01-21-2017, 05:41 PM
Emma had never walked into Seth's home before nor had she even been near the neighborhood. Her heart raced with everyone step she took out of the car and up to the door. Seth smiled at her and looked more excited then scared. She hated him for it.
Inside her mind, all she wanted to do was run down that long driveway and never look back. Run all the way home and never give Seth another thought again. Even running for miles would be much easier then what she was about to do to her mind, body, and soul.
She had seen the dramas and the movies. This never ends well for the poor girl when she meets the parents. Gold digger is what the parents always think. Uncouth and unrefined were other words which played around in her head.
Nothing registered as she walked through the house; she was only in her own thoughts. She didn't notice the furniture nor the layout of the home. Only her heartbeat and the anxiety sweats were real for her.
Seth opened a large dark wood door and smiled at his father who was smoking a cigar at his desk. He looked just as Emma had imagined him. Larger than life with a cigar in one hand and a stiff drink in another. He was frightening.
She wanted to scream when Seth shut the door behind her though she didn't even remember walking into the room. She was quite certain she had frozen in her tracks the moment she laid eyes on his father.
“Dad, this is Emma. Emma Mcclure.” Seth presented her proudly as his father put out his cigar. “Emma, this is my father, Richard Barras.”
She held out her hand to shake his own but he rejected it quickly and her heart sank while her mouth dried out. She could feel the tears forming in the back of her throat.
Richard smiled, “Let me wipe off my hands. They reek of cigar.” He pulled out a moist towelette from his desk and wiped his hands down before smelling them. “Ah, that's better.” He held out his hand again. “Don't want you wandering around smelling like an old man's cigar.”
Emma chuckled nervously as she shook his hand.
“Sit, sit.” He motioned for the chair behind her.
She looked towards Seth nervously as he was about to sit down in the chair beside her, but his father's voice disrupted him.
“No, you leave.” Richard barked.
“What?” Seth asked and looked towards Emma with an apologetic expression. He could see the anxiety on her face. It was clearer than any attack Riane had ever had in front of him.
“You brought her here to be my guest, and you aren't invited.” Richard informed him as he gave his son a stern look.
Seth said nothing more and slowly moved towards the door; all the while he apologized to Emma in his mind.
When the door closed, Emma's heart could barely take it anymore. It was terrifying enough being alone with a strange man, but this strange man wanted to tear her limb from limb.
There was a silence as Richard poured himself another drink. Emma was able to take in the all wooden room that stunk of old cigars, fireplace fires, and booze.
She had to remind herself this man was a world renown plastic surgeon, but if she had been a patient of his, she certainly wouldn't have wanted to see this horrid place. It looks like an good ole' boys club and smelled just like one as well.
Richard smiled as he sat back down at the desk, “So, Emma, I hear you are the scholarship student at CHU.”
Here it goes, looking down at her right away. She thought to herself.
“I went to school on scholarship as well. Not to CHU, but CHU is a much harder and far more sought after scholarship then any other school. Hell, they only give one of them bad boys out a year.” He took a sip of his whiskey. “Do you want something to drink? You look a little on edge.”
“Uh, oh. I am underage.”
Richard chuckled, “I believe if you are old enough to die for your country, then you are old enough to have a drink. We tell people they are adults at eighteen and then limit the things they can do until they are older. How is that allowing them to become a responsible adult? Do you know how many times I had to get a hang over, before I realized my limits. Now, do you want a drink?”
“Uh.”
He grinned, “I'll pour you one and you can drink it or not. You ever have an old fashion?” He got up and start to make her one. “It has a cherry in it, you'll love it. Besides, I only store bourbon in this room, so you'll have to make due.”
Her anxiety began to melt as Seth's father talked to her normally.
“Seth says you work at a cafe on the weekends to make ends meet, and your parents are working overtime to pay for your apartment. Decent and hardworking. My kind of people.” He said as he held out the small glass to her.
Emma took it from him with a thank you then had a sip of it. “Yes, it has been hard to make my dream of going to CHU come true. I appreciate them a lot.”
He nodded as he sat down, “Very few children appreciate their parents until its too late. It's good of you to start now.” He allowed a moment of silence to pass between them and for Emma to take another sip from her drink before speaking again. “Now, tell me, what would a wonderful, hardworking girl like yourself want with my troublemaker son?”
“Troublemaker? Seth?” She asked with shock.
“That brat has been the cause of more headaches in my life then alcohol. Skipping classes, going to clubs to get high, getting arrested, I could go on.” He took a swig of his drink.
“Seth has been arrested?” More shock from her made Richard chuckle.
“Several times. The little shit.” He took a deep breath, “Normally, I would be afraid of him dragging you down with him, but it doesn't appear to be the case. In fact, since Riane has entered Julian's life and you have entered Seth's, things have been pretty quiet around here. I do so enjoy quiet.” He finished off his drink. “Can you open the door and let him back in here? I am sure he has his ear to the door and is desperately trying to hear anything. He probably wants me to yell at you or something, so he can show you how big of a man he is to stand up to me.”
Emma laughed as she stood to open the door. When she reached for it and twisted the handle, sure enough Seth stumbled forward into the room.
“Are you drinking?” He asked to cover the embarrassment he felt.
“One shot of bourbon won't kill her. Come over here.” Richard ordered both of them and motioned for them to have a seat. After they completed the task, he inhaled deeply. “Emma, you are obviously nervous and I can understand it. I remember meeting my wife's parents for the first time and I nearly pissed myself. You are obviously a nice girl, and it is plain to see that Seth thinks the world of you. Therefore, it is only fair for me to allow you two the opportunity to date and become closer.”
“Thank you, dad!” Seth clasped his hands together.
“Eh, hold on. On one condition. I don’t think it's right to give up years of an engagement for a fledgeling romance. I want you to continue your engagement to Angela for the time being, until you two see where this is heading.” He got up and poured himself another drink. In truth, he was turning his back on them to allow them to have a silent conversation between themselves.
Emma was about to explain how she didn't want to date an engaged man, but Seth was faster to speak.
He didn't even need to look at Emma, “No.” He said clearly as his father turned around. “That isn't fair to anyone. I am not going to use Angela as if she is a back-up, or make Emma feel like she is second best in my eyes or my family's. I am going to concentrate solely on one woman and I want that woman to be Emma.”
Richard smirked at his son, “Good. I'm glad to hear it. Now, take her out on your first date. I already got her all liquored up.”
Emma and Seth looked between each other as if they weren't sure they were being tricked. She set her drink down and Seth swig the rest of it, before they both headed out the door in bewilderment.
During the movie, Riane's phone would vibrate and she would look down at the screen. The light from her phone would temporarily ruined the atmosphere he had carefully created. Of course, knowing it was another man sending her those messages ruined it far more than he would admit to himself.
When the movie finally came to an end, he knew full well she hadn't watched half of it. He wanted to question her and show her how ignorant she was of the film, but he realized he hadn't watched most of it either because he had been paying more attention to her.
