The Beast's Baby

by N. Alleman

  He waves and walks off with his hands in his pockets. I’m left standing on the curb in front of my house, feeling as nervous as I am ecstatic. My first real date! And with Jason, of all people … Selena will be so happy for me, right after she bites my head off.

  I just hope Axel won’t mind …

  2

  Axel

  Finally, I got her to say yes.

  I’ve been trying to reconnect with Olive for months now, and all she’s done is push me away. I get it, somehow. Things have changed. But that doesn’t mean our relationship has to.

  She’s been my best friend since we were little kids, and I don’t want to lose that. Actually, it’s been about a year since I realized I want something more. When I realized Olive wasn’t just the geeky girl next door. It’s not that she had some kind of crazy makeover or anything like that. I guess I just grew up.

  Suddenly, her glasses weren’t dorky anymore.

  And instead of tugging on her pigtails, I began to admire the way she flipped her hair out of her eyes when she talked.

  The fact that she’d gotten breasts didn’t seem so funny anymore.

  Her pretty face had become a permanent fixture in my dreams every single time I closed my eyes.

  Except she wouldn’t have me. Hell, she wouldn’t even talk to me. These days she avoided me like the plague. And I’m sick of it, I want my Olive back.

  So it felt like a miracle when she talked to me today, and all day, I’ve been pent-up with excitement, knowing I’ll pick her up tonight. I take extra care in my appearance, and even though my dad nearly has a heart attack, I skip boxing practice in the afternoon. He knows something is going on, but he’s still pissed.

  “I’m heading out now,” I shout toward the kitchen, where Mom is feeding the twins. My baby brothers were born when I was sixteen—a surprise for everyone in the family. Lately it seems like our life is all about changing diapers and babysitting.

  And boxing practice, of course. I’m not allowed to forget that.

  “Axel!” My father storms down the stairs and gives me a stern look. I’m prepared for another lecture about skipping practice when he walks over to me, but instead he surprises me with his next words. “Are you really taking out Olive tonight?”

  “Yeah, we’re, going to a party,” I say, trying to stay cool. “Why?”

  Dad grins and pushes a hundred-dollar bill into my palm. Money’s been tight since the twins made their appearance, and I gape at him, surprised. “What’s this for?”

  “Make it a night to remember,” Dad says awkwardly. Then the scowl is back. “Treat Olive nice, son. And tomorrow, it’s back to practice. No more skipping, ya hear me?”

  “Yes, sir,” I say with a wide grin. I wave and rush out the door. I can’t believe it. The old man’s gone soft.

  I head for my bike in the garage, my baby. It was something I’d been saving up for, and when I got the chance to get a used bike last summer, I jumped on it. I’ve been working on fixing her up for months now, and she’s finally ready.

  Tonight’s the first night I’m taking her out. It only seems appropriate, being such a special night and all.

  I rev the engine; a smile is plastered on my face as I take the bike for a spin. This is a bit foolish, because Olive lives next door, but I still pull up into their driveway a few moments later. I readjust my leather jacket, smooth my hair down, and ring the doorbell.

  My hands are sweating and I can hear my heartbeat in my ears. I can’t believe this is finally happening. Olive’s and my first date … Better make it one to remember.

  “Coming!”

  The grumpy shout belongs to Olive’s father, Mr. Wilson, whom I’ve gotten pretty close with during my life. He’s a good guy, and I really felt for him when Olive’s mom passed away. Her battle with cancer was long and arduous, and it made their lives hell.

  I still remember the way something inside Olive broke the day her mother died. I remember holding her, soothing her, even though I was only eight years old. In a way, it felt like the tragedy was my own. I’d been close with Miss Corinne, like she was an aunt of some sort. Watching her grow pale, lose her hair, and finally, her life, left its mark on me too. But I think Olive suffered the most.

  I swallow the lump that’s lodged its way in my throat just as the front door flies open. Mr. Wilson is standing on the doorstep, glaring at me. When he realizes it’s just me, his frown morphs into a grin and he slaps me on the back.

  “Axel! So good to see you.”

