Chapter Thirteen
 

“What are you doing?”
“Calling a cab.”
“No,” Aron shook his head, padding over to the table. “Don’t do that.”
“Well, I need to get to school somehow; did you plan on driving me or something?”
“No,” he said.
With his back to me, I couldn’t see what he was reaching for. “No?” I repeated. Anger tugged at the pit of my stomach. I took a deep breath, trying to force it down. Trying not to let myself be overcome by it. I bit my lip. “So how am I supposed to get to school?”
“Here.” He turned, holding something out to me.
A set of keys.
My mouth fell open. “Oh no, I can’t ...”
“I don’t mind at all. Please, it will make things so much easier on you.”
And with us sharing a place, I’d be able to afford gas. I sighed, reaching out to take the keys. “Alright, but only until I can afford one of my own.”
His eyes glistened. “I’d be happy to buy one for you.”
“No!” I protested. As much as I would have loved him buying me a car.
“Come on; I’ve got the money. Let me take care of you.”
I turned away from him, thinking about last night. If I let him buy me a car, what would he expect from me? I felt guilty the second I thought it, but it was true. He might hold it against me. I forced myself to shake my head.
“Thank you, but no. I’ll save up and buy one on my own.”
“As long as you at least let me come with you. I know a thing or two about cars, I could be useful.”
A smile touched my lips; I’d been nervous he wasn’t going to accept me buying my own car.
“I wouldn’t dream of going without you.”
The smile widened on his lips. “Good.”
He closed the distance between us and pulled me into his arms, his lips touching mine softly. A moan passed through my lips; my body ached for him. My fingers traced over his muscular chest, hidden behind the suit he planned to wear to work today. I bit my lip.
After fighting last night, we hadn’t been up for much else ... But today ...
My fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him into a deeper kiss.
Aron’s hands traced over the curves of my body for a fraction of a second before he pulled away from me.
“I’ve got to get to work.”
“You can’t be a little late?” I raised an eyebrow. “Or speed?”
Aron mulled it over but then shook his head.. “It would be immature. I’ve got to get to work, I’ll ... see you later.”
I sighed. “Fine, I guess I’ll have to do it myself.” I gave him my best pouty lip as I lifted my skirt a little.
I watched him swallow hard.
“You’re a tease.”
“You could stay a couple minutes. It won’t take me long.”
Without a word, Aron’s fingers tangled in my hair, pushing me back until I hit the counter. His lips crashed against mine.

“I’m sorry; I really can’t.” I felt disappointment overwhelm me. “I’ll see you tonight, though, I promise.”

“Alright.” I tried not to sound disappointed but failed. We both made our way out to the driveway and to the cars we were each taking.

 

It felt odd to arrive at school in a car, let alone the kind of car that everyone would stare at—and they were staring. I took a deep breath, trying not to let it bother me.

I stepped out of the car and ignored everyone who pointed at me. It wasn’t that special of a car, was it? I mean, it had Chevy on it. I know it was probably a nicer model of Chevy, but everyone had them. It wasn’t like it was some expensive, high-end car.

Slowly, I made my way to the classroom.

“Hey.” I turned to see Kim fall into pace with me.

“Hey, how’s it going?”

“Not too bad. You?”

“Good.” I bit my lip wondering just how much to tell her. I really liked Kim, but I didn’t know her very well.

“Hey!” Rebecca called. I came to a stop, waiting for her to catch up. The second she could, she pulled me into a hug. “How’s it going?” she asked. “I saw your new ride! Wow.”

“Oh,” I said quickly. “It’s not mine. It’s Aron’s; I’m just borrowing it.”

“Sweet! He must love you!” My cheeks flushed, but Rebecca didn’t seem to notice. She just kept talking. “Anyways, maybe you can give me a ride home. I was thinking. We should chill. When are you free?”

“Wait,” Kim spoke up before I could answer. “Isn’t this the girl who was being a total bitch to you a couple days ago?”

“Excuse me?” Rebecca stared at her, looking her up and down as her eyes narrowed. “And who the fuck are you?”

“Um,” I cleared my throat. Kim did make a good point. “Rebecca and I patched things up.”

“Ah.” Kim didn’t take her eyes off Rebecca.

If I was right, the two girls entered a bit of a stare down. I stepped back, just in case someone swung a punch.

“And again, who are you?” Rebeca wrinkled her nose.

“I’m Kim. We go to class together. We’ve actually been in class together for the whole semester,” Kim was a good foot shorter than Rebecca, but I could see the look of fear in Rebecca’s eye. “And unlike you, I really don’t care who your friend does, or doesn’t, fuck.”

Rebecca was left speechless, her mouth falling open as Kim turned to me, her expression softening.

“I’ll see you around. I saw you walking alone and thought … well, it doesn’t matter. Anyways, see you later.”

“Yea, for sure.”

