Chapter Two
"Please."
"No way."
"Pretty please."
"Sawyer, no."
Sawyer blew out her breath, sitting back and crossing her arms. She glared at Lydia, who was bent over, scribbling something into a notebook.
"It's our senior year."
"Oh, really? I hadn't noticed. Okay, then."
"Really?"
"No!"
Sawyer groaned as she flopped back onto Lydia's bed. After a minute, she sat up, pushing her hair out of her face.
"Just hear me out."
Lydia rolled her eyes, but she nodded.
"Callie Martinez broke her ankle the other day. Not at practice or anything. Some dirt bike, four-wheeler something or other thing."
"Saw, that's horrible."
"I know. But, it opened up a spot on the cheerleading squad, and I think you would be the perfect one to fill it."
Lydia let out a laugh.
"You must have lost your mind. I have zero coordination."
"Uh, are you kidding me? You've been wearing heels since you hit puberty. Do you know the coordination it takes to walk in those things?"
"Do you know how many times I twisted my ankle walking around the house?"
Sawyer groaned, bouncing on the bed.
"Come on, Lyd! Just try out tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?! Oh, absolutely not."
Sawyer slid off the bed and onto the floor, crawling over to where Lydia was sitting at her desk. Lydia let out a laugh, and Sawyer pushed her bottom lip out.
"Please? This is our senior year. Our last year to be in school together, because God knows you'll end up at some Ivy League school and I'll be lucky to end up at Tree Hill Community College."
"Give yourself more credit than that. You're smart, Saw."
Sawyer rolled her eyes.
"Whatever. But seriously. This is the last chance we'll all have to be together. Davis and Jude are on the basketball team, and if you're on the squad, then we'll be at every game with them. You and Jude are already practically married, so it will be—"
"Kinda like when all our parents were seniors."
Sawyer looked over to see Lydia smiling as she slowly twirled the pen around in her fingers. She let out a sigh, then glanced over her shoulder.
"Oh, all right."
Sawyer let out a cheer, and Lydia shook her head.
"But you have to help me, and if I suck, don't give me a pity acceptance into the squad."
"Deal. Let's start right now. Come here."
Lydia groaned but stood up, following Sawyer into her closet. Lydia cut her eyes over, and Sawyer laughed.
"It was either here or the bathroom. The mirrors help."
Lydia nodded.
"Okay, then. Teach me a cheer, Captain."
Sawyer smiled widely.
"We'll do 'Let's Go, Ravens' first. It starts off like this…"
"Excuse me."
Jude glanced up, blinking once when he saw an unfamiliar girl standing in front of him. She was tall, nowhere near his six-foot, three inches, but tall for a girl. She was slender, and the hair that waved gently over her shoulders and halfway down her back was an almost fiery red. She smiled as she stepped closer to him, then pointed towards the gym.
"This is Tree Hill High, right?"
"Yeah, this is the gym. Are you looking for the office, or…?"
She smiled, shaking her head.
"No, I was just trying to get a feel of the place. I'm starting here tomorrow."
"Oh, really?"
"Yep. Nothing like starting senior year in a new place that's already in session."
Jude smiled.
"You're a senior?"
She nodded.
"Me, too. Jude Baker."
She grinned at his outstretched hand, and laid hers in his.
"Candice Mitchell. Candi."
Jude shook her hand, then stepped back, tugging his phone from his pocket.
"Hello?"
A smile spread across his face, and he turned away from Candi.
"Are you serious?"
He laughed, tone going gentle.
"I think you'd be a great cheerleader, baby. … Give me twenty and I'll swing by, give you some pointers."
He laughed again.
"All right, Lyd. … Love you, too."
He ended the call, sliding the phone into his pocket before he turned back around. Candi had her hands on her hips, one eyebrow raised.
"Girlfriend?"
Jude smiled, nodding his head. Candi clicked her tongue, then sighed.
"I should've known. Guy that looks like you? No chance he's single."
Jude blinked, and Candi let out a laugh.
"And of course, he doesn't even know how hot he is."
She shook her head, then gave him a smile.
"See you around, Jude Baker."
Jude watched her walk away, then shook his head, adjusting the bag on his shoulder as his brother walked up, whistling low under his breath as he dropped his bag at their feet.
"Who's the babe?"
"New girl."
"Get a name? Number?"
Jude gave Davis a look, and Davis grinned widely, raising and lowering his eyebrows.
"Bra size?"
Jude shoved him and Davis cackled as he punched his brother's shoulder.
"Seriously, though."
