Lab Partner

“Let’s make a deal.” Said Jake with his beautiful eyes and that sexy tossed hair. “I’ll teach you how to become awesome in bed for your boyfriend, if you can guarantee me an A in this stupid Biology class.”

I looked at him directly, wondering if I should take this deal. If I don’t… i’ll lose my boyfriend, the love of my life. I’m smart, and an “A” would be easy to get. “Okay…deal.”

Jake looked at me with a grin and smiled. “Welcome to Sex Ed class Ariel.”

Oh no, what did I get myself into…

Chapter One

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP.

When I thought about how fun college was going to be, I didn’t think that I would have to wake up so damn early. I mean, yeah, I know I decided to take early classes, but my schedule is just so messed up. I’m taking an early 8:00 am Intro to Biology class, a 3:00 pm American Minorities class, a 5:00 pm Intro to Literature class, and finally my Biology lab class at 7:30 pm. Yup, my life is completely screwed…well at least for the first semester. I promised myself I would take care of my classes for my next semester.

I finally decided to get off the bed and headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth. I looked at myself in the mirror. Yeah this can do, I laughed. I was really proud of my healthy, brown-red hair, that naturally curled itself to form beautiful curls. Well, at least I don’t have to brush my hair this morning, I thought lazily. I went to pick out my outfit for the day, a hot pink mini-dress that wasn’t skin tight, but flowed nicely to hug my hips and show off my curves. I didn’t think I was super-skinny, but I felt I was a good size, and my breasts usually filled anything that I wore. I slipped on my flats and headed out the door.

I walked to my first class, which was incredibly close because I lived on campus. “Hey Ariel!” My best friend Cindy was always so cheery and up beat in the morning.

“Hey Cindy”, I smiled back. She always had my back when it came to the down and nitty gritty.

“I heard that today we finally have our first lab class, so you better make sure and go.” She said like she was my calendar on my iphone.

“Yeah I know, I’m dreading the hours.”

“Oh Ariel, you need to start putting more effort at school, after all it is your first year.”

“I know, but i’m so sleepy most of the time, it’s so hard trying to be happy and awake to be here.”

“You’ll get used to it!”

“Well let’s hope that Zack doesn’t notice my utterly dreadful attitude” I said back while trying to imitate Simon Cowell’s specific words. Cindy laughed and laughed until the teacher finally arrived and we all took our notebooks out to start taking notes.

“Today class, we will start talking about the molecular biology on how distinguishing different types of chemicals can represent certain aspects of our bodies.” And so the dying begins, I told myself.

“Hey sweetheart.” I turned around and saw a 6’2 tall, handsome, boy who had the most beautiful brown eyes I’ve ever seen. His hair was the Ryan Reynolds type that looked like he was a model for some Abercrombie ad or something.

“Uh, excuse me?”

“Well I see that you’re looking a little tired, up a little late last night or something?” he said while winking at me.

“Are you for reals right now?” I gave him a clear shocked look.

“No… I’m kidding?”

“Damn right you better be kidding.” I laughed.

“Okay maybe I got carried away a little bit, but seriously, do you have an extra pencil I can borrow?”

“For you?” I smiled, “Of course, as long as you stop with your lame pick-up lines.” I chuckled. “And for the record, sorry, but i’m taken.”

I guess with all this talking and his dreamy look, I had forgotten about my boyfriend Zack. I don’t actually have him until my American Minorities class, but this guy was just too damn hot. I admit it. He was hot.

“I wasn’t asking you on a date or anything sweetie.” He smiled again with his perfect teeth.

I took the extra pencil I had from my backpack and handed it over to him, “Well great, glad we got that settled then.” As he was taking the pencil from my hand, I suddenly felt a jolt of electricity run through me. His hand touched mine and the connection felt weird, but I loved the feeling of it. We looked at each others’ eyes and suddenly he broke the silence.

“My name is Jake Olsen, what’s yours?” I almost laughed with the immediate lame name introducing, but something felt different.

“Ariel Wilson.” I smiled again one last time and then turned my seat back around just to notice that Cindy had been staring at all of this introducing the entire time. She gave me the coy look and we went along and payed attention to the professor.

---

“Finally class is over! I’m gonna go get a coffee at the Starbucks around the corner at Jester Hall, you wanna come Ariel?”

“Nah, i’ll see you later okay? I forgot I have to print out my lecture slides for Dr. Merino’s class.”

“Okay well text me doll, laters!” And with that she left around the corner unable for me to see her.

“Good, you got rid of her, I was wondering how long I was gonna have to wait around the bushes.” I turn around and see Jake walking up to me.

“Uh…what are you doing here? Are you stalking me?”

“Really? Were at a university at 10:00 o’clock in the freaking morning! And you think i’m stalking you?” He cracked up and I saw the funny stares from people around us.

“Jeebuz Jake…”

“Now what kind of name is jeebuz?”

“Look, it’s a term that I like to use okay?”

“So where are you off to princess?”

“What is it with you and calling me endearments when I told you earlier that I have a boyfriend. Which reminds me, he’s gonna meet me in about 20 minutes, just letting you know.” I coyly smiled when I realized that whatever I said didn’t matter.

“Okay fine, let me just tell you what I want.” He stood back and for a moment I felt that he was gonna drop a bomb.

“What is it Jake…?”

“Well Ariel, as you see, we are taking Biology together, and the only available time for lab was at 7:30 pm, so I am in need of… shall I dare say it… lab partner!” He whispered that last part that I wasn’t able to hear it.

“A what?”

“Lab partner, I need a lab partner, and you seem like a smart girl.”

“I am smart. I always get A’s.” I gave a sly smile this time.

“Well i’m a bit on the shy side, so will you be my lab partner?” He seemed extremely sincere.

I stood there as he was waiting for my answer. “Sure I guess. See you at lab class tonight then!” I started walking away and then he ran up to me.

“Wait, Ariel wait!” I turned around again and looked up him, considering that I was a bit on the short side.

“Yes Jake?”

“I was gonna remind you. Bring the lab manual dork.” And with that, he took his sweet ass around the block to catch the university bus.

Chapter Two

Babe, sorry, couldn’t meet you today, had to go do an emergency project with Samantha, completely forgot, see you in class.

I looked down at my phone sighing when I was reading his text message.  There is always a routine that me and Zack do.  I get out of class at 10 am, I meet him at the university plaza at 10:30 am, we go eat breakfast, and then head to the library to go do our homework for our American Minorities class.

Oh well, i’ll just go ahead and print out those powerpoint slides I keep forgetting about.  I headed to the library and picked up a sandwich from the quick stand and entered the library.  Okay, okay… now to find a computer.

Man even though it’s super early in the morning, there are always students here at the computer station.  Nerds.   I laughed at myself, because i’m doing the same thing.

“Ariel!” I turned around to see Cindy with somebody that I didn’t recognize.

“Cindy, what are you doing here?  I thought you were going to be at Jester Hall?”

“Yeah, but then I bumped into one of my old friends from elementary school.  Tyler this is Ariel, my best friend in the whole wide world!  And Ariel this is Tyler.”  I laughed with the funny introduction, Oh Cindy, don’t ever change.

“Hi Tyler” I smiled towards him.  He looked strange.  Kind of in the goth section, but one of those kids that you didn’t know where to put him.

“Hey Ariel, really nice to meet you, heard so much about you!!”  Um..I think this goth guy is gay, I thought to myself.

“Oh, sorry about what i’m wearing, i’m trying out different fashion styles, you know?”  He said out loud then the librarian who passed by shushed us.

“Oh, no wonder” I laughed, “Your personality doesn’t go with that style, trust me.” He looked down at his clothes and then back at me.

“Yeah I know… I brought my extra regular clothes, I was gonna change back into them before I went home.”

“Anyway, I really have to go print out those powerpoint slides.”

“Ariel, you still haven’t done it, it’s already 11:15” she looked at me like she was ready to start World War four.

“I know but then Jake caught up with me and then Zack texted me that he was gonna meet me at class cause he has a project with Sa..” She cut me off before I was ready to finish her name.

“Samantha again?! What is up with that girl? You need to hold on to your man Ariel, cause she’s after Zack.”  I hadn’t seen it like that.  Zack and I were dating for almost 8 months and I guess I wasn’t paying attention, because he wouldn’t do something like that, would he?

“Yeah I guess..”

“No Ariel, she is.  Why are they always doing projects, it’s barely the beginning of the semester, whatever project they have is bogus!”  Oh shit.  I hadn’t even thought of that.  What if he is cheating on me?  Would I break up with him?

“Yeah you’re right… well maybe it’s an easy one?” I questioned myself and everyone who was around to hear.

“Go spy on them Ariel, text him where he’s at.”  I grabbed my phone out of my pocket and texted him.

Zack where are you? I was not patiently waiting for his response like I usually do.

At my dorm why?  Why would he be at his dorm?

I thought you were working on a project with Sam?  Why would you be at your dorm right now?   Let’s see what he texts me back.

“Are you texting him?  Ask him if he’s the cheating, lying, son of a “

“Cindy!”

“Sorry…I get carried away sometimes.”

I looked at the time and noticed it was already 11:30.  Shit, all this talking really is pushing me to the limit.  Even though my next class wasn’t until 3 in the afternoon, I had to go to my Honor Society meeting, damn, why did I have to be a nerd?

“Cindy, I really gotta go, i’ll see you later okay?”  I grabbed my stuff and heard her muffling and waving goodbye.  i’m guessing she said something Cindy-like.

I went up the elevators and went up to the third floor to get on the computer stations.  I scanned the room and found an open spot.  I started walking towards it, just staring at that one open spot, and didn’t notice the strong look arms already opening the chair to sit down.

I bumped into him and fell backwards.  I opened my eyes and a pair of beautiful brown eyes were staring right back at me.

“Hey princess, are you awake?”  Jake?  I mouthed, but nothing came out of my mouth.  “Yeah, it’s me sweetheart.  You’re in heaven, i’ve come to bring you back to your palace.”  I heard student laughing around us who have come up to see what the commotion was all about.

“Jake, get the eff off me!”  I quickly stood up and finally students went back to their seats.  Man what is with this guy, he is always up in my business.  Okay, maybe I was a bit moody, because I just realized that my boyfriend might be cheating on me.

“Woah there princess, calm down, I’ll let you have this last computer.”  He slowly grabbed his stuff and picked up some papers he had on the computer desk.

“No, i’m sorry, I just have a 3:00 pm class and I still haven’t printed out my powerpoint slides, and I don’t have time, because I decided to join the stupid Honor Society, and their meetings last like for freaking ever.” He handed me some papers that read “Dr. Merino’s Chapter 1”.  I looked straight at his dreamy eyes and then he gave a sly smile that made my heart melt.

“Um, how did you … uh, get these?”  I looked back down and saw the chapter one powerpoint slides I’ve been trying to get all morning.

“I overheard you talking about this when I was going to talk to you, and I have a friend who’s taking the same class.  So I decided to print them out for you just in case.”

Wow… that is so nice .  

“Thank you Jake.”  BEEP .  I looked down and noticed three text messages from Zack waiting and the 12:00 pm time on my iphone.

“Uh, I have to go… Jake.”

“See you at lab sweetheart”  He winked at me and then took his bookbag and left the library.

I quickly took the elevator and headed to Harrington Hall.

---

Ariel, me and Sam are doing our project at the study rooms here at my dorm.

Ariel did you get my message?  It’s just a meet me project, super easy.

Look Ariel, you need to trust me.  Hello???

Oh Zack.  He hadn’t even bothered to show up to Dr. Merino’s class at 3:00 pm and I was just here thinking in my Literature class.  Things went smoothly at the Honor Society meeting and even in my American Minorities class.  Even though Zack didn’t show up.  He hadn’t even bothered to text me where he was at and I wasn’t going to text him either.  For what?  I’m not the one who did anything here, I just asked a simple question.

“Okay class, make sure to read the chapters on Hedda Gabler for the quiz next monday.” I looked at my watch and noticed that it was about to be 7:00 pm.  Well, I should head to the bookstore and purchase the lab manual I even forgot to get.  Damn, with all the reminders that Jake told me, I should’ve gotten it earlier.

I was at the bookstore and was relieved that there weren’t many people in line.  Usually in the beginning of school people are always here in the bookstore.  I grabbed the lab manual right in the first aisle and headed for the check out.

“Ariel, thank God you remembered.  I came here and was gonna buy the lab manual.”  I turned around and saw Jake again.  Does he live here on campus too?  He’s always around.

“Jake, yup.  I remembered.”  He put the lab manual he was holding and started waiting in line with me.  There were only 4 people in front of us.

“So, you ready to do this partner?”  He waved his hand up waiting for me to high five him.

“I’m sorry, I don’t do high fives, they’re kind of lame.”

“Whaaat?  High fives are like the thrones of the fist bumps.  They are what started the old generation with the ancestry of cooool .”  I laughed and noticed that people waiting in line were also laughing with me.

“You’re so weird.”

“NEXT, HERE AT REGISTER TWO PLEASE!”  I went up to register two and Jake took the lab manual away from my hand.

“Here you go ma’am.”  He gave her the sly smile that always makes me melt.  “Unfortunately i’m not the one with the wallet though.”  He then looked at me so I can pay for the lab manual and the attendant look annoyed.  I started pulling out my wallet and took out my credit card.

“Here you go, good luck with your studies kids!”  I guess Jake was kidding, cause the bookstore attendant handed him back his credit card with his receipt.

“I was gonna pay for that you know..”

“I know, but since you’re gonna have to put up with me, I figured I would do the honors.”

We talked about school mainly on the way to our lab class, which we finally got to.  It was already 7:30 pm, so our teacher told us to start working on lesson one that explained basic mathematics and basic biology terms.

“So do you live here on campus?” I asked him while inputting numbers on my scientific calculator and gave him the nod to write down the answer in our lab manual.

“Yeah, I live at Harrington Hall, the Co-Ed dorm.”

“Oh, I live there too actually, what floor?”

“Floor 3, Room 348, if you ever want to visit and you know… have fun.”  He stopped writing the mathematical equation and looked at me with that smile he knew girls loved.

I smiled back at him. “Very funny.  I told you I have a boyfriend.”  I continued on with our work.

“Yeah, I keep hearing.  So who is this infamous boyfriend who has stolen your heart.” Putting air quotation marks on that last part.

“His name is Zack and we’ve been going out for 8 months now.”  Just as I said that, I heard a beep on my iphone.  It was a text from Zack.

We need to talk.  I’m outside your lab class, please come outside.   I turned and saw that Zack was outside waving through the peek hole of the door.

“I’ll be right back Jake.”  He looked around and noticed Zack at the door also and said he would cover for me.

“Zack, what are you doing here?”

“Ariel, I need to be honest with you.  I’m getting pretty tired of you not trusting me.”  Is he being serious right now?  I never even ask him what he’s doing, and now because i’m poking my nose he’s starting to say something.

“I don’t really know what you’re talking about, but look, what is going on with Samantha?”

“Samantha is one of my best GIRL friends and she is amazing.”  I almost started tearing up on that last part.

“What are you saying?…”

“Look, we’ve been dating for almost 8 months now, and we still haven’t had sex.  I know you’re a virgin and you’re waiting for that right guy, but i’m right here Ariel.  And if things don’t change soon, I won’t be waiting around much longer.”  Oh my gosh.   Is this really happening right now?

“I’m scared Zack.  You know the way I think, I can’t just do that.”

“I know sweetie” he said while stroking his hand on my face to wipe my tears off that I hadn’t even noticed I started doing, “I am willing to wait , but if by the end of this semester you don’t do something about it, I don’t want to stick around.”

I hugged him and went back inside the lab classroom.  I sat down in my seat and started thinking about Zack.  His jet black hair, with those green eyes, and good looking body.  He was a catch.  But was he good enough to take away the most important thing about me.  He wasn’t a virgin anymore, so he wouldn’t understand.

“Ariel are you okay?”  Jake was staring at me with compassion and slowly put his soft hands on mine.  “You can tell me anything.  I heard people tell strangers even the most secretive things.”

I sat there staring at Jake.  Starting from the top with his sexy, soft-looking hair, and the strong features in his face that toned the brown eyes that only declared lust.  His broad shoulders that supported his 6’2 figure that made him look like a model.  I won’t give my virginity to someone who isn’t one.  It’s not fair.

“Jake… are you a virgin?”  He looked shocked and then started to give me a serious look.

“No.”  He slowly took his hand off of mine and then started to give me that flirty laughter that he always does.  “I’m what you say, experienced .”  I couldn’t help but laugh, because I felt a lot of pressure off of me.

“Sorry that’s such a personal question.  But I have a favor to ask.”  He then stood straight in his seat and stopped working on our lab manual.  “Can you teach me about sex?”

“Are you a virgin Ariel?” He was staring straight in my eyes and I looked down.  “Why do you want to learn, answer me that question first.”

“I want to be good in bed for my boyfriend who is experienced already too.” I blurted out.

Suddenly something in atmosphere changed.  I could see Jake’s smile and the lust that he was putting out just staring at me up and down as if he could see right through me.

“Let’s make a deal.”  Said Jake with his beautiful eyes and that sexy tossed hair.  “I’ll teach you how to become awesome in bed for your boyfriend, if you can guarantee me an “A” in this stupid Biology class.”

I looked at him directly, wondering if I should take this deal.  If I don’t… i’ll lose my boyfriend, the love of my life.  I’m smart, and “A” would be easy to get. “Okay…deal.”  

Jake looked at me with a grin and smiled.  “Welcome to Sex Ed class Ariel.”

Oh no, what did I get myself into…

Chapter Three

CHAPTER THREE

“Are you sure you want to do this Ariel?” He watched me again with those lustful eyes.  I knew what that meant in a guy.  “Anything you want to know, i’m your man.”

“That’s the thing Jake… I need to know everything.  And maybe… you can be my first.”  I looked down again, because I was ashamed.  I couldn’t believe that this was the guy who asked me to be his lab partner and now he’s going to be my first.

“Ariel…” he put his hand over mine, “I want this to be special for you.  So even though you’re just using me, trust me, I will take care of you.  Even if it’s the last thing that I do in this world.”  He looked sincere with those beautiful eyes again.

“Thank you Jake.” I smiled back while fighting tears.  Zack led me to this.

“Okay class, I will see you all on Wednesday for the next lab assignment, if you can get started on it, do so with your lab partners, because it’s pretty long.”  I grabbed my stuff and started walking out the door.

“Let me walk you to our dorm, your boyfriend isn’t coming back anyway right?”  I kept on looking down.

“No…”

“Ariel, come on, cheer up!  I won’t be that bad in bed” he laughed.

“No it’s not that” I faintly smiled, “I’m just sad, because I can’t believe my boyfriend would do that to me.  I always that he was going to be with me forever, no matter what.”

“Well to be honest, he’s an asshole.”  I laughed at the truth of the comment.

“Yeah you’re right.” I wiped away a small tear, “Anyway, let’s not talk about that.  So what do you want to do?” 

He gave me a devilish smile. “We can go up to my dorm and start our first lesson.”

I thought about it for a while.  I guess it’s a good thing that I don’t know anything about him.  No way to get attached and definitely no way for me to be heartbroken.

“Look, I was just kidding Ariel.” He laughed while giving me a shove to my shoulder, “We will start when you want to.  I meant what I said earlier.  You can trust me, and I promise I will take care of you.”

It was so nice hearing that from a guy who wasn’t asking me for much.  I felt so ashamed, embarrassed, and humiliated from Zack, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do.  One thing is for sure.  It’s time to stop acting like a child, it’s time for me to grow up, and what more to do that with a bad boy like Jake.

“Jake, thanks for everything.”  And with that I went up to him, grabbed him by his face, and planted a deep, sensational kiss that jolted electricity from my lips to my toes.  I have never felt anything like this before.  Our tongues made a rhythmic dance that took me a while to stop kissing me and get back on my feet.  I think he felt the same way, because when I finally opened my eyes, his were still closed and confused.

“Oh Ariel…” he finally opened his eyes and pushed me against the wall leading up to our dormitory, and kissed me again.  This time he was being possessive and demanding.  Asking more from me and I just couldn’t resist.  We kissed for about 3 minutes straight until finally I pushed him away.

“I think I should get some sleep for my day off tomorrow.  I’ll see you at school on Wednesday, yes?” I gave him my flirty eyes and opened the door to our dorm so I can finally catch the elevator.

“Or maybe we can meet up tomorrow. We do live in the same dorm Ariel, there’s no stopping from what you just did to me right now.  I have you now.  And I won’t want to give this up.”  Was that a lustful threat?  I think Jake was falling for me…but then again, I was falling for him.

“Goodnight Jake.”  And with that I went to my room to get some sleep, leaving him out of our building for him to think.

---

The following day I woke up.  It was hard sleeping that night.  All I could think about was what Zack had told me and my encounter with Jake.  I kept on telling myself that it was okay that I didn’t know everything about Jake, but what if there was something that made him the way he was.  Okay, Okay Ariel.  I won’t think about that anymore.  I needed to focus on knowing everything I need to know about sex.  Ugh that word was so disgusting, but I have to do it.  Or else Zack would leave me and Samantha was probably on the top of his next girlfriend list.

Hey Ariel, i’m going to the mall, want to come?  

Yes I needed something to get everything off my mind.  I quickly texted her back saying that I would meet her at the front of my dorm so she could pick me up.  I quickly changed and went outside to meet her.

I was really quiet from the car ride to the mall.  Cindy didn’t even notice at first, she just kept on talking and talking about some guy that she met at a party last week and on how much she thought that he was the one.  I remember when I felt that way about Zack.  He was the person I looked forward to all the time, now everything feels different, we’re not connected anymore.

“Ariel are you listening to me.  I really think he is the one.”  She kept on repeating that even when we had already gotten at the mall.

“Yes Cindy, this guy is the one.” I laughed while looking at her.

“Oh my gosh, do you think this looks pretty?” She pointed at a red, strapless dress that was on the mannequin.

“Wow, that is so pretty! You should totally buy it, you’re going to another party?”

“Uh yeah! And you so need to get a dress that way you can go with me.” I started shaking my head in a “no” form when she added, “Oh Please Ariel, you have to meet this guy and give me the okay!”

“I’m sure this guy is as amazing as you make him sound Cindy.”

“But you have to look at this guy to imagine all the possibilities.”

“Uh no I don’t!” I laughed again, but this time we had gone to the lunch court to grab some food.

“Hey so what ever happened to that Zack, what did that bastard say?”

“Uh he met me during lab class… and pretty much said if I don’t have sex with him, he’s gonna break up with me by the end of the semester.” I said bluntly.  I could see Cindy’s eyes with fury and ready to go pound someone.  “But don’t worry, i’m okay, honestly.”

“Ariel, how can you be okay with that? That’ s like rape!!”

“OMG Cindy!” I kept on laughing so hard I had to calm myself down before I can say anything else. “That is not rape, and trust me, i’m ready.”

She looked at me with her eyes wide open, “Ariel, you are the most lovey dovey girl I know.  If I know you, you would’ve rather waited until you got married.”

Yeah she was right that was me. “Well Jake said he would help me.”

“Wait… Jake from StateFarm?”

“Shut up!” We were both laughing way too much today.

“No, Jake from Biology class.”

“Oh the hottie!” She shouted while everyone was staring at us at the mall lunch court.

“Yeah, I guess he is pretty sexy.” I knew she could see my eyes light up.

“So what do you mean he’s gonna help you?”

“He pretty much said… that he would teach me about sex.”

