by Lacey Wolfe
I covered my mouth and giggled. I couldn’t believe it. I’d done it! I had to tell Kristy.
Hey. Guess what I did?
I wasn’t sure if she was in class. She liked her sleep and took evening classes. My phone dinged.
No idea. What?
I grinned from ear to ear as I typed. I was with Gabe.
My phone blasted a moment later. “Hey.”
“You had sex!” she screamed from the other end.
I giggled. “Yes.”
“Oh my! I can’t believe it.”
“Me either.”
“What was it like?”
What else could I tell her, other than it had been wonderful and I wanted to do it again, and again, and again. “Amazing. It hurt like a bitch at first, but then when the pain went away, all I can say is wow.”
“God, girl. I can’t believe it. I wish I had more time to talk, but I have to be in class in like five minutes, and I need to get across campus like pronto. So I’m about to run my ass that way.”
I laughed. “What? Can’t talk and run?”
“Hell no. I’m gonna kill my lungs just from the running.”
“Call me later. I need to get a hold of Evan anyway.”
“You’re not going to tell him, are you?”
“No! Gabe said he came into the coffee shop high or messed up on something. I don’t know what to do.”
Kristy sighed. “You have to tell his parents. I’d do it to you, if you got involved in that mess.”
“I know.”
“Gotta go. So sorry I can’t talk.” She disconnected the call.
I needed to get out the door, too, and get to work. Tossing the phone into my purse, I gathered up a sweater in case it got chilly, and headed out the door. After closing my door, the stairwell was almost pitch black as I made my way down. Hopefully the landlord fixed that soon.
I opened the door at the bottom, thankful for the sunlight. As I crossed the street toward the book store, my phone dinged. I pulled it from my purse to see Evan had texted me back from earlier.
I’m fine. I told you before.
Rolling my eyes, I type back. No you’re not. You need help. You can’t keep down this path.
He responded right away. It’s not your business or problem. Got it?
Anger boiled through me. Yeah, I got it.
***
Parking my car in my parent’s driveway, I wiped my palms across my shorts. I wasn’t sure if they could help or how this was going to go down after I told them, but I had to tell someone.
The gravel crunched under my sandals as I walked up the path to the front door. It felt weird here now. How had I spent so many years here, and now everything looked so different? There were purple flowers planted by the walkway that I didn’t remember being there before. They must’ve been, but I’d never paid any attention.
As I entered the house, I called out, “Mom, Dad.”
I found them in the living room, munching on sandwiches. “What are you doing here? Don’t you have class?” Dad asked.
Yup, and I’d skipped them. My first time, but we weren’t doing anything and several of my friends from classes said I could copy their notes. “They were canceled.” Good one, just lie to the parents.
“All of them?” Mom stared at me with disbelief.
“Okay, I lied. I needed to talk to you.”
“Sit down. What’s wrong?” Mom pointed at the couch.
I sat in my usual spot. Funny how we all have places we like to sit, and it feels like your spot. “I need to talk to you guys about Evan.”
“His parents are concerned about him. He’s ignored their calls,” Mom said.
I wasn’t surprised. There was no easy way to say it, then to just say it, right? I took a deep breath. I could do this. “He’s involved with drugs. I don’t know how bad, or for how long, just that I’ve seen him at a party snorting coke, and—”
“What?” My mom dropped her plate on her lap, the chips falling to the floor. “You’re just now telling us?”
Sure, make me the bad guy. “He said it was a onetime thing, but then he went into Gabe’s place high. I don’t like that Pete guy he lives with, either.”
My parents exchanged a look, then my dad said, “Thank you for telling us.”
“I’m worried, too,” I added.
“His parents were worried about that.” Mom started to pick up the fallen chips up. “You did the right thing telling us.”
I hoped so. Evan was going to be pissed at me.
“We’ll talk to them,” Dad said, as though he knew I was worried about that.
