Angel

 

The hot, still air felt like a blanket around me as I walked around the Centerville Public Library, closing the windows. It had been a quiet July day — not many patrons, only the regulars. I loved my job working at the local library, but sometimes it left me alone in my head for too long. My favorite days were when students came in and asked for help with research projects. Then I’d be drawn into helping them and forget about everything else running through my mind.

 

It felt strange that I’d wound up in Centerville. I’d spent the whole first part of my life trying to run away. I didn’t love the town — it didn’t suit me. It never had. Growing up, Mom and Daddy had taken me on vacations all around the world. I’d never gotten over the thrill of waking up on a plane and seeing a whole new world at my feet. I loved Europe. We spent our summers walking through old cities on older cobblestones, eating at sidewalk cafés, and shopping for the most wonderful things imaginable. I loved it. I was always depressed for weeks when I’d get back home. America, especially Centerville, always seemed so ugly afterwards. Even in our big house, with four stories and servants, I still felt alone. Usually I’d spend the next six months after a trip dreaming about the next one. I loved to travel. Back then, I thought I’d grow up and travel the world with my love and my family at my side. Back then it hadn’t seemed impossible.

 

I always thought I’d grow up to be just like Mom and Daddy. They’d met in college — he was her professor — and fallen instantly in love. Even though they had a vast age difference, nothing came between them. The three of us were a perfect little family, and I loved it. When I was sad or scared, I just closed my eyes and imagined we were a royal family, living in exile. That always made me feel better. I knew it was childish, but I couldn’t help it. It was the fantasy I’d always carried out.

 

I thought I’d go to college and find a husband, then get married and settle down and have a lot of kids. I waited for that one special guy, the one who would chase me, the one who was desperately in love with me and told me all the time. But he never came. And by the time I was a teenager, things were starting to change at home. Mom was becoming obsessed with aging. Every day when I got home, she’d have some new mud treatment or mask on, or she’d been recovering from another round of facial injections. It was like she was terrified of becoming old. She lost her temper with me all the time and began to snap at me whenever Daddy would give into me about whatever I wanted. I was frightened; this wasn’t the Mom I’d always known. I still loved her; I desperately craved her approval. But no matter what I did, things between us got tenser and tenser with each passing day. Daddy wouldn’t interfere after I became a teenager. Whenever I went to him and told him Mom and I were fighting, he’d light his pipe, look me in the eye, and say, “Respect your mother, Angel. You know I raised you better than this.”

 

It was infuriating. Even if Mom was being completely unfair, Daddy took her side. That was when things started falling apart around us. I was bored at home. Mom wouldn’t let me take a summer job — she said only peons did that — and I started sneaking out at night. There was a crowd of kids that used to hang around at a gas station downtown. One night, I worked up the courage to go meet them. I wore my sexiest outfit — a sheer white button-down shirt over a white baby doll dress — and hoped for the best. But all of the kids knew I was an outsider. They didn’t recognize me. They went to public school and I went to Hayworth Academy, a few counties over. Closing my eyes, I saw myself back there as though it were yesterday. I could still remember the feel of the hot dry dust in my nostrils as I snuck along the back road. The neon signs glowing in the windows had illuminated the gas station in a garish yellow, but I’d been more relieved than ever to finally reach my goal.

 

“Look at this little bitch,” one of the rough-looking girls sneered at me when I lowered myself onto a bench in front of the gas pumps.

 

I’d worn chunky sandals with crisscross straps and my feet were aching and swollen. I wasn’t used to walking in heels, and I definitely wasn’t used to walking on country roads for the better part of an hour. My whole body was covered in perspiration and I wiped a clammy hand on my damp forehead. The night was humid and dark and I could feel my red hair had frizzed into a halo around my head.

 

“Leave her alone,” one of the guys sitting next to her muttered.

 

He passed a joint to the girl who’d insulted me and she held it to her mouth, taking tiny, jerky sips and then passed it on. She coughed loudly. I turned to get a better look at the guy who’d stuck up for me and my heart leapt into my throat. He was gorgeous: tanned skin, messy brown hair, dark blue eyes. He was probably only eighteen or so, but he looked like a real man. An unfamiliar feeling came over my body and I felt every nerve tingling. A blush covered my face as he realized I was staring at him. But instead of looking away, he held my gaze with his. He raised his eyebrows and gave me a cocky smile. My insides melted.