  “Likewise,” I reply, giving him a firm handshake. I’ve missed the man, ever since Olive decided to cut me off. Hopefully tonight gives us a chance to rekindle our relationship. “How’ve you been?”

  “Can’t complain,” he says with a smile. Except I know he can and should complain. I learned from my mom Mr. Wilson lost his job a few months back, and he’s been struggling to find work ever since with an injury he got at his previous job. He had a home improvement company that went bust, and things had been difficult ever since. Especially with the load of medical bills still left over …

  “Can’t say I’m not happy to see you, but what are you doing here, Axel?” Mr. Wilson asks with a confused grin.

  “Oh, I came to pick up Olive.” I wink at Mr. Wilson like he’s an old friend. “She didn’t tell you? She finally agreed to go out with me! Picked the perfect day, too.”

  “Olive?” Mr. Wilson gives me an apologetic look. “Son, she left thirty minutes ago.”

  My look is one of confusion as I stare at Olive’s father. “What do you mean? I was supposed to pick her up at …” I look at my cell phone. “Eight. It’s now a few minutes past. Am I too early or too late?”

  Mr. Wilson looks awkward as hell, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “I’m so sorry, Axel. I had no idea you were supposed to go out tonight, otherwise I would’ve talked some sense into her.”

  “I don’t get it,” I say, kicking at the ground.

  “She left with this guy Jason, said they were going to a party?” Mr. Wilson gives me a pitying look, just in time for my heart to sink into my stomach. “Sorry, Axel.”

  “Oh,” I say lamely. “Well, it’s no big deal, I guess. I’ll just … go then.”

  Mr. Wilson gives me a look that says he knows exactly what’s going on. Once again, Olive’s left me feeling like a fool. “Why don’t you come in for a minute, Axel?” he offers kindly.

  “That’s okay.” I shake my head. “I should really get going. You’re doing okay, though, Mr. Wilson? I noticed your lawn needs mowing. I’d be happy to do that for you, if you don’t have the time.”

  He visibly cringes at my words, and I regret them right away. “That’s okay, Axel. I’ll get to it tomorrow. You’re a good kid. Now get to that party and show my daughter how big of a mistake she made by standing you up.”

  I’m grinning from ear to ear as I walk away with a hand raised in goodbye. “Thanks, Mr. Wilson. See you around!”

  “Not if I see you first!” Olive’s dad jokes, and I laugh half-heartedly as I get on my bike. Olive may have stood me up, but that doesn’t mean the party’s over. I know Becky, the girl who’s throwing the whole thing, has been into me for months now, and I’m in the perfect mood to show Olive she’s not the only girl for me.

  My face is a mix of regret and gloating as I ride my bike to Becky’s house. The place is already jumping, with loads of cars parked outside and a crowd gathering on the porch. As soon as I get off my bike, a girlish scream pierces my ears and someone throws their arms around me.

  “Axel! You came!”

  The girl moves away, leaving a cloud of sweet, girly perfume in her wake.

  “Yep, told ya I’d come,” I tell Becky with a weak grin. She looks frigging delighted, and I guess she’s happy to see me. That becomes even more apparent when she steps on her tiptoes to reach my mouth and kisses the hell out of me.

  I try to resist, but she’s unrelenting. And, judging by the taste of her mouth, she’s al
so a little drunk on … vodka?

  I finally manage to get away and shake my head at Becky, laughing. “So I take it the party’s off to a bangin’ start?” I tease her. It looks like she’s had her fair share of fun already.

  “It wasn’t until you came along.” She’s flirting with me, batting her mascara-encrusted lashes and licking her glossy lips. Becky is pretty—tall, sexy, with a great rack and long dark hair. But she has nothing on Olive.

  Speak of the devil …

  I feel eyes burning into my flesh, and I raise my eyes to find Olive standing on the porch, her hand captured by some preppy guy’s. She looks furious, but I don’t give a fuck. I give her an enthusiastic wave, right before pulling Becky to me and planting a wet kiss on her mouth. My make out partner is more than happy to oblige, and I can see Olive seething from afar.

  Mission accomplished.

  For the rest of the night, I try to stay close to Olive.

  One reason is, I want her to see Becky throw herself all over me.

