I Go Where You Go

by Jaelyn Hardin

  “Ash, I’m not going to keep talking about this.” I picked up a shirt I knew she hated just to catch her attention, hoping to get her focused on what she was really supposed to be doing.

  “No! Put that disgusting thing away and grab those leather skinnies I lent you.” She continued texting through her directions. I did as I was told. “And then get that black backless tank and a red lace bralette. Wear your black strappy sandals.”

  I laid it out on the bed and looked at it. “I don’t know Ash. It looks a little trashy.”

  “Are you calling my outfit trashy?” She finally looked up from her phone to glare at me.

  “Isn’t that why you bought it?” That made her laugh with me, finally.

  “Yeah, that’s true.” She put her phone down and headed for the closet. “I don’t think you could pull it off anyway. I’ll just take it back.” The inevitable insult.

  We went through endless outfits, but we finally agreed on one. A pair of jean shorts, an all-black tank top, black sandals, and my leather jacket. Ashleigh thought it was too subtle, but I thought it was great.

  “Now remember, he is on the team, so if you do something embarrassing, the whole team is going to find out.”

  “Sure, that doesn’t make me nervous.” I tried to laugh, but it was nerves that came out.

  “I’m serious Becka,” she said sternly. “Especially with sex.”

  “Ashleigh, I haven’t even kissed the guy, I’m not thinking about having sex with him.” I couldn’t believe she was bringing this up again.

  “I’m just saying, how many guys are you going to turn down? They aren’t going to wait forever. You are going to have to give it up at some point.”

  “Thanks for your concern, but I’m not worried about it. I’ll do it when I’m ready, but it won’t be tomorrow.” I had to put my foot down with this subject every time. It was no secret that she and Austin went at it like animals mating, even Madison wasn’t a virgin, but it just wasn’t my time yet.

  Ashleigh blew air out in frustration. “Fine, but I’m just saying. If you don’t do it with him, they will all know.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I’ll take my chances.”

  We sat and talked for a while, but eventually, Austin came to pick her up.

  “Come outside and say hi,” Ashleigh instructed me.

  I was confused. “Why?”

  “Just come with me.” She grabbed my hand and dragged me down the stairs. I couldn’t even say anything to my mom because before I knew it, I was out the front door. But to my surprise, Austin was not alone. Aiden was in my driveway.

  “What is he doing here?” I whispered to Ashleigh frantically, trying to take my hair out of a bun as fast as I could. “Did you know he was coming?”

  “Surprise!” She bumped me with her hip and flew down the stairs and into Austin’s arms, already making out. That just left Aiden and me.

  “Hey, you,” Aiden said, walking closer to me.

  “Hi.” I felt nervous. Ashleigh let me change and wash all my makeup off. Sabotage. “What are you doing here?”

  He nodded over to the make-out twins. “Came with Austin to get Ashleigh, figured I could see you at the same time.” He looked me up and down. “There you are with those legs again.” He gave me an incredibly sexy smile, and it worked on me.

  “You better stop with that,” I laughed at him, wanting him to do anything but stop.

  “I can’t help myself. You always look so good.”

  I put my hands over my face. “Not even. I took all my makeup off. I look gross.”

  He uncovered my face and took my hands in his. “Not even.” I tried not to blush, but with no makeup covering my cheeks it wasn’t easy to hide. “So, am I gonna see you at my game tomorrow?”

  “You really want me to go?” I asked, unsure if he meant it.

  He nodded, “yea, I do. Maybe those legs will bring me good luck.”

  I laughed out loud, unable to help myself. “How could I say no to that?” I tried my best to give him a flirty smile, I think it worked.

  “That’s what I like to hear.” He squeezed my hand in his and I thought I was going to melt.

  “What is the plan for tomorrow?”

  “I’ll pick you up and we can go to the party. Whatever happens after that is up for grabs.” He winked as he spoke. It made my stomach do flips, but I couldn’t tell if it was in a good way or a bad way.

  “Alright.” I looked away, not wanting him to see the nervousness on my face.

