by Mj Fields
“I am as long as you promise to help me after,” she smiled and kissed him.
“Can we sleep…just for an hour?” he asked as she kissed his neck.
“Uh huh.”
He woke up to hearing music downstairs. He walked down, and she smiled.
“I made breakfast, yours is in the microwave.”
He saw a bucket of water and cleaning supplies.
“What are we doing today?” he scowled
“I thought we could clean for an hour and then go to your room for an hour and just keep going back and forth. What do you say?”
“Alright sounds good, all except for the cleaning part. I can hire someone to do that.”
“Stop whining boy,” she laughed.
They cleaned the downstairs in less than an hour. Then upstairs, four hours later they had finished cleaning and were absolutely exhausted.
Tessa sat up on him and smiled, “Hey stud, now it’s the lawn.”
“Tessa I have never been worn out before, six hours later and MY legs feel like Jell-O,” he laughed and pulled her into his arms.
“Well if you want to lie here all day, you go ahead. I’m going to be outside,” she smiled and jumped up. “Just like this,” she walked down the stairs and he heard the door shut.
Lucas jumped up and went to the window, holy shit she is as wild as I imagined he laughed and grabbed her clothes off the floor. He ran down the stairs throwing shorts on. He sprinted outside and grabbed her, she started laughing. He threw a shirt on over her head and Tessa laughed harder.
“Seriously a twist here, you’re putting clothes on me?” he swooped her up and carried her in the house over his shoulder. Tessa laughed the entire way in.
He sat her on the counter and kissed her, she pulled away, “Down boy.”
Lucas stood back and looked at her “I cannot believe you’re the same girl I fell in love with eight months ago.”
She looked at him with questioning eyes.
“The way you love Tessa, is amazing, I’m so glad—no-- I’m blessed to have you in my life, wait right here please,” he ran upstairs and came back down.
“Tessa I know you have said several times that you’re only eighteen. I also know you were put here for me to love forever,” Lucas took her hand and helped her off the counter, “I love you and will forever Tessa Ross, you have changed me inside. I don’t want to ever go back,” Lucas took a deep breath. He opened a Tiffany box that had a beautiful platinum diamond ring; it was princess cut and quite large. He looked at her face, and she looked scared and happy at the same time. “Promise me that when you’re ready, whenever that is, I want to take this ring and put it on your left hand, but today I ask that you let me put it on your right,” Lucas watched her and a smile formed on her face.
She jumped up and hugged him, he put her down. “Will you marry me someday, baby?”
Tessa shook her head and held out her hand, and her feet began to move. Lucas smiled as he put the ring on her finger as she did the little happy dance. Lucas picked her up and carried her upstairs. He kissed her gently, and for the first time she felt like they were actually making love. It was sweet and slow and more kissing. He was gentle and loving. And when they finished together she felt complete.
She sat up and looked at him, "Lucas, that was beautiful.”
“I think so too baby.”
~
Sunday dinner at the Ross’s Lucas sat and held her hand and starred at her. Jade thought it was odd until she saw him kiss her hand and she smiled at him.
“Holy Shit!”
“Jade,” John scolded.
“Oh I’m sorry, but did you see Tessa’s freaking ring?”
Everyone looked.
Tessa smiled and held it out.
“So what does this mean Lucas,” John asked.
“Well it means that when she is ready to say yes, I can put it on her left hand,” Lucas said quietly.
“Tessa… has your mother seen that yet?”
“No, Daddy,” she whispered.
“Good, that damn thing is bigger than the one I gave her when we’d been married for fifteen years.”
Alex and Jade laughed.
“When did you buy that?” Jade asked.
“When I went to visit my Dad in October,” he swallowed hard.
“Wow that was a long time ago, why did you just give it to her now?”
“Well some things came up,” he said and shook his head smirking.
“How the hell did you pay for it?” Jade asked.
“Jade really?” Tessa closed her eyes.
“No, it’s alright Tessa. I’ve worked for my Dad every summer since I was fifteen. I’ve saved the money, never needed it before,” Like answered and laughed. “It did kind of suck when I thought I would never be able to give it to her.”
