Here's a new chapter and before Thanksgiving!
Thank You: Guest007, Guest, SammieLuvsFood, RockaRosalie and WitchGirl101
Amelie watched Reid paced across the living room. She picked at her cuticles. Her nails deeply needed some love. It was Sunday. He had asked her to come over to his house, so that he didn't have to be alone in this.
She'd never been in his house. It was nice. A bit more Gothic with the cobwebby gloom, as if The Addams Family lived here at one point. She was pretty sure there was a torture chamber in the basement. She certainly wasn't going to go look for it though, that's for sure.
Reid pinched his bottom lip between his fingers trying to figure out how he'd tell his parents why he was going to this school in California. He knew they didn't want their son to be some hippy dippy.
On top of that, he brought his girlfriend. The girlfriend they'd never met, never even heard of. She was sure that they hadn't met any of the girls he'd been with. What would they think of her? Would they even take her seriously? