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Nov 29, 2009, 2:20am

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Topic: Across December (Read 36 times)

<3 CharLee <3
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Across December
« Thread Started on Jul 9, 2009, 12:37pm »

Story Information:
_Characters:
_{Raine Crystal Allswell- main character 1, she's the one telling the story
Spencer Markum Chapmen - main character 2, Raine's love interest
Megan Anne Allswell- mother to Raine
Henderson William Chapmen - father to Spencer
Burt Allswell - father to Raine
Toni Greene - best friend to Raine and Spencer
Kathleen Gold- best friend to Raine and Spencer
Keith Richards - Love interest in Raine
Drew Turns- Band member in Raine's band}

_{Story Overview:}
_{Raine Crystal Allswell has always loved Spencer Markum Chapmen, even while he was away in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She thought she was never going to see him again, until one day during band practice, she overhears Toni tell her friends Spencer has returned! Overjoyed she meets up with him in the middle of the night, where their first kiss happens, and they fall in love.

They spend three months together before their parents meet up. And then the strangest thing happened. It's immoral of them, but their parents start dating each other! Infuriated, Raine confronts her mother, and Spencer confronts his father. There is no reasoning with them. Raine and Spencer decide that it won't last long, so they leave it be. But four and a half months later, the two adults announce that they are getting married and Raine and Spencer will be step siblings!

To them, that's the final straw. They concoct a plan in the secrecy of their tree house. They're going to run away together, change their names, and live together in a different state and town.}

Thanks so much for reading! Feel free to leave reviews and comments!!!

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<3 CharLee <3
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Re: Across December
« Reply #1 on Jul 9, 2009, 12:41pm »

Prologue:

Sometimes feel like I'm going northbound in a southbound lane. Everything I do is either what I want and wrong, making me happy as can be, or the right thing goes against everything I want in life and causes me misery. This time the option was numero uno.

Spence Chapmen is all sorts of wrong for me. But, for obvious reasons, I can't help myself. I know everything he's involved in is immoral, but never in my life have I wanted anything More than to be with him. His perfection in my eyes is exactly that perfection. He couldn't be anything less.

I, Raine Crystal Allswell, will probably never see this town again because of him, and I couldn't care less.

« Last Edit: Jul 9, 2009, 12:56pm by <3 CharLee <3 »

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Yuliya
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Re: Across December
« Reply #2 on Jul 9, 2009, 12:48pm »

I like this prolougue, it gives you a nice taste without actually giving you the story, but there are lots of spelling errors, I suggest using the spellcheck, and in that last line, I think you meant to say "couldn't care less."

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<3 CharLee <3
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Re: Across December
« Reply #3 on Jul 9, 2009, 1:55pm »

Chapter One:

I awoke to the gentle sunlight streaming through my white, lacy curtains. Thank goodness it was Saturday! I glanced at the alarm clock on the bedside table, which read 10:32 AM. Crap! My band mates were gonna be here in less than an hour! I jumped from my bed, and rushed to my dresser, pulling out a white tank top and royal blue shorts, throwing them on impossibly fast. As I grabbed my hair brush, my mother called for me “Raine!” Ugh! Always, when I'm in a rush! She calls for me when I'm in a rush! “Hang on!” I yelled back.

She called again, anger coloring her tone this time. “Hang! On!” I hollered back, just as angry. I stomped out of my room after I had put on my converse. “What is so urgent?” Her face was angry, “You're father.” was all she said. “What about him couldn't wait?” I asked, frustrated now. “He's coming to get you tomorrow even though I told him I wanted you at home.” My mother was a lovable woman but when it came to Dad, she was insufferable. “When?” I asked impatiently. “At eleven.” she answered shortly.

“Fine.” I walked past her and into the garage to ready for my band's arrival. We were awesome. I was the lead singer and back up on a few songs. My best friend Kath (which is short for Kathleen) was our phenomenal drummer. We had her ex (one of many), Drew, on bass. He's nice but he has a negative one on the personality scale. And then on rhythm guitar, we have my best gay buddy Toni. He's great, real sweet guy, and because he's gay my mom actually lets him stay the night sometimes. Ha!

I began to haul equipment into place, which took effort. I had managed to work up a sweat after putting amps and drums in place. When I heard, “Ello, lovie.” it was Toni and his crappy British accent. “Hello British homo.” I replied. He scowled, crossing his defined arms. “Oh, come on, you know I'm kidding.”