He didn't know what ticked him off more now; the fact that he hadn't actually watched his new movie or that Blake wouldn't stop texting her. Perhaps, it was the giddy nature in which she received those messages from him.
As they both sat on the end of his bed with their feet dangling off the edge and their backs propped up by pillows, Julian frowned once more as she looked at her screen.
Leaning in he kissed her cheek and when she turned her head he did the same to her lips. He hoped he could win back her attention.
“What are you doing?” Riane asked playfully.
“Make-out sesh?” He tried to use the cuteness voice he could muster, but he could tell by the look on her face it wasn't going to happen.
She rolled her eyes, “Make-out? We have never made-out.”
“There is always a first time.” He winked at her and then frowned once more as she looked down at the damn buzzing phone.
Before he even considered the ramifications of his actions, he reached out and grabbed the phone away from her.
“Hey!” Riane barked.
Standing up, he put it over his head as Riane jumped up at it. “Give it back! Julian! Give me back my phone!” She soon jumped on the bed to give herself height, but Julian simply walked away. “What the hell, Julian?”
“Who are you dating?”
The question seemed to perplex her and her brows came together both in anger and confusion. “What are you going on about now?”
“Who are you dating?” He repeated.
“No one real soon, if you keep this up.” She jumped down from the bed and walked over to him to snatched his phone away, but Julian adeptly dodged her onslaught and moved to the other side of the room.
“Me or Blake?”
“What? I told you I am not going to pick between you!” She roared as she was becoming more annoyed with his antics.
“No, dumb ass. Who are you dating, me or Blake?” He cleared his throat as he stared her down. “Because right now, it feels like Blake.”
“I am sorry. We are just trying to rekindle our friendship. We have a lot to catch up on.” She stepped forward again and put out her hand for her phone which had buzzed more than half a dozen times since they started this game of keep away.
“Well, I am trying to kindle one with you, so which one do you think is more delicate? The new fire or the old?” He was almost afraid to know the answer to the question, but he asked it wouldn't any acknowledgment of worry in his voice.
“Give me my phone, Julian.” She spoke sternly.
He did so and watched her looked down at her screen. His heart dropped when he realized this was her answer. The old flame was more important, and he was simply in the way. He wanted to curse at her, to tell her to find another place to live, and demand they never see each other again. He wanted to so badly, but he simply couldn't bring himself to speak the words. He still had hope that if he stood in the way long enough, he would be the destination instead.
“See it's off.” She held it up for him to see. “No more Blake. I told him goodnight.”
Every ounce of self loathing, hatred for her, disappointment, and hurt vanished as if it had never bled into his heart in the first place. Julian smiled widely, “Hey, I am the destination!”
Riane raised an eyebrow, “What are you talking about?”
He chuckled, “On the road, I am not a stop sign or a road work ahead sign. I am the destination!” He acted as if she could fully understand where this thought process was coming from, but Riane stared at him blankly for a moment.
“Alright.” She said dryly, “What do you want to do?”
He leaned in for a kiss and she pulled away. “Make-out sesh!”
“No, Julian!” She jumped back when he reached out for her. “Stop it!” She laughed when he stuck out his tongue and began to chase her around the room.
“Let's taste each other's mouths!” He yelled as he climbed over the bed after her.
“That's disgusting!” She shouted back.
He finally caught her and tossed her onto the bed, before jumping onto the bed himself. Riane yelped thinking he was going to jump on top of her, but he landed to her side. That didn't remain however, as he quickly crawled on top of her and pinned her arms above her head.
Riane screamed loudly as he licked her forehead, “Stop it, Julian!”
He laughed as he looked down at her with playful eyes. “What you said no make-out sesh? How about puppy lick sesh?”
“No, for the love of all that is good, no puppy licks!” She cried out and tried to use her knees to kick him off, but he just lowered himself closer to her body so she couldn't wedge them into his stomach.
She continued to giggle with him as they stared into each other's eyes. “You're ridiculous.” She finally spoke but still couldn't contain her laughter.
Julian kissed her on the lips gently, and Riane's laughter slowly died down as he did it again. His right hand released her own and he placed his fingertips on the nap of her neck and stroked her cheek with his thumb.
He could see the embarrassment on her face and knew the anxiety of it all would soon have her pushing him off her. This made him decide to kiss her quickly and deeply. He hoped he could get her out of her own head for a moment and they themselves could have a moment.
She didn't fight him back and her free hand moved to rest of his shoulder. Julian lead the kiss as he could feel her uncertainty, but it was from her lack of experience not from anything to do with this shared experience.
“Will you two quiet the fuck down?” Bryce snapped as he flung the door open, “I have home...” He stopped himself when he saw the position the two were in. Jumping into the room, he tried to grab at the door handle to stop the door from moving any further in, but this action only made him fumble with it.
Riane cleared her throat and tried to sit up, while Julian didn't fight her on it, because it was obvious the moment had been ruined.
Bryce finally grabbed the door handle and slammed the door shut. “Sorry! So sorry! Please believe me, I do not want this memory! Bye!” He stuttered before heading down the hall quickly to his own room.
When he got inside, he shut the door behind him and placed his hand on his chest. This feeling he had was clear enough. He had experienced it before, but why? Why was he jealous?
Adonia hadn't been to classes since they started that week. Her mother had called her in sick and informed them she might need to take a leave of absence.
Since her return from Hawaii, she spent most of her time in her bedroom and barely ate anything. Her mind wouldn't stop thinking about the humiliating things she had done and she couldn't even explain them to herself.
She didn't really want Julian, so why did she even bother?
Was it her plan to make Riane suffer? If she was going to suffer, it would have been by stealing Julian away from her, but Riane didn't seem too bothered by her efforts. She either was oblivious to it or she simply didn't care.
It was obvious to her now when she witnessed their first kiss that the two weren't really romantically involved until that moment.
She couldn't help but wonder what they were up to during their double dates then. Were they trying to prove it to themselves or to her and Blake or maybe it was something far more sinister?
Her mind couldn't stop telling her that it wasn't until they started double dating that things went south with Blake.
Of course, she knew the truth was plain to see as well. Blake had always had feelings for Riane which was why he was never truly upset when a girlfriend left him. He acted like he hated men who played around with women, but he was no better. In fact, he was far worse.
He made the women think he had feelings and they created expectations in their mind. They never realized he was nothing more than a snake who used them for sexual conquests then tossed them to the side when they became inconvenient.
They were merely the bodies to use while Riane was the mind. The only mind he had any attraction to, but he couldn't have the body.
Her thoughts always came back to Blake. She knew it was really him that she had been trying to punish in Hawaii. It was a ridiculous notion to think he would have been bothered by it at all. She would have handed Riane back to him on a silver platter. He would have been grateful had she succeeded.
Was that what her sick mind wanted? Gratitude?
Everything she had done was humiliating and she couldn't look a single person in the eye; least of all herself.
“Adonia?” Parker's voice came from down the hall.
The door opened to Adonia's bedroom which had a queen canopy bed with the color scheme of yellow. Mostly everything in her room was yellow, except for the other pops of color such a green and any color a flower could be.