 

“Scram,” one of the girls said. “We don’t want you hanging around here.”

 

The gorgeous guy hopped up from his perch and stretched. He was shirtless and I could see his well-defined pecs and chest muscles. I shivered, imagining how good it would feel to be pressed up against his skin. The heat of the night no longer mattered to me; I just wanted to be pressed against his body.

 

“I’ll walk you home,” he said. He winked at me and I felt my heart skip a beat.

 

As he stepped closer, I made out the fine, feline features of his gorgeous face. He was the most beautiful boy I’d ever seen, and he wanted to walk me home! Me! I felt like I was walking on air as the boy slipped my hand through his arm and rested my fingertips gently on his skin. It was the first time we touched, and I knew right then, with absolute certainty, I’d remember this moment for the rest of my life.

 

I was normally outspoken and loud, but around this guy, I felt really shy. I’d never felt this excited about anything in my life. Even getting off the plane in Europe with Mom and Daddy didn’t fill me with a thrill like this. Suddenly, this guy was my whole world. It was like being in the presence of the sun.

 

“I’m Trey,” he said with a grin. “What’s your name?”

 

He sized me up from head to toe and I was incredibly glad I’d worn the outfit I had. Even if my feet were aching, I knew my legs looked incredible in the chunky heels. “Angel,” I said softly. “Angel Carringer.”

 

“I’m glad you came by,” Trey said. He winked at me. “I was getting a little bored by myself.”

 

I felt a blush redden my cheeks and I was glad for the darkness. “You weren’t alone,” I said. My voice sounded awkward and ungainly and I winced. “You were with your friends.”

 

Trey shrugged. “They’re not really my friends,” he said offhandedly. “I just hang around with them.” He stretched his arms high in the air and I was caught off guard by how adult he looked. “I mean, they don’t really know me,” he said with a grin.

 

I blushed. “I don’t have a lot of friends either,” I said softly. “I mostly spend time with my parents.”

 

Trey laughed. “Must be nice. I don’t get along with my folks.”

 

“Oh.” We walked on in silence. I couldn’t imagine not getting along with my parents. Even though Mom and I had been fighting all the time, my mother was still my best friend in the whole world. I’d told her everything for the first seventeen years of my life.

 

“Don’t feel bad,” Trey said casually. He draped an arm across my shoulders. “Hey, you’re one of the first girls I’ve met who’s almost as tall as me.”

 

I blushed. I had noticed that little thing. I didn’t like most guys in high school for the simple reason that they were all almost a foot shorter than I was. But not Trey. I had to crane my neck to meet his eyes, and I was almost six feet tall. “I know. You’re the tallest guy I ever met.”

 

Trey chuckled softly. I felt like an idiot; why was I having such a hard time talking to him? He was just a guy, after all.

 

“Hey, is this you?” Trey pointed at the big iron gate that closed off our property.

 

I’d always loved our house — it looked like a castle — but now I was embarrassed. Trey was looking at me differently than he had before. I’d never even felt mildly self-conscious about how rich we were before, but suddenly I was feeling awkward. Guilty, even, which was ridiculous because it wasn’t my fault Mom and Daddy had so much money. “It is,” I said shyly. I took a step back from Trey and felt his eyes appreciatively hugging my body.

 

“Well, can I see you again? I don’t exactly have digs like that, but we could go out for dinner.”

 

I grinned, biting the inside of my cheek. “I’d love that.”

 

Just then, lights came on from inside the house. I heard footsteps scurrying down the long asphalt walk of the drive and though I couldn’t see who it was, I knew.

 

“Angel?” Mom’s voice was high and shrill. “Angel, is that you?”

 

“I’m right here, Mom,” I called out awkwardly. I looked at Trey and shrugged. He looked uncomfortable, but he didn’t move.