  Another, I don’t trust any guy Olive’s with. This preppy guy looks older, and he has a weird look on his face which I don’t really trust. I’m ignoring the fact Olive has neglected to apologize for standing me up. Instead, I raise my red plastic cup to her every time she looks in my direction.

  Her date finally removes her from his grip, and from his gestures I manage to make out he’s going to the bathroom. Becky’s off getting drinks for us, and for a short while, Olive and I have a staring contest. I dare her to look away, and looking pissed, she stares right back at me.

  Fuck knows why she’s the one getting upset. I’m the one who got stood up.

  Finally, Olive motions for me to come closer. I look around, feigning ignorance, and pressing a hand to my chest, mouthing the words “me?” Olive nods. And I just shake my head and grin.

  “Come and get it,” I shout across the room.

  A deep blush colors her cheeks and she looks angrier than ever. She looks like she’s about to leave the room, when she finally gathers the courage to come toward me.

  Olive’s only a few steps away when a gaggle of girls with Becky heading them, step between us. I look over the girls’ shoulders, just in time to see Olive’s fearless expression change into a scared one. And I’m fucking furious already. No one, and I mean no-fucking-one, messes with my girl.

  I can’t hear the girls talking, so I step a little closer, my eyes fixed on Olive. I won’t let these girls taunt her, but I’m not about to step in just yet.

  “Oh, if it isn’t the little nerdy girl.” Becky smirks at Olive, and my blood boils in my veins. God damn it, girls really can be rude as hell.

  “I’m surprised you know who I am,” Olive replies, a smile plastered on her lips. “I didn’t mean to crash your party, Becky …”

  “Then why are you here?” Becky cuts her off sharply, glaring at her. “I don’t remember telling you about it, and I sure as hell didn’t ask anyone to invite you.”

  Olive blushes. Her eyes drop to the ground. “I came here with Jason,” she says softly.

  “Jason?” One of Becky’s friends raises her brows. “Bex, that’s the hot college guy who leads the debate team or some other stupid shit. He sure as hell didn’t come here with this girl. She’s way too ugly for him.”

  Olive flinches at her words, and I want to do something, but somehow, I’m glued to the spot. I can’t approach them, can’t defend my girl. I need her to stand up for herself, for fuck’s sake. If she doesn’t learn how to do that, she’s going to have a helluva hard time in life.

  “Yeah, I should’ve figured.” Becky laughs in her face. “Why don’t you get lost, geek girl? I’m assuming you followed Axel here. Everyone knows your obsession with him, you basic bitch.”

  Apparently, Becky’s not aware of me standing only a few feet away as she steps closer to Olive.

  “Leave. My house. Now. Or would you rather be humiliated further? I can call everyone here, make them know what a trespasser you are,” she hisses at Olive. “You’re pathetic. Axel will never, ever like you. What’s there to like?”

  Her eyes go over Olive’s features. The thick glasses in the dark frame. So damn cute. The too-long hair, falling down her back. The baggy clothes that hide a body I grew up seeing blossom. The freckled face that is now red as a lobster.

  I’ve finally found the strength to move my legs. I know Olive well, and I can read her face like an open book. That quivering bottom lip tells me she’s about to cry. She’s not about to step up for herself, but I’ll be damned before I let these girls bully her.

  “Step aside, Becky,” I say coldly to the girl I was kissing only moments before. She looks up at me with surprise, followed by a triumphant look.

  “Oh, look, Olive, it’s your imaginary boyfriend,” she chirps in a syrupy-sweet voice. “He’s probably here to help me throw you out, aren’t you, Axel?”

  She gives me an expectant look, and Olive raises her gaze to mine, tears welling up in her eyes. She’s so damn beautiful, even when she’s incredibly vulnerable like this.

  “Becky, calm down,” I tell my make out partner. “I invited her. I don’t get why she shouldn’t be here, and you’re being a total bitch. But it’s your house, so I guess she’d better leave.”

  Becky grins at me, like she’s proud of what I’ve said. “That’s right, little Olive. Walk on out of here,” she hisses at Olive, making a rude motion for Olive to get lost. “You’re not wanted.”