The comforter on her bed was yellow with red flowers and it covered her completely. There were dirty plates on the surfaces of the room and clothes lined the floor. Adonia's room was normally spotless, so this was a strange sight to behold for her two friends.
They looked between each other and slowly walked over to the end of the bed to sit down. Kalei picked up a piece of pizza crust from the bed and tossed it to the floor, before she could take her seat.
“Adonia, we want to talk to you.” Kalei told her with a gentle, hushed voice.
Adonia whimpered but did not produce any full words.
“Come on, Adonia.” Parker tried to pull down the comforter, but Adonia held onto it tightly. “Let us talk to you for a moment.”
More whimpering came from her but no words.
Parker took a guess as to where Adonia's bottom would be under the comforter and slapped it as hard as she could.
Adonia grabbed her butt and screamed as she sat up. “Bitch!” She cried out as Parker laughed and Kalei looked horrified.
“Kalei did it.” Parker lied with a playful giggle.
“I did not!” She was quick to deny the accusation. Her wide eyes looked between the two other women in fear that Adonia might believe her.
Parker smirked at Kalei, before turning her attention back to Adonia. “You look like shit.”
Adonia had bed head and her pajamas were obviously something she had been wearing for a while due to stains and the unpleasant odor. Of course, the odor could have just been the room in general.
“Your mom is worried about you.” Kalei told her.
They had been trying to get in touch with her for weeks, but she refused to see anything. It wasn't until Adonia's mom had enough that she called the two to come over.
“I tried to steal Julian away from Riane to get back at Blake.” She began to sob immediately. “I am humiliated! I should be killed right here and right now! I can't go on!”
Neither Kalei nor Parker really understood the link between Julian and Riane's relationship and getting back at Blake, but they both silently understood it wasn't worth getting into.
“No, you are fine. Julian and Riane are at school. They haven't said anything. Neither has Blake. He eats lunch with them now.” Parker told her. She was just hoping something she said would stick, so this part of Adonia's life would end.
Adonia tossed her head into the pillow, “Oh god, they're friends now! They've bonded over my insanity!”
Parker closed her eyes and sighed.
“No, no. Julian looks really jealous over it.” Kalei told her and hoped she was feeding into her friend's vindictive side.
Adonia looked at her with one eye, “Really?”
Both of her friends nodded.
“Yes, Julian stormed out of the cafeteria earlier this week, in fact.” Parker added. “I mean, it was pretty cold and he had to come back inside, but he sat another table.”
Adonia slow sat up, “So, they might break up?”
They both nodded and shrugged at the same time.
“I don't think Blake is helping.” Kalei could see the hope returning to her friend's eyes and she just wished it wasn't because of this information.
“Of course, Blake is trying to split them up.” Adonia grinned. “It's genius, really. Of course, you have to make Julian jealous not Riane. She's too cool. She just lets people go whenever she feels like it. No, Julian is the key here.”
“I don't know what you are talking about, but it's very disturbing and I think you need to let this go, Adonia.” Parker tried to reach out and pat her hand, but Adonia pulled it away.
“They are really fighting?” She asked Kalei who nodded.
“Why? Do you want Julian?” Kalei asked.
Adonia shrugged her shoulders, “I mean, he liked me for a long time, right? It's only fair I get first crack at him after Riane ruined my relationship with Blake.”
“Yeah, you're right.” Kalei tried to encourage her friend.
“No, no, she is not.” Parker knew she would have to be the voice of reason here. “You rejected Julian and he found someone else. It is neither Riane's nor Julian's fault that Blake secretly harbored feelings for Riane. You want to punish someone then do it to him.”
Adonia stood from her bed, “You are sure they were fighting?” She asked Kalei again and ignored Parker completely.
“Yes, one hundred percent. It was a fight. Julian is jealous of Blake.” Kalei told her and Parker smacked her.
“I need a shower.” Adonia announced before leaving the room.
“What the hell, Kalei?” Parker snapped.
“What? She's up, and she is showering. At least, she'll come to school on Monday. Whatever it takes, right? You said that.”
Parker sighed, “This can go real bad, real quick.”
Bryce finished up his homework in his room then headed down the stairs to play video games with Zachary. The two had a long standing date at the end of each evening to hang out together and enjoy a friendly competition, since video games where the only thing Bryce could actually compete with his younger brother.
Entering into the room, he tossed himself on the couch and watched as Zachary played a race car game. He didn't say anything to him, but his younger brother passed him the second controller and continued to play.
“I'll finish this and then I'll split screen it.” He told him as his eyes concentrated on the screen on the wall.
Bryce's mind wasn't really in it tonight, and he took a deep breath. “Nah, I'll just watch you. I'm tired.”
Zachary didn't respond and simply kept playing.
The eldest Swithin brother couldn't help but think of what he witnessed in Julian's room. He was embarrassed to have walked in on them, but he was more focused on the feeling which caused him panic and curiosity.
Opening up his email on his phone, Bryce scrolled down a long list until he found the one he had been looking for. It was from Catherine, the first and only girl to have made him jealous. She never saw him as anything but a friend, and he feared telling her the truth would end what little they had between them.
She was engaged now to a law student. He remembered when she told him over the phone. It was heartbreaking and it was far worse to learn over the phone, because he had to pretend to be happy. She emailed him less and less, even though they had been virtually inseparable during high school.
“Bry, you won't believe how crazy this year has been! Nathan and I have decided to get married now instead of after graduation. His family keeps harping on us about living together, and it is just getting stressful when we should be focused on our school work.
We decided to do a small ceremony at the court house, and then a bigger one after graduation. I really do hope you can come. There will be a dinner! Alcohol and food will be paid for, not that you care about money, you rich dick.
Anyway, details below. See you soon! - C”
He had read the email over and over again. He had agonized about going or lying to stay home. In the end, he made an excuse about a family vacation, which wasn't true, and told her he would definitely come to the next one.
She had been disappointed, but she understood. However, this email had been the last one in over three months. He got an occasional group text with a funny photo, but nothing connecting them together.
He didn't know if she was hurt he didn't come and this was his punishment, or if this was just the way things were now. They were apart and now they always would be.
It hurt less now. In fact, it didn't really hurt at all. He had liked hanging out with Riane when Julian was being stubborn, and he had been the one to encourage them both to be together. He had done that with Catherine and another friend of his in high school.
He had been too afraid to tell her his feelings so he pushed her away towards someone else. He always wondered if he had feelings for him back then, since she hung around him so much. Now, he would never know.
He knew Riane didn't have feelings for him. She was pretty easy to read, but he didn't think there was anything on his side either. It was confusing. Did he want Riane or was he just jealous of what Julian has?
“Hey, Zack. Remember last year when you liked that girl, but she ended up going with your friend?” Bryce couldn't bring himself to say dating when it came to elementary students. The worst they probably did was hold hands.
“Yeah. What about it?” He continued to play his game.
“How did you know you actually liked her and weren't just jealous of what your friend had?” He could barely believe he was asking an eleven year old these things, but sometimes Zachary could be insightful.