 

“What on earth are you doing out so late?” Mom asked. She’d reached the bottom of the hill and the iron gate had swung open. Suddenly, the house looked menacing. Even Mom looked menacing; her color was high and she was clad in a silk nightgown. There was even a little pink sleep-mask perched on the top of her head.

 

I felt ridiculous. “I went for a walk,” I said carefully, trying to keep my voice level. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to keep you up.”

 

Mom stepped forward and grabbed me by the arm. I cried out but she didn’t let go. Her face turned from angry to confused when she saw Trey. I watched as her eyes traveled the length of his body, taking in his ripped jeans and plain black t-shirt. “And just who is this?” Mom’s voice was mild but quiet and I could tell she was seething mad. “Angel, who is this?” The pitch of her voice rose to a shriek when I didn’t answer right away. “Tell me!”

 

“I’m Trey, ma’am,” Trey said before I could speak. “Trey Minter. It’s nice to meet you.” He bowed his head courteously and I felt a surge of pride. This boy, who I’d just met tonight, was already trying to win my parents over!

 

“Thanks for making sure Angel got home safely,” Mom said in a tone that implied she was anything but grateful. “I take it you’ll be leaving now.”

 

Without waiting for Trey to reply, Mom steered me towards the house. It was only when we were halfway up the drive that I realized I hadn’t given Trey my phone number. I turned around and called out his name but he was already gone.

 

When we got inside, Mom lectured me about Trey for hours. She told me I had no business hanging around with “bad boys like him” and that I needed to stay away, for my own safety. When I yelled back and cried and said he was my friend and I wanted to see him again, Mom called me a slut and slapped me across the face.

 

“No nice man will ever want you if you’re tarnished!” she yelled.

 

Tears stung my eyes but I didn’t want the satisfaction of letting her see me cry. When I went to bed that night, I couldn’t sleep. I kept stalking around my room and thinking about Trey. I couldn’t believe I’d only met him hours ago and I couldn’t get him out of my mind. Already, the image of his face was fading from my memory. I had to see him again, I just had to! I’d never felt like this about anyone. The boys at Hayworth Academy were all mean, in addition to being too short for me to consider. They did things like throw pieces of chalk at girls’ asses to ruin their uniforms. Then they’d spend the whole day laughing about it. I always thought private school boys would be sexy and exciting, but the boys at Hayworth were so dull. They were like a bunch of rowdy cousins always hanging around and making monkey noises.

 

In the morning, Mom, Daddy, and I had breakfast together. I sat at one end of the table and listened to Mom talking about her new charity’s upcoming gala. Daddy was funding it and we were going to have it at our yacht club that very night. I’d been looking forward to it for months. It was the first charity nighttime event that Mom was letting me attend, and I couldn’t wait. I’d even got a new gown for it, my first Oscar de la Renta. It was beautiful: white silk with a classic twist in the front of the gown and beading along the skirt and shoulder straps. I was going to wear it with white satin heels, and my hair up with a flower-crown.

 

“Did you hear me?” Mom’s voice broke me out of my dress fantasy. “I said if you want to attend the gala, you have to promise not to speak to that boy again.”

 

My face fell. “Mom, why?” I whined loudly. “You don’t even know him! He was so sweet to me! He wanted to make sure I got home safely.”

 

“More like he wanted to get you alone,” Mom said under her breath.

 

A red flush covered my cheeks and I slammed my hand against the table. “That’s not fair,” I replied hotly. “You don’t know what it’s like! You don’t know what it’s like to meet someone and like them so much!” There was a silence. Mom looked at me and suddenly, I felt like an idiot. “I’m sorry,” I mumbled. “I know that was uncalled for.”

 

“And untrue,” Mom said. She reached out and patted Daddy’s hand. He didn’t look up from his morning paper. “But really, Angel, you must promise you won’t see him again. He’s not good for you. He doesn’t understand what we’re like.”

 

Frowning, I stabbed my fork into my eggs benedict and left it there, standing upright. “Dad,” I said suddenly. “Can I see my new friend Trey today?”

 

Daddy looked up at me with interest. “Ask your mother, dear,” he said in a mild voice.

