by Laiza Millan
"No. I mean, I kind of figured it out here." Drake shrugged, looking back at the lake and sighing as he told her what he remembered, "You were talking to your bloody stomach like a moron remember? Emma Collins, eating ice cream when she's known for not eating sweets thanks to her healthy lifestyle and how you vomited it all out after slapping me."
He smirked at the blush forming in her cheeks as he continued. "It wasn't hard to put everything together. I just didn't want to believe it."
"Until Alona confirmed it," Emma finished for him.
"Well technically the doctor, but yeah." Drake shrugged as he walked up to her. He would be lying if he said he didn't feel a tiny sting of hurt to her reaction, backing away from him. "Emma, I'm -"
"So what? You're feeling nostalgic all of a sudden?" Emma asked, still backing away from him as he drew closer.
She stopped when her back hit a garbage bin - the same garbage bin she had threw up in, she grimaced in thought.
Drake must have noticed, because he smirked again.
"Wow, Collins. Don't be scared. It's not like I can hurt you here in public, can I?" he murmured, finally taking the last step closer to her.
Emma held her breath but kept her chin up. "Rogers -"
"I meant it when I said I won't let anything happen to you both," Drake interrupted her, still speaking softly so only she could hear. "I know you don't believe me, but I'm not lying when I say that I will help you and Aidan. If you're worried about my father finding out or my gang related past coming back to haunt you and him, I'll do whatever I can to -"
"Drake." Emma looked away, uncomfortable. "Look -"
"He's not a bastard," he said suddenly, getting her attention. "I shouldn't have said that."
"I'm not going to marry you," Emma let out. "Just because we have a son, it does not mean - I mean, I don't care what the papers say anymore -"
"At least an engagement," Drake tried to reason with her. "My reputation as a Rogers still can't have -"
"I don't care about your damn reputation!" Emma replied angrily. "I don't want my son to have an unloving family!"
What the hell, but it won't be an unloving family! He's not a sentimental fool but he loves Aidan.
"So, you rather he'd be fatherless?" Drake snapped back, getting irritated with the stubborn woman. Does... does she not want him to be part of their lives?
It was as if she read his mind, for her expression relaxed into a defeated one.
"I'm not saying I don't want you in his life. I do, especially since you're trying. But marriage is a big deal," She continued, slowly pushing his chest so he could give her some space. "I don't like arranged, loveless marriages Drake. I grew up in one, and I don't want Aidan to grow up in one either."
Drake continued to stare at her silently.
Emma inwardly prayed to the higher power that he understood what she was trying to say.
Seriously, married? To him? Unlikely. It may be old-fashioned, but she only wanted to marry for love.
Not for a stupid reputation.
"You want to be in love." Drake said as he took a step closer to her again, voicing her thoughts. "You want a marriage where you and the man are in love with each other?"
Emma looked away, blushing. "Yes. Doesn't everyone?"
Oh shit. It was as if he was hit by a damn epiphany all of a sudden.
As much as he hates to admit it, he was back in high school... In love, that is.
Back in high school, this woman in front of him was everything that clouded his thoughts.
She was the reason why he even went to school. Without her, he probably would have done much worse while in the gang. Though, she doesn't know all this.
He never told her.
He never uttered the intimate three words that he knew she had longed to hear back then. He remembered that she kept saying it to him, hoping he would repeat it back, but did he ever? No.
Maybe that's why she's like this now. It's because she doesn't know. She has no idea what he had done for her back then.
She has no idea the real reason why he had joined that stupid gang in the first place, the real reason why he had to break her heart, and become this huge asshole and a great liar to the point where even he convinced himself that he hated her.
He kept telling himself to hate her, when in reality? It was bullshit. He could never hate this infuriating woman.
As much as he keeps telling himself that he does hate her, it's all complete and utter bullshit. But... she doesn't know that.
She doesn't know because he never told her everything. He likes to keep his stupid emotions to himself.
His father did teach him that men who expressed their 'feelings' are pussies and weak. His exact words. Of course, at that age, seventeen year old guys had to prove that they were not weak.
And because of that, he had never told Emma the truth.
But maybe the fates would be willing to give him a chance this time.
"Okay," Drake said, after a few minutes of silence with his thoughts. "I completely understand what you're saying."
Emma would be lying if she said she wasn't shocked. Normally, Drake would throw some kind of male bitch-fit for not getting what he wanted. But there he was now, letting her win.
Not wanting to cause any more trouble, she nodded. "Thank you."
Drake took a step back and watched as Emma quickly went around him, heading towards the bench. She let out a heavy breath as she sat down, obviously tired.
Frowning, Drake shoved his hands into his pocket and stared at the floor, mindlessly kicking the rocks here and there. He was trying to think back to after he found out about her pregnancy.
He was inwardly ashamed of his anger problems. His mother always said that he had his father's temper. But since he's trying, he took a couple of anger management classes already and so far, so good.
He still has his arrogant attitude, but hey. No one's perfect, right?
He was so deeply in thought that he didn't hear Emma calling him.
"Drake?" Her voice breaking his thoughts.
