Hello all and how you doin? Greetings from Brooklyn. This will be the second to last chapter in my story. I'm on a roll and this will be finished by the end of this week. As for my story, well I think it's about time TJ and Spinelli admitted a few things don't you think? ;) Read and Review please! Feedback is always appreciated.
Rock on!
Chapter 13. With Or Without You
It was nighttime. The sun had just disappeared behind the trees. The last gleam of light disappearing like the flames of a fire burning out into the night. Extinguished.
TJ stood on his street beside a very familiar house. He was still debating whether or not to go and talk to her.
Every time he plucked up enough courage to step forward something in his nerves would pull him back. It was the toughest thing he had ever had to do in his life. He thought of the time when facing Mr. White had seemed so formidable and challenging at the time of his younger days. Now however, given the choice between a pissed off Spinelli and the crusty old man he'd rather have another round with Mr. White.
But TJ had not forgotten his talk with Principal Prickly. When he found himself, stepping away from the house in front him, his mentor's words came back to him. He reminded himself that it was now or never. Either Spinelli would be his or he would walk away without her.
He mainly dreaded complete and utter rejection from the Italian beauty.
What's the worst that could happen?
"Well I could get turned away"
You've been turned down thousands of times.
"This isn't the same. Spinelli means everything to me. If I lose her.."
Then you'll have to risk it won't you?
He wrestled with his thoughts for quite some time, until something in his gut urged him onward.
He stopped right in front of the tree he used to climb up to her room. He recalled the first time he ever climbed it: seventh grade. Curiously he remembered the words he spoke to Spinelli that fall day nearly five years ago.
"I wouldn't trade you for anything"
The memory nearly brought tears of salt to his eyes, but he helt it in. This situation required remorse, but not tears. And with a giant breath he grabbed the nearest branch and hoisted himself up.
The tree had grown over the years and was thick with leaves and brush. It scratched and clawed at TJ as he climbed up; he could barely see. But amid the cuts and scratches, he finally made it to Spinelli's window.
He peered inside and saw she was laying on her bed upside down. She wore a green tank top with a denhim skirt. Her nails were painted black, as it looked like she had been bored enough to actually paint them. TJ was enormously attracted to her. He needed to keep his hormone levels down however. Slowly he crept towards her window, careful not to lose his balance.
*knock *knock
She looked up to see who it was. When she saw it was him, she simply stared.
TJ hoped she would see fit to let him in, and to his slight surprise she got up and opened the latch.
"Hey" she said as she raised the window.
"Hey" TJ said back.
An awkward pause.
"Can I come in?"
Spinelli looked like she was debating this, but a puppy dog face from TJ was all it took for her to say "Alright, don't give me that look, gee I hate it when you do that"
He laughed and quickly stepped inside the window.
"You're parents here?"
"They're out tonight? Why?"
"Well I think it's time we talked about some things" TJ said, hands in his pockets.
"You got that right" she shot angrily hands on her hips in typical Spinelli fashion.
She turned from him, giving an angry strut as she walked back towards her bed. TJ couldn't help but notice how her butt wiggled cutely as she did. He couldn't help being attracted to her, even when she was mad.
She plopped herself on her bed and gave him a threatening glare.
"Ok before we go into anything I think I need to apologize for today" he said trying to be tactful. "What I said was hurtful and not true in any way shape or form"
"TJ you know how tough I am. I don't let much affect me. But what you said earlier REALLY hurt" the pain returned to her soft eyes and TJ could not bear to look at them.
"I know Spin I know. All I ask is for you to forgive me. You know that's not what I really think of you. If I did I wouldn't be here right now. Please don't look so hurt, I can't stand it when you look so sad"
Spinelli looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "I don't know whether to forgive you or slap you"
TJ laughed at this. "Well I would certainly deserve the last one."
"Oh so you'd let me?" Spinelli asked a playful smirk on her face now.
His own confidence began coming back now.
"Go ahead, give it your best shot" he said with a boyish smile. He leaned his face to where Spinelli could reach it.
She balled her hand into a fist and looked ready to strike. But TJ wasn't afraid, he knew Spinelli wouldn't really do it.
He closed his eyes as if bracing for impact. Then all of a sudden he felt himself being pushed to the floor.
He looked up and saw her towering over him, the smirk still on her face.
"HA!" he yelled triumphantly. "I knew you wouldn't do it!"
"Don't push your luck" she said warningly, but she was smiling now too.
He got up and gave her his infamous devil grin, the one he gave her since third grade.
She started to giggle, then pushed him again. "You're SUCH a dork" she laughed as she gave him another shove.
"What can I say? I try"
Spinelli walked back towards her bed. She looked exhausted.
Getting back to business, TJ decided to start the talking.
"Spin I wanna talk to you. This is important." The prankster prince had never been more serious.
"Ok" was all Spinelli said. She knew when TJ was being serious. She just hoped that he was going to say what he thought he was going to say.
TJ sat down next to her on her bed. He blushed as he looked into her beautiful brown eyes. The eyes that could knock him dead in a second.
"Look, Spin...I" he scratched his head trying to find the right words. "I've never been very good at this. When it comes to girls that I...I don't know how to get the right words across."
He cleared his head trying to be coherent with his message.
"Girls that you what?" Spinelli asked. She had already guessed what he was trying to get out.
"Girls that I like" TJ finally said. His heart was racing. He had never felt so nervous in his life. As Spinelli took in the words, he knew that only she could make him feel this way. Feeling more confident now he continued.
"Spin, I've liked you since we kissed in fourth grade, words can't describe the way I feel I just..."
He was cut short as a pair of soft lips met his. His eyes widened in shock at first, then they closed and melted into the kiss. They broke apart shortly afterwards. Their eyes met in a dead silence.
"Then don't use them" his crush said to him.
He leaned and kissed her again, longer and more passionately this time.
"TJ" she said as they separated once more. "I don't need a big long speech from you. Just the fact that you care so much is enough"
She placed her soft hand on his cheek. TJ blushed so much he thought he must look like a tomato.
"Spinelli, I know I made mistakes in the past. We both have. But none of that matters now. The only thing I regret is that it took me so long to come out and say it to you. You're my everything" he said this in barely a whisper.
"I know" Spinelli whispered back. "As you are to me"
They began kissing again. As they pressed against each other the fruit of their love finally opened and bloomed.
Slowly they began to undress, not really knowing or caring at all what they were doing. It didn't matter now.
It was time.
When they were both down to their underwear (TJ in his boxers, Spinelli in her bra and panties) Spinelli went over and turned off the lights. They snuggled in the bed together and started to kiss again.
"I can't live without you" TJ said to his love.
"Neither can I" replied Spinelli to her love.
Kissing with passion and fire now, this time they didn't stop. The window remained open as a cool breeze came through and sent shivers through their spines. A hint of lavender was in the air as the owls hooted into the evening.
Neither of them forgot that fateful night.
I can't live
With or Without You
Wow, can't believe it's nearly over. As always review for me and I'll be posting one more chapter. I think this came out most satisfactory. At least to me. Thanks for all of your support and keep an eye out for the conclusion. ~Punkrocka23