“What?! So you’re gonna lose your virginity to a player?”

“He’s not a player!… Okay maybe I don’t really ask a lot of questions.” I smiled, “But I don’t know yet.”

“Well I think that’s the best idea i’ve heard from Ariel all day.  Zack doesn’t deserve your most precious thing.  So get it on with the Abercrombie model” She winked.

“For some weird reason i’m not scared with him, but i’m scared when I think about that stuff with Zack.”

“Well probably because Zack isn’t the one! For all you know, Jake might be your true soulmate.  I suggest you break up with Zack, date the hottie!”

I hadn’t even thought of that.

“You know what, I should do that.”

After the mall, Cindy dropped me back at my dorm so I can study for one of my quizzes in lab.  I really shouldn’t have taken Biology, it’s freaking hard and annoying.  I heard a knock at my door.  It’s already 6:00 pm, I wonder who came.  It better not be Zack, cause we’re giving each other space right now.

I opened the door to my surprise to see Jake standing there.  He was wearing a V-neck shirt that not surprisingly was an Abercrombie shirt, with dark jeans, and royal blue converse.  Damn, didn’t see this coming.

“Um… Hi?” I smiled.  He came in without an invitation and walked right up to my lips to respond with a deep, passionate kiss.  I couldn’t say no to that, but after a while, I had to surrender.

“Jake, what…was that all”

“I can’t stop thinking about you Ariel.” I was completely shocked. “Look, I don’t want to take away something that you value so much.  I want you to give it me by choice, not by force.  And I will wait for you Ariel.  You have changed me.”

“I have a boyfriend Jake.. I can’t just leave him.”

“Your boyfriend is a piece of shit Ariel and you know that.  Please just give me a chance.”  He was begging to be my boyfriend?  “You are beautiful, funny, and sexy, and I don’t want to take away anything that I want to be special when you choose me to be your first.”

He tried kissing me again until I stopped him and pushed him away.  “I don’t know what to do.” I responded to him.

“Choose me.”  I still couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“I have to talk to my boyfiend…”  As I was grabbing my stuff so I can find Zack, he grabbed my arm possessively.

“I won’t ever hurt you like he did.  I promise.”  I looked into his eyes, I wanted this man.

I kissed his cheek and left the building to go find Zack at his dorm which was on the other side of the university.  I ran all my way up there, passing a few friends a long the way.  Finally, out of breath, I got there.

I went inside the building with his Student ID and got inside the elevator to get to the fourth floor.  I was so nervous.  What am I even doing here?  Am I really going to break up with him.  No I don’t think so.  I just really want to talk to him and see where we are in our relationship.

I got out of the elevator and took out my key that he had given me about three months ago.  I hadn’t noticed how long it’s been since i’ve been here.  I turned the key slowly and finally gave it a push wide open.  This door always gets stuck.  Once the door flew open, I took out my key from the door and looked up.  I couldn’t believe what I was looking at.

Samantha was on top of Zack, both completely naked on his bed.  I stared for a few seconds, because things started getting blurry, I hadn’t even noticed that I was tearing up.  I immediately closed the door and started walking back to my dorm.  Zack then got out of his dorm with some shorts that looked he just slipped into.

“Ariel wait!”  He ran up to me and turned me around.

“I have nothing to say to you Zack.” I kept on trying to walk away, but he kept on grabbing me harder.

“Ariel, please don’t leave me.  I love you.  This was just a mistake.”  Suddenly I see Samantha who had put on her dress and walked up to Zack.

“What do you mean it’s a mistake?  You said you were leaving her Zack.”  I was completely stunned.  I just kept on looking at both of them who continued to argue in front of me.

“I AM LEAVING NOW.” I shouted and started walking past them.

“You really want to stay with that nun Zack?”

I walked right up to her and was at level with her face, “Just letting you know, that this nun is not this guy’s girlfriend anymore, so keep him.  He’s worth so much.”

“Ariel please, don’t do this. I still love you.”

I kept on walking and right before I got to the elevator I shouted back, “Well I don’t love you anymore, we’re done.”

---

 I was at my dorm again, alone.  I didn’t even bother to open the door to my dorm, I just waited outside my door and sat down moping.  Of course he would be cheating on me with Samantha.  What a fucking slut.  I don’t care, I could be with Jake right?… I don’t know, I don’t really know anything about him.

“Ariel?”  I looked up and saw Jake standing at the end of the hallway.  Even though I was starting to have feelings for him, I didn’t really want to see anyone right now, but I couldn’t be mean.

“Hi…” I looked back down and kept on crying.  Jake quickly ran down the hall and put me in his strong arms.  I hadn’t even noticed that he was muscular until now when he was holding me into his arms.  You can see a couple of veins that didn’t look weird, but sexy.  He took his hands and was holding my face to face his eyes.

“You deserved better than that guy.  What happened?”  I told Jake everything about what had happened and how they even started having an argument in the middle of the hallway with people peeping outside their doors.  I’ve never felt so embarrassed in my life.  There was a moment of silence when suddenly he broke me to ask me a simple question, “Ariel, will you be my girlfriend?”

I thought about it.  And I thought about it really hard.  I looked back up and looked back down quickly ashamed of myself.  How can he even try to love someone who doesn’t even put out like other girls that he dated.  “You don’t really want me Jake.”

He smiled and said, “You’re everything that I want Ariel.  I don’t know how many times I have to keep reminding you.  I know we barely know each other, but trust me, we’re gonna last a long time.”

“I completely trust you.” I responded.

“I know you do and trust me, this is just the start of our relationship.  We’re going to experience new things, to be honest, I’ve never been in a serious relationship before.  I want you to be my first love.”  I didn’t notice that I was crying again, because his words were so beautiful.

He picked me up and I opened the door to my dorm.  He laid me down on my bed and repeated his statement again, “So Ariel, will you be my girlfriend?”

All I remember was saying, “Yes Jake.”  As I fell asleep dreaming about him.

Chapter Four

KNOCK KNOCK. KNOCK KNOCK.

“Ariel are you in there? Open up your door girl!” I woke up with Cindy’s voice screaming and shouting.  I quickly woke up and opened the door with the same clothes from yesterday.

“Finally, geez!” Still sleepy, I just let her inside. “Ariel, what is going on? I have Zack calling me hysterically and then i’m freaking out because I wasn’t sure what happened, are you okay?”

I got out of my bathroom where I finally washed my face, “Cindy, I am perfectly fine, honestly everything is a little fuzzy, but I think I broke up with Zack.”

“You think?  You did Ariel.  He called me saying there was something wrong with you.  Why did you break up with him?”

“I caught him cheating on me with Samantha.  Literally right in his freaking dorm.” I went back to the bathroom and started getting my toothbrush ready so I can brush my teeth, “Wait, what time is it?”

“It’s 7:00… in the morning.” She smiled.

“Oh I forgot we have class today.  Ugh stupid Biology class, why did I have to take that class?”

“Cause you need it for your undergraduate studies.” She laughed at me while getting clothes for me to wear “Oh, you should wear this, this is super cute!” She pulled out a romper that I forgot I had bought before school started.  I remembered I was going to wear it to look cute for Zack.

“Yeah I should wear that today.” I took it from her and started changing. “Cindy, I think something else happened last night.”

“What?” I got her attention from her iphone, maybe she was texting that guy that she had told me about.

“Well…” I told her everything that had happened with Jake, and how we had kissed and he told me that he wanted to be with me.

“Oh. My. God. Arriiiieeel?!!” She took her hands and started shaking me, “I knew he would become something for you. He is so hot Ariel, you definitely stepped up your game.”

“Cindy, don’t you think i’m moving too fast with him though? I barely know him… And I think he asked me out last night, and I think I said …. yes.” I looked at her all ready to go to school.

“So? He is definitely worth to take the risk for.  Look, Zack messed up sweetie.  He didn’t just mess up, he royally screwed up!”

I started getting my backpack and was going to open the door, “You ready?” I smiled.

“Are you?” She laughed at me.

I opened the door and saw Jake standing outside with what looked like coffee. 

“Hey.” He stood up from where he was at and planted a sweet kiss on my cheek. “I brought you coffee, but I didn’t know what type you liked so I brought two different ones just in case.”  “Oh nice to meet you, “ he started staring at Cindy and kissed her hand to say hello.

“Well hello there, “ she picked up one coffee that he had on his cup holder and said, “I’ll see you two in class!” She waved bye and winked at me where he couldn’t see.

“Uh, sorry if she took your coffee…” he looked kind of sad.

“Don’t worry about it” I laughed, “I can smell a french vanilla one from here, and she knew that’s the one I would go for.” I picked up the french vanilla coffee and smiled back at him.

Before I took a sip from the coffee he planted one giant kiss on my lips and said, “Good morning, my beautiful girlfriend.” I was surprised, so then it did happen yesterday?  We started walking to class and I started to get to know him better.  He came from a single mom who took care of him, didn’t have any other siblings, and left a poodle named Poptart back at home.

“Wow, I didn’t know all of these things about you.” He started holding my hand right before we almost got inside our Biology class.

“Ariel, I want you to know everything about me. You deserve that and much more.” He kissed me on the lips one more time again and we went into class.

---

After class, Cindy, Jake, and I decided to grab breakfast at the local coffee shop to discuss one of our biology class projects.

“Orange juice please”, I said to the waiter that asked me for my drink.  “I’m telling you guys, if we can just make a powerpoint on the molecules of the human body, that will be easy.”

“I agree Ariel, let’s just do that and get it over with.  Now, you guys are going to be in charge of doing that” She smiles at us with a big grin.  I was glad that Cindy had gotten along with Jake, cause he was kinda my new boyfriend and all.  It was still so crazy that he’s my boyfriend.  I never thought that a guy like him could ever date a girl like me.

But then again I thought that Zack would never do something so horrible to me, and he did.  I still couldn’t believe of what happened and now i’m starting a new semester with a brand new boyfriend. Woah.  Things were moving really fast.

“Ariel are you paying attention?  Jake just mentioned something super awesome.”  Cindy shouted like if we were across the room.  

“Yeah what if we do something that involves including everyone in class for our project.  I know that we have to do the powerpoint and stuff, but what if we do something that’s fun.” Jake smiled at me while he explained.

“Okay, so what are you thinking of? Like making ice cream out of that can thingy”, I laughed.  Cindy was laughing too, but Jake still looked serious.

“I’m talking about making colored flowers on the white geneticism flowers, and then having Poptart hand them out to everyone in class!” He was really excited about that.

“Is your dog trained for that?” I questioned him.

“Oh yeah, my dog can do anything!  It’ll be easy and it’s going to make people smile for once, everyone deserves to smile right?”  I definitely agreed with him.  We never know what’s going on with other people’s lives, but everyone DOES deserve to smile.  Especially girls with lying, cheating, sons of…

“ARIIIEEEEL TO EARRRTTTH!” Cindy and Jake were shouting at me again.

“Sorry guys, i’m not all here” I chuckled.

Cindy started getting up and picked up her backpack, “Well it’s because you didn’t even eat anything sweetie.  Anyway, I gotta go.  I’ll talk to you dorks later!”  She started walking away and looking back to wave goodbye again.

“So what did you think of my idea Ariel?”

“Honestly, I think it’s really cute, people are gonna love it.  And who doesn’t deserve to smile right?” I smiled back at him.

“See, I told you it would be aweosme!” He looked like he just got candy from a store when he jumped out of his seat.  “Okay I have to go class, but thanks for loving my idea girlfriend.”  Girlfriend.  Right.  I keep forgetting about that part.

“See you later boyfriend.” I was heading towards him for a hug, but then he reached in for a kiss straight to my lips.  “Jake…” but before I got to say anything else, he was already gone.

---

In class I couldn’t help but wonder why Jake was so sweet to me.  I mean, he barely knows me.  Of course he wanted to get to know each other, but I definitely did not want to start off on the wrong foot by saying something that he doesn’t like or doesn’t approve.

“Okay class, remember to read up on the lecture, do not skip the chapter assignments!”  Well at least one more class down, it was already getting late, and I have my Biology lab class later on.  Jake texted me that he was going to get there a little late, because he needed to pick something up from his dorm room.  I wasn’t going to question him anything.  For what?  He hasn’t done anything bad yet.

I was walking out of the classroom already and wondering if maybe I should meet him and suprise him. That way we can both walk like a couple to class.  I’m sure people are going to freak that someone as hot as him was going out with someone like me.

“Ariel, where have you been?  I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”  I look up to see Zack, whom appears very tired with eyebags on his face.  His shirt had some sort of coffee stain that went from the top of the shirt all the way to the bottom.  His hair did not look great like it usually did.  “Look, I just want to start off by saying I’m sorry.”  Was this really happening right now?  He really thinks i’m going to forgive him?  I kept on walking past him leaving him behind me for about 3 minutes until he caught up running against me.

“Zack, you’re pathetic if you think i’m going to forgive you.  So just go back to where you came from.”  I kept on walking past him.  I forgot that we had class together for Dr. Merino’s American Minorities, but he didnt show up like last time.  Maybe he dropped the class.  I was already going to be late to Literature class.

“Ariel, baby…I know you’re not going to leave me.  Who is going to want to be your boyfriend when you don’t even put out?”  I felt the tears almost rushing down my face, but I held it in.  The only reason why I was even talking to Jake was because I wanted to lose my virginity to him, so I can be able to do it with Zack.  “So come on sweetie, you don’t have to be like that, take me back baby doll.”  I shoved him and started walking even faster to my Literature class.

Zack came up to me again this time, but his hands grabbed my arm with such a heavy force.  “OW!” I screamed so loud that everybody who was close to us started to stare.  I hated being the center of attention.

“ARIEL?!”  I look from around the corner and see Jake running towards me.  Man even running his hair stays in place and he looks  oh so dreamy .  “What is wrong with you man?! Watch out with how you treat a lady.  Be damn lucky she’s okay, or i’ll report your ass!!”

“Jake i’m okay, it’s  okay .” I hadn’t noticed how much Zack hurt me, because now I really did feel the tears streaming down my face.

“I just want you to take me back Ariel! And who the hell are you?” Oh no.  The confrontation.  Zack started shoving Jake telling him to back off.

“I’m her boyfriend.  So if you think you’re gonna lay your dirty hands on my girlfriend again, you better think twice before I karate chop you to the floor with my black belt.”  Jake was in karate?  Wow, I just learned something new again from him.

“Her boyfriend?  I AM HER BOYFRIEND.” Zack shoved him again.

“Look man, I don’t want to hurt you.  So I suggest you go back to that whore you cheated on Ariel with and get on with your life, because I’m not ever letting her go.”  I stared at Jake and he looked sincere.  I didn’t know he felt this way about me.

Zack started walking away, “This isn’t over Ariel.  I will make you mine.  See you in class Ariel.”  He slyed smile me.  Did he really just do that?  That’s like capital EVIL.

“Ariel are you okay sweetie?”  Jake started examining my arm like he was some sort of doctor.

“Yeah Jake, thanks…” I looked down, “for backing me up.”  

He pulled my face towards his, sweetly kissed me, and then said, “I meant what I said.  I won’t ever let you go.  You are going to be with me for a  very long time love.”

I was in heaven.

Chapter Five

Unfortunately I was inside the university nurse station, because after my Literature class my arm had swollen up and bruised a little bit.  I didn’t think that Zack had hurt me that bad, but it was just a slight bruising.  Jake had taken me here and kept on repeating that he was going to kick his ass and whatnot.  I don’t really know where me and Jake stand, but I definitely do not promote fighting, especially if Jake decided he was going to be my boyfriend.

“Ariel, sweetie, are you okay, Jake texted me all the deets!”  Cindy comes in with a Starbucks drink.  She’s handing it to me, but I imply that I didn’t want it.  She quickly took a big sip out the drink.  Ha.  Oh Cindy, I’m pretty sure she was at Starbucks while Jake texted her, felt bad, and figured she would give me her drink.  “So what the hell happened?”

“Long story short, Zack came up to me and pulled really hard on my arm.  Jake keeps saying that he wants to kick his ass.”

“Well I completely and absolutely agree!  What did he expect to get out of you?”

“That’s exactly what I told him.  He cheated on me, what did he really think was gonna happen?  Now the sucky thing is that apparently he still has class with me.”

“Oh hell no! Doll, you need to get out of that class!”

“That’s what Jake wants me to do too, but I can’t get out anymore.  I have to just stick with it and Dr. Merino is such a good professor, I don’t want to miss out on that opportunity.”

Jake suddenly walks in the room (since only one visitor could be allowed in the nurse station.  “Okay Cindy, my turn to be here for my girlfriend.”  Cindy starts getting out and then the nurse tells me that it’s okay to leave already.  They gave me Tylenol to get rid of the pain and just a small bag of ice to reduce the swelling.  “Babe, you just have to take it much easier.”

“Jake, i’m okay, we have Biology lab already, we should head over there.”  He helped me from the nurse’s chair and we started walking towards it.

“So I was thinking, maybe you can come over to my dorm afterwards, we can watch a movie or something?”  I looked at him and realized that yeah, things were moving a little bit too fast.

“Um Jake, I don’t know about that…” When Zack would tell me things like that, it was because he wanted to touch me in places that shouldn’t be touched by anyone until I’m married.

“I just want to take care of you, i’m worried that your arm is going to get more swollen and then who’s gonna drive you to the hospital?!”  Wow, he was really concerned.  Zack never said anything like that to me when we were dating.  Well, I guess all of this was really new to me then.  Being in a relationship like this.

“I know Jake…” I replied back looking down at my arm.  I wish I can be outgoing and just not think about anything.  “Jake, yeah let’s do a movie night!”

When we got to his dorm, I realized that I hadn’t come here, he’s been in mine, but woah, this was the nerdy side of him.  There were Star Wars figures on the nightstand and a Yoda lamp on his desk next to his laptop.  That’s cute.

“I know what you’re thinking…I need to buy more Star Wars stuff huh?” He smiled back at me.  He started to get his couch comfortable and preparing some popcorn in his microwave.  “I like the buttery kind of popcorn, what about you?”

“Actually I do too!  I hate it when people put too much salt on popcorn, it’s like why don’t you just eat the salt by itself while you’re at it.” Jake started cracking up, I was just being honest ha.

“You’re so cute when you get all mad.  I’m glad you let me take care of you today.  You can sleep on my bed afterwards and i’ll sleep on the couch okay!” He looked really happy, and that makes me happy too.

We ended up watching The Dark Knight, which is one of my favorites, because I love how Heath Ledger played The Joker.  Surprisingly, Jake apparently had seen this movie like ten times before this one.  “Um..well i’m getting sleepy Jake.”

“Here, get on my bed, i’m a light sleeper so if you need ANYTHING, please let me know.” He started grabbing blankets from under his bed and started laying one on top of his twin bed.  This was the cool thing about college, you get to have sleepovers…with a boyfriend.

“Jake…” I walked closer to him and kissed him sweetly on his lips. “Would you mind sleeping on the bed with me?” He smiled and kissed me harder this time on the lips again.  I can feel the roughness of his hands holding my head, trying to pull closer to him. I took off his shirt that revealed those amazing abs I knew he had when I first met him. He continued to slowly slip my pants off and immediately I felt my heart racing. Oh my gosh.  Is this it? Am I going to lose my virginity tonight?

“I would love to do what my mind is thinking right now, but I want you to be completely ready for me.” I didn’t understand what he meant by that. “Remember when I was going to be your sex-ed teacher?”

“Yeah.” I was confused on what was happening.

“We’re gonna take this slowly sweetie, I don’t want you to get away from me.” So he picked me up slowly and took me to the bed.  The next thing I remember is that I’m in my t-shirt and underwear and we fall asleep in each other’s arms until the next morning.

---

“Morning Ariel”, I hear a whisper in my ear and I open my eyes to realize that Jake isn’t on the bed.

I smile slowly and start uncovering myself, “Jake?” I open my eyes directly staring at another pair of eyes that I then start to realize that it’s not Jake. I quickly get up and cover myself again. 

“Zack what the hell are you doing here in Jake’s dorm?” Suddenly Zack throws the covers off of me and throws them on the floor. “Zack…please don’t do it.”

All of a sudden he forces his body on top of me, rips my shirt off exposing my bra and leaving me with my undies. “You think I was gonna let your little Jake have you? You’re a virgin Ariel, don’t you understand that?”

“Zack please!” I can feel the hot tears running down my face.  I don’t understand what is going on here.  Things are happening way too fast for me to process it in my head. “This is rape Zack, why can’t you just leave me alone and I won’t press any charges. Just please…” by this point I am already crying my eyes out.

“Ariel, you’re going to be mine.” He takes off my bra and pins me down on Jake’s bed. I quickly grab my hands and try to cover my chest. “Oh baby, your breasts look beautiful…so full and yummy.”

“Zack please don’t do this to me.” Suddenly I hear a banging on the door.

“Ariel are you okay?” It’s Jake screaming through the other side of the door.

“Jake please hurry!” I hear the door unlocking and Jake swooshes in to get Zack off of me.

“What the hell are you doing to my girlfriend man?! I’m calling the fucking police you bastard.” I grab my shirt to cover myself and I can still feel the tears running down my face.

“Please just get out of here Zack.. I won’t press any charges.” Jake punches him hard on his face and Zack immediately runs out of the dorm with the door closing and automatically locking itself.

Jake rushes towards me and starts cleaning the tears down my face, “You should press charges.”

“I don’t want the drama, I just want to forget this happened.” I close my eyes and kiss Jake hard.  This would have not happened with Zack if I would’ve just lost my virginity to him.  “Thank you.” I lay my head on his shoulders while I’m still sniffling. “Jake, I’m ready.”

“Sweetie, please don’t force yourself, this is probably traumatic for you.” I realize that I’m still topless and somewhat bottomless and I only have my shirt covering me. I drop my shirt to reveal myself to him, showing him that I’m not afraid, I’m ready to be his.  Yes, maybe we’ve been going out for just a week, but he wants to be with me forever. I know this is right. “Oh. You look…amazing..” I feel pretty proud right now about my girls. He slowly puts his hand on me, and starts to feel me.  i can feel a tingling feeling throughout my body, something I’ve never felt before.

He stops touching me and says, “No, I won’t do it. You can dress yourself my love, I can wait.” He hands me my clothes back and I do what he says and put on my clothes.

As I finish with my clothes, I stand up and hug him. “I love you.”

“I love you too Ariel.  Now come on, let’s get out of here and go do something. Hey, we can go hang out with your friend Cindy!” I laugh, cause only he would forget everything that just happened.

---

“Girl are you kidding me right now?” Cindy holds my hand as If I did get hurt.  “I’ll kill him if he ever touches you again.”

“And she doesn’t want to press charges can you believe that?!” Jake immediately adds to the drama.

“Okay well I’m really sorry that happened Ariel, let me know if you need anything.” Jake then gets up and kisses me on the forehead.

“Okay, well I gotta go. Football time with the guys from Athletic Club.”

“Bye, and don’t get hurt love!” I shout back right before he leaves.

“So…” Cindy looks at me with her smile so wide she can probably fit more cappuccino’s in there.

I smile at her, “What is it Cindy?”

“You are so in LOVE with him!” She shouts so loud people around at the quad started staring at us.

“I guess I am” I blush softly. “I think he’s the one.”

“Uh yeah doll! I can tell! The way you look at him, the way you talk to him, and the way you were glowing right now.” She then scoots her chair closer to mine. “Wait, did you two have sex?”

I stopped drinking my raspberry tea and look up with my big eyes, “Um..not yet. I tried this morning when Zack pulled off his little stunt, but he said he wants to wait.”