“So how is it going with that boy?” Mom asked.
“Good.” And that’s how I wanted to leave it.
“Don’t get too serious now. You’re young and have your whole life ahead of you.” Mom set the plate of dirty chips on the table next to her.
“I don’t really want to talk about it.”
My parents chuckled. “Of course not, but we can still put our two cents in.” Mom stood. “Can I get you something to eat while you’re here? You’re supposed to be putting on the freshman fifteen, but you look thin.”
My parents cupboards compared to mine sounded like heaven. All I had was some microwave meals in the freezer. “Please, feed me.”
I couldn’t wait to see Paisley. I’d only seen her for a short few minutes since we’d made love. She texted me she was free after classes today and didn’t work. I was off, too. Finally, some time to be with just her. Alone. We could explore each other without the rush of life.
I carried some food. What I had planned, she was going to need her strength, before and after. I opened the door to the stairwell up to her place. That damn light was still out. What a shitty ass landlord to leave a single, young woman with a dark entrance to her place.
I paused in front of her door. Was that yelling?
I heard Paisley’s distressed voice and a guy’s. Something told me it was Evan. I knocked on the door and turned the door knob. Once I was inside, I saw Evan in her face.
“What fucking right did you have? I told you I was fine. Fuck you!”
“I was worried about you,” she cried.
I put my body between them and Evan shoved me. “This doesn’t concern you, asshole.”
“You’re yelling at my girl, so it does.” I turned to Paisley. “You okay?
“Fine.” She crossed her arms.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
“That bitch told her parents I was on drugs.” Evan clenched his fists.
“Watch it. She’s not a bitch. Call her that again, and I’ll break your jaw.”
Evan shook his head and stepped back. “My parents are freaking out on me. Telling me I have to move home or they won’t pay for college anymore. Screw that shit.”
“Sounds like your parents care about you.” My parents had never stepped in on my downward spiral. As usual, they were too caught up in their own lives to notice me. Evan had no idea how lucky he was.
“I’m sorry, Evan, but I care about you. You can’t keep going down this road.” Paisley wiped the tears from her eyes.
Evan groaned and clenched his fists tighter. Was he on something now? I could see he was angry, but he seemed enraged. “It wasn’t your place.”
“I think you should go until you’ve calmed down.” I pointed toward the door.
“I can’t believe it. You’ve chosen this player over me.” Evan paced. “This guy. He doesn’t love you. He just wants your virginity, and once he gets it, you’ll never see him again. That’s what all the girls say. They all lost it to Gabe after he sweet talked them into the sack.”
That’s it. I was sick of Evan and this stupid ass rumor that wasn’t true. I shoved Evan hard, and he tumbled back, hitting the coffee table. Only this time, Evan didn’t look defeated; he appeared to be even more pissed and came back at me.
He attempted to punch me, but I blocked him, kneeing him in the thigh instead. “Pais, get out of
here.”
“No. You two stop!” she demanded.
“You’re such a fucking asshole.” Evan pushed me into the wall behind me. Fuck, that hurt.
I didn’t really want to fight him. Paisley started to cry harder and I hated seeing her this way. Fuck it. I was going to knock his ass out to get this over. I pulled my fist back and went right for his cheek, hard, causing him to release me and yell out in pain.
“Shit!” He rubbed his face.
“Stop. Now!” Paisley demanded again. “I mean it. Evan, get out of here or I’m calling the cops.”
“Screw this. You’ve changed.” Evan pointed at her. “We’re not friends. Don’t call me. Don’t come to any of my parties; none of it. I don’t want to see you again.”
Evan left, slamming the door. Paisley fell to the ground sobbing. I went to her right away, wrapping my arms around her, holding her tight. I hated this. “Shh,” I whispered. “You did the right thing.”
“Then why do I feel so bad about it? Maybe he had it under control.”