There are plenty of times when I wish Toni was straight, or at least bi. He was a babe. He had long blond hair to his shoulder, always tied in a pony-tail at the nape of his neck. His eyes were an entrancing hazel and he had a to die for smile. But alas, he played for the opposite team.

“Yeah, I know.” he said, giving me a one armed hug, setting his guitar case down. “Oh, hey can I stay the night to night?” he asked as he pulled away. “I don't know. I'll go ask.” I said, even though I knew my father was coming to get me. And he was a devout Christan, so he was completely against my friendship with Toni. I glided up the three steps back into the kitchen. “Mom?” I called into the house. “What?” Her voice was irritated. “Can Toni stay the night?” I just heard an mm-hmm from the master bedroom.

Turning back around, I gave a single nod to Toni, just as Kath was showing up. “Hey Kath.” we greeted simultaneously. She smiled in response. Kath is shy and quiet. It would be a shock that she has had so many boyfriends if she wasn't so pretty. She had short curly blond hair, sky blue eyes and the most gorgeous smile. Put that all together and you've got the girl Barbie wishes she was.

“We're waiting on Drew.” I announced glancing at my watch. Drew was the one who was exactly five minutes late. I mean exactly. If rehearsal was at 12:30 he would be here at 12:35 on the dot. Those five minutes passed in slow silence. And finally Drew arrived after what seemed like a decade. “Now we can get started!” Toni cried . He was always very enthusiastic about band practice.

“First things first,” I said pulling my clipboard out of the desk we kept in the garage. “band name. We need a name before we can even think about a gig.” All three of them nodded in agreement. We bantered back and forth for almost twenty minutes before coming to a decision. “Southbound!” Toni exclaimed, clapping once for emphasis. I gave him a curious look, as did Drew and Kathleen. “Why Southbound?” He rolled his eyes as if it was obvious. “That's our title song. The one we always sing!” Duh! Why hadn't I thought of that?! “Southbound it is!” I agreed.

We took our places with our instruments, Toni on my right with his guitar, Drew on my left with his bass and Kath behind her drums.”1,2,1,2,3,4.
Back, Back, Backup, Backup
You know today is not the day to be
near me
I'm goin down and out
I'm goin down and out
I'm goin down and out
I'm goin down and out
You know yesterday I needed you
But you were with her
I smiled and lied told you I'd be fine
be fine
But now I'm goin...on yes I'm goin
I'm goin Southbound without you here
Yesterday is all in tears
You left me there without a prayer
behind a broken smile
You are my heart
You are my soul
You are my everything
You know yesterday I needed you by my side
But you were with your friends
I smiled and lied, told you I'd be fine
be fine
But now...But now
I'm goin down and you
without you here
Back, Back, Backup, Backup
Everyday is the day to be near me...
The music stopped and all was silent for a moment. Then quiet little Kath busted out with an “OHMYGAWD! That was awesome!” The rest of us laughed in agreement. “It's like having a name gave us magical playing powers.” Toni smiled. I just shook my head in pure wonder. We were awesome before but that was phenomenal playing right there!

“You guys wanna run it again?” I asked, getting the nods I expected to get. So we did. We played Southbound six more times before I had to stop singing. “Guys,” I coughed, “my voice needs a break.” They just laughed. I hopped up the three steps again into my house and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. Before I trotted back down the three little concrete steps I heard Toni say, “So, guess who's back.” I stopped and listened carefully before moving again, waiting for a reply. Who's back? “Who?” Drew asked, seemingly uninterested. “Spencer Chapmen.” My heart stopped. “What?” My voice came out hoarse and dry.

Toni just had a look on his face that screamed oops. Spencer was back? My Spencer was back and I wasn't the first one to know?! I went from frozen to angry in a split second. “Why didn't anyone tell me!?” My voice sounded shrill and from the way my friends winced, it obviously was. I was seething, my fist were clenched tightly and I was about to punch a hole in the wall.

Toni stood up, “It's supposed to be a surprise. He wanted to make sure you didn't find out until later.” Instantly my mood was lightened. “Oh.” was all I could manage along with a blush for being so foolish. Spencer and I had been close, close friends. I'm almost sure he and I would have dated if he hadn't had to move. He had moved all the to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma from here, Spring Hill, Tennessee. It was tragic to have to say good bye, so I never did. He had sent me a very angry email after that and never answer any of my apology emails. I thought he would never want to talk to me again...but yet, Toni says he's trying to surprise me with his return!

