where did you learn to do that?" I ask, going to give her a hug.
"RJ." She offers, dodging around me.
And with that she begins to give orders to her siblings before running upstairs to clean up.
*****
All night, Scarlett speaks four words to me as she runs around helping everyone.
I attempt to help with homework, but they have her double check it anyways. I try to pick things up, but I don't know where anything goes. I try to do the dishes and I'm forced to go shower.
I've never felt so useless in my life.
However, I don't remember Scarlett eating dinner, so I make her a bowl of food and bring it up. Watching her work on homework that isn't due for a few days, she seems so exhausted. Knocking, she glances up with tired eyes before going back to work.
"Sweetheart, you need to eat.' I offer, resting on the edge of her bed.
She ignores me.
Growing impatient, I force the textbook out of her hand and replace it with the food. "Eat."
I'm prepared for a fight, but she inhales it at an ungodly speed.
Jesus Christ, "When was the last time you ate?"
"Lunch." She says, reaching for her textbook.
That was 12 hours ago, "That's not healthy." I snap, throwing her homework on the floor.
"I'm the perfect image of health." She jokes and it takes all my strength not to say bullshit.
Instead, I get up and turn the lights off. Feeling her eyes on me as I make my way back to the bed.
"You can wear one of the shirts I have of yours." She offers, not sounding like she means her words.
"I'm good." Beyond good actually. She goes to stand up and I pull her back into the bed. "Where do you think you're going?"
"This dish needs to go in the sink."
"You can take it in the morning." I remind her, setting the bowl down and removing her glasses.
"But ants."
Forcing her to lay down, I run my hands over her back in a soothing manner. "Right now, you need to relax."
I can feel the tension.
She sighs, readjusting herself on my chest. "I ruined a brand-new shirt."
Of course, that's what she focuses on. "It's a real bummer, you looked kinda hot in it."
I don't have to see her face to know she's annoyed, the pinch my arm receives is confirmation enough.
"Can I tell you a secret?" I ask, leaning down, she nods. "You look really hot right now."
Her blush heats up my skin as she hides her face. "Can't you tell I'm trying to sleep."
Holding back a laugh as she calms down, I think back to how much she did today. Going nonstop for almost 18 hours is crazy.
"I never really understood just how much you do." I admit, ashamed of myself for never considering it before. She works nonstop, never complaining even though I can see how tired she is.
"It's not a big deal." she mutters.
Not a big deal? Pulling her body up so we're face to face, I frown. "Yes, it is. You're pretty fucking amazing and you deserve all the praise in the world."
A thousand emotions flash through her eyes as she runs her fingers through my hair. "I'll take a kiss instead."
She's dodging the conversation, but I can't complain. Kissing her quickly, I pull the covers up.
"Goodnight, Sweetheart." I whisper, pecking her forehead.
As her soft snores fill the room, I sit in amazement at how much she does. So selfless. A small part of me hurts to realize that while she takes care of everyone, no one cares for her. No one makes sure she eats or sleeps properly.
No one besides me.
*****
Walking through the halls the next morning, I want to be anywhere but here.
Being teased at 6:30 in the morning tends to make socializing a difficult task. Involuntarily, my mind flashed back, remembering how it felt to have her straddling me. Kissing me greedily with her soaking shirt stuck to her body. And then she just got up like nothing ever happened.
It was hot, so hot.
Biting the inside of my cheek, I remind myself of my surroundings. Behave, Ashton.
"So, about the camping trip?" I ask, wrapping an arm around her waist. She didn't say anything about it yesterday and I don't want to go if she isn't. Even though it's my best way to avoid Atlanta.
"I was wondering if you wanted to go to a concert with me instead?" She counters softly. "It's in the city and we'll probably have to stay the night. If you want to go camping, I understand."
A night alone with her, no friends or siblings to distract us. Just us.
"As long as I'm with you I'm happy." I reply honestly.
That totally beats camping.
*****
That night after dinner, I clean the kitchen and compliment mom on her almost edible chicken roast just to be on her good side.
"Ashton, just tell me what you want." She says as I enter her room with a cup of tea.
Busted.
"Well, you know that Scarlett and I are dating."
She nods, "Yes, you've mentioned it once or twice."
"She invited me to go with her to a concert that Saturday of spring break. So I was wondering if I could stay home to go with her?"
"Ashton, you're going to Atlanta. There's no if, and, or buts about it." She states firmly.
"Please, it would be our first real date."
"You've never been on a date?" She asks in disbelief.
"Never one on one." I admit, "Please, I'm desperate."
Mom eyes me, sipping from her mug. "Fine, you can go."
"Yes!"
"But you have to go to Atlanta." She ads and my excitement falls.
"No."
"I'm making you do this because I love you, Ashton. The night with Scarlett is yours if you desperately want it."
Oh, I do.
"Fine, I'll go."
*****
Hi, I'm trying to finish this book up, I swear.
XO-Mo