The next day, after the dance, Ava received a phone call. Her mom yelled up the stairs. "Ava! Phone!" She picked the phone up from the cradle. "Hello," she answered with politeness. What she didn't expect is for Laura Weinberg to be on the other end. She called to invite Ava over for dinner Tuesday night. Of course, she said yes. Before she hung up, Ms. Laura asked if she could come early as she'd love to chat. With a bubbly voice, Ava responded "Sure, that would be fine. Five-thirty sounds great. I look forward to seeing you as well."
Hanging up the phone, she immediately went to her closet. Sure Tuesday is practically two days away, but it's Johnny's mama. She needs to look nice. A second first impression is important. Rummaging around in there, she thinks she found the perfect outfit.
The rest of the day was quiet. She stayed in her room for most of it and did the homework she'd been putting off. When it was almost ten at night, something hit her window. Thinking it's a tree branch, she ignored it. But then the noise sounded again and again. Putting her worn, fuzzy, pink, polka dot robe on, she went to examine it closer.
A rock hit the window just as she was about to open it. Her heart sped up. When it was opened, she noticed her idiot boyfriend on the ground. "Can I come up?" he yelled. She said yes thinking he would use the front door. But no. Not Johnny Lawrence. He climbed the tree and leveraged the long branch (just in front of her window) to propel himself into her room.
She stood there looking horrified. "Oh my gosh! You could have broken your neck. Idiot," she admonished. Give her a heart attack!
Brushing himself off, he greeted her. "Well good evening to you too. Are you going to keep scolding me, or are you going to kiss me?"
She crossed her arms. "I don't know. Maybe both. Maybe none." He swaggered across the room to where she was and uncrossed her arms. Then he put them around his neck just so.
Looking into her blazing bright eyes, he spoke. "Hi. You're hot in your ugly robe. Kiss me."
A murmured huff left her mouth. "It's not ugâ" Before she could chastise him further about the robe, he stole a kiss. Stolen kisses are always the sweetest. It was one of his rich, leisurely kisses. The kind that leaves your mouth feeling like it had been thoroughly explored for buried treasure. And he also stole her breath away.
But the thing about stolen kisses is they require an accomplice. For as much as he took, she did the same to him. She kissed him so extensively that he gasped for breath. It left him unraveled. When she kisses him, he's her whole world. She isn't doing anything else, just kissing him... it's overwhelming and leaves him vulnerable. He has to catch his breath and wipe a few stray tears that fell down his face. He doesn't cry much, but when he does it's always in private.
She loves his vulnerability. For him to love at all is for him to be vulnerable. He wades into discomfort and raw unguarded emotion with her. He's an emotional badass. It's one of the many things she loves about him.
Smiling to herself, as she took her robe off, her heart pajamas showed. "Hearts? Cute," he told her with a smirk. Rolling her eyes, she patted the spot beside her on the bed. He took his shoes off and laid down.
She asked, "What's up?" Not that she doesn't mind him being here, she just doesn't want to get in trouble either. Her parents are particular about these things.
A long expulsion of breath left his mouth. "Besides wanting to see you, Sid was on my case. I didn't want to go to your Malibu hideout, cause I didn't want to be lonely when I don't have to be." He stared at her ceiling.
She reached over and took his hand. "Then be quiet and don't make noise. And you also have to leave at six."
Turning his head to look at her, he wondered "Why at six?" That's so early.
"Because, that's thirty minutes before my dad leaves for work," she explained. He nodded and stood up to take his pants off. Standing in his boxers, which had sailboats on them, he threw the pants at her. As she caught them her face turned as red as a tomato. He left his T-shirt on and laid back down.
Before he quieted his mind, he remarked "I love sleeping with you. Under the covers, in your bed, with your hand on my chest and your ice-cold feet tucked into my legs." Her cold feet kicked him.
"They are not cold," she stated emphatically.
He leaned over and silenced her with a kiss. "They are frozen, Babe. But it's OK I'm hot enough for the both of us." She narrowed her eyes at him and he laughed.
Neither of them knew her parents had actually heard (and seen) him climbing up the tree. Nick had looked out the window when one of the rocks missed and hit the master bedroom. "Lindy our daughter's crazy boyfriend is throwing rocks at her window."
"It's OK Handsome. Come to bed and watch TV with me," she told him. But her husband would not lie down. He stood there watching like an owl perched on its hollow staring down its prey.