My three friends looked at my face with cautious eyes, gaging my reaction to this news. A smile crossed my face and they all seemed relieved. I had a bit of a temper and according to Kath it was scary when I got like that, so of course they were relieved that I was smiling. “When is my 'surprise'?” I asked, putting air quotes around the word surprise. Toni scowled at me but answer anyway “Monday, after school.” I clapped excitedly. He was going to be by my side in a mere two days!

I can picture his face now; perfect. Long, luxurious, brown hair, deep blue eyes, full luscious lips. Last time I saw him, which was two years ago, he stood at five feet eight inches. I wonder if he's grown any? The only way to find out is to see him! A smile was on my face throughout the rest of our chilled out conversation. I didn't bother with the endless questions I had in mind. I couldn't and wouldn't dare bug Toni. He was in love with Spencer. But he had no clue that I knew that. If he did know, he hid it well. They only reason I knew was because Spencer let me read a letter Toni had written him. The number of 'I love you's was... a lot. He had listed reason why and explained that he knew that Spencer was straight but he still had to get it off his chest. It was sweet.

I shook off the memories and said farewell to my friends, promising Toni I would see him later. I, once again, had to move all the equipment back. I really should make them do this next time. By the time I had finished that it was four thirty on the dot. I sighed and headed indoors. It wasn't until I smelled food that I realized that I was famished. “Hungry? We're having your favorite: barbecued chicken.” My mother's voice said. I just nodded and went to set the table. Place mats, plates, forks and knives, in that order. I was picky about the way I did some things, such as, set the table. But I don't have OCD. Weird huh? I had set an extra place for Toni, because I knew he would be starving too.

As my mom finished dinner and I waited on Toni, my mind wandered back to Spencer. And of course, I smiled. My mom was always one to question my happiness, so I quickly hid my grim before she could see me. Why? Because then I would have to tell her why I was smiling to begin with. And that would not go smoothly at all. Why? Because, she hates Spencer. She calls him and his father (whom she has never met), 'rich, snotty, bastards'. But she tolerated him for my sake, even though she can't stand the thought of me and him having a romantic relationship.

I grimaced now, hating that I had to hide things from my mother. But what must be done, must be done. “Why so glum, chum?” She asked as she put the food on the table. “Oh nothing, just waiting on Toni to get here.” I replied quickly. It was a half truth, so it didn't bother me too much that I had to say it. No sooner were those words out of my mouth, my front door opened. “Just in time for dinner!” My mom said, smiling at him. We sat down at the round table, Toni being the first to grab his chicken leg. My mom and I followed suit.

Conversation at the dinner table was not as lively as usual. There were reasons for that. Reason One: Mom was still upset because of the whole issue with my father. Reason Two: Toni and I only wanted to talk about Spencer. Reason Three: I was shoveling food in my mouth so quickly that I didn't, well, couldn't , say anything. Mom was looking at me curious the whole time, as if she knew I was trying not to speak a word.

Toni and I did the dishes afterward, talking in hushed tones while Mom sat on the the couch in the living room, watching TV. I was washing in a furry of soap and water while Toni dried just as quickly. We finished, leave the dishes to be put away like Mom said she would do, and hurried to my blue and white bedroom. I almost slammed the door in my haste. “Ok, so spill your guts!” I demanded, he knew what I meant. “Ok, so I was in Columbia, at Wal-mart and he ran into me. I mean physically ran into me, and we both freaked out. He told me he's been back for almost a week, asked how I was and then...” he paused. Being Toni, he was adding suspense. I just glared at him. “He asked about you. I was kind of shocked. I thought he would still be mad about the you not being there to say good bye thing, but no. I told him you were inf and he told me he was going to surprise you on Monday after school. He'll be out by your car. Or at least, that's what he told me.”

He finished his story and I felt a wash of relief that Spencer was over the whole good bye thing. Even though it had been apparent before hand, it was nice to hear it. I smiled at Toni and he smiled back. He was probably more excited to see Spencer than I was. He did, after all, still love him, right?

That question stuck with me. I wanted to ask, but Toni had no clue that I was aware that he loved Spencer to begin with. So, I chose to hold my tongue. Standing up, I went to the stereo and flipped it on. I hit the play button, and on came my favorite band, Fall Out Boy. “Do we have to listen to this?” Toni whiled. He liked Fall Out Boy too, but not enough to listen to it all evening. “We'll play something else after this CD is over. I promised. He just scoffed.