He shrugged, “I liked her before he got to her. He only went after her because I told him I liked her.” He scoffed, “It didn't matter anyway. I was too smart for her and she said she wanted to date someone from her own school. She wanted to eat lunch with him or something.”
“How did you know you liked her though?” He smirked at his younger brother's answer.
“I dunno. We liked the same games and she was nice to me. Everyone else is intimidated by my intelligence.” He bit the inside of his cheek as he made a turn in the game.
Bryce nodded his head, “I think it's more your ego then your intelligence, but I get what you are saying.”
Zachary didn't have a response for him and simply continued to stare at the screen. His face making small winces and other movements as the game continued on.
Falling into silence, Bryce thought for a moment. He asked himself if he liked Riane before her and Julian were together. It was a question he had asked himself with Catherine, and he did the same with her. He shoved her towards someone else.
Zachary looked over at his brother who was lost deep in thought. He paused the same and tossed the controller into his lap, which caused Bryce to lurch forward from the surprise.
Standing up, Zachary put his hand on his brother's shoulder. “Just stop. It'll get messy if you continue.”
Bryce watched his younger brother leave the room, and though he knew his brother was right, he didn't know if he understood the situation he was in.
Zachary went up the stairway while someone else came down. He heard Zachary yelp, followed by Riane telling Julian to stop it and leave him alone.
As they got to the bottom of the stairs, Julian went into the kitchen while Riane appeared at the doorway.
“Hey.” She said sheepishly as she leaned her shoulder against the door frame and began to play with her fingers.
“Hey.” Bryce responded back as he tried to mask whatever concern or feelings he had boiling over on the inside.
She continued to look uncomfortable, and seemed to be looking around the room for the words she wished to speak. “I am sorry we got too loud earlier.”
Clearing his throat, he sat up straight on the couch. “It is alright. I am sorry too. I should have knocked and not barged in there like that. You two deserve your privacy.”
“Oh no, we weren't... we weren't doing anything. I mean we were, but not like you might think. It was just... awkward... position.” Riane kept telling herself to abort the sentence, but the words continued to stream out of her mouth.
“Juice or tea?” Julian yelled from the kitchen.
“It's alright. It's none of my business.” Bryce told her with a gentle grin. “Let's forget it ever happened.”
“Sounds good to me.” She smiled back which made Bryce's feel relieved.
“Juice or tea, Riane? If you don't answer, I'll make an executive decision!” Julian yelled once more from across the house.
Riane sighed, “I am going to go deal with him. Goodnight, if I don't see you again today.”
“Goodnight, Riane.”
Emma hadn’t wanted to go anywhere fancy that evening, even though Seth had wanted to make their first date memorable. Little did he know a little pizza shop with arcade games could be just as memorable if not more than an expensive restaurant; where they paired your wine to your meal.
Getting Emma to smile at him the way she had during their time in Hawaii was worth all he had endured until that moment. He found himself looking at the clock on his phone time and time again as the hours ticked closer.
Only one hour left until I have to take her home he would say to himself with dread in his heart. Then time would move forward and it was soon only thirty minutes left followed by fifteen. Each time he would make the chant in his mind.
He didn’t know if he was just regretted ending the night or if the truth of the matter was he didn’t know what to do at the end of the night. He had never really dated someone he cared about before, and he didn’t want to overstep. He didn’t want to assume what she would want by the end of the night, and he feared any thing he would do in the end would simply not be correct.
The car ride home, Emma talked about the evening and told him she couldn’t wait to tell Riane they were really dating now. She was so very excited and it filled his heart with joy to know he caused this happiness within her.
“I bet we could go on double dates too!” Emma announced as he pulled the car into the driveway and into the parking spot designated for her apartment.
When he stepped out and shut his door, Emma did the same and he looked over the hood to her. “I think it would be fun, but I don’t know about Julian.”
“Why’s that?” She asked while holding the left over pizza, as they walked side by side through the small apartment complex.
He chuckled, “I don’t think Julian is in a sharing mood when it comes to Riane’s free time.”
Emma grinned, “Well, he will have to learn, besides I finally made a friend at school and I am not losing her just because she has a jealous boyfriend. It took me a while to find someone who didn’t look down on me.”
“Riane has always been a pretty awesome person. We thought she was male for the longest time, and honestly I don’t know what she did to Julian but he went from being on the warpath to signing his name Mrs. Julian Nairne on his notebooks with little hearts around it; faster then I could keep up with the change. It was like one day he was going to kill Riane and the next she was the greatest woman in the world.” Seth chuckled.
Emma followed his lead and also chuckled. “Riane told me they once were trying to break up Adonia and Blake. It looks like they succeeded, don’t you think that was a little cruel?”
He slowly shook his head, “I think they were wrong, but I don’t think they did it long enough to cause any lasting harm. From what Julian was ranting about behind the gym today told me; Blake and Adonia broke up because Blake figured out he was in love with Riane. She told Julian that Blake has promised to leave their relationship alone, but I can see why Julian was an ass today.”
She sighed, “I suppose, but trust is the only foundation a relationship can be built upon. It’s up to Riane to set it and build a home or tear it down, just as much as it is Julian’s decision too.”
“Metaphors.” He rolled his eyes, “Anyway, let’s not talk about them anymore. We just finished our first date.” He said after realizing they had been standing in front of her grayish blue door for some time now.
Emma shrugged her shoulders, “It prolonged our time together, so it was worth every moment we spent on them.”
He agreed though he didn’t want to encourage it further. “Well, I had a wonderful evening.”
She nodded her head slowly, “I did too.” She said ignoring the cold in the air which was turning her fingers to ice. It was something she would gladly suffer to take on a few more minutes with him.
Seth was in a similar position though he was wearing gloves, but his cheeks were freezing as were the tips of his ears since he had forgotten his hat. “I was wondering….” He cleared his throat and paused.
“Yes?”
He tried to figure out a way to ask her, “We never got to finish our kiss in Hawaii….” He cleared his throat again.
Emma giggled, “It never started as I recall.”
“Yes, but can it start now?”
She nodded her head as Seth leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. He didn’t linger long, but it was all his anxiety would allow.
“Is that all?” Emma asked with surprise in her voice.
“Uh, um. I didn’t want to be overzealous.” He finally admitted and the fear of disappointment set in. He had known this wouldn’t go right no matter what path he chose.
Emma grinned, “Let me then.”
Stepping towards him, she grabbed the collar of his jacket, grinned then pulled him forward. Their lips met quickly and Emma turned the kiss into a deep and slow seduction.
Seth followed her lead and found himself leaning in for more as she stepped away. His eyes opened when he realized the kiss had ended and he looked down at the smiling woman. He couldn’t think of anything to say.
“Goodnight, Seth. Let’s make plans tomorrow.” She pulled the keys from her jacket pocket and unlocked the door.
“Goodnight, Emma.” He said as he watched the door slowly close with the smiling woman behind it.
Making his way down to the car, he got inside and turned on the heat all the way smiling to himself. After a moment, he clapped his hands together as if he was giving himself a high five and continued to stare towards Emma’s door.