Rubbing her back, I said, “No, sweetie. He was messed up even now. He’s angry, but once he gets help, he’ll come to you and thank you. I promise.” I hoped it was a promise that wouldn’t be broken. Evan was a smart kid, and they had a huge history. Surely things would work out for their friendship. But for now, Evan needed to hit rock bottom before he would get the help he needed.
After a few minutes of silence as Paisley calmed herself down, we finally both stood. She glanced past my shoulder. “What’s that?”
Turning, I remembered the brown bag of food I’d brought. “Treats. I’d planned on coming over here and having my way with you. First, I was going to feed you then again after I took all your energy.”
She smiled. “I am hungry. Let’s eat.”
We sat on the couch. She curled her legs under her. I handed her the first items I’d brought. Subs.
“I’m really sorry about this.” She unwrapped the package.
“You have nothing to apologize for.”
She sucked in her bottom lip in the way that drove me crazy. “You obviously had some big plans and the Evan thing kinda ruined it.”
“He ruined nothing.” I pressed my forehead to hers. “He’s already gone from my mind.”
She pulled back and lifted her sandwich to her lips. “We better eat.”
I was full now. I didn’t need food, I needed Paisley. After half a sandwich, she set it down, obviously feeling the same way.
Standing, I offered her my hand and she took it. Greed took over the gentleman in me, and I started to pull at her clothes.
“In a hurry?” She giggled.
“Yes.”
“Let me help.” She tugged the green tank top over her head, reveling her pink lace bra.
I licked my lips as I pulled her to me. Clasping my lips over the top of her breasts, I let my tongue slide under the bra cup until I tasted her perk nipple.
Her breathing picked up. “Gabe,” she moaned
After a few more moments of savoring her breasts, I straightened. I started to tug at the button of her shorts until finally I had them undone and began shoving them down her legs. She stepped out, and I saw she wore matching panties.
“You’re a fantasy come true,” I whispered.
“Yes, well, so are you. Now strip.” She winked.
No problem at all. With Paisley’s help, I removed my clothes, boxers included. She stared at me then melded her body against mine as her hand wrapped around my cock. She’d wasted no time. I liked how comfortable she was with me now. This was how it was supposed to be between us.
“That feels amazing, but if we want to do more, you’re going to need to stop.” I stepped back from her grasp. “And get naked.”
Licking her collarbone, I slid my fingers into the waistband and slid her panties down. All that was left was the bra and then I’d see her naked. Before I had the chance to unclasp it, she did it for me and let it drop to the floor.
“God, you’re beautiful. Do you know that?”
“You make me feel like I am.” She gazed into my eyes.
I couldn’t wait any longer. Lifting her, I carried her back to her bedroom and laid her on the bed. I still needed to be gentle, but at least she knew what to expect.
Pushing her legs apart, I slipped my hands between and found her wet. She wrapped her fingers around my cock and slowly stroked. We gazed into each other’s eyes as the pleasure built and I couldn’t take anymore. I needed to be inside of her and connect.
Breaking away, I said, “Condom. Wait here.” I ran through the place until I found my jeans. I took the wallet from the back pocket and removed the condom then hurried back to my waiting goddess.
“We’ll have to buy a box of those to keep here,” she said.
“Yes, because it will suck if I ever don’t have one.”
I ripped the package open and held the latex in my hand.
“Let me.” She held her hand out and I gave it to her.
Climbing above her, I straddled her so my cock now was out in front of her. She grinned and held my shaft. I could see she was a little nervous.
“Put it right there at the tip and roll it down.”
She nodded and started to put the condom on, leisurely covering my manhood. Placing my hand over hers, I helped her glide it on. Then I positioned myself between her thighs.
“I love you, Paisley. There will never be anyone else for me. You are it.”
She reached up and pulled my face to hers and kissed me. I thrust in and finally, all was right again in the world.