~
On Prom night, Ryan and Lucas rolled into the driveway in a stretch Limo. Lucas got out, and Tessa saw him from the window. He looked amazing. He walked in the door and looked at her and smiled his big bright smile.
“You look absolutely gorgeous.”
Tessa’s dress was a shimmery deep lavender; the top was a bustier, a lot like the one in his poster. It laced in the back. Her hair was swept to one side with a few loose curls hanging on the opposite side. They looked at each other and smiled. His eyebrow started to rise, and she laughed.
Jade came out in a low cut hot pink dress that fit her perfectly. Jade’s dark hair was in a high French twist. Ryan had shaved, and his hair was styled: his green eyes took her in as he shook his head.
“Jade-- you look absolutely beautiful,” Ryan eyes fell to her breasts. She smacked him, and he laughed. “You put them out there; I’m simply admiring the scenery.”
“Ryan, you clean up pretty damn good,” Jade laughed.
Phoebe walked out and had on a long black gown that fit her like a glove, she had a great body with curves in all the right places. Her hair was up in curls that flowed down the back of her head. Tessa looked at Alex-- he clenched his jaw and and took in a very deep breath. Tessa had never seen Alex react like that.
“Phoebe, you look beautiful,” kissed her.
“Wow,” Phoebe said when he stopped.
Tessa smiled at her and turned back to Lucas whose eyes never left her. She looked at him and smiled. He finally saw her smiling at him.
“Like the dress Lucas?” she whispered in his ear.
“Yes very much, I can’t wait to undo those laces,” he bit his lower lip, “Mmm mm mm.”
Jade was voted Prom queen and Tessa was so happy. She whistled and cheered as Jade went up to receive the crown stunned and giggling the whole time in disbelief. She was not even sure she would be going. Becca was first on court.
The next few weeks flew with ball, school, and finals. Graduation was here, and Alex, Tessa, Jade and Lucas decided to have their parties together. Lucas’ father was opposed to it, but that didn’t matter to Lucas.
Lucas and Alex both received letters from many schools. Alex was valedictorian and Lucas salutatorian. Alex chose Cornell and received a scholarship. Ryan was accepted to SUNY Cortland, and he would be playing ball there. Lucas received several acceptance letters and chose SU. Jade and Tessa both decided to start at community colleges. Tessa knew how expensive Cornell would be for her parents and wasn’t sure what she wanted to do yet, anyway. Tommy’s family also received a letter from Syracuse. He would have been attending SU and playing ball if fate had not chosen otherwise. At the end of year sports banquet, Tommy’s number sixty eight was retired. It was a lovely ceremony that his family attended.
The graduation ceremony was held outside in the football field. Alex and Lucas both spoke. There was an empty chair draped in black in the back row. It represented, Tommy. Tessa held Jade’s hand most of the time only letting go when one of them had to wipe away their tears.
Lucas’ mom Kate had met someone finally after all these years that Lucas thought she may be with for a long time.
He was one of the counselors at Tully Hill. Everything was finally looking up for Lucas, and he was happy.
Lucas and Tessa got in his SUV to meet the family. He started to unzip his robe, and she smiled.
“You know I was watching you all covered up on stage, and I couldn’t help but think about what might be waiting for me under that robe, you drive, I want to check it out,” Lucas smiled, and she lifted his robe and winked.
Tessa and Lucas met their families at the lakeside restaurant to celebrate after graduation. They had a great time. Ryan and Phoebe road with Alex, Jade had been spending a little more time at Tommy’s family home. His mother very much wanted to be close to Jade. Although it pained Jade to watch her cry, she did as she was asked.
Tessa was very busy helping her Mom make salads while the men started the chicken outside.
“How are things with you and Lucas?” Maggie asked.
“Perfect Mom, I love him so much.”
“You’re being safe right?”
“Mom,” she said defensively.
“What Tessa? Do you think I don’t see the way you two look at each other?” she asked.
