A/N: Sorry for the lack of updates, I've had writer's block and there's been a lot going on. I tried to make this chapter longer, but where I got to just seemed like a good place to stop. Keep reviewing:)
After history class Reed pulled Avery aside. "Hey….um, I need to talk to you. Come by my room around 5?"
"Sure."
Reed gave her a smile before running off to his next class.
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Reed paced the floor of his dorm room. He looked at the clock. It was 5:55. This was it. He was finally going to tell Avery everything. Trism was at the library, the moment was perfect. But he would be lying through his teeth if he said he wasn't scared to death.
Finally there was a knock on his door. He ran to answer it and swung the door open.
"Hey! Come in, come in. Look we need to talk." Said Reed nervously, closing the door behind them as he ushered Avery in.
She cut him off. "I know. Look, I am really sorry about last night. It was so stupid and it obviously didn't mean anything, I know we're just friends. And it's horrible for Trism to get mad over something that didn't mean anything. So I agree; we should just forget it ever happened and hopefully Trism can too."
Reed's heart sunk, he didn't know what to say. "You….just want to forget about it?"
Avery eyed him curiously. "Well……yeah. Don't you? I mean…wasn't that what you were about to say?"
"Um….yeah. Of course. It meant nothing to me. Just a spur of the moment thing. Didn't mean a thing."
"Right. So I guess that's settled. That kiss meant nothing. So yeah…"
They both chuckled nervously and continued to look at one another. Then, before either of them had realized what was happening, they were kissing again. After a few seconds Avery pulled away.
"I lied. That kiss meant everything to me."
Reed beamed. "Me too."
Then they were kissing again. But before too long, Avery broke apart from him again.
Her head was swimming with questions. "What about Trism?"
"I already talked to him. He's fine with it…..or he will be."
Avery smiled and kissed Reed again. His arms wrapped around her. After a little bit they just laid on the bed in each other's arms. Avery couldn't remember the last time she felt so content. She had never felt this safe in Trism's arms. Everything was perfect.
Reed kissed the top of her head and quietly said, "I have a question for you."
Avery looked up at him, "Yes?"
He smiled and took her hands in his, "Avery Cotton, when I first met you, I thought you would make a great friend. Well, when I first met you, I was a bit more foolish than I am now. Now after learning how beautiful, smart, funny, kind, and wonderful you are; I've found out how lucky I would be if you would be more than friends with me. So I am asking you now, will you be my girlfriend?"
Her smiled disappeared and suddenly her parents appeared in her head. What about her secret? "Well…..I don't know…."
Reed's face fell. "But…I thought-I thought you liked me?"
"No, no, I do! I promise I do. It's just complicated. Look….I just don't know what my parents would say. Um…I have to go. Can I tell you my answer tomorrow?"
Reed looked utterly confused and heartbroken. "Yeah. No pressure, no matter what you decide, we'll always be friends. If you say it's complicated I believe you. Goodnight."
"Night." And before he could kiss her goodbye she jumped up and quickly left the room. Reed frowned. What would he do if she said no?
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Avery quickly walked through the hallway, bumping into Trism on her way. He stopped her.
"Hey, I just wanted to say I'm sorry I freaked out yesterday. It just was a little surprising. But I know you guys like each other and I support you both. Friends?"
"No, you shouldn't be apologizing Trism. It was our fault. But yeah, of course we're friends." She gave him a hug.
"Cool, so are you two together now?" He asked, his voice a little squeaky. Avery could tell he was still a little upset about it.
"I don't know. It's complicated. Look, I have to go study. I'll see you tomorrow."
She hugged him once more before leaving. Avery walked around the campus before going back to her dorm room. She looked up as the first few stars began to appear in the sky. Thinking back to when she laid in the grass with Reed, she closed her eyes. Unnamed God, please help me. I don't know what to do. Should I make sure that our secret is safe and just stay friends with Trism? Or should I follow what my heart says and go out with him? She wiped away a tear and went back to her dorm before it got too cold.
Melody was in the shower when she got back. Not in a mood to talk, she crawled into her bed, still trying to make a decision. She thought about her parents, and how they would never be able to live happy, normal lives. She thought about Reed and how good it felt to be in his arms. She thought about her mother and her constant worrying and warnings. And finally, she thought about what she thought would be best for herself. And just as she drifted off to sleep, she made her decision.