He let the car heat up for longer than usual before finally deciding he had to leave or it would be creepy. He held the grin on his lips the entire drive home.
Inside her mind, all she wanted to do was run down that long driveway and never look back. Run all the way home and never give Seth another thought again. Even running for miles would be much easier then what she was about to do to her mind, body, and soul.
She had seen the dramas and the movies. This never ends well for the poor girl when she meets the parents. Gold digger is what the parents always think. Uncouth and unrefined were other words which played around in her head.
Nothing registered as she walked through the house; she was only in her own thoughts. She didn't notice the furniture nor the layout of the home. Only her heartbeat and the anxiety sweats were real for her.
Seth opened a large dark wood door and smiled at his father who was smoking a cigar at his desk. He looked just as Emma had imagined him. Larger than life with a cigar in one hand and a stiff drink in another. He was frightening.
She wanted to scream when Seth shut the door behind her though she didn't even remember walking into the room. She was quite certain she had frozen in her tracks the moment she laid eyes on his father.
“Dad, this is Emma. Emma Mcclure.” Seth presented her proudly as his father put out his cigar. “Emma, this is my father, Richard Barras.”
She held out her hand to shake his own but he rejected it quickly and her heart sank while her mouth dried out. She could feel the tears forming in the back of her throat.
Richard smiled, “Let me wipe off my hands. They reek of cigar.” He pulled out a moist towelette from his desk and wiped his hands down before smelling them. “Ah, that's better.” He held out his hand again. “Don't want you wandering around smelling like an old man's cigar.”
Emma chuckled nervously as she shook his hand.
“Sit, sit.” He motioned for the chair behind her.
She looked towards Seth nervously as he was about to sit down in the chair beside her, but his father's voice disrupted him.
“No, you leave.” Richard barked.
“What?” Seth asked and looked towards Emma with an apologetic expression. He could see the anxiety on her face. It was clearer than any attack Riane had ever had in front of him.
“You brought her here to be my guest, and you aren't invited.” Richard informed him as he gave his son a stern look.
Seth said nothing more and slowly moved towards the door; all the while he apologized to Emma in his mind.
When the door closed, Emma's heart could barely take it anymore. It was terrifying enough being alone with a strange man, but this strange man wanted to tear her limb from limb.
There was a silence as Richard poured himself another drink. Emma was able to take in the all wooden room that stunk of old cigars, fireplace fires, and booze.
She had to remind herself this man was a world renown plastic surgeon, but if she had been a patient of his, she certainly wouldn't have wanted to see this horrid place. It looks like an good ole' boys club and smelled just like one as well.
Richard smiled as he sat back down at the desk, “So, Emma, I hear you are the scholarship student at CHU.”
Here it goes, looking down at her right away. She thought to herself.
“I went to school on scholarship as well. Not to CHU, but CHU is a much harder and far more sought after scholarship then any other school. Hell, they only give one of them bad boys out a year.” He took a sip of his whiskey. “Do you want something to drink? You look a little on edge.”
“Uh, oh. I am underage.”
Richard chuckled, “I believe if you are old enough to die for your country, then you are old enough to have a drink. We tell people they are adults at eighteen and then limit the things they can do until they are older. How is that allowing them to become a responsible adult? Do you know how many times I had to get a hang over, before I realized my limits. Now, do you want a drink?”
“Uh.”
He grinned, “I'll pour you one and you can drink it or not. You ever have an old fashion?” He got up and start to make her one. “It has a cherry in it, you'll love it. Besides, I only store bourbon in this room, so you'll have to make due.”
Her anxiety began to melt as Seth's father talked to her normally.
“Seth says you work at a cafe on the weekends to make ends meet, and your parents are working overtime to pay for your apartment. Decent and hardworking. My kind of people.” He said as he held out the small glass to her.
Emma took it from him with a thank you then had a sip of it. “Yes, it has been hard to make my dream of going to CHU come true. I appreciate them a lot.”
He nodded as he sat down, “Very few children appreciate their parents until its too late. It's good of you to start now.” He allowed a moment of silence to pass between them and for Emma to take another sip from her drink before speaking again. “Now, tell me, what would a wonderful, hardworking girl like yourself want with my troublemaker son?”
“Troublemaker? Seth?” She asked with shock.
“That brat has been the cause of more headaches in my life then alcohol. Skipping classes, going to clubs to get high, getting arrested, I could go on.” He took a swig of his drink.
“Seth has been arrested?” More shock from her made Richard chuckle.
“Several times. The little shit.” He took a deep breath, “Normally, I would be afraid of him dragging you down with him, but it doesn't appear to be the case. In fact, since Riane has entered Julian's life and you have entered Seth's, things have been pretty quiet around here. I do so enjoy quiet.” He finished off his drink. “Can you open the door and let him back in here? I am sure he has his ear to the door and is desperately trying to hear anything. He probably wants me to yell at you or something, so he can show you how big of a man he is to stand up to me.”
Emma laughed as she stood to open the door. When she reached for it and twisted the handle, sure enough Seth stumbled forward into the room.
“Are you drinking?” He asked to cover the embarrassment he felt.
“One shot of bourbon won't kill her. Come over here.” Richard ordered both of them and motioned for them to have a seat. After they completed the task, he inhaled deeply. “Emma, you are obviously nervous and I can understand it. I remember meeting my wife's parents for the first time and I nearly pissed myself. You are obviously a nice girl, and it is plain to see that Seth thinks the world of you. Therefore, it is only fair for me to allow you two the opportunity to date and become closer.”
“Thank you, dad!” Seth clasped his hands together.
“Eh, hold on. On one condition. I don’t think it's right to give up years of an engagement for a fledgeling romance. I want you to continue your engagement to Angela for the time being, until you two see where this is heading.” He got up and poured himself another drink. In truth, he was turning his back on them to allow them to have a silent conversation between themselves.
Emma was about to explain how she didn't want to date an engaged man, but Seth was faster to speak.
He didn't even need to look at Emma, “No.” He said clearly as his father turned around. “That isn't fair to anyone. I am not going to use Angela as if she is a back-up, or make Emma feel like she is second best in my eyes or my family's. I am going to concentrate solely on one woman and I want that woman to be Emma.”
Richard smirked at his son, “Good. I'm glad to hear it. Now, take her out on your first date. I already got her all liquored up.”
Emma and Seth looked between each other as if they weren't sure they were being tricked. She set her drink down and Seth swig the rest of it, before they both headed out the door in bewilderment.
---***---
During the movie, Riane's phone would vibrate and she would look down at the screen. The light from her phone would temporarily ruined the atmosphere he had carefully created. Of course, knowing it was another man sending her those messages ruined it far more than he would admit to himself.
When the movie finally came to an end, he knew full well she hadn't watched half of it. He wanted to question her and show her how ignorant she was of the film, but he realized he hadn't watched most of it either because he had been paying more attention to her.
He didn't know what ticked him off more now; the fact that he hadn't actually watched his new movie or that Blake wouldn't stop texting her. Perhaps, it was the giddy nature in which she received those messages from him.