He saw the fool boy climb up. "Lindy he's climbing up and into her room." His hand snatched his robe off the chair. "I'm going to put a stop to this."
Sitting up, Linda exclaimed "You will not. You know about Johnny, Nick. You're not going to kick him out. The two of them will not do anything, especially under our roof. You can trust them, especially Ava. They're sweet and in love, like we were."
Begrudgingly he put his robe down again and went to lie in bed. "But if he tries anything with my baby, then I'll make good use of my scalpel." His wife patted his arm.
The next morning saw Ava sneak Johnny out the front door. At least she thought she was sneaking him. Little did she know her father made himself scarce, so Johnny could exit with dignity. Before he left, he gave Ava a peck and a promise "I'll be back to pick you up at the normal time. Love you."
She nodded and whispered the words back to him. Â Then she remembered. "Wait. I can't ride with you. I forgot about something I need to do after school." This time he nodded. At the same time, they both said "Love you." Smiling he left.
After closing the door, a dreamy sigh escaped her mouth. Then she walked upstairs to shower and get ready for the day. She wore her black and white polka dot skirt with a pink and black polka dot sweater. Her black tights with a lace print and tall boots graced her legs. The bracelet Johnny gave her is on her arm and a long strand of pearls around her neck. Today she took her pink plaid coat to wear. Pretty in pink.
Before leaving the house, she wrapped up a few muffins for Johnny. Her mom bought them fresh Saturday morning. At school, she met him by his bike along with the guys and the girls. A bright smile rested on her face as she headed his way. "I feel like I just saw you," she told him with a laugh.
He took the yummy breakfast from her kind hands. "I know. It's funny how that happens." Opening the bag, he dug into the banana and chocolate muffins.
It was apparent, during the day, that Johnny put out the wildfire gossip about her. Gone were the hushed whispers, pointing, and strange looks. Instead, those were replaced with jealous ones. Â Oh well, haters will always hate. Hate on haters...
During PE class, Johnny made a show of his soccer skills for his girlfriend. His soccer abilities almost rival his karate ones, almost. But then he's good at whatever he puts his keen mind to. He kicked the ball her way. She picked it up to return to him. When he came to retrieve it, his adrenaline was pumping. He took her in his arms and kissed her for all the world to see, right there in the open.
Every girl became envious or melted with marshmallow fluff. Except for Ava, she narrowed her eyes. "You're sweaty. Now I'm sweaty."
With a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, he stated "You'll live."
She poked her finger in his chest. "I'll let it pass this one time." Not being able to resist, he kissed her again.
Then Dutch yelled, "Stop kissing your girl and play ball will you!" Johnny smirked and left with the soccer ball in his hands and a lightness in his heart.
After PE, Ava heard a different kind of gossip. It's much better than last week. "Ava and Johnny are SO sweet. I want that kind of love with someone," Charlotte Michaels said.
Penny Price agreed. "I know. She's so lucky. Even Ali wasn't that lucky and she dated him for two years." She can see a change in him.
Meeting the group at the Cobra's bikes, Ava hugged her guy. They all shared afternoon plans. Kara has gymnastics. Â Charley is picking up her little brother from school. Joy is going home. The guys are hanging out at Bobby's. And Rachel, well no one knows what she's doing. She doesn't really share much.
Turning to Johnny, Ava asked, "Will you meet me at the Malibu house at six?"
He smiled, "Mmmhmm. You want me to pick up dinner?"
Her face lit up. "Yeah, for sure. Get something chicken for me, will you?" He nodded and she kissed him. "I have to go, but I'll see you later." They kissed one last time and she skittered off to her car, where she sat and waited. The wait was over when Rachel pulled out.
She's been wanting to do this for some time. Rachel is so tight-lipped on what she does. Ava knows her father is a big dentist and her mother is a well-known published romance novelist. Apparently, she writes these torrid bodice rippers. They live in the other hills, Beverly Hills. But since last spring her friend has been quieter than anything.
Bobby may be on to something with his suspicions. However, Ava loves to give people the benefit of the doubt. Of all her friends, Rachel is the biggest suspect on her rumor-spreading list. That's why she's following her friend. If she's engaged in anything nefarious she'll know.