Lucas walked in the house, they smiled at each other.
“Just like that,” she whispered, “Shall I ask him?”
Tessa laughed, “Sure,” as Lucas hugged her from behind and kissed her head.
“Good morning Mrs. Ross,” Lucas smiled.
“Good morning Lucas, can I ask you a question?”
Tessa’s jaw dropped.
“Sure,” he smiled.
“Have you and Tessa been being safe?”
Lucas’s eyes widened and he stepped back from Tessa.
“I’m not sure what you mean?”
“Okay then, when you and my daughter have sex are you making sure to use protection?” Maggie asked looking at him.
“Mag’s,” John gasped in shock as he walked into the room.
“Holy shit,” Tessa looked down.
“Your mouth Tessa,” Maggie warned. “Well Lucas?”
“Okay,” he paused, “Tessa and I love each other and we’re both pretty smart. I’ve known from a couple weeks after I met her that I felt that way. And to answer your question of course we are.”
“Okay have you been tested for disease Lucas?” Maggie asked.
“Mom,” Tessa stomped her foot.
“Jesus Mag’s! I’ll be outside…hiding,” John walked out the door.
“Tessa its fine,” Lucas said. “Yes ma’am and Tessa went with me. I showed her the report. I’m free of all diseases, which I was pretty positive I was anyway. There was only one other person I have had sex with that I didn’t use a condom.”
Maggie wasn’t expecting that, “Well how many people have you had sex with Lucas?”
"Mom that's enough!”
“Thirteen including your daughter,” Lucas answered looking her straight in the eyes. He watched her jaw drop, “I love Tessa and will be faithful to her, and I have been. I plan to marry her when she’s ready. I hope you believe me. I won’t lie to you. Is there anything else Mrs. Ross?”
“No, Lucas, thank you for being honest,” Maggie walked into the other room.
Tessa looked at him and closed her eyes, he hugged her.
“I love you baby, it’ll be fine. I’m going outside to try to help… and avoid any ass kicking your father may give me.”
“I love you Lucas.”
Maggie came out and looked at Tessa.
“Mom, do you have any more questions?”
“No Tessa, you know your sister is saving herself for marriage right?” Tessa shook her head yes. “And Alex, oh Tessa has Alex?”
“No Mom.”
“Does he know about you,” Maggie asked.
“Well yes, but it’s not like he has encouraged me,” Tessa said defending him, “and he knows that you put me on the pill.”
“He didn’t force you did he?” Maggie asked.
“No mom! I actually went to him the first time,” she said. “He’d turned me down before that.”
“Does it make you uncomfortable?”
Tessa tried not to smile, “No.”
“So then it’s something you enjoy.”
“Do you honestly want to know?”
“Yes, I want to know that you’re not hurting or in pain,” Maggie started tearing up.
“Well pain and hurting was after my lovely exam,” Tessa glared at her. “With him,” she smiled. “It’s amazing.”
“Alright I think I’ve heard enough,” Maggie said turning away.
“Mom have you had sex with the Dr.?” Tessa asked trying to make her feel uncomfortable.
“No Tessa, I haven’t had sex in almost a year.”
“Well how do you stop doing that? I can’t imagine,” Tessa said shocked.
“You just do.”
“And the Doctor is alright with that?”
“Tessa I broke things off with him at Christmas time,” Maggie said, “I miss my family.”
“Then come back, Mom.”
“I don’t think I can.”
“Dad loves you; can’t you see the way he looks at you?”
“Tessa I know your father, and he would never. I would demand counseling. I want to feel the way you do now. The passionate love forever, and he and I are way past that.”
We shall see, Tessa thought and smiled “Okay mom,” she hugged her.
“Tessa, please don’t tell your brother or father about this conversation.”
“I won’t.”
~
“John, I’m sorry,” Lucas said walking up to him nervously.
“I’m not stupid,” John said as he basted the chicken. “Are you honestly sorry?”
“If you’re angry I’m sorry. I love her and well, always will,” Lucas looked down.