I liked Kim. I was pretty sure Rebecca didn’t, but I did. I had to admit that. I grinned as I turned back to Rebecca.

She still stood there, speechless. “Well, isn’t she a bitch.”

“I kinda like her,” I said, turning and heading for class.

Rebecca cleared her throat, falling into pace with me. “Anyways, so when do you want to hang out?” I couldn’t help thinking about what Kim had just said. She was right, Rebecca and I had just been in a bad place, but I was the one who fixed things.

Right?

“How about,” I bit my lip, mulling it over. I knew I shouldn’t, but I was going to say it anyways. “How about I just skip class this afternoon, and we grab lunch?”

“Really?” Rebecca squealed. “Ohmigod that sounds great.”

She talked the rest of the way to class, but I didn’t really listen. I was thinking about what Kim had said when we still got there, and when I caught sight of free seats beside her, I made my way over to them.

I slid into a seat and gave her a smile. She returned it then looked over my shoulder. I followed her gaze.

Rebecca did not look happy at all. But she sat down beside me and pulled her books out of her bag. I leaned forward to do the same.

“She’s not invited to lunch,” Rebecca muttered in my ear.

I heard Kim snort softly; I couldn’t help wondering if she had overheard.

“I don’t think she’d come anyways,” I whispered back, giving Rebecca a smile as I sat up straight and pulled my laptop out of my bag.

I glanced over at Kim, who caught my eye and grinned widely.

She leaned towards me. “Have you gotten started on the essay yet?”

My cheeks flushed. I knew it was due within the next 48 hours, and that was our professor being kind.

“No,” I admitted.

“Same,” .she said laughing.

“I’ve got the notes and everything.”

“Yea, and I know what I want it to say. I just haven’t actually … you know, typed it out.”

Kim nodded. “You know, if you’re free sometime, I’d be happy to be a study buddy. Unless of course, you’re already taken.” She sounded a little bitter, or a little hurt. I wasn’t sure which one.

“No.” As far as Rebecca had said, we weren’t studying together. “Not that I know of. I’d love to study sometime. Maybe you can come over to my place … err … maybe.” I wished I could take it back as soon as I said it. I had no clue how Aron was going to feel about having my friends over at his place.

“Sounds cool.” Her eyes sparkled. “If not, I work at a cafe down the street. I normally can manage to get free coffees.”

“Now that sounds good.”

She laughed softly as I heard the door to the classroom open and the professor clear his throat.

“Sorry I’m late,” he started. And with that, my conversation with Kim was done. We turned our attention to the man at the front of the class.

 

My heart skipped a beat as I saw John walk into the cafe with Rebecca.

It didn’t surprise me to see her touch his shoulder as she giggled, but he didn’t look impressed. He caught my eye and grinned.

It looked to me like they were the same as they had always been.

Rebecca slid into the seat across from me.

“Hey.” She gave a broad grin. “So, what’s up? What’s all the gossip?”

I opened my mouth to make a witty retort, then closed it. I thought about Kim’s comment. Can I actually trust Rebecca? Or is she just using me?

“Nothing exciting,” I admitted. “My mom is knitting again.”

Okay, that was a lie, but I didn’t want to talk about Aron, which I knew was what she was getting at, so I took the conversation to my mother instead.

“Oh, that’s cool! So, how’s the new boyfriend?”

I watched John’s cheeks flush before I stared down at the table; clearly, Rebecca wasn’t getting my hint.

“He’s fine. Busy as far as I know.” I gave a tight smile.

“And what’s new with you? I mean, we haven’t talked in a while.”

“Oh, same old boring me. You’re the one who is exciting. Nice car by the way.” She grinned. “I might have to bum a ride from you.”

Yea, you’ve mentioned that. I bit my lip. My stomach turned, and my gut twisted. I wanted to think that Rebecca and I could work through things, but maybe we couldn’t. Maybe she was just…

She reached out and took my hand. “Really, though, I just wanted to say I was sorry … I mean for being such a jerk to you.” It was like she’d been able to read my mind.

I shrugged, not sure what to say.

“It was totally uncool of me to get jealous like that. It’s just … You know ...” She eyed John. “And everything going on. You’re always so busy with work and school, and I figured if you had time for him … you just didn’t want to spend time with me, and I got even more jealous.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you think that.”

“Oh, I know.” She smiled widely. “And I forgive you for everything.”

Good.

I didn’t want us to have issues.

I wanted us to be able to be friends. I opened my mouth to say it but stopped when the waitress came over and took our order.

 

“It was actually really nice,” I said looking up from my computer. “It felt good to sit down and talk with her again. I feel like she actually wants to be my friend too.”

“Good. You deserve to have a good friend.”

I stood up and padded over to the oven, pulling it open and looking inside. My mouth watered as I stared at the chicken. Oh, it looked so good. I pulled it out of the oven, flicked the oven off and let the chicken cook on the stove as I pulled two baked potatoes out and closed the oven door.