  “Hey,” he lifted my chin to his face, “don’t do that.”

  “Do what?”

  “Look away when you get nervous,” he whispered. “Nervous looks cute on you.” That made me feel better. The nerves went away.

  “Aiden, let’s go,” Austin yelled over, taking my moment away.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Aiden leaned in and kissed me on the cheek before squeezing my hand and heading for the car. I took the swarm of butterflies in my stomach up to my room and laid on my bed with a smile. Things might just turn out okay.

  Three

  School was dreadful. I was wishing for it to pass quickly so I could get to the game and then to my date with Aiden, but I was at my Ashleigh-limit. Every word out of her mouth was a “tip” to help my chances of having sex. I was considering either drowning myself or her, I didn’t know which option was better.

  “You need to at least try to be sexy,” she told me while passing classes. “Do you know how to do that?” There was so much insult in her question, I was about to scream.

  “Ash, I don’t need help, I’m fine.”

  “Stop acting like you do this all the time. You wouldn’t even have this date if it wasn’t for me.”

  “And I said thank you, but I’m going to be fine.” My annoyance level was through the roof. It was a relief when I had a class without her, but the second we saw each other again she was right where she left off.

  “What have you eaten today?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “What? Are you deaf?” Another eye roll attached. “What have you eaten today? Whatever you’ve shoved in that hole will show up in that tank top. Be smart.”

  I stared at her in disbelief. I couldn’t take it anymore. I walked away from her before I said something she would make me regret.

  It was the final class of the day and I was itching for the bell to go off.

  “Dude, will you chill?” Ashleigh commented on my shaking leg under the desk. “The game isn’t going to start without you.”

  “I know, but I want to make sure I get a good seat.” She had finally stopped with her helpful tips and I was able to stand her once again.

  “We will get seats, be cool.”

  “What is wrong with being excited about something?” I was annoyed that she kept trying to shut me down.

  “You’re not a kid at Disney, just calm down.”

  Finally, the bell went off and Ashleigh, Madison, and I headed for the field. This was the first time I was excited to go to a game. Ashleigh always dragged me along to watch Austin, but I was looking forward to having someone to watch for myself.

  When the game kicked off, I was scanning the field. It wasn’t long before I found number eighteen. From that moment, my eyes were on him. By halftime, we were winning twenty-one to three, and fourteen of those points were thanks to Austin throwing to Aiden. The team was heading back to the locker room when he spotted me. He was holding his helmet in his hands, his hair glistening with sweat and a smile on his face. I don’t know what made me do it, but I kicked my leg up and over my other, crossing them dramatically so he would have no choice but to look. He shook his head with another smile before running off with the team.

  “Nice one,” Ashleigh whispered in my ear. “I’ve taught you well.” I smiled back at her, not wanting to give her the credit but also not wanting to argue.

  While the band played and the cheerleaders danced, some of the team returned to the field. A few went to see their f
amilies, but Austin and Aiden came barreling up the bleachers, coming straight for Ashleigh and me.

  “Look who showed up.”

  “I had some free time,” I smirked. “I told you I’d be here.”

  “Well, I’m happy to see you.” He held my hand over the railing while giving me this look that was making me melt in the stands.

  “You are doing so good out there! I didn’t realize how fast you were.”

  He nodded, impressed with himself. “I do alright. But I think it’s you.”

  “Me? What about me?”

  “Those legs, they are my good luck charm.”

  I grinned. “Well then if you win, you owe me.”

  He looked surprised. “Really, what do you want?”

  I shrugged. “I’ll let you know.”

  “I like surprises.” His wink made me laugh.

  Austin elbowed Aiden suddenly. “Hey, we gotta go.” I was surprised he took a break from Ashleigh’s mouth.

  Aiden tugged on my hand and pulled me into him. He leaned in close and whispered in my ear. “If you let me play with those legs, I’ll give you whatever you want.” He stayed close and kissed my cheek, leaving me tingling all over. “I’ll pick you up tonight.” Aiden took off with Austin back to the field. I stood with a smile, praying they won the game.