Jude sighed.
"Candi."
"Come again?"
"Her name is Candi. She's starting tomorrow, senior like us, and no. I did not get her number or her bra size, you worthless creature."
"Well, first of all, I commend you, because if you did anything to fuck up what you've got with Lydia, I'd kick your ass. Two, her name is seriously Candi?"
"Candice, actually. But she made a point to say 'Candi.'"
Davis shook his head, putting his bag on his shoulder and walking beside Jude to the car. They tossed their bags in the back, and Davis slid into the driver's seat.
"Oh, hey."
He glanced over to see Jude smiling as he settled into the passenger seat.
"Lyd called. Guess who's trying out to be a cheerleader tomorrow?"
Davis' mouth dropped open.
"Seriously?"
"Sawyer convinced her. She wants me to come over and talk her out of it—"
"Hell, no!"
Davis started up the car, easily pulling out of the gravel parking lot.
"You're not talking her out of it."
"If you'd let me finish a sentence, I would tell you that I'm not going to talk her out of it. I think it'd be fun. Her and Saw as cheerleaders, me and you on the team."
"Oh, stop. You've got me all sentimental and emotional."
Jude laughed, then shook his head.
"Take me to the Scott house."
"What, you think this is my first day? I'm heading there, O impatient one."
Jude smiled, leaning to turn up the radio.
"And excuse me, doesn't the driver pick the music?"
"Not today, he doesn't."
Davis just shook his head, unable to hide his smile as he drove to Lydia's house.
Lydia poked her head out of her covers as a quiet knock sounded at her door.
"Come in."
Jude stepped inside the room and Lydia sighed. He stopped when he saw her, raising one eyebrow, and she sighed again.
"If I hide under the covers until tomorrow's over, I won't make a fool out of myself."
Jude smiled, then stepped over to the bed, kicking off his shoes and pulling the covers back. She rolled over, until her face was in his chest, and he let out a sigh as he wrapped her in his arms.
"First of all, you're not going to make a fool out of yourself. You'll be a great cheerleader, babe."
He started playing with her hair, and Lydia moved her head, laying her ear over his heart and giving him better access to her hair.
"I just … I don't know. I've never been one to be in the spotlight, you know?"
"Well, baby, no offense, but no one comes to the games to watch the cheerleaders."
He laughed, rubbing the spot on his chest that she'd just hit.
"Ow."
"I know plenty of people who come to watch the cheerleaders. I used to be one of them."
"Only because I wasn't on the court."
Lydia rolled her eyes, and Jude laughed. He threaded his fingers through her hair, holding his hand at the back of her skull.
"Honey, if you're this worried about it, don't do it. Sawyer will understand. It's not that important in the big scheme of things."
"But it is important, Jude."
She lifted her head from his chest and sat up, sighing as she looked down at him. She pushed a piece of hair behind her ear and looked to his dark eyes.
"Mom was a cheerleader. And my dad played basketball."
"Lyd, I'm pretty sure everyone in the world knows your dad played basketball."
She rolled her eyes, but smiled.
"I just mean … I don't know."
"No, come on. Tell me."
She looked down at him as he slid his hands up to her elbows. She took in a deep breath, speaking softly.
"If I do this, I can kind of feel close to them."
She let out a laugh, shaking her head.
"It's stupid, I know."
"It's not."
Jude squeezed her elbows, and she met his eyes again.
"It's not stupid."
He propped himself up on one arm, moving the other to cup her cheek.
"It's not stupid, Lyd. I think it's great. And the thought of having you there for all my games, cheering me on?"
A smile slowly spread across her face, and Jude leaned forward.
"Not to mention away games …"
Lydia let out a laugh, then leaned forward, pressing her lips to his. When she pulled back, Jude smiled.
"See, you already know."
She laughed, then moved back into his arms, laying down with him. Jude ran his fingers through her hair, bending to kiss the top of her head. She dragged her fingers up and down his chest, then spoke softly.
"What if I don't make it?"
Jude swallowed.
"Well, you—"
"I'm not going to sink back into depression because I don't make cheerleader, Jude. I'm just wondering if it's all worth it."
Jude closed his eyes, then let out a sigh.
"I think if you're looking for reasons not to do this, you're going to find plenty. I think you should just do it for the hell of it and see what happens. If you make it, we'll have the best senior year ever. If not, I'll be there to console you."
Lydia let out a laugh.
"Console me?"
"Yeah, like this."