I’d had dinner almost read for Aron when he got home tonight.

Things were moving fast. We were moving in together, and I was getting all the paperwork done; I was getting my stuff here, and since we’d gotten back from New York, I hadn’t even spent a night at my place. And the sad part was, I really liked being all wifey and having dinner ready for him. To be waiting at home for him and make our lunches for the next day.

It was strange for me … I’d been so used to taking care of myself, but I really liked being able to take care of him in a day. To have dinner ready and clean the house.

There had been a few nights I hadn’t had dinner ready, but Aron had known better than to bitch about it. Without any complaint, he just made something quick—and even made me something too, remarking on how he knew I was working hard.

That had been the best thing about living together so far—that he understood how hard I was working and respected it.

 

I listened to her tell me all about her day and go into detail about how two girls had gotten into a spat, and then all the crap involving Rebecca, who I was not a huge fan of. It all sounded so childish. But I couldn’t tell Mel that. She’d just be upset and think it was a personal attack.

My mouth watered as I took a deep breath of dinner.

After a long day of work, it smelt heavenly. I made my way over to the stove, grabbed two plates and held them both while Melina dished everything out. My stomach grumbled.

“I was thinking I could invite her over sometime to see the place if things keep going well. I don’t want her to think she can just take advantage of me or anything, but I thought she’d get a kick out of seeing how gorgeous the backyard is.”

My heart skipped a beat. It took everything I had not to say no.

“Yea, maybe when I’m free we could invite her over, and I could meet her.”

“Really?” Mel beamed. “You’d like to meet her?”

“Oh yea.” I nodded. “If she’s your friend, I’d love to meet her. I’d just like it to be a day I’m up for it,” I said, planting the seed for me to keep turning it down until we were sure she was a friend. I remembered what it was like to be her age; I remembered being taken advantage of a lot.

If it hadn’t been for ‘friends’ in need, I’d have been a millionaire years sooner.

We headed over to the table. She pushed her computer out of the way, and we had a nice dinner. Just us, and just talking.

 

It didn’t take long for me to get the essay typed up, although part of me really wished I’d just taken the day off and worked instead of going out to lunch with Rebecca. Oh well, friendships are worth it.

In the long run, it would be better to work on my friendship with Rebecca than to worry about failing a single assignment. I knew that. School was important, and when you had to pay for it yourself, you realized that very quickly—but I couldn’t let it run my life. I had to make sure I still lived my life and let myself have fun every now and then.

I padded over to Aron with the page I’d printed off.

“Hey, do you mind giving this a quick read? It’s due tonight; second thoughts would be helpful.”

His brow furrowed as he took the paper and looked down at it.

“What?” I blew out a deep breath.

“Nothing.” He said too quickly. “It’s just … I’m surprised you waited this long to write it.”

My jaw dropped.

“It’s not like I wanted to wait.”

“But you went out with friends earlier. When you could have been working on this, so you could at least do another draft. Just seems like the responsible thing to do.”

My heart dropped into the pit of my stomach. I took the paper from his hands without another word and turned on my heel, walking away from him. I didn’t need him telling me I wasn’t responsible enough.

I strutted into the bedroom and slammed the door behind me, anger boiling inside.

So it was okay for him to take me traveling last weekend, just for the fun of it and knowing full well that it was going to put me behind, but if I wanted to get together with friends for a quick lunch that wasn’t okay?

It was an hour, not 48 hours.

I stared down at the paper, letting out a deep breath. I didn’t think my heart could sink lower until I caught a spelling mistake. I crumpled the paper up and tossed it into the trash can, heading for the door. I needed to fix that, and I needed my computer to do that. As much as it sucked, it looked like I’d be pulling an all-nighter.

I frowned as I stepped out into the room and saw Aron sitting down on the couch, watching TV with a beer in his hand.

Jealousy tugged at me. I wanted to sit down and relax. I didn’t want to have to spend all my time working or in school. Too bad, I thought. If I went over and sat down with him, he’d just tell me how I needed to act more responsibly.

He watched me closely as I padded over to my laptop and picked it up. I returned to the bedroom without a word to Aron.

“Silent treatment,” he muttered as I opened the door. “Mature.”

My frown deepened.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” My voice filled with condescension. “I thought you’d just tell me how irresponsible I am if I tried to talk to you. After all, I’m already behind on work. Because I went to lunch, right? Oh wait,” I gave a snarky laugh. “Maybe it’s because I didn’t get anything done last week because someone wanted to go on a trip.” My eyes locked on him, not daring to break eye contact.

He stared at me. “I wanted to treat you, and you’re going to use that against me?”

I shook my head. There is no use in even trying to talk about it to him! How could he try to make this my fault?