  “How do I look?” I stood at the bottom of the staircase wearing my date outfit, feeling very nervous.

  “Woah, there. Look at you.” Mom smiled. “You look great.”

  “You don’t clean up half bad,” Ryan said, quickly glancing at me.

  “Becka looks pretty!” Rhylie yelled from the floor.

  “It’s not too much? I’m not trying to be overdressed. These are good party clothes, right?” I started second-guessing myself.

  “Becka, stop stressing.” Mom got up from her chair and came over to me, taking my hands in hers. “Aiden is going to love it.”

  The doorbell rang and my heart dropped into my stomach.

  “Here we go,” she whispered. “Go get the door.”

  I put my hand on the doorknob and took a breath, trying to calm my heart down. I just had to rip it off like a band-aid. I swung the door open and found my date. He wore light jeans with a dark t-shirt. He looked good.

  “Hey.”

  “Damn,” he blew out a breath. “You look hot.”

  “Thanks. Come on in and meet my mom.” I stood back and let him in. “Mom, this is Aiden. Aiden, this is my mom.”

  Aiden walked in but stayed near the door. He raised a hand and waved. “Nice to meet you.” It was polite, but it was weird.

  “And that is my brother, Ryan, and my sister, Rhylie.” My family was so important to me; it was vital for me to introduce them. Ryan nodded toward him, but Rhylie was waving furiously.

  Aiden nodded his head shortly, “Sup’?” He turned back to me like it didn’t happen. “Are you ready to go?”

  I nodded, “Yeah, I am.” I waved back to my family. “I’ll be home later.”

  Mom eyed him suspiciously. “Be careful, call if you need me.”

  I shut the door and shook of her worry. This was going to be a good night.

  When we made it to the party, he didn’t waste any time. The second we got inside, he dragged me to get drinks. The music was crazy loud, and the house was jam-packed with bodies. Aiden and I stood in the kitchen, side by side. He poured our drinks and handed me my cup with a smile.

  “Should we toast?” he asked me.

  I smiled and lifted my cup. “To you winning the game?”

  He shook his head no and reached his other hand around my waist, pulling me closer. “To those legs.”

  I laughed. “Can’t argue with that.” We touched our cups together and drank. I took a sip, but Aiden downed his.

  “I’m glad you came with me tonight,” he mentioned as he poured himself another drink. “You seem nervous.”

  I shrugged. “I’m cool.”

  Aiden put his drink down and snuck his hands around my waist. “What about now?” he whispered. It made my heart speed up.

  I sucked in a breath. “Maybe a little.”

  He smiled widely, lust in his eyes. “Let me see if I can change that.” He dragged me toward the music, not giving me a chance to object. I took a big gulp of my drink and prayed this wasn’t as bad as I thought it was about to be.

  I wasn’t much of a dancer, by myself or with a partner. Aiden was very touchy, rubbing his large hands up and down my sides. I was trying to create space, but it wasn’t working. I was getting uncomfortable, and Aiden noticed.

  “Are you okay?” he asked, looking down at me, still with a twinkle in his eye.

  I nodded. “Yeah, it’s just…” I paused, unsure of what to say next.

  “New to this too?” he asked with a smile. My face flooded with embarrassment, unsure if he was making fun of me. He gripped my hip a little harder and looked into my eyes, tilting my face up. “Hey, trust me. I got you.” He put my hands in his and guided me into him. I took a deep breath and followed his lead.

  “There you go.” He held my hips and spun me around before pushing us together. I was still nervous, but eventually, I loosened up, moving along with his body close to mine. Aiden stuck his face in the crook of my neck, kissing my skin lightly. Overall, the dance ended up being much better than I had imagined.

  Our dancing subdued once Austin and Ashleigh showed up. When the A’s arrived, it was noticed. Nearly everyone ran to greet them, Aiden included. I stayed put. I knew Ashleigh would find me. She always did.

  “When did you learn to dance?” Ashleigh hollered in my ear, impressed with me for once. I smiled, grateful for her approval. I looked over at Aiden and caught his eyes already on me. “Come on, let them talk, let’s go drink.” I smiled with her. I rarely got this Ashleigh; it was nice to see her again.