She laughed again as he leaned over, and she let her hands come up to cup his face as he kissed her. He wrapped his arms around her, flipping them over, laying her back against the pillows as he kissed her. Lydia gave a quiet sigh, and Jude let his hands slide down her sides, gently gripping her hips before slipping his fingers under her shirt, letting his fingertips dance over her warm skin. She gasped, arching up into his touch, and Jude smiled against her lips.
"I love you."
Lydia smiled softly, eyes drifting closed as Jude kissed her cheeks, then her neck. His hands slid higher under her shirt, and he lifted his eyes, seeing her biting her bottom lip. He raised an eyebrow, and she nodded. Jude slowly pushed her shirt up, bending over and placing a soft kiss to her stomach, right beside her belly-button, listening to her sharp intake of breath. He glanced up to see her eyes closed, lip still in her mouth, and he moved forward, using his tongue to get her lip out from between her teeth, swallowing her moan as she tangled her fingers in his hair.
"Jude."
"I got you, baby."
Lydia gasped as he rolled on top of her, pulling his shirt over his head. He groaned when Lydia's hands touched his bare skin, gentle fingers rolling over the muscles in his abdomen. He leaned over again, kissing her deeply, letting her touch him, rolling his hips against hers and smiling when he felt her nails dig into his back.
A shrill ringing made him lift his head, and Lydia groaned as she lifted a hand to push through her hair. Jude propped himself up on an elbow and Lydia reached over, smacking her phone before she picked it up and shut off the ringing. She looked up at him and sighed.
"I told Quinn I'd start dinner before they all got home."
Jude groaned again, bending to rest his forehead on her shoulder. She smiled as she lifted a hand, pushing it through his hair. She bit her lip again, then spoke quietly.
"Maybe we could … go somewhere or—or do something one day where we wouldn't be disturbed. You know, like just … just the two of us."
Jude slowly lifted his head, looking down at her, and Lydia smiled, lifting her shoulders.
"Lyd, are … are you…?"
She let out a laugh, leaning up closer to him.
"Are you really surprised?"
She rubbed her nose against his, and he let his eyes drift closed as she gently pressed her lips to his. Jude snaked his hand around, resting his palm against the back of her neck, holding her to him as he kissed her back. He leaned back, watching as she kept her eyes closed for a moment before lazily blinking them open, and she gave him a smile. Jude swallowed, gently pushing his fingers through her hair again.
"Are you—"
"Don't ask me if I'm sure. Of course I'm sure, Jude. I love you, and I want to be with you in every possible way."
He smiled, leaning forward to kiss her again.
"I'll see what I can do."
Lydia's cheeks were flushed, but she smiled at him and nodded her head. Jude leaned to kiss her forehead before moving to sit on the edge of the bed. Lydia pushed a hand through her hair, then stood up, smoothing out her clothes. She walked over and grabbed Jude's shirt, handing it to him and he lifted it, nodding at her, making her smile.
"Do you want to stay for dinner?"
He nodded again.
"Sure. I'll, uh … I'll be down in just a minute."
Lydia giggled, but nodded, leaning to kiss his cheek, gently pushing her fingers through his hair and Jude groaned, grabbing her hand and pulling her closer.
"You're not helping."
"You lie."
Lydia laughed, kissing his mouth again, then walking out the door.
"Come on down when you get a chance. I need a big, strong guy to help lift heavy things."
"What could you possibly need me to lift in that kitchen for a dinner for five people?"
"Oh, I'm sure I can find something."
Jude heard humming as he listened to her footsteps as she walked down the stairs, and he flopped back on the bed with a groan.
Quinn sighed as she poured herself a glass of wine, closing her eyes as she took a sip. Clay snorted from where he was watching her by the doorway, and Quinn narrowed her eyes as she glanced over her shoulder at him. Clay let out a laugh, then walked over, taking the glass out of Quinn's hand and taking her face in his hands, rubbing his thumbs along her cheekbones.
"Rough day, baby?"
Quinn sighed, moving closer, and Clay took the hint, bending his head slightly to press his lips to hers.
"It was just long. And I didn't sleep very well last night, so that made the day seem even longer."
Clay smiled, kissing her again.
"I'm sorry, babe."
"Oh, it doesn't matter anymore. Now, all I want is that glass of wine and my man."
"Oh, well then, I am happy to oblige."
Quinn let out a quiet laugh as Clay bent his head, pressing his lips to her neck, and she gave a content sigh as her eyes drifted closed. She and Clay both went still at the sound of a throat clearing, and Clay kept his arms around Quinn as they both glanced towards the doorway, where Lydia was standing, looking up at the ceiling with a smile on her face.