“Wow, he’s a keeper. No guy would want to wait, they’re all animals.” We start laughing and go back to drinking our drinks. “Anyway, there’s this party this weekend at the Delta Zeta house, are you coming?”

“Um I don’t know if that’s for me…” I look back at Cindy and see that she’s disappointed.

“Oh come on Ariel! You can bring Jake and then you guys can dance and drink and maybe do the deed.” She starts making the hand signals for sex.

I quickly put her hands down, “Geez Cindy stop! Okay fine we’ll go.”

“Awesome, because I have a date so I don’t want to go by myself.”

“Wait who are you going with Cindy?” I look at cell phone and saw a cute text from Jake.

I know I wanted to wait, but I just wanted to mention that you looked absolutely beautiful. I can’t wait to make you mine forever.

I smile at his text message, it made me feel loved.

“Ariel did you listen? Do you think he’s a good guy?” Oh crap, I didn’t listen to that part.

“Yeah he’s a really good guy, Cin!” Hopefully he is…cause I didn’t really pay attention.

Cindy grabs me by my shoulders and I realize that I’m still pretty sore from when Zack forced himself onto me, “So is that a yes to the party or what?!” She look so happy, I can’t disappoint.

“YES!” I scream.

“YEEEESSSSS, WOOOHOOO! We’re going to a party bee-atches!” she starts telling people around them. Oh Cindy..

We grabbed our things and went to class for the rest of the day. No lab today, thank god!

---

Stay tuned for Chapter 6:  The Party.  Shocking stuff coming soon!

Chapter Six

Saturday morning came and I woke up with this huge headache.  I was actually in my dorm this time and I made sure to let the Residential Advisor to change my lock after I mentioned what had happened at Jake’s dorm.  They sent in an RA and gave me a new lock to my dorm.  I kept thinking about what Zack did, I know he wasn’t trying to hurt me, but how can I feel sorry for him?  He literally tried raping me, but I can understand where he’s coming from.

I checked my cellphone to find four texts on my phone, two from Cindy, one from Jake, and one from Zack, what a coincidence.

Zack:  I’m sorry for what I did, I don’t know what came over me, but you need to understand that Jake is not the person he says he is.  He doesn’t love you like I do.  Oh Zack, if you loved me, why would you cheat on me then, that’s not what couples do in a relationship.  I deleted his message.

Jake:  Good morning beautiful, I’m heading to practice right now, but i’ll be back later so we can head to that party you wanted to go to.  Cindy already told me.  Okay, love you!  Cindy would already tell him about the party SHE wants to go to.  Oh Well.  I guess i’m really gonna have to go then.

Cindy:  Girl are you up?  We need to go shopping!

Cindy:  OMG, i’m so excited for tonight, Tyler is soo cute! Hurry up and wake up, it’s 12:00! Tyler, where did I hear that name before? Wait it can’t be.  That goth guy that she introduced me to in the library?

I guess i’m gonna have to wait and find out.  Okay, time to get up from bed, I’ve been so lazy this morning.  This is never me, waking up after 10:00 am!  I took a quick shower and decided to go casual at the mall today.  I pulled over a cupcake shirt and some new shorts that I loved.  Now to just put on my converse and i’m ready.

Hey Cindy, i’m on my way to your dorm, be there in 5 , I pressed sent and started heading that way.  I don’t know why, but I feel like today is going to be a good day.  Lots of good things have been happening in just a matter of weeks.

I have a good boyfriend, a really great best friend, and college life isn’t that bad after all.  I kept walking past these huge buildings across campus and wow, campus life is kind of cool.  I’m guessing the bike club decided to bike in the middle of the day this time.

“Ariel, over here!” I looked around and saw Cindy coming towards me with Kristy who was another one of our classmates.

“Hey guys, what’s going on? I was already heading to your dorm” I laughed.  Cindy then puts her hand over mine and Kristy’s shoulder.

“Are you guys excited for this Delta Zeta party or what?” she’s screaming it out this time.  I get off from under Cindy’s shoulder and turn around.

“Hey, don’t you have a big date tonight also? Let’s head to the mall, I want to be back so I can hang out with Jake.” I looked down so Cindy and Kristy wouldn’t see me blushing.

Kristy starts pointing to where Cindy parked her car so I can head that way along with them, “Omigosh Ariel, you are soo lucky.  Jake is so cute.”  I looked back up again and nodded while smiling.

“Yeah I know.”

“You know that he’s a player though right?” Cindy looks at Kristy while giving her a stern look.

“Um, why would you even bring that up Kristy?”

“It’s okay” I laugh, “I’m not jealous or anything, maybe he’s different for me.” Hopefully, I thought.

“Have you seen his ex-girlfriend?”

“Really Kristy?” Cindy looks back at Kristy again ready to pounce on her.

“His ex-girlfriend? I’ve never seen her, what’s up with her?” Now i’m worried, he hasn’t really told me about his past yet, only family background, but never did I imagine that Jake would have so many exes.

We finally get to the car and start driving to the mall.  “She’s like the captain cheerleader of our college.  I heard that she didn’t even have to try out, she was just that good. Not to forget that she’s loaded with money.”

“Okay because I already researched this up for ya Hun” Cindy looks through the rear view mirror where her eyes meet mine, “you have nothing to worry”, she says while smiling.

Nothing to worry about huh?  Then why is this the first time that I’ve heard about this.

“Plus rumours will be rumours”, Cindy added.  

Kristy then pulls the visor down to put some lip gloss on her lips before we get to the mall.  “Well I am jealous, you have Tyler, and Ariel has Jake.” Kristy was pretty too, i’m sure she won’t have any trouble finding a guy who would want to date her.  “I need a date, maybe i’ll just ask a random kid at the mall.” We all start cracking up.

“I wonder what happened with Jake and his ex…” I managed to say out loud, not trying to sound nosy.  “I mean..why did they break up?”

“From what I heard… she cheated on him with some geek.  I mean the guy wasn’t even cute or anything, and she lost her virginity to that geek.”

“Wait, I thought Jake wasn’t a virgin.” Oh gosh, don’t remind me.  I don’t really care about it, but it still scares me, because I’m a virgin.  Kristy looked at Cindy while she said that and started cracking up.

“What are you talking about now Cindy?  Jake is a certified player, no offense Ariel, but from what the rumours say, his ex got pregnant.” That made me gulp.

“What…?” I looked at them.

“Woah, woah, woah!” Cindy shouted, “His ex got pregnant by the geek or Jake?” How they do know so much information about Jake?  I barely even knew his last name in the past few weeks.

“By the geek dork, but her parents made her get an abortion.” Kristy added to her statement from before.  Wow, maybe that’s why Jake was a huge player after her, all of that happening to him.  That’s so messed up.  I would never do that to him.  Maybe that’s why he likes me… because i’m  innocent .

“These are too crazy to be a rumour.” I added to the conversation finally. “Plus, who is she anyway?”

Cindy and Kristy both said in unison, “Nichole Anna Jones.”  Finally we came to a complete stop that signified we finally got to the mall.  Where have I heard that name before?

“How do you guys know all of this?” I asked them as we got off the vehicle.

Cindy then locked her car and started putting her keys inside her purse, “Well I don’t know all this information, but I know who she is.  She used to go to school with us Ariel, remember?”

Nichole Anna Jones.  Nichole Anna Jones.  It doesn’t ring a bell.  Wait.  “NICHOLE ANNA JONES?! The freaking girl who does commercials and models?”  Now I remember.  I guess I had repressed her name with all that has been going on with Zack.  Great, i’m competing with a freaking model!

“She’s like a model guys, how can I compete with that?” I looked down and my friends could tell that I was pretty sad about all of this.

“We’re gonna make you the hottest, sexiest mama at the Delta Zeta party tonight girl!” Cindy grabs me and Kristy follows while we enter one of the stores at the mall.

We’ve already been here for an hour and still I can’t find the perfect dress, I thought to myself.  Cindy and Kristy planned their outfits already and bought all the stuff they needed.  We head to Victoria’s Secret and start splurging on brand new bras and matching underwear.

Yes, this is what I need.  I saw Kristy go to the back to go try on some yoga pants she found and Cindy was flirting with one of the male managers.  I bought myself two cute bras with their matching underwear and then one that I really wanted to wear for tonight.  It was a lacy bra that matched this lacy see-through underwear.  I can pull this off.  Let’s see about that Nichole.

“Girls are we ready?” I asked while I turned around and saw the Kristy and Cindy were already next to me at the register paying.

“We are so gonna look hot!” Cindy said with such enthusiasm.  Man, I hope so.  I don’t want to look like a dummy.

We were almost out of the mall when we passed a store that looked like Agaci.  “Oh my, look what we have here.”  I looked at Cindy and saw that face that she was about to put me through something.

“This is the perfect dress”, she stared and pointed at the window that displayed a black strapless dress that was barely above the knee length.  “This is your dress Ariel, let’s go in and buy it.”

“I don’t know…Can I pull that off?”  I went and tried it on in the dressing room.

“Okay sweetie, come out, come out wherever you are.” Cindy mimicked.

I stepped out, not looking at myself in the mirror, I was too embarrassed.  “Woah.” I heard Kristy say out loud.

One of the sale associates popped their heads in the dressing rooms, “That looks so gorgeous on you, if you don’t get it, I will!”

“So true.” Cindy agreed.  I walked up to the mirror to stare at what I knew everybody was lying about.

“Wow…” I stared and admired my own body, “I look…”

“Good!” Kristy, Cindy, and even the sales associate shouted together.

“I’m guessing you’re going to take it then”, the sales associate smiled and went up the register to scan the item.

I quickly took off the dress and changed back into my original clothes so the sales associate can scan the item.  A good thirty dollars well spent, I silently smiled.

“Okay NOW this Delta Zeta party is going to be the main memory of our college year!!” Cindy said while Kristy nodded her head proudly.

We got back into the car and headed back to the campus.  After everything that I heard about Nichole, I can tell that I was feeling a little bit unmotivated.  How can Jake even go for someone like me?  I’m not a match for him.  I look out the window and start daydreaming about his body, those sexy abs that he has, and that perfect smile that made me want to kiss him more.  

Perhaps he didn’t tell me…because he thought it wasn’t relevant?  I don’t know anymore.  I am a huge nerd, I wouldn’t even think someone like Jake could date me.  

“Okay, well here’s your stop Ariel, let me know if you need anything else girl!” Cindy said while I got out of the vehicle.

I looked at my phone and realized that it was already 4:00 pm, “Yeah i’m gonna get ready, what time do you want to go at?”

Cindy looked to her side to ask Kristy what time would be appropriate, “Yeah we’re thinking about 9:00 pm we’re gonna head over there, so i’ll pick you up.  And make sure to bring Jake.”  Cindy waved goodbye and left to go park behind her dorm.

I started walking to my dormitory and noticed around the corner that I saw Samantha.  She looked rather sad and upset about something.  I decided to be a big person and just walk over and ask.  For I all know Zack could’ve done something to her as well.

“Hey…” I sat down right beside her on one of the patio chairs.

Samantha looked up at me and said, “What do you want?”  I could tell that she had been crying, because her cheeks were all puffy and her eyes were flushed red.

“You know, I know we’re not friends and all, but I’m a good listener.” I smiled to her.

She looked confused and replied, “Why would you even want to talk to me? I slept with your boyfriend.”

I laughed and smiled, “He’s my ex now, and trust me, it was for the better.” This time she grabbed her backpack and took out a Kleenex to wipe her nose on.

“I missed my period…” she wiped her nose and kept weeping.  Oh no.  Samantha is pregnant?  I hadn’t even realized that it had been over a month already being at school.

“Have you told Zack?” I asked her while looking concerned.  I know that she was the girl that had sex with my ex-boyfriend, but I couldn’t help but feel sad.

“I don’t know if it’s his”, she once again kept weeping harder now, “he wasn’t the only one that I slept with during that time.”  Wow, I didn’t want to say it, but slut?  Okay, I don’t know her life, so I’m not going to be mean.

“Look, if you ever need to talk or need someone to help you out, I’m here.” I gave her a quick hug and stood up.

“Thanks Ariel, and…i’m sorry for what happened.” She smiled and I knew that letting her tell me her secret relieved some stress on her.

I kept on walking to my dorm to go get some rest before the party.  Wow it was already almost five and I still haven’t seen Jake.  I decided to send him a text.

Hey, haven’t heard of you, miss you :)  I waited for his reply.  Hopefully I wasn’t disturbing him of something important.  So Nichole Anna Jones huh?  I wonder why they really broke up.

Sweetie, I miss you too.  Sorry, practice took forever and the coach what talking to us.  I’ll see you in about 30 minutes.   Wow that athletic club must be really demanding.  It’s a freaking club, but whatever, I have to change and see how i’m gonna do my hair for tonight.

---

Well Jake took even longer to come, but I ended up telling him that he can go change before we head to the party.  I put on the black strapless dress with the new undergarments I had gotten from Victoria’s Secret, and then topped them off in cherry-red heels.  I decided to leave my hair straight so that my layers could shape around my face and add that sultry look.  I didn’t apply too much make up, because I didn’t wan to look like a clown, ha, but still I did have to admit, I looked good.

Hopefully Jake will think so too.  Maybe he won’t be able to resist me tonight.  This is the night, for sure, that i’m going to lose my virginity.

KNOCK KNOCK.  I quickly grabbed my purse and went to open the door.  This time I realized that it would be smart if I looked through the peephole so I can protect myself if it’s Zack.  I looked and saw that it was only Jake, and wow, he looked good.

I opened the door and surprised him with a big kiss on his lips.

“Wow Ariel…” he looked at me and started staring from bottom to up on my body.  “Maybe we should skip this party.” I laughed and hugged him while we started walking out of my dorm.

“I can’t, I promised Cindy and she’s bringing a date and I’m guessing this is important for her.” We were walking side by side and started leaving the dormitory.

“Wait, Cindy actually got someone to go on a date with her, “ he cracked up, “we need to wish that guy good luck.”  I shoved his shoulder a bit.

“You’re so mean, she’s not that bad.” I replied.

“Not that bad”, Jake looked up at me, “Have you seen that chick, she shouts everything, and she’s crazy!” I shoved him again as we finally head out the building.

Finally getting outside of the building, he grabbed me by my waist and kissed me hard under the post light.  I can tell it was getting intense, because some people were whistling at us.

“Hey lovebirds, get in!” I heard Cindy breaking the silence.

Jake and I get in the car where I see Tyler in the front seat and Kristy in the back seat and Cindy looks so gorgeous as well!  She must really like this Tyler guy.  Even though I had a feeling that he was gay, but whatever, I’m not going to say anything.  At least he doesn’t look gothic anymore, he actually looks better.

Oh wow, I haven’t even told Cindy about the whole Samantha thing, well i’ll just tell her afterwards.

---

As we got closer to the Delta Zeta house, you can hear the music pumping up, how do the cops not find out about these events?

“We’re here!” Cindy shouted.  She parked the vehicle and everyone finally got off.  I noticed that Kristy ran up to some guy that was waiting outside and she kissed him.  I didn’t know she had a boyfriend. “Let’s get this party started guys!” She grabs Tyler and pulls him in.

Jake and I entered the Delta Zeta house holding hands and finally started seeing how college parties were.  Cindy immediately took Tyler with her to go dance in the living room next to all the sweaty people that were around them again.  I went to the kitchen and sat on one of the chairs next to the island.  Many people were socializing with other college people.  I could barely even recognize a few classmates from Biology class.

“Let me go get you a drink.” Jake smiled while he left to go get me some.  I kept on staring at Cindy and Tyler and realized that they would make such a cute couple.  I could tell that Tyler didn’t know how to dance, but he tried his best to make Cindy happy.

This house was huge!  Now I know why people want to be in Sororities and Fraternities.

“Hey babe, here ya go.” Jake handed me the drink that I’m guessing was punch.  I drank the punch and made a sour face.

“Oh geez! What is in this stuff?” I laughed while I took another sip.

Jake took a sip of the punch, “I think there’s alcohol in this”, he laughed with me, “I wonder who’s that crazy enough to spike the punch on campus.”

Cindy then shouts from across the room, “Guys get your butts over here!”  Me and Jake placed our drinks while taking one last sip.  Crap that alcohol was strong.  This was the first time I ever drank stuff like that.

Jake led the way while taking my hand, “Let’s get our boogie on sweet stuff!”  I couldn’t help but laugh over the silly comment.

“Are we back in the 70s or something?” We were dancing to the music of Maroon 5 playing.  Then a slow song came on and Jake pulled me closer to him.  I looked around and noticed that Cindy and Tyler left somewhere else, maybe to get alone time.

“You know, you look beautiful today” Jake pushed the strand of my hair out of my face, “Every one of these guys have been checking you out.”  

“Is that such a good thing?” I smiled back at him.

He then leaned against my ear and whispered, “Yes, cause every one of these guys are jealous that i’m taking you home tonight.”  I immediately blushed and put my head along his shoulder.  This felt good.

The night kept on going with even crazier things happening.  The Tau Kappa guys brought over a keg stand and everybody started partying hardcore. 

“Okay my turn!” I laughed.  Jake looked at me concerned, but decided it would be okay because he would be there to protect me.  Two big guys lifted me upside and I put the nozzle on my lips while holding my dress down.

“CHUG, CHUG, CHUG, CHUG!” The crowd shouted.  I kept drinking but decided that enough was enough.  Things started getting dizzy.  The guys lifted me down and I stood up and shouted, “WOOOOO!”

“WOOOOO!” The crowd shouted while another guy took the keg stand.

“WOW! That was so much fun”, I shouted while I fell into Jake’s arms.  Man I haven’t even noticed where Cindy and Tyler left to, it was almost midnight and I felt completely wasted.

Suddenly I see Zack and Samantha enter the party.  “What is he doing here?” Jake snarled at Zack who was approaching us.

“Calm down, I’m sure everything’s totally fine!” I laughed.  Maybe this whole drunk thing is catching up to me.

“Hey Jake”, Zack pulled out his hand so Jake can shake it, but Jake just shoved his hand away. “I just wanted to apologize for what happened between me and Ariel, it wasn’t right what I did and I wanted to specifically tell you that I’m sorry.”  I looked at Samantha who was hugging onto Zack’s arm looking sincere at us.

“I accept your apology.” I smiled at Zack who was now reaching again to shake Jake’s hand who was willingly to accept his apology as well.

“Just don’t let it happen again or you will be sorry.” With that Zack and Samantha left to the other side of the house to talk to their friends that they knew.

“Where is Cindy and Tyler?” I asked Jake.  We walked up the stairs where Jake was letting me hold onto him since I was stumbling all over the place.  We passed room by room and people were either wasted or having sex.

“Damn, they couldn’t have gotten far.” Jake said as he opened the last closet where Cindy tumbled against Tyler.  Cindy was half-naked and Tyler only had his jeans on.

“Um…” Cindy smiled at me and I knew we should probably leave.

“Uh Jake…” I moved him to one of the vacant bedrooms. “I think she wanted some space.”

“Well we needed some alone time too.” Jake grabbed me from my waist and slowly put me down on the bed.  He started kissing my neck and whispered, “Are you ready for lesson number one?”  Oh I forgot about our deal.  He’s my sex-ed teacher.

“Yes i’m ready Jake.” I closed my eyes while I felt him slowly putting my strapless dress down to where he can admire my full breasts.  He slowly placed his hand in the middle of my chest.

“Your heart is beating fast” he kissed me again, “are you nervous baby?” I opened my eyes and gave him a faint smile.  I am so lucky to have someone like him.  Zack would never make me melt like this on his fingertips.

Jake then slowly started placing sweet kissed around my breasts while he then started touching me where it tingled.  Wow, this feeling is amazing.  I hadn’t noticed that I had been moaning softly while he kept touching me.  He then started kissing me harder on the lips.

“Keep touching me.” I spilled out.  Jake continued to go faster and I felt something building up.  Was this how an explosion of ecstasy feels?

“You’re getting really wet for me.” he sounded proud.  He was doing a fantastic job.  One where I knew I probably could’ve given my virginity to him right then and there.

“I think i’m ready, just please do it already”, I begged him.

“One step at a time.” he whispered back at me. This connection that was building up from Jake and I was getting me really hot.  His touch sent shivering electricity up to my lips where I begged him for more.

“Jesus Ariel, your moaning…” he then started pulling himself off and I can feel my heart pounding, wanting, begging for more of him. “I can’t go any further Ariel, i’m gonna want all of you.”

“I think it’s time to go to where you and I can really be alone.” I widely grinned.

“Oh no, no, no darling.  We need to get you home, you can barely stand up.” Jake pushed my strapless dress back up and slowly put my underwear back on.  After all the hard skin, he really is a gentlemen. “We’ll continue this on to lesson number two.”

“Boo, party killer!” I laugh, we then look for Cindy and Tyler who are apparently are already waiting in the car.  I look at my phone and see her text and the time. “It’s 2:00 am already!”

Biatch where are you?  I’m already done ;) We’re at the front, Kristy is getting a ride from Jason.

I stumble to get in the car and there’s an awkward silence in the car.  I lay my forehead down on Jake’s shoulder and fall asleep.

---

I wake up and realize that I’m already in my bed back at my dorm with Jake sleeping right next to me.  I look at the time and see that it’s already 3:00 in the morning.  That was nice of him.  I get a beep and look back to see who it was.

Girl did you hear that Nichole was at the party?  Apparently she went there to ask Jake to get back with her.  Be on the lookout, if you need someone to punch her, i’m there for you.

Cindy must be kidding, Nichole was at the party?  Why?  I guess i’ll find out soon.

Goodnight Cindy.   I then receive another text which I thought was from Cindy.

Ariel, this is Nichole.  Stay away from Jake.  He’s a player, if you really think that he’s going to stay with you, you’re wrong.  He’s going to come back to me.  Rich people only DATE rich people.  You’re just scum.

Rich people only date rich people?  I though Jake grew up with a single mother… She has to be lying.

Oh, and if you really think i’m lying, ask his mother and my parents, we’re set to wed in two years in an arranged marriage.  So this is just a rough patch. :) Good luck keeping him.

How did I not realize that Jake was rich?  This has to be a joke, and I have such a huge headache right now.  It’s not going to end like this, for now, i’m going to bed with my love.

Chapter Seven

I woke up to the smell of coffee and realized that it was the start of a new day.  Last night went pretty well, other than the ending credits that happened with Nichole.  I wasn’t going to dwell on it though.  I opened my eyes slowly and saw Jake through my blurry eyes that were still trying to focus with the light coming through the window.

“Morning…” I warmly smiled to him.

“I brought you warm coffee, the kind that you like.” I looked back at him and saw that he was on the couch with his laptop on.

I arose from the bed and grabbed the coffee, mmm, vanilla, “So what are you doing there?”  I curiously sat beside him and looked over the laptop screen.  His Facebook was open and he was obviously chatting with someone, but I couldn’t make out the name.

“You have a Facebook?”  I asked him. “I rarely get on mine, but wow, we could’ve been Facebook official” I air quoted and he gave a chuckle.

“Actually no, I was just reconnecting with an old friend while trying to do my statistics homework.” I wonder who that old friend could be.

“Yup that tends to happen with Facebook” I took another sip from the vanilla coffee, “so who’s your old friend?”  I made sure not to make my questioning too obvious, but with the whole Nichole thing, she’s crept her way into my head.