“Alright then, make sure you do,” John said. “We have a party to get ready for boy,” he said as he smacked him on the back. “It wasn’t the hot tub was it?”
“No, sir we haven’t done it there yet,” Lucas said and wished he could eat his words.
Alex laughed out loud.
John looked at Alex “Have you?”
“No Dad… although I can’t say I haven’t wanted to,” Alex smiled.
“You haven’t?” Lucas asked.
“No Lucas, I’ve been waiting for you,” Alex laughed.
“Well at least someone’s getting some,” John said under his breath.
The boys laughed.
Tessa walked up and tapped her father on the back, “Daddy are you mad?”
“Disappointed Tessa,” John said his face immediately changing.
“But Dad, you just said you were happy someone was…” Alex started.
“Enough son,” John said glaring at him. “And happy was not the word I used.”
“Sorry Daddy.”
“Good… don’t do it again,” he looked down.
Tessa hugged him and walked away.
~
Lucas’s family pulled in, and there was a steady pace of traffic for the rest of the day. They had a great time, dancing and laughing. Lucas and Tessa kept their distance for the first few hours. Maggie and John sat together and watched them exchange glances and smiles.
“She loves him, Mag’s.”
“I know.”
“What are we going to do?”
“Well we can’t push her, she’s eighteen.”
“I told her not to do it again,” he smiled.
Maggie laughed, “And what did she say?”
“Well she hugged me and didn’t say a damn word,” he laughed.
“Well, we didn’t raise a liar,” she laughed and grabbed his hand. His body stiffened, “Oh I’m sorry,” she said and went to pull her hand away.
“Mag’s don’t be, you just caught me off guard,” he squeezed her hand. “We have four wonderful kids and one pain in the ass,” he laughed, “all perfect. We need to be able to be friends, right?”
“Yes John, f
riends,” she whispered and looked at him.
Ben’s family pulled in. Tessa saw them getting out and smiled. She saw Lucas stare at her and she walked over to him, “We okay?”
“Well this very uncomfortable day just keeps getting more uncomfortable,” she hugged him.
They watched as Ben helped a girl out of the car. Lucas looked at Tessa to see a reaction, she smiled.
“You okay with that?”
“Absolutely! I’m glad he is happy, can we go say hi?” Tessa’s feet started moving, and he shook his head yes.
“Hey Ben,” Tessa hugged him.
“Hello Tess,” Ben grinned and hugged her back.
“Hello Links” he stuck his hand out to shake Lucas’s hand.
Lucas shook it and smiled.
Ben looked back at the tall curly haired blonde behind him.
“This is Lauren,” Ben took her hand.
“Hello,” Lauren smiled politely. “Tessa right?”
“Yep,” Tessa hugged her.
Lauren looked shocked, “I uh…recognized you from the videos on Ben’s page. You have an amazing voice.”
“Thank you, and this is Lucas my boyfriend,” Tessa smiled
“I don’t know Tess-- check out that ring,” Ben winked. “What’s this mean?”
“When she is ready we we’ll switch hands, and then we’ll get married. When she’s ready,” Lucas repeated.
“That is so sweet,” Lauren looked a bit relieved.
Tessa and Ben both noticed and smiled at each other. They all walked toward the tents.
“You’re both coming to mine next weekend, right?” Ben looked at Lucas.
“Sure, sounds good,” Lucas said, “Is that alright with you, Baby?” he kissed Tessa on the head.
“I’d love that,” Tessa smiled knowing that Lucas was trying.
Ben spotted the Karaoke machine, “Links, you going to let Tess sing with me?”
“If she wants to,” Lucas’s smile was guarded.
Tessa walked up to Alex and Phoebe, “Ben’s here,” she smiled, “His girlfriend Lauren is with him, you should say hello.”
Tessa walked into the house dragging Lucas behind her. She smiled as she passed some family and shut the kitchen door behind them. She looked at him, “We okay?”
“I don’t know, are we?” Lucas searched her face.
“Always Lucas,” kissed him. He was a little stiff, and she pulled back. “Please don’t do this.”