"Can we help you, Little Scott?"
Lydia bit her lips before she glanced their way.
"I was just … wanting to talk to Aunt Quinn for a second. But I can wait until tomorrow, or—"
"No, honey, come here. We can talk. No big deal."
"Excuse me?"
Quinn and Lydia laughed, and Quinn kissed Clay's cheek before she held out a hand. Lydia took in, giggling as she stepped beside Clay, and he shook his head as the girls walked into the living room.
Quinn sat on the couch, moving into the corner and tucking her feet under her. Lydia did the same thing, looking down at her hands. Quinn raised an eyebrow, but kept her mouth shut. After a minute of silence, Lydia let out a sigh.
"Okay, there's … there's something I want to talk to you about. Well, obviously."
She blew out her breath, and Quinn smiled.
"Honey, just say it."
Lydia nodded.
"Okay. But I want you to keep in mind that even though I am only seventeen, I am fully aware of the … heaviness of this topic, and I know all the risks that are included."
"Oh, okay. Hang on."
Quinn sat up, moving to let her legs dangle over the edge of the couch, putting her feet on the floor. She pushed her hair out of her face, then met Lydia's eyes.
"What is it, honey?"
Lydia took a deep breath.
"I want you to take me to get birth control."
Quinn's eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open. She blinked, and Lydia bit her lip, raising her eyebrows. Quinn blinked again, then shook her head.
"What?"
Lydia sighed, glancing down at her feet.
"I'm trying to be proactive."
"Oh, baby …"
Quinn let out a long, deep breath, then turned on the couch to face Lydia.
"Honey, I know you think you know everything there is to know about sex, but—"
"I don't think I know everything. I … I know the basics, the logistics of it all. I know it's a really big step."
"It's the biggest step."
Lydia watched as Quinn sighed, pushing a hand through her hair.
"Lydia, this is physically as close as you can get to someone. This isn't something you just do with everyone you meet, you know. This is something special that you only give to someone you really love, and once you do, you can't take it back."
"I know that."
Lydia's voice was quiet, and she had a soft smile on her face.
"I know how important it is. I know what it means. And trust me, Aunt Quinn. I have thought long and hard about this. This isn't something I just woke up today and decided. Ever since we had that talk when I was twelve, I've thought about this."
Quinn glanced at her hands, and Lydia spoke again.
"This is a weird conversation to have. I was just going to keep my mouth shut and try to figure it out on my own, but—"
"No, honey, I—I'm glad you're coming to me. I just …"
Quinn sighed, scooting over to sit beside Lydia, wrapping an arm around her and letting her fingers drift through chocolate-colored hair.
"You're supposed to be a little girl. You're not supposed to drive or wear high heels or pick out your own clothes. I'm supposed to do your hair and fix your sippy cups and play Barbie dolls with you."
Lydia smiled, curling closer to her aunt's side. Quinn sighed again, shaking her head.
"This is a very grown-up thing to talk about, and I'm just not ready for it."
"I'm graduating this year, Aunt Quinn."
"No. We are not talking about that. I'm calling the principal and telling him you and Sawyer and the boys have to stay a few more years."
Lydia laughed, pushing Quinn with her shoulder. Quinn laughed, moving to nuzzle her nose along Lydia's hair. They quieted, and Quinn spoke again.
"I'm very proud of you, for coming and talking to me. I'll call the doctor in the morning and we'll see what we can do."
"Thank you."
"Just … Be sure, okay?"
"Aunt Quinn—"
"Hear me out."
Lydia sighed, but nodded, and Quinn straightened up a bit.
"Sex is a very important, very grown up thing. You know that. Even with the movies and the TV shows making it out to be nothing, it's an incredibly big deal. It's not like kissing somebody. Even if you say it means nothing, it does mean something. It's deep and emotional, no matter what anybody says."
Lydia watched as Quinn went on.
"You know the biology. You know the risks. But I know that you love this boy, and I know that he loves you."
Lydia couldn't help but smile softly, and Quinn smiled back at her.
"I'm not going to tell you what to do. Just … Just be sure, okay? Give it lots and lots of thought."
Lydia nodded.
"I will."
"Promise?"
Lydia let out a laugh, holding up her hand, pinky finger outstretched.
"Pinky promise."
Quinn laughed, lifting a hand to loop her pinky around Lydia's.
"All right, kid. Let's go to bed."
Lydia nodded, standing up and stretching, wrapping an arm around Quinn's waist, while Quinn threw her arm around Lydia's shoulders.