“His name is Ashton” he finally logged out of his Facebook, “he used to be my childhood friend and he’s been wanting to visit me.” Phew!  Well, at least it was a guy.

“Oh, so why doesn’t he come?” I started getting up so I can change already so I can meet up with Cindy later on.

“I don’t know, we kind of have a rough patch, I really don’t want to talk to him, but he is one of my oldest best friends.” He replied.

I grabbed my clothes and headed to the restroom to go brush my teeth and get ready.  I decided that I wasn’t going to mention the whole Nichole thing until I spoke with Cindy and see what she thought about it.  Plus, when was I going to mention to Jake and realize if he was rich or not?

I mean, how can he be?  I never really noticed if he was or wasn’t.  Plus does it matter?  I really did love him for the way he is, but what if he truly is supposed to be married with Nichole?  Jake told me that his mother was a single mother; maybe I should get to know him better.  I finally got out of the restroom and met up with Jake who was already dressed himself.

“Hey I was thinking maybe we could grab lunch together after I meet up with Cindy?” I asked him with concern.

“That sounds wonderful babe” he responded, “I’m just going to meet up with a few guys and I’ll go ahead and meet you at Burger Paradise around 1:30, sound good?” I looked up at him and started checking him out… man I really was lucky, let’s hope everything that I’ve been hearing is wrong.

“Yup that’s good”, I kissed him goodbye and headed out the door.  I wasn’t sure if he could tell that I wasn’t being myself.  Almost going all the way yesterday was supposed to bring us closer, I couldn’t help but feel even further away from him right now.  What am I doing?  I knew nothing about him and he didn’t know anything about me.  It’s time that we changed that.

I used the university shuttle bus and headed to Cindy’s dorm so I can talk to her, I already warned her I was going to come uninvited, but I never received a text back.  It didn’t even take me more than ten minutes when I arrived at her dorm.  Man, I really should start taking these shuttle buses; it made the walking so much easier.

I knocked on her door before I actually opened it, I didn’t want to intrude if she was doing something. “Cindy are you there? It’s me Ariel.” I kept on knocking even harder.  I probably sounded desperate.

“Ariel…yeah, hold up!” Thank God she was here, I seriously needed girl time.  I sat down in front of her doorway and waited for her to open.  I could hear some shuffling, but maybe she was just changing.  

Finally she opened her door and Tyler comes out with the walk of shame, “Um, Hi Ariel.”

“Hey Tyler…” I surprisingly look back at him.  I smile, because I’d figured that he had gone home with Cindy, but still, I was surprised that she was into somebody like him.

“Um, I was with Cindy… uh, last night we…” Tyler was obviously having trouble speaking.

“Tyler, none of my business.” I waved my hand at him to calm him down.  “I’m going to go in and talk to my best friend now.” I chuckled.

I walk into Cindy’s dorm with Tyler halfway down the hall already leaving and I turn to Cindy, “I really need to talk to you.”

“If it’s about Tyler, I’ll explain.” Cindy started gushing her feelings at me and I couldn’t help but laugh, maybe she really liked this guy.

“Cindy, it’s about Jake…” She motioned for me to come inside her dorm and I sat down and started spilling out everything.  I told her about the text message that Nichole had sent me about Jake, his old best friend, everything that happened last night, and how I was really freaking out.

“Wait, let me get this straight, Nichole texted you to stay away?  That she’s going to be married to Jake, because their families are rich and have already arranged this?” I nodded my head to Cindy.

“This is a disaster right?” I asked Cindy while I started wiping the tears that I started getting.  “I just need to ask him right?”

Cindy put her hand on mine, “Yes sweetie, you just need to sit down and communicate with him.  I know that I’m not the best at relationships, but I think that’s what you should do.  Follow your heart.”  Cindy was right, I need to talk to Jake and see what is going on.  What’s the worst that can happen anyway right?

“So you and Tyler huh?” I laughed.  I still had the image of Tyler’s face when he got out of Cindy’s dorm.

Cindy was picking up stuff from her dorm while talking to me, “Oh my gosh, isn’t he so cute?”  If Cindy was referring to the guy whom I thought was gay before and dressed all Goth for whatever reason, I guess maybe in a weird way he was cute.

“Uh yeah, if you think so, my opinion doesn’t matter.” Hopefully she doesn’t ask me for advice, because I can’t give her that stuff, especially with Tyler.  Yeah, he looked clean yesterday, but his personality was odd.

“But that’s the thing Ariel, your opinion matters the most to me!  I need you to give me the truth.” Cindy looked at me waiting for my approval.

“I think he is good for you Cindy, but I don’t really know him that well either.  I’m not going to judge, because I barely even know Jake, and I’m already giving him my virginity.”  Cindy smacked my shoulder hard, before I can go ahead and explain.

“You’re still a virgin Ariel?  I thought you and Jake had already done it since you guys were all cozy yesterday!” She picked up the last piece on her floor, her underwear.

“Me all cozy?  You were in the closet with Tyler!” I laughed out loud.  “Were you guys that drunk?”

“We weren’t really drunk, we were just having lots of fun.” She slyly smiled at me and I could tell that she was really head over heels for that guy.

“Oh crap, what time is it?  I have to meet Jake at Burger Paradise at 1:30 today for lunch.” Cindy looked over her watch for me.

“It’s 1:15 Ariel, get over there already, plus I’m going to go eat lunch with Tyler too, he invited me over to his house today.  Spoiler alert, we’re going to do it again.” I really didn’t need to hear that, but she’s my best friend, so I’m the only one that can handle her.

“Geez Cindy, well make sure you’re using protection!” I said before already opening the door to her dorm.

“You know I will, plus he really cares about me.” Cindy gave me a sincere smile.

“I’m sure Tyler does, and my boyfriend is probably going to get mad at me if I take any longer.” I hugged Cindy quickly before heading out the door again, “See you tomorrow in class love!”

I ran across the hallway and looked at my cell phone time again, 1:23 pm, crap.  Crap, Crap, Crap, I’m going to be late.  See this is what happens when I talk to Cindy, we end up talking about a lot of stuff and now I’m going to be late for a lunch date with a super hot boyfriend that actually wanted to be with me.

I used the university shuttle bus this time to hopefully transport me to the nearest drop off site, Burger Paradise was right across from the university so I can just walk from there.

Waiting inside the shuttle bus was absolutely the worst, every time the hand from my clock kept on moving, the more nervous I became.  I don’t know if I felt nervous because I don’t know anything about Jake, or I feel like I can lose him if he really is the person everyone keeps saying he is.

Finally I got out of the shuttle bus and ran across the street that was thankfully empty around this time and ran inside Burger Paradise.  I crept my way up to the hostess that was sitting people down.

“Hi, Welcome to Burger Paradise, table for one?” Wow, table for one, do I really look that lonely?

I calmly smiled at the hostess, “No, I’m meeting someone here.”  She let me go through the dining area and I saw Jake’s back.  Oh, thank God I’m here on time.  As I keep on walking closer, I notice that Jake wasn’t alone in the booth.  I step up in front of the booth; low and behold Nichole was sitting right in front of him.

“Um… hi?” I curiously and nervously acknowledged Jake whom looked upset over something.

“Ariel, hey, I’m glad you’re here.” Jake stood up and hugged me awkwardly, “This is Nichole Jones, and she’s one of my old friends as well.”  Old friend?  Come on Jake, you didn’t have to keep that she’s also your ex.

“Oh, Hi Nichole, nice to meet you.” I brought out my hand so I can nicely shake hers.  She just stood up from the booth and ignored me.

“I’ll text you Jake.” Nichole started leaving before Jake can get the last word.

“Don’t count on it.” Jake replied, still obviously upset.

I took my seat and took of my purse and sat it beside me.  I let out a big sigh and I could already tell that this was going to be a weird lunch date.  “So.” I smiled at him while I brought out my hand so I can place it over his to let him know that I was concerned.

“Sorry about that Ariel.”  Jake took a sip from his drink and motioned for the waitress to come over and bring mine.  After taking our orders he took another sip, maybe he was nervous?  “Nichole, she’s not my old friend, she’s my ex.”  Finally he tells me the truth.

“Look Jake, I have to be honest with you.  I already knew she was your girlfriend before me.”  Jake gave me a shocked, but relieved look.

“How did you find out?”  The waitress finally came back with our order and Jake thanked her before she left.

“At the day of the Delta party, right about the time that we got home, she texted my phone.  I have to admit, that I was really confused, because she started telling me things that I didn’t know.”  Jake finished a part of his burger and then looked furious.

“I swear if she tells you things, you let me know, I know her family, and I’m sure they won’t have any problem with putting her in a different university.”  He took his hand and combed his hair through, “What did she tell you?”

I took one sip from my coke so I could clear my throat, “She told me that you and her are going to be married, and somehow you both are rich?”  Jake looked extremely nervous now.  Maybe everything is true?

“Ariel, there’s things that I purposely didn’t tell you to protect my feelings.  Nichole was my girlfriend before, and yes, things got serious, especially with our families.  We were supposed to get married at the end of our college education, but she cheated on me.”  I could tell that Jake was having a hard time telling me all of this, poor him, why would she cheat on him?  “Yes, my mother inherited my father’s fortune when he died a couple of years back, along with the company that I’m supposed to be the president of after I graduate.  I didn’t want a girl to fall for me for my money, I wanted something real.”

“Jake, I am not that type of person, if anything I am someone who wants to be loved especially after what I went through.” I didn’t realize that we started holding hands through all of this.

“I know, that’s why I fell in love with you.  You really are something else Ariel, and I hope that all of this doesn’t bother you.” He laughed.

“You’re just my rich boyfriend, yeah that really is hard to live with.” We laughed in unison and the air seems to be a little calmer.

“So why was Nichole here anyway?”  I curiously asked.

“She wanted to get back with me, after everything that she put me through, I’m done with her.”  We got up and finished our food and Jake paid for the tab.  Man, I’m going to start feeling guilty now that I know he’s rich!

“What did she necessarily do to you anyway?  If you don’t mind me asking…” We walked out of Burger Paradise and started walking to our dorm slowly.

“She cheated on me with my best friend…Ashton.” That guy who was messaging him on Facebook?  Everything seems a little clearer now.

“Are you serious? Oh my, yeah you should definitely not even be his friend anymore Jake!” I was holding his hand through all of this.  “You know, thanks for telling me all of this, I was hoping that we could get to know each other a little more.”

“I want you to know everything about me Ariel, because I’m never going to let you go.” That made me smile all the way to my heart, “She is never going to be with me ever again, and I don’t want you to worry about that.  We need to concentrate on our relationship only.”

“Wait, so for sure you guys aren’t going to get married right?” I asked worriedly.

Jake chuckled, “Well, let me think about that.” I shoved his shoulder away. “I’m just kidding my love.”

We finally got to our dorm and I ended up learning a lot of things about him.  The most important one was the fact that Nichole and him were over!  I shouldn’t be worried about this anymore.  I even had to do my part too, so I told him everything about my relationship with Zack.  Unfortunately Jake went on a dating spree after Nichole in order to get over her, but I don’t mind, as long as I save myself for him.

“So what do you want to do for tonight?” Jake opened his dorm room and let me in and I dropped everything and started kissing him.  The dorm room door closed by itself and I couldn’t help but not pay attention to anything but him.

I love this boy.  There isn’t anything that I wouldn’t do for him.  “Jake, I want to be yours completely.  Please.”  This wasn’t usual for me, but I wanted to be completely his, I wanted him to love me even more.

“As much as I want to Ariel, I can’t yet.” Jake couldn’t stop kissing me either, we ended up on his bed and I slowly started taking off his shirt.  The passion that there was between us couldn’t explain anything from this world.

He’s going to give in; I know it.  “Jake, I want you.”  I wanted him really bad all this passion and all this love.

“I’ll make you a promise, if you feel ready by the end of Christmas time, I will make everything special for you.”  He can see the lust in my eyes for him; I kissed him hard.

“Yes, thank you, thank you, thank you.” I kissed him again one last time.  Just two more months to go and I get to lose my virginity to him.  “Well…maybe you should practice that thing you were doing at the party?” I coyly smiled.

“Oh really?” He kissed my lips slowly, “Did I not live up to your standards?”  He pinned me down and slowly took off my pants by placing sweet kisses all over my body.  This was reminding me of yesterday at the party.

He went down to my secret spot and started licking the tingling places all over again.  I could feel the parting he was doing with his lips, placing it in and out.  This was mesmerizing indeed.

“How is this one feeling?” He asked while I finally opened my eyes to look at him.

“Amazing.” He got back up towards me and placed a sweet kiss on my forehead.

“We have a lot of practicing to do Ariel.” We started getting ready to do things again when my phone went off.  Hmm, I wonder who can be ruining my special moment with Jake.  “Let’s take a break okay my love?”  He could tell I was disappointed as I reached over and saw a text message from Cindy.

Tyler’s parents caught us having sex in his room!  So embarrassing, I don’t even know how to go downstairs and look at both of them in the eye.

Cindy!  I knew something like this was going to happen, I immediately sent a text back at her:  You need to suck it up woman, you wanted to make love, now go introduce yourself downstairs as his girlfriend and make sure you apologize!!!

“Who is it?” Jake looked over my phone; maybe he was worried that it was Nichole?

“Cindy got caught by Tyler’s parents having sex in his room” Jake couldn’t stop laughing.

“Man, I knew something like that was going to happen to her, I just knew it!”  He pulled up my pants and let me get comfortable in his room.  “What movie do you want to watch?”

“Finding Nemo?” I knew that it was a kid movie, but that movie was awesome!

Jake pulled out a movie from his desk, “How did you know it’s one of my favorites?”

“I didn’t, but that’s awesome!”  This was going to be a good day.  I have a boyfriend who loves me.  Jake left to the lobby to go make some popcorn, and now his phone rang.  I looked over and saw that he received a text message.

Please take me back, you don’t need that virgin, come back to me baby.

Nichole?  Wow, she’s making me furious.  How can she be so easy?  She probably doesn’t know that Jake is never going to take her back.  It’s my turn to make him happy.

Jake came back with the popcorn and I told him about his phone ringing.  He went over to check on it and got upset.  “Who is it?” I asked, even though I felt guilty for already snooping.

“Nichole, she keeps on texting to take her back.”  Jake annoyingly put his phone down and played the movie.

“Why did she cheat on you Jake?” I ate popcorn, but now felt even guiltier for asking that question.

“Ashton and her started seeing each other behind my back, right before I came here.  He got her pregnant.”  So that was true?  “She miscarried her child before making it to full term, but nobody knows about that except a few people and the rumors that have been floating around.”

“That must’ve been way too much for you to handle.” I hugged Jake quietly.

“We were each other firsts, that’s why I went on the sex spree that I did after her, to forget her, but now that I found you, I wish you would’ve been my first.”  He kissed my lips slowly, “There’s nothing sexier than an innocent girl ready for me to claim her, and I promise I will not take advantage of you.”

“I would never think that you would take advantage of me Jake.”

“Well that’s why I could never take her back, she broke my heart and Ashton is slowly gaining my trust again.  He was my best friend after all, but he didn’t love her like I do.  He used her to try and gain control of her parents’ company.”  No wonder that girl is a mess, she needs to find someone that loves her, but the way that Jake treats me, he probably treated her the same.

“I love you Jake.”

“I love you too Ariel.”

Chapter Eight

Authors Note:  Not my best work I apologize, but I hope you guys like it!  Vote and comment for suggestions :)

Mm, it felt good waking up to a good conscious and my mind was ready to go to school this morning.

I arose from the bed and saw that Jake wasn’t here with me; I wonder where he could’ve gone.  I glanced at the nightstand and saw a written note:  Morning beautiful, I’m sorry I wasn’t there to see your lovely face.  I had a quick practice with the guys this morning and I didn’t want to bother you.  I’ll catch up with you during lunch. Love ya. XOXO

Awe, Jake was the sweetest.  I took a quick shower and grabbed all the things that I needed for today.  I closed the door behind me and started heading out the dormitory.

I went to my Biology class, which had cancelled this morning, duh!  That’s probably why Jake and his buddies had the practice this morning cause he already knew that information.

I headed to the coffee shop around the corner, it was unusual that Cindy wasn’t here already bothering me; but ever since Tyler has become her boyfriend, they haven’t been seen.

Spoke too soon.  Cindy was already waving and shouting from across the university.  “Hey girl!”  She knew how to make an entrance.

She ran from across the university and sat down on the seat next to mine while waving for the waiter to come.  “Yes what can I get you mam?” 

“I would like two mocha cappuccino’s for me and my best friend please.” Cindy winked at the waiter and then put a ten-dollar bill in his pocket.  If there was anybody who wasn’t afraid of standing out, that was Cindy.

“So what’s up Cin?”  I asked her seeing that her very positive mood must be because of something.

“I feel wonderful, like everything in my life fits.”  We kept on talking about her and Tyler and how the parents really liked her even though with them catching them having sex and whatnot. “I feel like Tyler and I are meant to be together forever.”

“Okay, well please tell me you were using protection and everything.” I asked with caution, because knowing her she would tell me all the details.

“Yes I did mom.” She laughed as we got our mocha’s.  “In fact, what happened between you and Jake last night huh?”

“Just experimenting…” I answered back.  She could tell I was blushing as I sipped on my drink.

“Oh my gosh Ariel, are you still a virgin with that hottie?!”  I shushed Cindy as people around us were staring at our table.

“Yes, but he’s been so sweet with everything, I don’t want to ruin anything.”  I replied.  “He’s being my teacher with all this new stuff.”

“Sure whatever, he needs to make you his woman already.” Cindy winked at me and then started picking up her stuff for her next class.

“I guess I will see you after school today?” I asked Cindy as she threw away her drink. 

“Sorry sugar, but I’m meeting with my teddy bear Tyler today.”  She almost walked away right before she gave me a hug, “Spoiler alert:  We’re going to have sex!”

“Geez Cindy, be careful!” I waved goodbye and started heading to my next class.

I sat down in my sociology class and saw that we had a homework assignment due at the end of the class so I started on my lesson.  I had seen Zack earlier smooching with Samantha, but I don’t think he still knows that she’s possibly pregnant.

Samantha had looked at me with a serious face, but I didn’t make much of it.

“Okay class, make sure to turn in your assignments, I’ll distribute the grades for next week.”  I turned in my assignment and walked outside to see Jake waiting outside for me.

“Hey baby.”  He quickly pecked me a kiss and hugged me while walking together.  I hadn’t noticed that he was still in his workout clothes.

“Hey, how was practice?” He sighed heavily and admitted that the coach wants them to work harder even though it was more of a club not a team.  “Maybe you should quit?”

“Quitting is not in my vocabulary.”  He smiled.  “So what are our plans for today?”

“I was thinking maybe we should go out and hit a movie theatre or something?”  I explained that there was a comedy movie I really wanted to watch and we should have a couple date.

“That’s a great idea, I’ll buy the tickets for us; let me go to the dorm and shower and I’ll pick you up around 6 okay?”  He kissed me goodbye and left to the dorm.

I was going to head to my next classroom when I suddenly get a tug from my backpack behind me.  “So you’re Ariel huh?”  I recognized that name, I just couldn’t make out of it.

I turned around and saw the beautiful model in the ads and Jake’s ex-girlfriend; Nichole Anna Jones.  “Cat got your tongue dumbass?”  Was she really talking to me like that?

“Excuse me?  What do you want Nichole?”  She looked surprised that I knew her name, even though half of the city probably did.

“I just want to talk to you in a private place if you wouldn’t mind?”  Oh, now she wants something from me.

“After with how you’ve been treating me, why would I say yes?”  She was probably going to use something against me, but there’s nothing for her to use.

“It’s about Jake if you want to know the real story.”  Nichole responded looking at me with a serious face.

“Fine, where do you want to talk?”  I admitted.

“Let’s go to the library, there’s a corner seat there we can talk.”  Nichole’s stance seemed to soften and she showed an innocent personality now that she was being serious.

We both headed inside the library and went up to the third floor where nobody really goes to and sat in the corner seat where she had suggested.

“I know that Jake has said some bad stuff about me, I assume.”  I laughed, because I feel like she was trying to make herself look good.  “But there are reasons why I did what I did Ariel.”

“And what were your reasons Nichole?  You had everything and now you can’t stand to see him happier than ever before.”  I smiled at her.

“Jake and I were supposed to be married, and still supposed to be married…but…” Nichole started tearing up.

“What is it Nichole?”  I almost felt sorry for the girl with her insane act.

“Jake became possessive as if he were a different person and he almost abused me too many times that felt like I needed to turn to another person, his best friend.”  Was Jake even capable of doing something like that?  Showing anger for no apparent reason?

“I don’t have time for you to be telling me this bullshit Nichole.”  I got up to leave because I had looked at my time and we had been here for a while.  Nichole got my hand and I saw her wrist where it looked like she had cut herself or burned herself with something.

“That’s my proof Ariel; you can choose to not believe it, but I went through it.”  Right before I grabbed my things to leave she finally let go, “Be careful.”

I ran as fast as I could out of the library and went immediately to my dorm.  I don’t know how I was supposed to react.  Jake couldn’t do those things right?  I saw the burns and cuts on Nichole; she wouldn’t do that on purpose to herself because she’s a model.

Hey are you ready to go?  I’ll be at your dorm in five minutes.   Oh crap, I put on a dress and fixed my hair quickly.  What was I going to tell Jake?  We don’t tell each other lies, so I should just be honest with him.

I quickly texted Cindy before I went outside to meet Jake.  Nichole told me Jake abused her.  I’m confused!!!   I waited impatiently for Cindy’s reply but she never texted me back.

I forgot she was going to be with Tyler all evening, hopefully she gets back to me soon.

KNOCK. KNOCK.  “Ariel are you in there?”  I opened the door quickly and smiled awkwardly at Jake.

“Hey there handsome!”  I reacted as he kissed me on the lips sweetly and then taking my hand so we could head to the vehicle.

Now that I knew that Jake was some rich kid he wasn’t embarrassed to bring out his vehicle and drive us around in it.  “So anything new happen?  You seem a little off than when I had spoken with you before.”

“I have to be honest.”  I started thinking and was going to admit what Nichole had told me but decided I shouldn’t because I didn’t want him to think that I didn’t trust him.  “I’m so excited for this movie.”  I lied.

“Me too!  I was thinking maybe we should leave early so we could have a little bit of fun on our own.”  Was Jake considering me to lose my virginity now?  I couldn’t have him showing me love and I was here keeping information.

---

“That was hilarious, we so need to go to the movies again sometime babe!”  Jake kept on laughing as he opened the door to the vehicle.

“Thanks.”  I know I wasn’t acting myself; I couldn’t help but feel guilty.

Jake started driving his car back to the dorms and he lowered down the radio, “Is everything okay Ariel?”  He placed a hand on my lap, “I know there’s something wrong…you haven’t been acting your usual self.”

I bit my lip; how could I tell him that his ex-girlfriend literally told me he was an abuser?  Was I secretly afraid of him?  “Nichole spoke with me today.”

Jake stopped the vehicle and parked at the end of the street, “What the hell did she do to you?  Cause I swear if she’s bothering you; I’ll go up to her father this time.”

“No…She didn’t bother me.”  I looked up at him and hadn’t noticed I was crying.  “She said you hurt her.”  By this time the hot tears were running down my face; I didn’t want to think of Jake in that way.

Jake gave a long sigh and got closer so he could hug me, “Is that why you were scared to tell me?  Because you thought I had done those things to her?”  I nodded in agreement.