 

Mom’s face twisted itself into an ugly grin. “You should go upstairs and check if your gown fits,” Mom said in a smooth voice. “In case we need to have Lucy come and make any last-minute alterations. She’s already coming for me as I need her to let the hem out on my gown.”

 

I stormed upstairs, feeling angry. As I yanked open my closet and found the beautiful dress, I wasn’t filled with the same sense of excitement I’d always felt before when I looked at it. It was still as gorgeous as ever, but I didn’t like what it represented. Why did Mom have to be such a snob? She didn’t know anything about Trey. For that matter, neither did I. All I knew is that he went to Centerville High.

 

“Unless he dropped out,” I mumbled. Feeling horrified, I gazed at myself in the mirror. “Stop it, Angel,” I ordered sternly. “You’re not your mother. You don’t have to be your mother if you don’t want to.” The idea was unsettling. My whole life I’d spent wanting to turn into Mom. Now, I wasn’t so sure. I didn’t like how easily she’d dismissed someone I liked as much as I did. “This is ridiculous,” I muttered. “You don’t even know him. Just forget about him. There’ll be lots of guys tonight at the yacht club.”

 

I closed my eyes as I stepped out of my yoga pants and into the gown. The white silk clung to my skin and emphasized my curves. I already had C cup breasts, and this gown made them look even bigger. I looked at myself and blushed. I’d never really thought I was pretty, but this gown could have made anyone beautiful.

 

There was a slight tapping sound against my window. I jumped in fright, then walked over and peered out. I didn’t see anyone. But then, right in front of my face, there was another rapping sound. It was much louder than before and I shrieked and leapt backwards.

 

“Oh my god. Trey!” Running back over to the window, I threw the sash open and pulled up the glass.

 

Trey was standing in the yard below with a cocky smile on his face. “I told you I wanted to see you again,” he called loudly. “Now how about that dinner?”

 

That morning was the beginning of the most important relationship with a man I’d ever had. I started sneaking out to see Trey all the time. I went to the gala with Mom that evening, but the whole time, I was thinking about Trey. I was swooning over him like no one I’ve ever met, and it felt amazing. Every time he touched me, I got butterflies.

 

On my eighteenth birthday, Trey picked me up outside. I’d snuck out again. Mom and Daddy had thrown me a surprise birthday party with all of my old friends and some relatives. I’d been excited and touched, but it hadn’t been as much fun as I thought it would be. All my friends wanted to do was talk about shopping. It was like they had no interest in the real world whatsoever. And I was dying to tell them all about Trey, but I knew I couldn’t. Mom had taken to eavesdropping whenever I was on the phone — Trey and I always had to arrange our meetings before we said goodbye. It made me nervous. What would happen if he didn’t show the next time? What would I do? But when I realized that he was taking the same risks with me every time, I didn’t mind. Even then, I knew I loved him.

 

When I slipped into the passenger seat of Trey’s old T-bird, the air between us felt different. Everything was charged, more intense than it had been. He put his hand on my knee and I moaned softly as he trailed his fingers up my bare thigh. Normally, when Trey and I were fooling around, I’d put a stop to it when I started getting so turned on that I didn’t think I could push him away. But now, tonight, I wanted him more than ever. I spread my legs in the car seat and guided his fingers to my crotch. The fabric of my panties was soaked and I blushed hotly as Trey ran his fingers over the small, hard bead of pleasure between my legs.

 

“I wanna go somewhere,” I said in a hoarse voice.

 

Trey looked at me with a sexy lopsided grin on his tanned face. “Well, babe, we have plans to go to dinner.” He was looking nicer than I’d ever seen him. He’d borrowed a suit and tie from someone and even though the shirt was too big for his skinny frame, he looked so handsome that I wanted to wrap my arms around him. “I saved up for a really nice dinner,” he said softly. “I want to treat you like the princess you are.”

 

I blushed. “I just want you. That’s all. Nothing else matters to me.”