He blinked, looking up. Emma was giving him a curious look but nodded to him to come closer to her, much to his surprise. Of course, he didn't hesitate.
"People are giving you weird looks," Emma said as she scooted to make some room for him when he sat down next to her. "What are you doing, staring at the floor?"
"Trying to remember all the stuff we did in high school," Drake said bluntly, not caring anymore.
He heard Emma inhale sharply. "Drake -"
"I took some anger classes and I think they're helping a little bit," he muttered, placing his head in his hands and groaning with frustration. "It was stupid at first, but the people there aren't too bad, I guess."
"Well good." Emma said, unconsciously shifting her body to face him. "I'm glad that you're attending them."
Drake shrugged, remaining slouched. "Yeah. So if I ever throw a fit again, I'll give you permission to slap me again."
To his surprise, Emma let out a laugh. "I will not slap you, Drake. I'll just be a bitch again until your temper goes down."
Drake snorted, playing along. "Yes because your bitchiness is so annoying that my annoyance would shorten my temper."
"Exactly!" Emma giggled. After her giggles subsided, without even thinking, she reached out and placed her hand on top of his. Sighing heavily, she said. "Thank you so much, Drake."
Drake, who had stiffened at her touch, swallowed hard as he stared at her hand touching his. Fuck, he feels like a freaking teenager still undergoing puberty. "I... I, err... For what?"
Her hand remained. "For changing your mind and trying."
Drake blinked, the heat of her palm resting against the top of his hand was burning him in a pleasant way. "It's not a problem, Emma."
Why is she still touching him. Why. He wants to keep it there but he could still feel his face heating up. This is the longest amount of time of them touching each other in so long; he had nearly forgotten the
feeling of her skin.
Her hand tightened for a few more seconds, before she released it. Finally, Drake could breathe again. He cleared his throat, and shifted to make himself feel more comfortable.
What was he thinking earlier? He honestly forgot...
"Drake?" Emma said, raising an eyebrow as she stared at him. "Seriously, this is probably the longest time you've been quiet."
Oh damn. It is.
"Right." He muttered, crossing his arms and trying to remain normal to himself. Seriously, what was he thinking earlier? Oh yeah, marriage. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he said, "Hey Collins... if I asked you on a date, would you say yes?"
Emma's eyes widen in shock by his sudden question. "What the hell?"
Glad that he managed to catch her off guard, he continued. "I'm only asking."
"Stupid question." She rolled her eyes, "I would definitely decline."
Well isn't she honest.
"But let's say... I changed for the better." He continued on, "I start to become nicer, my temper is normal, and the past is what it is - the past. What do you say?"
Emma gave him a look and sighed, "I don't know. It's weird to think about."
"Well why not?" Drake asked, truly curious now. "We used to date in high school."
Emma blushed deeply. "So? That was in high school."
Drake was glad that she was the one who was feeling uncomfortable now instead of him. "But don't you think that the attraction can still be there?"
Really he has no idea why he's bringing this up.
She scoffed, and crossed her arms as she stared out into the lake. "Tom and I used to date. Does that mean he and I can still be attracted to each other?"
The thought of Emma and that stupid idiot together again, made his insides drop and boil. Hell no would he let that ever happen. No way.
"I'm talking about you and me, Nerdy." Drake snapped, clearly annoyed. "Not you and that socially awkward man you call friend and ex."
Emma glared back at him, "Well you did ask if two people who dated in high school could still have an attraction, Jerk."
Drake's scowl morphed into a grin. "Well too bad. I'm talking about us."
Emma rolled her eyes again, blushing. Why is he bringing this up now? What is going inside that little mind of his? "Oh."
"Oh." Drake repeated her, "Answer me."
"No." Emma said, determined to stare at the lake until he grew tired.
"Why not?" Clearly, he's not tired of asking.
"Why are you even asking!" Emma laughed, shaking her head. "Why? Are you planning on asking me out again?" She added, jokingly.
"Yes." Drake said rather bluntly. It's just like ripping off a band-aid.
Emma sharply turned her head to stare at him, her breath caught in her throat. "What?"
Drake sighed, it was now or never.
"I know that I've been a horrible person to you. But I'm happy that we're finally starting to at least try to trust each other again." He ignored Emma's snorts and continued on, "but I really want us to try to date too."
Emma continued to stare, her mouth opening and closing as if she was trying to speak, but no words coming out. "I... Drake, I don't -"
No, he can't accept her rejection. He just can't. Not when that stupid realization and epiphany of his true feelings hit him like a ton a bricks.
Without thinking, he edged closer to her and took her hands in his. He lifted her chin so they can actually see each other face to face more clearly.
"I.. I...Emma, I..." Ugh, damn it! Why can't he say it! Just fucking say those three words she had longed to hear years ago! Fucking say them already before it's too late again! "Emma, this whole time, I -"
"Spit it out." Emma said, laughing uneasily. "You what?"
Drake wanted nothing more than to pause time and punch himself in the face for his cowardly attitude. Damn, his father was right this whole time...
He's a bloody coward who can't even tell the woman he loved how he feels.
Oh shit...
Oh shit!
It was as if a million pounds just lifted off his shoulders.