Hours of mindless chatter passes, never once did we bring up Spencer's name, all in fear that my mother would eaves drop in like she sometimes does. But by two o'clock we were both exhausted to an extent that we were laying in the floor, almost asleep. Conversation was now scarce. And still we chose not to talk about him, even though Mom was asleep. Then something popped into my head. “Toni.” I yawned. “Yeah?” It was silent for a moment before I chose to answer. “My dad is coming to get me at eleven tomorrow.” though my eyes were shut I knew he sat up. “What?!” Toni was freaking out , great. “Calm down.” The only reason Toni was so upset is because my dad is what you would call a homophobe, and was not fond of my friendship with Toni.

Of course, Toni still proceeded to freak out. Now Toni was a very taciturn person when around strangers, but around my father he was far from afraid to speak his mind. But for now, he said nothing to me, other than “I'll escape out the window right as he gets here.” I chuckled and fell asleep on the floor.

***

It was ten forty-five when my mom busted the door open. “Raine, your father is here.” Toni jumped up and was in the bathroom changing clothes in seconds. My mom closed the door just as Toni was exiting the bathroom. “Bye.” He said, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek before hopping out the window and speeding off to his house in his big white SUV. My father then chose to also bust open without warning. “Where is he?” he asked, anger coloring his tone. “Gone.” I responded, standing up. I glanced at my father's face for a fleeting moment. He was handsome, so it was easy to see why my mother fell in love with him so quickly. His face softened, seeming to calm down. But his voice was still gruff. “Get ready.”

I went to my closet as he closed the door, pulling out my favorite Fall Out Boy tee shirt and slipped it on with a pair of denim shorts, and of course, my converse over my obnoxious rainbow socks. I traveled across my room to my vanity table and sat down, brushing my hair.

I guess you could call me pretty. I have long black hair, to my waist and pale white skin. I'm thin, almost too thin in my opinion. And short! I just hit five feet one last summer. I sighed and got up from my mirror to exit my room. I chose to leave it in shambles. I'd clean it up when I got back.

I shuffled to the kitchen to see my father leaning uncomfortably against the garage door. “Let's go.” he mumbled, his voice surly sounding. I gave my mom a peck on the cheek, left the house and got into my father's Ford F150.

The ride to out favorite restaurant was uncomfortable and silent. I didn't touch the radio dial like I wanted to. I was too worried I'd piss him off again. It was routine for us to go to a restaurant, then go to the mall, him give me a gift and then go back home and not speak to each other for another month. I sighed as we pulled into the local Olive Garden.

***

It was almost six by the time we pulled up my gravel drive way. It had gotten a lot colder since we'd left. It was almost thirty degrees out! How it gets so cold this time of year I will never know! I gave my dad a hug good bye and promised to see him again soon. I watched him drive off into the night before going inside for warmth.

I was greeted by my mother's snoring. And I tried really hard not to laugh at her. So, instead, I tip toed past the living room and toward the back of the house to my room. I opened the door only to be reminded that it was destroyed from the previous night. So, with a sigh, I went to super clean my room. I allowed my mind to wander to Spencer for about the millionth time today. I wondered mostly how tall he must be by now. Two years...they must have done him justice. Surely he couldn't be any better looking than he was before right? But how did I know? The only thing to do was wait and see.

I smiled at the thought. Tomorrow I would see Spencer again! I wouldn't have ever dreamed of this a week ago. Which is why it's so hard to believe. Honestly, I have no clue what I'm going to do tomorrow. I sighed, finishing my room. Then slipped out of today's clothes and into my pjs. My bed never felt more comfortable to me.

I fell asleep happy. My dreams revolving only around Spencer Chapmen.

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Yuliya
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Re: Across December
« Reply #4 on Jul 9, 2009, 6:55pm »

I am really liking this plot, without the summary, I would have no idea where it was going (Good thing), I especially like the fact that the relationships within are well developed.

But I think you should take the time to describe some things more, like the house, and what people look like. Also, are we ever going to find out what the deal is with her dad? Were they divorced? Why?

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<3 CharLee <3
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Re: Across December
« Reply #5 on Jul 25, 2009, 7:51pm »

Chapter Two: The morning routine for school did anything but fly by. I woke up at five thirty – an hour before my my alarm was supposed to go off. So I spent the first hour of my morning in the shower, trying to settle my already shot nerves. And of course, it didn't work out. But, I still waited until my water ran cold before choosing to get out.