 

Trey licked his dry lips and nodded. Suddenly, I knew he was as nervous as I felt. He took his hand away from my thigh and shifted the car into a higher gear. We shot through the black night, into the winding hills. I’d always loved living in the South, but there was something almost ominous about a summer night. I closed my eyes and rolled down the window, letting the cool, humid air blow over my face and through my long tangles of red hair. Nervously, I reached out and put my hand on Trey’s leg. He groaned softly as I trailed my fingers up his jeans. There was a huge bulge between his legs and when I ran my hand over it, he grunted loudly with pleasure. The nerves in my body felt like they were on fire as I tentatively rubbed at his erection.

 

Finally, after what seemed like hours, Trey pulled over. He stepped out of the car and motioned for me to follow him. After grabbing a bundle from the trunk, Trey laced his fingers with mine and led me into the woods.

 

“Are you scared?” Trey’s voice was growly and quiet.

 

I shook my head even though part of me was. But I wasn’t afraid of the woods. I was afraid of losing Trey. I was going to college in a few months and I had no idea how we’d be able to part from each other. As much as I would have loved to change the future, I knew I couldn’t drop out of school before I’d even started. And there was no way Trey would be accepted. The application deadline had been months ago. He hadn’t even graduated high school — he’d dropped out and was working towards his GED. A shudder of anxiety went through me as I thought about losing him.

 

“I’m not scared,” I said softly. “Are you?”

 

Trey turned and took me in his arms. He dropped the bundle on the ground and I saw it was a cloth bag with a blanket stuffed inside. As he stroked my bare back with his strong hands, I shuddered and sighed. “I’m never scared with I’m with you,” he whispered softly into my ear.

 

A chill of lust ran through my body and I grabbed him and pulled him close, pressing my body against his. I wanted him more than anything, but if I didn’t act fast, I’d lose my resolve.

 

Trey crouched down and pulled the blanket out of the bag. He tossed it up in the air then spread it on the ground. “I have this for emergencies,” he explained. “I promise; I didn’t plan this.”

 

“I know,” I said. “I’m sorry about dinner. I just wanted to be alone with you.”

 

We lay down on the blanket and rolled towards each other. Underneath us, the ground was wet and cold. I shivered as Trey pulled me close. For a moment, we stayed like that. It was almost platonic. But then, as I began to warm up, Trey leaned forward and pressed his lips against mine. They were salty and warm and I shivered with pleasure as he slipped his tongue into my mouth.

 

“Trey,” I moaned. “That feels so good.”

 

He stroked my arms and slipped his hands under the hem of my dress. At first, I jumped when he touched my bare skin. But after a few seconds, I felt like I couldn’t have possibly survived without his touch before. It was incredible; it was necessary. I needed him.

 

“I need you, Angel,” Trey whispered hotly into my ear. The feel of his breath against my sensitive flesh was too much. He climbed on top of me, covering me with his body.

 

The weight of his muscular bulk pressed against my limbs was delicious. I slipped my hands up his shirt and gently dragged my nails down his back. As he moaned, I ground my hips against the bulge between his legs. My heart was beating a million times per minute and my breath was coming in hoarse pants as Trey lowered his head to mine and kissed me passionately. We were locked together like puzzle pieces, like we were made for each other. I loved the taste and the feel of him pressed against me. It was so intimate, so desperate, I could practically sense how urgent he felt about taking me and making me his.

 

I’d never gone this far with a boy. Even with Trey, we usually just parked in his car and made out until I felt guilty about being out for too long. But now I didn’t even think about stopping. As his fingers dipped into the waistband of my panties and tugged, I arched my back and let him slide the cotton bikini panties down my legs. Without them, I felt naked, exposed. Trey sighed softly and stroked his finger up the crease between my leg and my body. I giggled nervously.

 

“Are you okay?” He pulled his hand away and looked at me with concern. “Angel, are you all right?” He looked worried.

 

I blinked and nodded. “I’m just nervous,” I whispered, blushing hotly.

 

Trey nodded. He leaned down and planted a gentle, soft kiss on my lips. Pleasure flared through my body and my crotch was pulsing with lust. “Don’t be nervous,” he replied. He brushed my hair away from my sweaty forehead. “I promise everything will be okay. We’ll go as slow as you want, okay?”

