Chapter 4:

It was a dark night, cool, and mysterious. At least, it felt that way to Alexis. Due to the lack of fun things to do in Lima, Ohio, bomb fires were the thing and with it being the end of October it was cool enough to warrant a fire. The fire was blazing and the wood piled high and Alexis, Tina, and Brittani were sitting on the grass Indian style talking away. Sometimes Brittani could be out there, but she was a total blast to hang out with. All three girls were enjoying singing "Some Nights" by Fun.

Watching the girls, made Alexis feel sort of homesick because she knew next year at this time they would all be in their separate places. Not that she wasn't ready, she just wanted to savor every minute before she left for college and everything was changed. With a turn of the head, she saw Parker and Ryder with their friends deep in animated conversation. What would life be like without her two best friends? There wasn't a childhood memory those two weren't in. It would be hard but that's just what growing up is Alexis reminded herself. Tis Life.

Brittani started to laugh and pointed at Ryder. "Oh, there goes Renee after Ryder again".

"Who doesn't she go after? She's a walking hormone", said Alexis making a face.

Tina smiled. "Don't you ever wonder what he would be like? I've often wondered. He has a serious bod."

"Seriously, come on guys, you're like talking about Ryder. "Our Ryder", she said giving them a disgusted look.

Brittani laughed and gave her a push. "You might not admit it, but I'm sure you thought about tapping that."

Alexis looked over to Ryder and as much as she hated to admit it he was easily the best looking guy around.

Tina pointed out matter-of-factly,"Alexis hasn't been tapped at all, remember?"

Brittani smiled and said, "It's not a big deal to be a virgin. But, I tell you what, I'd rather have one of these guys you have known all your life be your first time than some college stud at a fraternity party. But, that's my opinion."

Alexis just shrugged and changed the subject. The conversation was like a big itch and she definitely didn't want to scratch it. What annoyed her even more were Ryder and Renee walking by her seconds later and having to hear that fake annoying laugh that Renee has.

"Uh, hello, Alexis. How's the Kool-Aid? (She laughed annoyingly again).

"Alexis doesn't drink", interrupted Ryder.

Alexis was seriously annoyed and wondering why Ryder was speaking for her. So she stood up grabbed the beer out of Renee's hand and downed it flat.

"Hmm, Ryder what did you say?" asked Alexis. She turned to Renee. "Hey, Renee do you have any more of those?"

"Sure thing."

Alexis turned to Ryder and mouthed the words jerk and gave him a dirty look while she followed Renee to the cooler. She had to laugh because he looked shocked and sort of livid. So, what? She was tired of being seen as the girl next door.

After having about three beers, Alexis felt a little like she was on a boat in the ocean during a severe storm so she decided to go bother Parker who was sitting alone by the pond.

"What's up Parker boy?"

Parker looked up in surprise obviously aware of the state Alexis was in and roared in laughter.

"Nothing much, just thinking", he said.

"That's all you Jenner boys do is think, especially you, all introspective and such."

Alexis knelt down, sat next to him, and lay her head on his shoulder. She tapped his shoulder and whispered. "I can always tell when something is bothering you. What gives?"

"Timing…I like this person and it's just bad timing", said Parker running his hands through his hair in frustration.

She gave him a sympathetic smile and whispered, "Wait till there is a right time. Like my father says, (they both said it together), "Rome wasn't built in one day."

He sighed again. "Patience is not my favorite thing but I guess you are right. What's wrong with Ryder? he asked pointing to a sullen looking Ryder by the campfire. He looks like he could strangle either one of us."

She laughed hysterically. "He's playing papa bear again. This big brother routine is getting dull. Anyway, it's not like I can't handle it. You know me", said Alexis jabbing him in the side.

Parker joined her in laughter. "Yes, a whole lot of trouble."

He laughed even more as he watched her sway back to her friends by the campfire. Looking at Ryder all pissed off, he didn't have as much faith in Alexis that she was going to be able to handle Ryder's wrath. At least, it kept his mind slightly off Senorita Carlita.

About an hour later, Alexis was having fun. The girls were having a conversation with some guys from a neighboring school. Her cheeks were hurting from laughing so much, that and Brittani talking about the end of the world, some asteroid and shit. She was having so much fun that she could almost forget about the angry looking party pooper a few feet away who kept frowning in her direction. Alexis wasn't about to let him ruin her parade. Hell, no!