My clock read six forty-three when I reentered my room to finish getting ready. I quickly yanked out my hair dryer, now in a rush. Though, I knew the more I rushed, the slower the morning would go by. So I took care with each move that I made. As I dried my hair I refused to let my thoughts drift to Spencer. Because I knew that would only slow the day more so than it already was. I took time with my dark eyeliner. It brought out the color of my eyes more than I wanted it to. But I didn't complain about because I didn't have to worry about wandering eyes.

I finished with that and slowly walked toward my closet, not daring to even so much as glance at the clock. I pulled out a solid colored hot pink shirt and a pair of black jeans, and, as always, my worn out converse. I put them on slowly, still not even so much as facing the direction of the clock. But sadly I ran out of things to do.

So, holding my breath, I turned on my heels toward the little black alarm clock. The bright red numbers read seven twelve. I only had three minutes left before I should leave! I raced around gathering my school bag, as well as my purse. Lastly, almost as if it were a good luck charm, I grabbed my much abused copy of Twilight. There's nothing that a vampire novel couldn't fix, right?

I headed out to my purple Nissan, now rushing to get to school on time. A nice plus I hadn't expected in a slow moving day. I flipped on my the radio and hit the play button on my CD player, seeing as I had forgotten my iPod. The first song on the disk automatically made my heart spaz out. I had forgotten about this song. I miss you by Blink 182. Great song. Good band. Bad lyrics to listen to when you're about to go see someone you've missed terribly over a span of two years.

Don't waste your time one me, you're already the voice inside my head.

I quickly hit the next button to a different song, a much more up beat song. Sure, it was Brittany Spears, but it took my mind far away from Spencer.

'Cuz all of the boys and all of the girls are beggin to If You Seek Amy.

I chose to join in with the song right as I pulled into my designated parking spot. I sat, letting the car idle as the song finished up. My hands were placed firmly at ten and two on the steering wheel still.

I'm sure I looked odd, but I didn't care much. My dashboard clock read seven twenty, the first bell would ring any minute. I grabbed my three things that I chose to bring along and head into what our high school calls bus room, even though I would only be in there for a few minutes. My feet shuffled, bus room was not my favorite place to be. But Toni and Kath would be in there to sooth my undying discomfort. I opened the door to the gym and traveled up the cement steps tot he second level of bleachers. I heard several hellos and my name. My green eyes traveled up to the forth row of bleachers were both my friends sat, watching my impatiently.

I was curious as to why the look on their faces screamed 'HURRY UP' so I quickly stomped up the steps. Toni didn't wait for me to reach him to start blabbing. “Spencer's gonna be here at lunch!” he announced excitedly. My heart stopped. I thought that I would have a full school day to prepare myself! The idea of anything sooner was heart-wrenching. But not from pain, from anxiety. My head started to swim and I realized that I wasn't breathing. Kath's voice entered my ringing ears, her tone urgent, “Breath Raine, breath!” I let one breath escape before my knees buckled and I collapsed to the bleacher beneath me. I felt Toni's strong arm wrap around my shoulder', “It'll be ok, hun.” He said, attempting to reassure me. I knew it would be ok, but my stomach knotted up anyway.

I sat in deep thought, replaying what Toni had just told me several times. “He'll be here at lunch?” I repeated, sounding very similar to a robot. The bell rang to go to first block and as we stood, Toni nodded. I just shook my head as we headed down the bleachers to the gym floor. My feet felt like they had cement blacks attached to them as I headed for first block.

I sat in my seat, completely unaware of my surroundings. I felt like a zombie. “It'll be ok.” I chanted, I was getting odd looks because of my mumbling, until the bell rang. I stopped abruptly. I went through class like that, silent and worried, and through homeroom and second block as well.

It wasn't until lunch period I snapped out of it. I met up with Toni and Kathleen, bracing myself for his appearance. I felt totally unprepared, as I expected. I hadn't seen Spencer in so long, it seemed to take a toll on me. I felt drained, tired, and out of it. But despite all these feelings, one feeling stood out among the others, and it was excitement.

I stood in the front lobby, waiting. Seconds ticked by, and like an angel, he walked through the front doors. Everything seemed to move in slow motion as he lifted his head toward us. Toward me. I hadn't realized I had stopped breathing (yet again) until Kath reminded me (yet again). They left my side as he headed toward our little group. Why did they have to leave me alone with him? As much as I wanted to be alone with him, I needed the support right now. Not just emotional support. I seemed to be having trouble standing upright.