 

I nodded and swallowed in a big gulp. Trey lowered his head to my chest. With surprisingly nimble fingers, he undid the snaps at the front of my dress. My heart was thumping as he pulled the fabric away from my body, exposing my breasts. In the moonlight, my skin glowed white.

 

Trey looked into my eyes. “You’re so beautiful, Angel,” he said softly. “I love you.”

 

The words were stuck in my throat but I managed to reply, “I love you, too.”

 

Trey smiled and lowered his head to my breasts. I moaned in pleasure as he stuck out his tongue and licked my nipples until they were painfully stiff. The feeling of my wet skin in the nighttime air was incredibly arousing and before long, I was barely aware of Trey moving over me. He tugged my dress over my head and then I was naked underneath his body. With surprising speed, he tugged his t-shirt over his head and tossed it on the ground. He was so beautiful I couldn’t stand it. His chest was well-muscled for his age and I gasped as I saw a tattoo snaking around his shoulder and taking up one of his glorious pectoral muscles. I’d seen it before, but this close, it was beautiful. Trey wriggled out of his jeans and tossed them to the side. When he was clad only in briefs, he crawled between my legs and nuzzled my bare belly.

 

Moaning softly, I arched my hips up to meet his body. His chest pressed against my crotch and I cried out with pleasure as he licked slow, torturous circles around my belly button. It felt so good that I wanted to scream and explode. I never imagined I’d be naked with a man like Trey, taking the time to explore each other’s bodies on a blanket in the woods.

 

He slipped his hand between my legs. “I want to touch you,” he said in a hoarse voice. I could tell his heart was beating just as fast as mine, and his blue eyes looked black in the darkness.

 

I nodded nervously. Seconds later, Trey’s fingers stroked over my labia. I cried out and shuddered with pleasure as he slipped a finger inside of me and wriggled it around.

 

“I want you,” I cried loudly. “Now!”

 

Trey pulled down his boxers. His cock sprang free and I gasped at the sight of it. He was huge and thick and there was no way that was going to fit inside me! I could barely use a tampon!

 

“You’re big,” I managed to croak.

 

Trey grinned with a hint of self-consciousness. He crawled down my body until he was staring right at my exposed crotch. I blushed a bright hot red. “I promise you’ll be ready before I slip inside,” Trey said softly.

 

Before I could think about what he was doing, he leaned forward and gently licked at my wet, swollen labia. It felt so good that I shrieked and arched my back high into the air. Trey grabbed my ass and pulled me close, burying his face between my legs. He licked and sucked at my clit until I was moaning loudly and grinding my hips against his face. His mouth felt so good. My lower belly was starting to clench every few seconds and a weird, warm feeling was coming over my limbs. I tangled my hands in Trey’s brown hair and moaned his name softly.

 

He got to his hands and knees. When his warm mouth left my crotch, I cried out, but soon, a new feeling came over me. Trey nudged at my labia with the tip of his hard cock and I spread my legs instinctively. He reached down and laced his fingers with mine, looking deeply into my life.

 

“I love you, Angel,” Trey said softly. With his free hand, he steadied himself against my hip and pushed.

 

At first, the pain was blinding and white-hot. I cried out and tried to push him away but Trey was stronger and in a few seconds, I felt him slide inside. The pain began to melt into something warm, something that engulfed my whole body. I looked into Trey’s eyes and a feeling of love that I’d never experienced before washed over me. I was completely hypnotized; I was his. I forgot about the cold, wet ground under our bodies, I forgot about perverts who could be lurking in the woods. All of that went out the window, and suddenly the only other person in my universe was Trey.

 

“Are you okay? Does that hurt?” Trey’s voice was soft and concerned.