As they both sat on the end of his bed with their feet dangling off the edge and their backs propped up by pillows, Julian frowned once more as she looked at her screen.
Leaning in he kissed her cheek and when she turned her head he did the same to her lips. He hoped he could win back her attention.
“What are you doing?” Riane asked playfully.
“Make-out sesh?” He tried to use the cuteness voice he could muster, but he could tell by the look on her face it wasn't going to happen.
She rolled her eyes, “Make-out? We have never made-out.”
“There is always a first time.” He winked at her and then frowned once more as she looked down at the damn buzzing phone.
Before he even considered the ramifications of his actions, he reached out and grabbed the phone away from her.
“Hey!” Riane barked.
Standing up, he put it over his head as Riane jumped up at it. “Give it back! Julian! Give me back my phone!” She soon jumped on the bed to give herself height, but Julian simply walked away. “What the hell, Julian?”
“Who are you dating?”
The question seemed to perplex her and her brows came together both in anger and confusion. “What are you going on about now?”
“Who are you dating?” He repeated.
“No one real soon, if you keep this up.” She jumped down from the bed and walked over to him to snatched his phone away, but Julian adeptly dodged her onslaught and moved to the other side of the room.
“Me or Blake?”
“What? I told you I am not going to pick between you!” She roared as she was becoming more annoyed with his antics.
“No, dumb ass. Who are you dating, me or Blake?” He cleared his throat as he stared her down. “Because right now, it feels like Blake.”
“I am sorry. We are just trying to rekindle our friendship. We have a lot to catch up on.” She stepped forward again and put out her hand for her phone which had buzzed more than half a dozen times since they started this game of keep away.
“Well, I am trying to kindle one with you, so which one do you think is more delicate? The new fire or the old?” He was almost afraid to know the answer to the question, but he asked it wouldn't any acknowledgment of worry in his voice.
“Give me my phone, Julian.” She spoke sternly.
He did so and watched her looked down at her screen. His heart dropped when he realized this was her answer. The old flame was more important, and he was simply in the way. He wanted to curse at her, to tell her to find another place to live, and demand they never see each other again. He wanted to so badly, but he simply couldn't bring himself to speak the words. He still had hope that if he stood in the way long enough, he would be the destination instead.
“See it's off.” She held it up for him to see. “No more Blake. I told him goodnight.”
Every ounce of self loathing, hatred for her, disappointment, and hurt vanished as if it had never bled into his heart in the first place. Julian smiled widely, “Hey, I am the destination!”
Riane raised an eyebrow, “What are you talking about?”
He chuckled, “On the road, I am not a stop sign or a road work ahead sign. I am the destination!” He acted as if she could fully understand where this thought process was coming from, but Riane stared at him blankly for a moment.
“Alright.” She said dryly, “What do you want to do?”
He leaned in for a kiss and she pulled away. “Make-out sesh!”
“No, Julian!” She jumped back when he reached out for her. “Stop it!” She laughed when he stuck out his tongue and began to chase her around the room.
“Let's taste each other's mouths!” He yelled as he climbed over the bed after her.
“That's disgusting!” She shouted back.
He finally caught her and tossed her onto the bed, before jumping onto the bed himself. Riane yelped thinking he was going to jump on top of her, but he landed to her side. That didn't remain however, as he quickly crawled on top of her and pinned her arms above her head.
Riane screamed loudly as he licked her forehead, “Stop it, Julian!”
He laughed as he looked down at her with playful eyes. “What you said no make-out sesh? How about puppy lick sesh?”
“No, for the love of all that is good, no puppy licks!” She cried out and tried to use her knees to kick him off, but he just lowered himself closer to her body so she couldn't wedge them into his stomach.
She continued to giggle with him as they stared into each other's eyes. “You're ridiculous.” She finally spoke but still couldn't contain her laughter.
Julian kissed her on the lips gently, and Riane's laughter slowly died down as he did it again. His right hand released her own and he placed his fingertips on the nap of her neck and stroked her cheek with his thumb.
He could see the embarrassment on her face and knew the anxiety of it all would soon have her pushing him off her. This made him decide to kiss her quickly and deeply. He hoped he could get her out of her own head for a moment and they themselves could have a moment.
She didn't fight him back and her free hand moved to rest of his shoulder. Julian lead the kiss as he could feel her uncertainty, but it was from her lack of experience not from anything to do with this shared experience.
“Will you two quiet the fuck down?” Bryce snapped as he flung the door open, “I have home...” He stopped himself when he saw the position the two were in. Jumping into the room, he tried to grab at the door handle to stop the door from moving any further in, but this action only made him fumble with it.
Riane cleared her throat and tried to sit up, while Julian didn't fight her on it, because it was obvious the moment had been ruined.
Bryce finally grabbed the door handle and slammed the door shut. “Sorry! So sorry! Please believe me, I do not want this memory! Bye!” He stuttered before heading down the hall quickly to his own room.
When he got inside, he shut the door behind him and placed his hand on his chest. This feeling he had was clear enough. He had experienced it before, but why? Why was he jealous?
---***---
Adonia hadn't been to classes since they started that week. Her mother had called her in sick and informed them she might need to take a leave of absence.
Since her return from Hawaii, she spent most of her time in her bedroom and barely ate anything. Her mind wouldn't stop thinking about the humiliating things she had done and she couldn't even explain them to herself.
She didn't really want Julian, so why did she even bother?
Was it her plan to make Riane suffer? If she was going to suffer, it would have been by stealing Julian away from her, but Riane didn't seem too bothered by her efforts. She either was oblivious to it or she simply didn't care.
It was obvious to her now when she witnessed their first kiss that the two weren't really romantically involved until that moment.
She couldn't help but wonder what they were up to during their double dates then. Were they trying to prove it to themselves or to her and Blake or maybe it was something far more sinister?
Her mind couldn't stop telling her that it wasn't until they started double dating that things went south with Blake.
Of course, she knew the truth was plain to see as well. Blake had always had feelings for Riane which was why he was never truly upset when a girlfriend left him. He acted like he hated men who played around with women, but he was no better. In fact, he was far worse.
He made the women think he had feelings and they created expectations in their mind. They never realized he was nothing more than a snake who used them for sexual conquests then tossed them to the side when they became inconvenient.
They were merely the bodies to use while Riane was the mind. The only mind he had any attraction to, but he couldn't have the body.
Her thoughts always came back to Blake. She knew it was really him that she had been trying to punish in Hawaii. It was a ridiculous notion to think he would have been bothered by it at all. She would have handed Riane back to him on a silver platter. He would have been grateful had she succeeded.
Was that what her sick mind wanted? Gratitude?
Everything she had done was humiliating and she couldn't look a single person in the eye; least of all herself.
“Adonia?” Parker's voice came from down the hall.
The door opened to Adonia's bedroom which had a queen canopy bed with the color scheme of yellow. Mostly everything in her room was yellow, except for the other pops of color such a green and any color a flower could be.
The comforter on her bed was yellow with red flowers and it covered her completely. There were dirty plates on the surfaces of the room and clothes lined the floor. Adonia's room was normally spotless, so this was a strange sight to behold for her two friends.
