My alarm clock goes off and I groan a little. I begin to stretch and yawn. I look to see that Jake is to my left, asleep on Alyssa's shoulder. We fell asleep on the floor last night.
I lightly nudge both of them and they awake. "It's already time for school? Didn't we just lay down?" Jake asks.
"I think we got about five hours of sleep. My back hurts like crazy." I say.
"Well, we're not staying home from school. We have softball tryouts today." Alyssa says.
I groan, "Why couldn't it have been later on in the week?"
"Just get up and get ready. I call the shower in your room." She says.
"I call the shower in here." Jake says.
"Really guys? I think I should be able to shower in my own shower, but whatever. I'll shower in the bathroom in the hallway." I say, getting up to go to my room.
Alyssa follows behind me. I grab some clothes and stick my tongue out at Alyssa before going to the bathroom in the hallway. I begin to shower, rinsing away my stress from last night. Last night was the worst, but best night of my life. Well, one of the worst and best nights. Jordan and I are finally a thing now. What will it be like? Will things change between us? Does he even want people to know about us? I haven't even told Alyssa or Jake, yet.
I step out of the shower, wrapping my pink towel around me. I wipe the mirror, clearing some of the fog off of it. I brush my teeth and begin to blow dry my hair. I dry my body off before putting on my clothes and heading back to my room. I decide to put my hair into a bun for today. I only put on mascara today. Of course, Alyssa is dressing up like it's picture day.
I start to pack the things I will need for softball today in my Nike bag. Jake comes in a few minutes later, eating a piece of bacon.
"Your dad said breakfast is ready. By the way, the bacon is fantastic." He moans, popping the rest into his mouth.
I laugh, "Save some for us. I like bacon, too."
"That's the difference between you and me. I don't like bacon. I love it." He smiles.
I lightly push him and laugh. We all head downstairs and sit down at the table where a plate is already ready for us. Chocolate waffles, bacon, and eggs with a side of orange juice. My dad is the bomb.
We all clear our plates in a matter of minutes. My mom turns to us. "Jake, did you want to stay here again tonight? I could go grab some clothes while you're at school."
Everyone's mood shifts. "Um, yeah. If you could do that for me, I would really appreciate it." He says.
My mom gives him a small smile. "You're like our very own son. We're always here for you."
He gives her a smile of his own, silently thanking her for everything she and my dad has done for him. We all get up and say goodbye to my parents before leaving to go to school.
We decide to take my car. Alyssa and Jake does paper rock scissors over who gets to ride in the front. Alyssa wins, but Jake uses the "my parents hate me" excuse and ends up winning.
"So what's going on between you and Jordan?" Alyssa asks.
A blush creeps on my cheeks, "I think we're dating. We kissed last night and he said he loves me."
"What? Why didn't you tell me?" Jake asks.
"I think what was going on between you and your parents last night was a bit more important." I say.
"Still, you could have mentioned it to us over ice cream and movies." Alyssa says.
"I was just enjoying my best friends. None of that mattered at the moment. Plus, I don't even know if we're really dating." I say.
"Well, today you can't be distracted by it. Talk to him about it after tryouts." She says.
I nod my head, but I can't help but wonder what things will be like today. I can't deny that I've missed his lips, and that I want to kiss them again. I pull into the parking lot of the school and park beside Jordan's car. We all get out and head inside of the school. I start to look around for Jordan, hoping to catch him before first period.
"Abby, stop looking for him like a love sick puppy." Alyssa says.
"Is it that obvious?" I ask.
"Is it? You should take drama this year and work on masking how you really feel." Jake says.
I roll my eyes at him, "I just wanted to talk to him about last night. I don't want things to be awkward between us."
"You're the only one making things awkward. Just act like you normally do when you're around him." Alyssa says.
"Okay, you guys are right. I just need to take a breather and chill out." I say taking a deep breath.
"Midget?" I turn around to see Jordan walking towards me.
I feel like the breath I just inhaled is being knocked out of me. He's wearing a white and black baseball jersey, dark blue skinny jeans, and white vans. His hair is messy on his head, but looks so good. I feel like I might start to drool any minute now. He stands in front of me and smiles. I catch the Polo red he's wearing, and I become in a trance.