“I know you’re not that type of person; I was just scared.”  He gave me a sweet kiss on the forehead.

“I didn’t abuse her Ariel, you have to believe me.”  How could I believe anyone at this point?  I didn’t really know Nichole and I especially didn’t know Jake well either.  “She’s trying to get into your head.”

“I know.”  I laughed awkwardly and started wiping the tears off my face.  “I need to know the truth Jake; what happened between you guys?”

There had to be a reason that Nichole was trying to warn me, or a reason on why she was fighting me.

“There is stuff that happened that I’m just trying to protect you from.”  I looked at Jake and his eyes were wide open like he didn’t want to say what was coming up.  “Jake is not my real name.”

“What do you mean that Jake is not your real name?  How could you forget your own name Jake…or whatever it is?”  I was starting to freak out.

“My mother and I; we’re hiding from my father.”  Jake took my hand and slowly intertwined our fingers, “He tried killing my mother a few years back; I’m in the witness protection program.”

Was this really happening right now?  Witness protection program?  I thought that only happened in the movies.

“So what is your real name?”  I was hoping for an entire different story background from him at this point.

“My real name is Declan Hart, I am 21 years old and the only reason why I’m here at the university is because the FBI said he wouldn’t look for a college kid.”  I took my hand away from him…causing a little bit of hurt between us.  “Nichole was too popular and I fell hard for her, but I couldn’t keep dating her without my father finding out the real location of where we were.”

“Does Nichole know your true identity?”  I don’t feel special at all right now; I’m just so confused.

“You’re the only one Ariel Wilson; you’re the person that I trust.”  My heart was screaming inside.  I knew there was something wrong in the picture with him; he never told me his background story, but now I know why.

“So your best friend Ashton…” He stopped me before I could question.

“He knows I’m the real Declan Hart.”  He looked down before looking back up again, “I know you don’t trust me Ariel, but everything I told you before about my feelings for you is true.”

“When Ashton came down to visit me, he fell in love with Nichole after he abused her as well.  He got her pregnant and then he left like a coward.  As much as I hated him for that, I needed that friend.  Now I have you.”  This was just something else. 

“I don’t know what to think.” I replied.

“Don’t think; please just tell me you still love me.”  Even though I hated that all of this was happening to me, how could I not love him?  “Let me take you back home.”

The drive back to the dorms felt like an eternity.  Jake turned out to be Declan and on the way back home he also told me that the company he already runs is under a secret name, but his mother was the one taking care of it at the moment.  His mother needed the assets in order to provide for her and Jake; It makes sense and maybe I should start calling him by his real name.

He opened the door of my dorm and waited outside patiently for me to walk in alone.  “I hope you still love me Ariel.”

“I love you…Declan.”  He rushed his body towards me and dominated my lips with his own.  Our tongues were swirling around in ecstasy and I knew that this is where I was supposed to be.

“I have been dying for you to say my name.”  He kissed me again and placed me on the bed so we could relax for a while.

I giggled, “So what should I call you now?  I feel so weird saying Declan when all along I’ve been calling you Jake.”

He smiled, “You should keep calling me Jake, but in private I need you to call me Declan sweetheart.”  He kissed my forehead to show affection.  “The way you say my name, it gets me so riled up for you.”

“Declan…why did your father try to kill your mother…if you don’t mind me asking.”  I knew that he was uncomfortable with the question, because he shuffled in bed.

“He had a psychotic episode when he found out that my mother was leaving him; he had been abusing her for quite a while already.”  He turned around to turn on the nightlight, “He’s still out there trying to find us; the police officers never caught him, so I need you to be careful okay.”

As I started closing my eyes he whispered, “ I would die if something happened to you. “

Chapter Nine

I had woken up pretty late this morning since it was a Tuesday and I didn’t have school.  Declan decided that he wanted to show me his company that he’s been running from his computer and also introduce me to his mother.  I have to admit; I was nervous.

“You Ready?”  Declan managed to open the door to the dorm and zoomed in to calm me down.  “If you don’t want to do this I understand.”

“I’m Ready…I’m just nervous that’s all.”  It was already the middle of the afternoon when we had arrived at H & O Publishing.  I don’t know why I never noticed it before, but it was a huge building at the end of the city.  I figured they named it H for Hart and O for their protected name.  “It’s beautiful.”

I awed at the 26-story building that stood right in front of me.  “So what is it that you do here anyway?”  Declan chuckled at my ignorant question.

“We’re a Publishing company, so it’s our job to print any newspapers, magazines, articles, and we also serve as a trading company for a few of our partners.”  I stood amazed at what Declan was telling me.  I had never heard him talk technical to me before.  “Pretty much, we do a little bit of everything.”

“And you own this?”  I looked at Declan then back at the high tower right in front of me.  He nodded his head and pushed me forward to slowly walk into the entrance.

At the front desk a beautiful red-headed woman greeted us to the company, “Welcome to H & O Publishing, do you have an appointment?”

“Paula, have you forgotten about me already?”  The redheaded woman stood up and bowed in front of Declan.

“I’m so sorry Mr. Olsen, I hadn’t noticed you were going to come in today, please forgive me.  Let me put in the codes for the elevator.”

“Don’t worry about it, my fingerprint will do.  Can you please inform my mother that I’ll be at the 25-CR room if she would like to join me?”  Declan took my hand and started leading me in front of the elevator that had a fingerprint sensor right above the elevator button.

“Of course Mr. Olsen, I’ll let her know right away.”  We got inside the elevator that had the outstanding lavishing detailing of English artwork.

“So…Mr. Olsen, what is the 25-CR room?”  I smiled; still astounded by the superiority he had over all the employees here.

“It’s pretty much the 25th floor conference room.”  He laughed with the same laugh that I remembered from the first day I met him.

“Oh.”  I felt stupid.  “Okay, so what shall I call your mother?”

“You can call her Ms. Olsen or Victoria Olsen.”  I waited cautiously at the corner of the elevator that I was leaning on.

“Is that her real name too?”  Declan looked at me seriously.

“Yeah her real name is Victoria Hart.  She didn’t want to switch her first name due to legal purposes for the company.”  Declan looked straight at me with a serious tone; “Make sure to call me Jake in there okay?”  He then smiled at me and kissed me lightly on the lips right before the elevators reached at the 25th floor.

“Welcome Mr. Olsen, Paula has already informed me that you would be arriving here.  I have already prepared the 25-CR and I even put fresh cappuccinos for you in your office.”  A skinny man who appeared to be in his late twenties spoke to Declan with such respect.

“Thank you William.  How’s your boyfriend Jack doing?”  Declan responded as if he hadn’t seen the man in some while.

“Well to be totally honest with you Mr. Olsen, he totally cheated on me, so I dumped his crazy ass.”  He finally broke into his normal character.

I started chuckling after William’s comment.  Both Declan and William looked at me surprisingly.  “So who’s this sweetheart that you have here Mr. Olsen?”  William looked at me and pulled me into a bear hug.  “My name is William darling, but you can call me Will.” He winked at me.

“William, make sure you treat this woman with anything that she may need; she’s my girlfriend Ariel.”  Declan pulled me back into his arms and preceded to walk towards a huge corner office by the end of the building.

“Well Ariel, if you need me for anything, you’ll know where to find me.” Will pointed in front of Declan’s office that was apparently his office with the name William Jorgenson printed on his door.

“Thank you William.” I smiled back and walked into Declan’s office.  “So you’re on the 25th floor huh?

“Yeah, I don’t like being on the 26th one, I don’t want to feel too superior over anyone.”

“Like if that matters.  Everyone here knows you’re the boss, because I can see everybody’s eyes when you walk into the room.”  I looked outside the window and saw Declan’s vehicle that looked like a toy car from up here.

Suddenly there a was a knock on Declan’s door and then William walked in, “Mr. Olsen, 25-CR is already ready for you and Ms. Olsen is already inside as well.”

I immediately got a nervous sick feeling in my stomach that made me cringe, because I was about to meet Declan’s mom.

“Thank you William.”  Declan took my hand and we started walking out the door.  “Are you ready sweetheart?”  I shook my head and started walking beside him.

25-CR was right around the corner and Declan walked in with confidence as if he were preparing for a meeting.  I walked right behind him and saw a short, petite woman wearing a black pantsuit and hot pink heels.  Her hair was a pale-blonde color with the bluest eyes that I had ever seen.

“Mother, thank you for seeing me at this inconvenient time for you with the Hathaway case and all.”  His mother approached him and hugged him with such sincerity.

“Son, you know I always have time for you.”  She then stopped hugging him and looked towards me.  At that moment I was glad I had decided to wear my sundress that shaped my body; but still respectable at the same time.  “And who is this beautiful, young lady?”

“Mother.” Declan pulled me towards him and intertwined his fingers with mine, “This is my girlfriend Ariel Wilson.”

“Nice to meet you Ms. Olsen.” I responded, still trembling from nervousness.  “I have to admit that you’re the one who’s beautiful here, Jake never told me anything about you until today.”

Declan’s mother walked towards me with such superiority and prose, “Ariel, so nice to finally meet you.”  She pulled me in for a hug that seemed sincere enough when she had hugged Declan earlier, “Jake has told me so much about you.”

“Please take a seat.”  She responded while Will walked in and handed our fresh cappuccinos in the room and closing the door behind him of the conference room.  “So where did you kiddos meet?”

“Biology class.”  I giggled while Declan started telling his story on how I was his lab partner.  “I had no idea Jake owned a huge company like this; this truly is a wonderful publishing company.”

“Well, we worked really hard to get where we are at.”  Ms. Olsen looked quickly outside the window as if she had seemed worried.  “So how is my son doing at his school?”

“Mother…I’m doing fine.”  Declan eyeballed her as if they were speaking with their eyes now.

“He’s doing great as far as I’ve seen!” I happily remarked.  “I’m the one who’s probably struggling a bit; it’s my first year.”

“Oh.”  Declan’s mother took a quick sip from her cappuccino, “You’re 18 Ariel?”  I had forgotten that Declan was in fact 21 years old and now she’s probably wondering if I’m good enough for her son.

“Uh, yes, I’m 18.”  I drank the cappuccino nervously, “But I try extremely hard in school and I have a 4.0 GPA currently; You can say I’m a bookworm.”

“That’s good.”  She responded back.

“Mother, I was thinking maybe we can have a dinner at our house; just like old times.” Declan interrupted the awkwardness, “I was even thinking of inviting some of my friends from school so you can meet them.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea sweetheart, but Ariel is more than welcomed to come over whenever you would like.”  Ms. Olsen seemed saddened at the moment and appeared rather scared.

“Are you okay?” Declan stood up and walked over to her to whisper something in her ear.  “Okay, I understand.”

Both Declan and his mother stood up which made me stand up as fast I could as well, “Well it was really nice meeting you Ariel; I’m sure my son loves you very much.”

“Likewise Ms. Olsen.” I waved goodbye as Declan walked me out of the conference room.  We went back to his office and I peeked out and saw his mother go back to the elevator to head to her office.

“I’m sorry about that my love.”  Declan wearily said as he sat down in his chair.

“What’s to be sorry about?” I smiled, “I had a very nice time speaking with your mother—she seems like a lovely lady.”

“She couldn’t deal with the last name situation.”  I reminded myself of their real legal name, Hart.  “It must’ve been hard to remember all of those memories; I’m the one who should be sorry.”

“She does like you though.” He chuckled.  “She whispered that you reminded of her when she was younger.”  Declan’s mother was extremely intelligent; those are big shoes to fill.

“Anyway, are you ready to go?” I nodded yes, “I want to show you where I live.”  This I was excited about; I was finally going to see where Declan lived!

We got down to the main floor and exited H & O Publishing and got inside his vehicle.  “So which way is your house?”

“You excited?” He looked over at me in the passenger seat, “It’s not too far from here, about twenty minutes.”

“Twenty minutes is pretty far Declan.” I smiled and laughed at the same time.

“I love it when you say my name.” He put the vehicle in drive and started heading outside the city limits.  “So what do you want to do for tonight?”

He assured me that his mother was going out of town this evening to another state for a business meeting and that was one of the reasons she was upset.  They had informed her earlier that detectives and agents were going to have to accompany her for backup just in case.

“I’m thinking you should make me dinner for tonight.” I looked over at him and started playing with his soft hair.  “With an apron on and everything.”

“Hmm, and what would you like to eat my lady?” I started thinking about that part.

“How about a nice, juicy burger?” Declan started cracking up and turned the vehicle to a lonely road on the right side of the street.

“That’s why you’re my girl Ariel.”  He swiftly touched my cheek, “Because you want to eat a burger; you’re not like one of those needy girls.”

“Maybe I should be needy.” I giggled.  Another ten minutes down the road and finally I saw a huge Victorian house that looked like the kinds you would see in the movies.  “This is your house?” I should’ve figured it was big; he does own a company.”

“Yeah, but remember you said you weren’t going to judge.” He put the vehicle in park and got out of the vehicle.  He went over to the passenger side and opened my door, “My lady.”

“Declan this is so beautiful, I feel so underdressed.”

“You’re the one who looks beautiful trust me.” He got out his set of house keys and opened the door to a long hallway that had pictures of fairies and fantasy paintings.

“Wow, I’m guessing your mom likes these?” I admired every single painting and Declan kept on waiting for me to hurry up and follow him to the kitchen.

“Yeah, they advised us not to put up any old photos, just in case if anyone ever recognized us.” I followed Declan to the kitchen that was an open concept with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.  “Burgers for tonight, Yeah!”

“Ha, I’ll help you get the ingredients chef.” I went to the refrigerator and took out all the ingredients we were going to use, “Do you want bacon on yours?”

“Uh, yeah, who doesn’t love bacon?” Declan started getting the skillet to get the stove ready.

I chopped my heart away on the ingredients and started to realize how happy I was.  I never felt like this with Zack; Declan makes me feel like an entire new person.

“I love you Declan.” I stopped chopping and started walking closer to him to hand him the chopped ingredients.  “I love you so much, and I know it’s probably a weird timing of saying it, but just wanted to tell you that I do.”

Declan stopped what he was doing and kissed me hard and dominating, “Geez, I love you so much Ariel, you don’t even know how much I love you.” He took the ingredients and started cooking.

He told me it was okay for me to browse and look around the home while the burgers and fries were getting done.  I went up to the second floor and saw that it was the area where Declan’s mom had all of her things like her office, bedroom, and a garden area that overlooked the backyard.

I kept on going up the stairs to the third floor and saw that it was more rooms that was the library, game room, and another study room.  These weren’t typical normal rooms, they were large rooms where you can fit two king-sized beds in each room.

I continued to the last fourth floor and saw that this is the area where Declan had all his personal things.  His bedroom looked like any other typical guy’s room where it had his computer on the left corner and his bed right in front of the window.  “Ariel?” I heard Declan’s voice and walked back downstairs.

“Declan, what happened?” I walked into the dining room and saw that the table was neatly covered with a silver lining and candles were on the circular table that had the aroma of lavender.  “Declan, we’re eating burgers…”

“Yeah, but who says that burgers can’t be romantic?” He then pressed play on an entertainment center and a classic meditating cd came on and calmed the mood.

“Nice choice in music.” I got closer and sat down to where Declan opened the chair for me and scoot me in.  “Mmm, this smells so good!” I waited for Declan to sit down in front of me and we began to eat our burgers.

“So what do you think?” Declan reached in and poured me a glass of lemonade.

“Delicious!” I looked over at the glass, “Did you make this too?”

“Uh…. not really, it’s some brand of lemonade that was in the fridge.” He chuckled while taking a sip.

“This is really nice of you to do for me, thanks for the food Declan.” We enjoyed our dinner for the night.

---

After dinner, we went to the living room and enjoyed the scenery of the botanical garden just talking about our old memories of when we were young. 

“This is so pretty…It must’ve been amazing living this kind of lifestyle.” I looked at Declan who looked down when I said that.

“It was a good life, I just wish my father didn’t destroy every good piece of memory I have.”

I got closer to him so I could give him a hug, “I’m sorry.  Hey let’s do something fun.”

“What are you thinking? I’m up for anything.” Declan got up and waited patiently for what I was about to say.

“Let’s forget about everything for tonight and let’s just relax and go outside and have some fun in your swimming pool.” I started motioning my fingers pointing at the swimming pool behind the garden.

“But you didn’t bring a bathing suit…” Declan looked at me with concern.

“Who said anything about wearing bathing suits?” I slowly took off my shirt and started heading outside in the moonlight.

Declan instantly followed with twinkling eyes.

Chapter Ten

Last night with Declan was amazing.  I almost lost my virginity with him, but he still decided that it wasn’t time.  As unpatient as I was getting, I understood why he wanted me to wait; he wanted it to be special for me.  I just hope he doesn’t expect me to wait forever, because whatever he was doing was driving me wild.

As expected, I slept over at Declan’s house last night in his bedroom.  It felt so wonderful waking up in his cozy bed next to his warm body possessively holding me.  I slowly sneaked out of his arms and decided to take a quick shower that was at the end of the hallway.  

Mmm, the warm water felt nice this morning.  It was unlike me to wake up this early, but I needed to meet up with Cindy this afternoon for some urgent news she had for me.  I got out of the shower and put the towel around me.

“Morning beautiful.”  I turned around and saw Declan without his shirt on and his plaid pajama pants.

“I woke up early.” I laughed while I kissed his lips.

“I noticed.”  He yawned and removed all of his clothing and hopped back in the shower.  “You don’t mind do you?”

I looked at everything he had to offer me, yup, this boy was a keeper.  “Of course I don’t.”

This morning was a bunch of surprises.  Declan and I took off after our showers and breakfast and headed back to our university.

An hour later passed and Declan parked his vehicle at the from of our dorm, “I’ll get our stuff off okay, don’t worry about it.”  I guess Declan could feel the urgency that I was going through, Cindy kept on texting me multiple messages; one after the other.

“Declan…I mean Jake, I love you.”  Declan gave me a stern look, but then softened his facial features.

He whispered softly into my ear, “It’s okay my love, but don’t forget or else it could get you into danger and I would die if something happened to you.”

“Sorry Jake.  I’ll see you afterwards?”  I had gotten used to me calling him Declan, I hadn’t realized now I was back to reality.

I took the university bus to the other side of campus to meet up with Cindy who continued to send me text messages of where I was.

“Cindy!” I waved and waved until her face looked up to mine.  I could tell she had been crying the entire night, how could I have not been there for my best friend.  “Cindy, what’s wrong?”

I told her to sit down and brought her some water that I had conveniently in my purse, “Tyler…broke up with me.”

“What do you mean? Why would he do that? I mean, you guys are perfect for each other.” I looked at her body that was already trembling.

“He was the one that got Samantha pregnant.” I looked at Cindy to make sure she wasn’ t pulling a joke on me or anything.

“Wait…Zack’s girlfriend?  The one that broke up me and Zack.  That Samantha?” Cindy was nodding at everything I was saying.  “Are you even sure it’s true?”

“Samantha told me.”  Cindy took another sip from the water bottle I gave her.  “And trust me, I wouldn’t have trusted her information, but when I asked Tyler…” she started crying again.

“Is he even sure it’s his?”  I looked at my phone and realized Declan had sent me a text message.  “Samantha said she was fooling around with a lot of guys.”

“Yeah I know…apparently she tested every single person she had sex with during that time.. and Tyler is the father.” She started hysterically crying again.

“Oh Cindy… I’m so sorry about all of this.” I was completely heartbroken for my best friend.  She shouldn’t have to be going through all of this.  Especially when I was really happy myself at this point of my life.  “We’ll figure it out.”

“Ugh, enough about me.  How did it go with Jake’s mom?”  I forgot I hadn’t told Cindy that Jake’s real name is actually Declan.

“I think I had a good first impression, she seemed sad though.”  I explained to Cindy that she had a hard time with her husband, but I didn’t give away any other specific details.  “We stayed at his actual house the night, just got in this morning.”

Cindy started winking at me wanting to hear details, “So… did you guys do the deed already?”

“Oh gosh Cindy, c’mon.” I smacked her shoulder lightly, “Honestly, I want to already.  He’s been teaching me…” I could see that her eyes widened with my last sentence.

“What do you mean teaching you?” She started getting heavy into the conversation.

“In the beginning of the semester, I wanted to lose my virginity to him…so I can finally have sex with Zack.  But we all know how that turned out.”  I didn’t want to bring up the whole Samantha thing again.

“And of course Jake would agree to do that, but now that you’re dating he doesn’t want to make you lose your virginity?” I agreed.  It was silly that Declan wanted me to wait, but I guess last night wouldn’t have been the perfect time and all.

“He’s sweet.” I completely forgot about the text message that Declan had sent me.   Tyler just told me what happened, take as long as you want with Cindy. Love you.  He was sweet.  “So what do you want to do today bestie?”

“Blegh! I want to drink.”  After last time that she drank at the Delta party, I didn’t want to go through that again.

“I think it’s time we have a sleepover!”  Cindy agreed with pleasure and started calling all the girlfriends.  Of course all the girls agreed to come over when Cindy told them the real reason why she wanted them to come.

“This is going to be a fun night girl!” Cindy shouted.

---

I had texted Declan that I was going to have a sleepover at Cindy’s dorm and just told me to be careful.

“Okay girls, we got the good stuff!” Jasmine pulled out a champagne bottle from her bag and started getting cups.  This seemed like a bad idea, but Cindy wanted these girls to come over.

“Oh I know, let’s play truth and dare!” Lisa said as she took a sip of her champagne and everyone agreed and started placing themselves in a circle.  “I’ll go first and i’ll spin the bottle to see who’s gonna do the stuff.”  Lisa spinned the bottle.

It landed on Kristy.  “Ah, okay I think i’ll say truth!”  Everybody booed Kristy.

“Okay Kristy…” Lisa said as she went first, “How many guys have you had sex with?”  Everybody was curious for her to answer this question, she was known as the slut of the group.

“Why do you always have to go there, geez!” Kristy exclaimed.

“C’mon or else you’re gonna be out.” Lisa winked.

“Fine!” Kristy took a big gulp and peeped out her answer, “13.”  Cindy started laughing a lot, i’m glad she was having a good time.

“Thirteen! Damn girl, where do you put it all in.” Cindy asked.

“Obviously in my hole dammit!” Kristy said and everybody started laughing again.

 Kristy now spinned the bottle and it landed on Jasmine.  “Okay Jasmine, truth or dare?”  Jasmine decided to be the first bold one and said dare.

“I want you to go downstairs and kiss our RA.” I could tell Jasmine was pretty nervous about this one.  Cindy’s dorm residential advisor was the cutest on campus, he was a senior and definitely looked like a hollister model.

“Alright, let’s go.”  We all knew that Alan was always in the game room around this time at night, he liked playing with his buddies who were also Seniors.

Finally getting to the game room, Jasmine put up a thumbs up, “Wish me good luck girls.”  As usual Alan was there with his buddies from class playing a game of pool.  “Hey Alan.”

Alan turned around and looked up at Jasmine wearing her pajama shorts and a tank top, “Do I know you?”  Yup, he wouldn’t recognize Jasmine, she didn’t stay at this dorm.

Jasmine then grabbed his face quickly and leaned him in for a deep and passionate kiss, for a moment you could tell Alan was enjoying what was being given to him.  All us girls started cooing and whistling.  “Woo! Go Jasmine!”

She finally let go and kissed him slightly on the right side of his lips, “See you around.” She comes running back and we all head back upstairs.

“Can’t believe you did that!”  “So Awesome!” Everybody started shouting all at once and some students woke up and went outside to see what was the commotion.