I stood frozen in place, my hands wrapped securely on the straps of my backpack. A smile lit up his too perfect face as he rushed toward me. My heart beats became uneven, my legs turned to noodles beneath me. He's even more perfect than I remembered. I felt silly, I shouldn't be so in love with this boy. This boy I hadn't seen in years. And yet...here I am.

He was at least six feet three, hair to his chin in it's usual, perfect dark brown wave. His deep blue eyes latched onto mine before he spoke. I was anxious to here his voice. And that was a long moment, or so it seemed.

Then, like the most beautiful music, his voice entered my ears. “Hello, Raine.” It was deeper than I remembered too. I sighed, contently and reached out for a hug. Though, I was still barely able to stand upright. He eagerly returned it. He wrapped his long, muscular arms around me, picked me up and gave me the biggest bear hug I think I've ever received. I gasped for air as he seemed to crush my lungs. I just barely found my voice as he set me down. “Hey, Spence.” He smiled at me again. And again, my heart sputtered to a halt for a brief moment in time.

Then came the awkward silence I'd been expecting. I knew I should have thought up some questions to ask! But he save me the trouble, “Come on, you need to eat.” He pushed me forward, toward the lunch line. I noticed how he said 'you' and not 'we'. “Are you not staying?” I asked, a curious tone in my voice. “Nope.” He answered, not seeming pleased about it. “Why not?” I asked, once again, curiously. “I don't go to school here.” Now I was confused. “Why is that?” He was a junior this year, or should be. “I was home schooled, and when you're home schooled, you move at your own pace. So, I already graduated.” Wow. That really sucked for me. I wouldn't be able to see him every day.

He stood by my side silently as we passed through the endlessly long lunch line. I was not surprised Spencer was home schooled. He wasn't much of a people person, so I'm sure he preferred homeschooling. I collected my usual salad and water and headed for the register line, which was also too long. I saw Toni and Kath saving seats by placing their feet in them casually. Spencer and I joined them wordlessly. “This isn't the most wordy reunion now is it?” I heard Toni mumble.

My face flushed. I was actually very happy to see Spencer, so happy that I couldn't form a coherent sentence around him, and had plenty of things to say to him. I just couldn't bring myself to actually do it. Spencer just laughed the statement off. Although, he seemed rather somber. I wonder what he was thinking? I'm sure it wasn't too important though. I shrugged away the ominous feelings that had crept their way inside my brain, and took a bite of food. “Well, I don't know about you two,” I said, indicating Toni and Kath, “but I'm very happy to see him. Ecstatic even.” They just laughed at me, “Of course we're happy to see him.” Toni exclaimed, smiling at the dark haired boy next to me. Spencer smiled back. I watched Toni's reaction to the smile. His cheeks turned a light shade of pink and he looked away. Yep. Definitely still loved him.

I sighed and took another bite. I wanted school to be over already! I wanted to spend some time Spence without Toni or Kath around. And as if he read my thoughts, Spencer asked “Hey, Raine. Mind if we go somewhere after school?” I just shook my head once, it was a slow movement. He just smiled, “Cool. But I gotta go, my dad is texting me like crazy.” He stood and practically fled from the building. I caught Toni glaring at me for a split second before his eyes softened. “You have fun okay?” I felt guilty, but, being human, I was also feeling very self absorbed. So I nodded instead of consoling him, like I should have. My eyes scanned the room. I saw my third block teacher waiting for my class. So I stood, and left quietly, knowing Toni was upset with me now.

I shuffled to the classroom with all my classmates, feeling terrible. Should I invite him? No. Do I want to? No. Am I a terrible friend? Yes. But I am only human with only human emotions. So I can only live my life the way I want to. This is how it usually was: I would do the right thing and be unhappy and regret it. Or, I would do what I wanted and everyone would be angry and upset with me. This particular incident is number two. I sighed again, taking my seat. I expected class to drag on. But it seemed to me the bell rang as soon as I sat down.

I gathered my things slowly, readying to go to my last class of the day; the only class I shared with Toni. I knew this class would drag itself out for sure. I flung my backpack over my shoulder and headed to class. I allowed my black bangs to cover my left eye today instead of flipping it out of the way, as I usually did. Maybe it's because I felt ashamed of my selfish behavior. But hey, nothing to do now but sit back, relax and hope that my Toni wouldn't be mad at me for long.