"Hey, Midget. Are we still going out for lunch today?" He asks.
I'm so mesmerized by him that I forget that he's talking to me. He raises an eyebrow, "Midget?"
"Um, yeah. Where did you want to go?" I ask.
"We can decide when lunch gets here. I'll catch you later. My class is all the way on the other end." He says.
"Okay, bye." I say, hoping he'll hug me or kiss me or do something.
He gives me a small smile before walking away. My heart hurts a little and my face falls. I sigh and start to walk towards my locker along with Alyssa and Jake.
"Hey, don't worry about it. You have to understand that Jordan is new to this stuff. You're like his first official girlfriend." Jake says.
"I don't even know if I'm his girlfriend or not." I sigh.
"Cheer up, Abby. Today is going to be a great day. For all of us." Alyssa says.
I nod my head and open my locker, grabbing my books. The first period bell rings and we all head to our classes.
*****
History class seems to drag today. I'm so ready for lunch and it's not because I'm hungry. The guy sitting next to me is the only reason I'm so excited for lunch.
"Hey, Midget," Jordan whispers, "Do you mind eating at The Grill for lunch today?"
"I'm fine with it." I whisper back.
He nods his head and goes back to talking to Daniel. I wonder if Alyssa likes Daniel. They would make an insanely cute couple. The bell finally rings and I grab all of my stuff, exiting out of the classroom. I wait for Jordan and when he comes out of the classroom, he grabs my hand and starts to run down the hall, pulling me along with him. I can't help, but laugh and he looks back laughing along with me. He looks so beautiful and carefree. My feelings for Jordan are so strong that it scares me.
"Why are we running?" I ask while laughing.
We exit out of the school and he pulls me to the side. His lips crash onto mine. This is what I've been waiting for. All night and most of the morning. His tongue asks for entrance and I grant its entrance. We start to back up and my back hits the brick wall behind us. He pulls away and looks into my eyes.
"I've been wanting to do that since this morning." He smiles.
"Why didn't you?" I ask.
"Because I wasn't sure if you wanted me to or not. Especially in front of Alyssa and Jake." He says.
We start to walk towards the parking lot, hand in hand. "I was kind of disappointed when you didn't kiss me." I admit.
"I'm sorry. I forgot that kissing me can be addicting." He smirks.
I hit him playfully and he smiles. "Are we taking your car?" I ask.
"Yes, ma'am." He says, opening the passenger door for me.
I give him a small smile before getting in. He enters the car a few seconds after me and we take off towards The Grill. He pops in a CD and The Fray begins to play.
"I'm starving." He says.
"I'm glad you asked me out. I really wanted to talk to you about some things." I say.
"Like?" He turns down the radio to hear me better.
"Well, I was wondering if we were dating or not?" I ask, feeling nervous.
"If you would have me. I'm not going to promise you that we won't fight or argue, but I want to make this work. This is my first real relationship, so you'll have to bare with me." He says.
I smile a little, "I don't want perfect. I just want to know that you'll try."
He takes my hand in his and kisses the back of it. "You have my word, Midget."
We pull into the parking lot of The Grill and get out. We enter the restaurant and take a seat at one of the tables by the window. A waiter comes and gets our order. We both order bacon cheeseburgers with fries. I get a Sprite and he gets a Coke. I notice that that's the difference between Stephen and Jordan. Stephen would have ordered a Sprite.
"So, are you ready for softball tryouts today?" He asks.
"Yeah, but I think it's kind of stupid to have tryouts so early when we won't be able to touch the field until January." I say.
"Well, coach Johnson loves to see what he's working with before the season. Better get ready to run, though, because he loves to make people run." He says.
"Yeah, I heard." I say.
Two girls with short shorts walks pass our table and Jordan looks at them. They giggle and wave while he smiles and winks at them.
"Ladies." He smiles.
I stare at him incredulously, "Really?"
"What?" He asks, clueless of what he just did.
"You just flirted with those girls right in front of me." I raise my voice a little.