We went back to the dorm and Jasmine spinned the bottle this time; it landed on me.  Oh no.  “Yay…” I managed to say.

“Okay Ariel, truth or dare?” Jasmine was looking at me with a serious face.  If I choose truth i’m gonna have to be honest, but if I chose dare I would probably be stuck with something I didn’t want to do.

“Let’s go Ariel, we’re all waiting.” Lisa said.  Ugh that bitch.

“Truth.  No dare!  Ugh, truth.”  I said without making up my mind.

“Okay, truth Ariel.  Hmm, which is your favorite sex position when you do it with Jake?”  Everyone leaned in to hear my answer.  What was I supposed to say?  I’m a virgin, I haven’t had sex.

“Uh…” I couldn’t respond anything.  Cindy was too drunk to back me up here.  “My favorite position…” Crap, I never paid attention when they were talking about sex stuff, I know there’s an animal one.

“C’mon Ariel, we won’t tell anyone.” Lisa cued me back in the conversation.

“I really like the gorilla one.” Oh shit.  That was the wrong answer, because everyone including Cindy were giving me the confused look like I was disgusting or something.  “That’s a sex position right?”

“Oh. My. God.” Kristy said, “You’re a virgin aren’t you?”

“Oh yeah Ariel is a virgin!” Drunken Cindy exclaimed as if nobody hadn’t heard my dumb response.

“How have you not had sex with that hottie Jake Olsen?” Jasmine asked, starting to wonder if I was a lesbian.

“It’s not that…He’s making me wait.” I said trying not to smash his ego.  “For the right time.”

“Why would he make you wait, I say we change this truth into a dare!” Kristy shouted.  “I say you go back to Jake’s dorm and go have sex with that hunk of yours.”

“You can’t make me do that, my turn is already up!” Oh no, this is bad.

“Go! Go! Go! Go!” Everyone shouted.

“How about we let Cindy do her turn and then I go, yes?” Cindy gave me a sad face.  I really need to keep my best friend sober next time.

“C’mon Ariel, do this for me.  Go have fun and lose your virginity already!” I looked at Cindy who was being sincere.

I started to grab all of my things and head out the door where the others girls continued their night of fun as I had to go find Jake and have sex with him.  I could just say I did and they would never find out.  But knowing them they’d just ask me another question and i’ll sound dumb.

I texted Jake:   Hey sexy, what are you doing tonight?

Ariel, did someone get ahold of your phone? Yup, Declan wouldn’t think I was being cute with him.

No, it’s me.  So I was thinking I come over there and give you the best time of your life. ;) Winky faces always work!

What about your sleepover?  I thought you were going to stay over there the night? Ugh Declan! C’mon and work with me.

As I was running all the way up to Declan’s dorm, I say Tyler and Samantha by the University Fountain having a heated discussion.

“I don’t want to be with you, what can’t you understand Samantha? It was one night.  One BIG MISTAKE!”

“Please Tyler, don’t make me do this, I don’t want to abort it.”

“Look, you already told me you don’t want it.  And I don’t want to be with you.”

I kept on running past them, wanting to stay, but had a mission to attend to.  KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.

Declan wasn’t answering his door.  KNOCK. KNOCK.  “Ariel, what are you doing here?”

I ran up to him and pushed him inside the dorm, closing the door behind and kissed that boy nice and hard.  I wasn’t going to take no for an answer.  I dropped everything that I had with me and immediately started taking off his shirt and pants that came with it.  “Ariel, I thought we were going to wait.”

“I can’t wait much longer.”  I take off my clothes, slipping them out and finally pushing him to the bed near us and getting on top of him.

I realize i’m completely naked…on top of another naked man.  “Didn’t realize how embarrassed I was going to feel.”

“You’re beautiful.”  He pushes off the hair strand in front of my breasts, “Are you sure you want this?”

“Yes Declan.  I do.” I uncross my hands covering my breasts and let him see me fully, even though he had already seen it before.  But it’s completely different when you really love the person and I’m about to have sex for the first time.  “I love you Declan.”

“Oh Ariel, I love you too.”  He starts placing sweet kisses on my body.  Sharing the intimacy that I’ve been longing to feel.

He now switches positions and pushes me on the bed so he can be on top so he can be in control.  “You tell me if it hurts okay, and I’ll stop.”

“Mmhm.” I responded as I noticed my hands were shaking; I was so nervous!  I closed my eyes and he kept placing kisses while I heard movement and shuffling in the background.  Then I feel it.  The hard part.  “Shit…”

“That’s sexy, keep on cursing” he laughed while in our most intimate moment.

This was going to be a night to remember.

AUTHORS NOTE:  Hey guys, sorry if there are any mistakes here, I wrote this one pretty fast.  I also didn’t want to get into any graphic details on the “losing her virginity” part. In order to read a little bit of graphic details on her virginity, you have to follow me first and then go back to the table of contents and it’s titled, “Mature: Ariel and Declan’s Special Night”. Enjoy.

Chapter Eleven

Sorry for any mistakes there might be, Hope you enjoy this one!

I was not ready to face the new week with school again, I couldn’t wait for the winter break now that the thanksgiving break was over.  After last night, Declan woke up earlier to get ready for our Biology class and went to grab his things over at his dorm.

I decided to wear a simple dress, considering I was too lazy to pretty myself up today, and left my hair into a lazy bun.  One hard look in the mirror and I decided that this look suited me pretty good.

KNOCK. KNOCK. I went outside and saw that Declan was waiting for me outside my dorm already, “Hey lover.” I smiled at him as he picked me up and kissed me sweetly on the lips.

“I love you.” I kissed him back which confirmed the same affection I had for him.  “Ready for class?”

“It’s 8 in the freaking morning, I don’t think anybody would be ready for class this early.” Declan grinned and started leading the way for the Biology building.

I glanced around to see if Cindy was coming to school this morning, but I couldn’t find her.  Maybe she decided to skip, oh well…the whole Tyler thing was probably getting into her head.  I don’t blame her.

“Hey girly.” Cindy bumped my head from behind me and was accompanied by a fellow that I didn’t know.  “I see you two seem pretty close this morning…wonder what that could mean.” She winked at me and then started a conversation with the guy next to her.

I hope Cindy didn’t get into any trouble last night, she tends to let loose when she gets anxious or angry.

“Hey who’s that guy with Cindy?” Declan asked while writing down the notes that the professor was lecturing about.  We decided to sit in the back seats this morning, so we wouldn’t have to concentrate so much…or at least because I felt so in love with him this morning after last night.

“I honestly don’t know…” I continued to whisper to him about the whole Tyler thing and how Samantha is pregnant as of now.  I haven’t even had the chance to gossip with Cindy about the conversation I overheard last night also.

“Well, I hope Tyler and Cindy get back together…they made a great couple, plus who else is going to handle that crazy woman!” He chuckled while copying the next powerpoint slide.

“Yeah.” I quickly glanced behind me to see Cindy conversing with the guy next to her and laughing as if yesterday hadn’t even happened, “I hope they get back together too…”

“Hey so what do you think our lab test is going to be about this night?” Ugh, I completely forgot about lab, so much for trying to be the smart person here…and I was supposed to be tutoring Declan for this class.

Well, he’s already had his college degree…so technically he doesn’t really need it.  After all, he has a full company to run anyway.

“I completely forgot, but I believe it’s just over Chapters twenty and twenty-one.” I replied back while trying to pay attention to the professor this time.  “Do you really even to need to pass the class?” I hinted at him about the whole undercover scenario.

He shook his head, “Not really, but I do it for fun.” Who does school for fun a second time around?

“You’re crazy.” I laughed softly, not trying to pull in much attention.  “I’m probably gonna have to be with Cindy today…if you don’t mind.”

“Nah, she’s your friend, she needs you.” He then looked back at Cindy, “But to be totally honest, it doesn’t seem like she needs your help right now.”

I look behind me and saw that the guy was running his hands on her thigh trying to put his fingers close to her private area.  I immediately continued to look forward, “I don’t know why they’re doing that here.”

Whatever is happening to Cindy, I hope it’s not permanent.  She’s acting irrational right now and at the most, extremely vulnerable to everything around her.  That guy is so not good for her!

“Cindy, psst.” I whispered to her, trying hard not to look back again.

“What?” She replied back, not really paying attention to me.

“Do you want to hang out later on?” I questioned her, please say yes Cindy.

“No…I’m going to be busy…” She giggled as the guy is whispering something else in her ear.  Well,, there goes my best friend.  Not sure what i’m gonna do with her, but i’m gonna have to talk to Tyler instead.

As much as I don’t want to be a part of this, I have to.

“So i’ll see you tonight then, okay babe?” Declan kissed me hard on the lips and smacked my ass before heading to his next classes.  So weird, we were acting so normal even though last night was the best thing that had ever happened t ome.

I guess because I’m concentrating on this whole Cindy and Tyler situation, that I’m not giving Declan the time to be sweet with me.  He’s so understanding.  He had also told me that he was probably going to spend time at his company today, apparently he needed to sign some documents for a big publishing deal going on.

I entered the American Minorities class that I had this late morning, I really didn’t want to be here today.  “Hey…Psst!” A loud whisper next to me is calling me out?

“Zack, what are you doing here?” I so did not want to speak to him right now, especially with me trying to concentrate.  I leave the classroom at the back door while Zack follows me.

“I need to talk to you.” He grabs my hand and starts heading to the library with me.  I try squirming out of his hand, but the grip was too hard.

As we’re entering the library, I see Nichole who sees me with Zack and immediately pulls out a camera to take a photo of us two holding hands.  CRAP!

I already know what she’s gonna try to do with those photos, “Zack, can you please let me go, what the hell do you want?!” I shout, already frustrated with the amount of trouble that Nichole was going to be.

“Did you hear about Samantha?” He asked furiously.

“I don’t know to what you refer to…” I awkwardly answered back.  I’m guessing he found out about Samantha being pregnant.

“Well…I don’t know if anybody already knows…but she’s pregnant.” I put a hand to my mouth to produce that ‘O’ effect of being shocked, “Yeah, and I think that boyfriend of Cindy’s impregnated her.”

“Well, they did just break up, I didn’t know it was because of that.” I couldn’t admit that I already knew, Cindy is my best friend and I need to have her back.  “What are you going to do?”

In all honesty, I don’t know why he’s telling me all of this and why I want to help him out, he cheated on me!  “I don’t know, but I need you to talk to Samantha.”

“Uh, no.” I shook my head, “I’m not going to do that, she broke us up…which doesn’t matter anymore, but I am not that girl’s friend.” I admitted happily.

“She doesn’t have any girl best friends Ariel…she needs to know that I still love her.” He put his head down, “She won’t talk to me, because she thinks I’m mad at her.”

Why couldn’t I say no?  I always let people run all over me, “I’ll do it.” I answered back.  “On the one condition that if Nichole Anna Jones brings out pictures that we’re back together, you have to tell Jake that it isn’t true.”

“Man that Nichole chick is hot.” He said, “But yeah, deal.”

“Thank you Zack.” I got up to leave to go find Samantha so I could tell her what he told me.

I couldn’t believe how crazy things have been happening.  First, Zack and I broke up and now he loves that girl he cheated on me with? I guess things do happen for a reason.

“Hey B-itch.” I bumped into Nichole who was standing in front of me with her pink high heels and some mini-skirt that looked like it was name brand.  “I saw you talking to Zack, so what the deal with you two?”

“Look Nichole, I don’t know what you have against me, but this really needs to stop.” I shoved her and continued walking forward to head out the building doors.

“Hey i’m talking to you.” She then pulls my shoulder to bring me back to her face, “Just wait until I tell Jake about your whole little s-ex fling with your ex.”

“Are you seriously that stupid and jealous that I’m dating your ex-boyfriend Nichole?” I started walking forward towards her, where my face was looking up to her face in seriousness, “Are you seriously jealous that i’m the one he holds at night, kisses my lips, and tells me that he loves me with all of his heart?”

I could see the venomous eyes that were ready to poison me, “He doesn’t love you, he loves me.”

“Oh really? Is that why you cheated on him?” I start laughing, “I’ve never heard of people cheating on the people they love.” 

Nichole started to walk away, but then stopped in her tracks; she came forward towards me, “Let me tell you one thing Ariel darling, I will get my revenge…and when I do, I’ll have Jake back in my arms, WHERE HE BELONGS.”

She started to walk away and I quickly said, “Good luck with that.” I finally headed out the building doors to get out of the heated discussion that I just did with everybody watching us fight.

I don’t need this drama right now, I have Cindy who’s pissed off with Tyler…for good reason, but she loves that guy!  And now Nichole who is obsessed with ruining my life, just because she ruined hers already.  Samantha who I need her to talk to me, so she won’t feel alone in all of this.  And finally Declan…DECLAN!

I immediately ran to the next classroom building where I had forgotten I had texted him that I was going to meet up with him, I scanned outside of the building, but Declan wasn’t anywhere in sight.

Crap, he probably just decided I wasn’t worth waiting for anymore.  “Ariel?”

I looked up and saw Declan was right in front of me, with some candy in his hands, “Jake!”

I hugged him hard, as if I had already lost him, “What’s wrong? Sorry i’m late, the guys were just letting me know of the next workout date.”

“It’s okay, I love you.” I could see Nichole from the corner of my eyes with those bright, pink high heels she had on.  I pulled in Declan towards me so I could kiss him deeply.  I could feel Nichole’s heated eyes on the front of my forehead, waiting to kill me.  Declan tasted like berry candies, I looked down and saw he was eating Skittles, “Wow, I can really taste the rainbow.”

“Ha! You’re cute, C’mon I saw your next class cancelled, and my mother wants to have lunch with you today.” Oh no! I still wasn’t ready to be super close to his mom, she intimidated me.

 “I don’t know about that Jake…” I kept on walking towards our dorm so I could change out of the school clothes I was wearing, after all, I didn’t want to look like a total dork when I met his mother again who dressed too nice for me!

“You’ll do fine.” Jake waved to some guys who were across the university, “So, what are our plans for today?”

“Um…” I lost my virginity yesterday!  He probably wants to do it again, “What do you want to do?”

He chuckled and winked at me, “I was thinking, maybe we should go to a bar tonight, you can bring Cindy.”  A Bar?

“I’m not twenty-one yet though…” I responded sadly, it sucked that he has been through all of this already.

“Neither am I.” He smiled, that’s right, Declan doesn’t have an identification that says he’s legally twenty-one.  “So what do you say?”

“Okay.” I agreed.  I got inside my dorm and changed into the proper clothing for today’s lunch with his mother, she had texted me that she would have a limousine pick me up at the front of the university.

“I wonder how she got my number…” I asked Declan who was on his computer again with his buddy who had dated Nichole also.

“Oh, I gave it to her, but trust me, she could’ve gotten it on her own.” I laughed.

“Okay how do I look?” Declan pulled away from the computer screen and into my direction.  His eyes scanned me from bottom to top and were twinkling away for the lust he was having for me.

“You…look…good.” He got up from the couch and started to put his hands on my hip, “Very sexy.”  Maybe after yesterday he wouldn’t be acting like this if we hadn’t had s-ex, but some of it made me happy that he appreciated my body for what it was.

“Thank you.” I kissed his lips passionately and started to make my way out the door, “I’ll call you when i’m back okay?”

“Good luck sweetheart.” He responded as I closed the door and left the room.

“Thanks for meeting me Ariel.” Replied Declan’s mom as I entered inside the limousine that seemed a little too extravagant for my taste.

“Well thank you so much for inviting me Ms. Olsen, it’s a good thing my class cancelled.” I smiled back at her while finally getting arranged in my seat.  “Which restaurant are we heading to?”

“L’Amore.” She rolled the r’s nicely, she must know her french well.  “Is that okay?”

I laugh a little, “Well to be honest, I’ve never been.”

“They have a wine there that I just love too much.” She’s so sophisticated, I feel so below her when she’s talking to me.  “So how is my son doing in school?”

“Well, we have a test today in Biology lab, but he should do fine.” He’s passed it once already.

“He was always good at school and keeping his grades up, but Biology was always the tough one.” The driver then opened the limousine door to let Ms. Olsen off and then me afterwards.

“Ms. Olsen, right this way, we have your table ready for you.” Victoria walked inside L’Amore like she was walking the catwalk.  Men started to look at her as she walked inside and sat down in the chair that the watier had opened up for her.  I was following right behind and they did the same for me.

I’m not this important, “So what do you suggest here Ms. Olsen.” I was scared of this woman, her sophisticated appearance gave me the shivers, she was so beautiful, and I’m here dating her model son as well.

“We’ll both have the special for today Rico.” I nodded my head in agreement, i’m not going to argue with this woman, even if seafood wasn’t my favorite.

“So Ariel, I’ve brought you here, because I wanted to talk to you about…Jake.” I could tell saying his cover name seem to annoy her as she rolled it off the tip of her tongue.  “You see, I really care and love my son, I would do anything for him.”

Yes I know, moving into the witness protection is hard for anyone, especially when her husband tried killing her, “I understand Ms. Olsen.”

“Please, call me Victoria.” Yes M’am! “I know you probably have met Nichole Anna Jones.”

Oh no, not this chick again, she just has to keep on popping up from everywhere, “Yes…I think i’ve met the girl.” I annoyingly agreed.  “I don’t think she likes me very much.”

“Hmm.” She whispered, “I can tell that Jake really likes you…perhaps even love you.” Well, he’s told me that he loves me…and hopefully he does.  I gave my virginity to him!

“Is there something that I did wrong Victoria?” They brought in the salad that goes with our lunch, “Because I just want to say that I love him…I’ve never met anyone like him, and I don’t plan on leaving him, unless if he wants me to.”

Her eyebrow rose as I said the last part, “I was hoping to hear you say that.” She grabbed the dressing and ate some of her salad, “Ms. Jones’ father has contacted me that his daughter is apparently ready to marry my son for the cohesion of our companies.”

“Um…” I almost choked on my salad.

“But that little girl is a…” A lying-son-of-a-homewrecking! “B-itch.” I almost choked on the drink that I was sipping from. “Excuse my language, but nobody cheats on my son and then gets impregnated by another boy.”

“I agree.” I could tell that she could see the love I had for Declan.

“She never knew any of our secrets…which is a good thing, but I need you to look our for that girl.  She might try to ruin your relationship with my son.” Is Declan’s mom trying to keep him and I together?

“Why are you telling me all of this…if I may ask.” I questioned, now stunned by what this woman is telling me at a time like this.

“My son is the happiest I’ve ever seen him been…since we’ve been here.” She’s referring to the move that they made, “I won’t let another tragedy ruin the life that we have sacrificed for.”

Does she have an idea that Declan probably already told me about the witness protection thing? “Thank you for those kind words…I will not give any secrets away.”

This time her eyebrow went up again, “You know, don’t you?” I nodded my head and looked down at the lunch that had barely been served.  She asked for some sort of side dish and waited for the waiter to leave our table, “I trust you.”

“Victoria…you are a brave woman.” She dropped the salt shaker that she had in her hand, “I think you made the right decision, please be careful.”

“Thank you…” a tear dropped from her face and she rubbed it off with the satin napkin beside her.

“You know, your son is an amazing boy.” We laughed together and continued to eat our food.

Lunch was awesome, Victoria was a kind lady and explained to me the memories of her childhood and how she ended up with H & O Publishing.  She was the kind of role model that everyone needed in their life, she grew up from a poor family, and is now a successful woman.

Declan worked hard for the position that he has as well, acing all of his classes in college and then proving to himself and the company that he could take over with the many deals that they had.

“How was lunch?” Declan asked as I got back inside the dorm, “Was my mom hard on you?”

“It was…really good.” I smiled at him.

“Oh no, what did she do?” He shifted his eyes from the papers on his desk to my eyes now, “I swear, if she said something, I will go prove to her that I love you.”

“I think she knows that already.” I ended up discussing how the lunch went, and how she knows that I know about the witness protection stuff.

“Woah…didn’t see that one coming.” He put his hand towards mine, “I do love you Ariel.”

“I love you too Declan…and i’m glad you trusted me in telling me the truth about you and your family.” We had a moment before I heard a loud knock on the door.

“Who’s that?” Declan stood up and opened the door to see Nichole crying in tears in front of his dorm.

He only opened the door just a bit to where Nichole couldn’t see me, “Jake…” The tears were rolling down her face and her voice was shaky, “I love you.”

“What are you doing here Nichole?” He shoved her back out of the entrance of his dorm, “You should leave.”

“My father just…told me that your mother declined the marriage proposition.” That Victoria…she is truly amazing.  “Why won’t you marry me?”

“You know why Nichole, stop playing these stupid games already, you’re acting like a foolish child.” Nichole started to cry even harder.

“But…But…I’m sorry for everything that I did…It won’t ever happen again.” She answered back to him.

“It’s not about that, I love Ariel.” He opened the door wider so she could see that I was inside the dorm, “That’s not ever going to change.”

“That b-itch is cheating on you!” Declan didn’t even look surprised with her bursts of lying anymore. “I saw her talking to her ex, they went inside the library together and were doing stuff.”

“It’s a public library, people can meet up there.” I was just sitting there smiling, but I really didn’t want to get into this whole situation.

“Tell her b-itch.” Declan closed the door a little bit and shoved her out of the dorm.

“I think it’s time for you to leave Nichole.” She cried even harder this time, as if that was going to help her case.

“Fine.  But she’s going to mess up, I know it.” He finally closed the door in her face and you could hear Nichole’s high-heeled footsteps leaving the hall.

“What was she talking about?” Declan asked me now curious.

“Zack pulled me into the libary, because he wants me to talk to Samantha.” I forgot that I hadn’t told anyone about the situation that happened last night, “I overheard last night Samantha and Tyler were talking and he ended up being the father of her unborn child.”

That sounded like a soap opera waiting to happen, “What the hell?! How can he do that to Cindy?”

“Well, I don’t think they were dating at the moment, but she was fooling around with a lot of guys…and now Tyler doesn’t want to be with her.” Declan looked surprised.

“That’s sad…it’s a kid we’re talking about here.” I agreed with him.

“The even sadder part is…Tyler asked her to get an abortion.” He put down the pen he was holding to write down things in the papers he had in front of him.

“Well…I don’t know about that, it’s a very sticky situation.  An abortion could destroy, but save someone’s life.” Yup, I feel bad for Samantha right now.

“You ready?” Cindy smiled as she started to pour herself something to drink from the bartender that wasn’t paying attention.  I ended up convincing her to come with Declan and I to go to the college bar here.

“I’m not drinking that stuff, i’m not twenty-one Cindy!” I replied, as she started to pour me one.

“C’mon, real quick, I promise.” Ugh, i’ll just do what she tells me.  I took the shot glass and started to inhale before I took it.

“There.” Blegh! It was a weird taste in my mouth.

“C’mon baby! Let’s go dancing on the dance floooor!” Cindy brought her date from this morning.  I saw her lean onto him and grab him to start dancing.

“She looks like she’s having fun.” I agreed with Declan who look remarkably handsome in his regular clothes today.

“You look sexy.” I smiled at him while he pulled me in closer for a kiss.  “Mmm, that was delicious.”

“I’m gonna end up stealing you for the night if you keep that up.” I smacked his shoulder lightly as we continued to sit at the bar. “Do you want to dance my-lady?”

“Ha, nooo. That’s not me.” I suddenly looked at the bar entrance and saw Samantha walk in with Tyler. “That doesn’t look good.” I pointed at their direction and Declan turned his head to look.