 

I nodded, too afraid to speak. Gently, he laid his body down against mine. Warmth and electricity jumped from his skin to my body and I shivered. Trey kept his warm blue eyes locked on mine and he started to slowly pump his hips back and forth. At first, it hurt and I cried out as pain radiated through my body. But soon enough, the warm feeling returned. Before I knew what I was doing, I was spreading my legs and wrapping them around Trey’s muscular frame. Perspiration was beading on my forehead and, as he pressed his face against mine, I felt love flowing between our bodies like an aura that covered and protected us. There was a warm, tingly feeling growing in my lower belly and when I started to thrust my body along with Trey’s, the pleasure increased. My muscles were sore almost instantly, but I couldn’t help it, it felt too amazing. As we moved together in a sensual rhythm, Trey gasped softly and bucked against me, harder than before. The pleasure coiled tightly in my belly like a spring and I was gasping and crying out and beating my fists against Trey’s shoulders as the feeling exploded in me. It felt like my body was pulsing deliciously all over, and I couldn’t control it. By the time the feeling passed, I was crying and shaking underneath his body. Trey continued thrusting in and out and the pleasurable sensations were still pulsing through my body. As he came, he cried out and slammed against mine.

 

When it was over, Trey collapsed on top of me. His body was sweaty and warm and I could feel his heart pounding through his chest.

 

“We did it,” I said nervously into Trey’s ear.

 

He propped himself up on his elbows and covered my face with kisses. “You’re amazing, Angel,” he said softly. “I love you so much.”

 

We cuddled there on the blanket until I started to get cold.

 

Finally, he let out a deep sigh. “I wish I didn’t have to take you home, baby,” he said softly, stroking a rough finger down my face. “I wish we could stay here.”

 

“Me too,” I said softly. I felt like I wanted to cry. I hated the idea of being alone that night more than anything. I just wanted to be with Trey. As I pouted, I felt anger coming over me. Why shouldn’t I spend the night with my boyfriend if I wanted to? I was eighteen, after all. That made me an adult. I knew Mom and Daddy would be pissed, but they couldn’t stop me. I was finally making my own decisions, and I decided I wanted to stay with Trey. “Hey, I don’t have to go home. I’m eighteen, right? That makes me an adult.”

 

Trey sighed. “Angel, I know your parents hate me. Do you really want to give them another reason to stay mad? I was hoping I could smooth things over with them before you went away to college. I don’t want to hide our relationship any longer. We’re adults; we don’t have to do this.”

 

Panic rose in my body. It was breaking my heart that Trey wanted to make amends with my parents. It made me realize how sweet and caring he really was. But no matter how well he meant, I knew it wouldn’t work. There was no way Mom and Daddy would warm up to Trey, no matter how hard he worked. They were always going to hate him because he was a poor boy from the wrong side of the tracks.

 

“That’s right,” I said firmly. The night air was cool and damp against my exposed, sweaty skin and I sat up, wrapping the blanket around me. Trey got to his feet and started to dress as I searched for my discarded panties and clothes.

 

“What’s that?” Trey gave me a look. “What do you mean?”

 

“You said you didn’t want to hide anymore,” I replied as I pulled my panties on. “So we don’t. We’re adults. We can be together. And I want to start by spending tonight in your arms.”

 

Trey looked hesitant. “Baby, I’d love that, but what happens if your parents call the cops?”

 

I blinked and my mouth went dry. I hadn’t thought of that. “They can’t,” I said firmly. “I’m eighteen. I’m a legal adult.” I was bluffing, I had no idea whether or not the cops would respond. After all, Daddy and Mom had thrown a gala for the police force a few years ago. My dad still had a lot of sway in Centerville, and I knew the cops were in his pocket. They probably wouldn’t listen to the law when faced with my angry daddy.

 

“Fine,” Trey said. “We’ll go to a motel.”

 

We dressed in silence and climbed back in his T-bird. But the atmosphere between us had changed. When I asked Trey what was wrong, he said nothing and stared moodily out the window. When he pulled into the parking lot of a seedy motel outside of town, I felt my stomach turn over. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be at all. We were supposed to be someplace nice, someplace clean.

 

“Do we have to stay here?” I asked.

 

Trey turned to me and let out a deep sigh. “Where did you have in mind?”

 

As he stared at me, I felt all of the resolve I’d built up in the woods leave. “Nothing,” I said softly. “It’s fine. Can you just take me home?”

 

When Trey dropped me off, we parted on awkward terms. He told me he’d come by the house tomorrow. He wanted to visit with Mom and Daddy and try to make amends with them. I didn’t have it in my heart to tell him that no matter what he did, they’d always think he was trash.