People stare at us and I lower my head and lean in closer towards him.
"I was just being friendly, Midget. I wouldn't flirt with them right in front of you." He whispers.
"But you did. I guess you're so used to it that you don't even know when you do it." I say, getting mad.
"You've got to be kidding me!" He says.
I roll my eyes, "You know what? You and those girls with their ass hanging out of their shorts can have lunch together!"
I stand up right when the food gets here. I don't care, though, I keep heading for the exit. I'm so pissed right now. I thought things would be different.
I push through the doors and start to walk towards the school. It'll take me about thirty minutes to get there, maybe longer.
"Abby, stop!" He grabs my arm, turning me around.
"What, Jordan!? If you don't want me, just say so. I know I don't have a model body or the best looking hair or the best clothes. You don't have to be with me if you..." He smashes his lips against mine.
The kiss surprises me at first, but I immediately start to kiss him back as if it is a natural instinct. One hand rests on my cheek while the other is on my back, pulling me closer to him.
He pulls away, "You're the only girl I want, Midget. You're perfect to me. I'm sorry if it seemed like I was flirting. I promise that wasn't my intention."
I sigh, but nod my head. I can't help, but forgive him. He makes it so hard to stay mad at him, especially after a kiss like that. My stomach growls and he smiles.
"Let's go back inside and eat. You have my full attention, Midg." He says.
"I better." I playfully smile.
He grabs my hand in his and we walk back inside of the restaurant. Some people stare at us, but I don't care. No one will understand our relationship. Sometimes I don't even understand it. We both sit down and eat our food. Jordan gives me some pointers about softball and tell me how good I will do. We talk about football and the team he plays this week. After we finish our food, we head back to the school to finish the day.
*****
I'm putting on my softball pants along with Alyssa when I see Virginia and her barbies walk pass us with softball pants on too. Since when does she play softball? Alyssa gives me the same look of disbelief that I'm giving her.
She rushes in front of Virginia, Carmen, and Kimberly. "Are you guys trying out?" She asks.
"Yup. I need to put some activities on my college applications." Virginia says.
"God knows you can't get in by putting shopping on there." I mutter.
She turns toward me, "What did you just say?"
"Nothing." I quickly say.
She gives me a quick glare before turning back to Alyssa. "Why softball? You're on the cheerleading squad, aren't you?" Alyssa asks.
"Yeah, but like I said I need more things on my college application and Abby," She turns toward me, "You might as well not try out. You won't make it." She smirks before walking away.
My temper rises a little and I think about throwing my softball glove at the back of her head.
"I can't stand that girl." I say, grabbing my bag and swinging it around my shoulder.
Alyssa grabs her bag, "Neither can I. Don't worry about her. You'll make the team over her and her barbies."
I smile, "I know I will."
We walk out of the girls' locker room and head for my car. We both get in and I drive down to the softball field. I start to feel a little nervous when I see all the girls around me. There were a lot of seniors last year who graduated, so that means more people will make the team. I'm going out for second base and hoping that I will make it.
Coach Johnson has us stretch first, then makes us run poles. Basically, you go from the left field all the way to the right side of the field in the outfield. Down and back is only one and he had us run six. We start doing the star drill to get our arm warmed up and to see how we throw. After that we do some hitting drills. I watch Virginia and she watches me. She's going out for second base as well and she's pretty good, but I'm better. She misses five out of seven balls and I catch all seven balls. Kimberly definitely won't make the team because she seems lost every time we do a different drill. Carmen might make it because she's pretty good at right in the outfield. Coach has us end practice with running the bases and it reminds me of when Stephen used to make me do it.
"Okay, girls, good work today. I'll have a decision tonight and post who made the team up on the walls all over the school. We won't meet again until the end of December or the beginning of January. For those who make it, stay fit. That's all for today. Break it down." He says, before leaving us to break it down.
We say our little chant, that Alyssa taught me the night before, before we all leave. Virginia bumps me on the way out and I have to hold Alyssa back from punching Virginia in the back of the head. We get in my car and I drive back to the student parking lot. We have to wait on Jake. Luckily, they're just getting out. I see Jake walking over to the car along with Jordan and my heartbeat begins to pick up speed.