“Yup, let’s grab Cindy and let’s go.” I agreed and pulled Cindy and her new boy-toy off the dance floor and said we needed to leave for an emergency.

“I’m not done though!” She looked a little wasted already, we’ve been here for almost an hour, how did she get another chance to steal more liquor.

“Tyler, what are you doing here?” Apparently Samantha and Tyler were arguing in the front so the bouncer didn’t let them inside.

“Cindy…I miss you.” Tyler said as he took Cindy’s hands from the other guy accompanying us.

“What the f-uck Tyler, you’re with me.” Samantha gave an annoyed look to him and pulled them both apart.

I could tell Cindy still looked hurt, but didn’t want to be there at that moment. “You should leave Tyler…”

“I don’t want to be with her Cindy, please know that I love you.” Samantha started being emotional now.

“You promised you would stay with me TYLER.” She put her hands onto her stomach.  “What about…”

“I don’t want you. I’m through with this, I love Cindy and that’s all.” Declan and I were just on the side watching the entire thing unfold.

“I can’t believe you.” Samantha started running out to the sidewalk where one of the heels fell off, she tried picking it up, but then dropped her purse that contained her womanly items.

“Samantha, get off the street.” She stood up and started walking onto the street, Declan kept on shouting at her and started to run towards her.

Everything was a blur…the car…it hit her.  “Samanthaaaa!”

“Samantha, get out. of. the. street.” Tyler said as he stood there motionless, watching Declan running towards her, but he couldn’t get there in time.

“OH MY GOSH. Samantha got hit.” Cindy started to cry towards me.

“Call 9-1-1.” Declan instructed me from afar.

“9-1-1, What’s your emergency?”

“Please send an ambulance to Crazy Taverns…my friend…” I don’t know what feeling came over me to call her my friend, perhaps the sudden disturbing image in front of my eyes, “She got hit by a car…”

Chapter Twelve

Zack was the first one waiting at the hospital emergency center when they rushed Samantha inside.  Since we weren’t family members, we had to wait just like everyone else in the waiting room.

It was already four in the morning and still nothing.  Doctors must be saving her life.

“Yes for Samantha”, called out the doctor in the emergency waiting room.  We all stood up, with our puffy-eyed blank stares, waiting, praying for a miracle.  “Any relatives here?”

We had explained to them that Samantha’s aunt was her guardian and that she’s still travelling to come over here and stay with her.  “Can we please just know…is she okay?”  I frighteningly asked.

“She’s suffered major head trauma, we were able to stop the internal bleeding in her abdominal section, but… we weren’t able to save the child.”  Tears from Cindy and I flowed to the ground in symphony.

Tyler looked shocked and couldn’t believe what he had just heard and had Cindy crying in his arms.  Even though we weren’t all friends, we understood what it meant to lose a life, even if it was a fetus.

Zack stood up from the chair he was still sitting on, “Thank you Doctor…Thank you for saving her life.”  It was true.  One life was lost, but the other was still  breathing.

“It’s going to take her a while to recooperate, she suffered some broken bones, but luckily she’s alive.  This truly is a miracle.” The doctor continued to say as she finally left the room we were all dreading to be.

The group sat back down, with most of us filling the emergency room, but we didn’t care.  “We should go and get some sleep”, Declan whispered in my ear, “You’re tired.”

Cindy overhearing stood up, “Yeah, we should get some sleep guys.  We can come visit tomorrow morning.  Either way finals week is coming up, we should be getting our winter break in about two weeks.”

Everyone stood up, except for Zack.  He waited patiently in the chair where many had sat to wait for their loved ones.  I walked over to him and placed my hand against his, “You okay?”

He started twisting his phone in many directions in the palm of his hand, “Just…pissed off.”

“You shouldn’t be…she’s  alive Zack.” I whispered back and embraced him on a comfortable side hug.  “You shouldn’t be upset at the world or the idiot that did this…Samantha is going to need you…especially at a time like this.”

He lifted his head up and looked at my face, the emptiness of the look in his eyes sent a shiver down my spine, “Thank you.”

I ended up skipping class this morning, obviously because of what happened last night, but my body felt restless.  “Declan?”  I looked around to find the couch empty.  I looked beside me and didn’t feel his warm body next to mine.

The time on the clock screen told me that it was already too late to even take a shower.  Quickly, I rose up and dressed myself to catch my next noon class.

I don’t know if it was me, but the walls of the university seemed emptier.  Everyone looked rushed and speeding to their next class.  Was life like this all the time?  Or did I just feel like everything is different when I know life can be taken away so easily?

I texted Cindy to make sure she was okay.  She had spent the night at Tyler’s house, I don’t know if the situation had got them together.  I felt like it was a need that I should be there with Samantha when she woke up.

Taking the news of your baby’s death wasn’t going to be easy…and I’m sure Zack didn’t know how to handle that either.

“Ariel!” I turned around and saw Declan looking super handsome this morning, waving at me like I was the only girl he saw at that moment.

“Jake where were you?” I asked dropping my backpack accidentally.

“Someone had to go to Biology class sleepyhead”, he kissed my forehead and made me feel like a kid again while at the same time picking up my backpack.

“I was thinking of swinging by the hospital…just in case if Samantha wakes up.”

Declan said it was a great idea, that i’m the perfect person to reveal such devastating news with caring smiles.  He left to go practice with the guys in his athletic club and I casually walked inside my classroom, already late as it is.

I noticed that Zack wasn’t here this time annoying me, but I’m glad he’s there by Samantha’s side.  It’s so funny how literally he cheated on me with her and now i’m over here caring about the person.  “Ariel are you paying attention.”

I focused at the front of the classroom where the professor had called me to answer a question, “Yes, i’m sorry.”  I answered his question and continued to doodle and daydream about my real-life problems.  Stupid professor.  Why do they always have to call on you like that?

“Hey are you okay?” I asked Cindy whom I had met after class.

“Yeah…I just can’t believe what happened with Samantha”, she lowered her head and started to shed a few tears, “Tyler is heartbroken.”

“I guess you never know what you have until it’s gone”, I replied back with her nodding.  “Are you and Tyler going together again…?”

I questioned the obvious, but I wanted to make sure that Samantha wouldn’t freak out.  After all, she lost her baby and now she’s losing her baby’s daddy!  “Yeah…” she replied back cautiously.

“Well you two do make a great couple.” I smiled, relieving the stress that was on top of her head.

“Thanks Ariel.” With that, Tyler had ended up coming and saying they were all going to meet Samantha during lunch time.

We all squeezed in Declan’s vehicle and headed to the hospital.  When we got there, Zack looked extremely tired, but was determined and eager to see Samantha.

Samantha’s aunt had finally arrived late this morning, but we all greeted her with warm and concerning hearts.  “Visitation rights can begin already for the family of Samantha.”

We all rushed to get the open pass, but only one person was allowed at a time, so of course we let the aunt visit her first.  Zack, since he was waiting there forever, could understand that family came first, but we all knew he would be the next person on the list.

Just a couple of minutes later Samantha’s aunt came out silently sobbing and needing to sit down, “Do you want me to buy you a water bottle?”  She nodded and I rushed to go get her one, borrowing a dollar from Declan.

Zack immediately rushed inside to go see her.  We already had been waiting there for almost an hour, but school didn’t start until night time for me anyway.  After about thirty-minutes Zack came out, “She’s awake.”

We all looked at each other and happily cheered for our friend who was truly a miracle .  “How does she feel?”

“I can’t tell her Ariel…” Zack replied with a saddened look on his face.  “She’s asking for you.”

I stood up, kissed Declan on his lips quickly, and immediately rushed inside to go see her, “I’ll be right back”, I said out loud to the group.

The hallways seemed too white for this hospital…or maybe they were all like this, but I never noticed it.  I kept on walking to the room that the nurse attendant had informed me.

I took a deep breath and went inside.  Machines were everywhere.  Her leg was risen up to the broken bones in there with a cast, her abdomen had been patch up, but I couldn’t clearly see, because of the gown she was wearing.  “Samantha?”

She slowly lifted a finger and motioned for me to come over there, “Ariel…” she lightly said, barely being able to speak, but shedding tears everywhere.  “You don’t have to tell me… I know my baby isn’t here anymore.”

I couldn’t stop crying.  “Samantha, everything is going to be okay.”  I wasn’t lying though.  She had people who loved her dearly.

“Tyler?” I motioned a no, but mentioned that he was outside there in the waiting room.

“You have Zack who loves you so much”, I replied, “He’s been waiting here for about twelve hours now; stayed up all night until you woke up.”

“He really loves  me…” Samantha started crying more, “That’s all I ever wanted .”

She finally understood.  The hard part was over.

“I don’t want to ever end up like that Declan”, I said when we came back to the dorms to relax and just capture everything that had happened.

“What do you mean?” I guess I wasn’t being specific enough, but I didn’t want to end up so frail, without love, or at least thinking that I didn’t have anyone to love.

“Life is too short to realize what you have in front of you”, I went up to him and stood by him while I took his hand, “I love you Declan Hart and I always will.”

It was true, I love him.  With all of my heart, my precious Declan Hart.  He stood in front of me, happily, and hugged me tighter than he had ever hugged me before.  He was holding out on me, because I felt his muscle grasp my small body compared to his, “I will always love you Ariel.”

“I’m glad she’s awake you know.” He agreed with me, but we continued to start studying now.  Suddenly Declan gets a phone call.  I wonder who it could be.

“My mother, she’s in danger Ariel…”, he tried choking the words out, but couldn’t speak, “I need to go get her.”

I rushed and packed the things he could need and I would need, “I’m coming with you.”

“No.” He looked at me and kissed me, “I need you to stay here, here I want you to take this.”  He pulled out a box that contained a beautiful emerald ring, one that didn’t need words to explain how much the person felt about you.

I embraced his hug and put the ring on, “Thank you Declan.” I admitted while tears filled my eyes.  With that, he left and promised he would call me.

I didn’t get much details after that, but I waited there patiently, continuing my homework that I need to turn in for our finals week.

He later texted me that they were in danger three zone, which meant that somehow his father found out about where they are located, and now they need to be hidden.  Does that mean that I won’t be able to see him?

“ I’m sorry babe, but I will only be able to text you from now on, I will let you know if anything changes.“  The next few days I couldn’t tell anybody about where he was, only that he had to work.  Of course everyone was surprised that he had a job, we never spoke about those things.

It could be months that I won’t be able to see Declan…my love.  I held onto the ring that was his promise to me, that he will always love me.

“Ariel are you okay, you don’t seem okay.” Cindy asked me while we were inside my dorm, relaxing.

“Just a little spaced out, I miss him.” I made sure to not say Declan’s real name.  “It’s been almost two weeks and I haven’t had the chance to see him much.”

“Yeah what’s up with that…is his job full-time that you’ll never see him”, that stunned my soul, I didn’t want it to be forever, “Plus, I have to tell you something.”

“What is it?” I wondered.

“Samantha is healing perfectly fine, doctors are calling it a true miracle”, she grabbed the aqua nail polish for her toes, “And, Tyler and I, … Well we’re together again.”

“I’m so happy for you…who was that other guy anyway?” I was talking about that weirdo that had been in our Biology class for that one day and witness the car hit.

“Some asshole”, she didn’t leave me just at that though, “I met him at some bar, but he was about seven years older than me.”

“Ewe”, I laughed, even though I was just messing with her, “I have to tell you something also.” I started recalling that night where she had been broken up and what I had witness with Tyler and Samantha.  “He really does love you Cindy, he might be the perfect guy for you.”

She had tears almost in her eyes, “So what else happened that night, did you do what we had said, even though it’s a bit fuzzy…so I can’t remember what we told you to do.”

“Yup, I lost my virginity!” I exclaimed, “It was the most wonderful feeling ever, it hurt like a b-itch, but it was amazing because it was with Jake.”

“I’m so happy for you!” Cindy gave me a high-five like we were guys at some bar.

“Do you want to sleepover tonight?” I questioned her, while she was still painting her toes, “Cause Jake isn’t here…and now I got used to sleeping with someone.” I laughed.

“No problem darling.” She winked at me, “But you know I’m hugger.”

“No problem with me!” I laughed.

That night I had the worst nightmare that I ever had, I woke up with sweaty palms and I was running out of air.  Cindy had slept on the couch next to me and was sleeping like nothing could ever bother her.  I checked my phone and was relieved that there was a message from Declan:   Please be careful, they say he’s been going by the university to check up on me, I don’t know how he got that information, but I hope he doesn’t find out you’re my girlfriend.  They’re bringing the SWAT team so that they can rally him up and pick him up, but he seems to escape all the time.  They don’t want to alarm the university, so just make sure you don’t stay alone.  I love you Ariel.

A murderer was out there and nobody was doing anything about it.  I quickly texted him back that I loved him too and everything that has been going around, but I knew he wouldn’t reply, the witness protection kept a tight ship.  He probably hid his cell phone.

I tried going back to sleep, but I had an eery feeling that someone was watching me.  Finally though, I went into a deep sleep.

It was really hard to get back into this book, so I hope it’s not too bad, but I’m thinking of changing the title, let me know in the comments what you think!  Hopefully next chapter will be a little longer.

XO, Zed.

Chapter Thirteen

“Ariel open the door!” I woke up to Cindy’s voice ringing inside my head, making every node in my ear hurt and tingle.  “ARIEL ARE YOU OKAY?”

I quickly got up, still dressed in my pajamas and rushed to open the door that I had hoped was a dream, “Cindy what’s going on?”

Cindy immediately hugged me, crying hysterically, but looking extremely concerned, “Oh my gosh Ariel, I thought something happened to you.  Especially after they found that body in front of this dorm, I just couldn’t help but had this weird feeling they were after you.”

“Body? Cindy you’re scaring me, what are you talking about?” I had left my door slightly open to where I could see officers, lab technicians, and even detectives passing by in the hallway.

“They’re evacuating this dorm, you have to get your stuff and go home, they’re canceling all classes until they find this murderer.”  Why didn’t this feel real?  Declan was just talking about his mother being in trouble, there’s no way that this could be connected.  Or could it be?

“Wait, I can’t go home…” My house wasn’t necessarily two minutes away, it was in a different state.  I can’t leave when there’s so much stuff going on, “Cindy, whose body did they find?”

“Some kid that lives in your dorm, apparently he was next door to Jake’s dorm, that’s why I was worried to you.”  Okay, this is no coincidence.  They were looking for him.  His dad found him.  “You can stay with me for the meanwhile.”

I thanked her and started gathering my things.  I checked my phone for messages while a few police officers were already letting students know that they need to evacuate in five minutes.  I grabbed my phone, a few clothes and stuffed them in a bag and started heading out the door.

Students were scared, teachers were worried for us, and still no Declan in sight.  They had already removed the body, but the blood was still there stained for everyone to see.  It was gruesome.

Suddenly I get a phone call from an unidentified number, I answered quickly, “Hello?”

“Ariel are you okay?” Oh thank God.  Finally I get to hear his voice and make sure he’s okay.  I ran to a secluded spot before I got in Cindy’s car so we could go to her house.

I sat beside the dorm and in between a bench, “Declan what is going on? And yes I’m okay.”

“My dad…he located us and now he’s checking every place where he’s spotted me.” I could tell that he was pretty nervous from the sound of his voice.

“Do you think he’ll come after me?”

“You just need to stay with Cindy or someone you can trust, because if anything I’m sure everyone I’ve ever spoken to is in danger.” This was beyond crazy.

“Declan…what if he finds me?” I was started to shake uncontrollably, this can’t be happening to me, as much as I loved him, I didn’t want to die young.

“Just stay safe okay, stay with Cindy, you’ll be okay.” I hung up the phone and rushed back to Cindy who was waiting for me in her car.

“Everything okay?” She could tell that my face looked blank and startled, “Girl, what’s wrong with you?”

“I have to tell you something, but not here.” We went back to her house to talk and so I could get the sight of the two bodies out of my head.

“Drop the details, what is going on?”

She could tell I was nervous, I didn’t even know where to start.  “So Jake…”

“Yeah, where is he anyway, why is he leaving you by himself?” I was playing with the strings on my hoodie.

“His real name isn’t actually Jake…” Cindy sat down next to me and started to pay attention.  She’s always been the attention-whore and a gossiper, so I had to make sure that she paid real close to what I was about to say.

“Ariel, what the hell are you talking about? What do you mean that his name isn’t  Jake ?”

“Before I tell you any of this, you have to promise you won’t say anything before all of this blows over.”

“Girl, you’re scaring me, just spit it out.”

I took in a deep breath, “His real name is Declan Hart, he’s already finished college a couple of years ago, he owns a successful business disguised as H & O Publishing…and the only reason why he’s posing as a college student is because his dad; who tried killing his mom when he was little is trying to look for them.”

I took a view at Cindy’s face and I could tell she was freaked out, “I’m not even done with the worst part…”

“Which is…”, Cindy laid back in her bed and was staring up at the ceiling.

“Right now his mom and him are hiding in the witness protection program because he’s the one that killed those students at the dorm.  His dad found him, and he’s looking for Declan.  There could be a slight chance that he might come after us to get information.”

“WHAT THE FUCK ARIEL?” Cindy stood up and started to go balistic, “What if he comes looking for us over here?”

“Calm down Cindy, the police are looking for all the people that his family was in contact with and are placing police officers around us especially since we were always in that group”, I barely found out about that information when one of the detectives had sent me a message, just in case if his dad had bugged my phone.

“What is wrong with that guy? What if Jake, I mean  Declan doesn’t make it? What if we die? What if…”, Cindy was having a panic attack.  I tried calming her down and tried to give her some water to drink.

“How do you think I’ve been feeling about this entire thing? It started out as a simple lab partner, then my boyfriend, and now I could be the murderer’s target.” I looked down, sitting at the edge of her bed, “I’m scared Cindy.”

“Oh gosh Sweetie, I hadn’t even thought about how you could be feeling about this whole thing…” She came over to my side to come and hug me, “Wow and I thought my drama with Tyler couldn’t be topped by anything else.”

I gave a quick laugh, “Yeah, I just miss him so much, even though I could die, I love him so much.”

“I never thought you would fall in love with someone like him, but the fact that his dad tried to murder his mom, what kind of person would do such a thing?”

“I know, anyway, let’s not talk about this.  I really don’t want to get bummed out anymore.” I started to look for the DVDs she had in her room and popped in Legally Blonde, one of our favorite movies.

“I know, let’s just have a girl night, just you and me.” She went to go make popcorn, get some hot cheetos, sodas, and candy, “Plus, if he tries to kill us, then at least we’ll die together.”

“Very funny”, She could tell I wasn’t amused by the joke.

“I’m just kidding darling, so anyway, you and Declan have gotten extremely close, considering that he told you his family drama and life story.”

I took a bag of chips and was nodding my head in agreement, “Yeah he’s wonderful, and I lost my virginity to him, so I have to admit that I’m so happy that he loves me for me.”

“Oh yeah, I totally forgot that you did lose it to him, any kinky s-ex lately?” I didn’t want to start dishing out the personal time we already had with each other, so I just replied no.

“Boo, well, you’ll get there”, she took a sip of her sprite, “Tyler and I have gotten closer due to Samantha losing her baby.”

“That sounds so mean Cindy, she’s been doing well though, the counselor that she’s seeing has been helping her to transition into a new life.”

“I didn’t mean it like that, I just meant it in the way that really does care about me, we’re closer than ever.  And I’ve been visiting Samantha too, we’ve actually grown closer as friends.” It was weird that now we had this little group of college friends we could rely on.

I never thought that I would get close to Samantha, my ex’s girlfriend that he cheated on me with, but she was a good friend, if anything it was his fault, “Yeah you’re right. What about Zack, has he been doing okay?”

“Last time I heard, yes.  He’s been with Samantha every step of the way”, I smiled and ate some of my popcorn and continued watching my favorite part where Elle is teaching the bend and snap.

“Everything seems to be in place huh?”

“You got that right. So tell me about this business that Jake has..I mean Declan. That really is going to get some getting used to girlfriend.” We laughed in unison, yup, she was right.  It even took me a while to get the hang of his real name.

“It’s called H & O Publishing, it stands for Hart and Olsen, I even met his mom.” Cindy almost choked on the popcorn she was eating.

“You what? When was this?”

“A couple of weeks ago, she is  so pretty Cindy, you wouldn’t even believe she was the age she said she was. Anyway, we had a good time, and the company is so beautiful and professional, obviously right, but I mean it’s huge.” I was using my hands to show her a visual demonstration, but that didn’t do it justice.

“Wow, well you got it made then. He’s cute, smart, and rich.”

I giggled, “Shut up Cindy, you know I never cared about money.” I stood up and started to look out the window, “I just want to see him and know that everything is going to be okay.”

“He is, don’t worry about it.” She came over to hug me, “Everything IS going to be okay girl.”

I woke up in the middle of the night again. I couldn’t help but feel that someone was watching me. “Hello?” I got up and saw that Cindy was sound asleep right next to me on her bed.  I walked over to her window and saw a shadow. “Is someone there?” I whispered lightly so Cindy wouldn’t wake up.

The shadow started to move away, could it be Declan? I put on my boots and a sweater to go check outside. Maybe he came to check up on me. Oh my gosh, I missed him so much!

I stood right in front of Cindy’s back screen door, I paused. What if this is Declan’s dad? Declan did say that he’s out there just trying to get something on them so it can lure them out to kill them. I put my hand on the door knob…

“Ariel, what are you doing up?” I turned around startled to look at Cindy whom her hair was all over the place. She turned on the light that made me squint my eyes until they adjusted to the brightness.

“Um, nothing, I just heard something outside…”

“You too?” We were in the kitchen and she got us both glasses of water, “Gosh, I thought I was the only one hearing breathing noises right up to my ear. Phew! Probably just a bad dream.”

Breathing noises… could he have gotten inside her house? “What time was this?”

“Just a couple of minutes before I heard you wake up, I didn’t want to turn around and find someone there, Ha.” Oh no, Cindy… He got inside.

“Cindy, call the cops.”

“Yes officer, you have to believe what I am saying.” I had explained everything from the truth about Declan and his family and the reason why he was here. “It’s connected to the crime at the university.”

“We will have some police officers watching your home, there’s nothing to be worried about anymore.”  Cindy’s parents looked a little confused and regretting to have me stay over at their home now.

“Well my parents are totally freaked out.” I apologized so many times to them already, I didn’t know what else to say.

“Cindy, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean for any of this to happen to you and your family.”

“Girl, don’t worry about it, he’s my friend too, if anything it was bound to happen.”

“Yeah, but maybe not like this.” Since they had cancelled school for the entire week, the university decided to finish the finals and have the final grades put in early so we could already wait for next semester.  “Hey, we should do something tomorrow morning.”

“You mean this morning… it’s already four.” Her restless eyes were my fault, I could tell she wanted to sleep.

I turned off the light and kept the night-light on, “We should have breakfast with our friends tomorrow, what do you think?”

“I hope you mean late breakfast of course.” We laughed and drifted off to sleep for the rest of the morning.

“Oh my gosh, guys!” Samantha had been invited with Zack who were now worried for both Cindy and I.  “So what are you going to do with the whole Jake thing, where is he anyway?”

I didn’t spill out the beans, but I told them enough for them to stop asking so many questions. “Well, I’m just glad you guys came out here, because Cindy and I are losing our minds.”

Since she knew the entire story, it was easy for her to go along with the flow, “Yay, the pancakes are here!” We had decided to meet at the Ihop Restaurant, those pancakes were to die for. “So what shall we do today guys?”