They looked between each other and slowly walked over to the end of the bed to sit down. Kalei picked up a piece of pizza crust from the bed and tossed it to the floor, before she could take her seat.
“Adonia, we want to talk to you.” Kalei told her with a gentle, hushed voice.
Adonia whimpered but did not produce any full words.
“Come on, Adonia.” Parker tried to pull down the comforter, but Adonia held onto it tightly. “Let us talk to you for a moment.”
More whimpering came from her but no words.
Parker took a guess as to where Adonia's bottom would be under the comforter and slapped it as hard as she could.
Adonia grabbed her butt and screamed as she sat up. “Bitch!” She cried out as Parker laughed and Kalei looked horrified.
“Kalei did it.” Parker lied with a playful giggle.
“I did not!” She was quick to deny the accusation. Her wide eyes looked between the two other women in fear that Adonia might believe her.
Parker smirked at Kalei, before turning her attention back to Adonia. “You look like shit.”
Adonia had bed head and her pajamas were obviously something she had been wearing for a while due to stains and the unpleasant odor. Of course, the odor could have just been the room in general.
“Your mom is worried about you.” Kalei told her.
They had been trying to get in touch with her for weeks, but she refused to see anything. It wasn't until Adonia's mom had enough that she called the two to come over.
“I tried to steal Julian away from Riane to get back at Blake.” She began to sob immediately. “I am humiliated! I should be killed right here and right now! I can't go on!”
Neither Kalei nor Parker really understood the link between Julian and Riane's relationship and getting back at Blake, but they both silently understood it wasn't worth getting into.
“No, you are fine. Julian and Riane are at school. They haven't said anything. Neither has Blake. He eats lunch with them now.” Parker told her. She was just hoping something she said would stick, so this part of Adonia's life would end.
Adonia tossed her head into the pillow, “Oh god, they're friends now! They've bonded over my insanity!”
Parker closed her eyes and sighed.
“No, no. Julian looks really jealous over it.” Kalei told her and hoped she was feeding into her friend's vindictive side.
Adonia looked at her with one eye, “Really?”
Both of her friends nodded.
“Yes, Julian stormed out of the cafeteria earlier this week, in fact.” Parker added. “I mean, it was pretty cold and he had to come back inside, but he sat another table.”
Adonia slow sat up, “So, they might break up?”
They both nodded and shrugged at the same time.
“I don't think Blake is helping.” Kalei could see the hope returning to her friend's eyes and she just wished it wasn't because of this information.
“Of course, Blake is trying to split them up.” Adonia grinned. “It's genius, really. Of course, you have to make Julian jealous not Riane. She's too cool. She just lets people go whenever she feels like it. No, Julian is the key here.”
“I don't know what you are talking about, but it's very disturbing and I think you need to let this go, Adonia.” Parker tried to reach out and pat her hand, but Adonia pulled it away.
“They are really fighting?” She asked Kalei who nodded.
“Why? Do you want Julian?” Kalei asked.
Adonia shrugged her shoulders, “I mean, he liked me for a long time, right? It's only fair I get first crack at him after Riane ruined my relationship with Blake.”
“Yeah, you're right.” Kalei tried to encourage her friend.
“No, no, she is not.” Parker knew she would have to be the voice of reason here. “You rejected Julian and he found someone else. It is neither Riane's nor Julian's fault that Blake secretly harbored feelings for Riane. You want to punish someone then do it to him.”
Adonia stood from her bed, “You are sure they were fighting?” She asked Kalei again and ignored Parker completely.
“Yes, one hundred percent. It was a fight. Julian is jealous of Blake.” Kalei told her and Parker smacked her.
“I need a shower.” Adonia announced before leaving the room.
“What the hell, Kalei?” Parker snapped.
“What? She's up, and she is showering. At least, she'll come to school on Monday. Whatever it takes, right? You said that.”
Parker sighed, “This can go real bad, real quick.”
---***---
Bryce finished up his homework in his room then headed down the stairs to play video games with Zachary. The two had a long standing date at the end of each evening to hang out together and enjoy a friendly competition, since video games where the only thing Bryce could actually compete with his younger brother.
Entering into the room, he tossed himself on the couch and watched as Zachary played a race car game. He didn't say anything to him, but his younger brother passed him the second controller and continued to play.
“I'll finish this and then I'll split screen it.” He told him as his eyes concentrated on the screen on the wall.
Bryce's mind wasn't really in it tonight, and he took a deep breath. “Nah, I'll just watch you. I'm tired.”
Zachary didn't respond and simply kept playing.
The eldest Swithin brother couldn't help but think of what he witnessed in Julian's room. He was embarrassed to have walked in on them, but he was more focused on the feeling which caused him panic and curiosity.
Opening up his email on his phone, Bryce scrolled down a long list until he found the one he had been looking for. It was from Catherine, the first and only girl to have made him jealous. She never saw him as anything but a friend, and he feared telling her the truth would end what little they had between them.
She was engaged now to a law student. He remembered when she told him over the phone. It was heartbreaking and it was far worse to learn over the phone, because he had to pretend to be happy. She emailed him less and less, even though they had been virtually inseparable during high school.
“Bry, you won't believe how crazy this year has been! Nathan and I have decided to get married now instead of after graduation. His family keeps harping on us about living together, and it is just getting stressful when we should be focused on our school work.
We decided to do a small ceremony at the court house, and then a bigger one after graduation. I really do hope you can come. There will be a dinner! Alcohol and food will be paid for, not that you care about money, you rich dick.
Anyway, details below. See you soon! - C”
He had read the email over and over again. He had agonized about going or lying to stay home. In the end, he made an excuse about a family vacation, which wasn't true, and told her he would definitely come to the next one.
She had been disappointed, but she understood. However, this email had been the last one in over three months. He got an occasional group text with a funny photo, but nothing connecting them together.
He didn't know if she was hurt he didn't come and this was his punishment, or if this was just the way things were now. They were apart and now they always would be.
It hurt less now. In fact, it didn't really hurt at all. He had liked hanging out with Riane when Julian was being stubborn, and he had been the one to encourage them both to be together. He had done that with Catherine and another friend of his in high school.
He had been too afraid to tell her his feelings so he pushed her away towards someone else. He always wondered if he had feelings for him back then, since she hung around him so much. Now, he would never know.
He knew Riane didn't have feelings for him. She was pretty easy to read, but he didn't think there was anything on his side either. It was confusing. Did he want Riane or was he just jealous of what Julian has?
“Hey, Zack. Remember last year when you liked that girl, but she ended up going with your friend?” Bryce couldn't bring himself to say dating when it came to elementary students. The worst they probably did was hold hands.
“Yeah. What about it?” He continued to play his game.
“How did you know you actually liked her and weren't just jealous of what your friend had?” He could barely believe he was asking an eleven year old these things, but sometimes Zachary could be insightful.
He shrugged, “I liked her before he got to her. He only went after her because I told him I liked her.” He scoffed, “It didn't matter anyway. I was too smart for her and she said she wanted to date someone from her own school. She wanted to eat lunch with him or something.”