Jake gets in the back seat and I roll down the window for Jordan. He leans down in front of the window and smiles at me.
"How was tryouts, Midget?" He asks.
"They were great. I think I made it, but Virginia tried out, too. For the same position." I tell him.
"Don't worry about her. She's just doing it to mess with you. I think she kind of found out we are together." He says.
"She definitely hates me now then." I roll my eyes.
"Like I said, don't worry about her, Midget. Look, I'll catch you later. I'll text you when I get home. Love you." He kisses me on the lips before waving goodbye to Alyssa and Jake.
I start the car and I drive to Alyssa's house. "So you guys are like official now?" Alyssa asks.
"Yeah. We're going to try the whole relationship thing." I say.
"Just be careful. This is Jordan's first real relationship and I don't want you to get hurt." Alyssa says.
"He won't hurt me. He loves me." I say.
I pull up beside the curve of her house. "I'll catch you guys later." She says, before getting out.
I can tell she's a little irritated with me, but I don't care. Jake hops in the front before I drive off and go to my house.
"I just want you to know I'm happy for you. If he breaks your heart, though, I'm kicking his ass." He smiles.
I laugh, "Thanks, Jake. What about that cheerleading girl you're dating. I haven't heard much about her."
"We're not together anymore. I don't really have time for a girlfriend." He says.
"Jake, things will get better. We'll talk to your parents." I say.
"I know. I just don't know how to feel about anything anymore."
"I'm here for you, Jake. Always." I grab his hand and he smiles at me.
"I know."
Jordan's p.o.v.
I walk up the stairs at the front of Troy's house. I need to talk to him. I knock on the door and wait for him to come. He opens the door only wearing his boxers, rubbing his eyes.
"What do you want, Jordan? It's midnight." He deadpanned.
"I really need to talk to you. I can't even sleep because of what's on my mind. I'm sorry if I woke you up, but I really need to talk to you. Ryan would tell me something I don't want to hear and Daniel needs his rest and you're my only option." I say.
He sighs, "Come in, but be quiet. My parents are sleep."
I follow after him and we go into the kitchen. He grabs two sodas out and passes one over to me. I sit at the kitchen island and he sits down along with me.
He props his head up against his hand. "Talk now before I go to sleep." He says.
I open my soda and take a sip of it before speaking. "I'm in love with Abby."
He stares at me for a moment before laughing, "Good one, bro. Now if that's all, you can let yourself out."
"Troy I'm serious. I can't stop thinking about her. I don't even look at other girls anymore. She's all I want. I have to get out of this bet. It's starting to make me feel guilty." I say.
"Dude, you can't back out of the bet. She doesn't have to know about it. You can win the bet and keep her." He says.
"It's wrong, Troy. I can't do it." I get up and run my hand through my hair.
"I'll double what you'll get if you win. You'll get three hundred dollars and she won't find out. I'll make sure of it. Don't be stupid. If you back out you'll be doing our laundry all summer instead of being with her. Be smart, Jordan." He says.
I think about it. "Are you sure she won't find out?" I ask.
"She won't find out." He says.
I sigh, "Okay."
"Did you know that Daniel is thinking about asking out Alyssa. He told me earlier today. I think you should use that to your advantage." He says.
"What do you mean?" I ask.
"If he dates her then that means you won't have to share Abby. The more time you spend with her the more she falls for you the easier it will be to get into her pants." He says.
"I guess you're right. Listen, I have to go. I need to try and get some sleep." I yawn.
"Alright. Catch you later, bro." We do our handshake and I leave his house.
I can't help, but feel guilty. I'm falling in love with Abby. She's everything I want. Everything I need. If she finds out about this bet, she'll hate me. If I win this bet, I'll spend every single dime on her. I get out my phone and decide to text her. I know she's asleep, but she'll see it when she wakes up.
To Midget
I know you're asleep, but I just wanted to let you know you're on my mind. I love you, Midget. I'll pick you up in the morning.
I send the message before starting my car and going back to my house.