My classroom was empty when I arrived. Event he teacher wasn't in. I just let out a heavy sigh and took my seat, waiting. “Hey baby!” I heard. Ugh! Not today, please! I looked up to see Keith Richards headed toward me, goofy smile in place. “Hi, Keith.” Even though I detested this loser, I didn't have a mean bone in my body. So, I was stuck being nice to a guy who was insanely in love with me. He smiled at my greeting, taking his usual seat next to me. “Aw, what's wrong, babe?” He reached out to touch me, but I cringed away. I didn't want to be touched right now.

When I didn't answer his question, he shrugged and turned away. People started to file in, including Toni. I looked down as quickly as I could manage, and waited for class to begin. And it did. Very slowly. Every minute that ticked by felt like it should have been an hour. I could feel Toni's eyes on my back. But finally the bell rang. I stood and scrambled for the exit, not waiting for him like I normally would have. Like he wanted me to anyway.

I practically fled from the school building. But I stopped dead when I saw his tall figure leaning against my car. “Hey.” He greeted, heading toward me. “Hi, Spencer.” My heart picked up double time as he approached me. “Ready?” he asked quietly. “For what?” I asked, sliding into my car. “Just follow me.” was all I heard, followed by the sound of his car engine starting. I did as I was told and trailed behind his Mercedes out of the school's crowded parking lot.

He drove so quickly, it was almost hard to keep up with him and not speed at the same time. I kept glancing at my surroundings, trying to guess where we were headed to. But, despite my guesses, I didn't figure out where/what it was until we pulled up to the curb. I almost cried as I stepped out of the vehicle and to his side. It was our old tree house from when we were seven or eight at least. I had forgotten all about it until now. The memories came flooding back with waves of emotion.

“Race ya.” He teased, pushing me gently. My tears quickly faded as I smiled at him. I had always been a quick, graceful runner. But now his legs were much longer than mine. He'd probably win this one. Despite the obvious facts that were presented, I took off anyway. Spencer kept pace with me the whole time. He was letting me win! I stuck my tongue out at him as I touched the large tree just seconds before him. “You let me win!” I huffed accusingly. He just smiled at me and climbed up the wooden planks that we called a ladder. I followed suit.

The tree house was built while my father was still around. My dad and Toni's uncle built it for us. Before my dad and mom separated. They technically never got married. They just lived together for the first seven and a half years of my life. Before my mom decided that she didn't love him anymore for some odd reason. Even though my dad was a great man. pregnant dog. I'd never forgive her for hurting him the way she did.

But the tree house was exactly how we had left it; empty. It used to have bean bag chairs and old shag rugs, along with some posters on the wall. But Toni, Kathleen and I took them all down the day after Spencer left. The memories would have been too painful to bear. But now he's back! Things could return to normal.

He sprawled out on the floor, limbs in all directions. I leaned against the wall, crossing my arms. It was silent. The silence lasted a long time. The birds sang their little songs, but Spencer and I remained quiet. Our breathing became synchronized. I counted forty-two breaths before he spoke. “Come here.” I obeyed his simple command. I curled up into a ball at his side. I rested my head on my knees and clamped my arms around my legs. I was afraid to touch him. It was almost like a dream.

He sat up and pulled me toward him with more force than necessary. My head was on his chest and his arms were wound around me tightly. Again, we sat in silence. I had been hoping for a moment like this, but that hope had become surreal. And now...it was happening to me. I felt at peace.

We sat in our position until it was dark out. I'm sure we would have continued to stay that way had my phone not rang, startling both of us. I answered in a voice that seemed thunderous in this silence. “Hello?” “Where are you?” My mother's voice demanded. I sighed glancing at Spencer. “I'm at the tree house.” Her anger was smothered by her curiosity quickly. “Why? I thought...” She couldn't finish. “He's back.” was my only answer. I could hear the fake smile in her voice, knowing her joy was as plastic as a Barbie doll. “Oh, that's wonderful. I'm so happy for you! But, you need to get home.” And she hung up.

I sighed again, standing up. I brushed off my backside, not daring to look at him again. Because I knew if I did the silence would set in again. “I'll call you.” I promised as I climbed down the tree house ladder. “When?” He asked, copying me. “Later tonight.” I called, closing my car door.

I zoomed off into the night, wishing I would be able to.

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