The evening roared on and Alexis had two more beers. The guys, Tina, and Brittani were singing obnoxiously by the fire. It was great, even though her head kept spinning. One of the boys grabbed her hand and started spinning her around like a dance. The sudden movement caused her to fall to the ground. She couldn't stop laughing that is until Ryder's angry face appeared over hers with his hand stretched out for her to grab. Although she was mad and her face red in embarrassment, she didn't want to cause a scene. She let him pull her up and more importantly, she didn't get flustered when he yanked her hand in the opposite direction. The guys they were talking to seemed real sad to see her go and Ryder promised them that he would be borrowing her only for a few minutes.

Ryder yanked her hand towards the back of the barn away from the eyes around the campfire.

His brown eyes stared into hers. "What are you crazy Alexis? You know that it's not safe for a girl to get intoxicated at a party around guys."

"It's okay for Renee, but not me, right?"

Ryder brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes. "You are different than Renee, Alexis. I don't want you to get hurt. Guys can take advantage."

Alexis looked down to the ground. "Well, just maybe, I want someone to take advantage, Ryder." Her eyes scanned his defiantly.

He put both of his hands on her shoulders, bent down, and pressed his face right next to hers. "What has gotten into you tonight Alexis? Renee is the type of girl who ends up in the backseat of a car, while you on the other hand, should have flowers, candles, a picket white fence. You get the picture."

With both of her hands, she put her hands on his chest and pushed him back. "I'm sure you have firsthand experience with Renee in that backseat right?"

"Well, personally, Ryder, I am tired of people telling me what I should or should not be doing. I'm eighteen and for your information (she walked closer to him) I want you to be my first."

Ryder's eyes opened wide and his mouth closed tightly. Alexis raised her hand up and brushed his curls. "See, I only have one first time, and I'd rather it be someone that I've known all my life than some college dude at a fraternity party." She continued on repeating verbatim what Brittani had said to her around the campfire.

Ryder was speechless and shocked by the look on his face and it was almost pissing her off because she was feeling rejected with all the silence. The expression on his face clearly looked like the idea of being with her was very unappealing. "Well, she thought to herself, two could play at that game."

"Well, if you won't, I'm sure somebody will." She turned around to start walking away from him when Ryder grabbed her arms, turned her, and pressed her back to the barn wall. His dark eyes were furious as he moved closer to her.

"You will do no such thing, Alexis."

She was being childish and she knew it. "Yes, I can and I will."

"You are being unreasonable, Ryder." Her hands pulled his face closer to hers, she had to stand on her tiptoes, but oh, well. She caught his eyes looking down at her lips so she decided to give him a better picture. Gently, she stood higher on her feet, and pressed her lips on his, never letting their eye contact fade.

She sighed breaking the gentle kiss. "Can't you just pretend for one minute it's not me, the girl you've known all your life?"

He pulled her closely to his chest. Alexis could feel the muscles straining in his arms and chest. Alexis could see something in his dark eyes that she had never seen before. Was it interest? He placed his lips back on hers and it was suddenly like combustion. It was like fireworks, the way she felt, coming apart in all directions. Their lips opened and Ryder kissed her thoroughly.

Suddenly, Ryder pulled her away from him, sighed, and ran his fingers through his hair, a habit that he had all of his life. He scooped her up her butt over his shoulder and muttered to her that he was taking her home. She beat her hands on his back the whole way to his car. A few people stared but anybody who knew Ryder and Alexis knew that that some arguing was common between them.

He set her down and opened the backside passenger door. "Get in Alexis".

She was furious but he still continued to point so she got in. Plus, the world was starting to spin and she didn't feel so good. Ryder made sure her seat belt was buckled and even placed his jacket over her body. Instantly, she fell asleep.

Ryder was shocked. He had kissed Alexis, his next door neighbor, his very best friend and it was something that he had never experienced. Never had any kiss, been that delicious, and made his head literally spin. He was disgusted with himself at the very same time. He had been like those guys he warned her about.

When he got to her house, he knew that the best thing would be for him to be very straight forward. Alexis' parents respected him for his honesty. He rang the doorbell and talked to her parents about her having a few beers and that he didn't feel comfortable her being at the party in that state. They thanked him and seemed to appreciate his thoughtfulness. As he backed out of the driveway, he couldn't help but chuckle at seeing her parent's struggle to walk her into the house. She was going to be in trouble tomorrow. But at the same time, he had an inkling that so was he for many reasons.