He can finally admit it to himself, but he can't admit it to her?
"Drake, you're starting to freak me out." Emma said softly, unknowingly clutching into Drake's hands. "What's wrong with you?"
Maybe it's bad timing... this isn't the perfect time and place to tell her yet.
Swallowing hard and clearing his throat, he said instead, "I want us to date again, Emma, and not just because of Aidan. I messed up in high school; please give me the chance to fix it."
Emma stared.
And stared.
And stared.
But instead of screaming at him again for his stupidity, her grip tightened even more. Her face dropped the shocked-filled expression, into one that was covered in pain, confusion, and sadness.
"Oh wow," She whispered, shaking her head. "I'm sorry, but -"
Drake shook his head and bent down to press his lips against the skin of her hands, clutching his. He kept murmuring his pleads, as he continued on pressing little chaste kisses.
Something that he used to do back then.
"I know I've been horrible," Drake mumbled, this side completely foreign to her. "I'm trying."
Once she overcame her shock, she tried to pull her hands away from his grip, but couldn't. It was obvious that he wasn't ready to let go.
Oh goodness, what is going on with him? This is certainly a side of his she has never seen before. So vulnerable and... Jeez, she doesn't know...
His head lifted so their eyes locked on one another. "Just one date at least. If that doesn't work out, I promise I will keep it professional, as you say."
However, Emma continued to shake her head. "Drake, even if I want to, I can't."
Drake frowned and blinked, "But why?" His thumbs rubbing her knuckles, as he gently pulled her closer to him.
Emma sighed heavily, "Because of Richard."
What the hell?
Drake's nervousness was turning into annoyance.
"What about Rich?" He spat.
Emma looked away from his intense gaze and cleared her throat, "Didn't... err, didn't he tell you?"
Okay, now he was getting pissed off - Not at her, of course. "Tell me what? He didn't tell me anything."
"That's weird," Emma muttered to herself, "We are kind of dating."
What the fuck?
Drake inhaled sharply. "He told me you two weren't dating..."
Emma frowned, "well I assumed we were. I mean, he has been giving me flowers every time he comes over -"
"That asshole has been coming over a lot?" Drake hissed, not letting go of her hands. He's afraid he might let go and grab a rock and throw it at someone again.
"Every other day," Emma murmured sheepishly, "But we don't do anything! He just hangs out and stuff."
She has no idea why she's telling him this, but something in her was telling her to reassure him that nothing serious happened between her and his best friend.
"And stuff." Drake repeated softly, staring at her. "No."
Emma blinked, clearly confused. "No?"
"I don't approve." Drake said, not caring how he sounds.
She gawked at him, surprised by his bluntness. Who the hell does he think he is? "Excuse me, but who are you to -"
It all happened so fast.
She couldn't continue her rant because the feeling of the softest pair of lips had touched hers in the most demanding, yet desperate way, causing her mind to go completely blank.
After a few seconds of her shock wearing off, she was about to pull away and punch him the face, but gentle fingers was touching her cheek, caressing her skin slowly in a way that almost tickles as it glides down to the back of her neck, pulling her face closer to his.
It's so difficult not to surrender...
Mmm, she could feel the soft feeling of his tongue tracing her upper lip, begging for entrance. But she's refusing as this is all too
much... the way he massages his lips against hers ever so gently was so...
Wait, what the hell is she doing?!
As if she was snapped back to reality and brought back to her senses, she pushed herself away from him and slapped him across the face with all the strength she can carry.
Drake's face was to the side due to the force Emma had given. He let go of her and gently rubbed the growing stinging on his cheek, as he turned his face back to look at her.
"I'm sorry." He mumbled, staring at the ground and standing up. "I deserve that, I shouldn't have even -"
"You stupid prick!" Emma snapped, also getting up so she can shove him. "What the hell?!"
He wanted to shout that she kissed him back, but remained quiet.
He only stared at the lake again, letting her continue to throw insults after insults at him, occasionally feeling another smack due to her wrath.
But, like he said, he deserved it. He had no idea why he did that in the first place. No idea at all... he just felt like it. Maybe it's because of the possibility of her and his best friend dating made his skin crawl.
Finally, after what felt like hours - but really only minutes of her constant yelling - she stopped. He turned his head to look at her and saw that she was still red on the face, her arms crossed, and her breathing starting to even out.
"I apologize." Drake said again, embarrassed.
"Stop." Emma said instead, "I might just smack you again."
Well, technically she slapped him but whatever. This time, he'll do as she asks and stop talking. After few more seconds, Emma spoke again.
"I'm going to straighten things out with Rich." She said, her arms still crossed as she continued to glare at him.
"Me too." Drake muttered his anger towards his friend still fresh on his mind.
"If he was just being a flirt," Emma continued on, ignoring him. "We'll see how it goes."
Drake straightened, "What?"
"Are you deaf?" Emma mimicked him, "I said, give me a few days with Richard. I want to clear things up. He needs to learn to stop being such a flirt, giving ladies mix signals. If all is clear, we'll see how..." She stopped, unsure if her thinking is normal.
He took a step closer to her again. Not caring she can explode any minute.