  When Ashleigh was nice, she was great, and it was looking like I had nice-Ashleigh tonight. We were taking shots together, laughing and dancing. It was one of the few times I was happy to be her friend. But moments like that were always short-lived. Our relationship would never be as simple as drinking together with our arms entwined.

  The four of us sat together, talking about nothing and everything. I was seated comfortably on Aiden’s lap, which initially made me nervous, but the alcohol was washing away my nerves.

  “Who invited 3B?”

  My stress was back. I looked up and stupid Derrick was standing in the doorway. I was finally having a good time at a party; I didn’t want him to ruin it.

  “Hi, Derrick.” He didn’t look directly at me. Instead, he turned his attention to Aiden.

  “Dude, can you breathe down there?” he asked with a chuckle. He high-fived the annoying jock behind him.

  “You’re hilarious.” I took a sip of my drink and tried to let the comments roll off my back. The last thing I wanted was for them to see they had gotten to me again.

  “Hide the food before 3B gets to it!” All the surrounding people started laughing at me. I couldn’t take it anymore. I climbed off Aiden and chugged the rest of my drink. I tried to brush past everyone and go toward the kitchen, but Ashleigh got ahold of my arm.

  “Derrick, knock it off.” She wrapped her arms around me. “Leave my 3B alone.” She leaned in and kissed my cheek, enjoying the hysterical laughter she caused everyone to break into. I tore her arms off me, red with rage.

  “Fuck off, Ashleigh.”

  When I made it to the kitchen, I grabbed one of the many bottles of liquor and filled up a cup. Reality set back in and I was beyond done. I hated her so much. I hated her for making me feel so worthless. I hated her for being the worst friend. I hated her for everything.

  “What’s wrong, Becka?” Ashleigh came in and brushed my hair out of my face. “Did they hurt your feelings?”

  “Fuck you, Ashleigh.” I tried to ignore her by taking another drink, but it wasn’t working.

  “Oh, boohoo, it was a joke. Calm down.”

  “A
shleigh!” I snapped at her. “Just stop. Stop pretending like you care.”

  She stood back. “What are you talking about?”

  “I get enough shit from them and I don’t need it from you. Just back off.”

  She rolled her eyes and started to walk away. “Whatever Becka, you’ll get over it.” She took a shot and off she went. All I could do was shake my head. She was unbelievable. I downed the rest of my drink and stood in the kitchen, just trying to calm down.

  “Hey.”

  I turned my head and Aiden was with me. I was already drenched with embarrassment.

  “Hi.”

  “You alright?” he asked, rubbing my back nicely. I tried my best to shake off my anger and frustration.

  “Yeah, I’m fine.” I put on my best fake smile.

  “You want to get out of here?” he asked, looking sensitive. “I’m guessing you don’t want to be here anymore.”

  “Go where?”

  He shrugged. “We can just go hang out and talk. I’d like to get to know you better.” He grabbed my hand and held it in his. “What do you say?”

  I wasn’t sure. I wanted to go with him, but my gut told me I shouldn’t just yet. I looked out at the party, trying to think. When I looked out, I saw Derrick and Ashleigh laughing together, and it made me sick. That was my answer.

  “Sure, I’d like that.” He smiled and grasped my hand harder. Within seconds, we were maneuvering through the crowd of people and were outside, heading to his car. I felt nervous but excited at the same time.

  “Where are we going?” I was letting him call the shots.

  “You’ll see.”

  We drove for a while. Aiden eventually started slowing down near a park. He pulled over in the parking lot and turned the music down, looking over at me.

  “This good?” He reached over and held my hand in his.

  “Yeah, this is good.” I squeezed his hand in mine, feeling better.

  “Sorry about Derrick. He’s kind of a dick.”

  “I’m sure you’ve heard what the nickname means by now.” I didn’t want to talk about it, but I had to figure it out.

  He shrugged. “I’ve heard some stuff. I try not to pay attention.”