“How did you know you liked her though?” He smirked at his younger brother's answer.
“I dunno. We liked the same games and she was nice to me. Everyone else is intimidated by my intelligence.” He bit the inside of his cheek as he made a turn in the game.
Bryce nodded his head, “I think it's more your ego then your intelligence, but I get what you are saying.”
Zachary didn't have a response for him and simply continued to stare at the screen. His face making small winces and other movements as the game continued on.
Falling into silence, Bryce thought for a moment. He asked himself if he liked Riane before her and Julian were together. It was a question he had asked himself with Catherine, and he did the same with her. He shoved her towards someone else.
Zachary looked over at his brother who was lost deep in thought. He paused the same and tossed the controller into his lap, which caused Bryce to lurch forward from the surprise.
Standing up, Zachary put his hand on his brother's shoulder. “Just stop. It'll get messy if you continue.”
Bryce watched his younger brother leave the room, and though he knew his brother was right, he didn't know if he understood the situation he was in.
Zachary went up the stairway while someone else came down. He heard Zachary yelp, followed by Riane telling Julian to stop it and leave him alone.
As they got to the bottom of the stairs, Julian went into the kitchen while Riane appeared at the doorway.
“Hey.” She said sheepishly as she leaned her shoulder against the door frame and began to play with her fingers.
“Hey.” Bryce responded back as he tried to mask whatever concern or feelings he had boiling over on the inside.
She continued to look uncomfortable, and seemed to be looking around the room for the words she wished to speak. “I am sorry we got too loud earlier.”
Clearing his throat, he sat up straight on the couch. “It is alright. I am sorry too. I should have knocked and not barged in there like that. You two deserve your privacy.”
“Oh no, we weren't... we weren't doing anything. I mean we were, but not like you might think. It was just... awkward... position.” Riane kept telling herself to abort the sentence, but the words continued to stream out of her mouth.
“Juice or tea?” Julian yelled from the kitchen.
“It's alright. It's none of my business.” Bryce told her with a gentle grin. “Let's forget it ever happened.”
“Sounds good to me.” She smiled back which made Bryce's feel relieved.
“Juice or tea, Riane? If you don't answer, I'll make an executive decision!” Julian yelled once more from across the house.
Riane sighed, “I am going to go deal with him. Goodnight, if I don't see you again today.”
“Goodnight, Riane.”
---***---
Emma hadn’t wanted to go anywhere fancy that evening, even though Seth had wanted to make their first date memorable. Little did he know a little pizza shop with arcade games could be just as memorable if not more than an expensive restaurant; where they paired your wine to your meal.
Getting Emma to smile at him the way she had during their time in Hawaii was worth all he had endured until that moment. He found himself looking at the clock on his phone time and time again as the hours ticked closer.
Only one hour left until I have to take her home he would say to himself with dread in his heart. Then time would move forward and it was soon only thirty minutes left followed by fifteen. Each time he would make the chant in his mind.
He didn’t know if he was just regretted ending the night or if the truth of the matter was he didn’t know what to do at the end of the night. He had never really dated someone he cared about before, and he didn’t want to overstep. He didn’t want to assume what she would want by the end of the night, and he feared any thing he would do in the end would simply not be correct.
The car ride home, Emma talked about the evening and told him she couldn’t wait to tell Riane they were really dating now. She was so very excited and it filled his heart with joy to know he caused this happiness within her.
“I bet we could go on double dates too!” Emma announced as he pulled the car into the driveway and into the parking spot designated for her apartment.
When he stepped out and shut his door, Emma did the same and he looked over the hood to her. “I think it would be fun, but I don’t know about Julian.”
“Why’s that?” She asked while holding the left over pizza, as they walked side by side through the small apartment complex.
He chuckled, “I don’t think Julian is in a sharing mood when it comes to Riane’s free time.”
Emma grinned, “Well, he will have to learn, besides I finally made a friend at school and I am not losing her just because she has a jealous boyfriend. It took me a while to find someone who didn’t look down on me.”
“Riane has always been a pretty awesome person. We thought she was male for the longest time, and honestly I don’t know what she did to Julian but he went from being on the warpath to signing his name Mrs. Julian Nairne on his notebooks with little hearts around it; faster then I could keep up with the change. It was like one day he was going to kill Riane and the next she was the greatest woman in the world.” Seth chuckled.
Emma followed his lead and also chuckled. “Riane told me they once were trying to break up Adonia and Blake. It looks like they succeeded, don’t you think that was a little cruel?”
He slowly shook his head, “I think they were wrong, but I don’t think they did it long enough to cause any lasting harm. From what Julian was ranting about behind the gym today told me; Blake and Adonia broke up because Blake figured out he was in love with Riane. She told Julian that Blake has promised to leave their relationship alone, but I can see why Julian was an ass today.”
She sighed, “I suppose, but trust is the only foundation a relationship can be built upon. It’s up to Riane to set it and build a home or tear it down, just as much as it is Julian’s decision too.”
“Metaphors.” He rolled his eyes, “Anyway, let’s not talk about them anymore. We just finished our first date.” He said after realizing they had been standing in front of her grayish blue door for some time now.
Emma shrugged her shoulders, “It prolonged our time together, so it was worth every moment we spent on them.”
He agreed though he didn’t want to encourage it further. “Well, I had a wonderful evening.”
She nodded her head slowly, “I did too.” She said ignoring the cold in the air which was turning her fingers to ice. It was something she would gladly suffer to take on a few more minutes with him.
Seth was in a similar position though he was wearing gloves, but his cheeks were freezing as were the tips of his ears since he had forgotten his hat. “I was wondering….” He cleared his throat and paused.
“Yes?”
He tried to figure out a way to ask her, “We never got to finish our kiss in Hawaii….” He cleared his throat again.
Emma giggled, “It never started as I recall.”
“Yes, but can it start now?”
She nodded her head as Seth leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. He didn’t linger long, but it was all his anxiety would allow.
“Is that all?” Emma asked with surprise in her voice.
“Uh, um. I didn’t want to be overzealous.” He finally admitted and the fear of disappointment set in. He had known this wouldn’t go right no matter what path he chose.
Emma grinned, “Let me then.”
Stepping towards him, she grabbed the collar of his jacket, grinned then pulled him forward. Their lips met quickly and Emma turned the kiss into a deep and slow seduction.
Seth followed her lead and found himself leaning in for more as she stepped away. His eyes opened when he realized the kiss had ended and he looked down at the smiling woman. He couldn’t think of anything to say.
“Goodnight, Seth. Let’s make plans tomorrow.” She pulled the keys from her jacket pocket and unlocked the door.
“Goodnight, Emma.” He said as he watched the door slowly close with the smiling woman behind it.
Making his way down to the car, he got inside and turned on the heat all the way smiling to himself. After a moment, he clapped his hands together as if he was giving himself a high five and continued to stare towards Emma’s door.
He let the car heat up for longer than usual before finally deciding he had to leave or it would be creepy. He held the grin on his lips the entire drive home.