They drove through The Hills and Bel Air, all the way down to Pacific Palisades. What is her friend doing here? Now she's really curious. That was until they drove up to a home, on a nice street surrounded by other nice homes. It's neither too big nor too small. This house is quaint, almost normal.
Rachel got out of her BMW and went to the door. Ava ducked so she wouldn't be spotted. She saw an oversized lady open it and let her inside. What could she be doing here? Tutoring? Babysitting? Buying drugs? Her mind wandered down rabbit holes.
After thirty minutes, Ava's curiosity got the better of her. She stepped out of her car and went to the door herself. She knocked and the same oversized lady opened it. "Hi. I'm Ava Green, Rachel's friend."
The oversized lady, with a name badge that reads Tabitha, told her "Wait here. I'll go get her." She walked off down a hall and returned a few minutes later, with an anxious-looking Rachel.
Her friend gave her a strange expression, but said: "Come with me." Ava smiled and followed her into a sunroom. They both sat on a small sofa near the fireplace, which warmed the room with its rosy glow. "What are you doing here Ava?"
Fair question. "I was wondering what you were up to. You're so closed off lately."
Rachel tucked a strand of her sandy blonde hair behind her ear. "I should be upset that you followed me, but I'm actually thankful someone cared enough." She stared off into the fireplace.
That's odd. "Why? And where are we, exactly?" Ava looked around the room and noticed pictures hanging on the walls. In some of the frames are children. In others are grown, adults.
"We're at my grandmother's house," Rachel explained. "On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I come here after school. I do it for my mom since she can't." A grievous look crossed her face.
Not helping herself, Ava questioned, "Why?"
Gazing at her friend, Rachel emphasized "If I tell you will you promise not to tell anyone?" Once she saw her friend nod, she shared with her. "My grandmother has onset Alzheimer's and my mom has been taking care of her during the day. But last spring my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer." She paused and screwed her eyes shut. Shuddering a breath, she continued "She's been going through treatments. The doctors are hopeful it'll get everything without having to remove her breast. But she's too weak to take care of Granny. So, I've been helping out."
Oh, gosh. Ava didn't expect this. Her eyes filled with tears for her friend. She reached over and took her trembling hand. "Rach, why didn't you say anything to us?"
Crying, herself, Rachel answered "I didn't want to burden anyone with my sadness and troubles. You guys are the only friends I have."
OK, Rachel is permanently off her rumor list. As if she'd have the time or energy to do something like that. Bobby's trustworthy instincts were so wrong this time. "Rachel, you're not alone in this anymore. You have me and I'm going to help you. Just tell me what you need."
Shaking her head, Rachel replied, "Thanks, Ava." She squeezed her friend's hand. "I don't need anything except maybe some company."
Ava nodded. "I can do that." The two girls sat staring into the fire sitting side by side. She continued to hold Rachel's hand and comfort her, as she cried. When people expose their shadows, they become free. When they open up their hearts, they get better. That's what she hopes for Rachel, that her heart and burden will feel lighter. Shared burdens are much better.
Later, she met Rachel's, Grandma Rose. She's a sweet lady, but Ava felt bad for her friend. Grandma Rose would get mixed up and call her Lauren (that's Rachel's mother). Rachel would try to correct her, but then give up and respond to the name. She could see how taxing this is for Rach.
But little did she know Rachel would become her best, and closest, lifelong girlfriend. And it was all because she was selfish enough to follow her, to a house out of her way. Sometimes all it takes is simply being there. Not fixing anything or doing anything in particular, but just being. Being supportive and showing care. Sometimes that's it. That's all a person needs and today Ava learned that.
When the two girls left Grandma Rose's house, Rachel invited her friend to dinner. Ava hated to tell her, no, but she had asked Johnny to meet her. So instead she suggested "Are you free Wednesday evening? You could come over to my house after you leave your grandma's. If it's OK with your parents, you could even sleepover."
A genuine smile broke out onto Rachel's round face. "I'd love that! It's been a while since I've done anything like that." The two hugged and made plans to meet before school the next morning.
As Ava drove to the Malibu house, she felt as if she made a true friend. She's never really done anything with only Rachel before. It's always been Rachel and someone else. There's no particular reason for it, it's just how it's been. But things change and maybe it's time her friendships changed too. Maybe this whole rumor-spreading business was meant to happen to show her who's real and who's fake.