“I was thinking maybe we can go to the beach”, Tyler said, while grabbing a handfull stack of pancakes on his plate, “You can try on that new swimsuit I bought you.”

“You guys are so dirty!” I laughed and drank a sip of my orange juice, “Of course guys will always have something else in mind.”

“That’s actually a great idea, don’t you think Ariel?” Cindy winked at me, I guess she wanted to spend some alone time with Tyler.

“Fine.” I mumbled and continued eating. This was totally turning out to a double date, and I’m the third wheel.  Zack had Samantha, Tyler and Cindy were together, and all I kept on thinking about was me missing Declan. I needed him.

Hey gorgeous, I hope you have a good day today. My mom and I are safe, they’re moving us to a new location, I don’t know why.

I quickly texted back,  I miss you so much Declan, by any chance do you know where they’re moving you?

Somewhere close to where I live, that’s all I know. They’re saying that the FBI thinks he can be lured over here and then they can catch him.

Okay, well I will let you know if I hear anything. Love you Declan. XOXO Ariel.

“Are you even paying attention Ariel? I feel like I’m always talking to a wall.” Everybody started laughing and getting their things ready to pay the tab.

“Sorry, just texting away.”

“Oh, is that Jake? Tell him he needs to come to the beach with us!” Samantha almost shouted, her and Zack were all in love again. I’m glad she’s doing better now too.

“Well, I’m just going to go to my dorm really quick to pick up my swimsuit, I’ll meet you at your house Cindy?”

“Yup, Tyler and I are going there first, text me when you’re ready! Be careful.” So crazy how everybody does their own part in life. The Ihop was walking distance from the university so I ended up walking back to my dorm.

“Ariel Wilson?” I turned around and saw a man about six feet tall, dressed in blue jeans, a white dressy shirt, and a blazer.

“Who’s asking?” I had to be careful nowadays, I can’t just trust anyone, and Declan never showed me a picture of his dad.

“The FBI, don’t worry, I’m not going to hurt you.” I silently sighed and walked toward him. “I know you’re in a romantic relationship with Declan Hart, we need you to come with us to place you in a witness protection program as well.”

“Um, but my friends, we have plans today…”

“Already taken care of. We’re moving them right now, so we need you to come into the vehicle with us.”

I looked behind him and saw a black car parked on the street, “How do I know you’re not lying to me?”

“Trust me, a kidnapper and killer wouldn’t come ask you in person to come with them, he knows there would be a struggle.” That is true, but I couldn’t help but be safe in a manner like this.

“Okay, well where are we going?”

“It’s a little spot right behind the Hart’s home.” Oh, that’s where Declan said he was getting moved to.

“Okay, let’s go.” I started walking to the vehicle in a hurry, if there’s a chance I can see him, I need to. As I was getting inside the car, I felt a small pain in my arm.

As I turned around to see what hurt me, dizziness started to fulfill me. I could see that the man had taken out a needle from my arm and placed it back in his blazer. “Why… are you doing…”

“That little sh-it needs to come somehow and this time I promise, his mother  won’t  live.” SH-IT.

I woke up, tied up on a chair in the middle of Declan’s living room, “Hello?”

“Oh, you finally woke up. No wonder Declan is so in love with you, you’re a pretty one.” He started to place his hand on my cheek, rubbing it in a soft motion.

“Don’t touch me!” He spit in front of me and then slapped me hard.

“Look sh-ithead, you’re going to message Declan back on your little, stupid phone and tell him he needs to come here.” No. I won’t do it. I can’t betray him like that.

“NO!” He slapped me harder again, “LEAVE ME ALONE.”

“Every second you don’t, I’ll start cutting you up into little pieces.” With that, he slid the knife from behind his pocket and slashed a big cut on my thigh.

“AHHH.” The pain was the worst feeling I’ve ever felt. “Okay…” I love Declan so much, I’m sure he’ll find a way.

“CALL HIM NOW.” I slowly dialed the number once he let my hands free and waited to hear his voice.

“Hello? Ariel are you okay?”

“Declan…” His dad gave me a stern look to not let him know he was here, “I need you to come.”

“What’s wrong? I told you I can’t leave this place.”

“I’m at your house and you need to come.” I was sniffling, cryng, and hopefully Declan got the message that he needed to come right at this instant.

“You don’t sound okay, what’s wrong?” His dad hung up the phone and smashed it into pieces.

“Let the party begin.” He gave a sly smile, “Don’t want to spoil the fun, but I brought my parting gifts.”

He opened a bag full with every single type of knife, a saw, and more tools. How am I going to get out of this one?

Woah, CRAZY STUFF. Anyway, I’m thinking of changing the title of this story only to match what the story is actually about, leave in the comments of your suggestions. :) Vote and Comment for more! XO, Zed.

Chapter Fourteen

Declan’s POV

I knew this was risky, but the FBI had decided that it was for the best if we had used Ariel as bait to lure my father out. It worked. But now I’m regretting ever making the decision and agreeing to it.

“She’s going to be okay, the FBI is watching her as we speak.” I looked at my mother and felt instantly sad for her. The bags under her eyes only admitted to me that she wasn’t sleeping either. Ever since this nonsense started, ever since he tried to kill her I wasn’t able to sleep good.

It wasn’t until I met Ariel that everything changed, “Thanks mother.” I kept pacing back and forth, trying to make sense that this had to come to an end at one point. I guess that time was now.

One of the men in uniform came to check up on us at the secret place, “We didn’t get to go inside.”

“What the hell are you talking about? You said this was going to work.” I could see the nervousness that he was displaying. Fu-ck, Fu-ck. Ariel is out there with a lunatic. “I’m leaving.”

My mother grabbed me by the arm, “You can’t. He’ll kill you just to get to me.”

“He has Ariel. I can’t leave her behind. He called for me anyway.”

“No, he wants me.” My mother stood up from the chair she was sitting at against the table and started to head out the door.

“Madam, I’m sorry, but we cannot put your life in danger.”

“Leave her the fu-ck alone, you guys are the ones that screwed up.” 

“Declan, don’t worry. I can calm him.”

“I’m going with you.” We both agreed and started to walk the distance to our house.

That house was supposed to be our safe haven in this witness protection program. Of course everything was lie, but it was still a good life. My mother provided me with more that I could ever ask for; I have memories in that house with Ariel.

The path to our house was not too far; I had to run though. Ariel’s life was in danger and by the sounds of it I could hear tools in the background rumbling. “Do you think you made the right decision?”

“What do you mean son?”

“In having me with him.” I could tell that she didn’t like the question, but I had to ask it. “I know you love me, but do you regret ever loving him?”

“Your father was a good man. I knew he was probably going to lose it because of his family history, but I just loved him so much I didn’t want to admit it to myself.”

“Do you think I’m going to be like him… you said it’s in the family history. What’s preventing the same thing happening to me?”

“The difference is that you’re nothing like him Declan. You were never going to be like him.”

“How are you sure? What if I lose my temper, what if I become exactly like him?”

“He’s not your real father.” What? How could he not be my real father? I grew up with him. He fed me, bathed me, and clothed me. There’s no reason why he can’t be my father.

“What do you mean…”

She started to walk a little slower, but I urged her to not stop. “You see, I had a best friend back in high school who loved me so much. When I went to college I met your father and we fell in love. When he told me about his family history, I didn’t want to risk having a son or daughter with him that could fall in the same footsteps that his own father did.” We were already getting to the front of our victorian house, “My best friend Henry and I shared an intimate moment one night. I ended up getting pregnant.”

“Is he still alive? Sh-it, this story just keeps on getting more complicated.”

“I know and I’m sorry Declan. Unfortunately he died of cancer a few years back, but your father found out early on about it. It’s what triggered his psychosis.” Everything made sense. Now I know why he’s upset at her.

“You stay out here, I’m stronger, so I can try to push the door open.” There was a spare door that nobody knew about, not even the FBI. On a side note, I probably should’ve mentioned that to them so they could get inside, but we wanted to keep it safe.

I started heading to the back door so I could go to the secret entrance. There was an underground route that led up to the back room of our house. I pushed it open and set in the lock code so I could get in. Good. I got in.

Ariel’s POV

“Please don’t do this to me Mr. Hart, I didn’t do anything to you.”

“You are in love with Declan, I had to use you as bait to get him to come here. It doesn’t even matter. I need my wife. I need to kill her for what she’s done.”

“I’m sure she didn’t mean to do what she did. She was just looking out for all of you, as a family.” If there was any way I could reason with this man, I was going to try.

“Declan isn’t my son.”

“How can’t he be, he is. He loves you so much…” I didn’t feel good lying to him, but maybe by chance Declan did love him.

“My wife cheated on me…” I could see the saddened look on his face, “That’s why she deserves to die.”

I started to cry silently again, “I don’t want to die. Please let me go.”

“We’re going to start on you.” He took off the rope behind me, except for my legs, and moved me from off the chair so I could be laying on the table.

“Please…” now I really started to get scared. “Please don’t do this.”

“They’ve left me no choice.” He took the saw and placed it slowly onto my leg, “I’m sorry.”

“Please…” the tears were uncontrollable now.

“Father.” I saw Declan from the corner of my eye. Since he didn’t expect him yet, he let go of the saw unbalanced that slightly cut my leg.

“Ahhh!” This pain was unbearable. I had the one on my thigh, now this.

He threw down the saw and looked at Declan, “Where’s your mother?”

“I’m right here.” I could now see his mom standing at the doorway and Declan came over to untie me. “You want me, but I won’t let you have me.”

“The hell you won’t. I didn’t fu-cking do all of this for fun.” He took a machete from the bag below him and started to run after her.

Shots. Two of them. In one instance Declan’s mother was running away from him, but they had unlocked the door that led the FBI in.

“Please get an ambulance for this young woman and the Harts. We’re calling it in to the big guys.” FBI in uniform started to gather all around us and some policemen that had heard the distress calls nearby had come over to ask questions for the investigations log.

“I want to apologize for putting you in this position.” Declan took my hand and led me outside to where his mom was getting the care she needed.

I hugged him. Tight. I have been waiting for almost a week to feel his body next to mine, “I missed you.”

He laughed, “I missed you too Ariel.”

“What’s going to happen now?”

“Well, I guess we can start heading to our normal lives. My mother is going to visit her side of the family for a little while and I think I’ve found a new town to stay.”

I lowered my head, “You’re leaving too.”

“No, I’m here to stay.” He picked up my face with his fingers and kissed me passionately. “I can’t leave without the love of my life.”

“So that means… no more lying right? Now my friends can know your real life?” I giggled.

“Yeah”, he chuckled and took me to the ambulance to get fixed up.

TWO WEEKS LATER.

“So, now you’re living with him?” Cindy looked at me as I started to pack my things from the dorm.

“Yeah, you can say that.”

“Oh, my, gosh! I am so happy for you girl. So I guess he’s not going to pretend to be a college student either huh? Man, he’s so lucky… I’m getting worned out with all of this school stuff.”

I grabbed a few more things to pack, “Yeah he’s going to be taking care of H & O Publishing since his mom has stepped down. He bought a new house not too far from here so I can keep on attending the university.”

Cindy could tell that I was blushing, “You are so happy right now, aren’t you?”

“I really am.” She came over and hugged me, “Thanks Cindy.”

“You are going to be great with him. I’m glad that he’s making you live with him too, now you get to have lots and lots of…” I didn’t let her finish that sentence as I placed my hand over her mouth. “Fine, fine!”

“Ready sweetheart?” Declan had come by after Cindy left with Tyler so I could start putting my things in his car.

“Yes sir.”

“Ugh, don’t say that. Now that I don’t have the college student title under my belt, I instantly feel old.”

“Shut up. You’re not that much older than I am.”

“I own a freaking company, that pretty much sums it up.” Declan took a few suitcases and we started to walk out the dorm building. “Are you going to miss this place?”

“Well, I’m still going to be going to school.” I laughed and continued walking, “Plus, I met you here.”

“I guess it’s a good thing I became your lab partner huh?”

“You know, in the end, you didn’t really teach me anything…”

“You think I was going to teach you how to be great in bed for your boyfriend when I wanted you all along? You must be out of your mind.”

“Ha.” We got inside the car, “Here’s to a new life together then.”

“I couldn’t agree more Ariel. And guess what?”

I looked at him, “What?”

“Here’s the new key to our home.” I stared at the box that was wrapped in a beautiful, silk ribbon in my favorite color. The rhinestones around the box was a little too fancy for just a key.

I opened it and there it was. A key with another ribbon to hang by it, oh, and something was added too.

“Are you serious?” I took out the diamond ring that was hanging next to the key. I immediately took it off and tried it on my ring.

“Ariel Wilson, will you do me the honor in becoming my wife? I want to wake up to your beautiful face every single morning. I want you to be Mrs. Declan Hart so that guys will know that you’re taken. Will you please take this ring and I promise you that I will always take care of you. And I will love you to my fullest extent.”

I hadn’t even noticed that I was crying, tears of joy were spilling down to my sundress, “Yes.” I didn’t know what else to say, but my emotions spoke for themselves.

“Yes?”

“YES!” I jumped on him inside the car that was taking us to our new home together by his driver. “Yes, Yes!” We started kissing each other. I couldn’t stop, he had just made me the happiest woman alive.

“I love you Ariel Wilson.”

“And I love you Declan Hart.”

OH MY GOSH. And with that the book ends :( but I am providing a Chapter Fifteen (which is actually the Epilogue.) What did you guys think? I know, pretty crazy. If you want to read a steamy book, go on to my profile and read “You’re My Addiction”. Or if you want to read “Back in Town” for some warm feelings of memories.

VOTE AND COMMENT for this book. :) And watch out for a new book that might be coming out soon. Thanks for reading my first story on Wattpad. I appreciate all of my readers.

 XO, Zed.

Epilogue

Five years ago.

“Aren’t you a little bit nervous?” Cindy was fixing my hair and putting small hair pins that had blue flowers on them.

I looked at myself in the vanity, the mirror facing back at me was showing the perfection of my make-up and the curls in my hair that were pinned back with the hair pins that Cindy had just put on my hair, “Not one bit. This is exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

I stood up and faced Cindy, “Oh my gosh. You look beautiful.”

This white dress that was on me was the first choice I had picked when I entered the bridal store down the street, “Thank you.” I had no tears. I was ready for this.

I walked down the aisle as I looked at Declan’s face; he was standing there in his tuxedo that dawned his handsome side. Tears were running down my face, I was evidently happy.

He stood next to me to greet me, “Nice seeing you here today in this lovely morning.”

I laughed, “You too.”

The pastor that was giving the marriage ceremony spoke as everyone in the room was silent, waiting for our replies.

“I do, as long as this beautiful woman next to me agrees to stay by my side for as long as I live.”

I smiled at Declan’s response as tears were still pouring down my face. Get it together Ariel, I don’t want to ruin Cindy’s make-up. “I do!” I hugged Declan hard, almost leaning against him. “I promise to stay by your side as long as I live. I love you.”

“And I love you.”

Present.

“Stop.” Declan was licking and kissing my neck as we were ruffling in bed, “You’re gonna make me want to stay in bed when I clearly have to get up and get breakfast already.”

“So stay then.”

“Mmhmm, when you have somewhere to be also mister, don’t you have that important meeting today?”

“Ugh, yes, don’t remind me.” Declan stopped his procrastinating and stood up to stretch, “Koyang from China is coming today. We’re going to be representing a big author for the year.”

“Wow, that is big news. I’m surprised you haven’t told me about it.”

“I wanted to surprise you.” He reached over and bent down on the bed to kiss me on the lips, “I’m gonna take a quick shower okay?”

“I will start on that breakfast.” I finally got out of bed and put on my robe and stepped inside the kitchen.

I took the eggs from the refrigerator, “Morning sweetie.” Elizabeth sat down on the bar and placed her sleepyhead on the counter, “Want some breakfast?”

“Mommy, I don’t want to go to school today”, I looked at her messy hair that was definitely going to need a little bit of TLC.

“I know Elizabeth, but we all have jobs to do and yours is to go to school okay?”

“But mommy…”

I placed three plates on the table and orange juice in three cups, “Honey, your five-year-old daughter doesn’t want to go to school today. Please explain why it’s important to go.”

I glanced at Declan who was in his suit already and sat down to eat his pancakes, eggs, and bacon, “Elizabeth, if you don’t want to go to school, then you can stay here with mommy.”

“Declan!” I quickly shot him a glare, “You are seriously going to get in trouble.”

“No, you’ll be the one getting in trouble tonight.” He winked at me and drank some of his orange juice. “Sweetie, you need to go to school. Don’t you want to be smart?”

Elizabeth tossed her eggs around, “Yeah…”

“Well then come over here, give me a kissy on the cheek, and promise you’ll go to school until you get a bachelors degree?”

She went over to Declan’s chair and gave him a kiss on the cheek, “What’s a bach-e-lerrrs degrii?” I giggled at the way she pronounced it, she was way too cute to get mad at.

“You’ll find out in about seventeen years, now go to your room and get ready for school.”

“You always have a way with words.” We both stood and I started to pick up the plates, “Too bad that’s not going to get you off my naughty list.”

He smacked my butt and continued to get his briefcase at the kitchen counter, “Well, I don’t mind that at all.”

“See you at work.”

“Love you.”

“Love you too, bye!”

The great thing about being married to Declan was our beautiful daughter that came almost immediately after our wedding.  The honeymoon was pretty memorable. I went to go check up on Elizabeth who had miraculously already dressed herself, all I needed to do was fix her hair.

“Honey, you look so cute in your uniform, now lets fix that hair.”

I parked on my parking spot at H & O Publishing; Declan and I had decided to work together; recently I had taken a month off, but today was my first day back. “Morning Mrs. Hart.”

It was always so weird hearing that last name, but I loved it because I felt connected to Declan, “Morning!”

My life was great, but I still had some big news to tell Declan, I was just waiting for the right moment. I went to my office and sat down on my chair, “Everything went awesome! We got the Koyang account.”

“Great!” I kissed and hugged Declan, “I’m pregnant.”

Declan stood back and looked at me, “What?”

“I’m pregnant…” I looked down, maybe this isn’t what he wanted?

“Are you serious?” He picked me up and was twirling me around in excitment, “What are we having?”

“I have a feeling it’s a boy.”

“A boy!” Declan picked me up again and kissed me deeply, “This is amazing news.”

“I was worried you weren’t going to be happy.”

“We need to celebrate with family and friends tonight, I’ll set it up.”

Declan left the office to make calls, “I love you Declan.”

I guess he must’ve heard me, because he came back inside my office, “I love you too, Ariel.”

Mature: Ariel and Declan’s Special Night

MATURE: Please be aware of the following mature scenes that are not suitable for children.

NOTES: Ariel loses her virginity to Declan, this is part Chapter Ten and part Private Chapter that includes details.

CHAPTER TEN

Declan wasn’t answering his door. KNOCK. KNOCK. “Ariel, what are you doing here?”

I ran up to him and pushed him inside the dorm, closing the door behind and kissed that boy nice and hard. I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. I dropped everything that I had with me and immediately started taking off his shirt and pants that came with it. “Ariel, I thought we were going to wait.”

“I can’t wait much longer.” I take off my clothes, slipping them out and finally pushing him to the bed near us and getting on top of him.

I realize i’m completely naked…on top of another naked man. “Didn’t realize how embarrassed I was going to feel.”

“You’re beautiful.” He pushes off the hair strand in front of my breasts, “Are you sure you want this?”

“Yes Declan. I do.” I uncross my hands covering my breasts and let him see me fully, even though he had already seen it before. But it’s completely different when you really love the person and I’m about to have sex for the first time. “I love you Declan.”

“Oh Ariel, I love you too.” He starts placing sweet kisses on my body. Sharing the intimacy that I’ve been longing to feel.

He now switches positions and pushes me on the bed so he can be on top so he can be in control. “You tell me if it hurts okay, and I’ll stop.”

“Mmhm.” I responded as I noticed my hands were shaking; I was so nervous! I closed my eyes and he kept placing kisses while I heard movement and shuffling in the background. Then I feel it. The hard part. “Shit…”

“That’s sexy, keep on cursing” he laughed while in our most intimate moment.

This was going to be a night to remember.

CONTINUED PRIVATE CHAPTER:

“Sh-it, Sh-it, Sh-it. Oh my gosh!” I could feel Declan’s pe-nis entering my womb that made my insides so full.

“Are you okay, sweetheart?” Declan immediately stopped, but didn’t move an inch, “If it’s hurting too much I can stop.”

“No!” I’ve waited too long for this to happen…and I love him so much. This is the perfect moment and he’s actually agreeing with me. Probably, because I just approached him without even asking him.

I started to kiss him immediately and forced his man-hood all the way in me. “Ohh baby.” I could tell that Declan was really enjoying the tightness of me.

I bounced up and down on his man-hood, enjoying the pleasure and pain of all the emotions I felt at this moment, “Wow.. It’s starting to feel better.”

“We need to do this right.” Declan took me off of him and went into the bathroom and came back with some candles. “I know we’re not supposed to light this up in here, but fu-ck it.”

He lit up a couple of candles and put on some romantic music, “Thank you, Declan.” He came back to me on the bed and layed me down. He started to kiss me on the neck that led up to my lips.

His kisses were simply the best. Passionate, wet, and yummy. “I’m going to go down on you Ariel, if that’s okay with you.”

“Is that normal? I just want to please you!” I could see the gleaming in his eyes and then started to go down on me. WOAH. This was the best feeling ever. I couldn’t believe the sensations I was feeling. “Declan! This. Feels. Amazing.”

“Tonight is all about you, Ariel. I want to just please you.” How was I so lucky to be with this wonderful man? He placed his tongue inside me that delivered insant jolts of electricity into me. He then caught ahold of my bre-asts and went from below to licking and sucking on my bre-asts. He was amazing at whatever he did, but it was definitely making me feel like I was a part of him.

“Are you ready for me again? I’ve made sure to warm you up.” He smiled his sexy, throwback smile at me and ran his hair back with his hands.

He winked at me before hovering over me, “Yes. I’m ready.” He was on top of me and slowly entered his man-hood inside again. “Oof.”

He stopped, but I motioned for him to continue, “I just don’t want this to be a bad experience.”

“Trust me, it isn’t!” He was completely inside me this time and he must’ve enjoyed the tightness of it since he thrusted in and out without waiting. I didn’t care. It felt amazing.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart, you just feel so good.”

I hadn’t even noticed how long we were making love, but it must’ve been a while, because I didn’t want this feeling to end. Both of us were sweating to the point where we just didn’t want it stop.

“I feel something building.. I can’t. Ah. Hold it.”

“C’mon baby.” He pressed his lips harder on me to continue building up my org-asm.

He turned me around and continued having s-ex with me doggy style, “Oh gosh.. I love this. F-uck me harder!”

It didn’t even take seconds before I felt an entire sensation come over me that felt like such great relief. He was able to get pleased at the same time that I did. Tell me this isn’t over!

“Round two?”

I giggled, “Yes. Can we try in the shower this time, maybe at your house, or your dorm.. how about we get a hotel, or the beach?”

I’m going to keep on trying to get this perfect. How did I not do this with him a long time ago.. “You’re Amazing.” He kissed me and led me to the restroom to turn on the water for our shower, “We’ll do it wherever you like.”

I smiled, “We’re gonna be practicing for many times, Declan. This is what you get for not taking my virginity earlier.”

He laughed, “Whatever you want baby, I’m here to please.”

“That you will definitely do.”