  “Yeah, Olive, this place isn’t worthy of you,” I wink at my best friend, grab her by the arm and lead her to the front door. The whole room’s gone quiet now, apart from the music blasting through the speakers. Everyone’s staring at us.

  “Axel!” Becky says angrily, obviously upset at me. “Get back here. She can get out by herself, the door’s right there.”

  “I’m afraid we,” I point from Olive to myself, feeling her shiver under my hand, “are a packaged deal. Any party unworthy of Olive doesn’t deserve my attention. But you guys have fun!”

  I wink at Becky, grinning at her shocked expression, right before leading Olive outside. I can feel her trembling. She’s not crying, though, and for that, I’m proud of her.

  “Are you okay?” I ask her softly once we’ve made our way into Becky’s front yard.

  Suddenly, Olive shakes off my embrace and glares at me.

  “I didn’t need your help in there, Axel!” she spits out. “I can handle my damn self.”

  “I wasn’t handling you,” I tell her calmly. “I was getting rid of an obstacle for you, that’s all. You don’t need to listen to some lame prom queen’s bullshit. Do you really care what Becky thinks?”

  Olive looks furious, her eyes flash. “Of course not,” she lies through gritted teeth, hesitating for a moment before going on. “But my date’s in there, Axel!”

  “Right, the oh-so-mysterious Jason.” I roll my eyes. “Wasn’t he supposed to keep you company? I didn’t see him anywhere when those girls were attacking you.”

  “Those girls?” Olive laughs out loud, the sound bitter and angry. “Let’s not forget you had your tongue down one of their throats only minutes ago.”

  “Yeah, I didn’t know they’d pick on you, did I?” I say, rubbing my eyes. “Look, Olive, let’s not fight. I’ll go in there and get your date, if that’s what you want. Just don’t make this day shittier than it already is, please.”

  “Fine, get him!” Olive screams at me. “I don’t want to be stuck here with you, Axel. Just get Jason, and leave me alone.”

  She’s being unreasonable, and I’m a stupid prick for nodding and heading inside. I’m a jerk for actually finding Jason deep in conversation with another girl who doesn’t hold a candle to Olive’s beauty. And I’m a dumbass for bringing him outside and letting him save the day.

  I leave the lovebirds chatting on the lawn and head back to the party. I should just get over her. It’s become painfully obvious that Olive wants nothing to do with me.

  Too
bad I’m more in love with her than ever.

  3

  Olive

  As soon as Axel leaves, and I’m left staring at his back, I feel empty and drained of all emotions. I’m already regretting sending him away, but it seems to be my default whenever I’m near him. I’m just so afraid of his new status as the “cool guy,” his new popular friends, his bike, his boxing.

  I’m scared I won’t measure up, and I’ll never be good enough. I guess he just proved me right, because he walked away.

  My mom used to say, any guy who is worth having, will fight for you. And while Axel sometimes puts up a fight, he never really sticks around long enough to make sure I’m okay. He always leaves that job to someone else—usually my dad, or in this case, Jason.

  I have to bite my tongue to stop myself from begging him to come back, but he disappears amidst the other people at the party in the next second. I’m too afraid to go back inside, so I just cross my arms in front of my body and sulk on the lawn, freezing in my T-shirt and jeans.

  Finally, Axel comes back outside in what seems like hours later, even though it’s probably only been minutes. I give him an angry look and we lock eyes.

  It’s not until he reaches me that I notice he brought Jason with him.

  “Hey, Olive!” Jason says with an awkward smile. “Where’d you go? I’ve been looking for you.”

  I mumble back something incoherent, and Jason grins at Axel. “Thanks for telling me where she was, man. See you around?”

  Axel looks like he wants to punch Jason, but he just nods with his lips in a thin line before disappearing back into the house. And it hurts like hell that however hard I try to deny it, I will always have a thing for Axel Reign.

  “… so I’m really sorry, but I’ll have to head back home now. Olive? Is that okay? Olive?”

  Jason’s words finally reach me and I look up at him. “Sorry, what?”

  He laughs at me and ruffles my hair, something I’ve always hated. “Went someplace else in your mind, did you?” he teases me, and it rubs me the wrong way. I hate it when people use that patronizing tone with me.