I was busting my ass trying to get everything done and still be able to help pay the bills, and he was trying to belittle me?

“Oh my God, there is no point in talking to you.” I blew out a deep breath. “You don’t even care how hard I work, do you?”

I didn’t wait for an answer before I stormed into the bedroom, this time not bothering to shut the door.

I opened my computer as a notification popped up saying I had a message from Rebecca.

I opened it and read:

Her: Hey, do you have notes for English? I lost mine in the wind while studying? :/

Me: Yea, here. I will send them.

I attached the document.

“I thought you were working?” he asked from the doorway. I looked up to see him leaning against it. From the doorway, he probably had a clear view of my social media page open.

“Rebecca needed some help.” I didn’t dare look at him for fear of entering another staring contest that wouldn’t do me any good.

He stared at me; I could feel his eyes burning into me. I bit my lip.

“Was there something you wanted?” I asked after he still hadn’t said anything. I pulled open the document containing my essay and stared at it. My blood boiled, but above all, I just felt defeated. I stared at it, but my mind wouldn’t work. Ever so slowly, I fixed the spelling mistake, but all else seemed like too much work. Work my brain couldn’t function well enough to do.

I blew out a deep breath and pushed myself off the bed. I needed coffee.

I went into the kitchen and opened the fridge. There was something better than coffee in there. An energy drink.

“You know how bad those are for you, don’t you?” he asked.

“Of course I know how bad they are for me.” It was common knowledge. “But I have to get my essay done,” I reminded him before popping the can open and taking a sip. I brushed past him, heading back for the bedroom.

Before climbing back on the bed, I spun to see Aron following me.

“Was there something you wanted to say? Or do you just want to follow me around and make sure I actually do my homework, dad?” I spat the last word. I hadn’t even been thinking about it.

My heart dropped into the pit of my stomach as soon as I realized I said it.

That’s what it’s like though.

It was like having to deal with a parent. Between the lecturing and him trying to tell me how to use my money; him making sure I did the dishes right. Everything.

My stomach knotted.

I should have felt relieved for knowing what the issue was. But I didn’t. All I felt was my gut twisting. I hated the idea that he was treating me like a kid. I hated the idea that he was going to keep doing it.

So what now? I asked myself. The logical thing was just to end the relationship then and there, but I’d been so caught up in saving money that I gave my place up. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, trying to think straight.

Her words stung more than I wanted to admit.

I looked away from her. She was a kid; no wonder I treated her like one. But she’s a lot more mature than most people her age. And who was I to try to treat her like a child? I wasn’t her father.

I wanted to be her boyfriend.

“I’ll leave you alone.” The words came out so soft I hardly heard them, and I’d said them.

I blew out a deep breath, turning on my heel and heading into the living room. There was nothing else for us to say, was there?

That was how she felt. And I wasn’t going to be able to change that, so I should just leave her alone. Am I supposed to fight for her? I wondered.

I padded into the guest room and flicked the light on. It was a pretty safe bet that she wasn’t going to want to sleep with me tonight, so I’d take the guest room. That way she didn’t have to worry about it. A snide smirk rose over my face. Even when I’m mad at her, I’m trying to child her.

I bit my lip as I pulled my phone out of my pocket, wanting to call someone for advice, but having no clue who to call.

The downside to working all the time was that it didn’t leave a lot of time for friends. Melina has friends, I thought.

She was lucky to have friends. I knew that; I’d had friends before. Before I started working so much. Before I started earning more than them and being more careful with my money.

I sat down on the bed, my head in my hands and let out a soft sign. I felt a tear sting the corner of my eye.

Was this it?

Was she going to be done with me?

I have to find a way to fight for her. I had to find a way to make her stay, but that meant I was going to have to get my own shit in shape and stop trying to take care of her.

I was done with my essay by 3:00. I closed my computer after sending it to my professor and stared at the wall blankly.

I yawned, closing my eyes. He still hasn’t come to bed, I thought.

Maybe he was going to sleep on the couch tonight or something.

I was still mad at him; I was more than mad, honestly, but I wanted to at least try and patch things up before leaving.

I pushed myself off the bed and padded into the living room. There was no sign of him.

The guest room door was open. I marched over to it and peered in. Yup, there he was.

My heart ached. I don’t want to leave you.

Why did this have to be happening?

He was perfect. He was smart, and kind, and caring, and successful—but he had one flaw. He wanted to treat me like a child.

A tear pricked the corner of my eye. I took a deep breath and made my way into the room quietly. I made my way to the bed and lay down. I closed my eyes, and he moved towards me.

“Still mad?” he mumbled, half asleep.

“Yes,” I admitted. “But I still love you,” I said softly.

“I love you too,” he whispered, pulling me closer to him, his arms tightening around me. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

I fell asleep without even realizing it.

It had been a long day for me, and I was beyond tired both mentally and physically.