Paisley was my forever. I would do anything for her, and I intended to show her for the rest of her life. I’d move as slow as she needed, just as long as we were together, that was all that mattered. We were young and had our whole lives ahead of us, but together, we’d make all our dreams come true.
I walked across campus after math class, which Evan hadn’t attended. I worried he was passed out somewhere, or worse. I hated how things had changed between us, but I guess this was part of being an adult. Life changed, people changed. That was just it.
My cell beeped from my purse. I pulled it out to see a text from Gabe. Let’s ride today. I want to take you somewhere special.
I grinned as my heart fluttered. I was completely in love with him, and I’d go anywhere he asked. I’ve got some homework to do first. Two hours?
He responded right away. Perfect. Wear that skirt I love.
Giggling, I plopped the phone back into my purse and hurried to get home. When I arrived at my apartment, a lit stairwell greeted me. Thank goodness, I was getting creeped out going up and down the stairs in the dark.
I grabbed a bag of chips as soon as I got inside. Then I dumped out what I needed to study and prepared to get this done quick so I could freshen up and look incredible for Gabe.
My phone rang and if it hadn’t been the ringtone assigned to my parents, I’d have ignored it.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Hi, dear. I was hoping I wasn’t calling while you were in class.”
“Nope. Just doing homework then going out with Gabe.”
“We still need to meet that boy.”
I’d fallen in love with a guy my parents had yet to approve of. Though, I couldn’t see why they wouldn’t like him. “I’ll check his schedule with mine and maybe we can come for dinner soon.”
“I’d like that.” She cleared her throat. “Well, I was calling about Evan.”
“I have no news.” Even if I did, I wasn’t sure I’d give any, after he’d gotten so angry with me.
“I do.”
My gut dropped. “What is it?”
“He’s home with his parents.”
My heart beat so hard I wondered if I might have a heart attack.
“They went to visit him yesterday and found him passed out with a bottle of pills next to him.”
Pills? Wow. He was really involved in things I had no idea about. I ached for him. He was like a b
rother to me, and I wanted to see him better again. “Is he okay?”
“He will be. He’s agreed to get some help, but he’s going to have to drop out of school for this semester. His parents would prefer if he started at a community college closer to home so he can live there, but he’s an adult, so they can’t make him do anything.”
“Is he mad?” At me?
Mom chuckled. “I’ve only been there once to offer my support, but they asked to be alone for this as they deal with it. I’m sure Evan will be Evan again. You did the right thing, sweetie. Don’t doubt that.”
“Thanks.” I felt a little better knowing he was getting the help he needed.
“We’ll update soon. Get back to your homework, and bring that boy to meet us.”
“I will. Soon.”
We ended the call. I tried to concentrate on my homework, but all I could think about was Evan. Would he be okay? Would he be okay after this? Or would he just go down the same road again? I never thought he’d get involved with drugs, but that just goes to show how well you really know someone.
I needed to get this homework done, but I wanted to let Evan know I was thinking of him.
I sent him a quick text. Thinking of you.
That was sweet and simple. I couldn’t help but stare at the screen and wait for a message to come back, but five minutes later, one still hadn’t come.
I wasn’t going to dwell on it. He was going through a hard time. I’d still be here when he was ready to talk.
***
The wind blew in my face as Gabe took a back road to wherever we were going. He wouldn’t tell me. We’d gone through some of the same intersections a few times. I had a feeling he was just enjoying driving around right now. Which was fine with me.
I thought back to my first time on the bike and how it scared me. Each bump and turn I thought I would fall off. But now, it was nothing. I trusted Gabe to keep me safe.
Finally, he slowed and turned into a local park. We’d been here before. After parking the bike, I climbed off and removed the helmet. I was sure the curls I’d put in were gone at this point. Why had I even decided to style it?
“One of these days I’m going to teach you how to ride this baby so I can watch you ride it in those small skirts of yours. I’m jealous of all the guys that get to see your long legs.” He brushed a lock of my hair behind my ear.