Rachel is definitely real. She just never took the time to notice before. Which in truth, is sad. That's almost two years of a good friendship gone. But like her mother told her in middle school, "Friendship isn't about who you've known the longest. It's the ones who walked into your life and said I'm here for you and proved it."
Arriving at the house, she noticed Johnny is already there. She got out and ran up the steps. Not feeling like using her key, she rang the doorbell. He came to the door and said "I'm sorry miss. But door-to-door salesmen are not allowed on this property. You'll have to try another house." He closed the door on her.
She knocked again and waited. He returned. "Johnny, it's me. Let me in." She gave him her hardest stare.
He looked at her and told her "Me? I don't know any me's. You must have me confused with someone else." He closed the door on her a second time.
This time she banged on it loudly and pressed the doorbell at the same time too. The idiot opened it and point-blank stated "What's the secret code word?"
Glaring at him, she spoke plainly. "I will take my key back and not bring you breakfast or lunch. I will never kiss you ever again and ignore you in English Lit. That is the secret code word."
With a roguish glint in his eyes, he had the nerve to say "I'm sorry but that's not it. Try again."
Throwing her hands up, she huffed. "Johnny let me in now."
Crossing his arms, he announced "That's not it either. You have one more chance and that's it." He stood there not budging.
Alright, if he wants to play this game then she'll play. What would he be thinking of in his sneaky, snarky mind? "Johnny Lawrence is a hot badass who's an ass-kicker."
He shook his blonde hair and gave her a steamy look. "No. It's actually Johnny Lawrence is a hot badass with a tasty babe for a girlfriend, but what you said will work too." He pulled her inside and gave her a hug and a peck, then took her to the kitchen for dinner. "I got dinner from In and Out. I hope chicken fingers are fine."
Putting the chicken fingers on a plate, she acknowledged "It is." After grabbing the ketchup and pouring a glass of sweet tea, she took the plate to the table. He sat beside her. While they ate they talked. Johnny was curious as to what she was up to that afternoon.
Swallowing her sip of tea, she disclosed it to him. "Well, I did something sneaky and it worked out better than I planned." He raised an eyebrow in question. "I know I never do sneaky stuff. I always get caught. But I followed Rachel in my car."
"What?!" He almost choked on his burger. There's a reason why she never does sneaky stuff. She's way too nice. Following weirdos is not something he cares to hear about her doing. That's too risky. "Why would you do that? It could be dangerous. Leave the danger to me."
Pointing her fry at him, she explained "Like I said it all worked out for the best. Rachel is not the culprit, by the way. She's busy with something important, more important than blabbing my personal life all over school." She ate her fry.
And what makes her think that? He wants to know. "How do you know this? Remember what Bobby said."
She shook her head. "I remember what he said, but he was wrong. Bobby can be wrong too you know? Rachel is not what you think or he thinks. She's a decent girl who's misunderstood. I think you can appreciate that."
No, that's not good enough. He loves her and refuses for her to blindly get hurt. "That still doesn't tell me how you know."
Putting her chicken finger down, she stated "When we were sitting on the sofa, I asked her if I could tell you. I tell you everything and she said I could as long as you don't blab it to anyone." She locked eyes with him. "What I tell you does not leave this room. It's relationship code over bro code."
He put his burger down. "I promise. Now tell me, please." She revealed to him what she learned. When his girlfriend finished talking, he felt terrible. He'd really misjudged the girl and so has Bobby. "Why didn't she want to tell any of you?"
"Because she didn't want to burden us with her problems. But she has me now and I'm going to be there for her. I want to be her true friend. I feel like she and I could be that for each other," Ava commented.
Shaking his head in agreement, Johnny responded "Good. She needs someone like you." But then he thought, "With her off your list, you're left with two who are supposed to be your real friends and one whom one of my best friends likes. I don't know what's worse. But at least you have one real friend from this and me, of course." He said the last part with a sweet smile.
"Yeah. I do have you," she acknowledged, then added "And your mom invited me to dinner tomorrow night. She wants me to come early to chat." She dipped her chicken in the ketchup and finished eating.
As she ate, Johnny sat thinking about her words. What is his mother up to? She wants to chat with his girlfriend, about him obviously. She never did that with Ali, just chat. They had maybe two conversations the whole two years they dated. And now she invites Ava over to "chat". Whatever it is he hopes it's good. And above all, he hopes Sid will be stuck in a meeting, or pleasant (if a butthole can be pleasant).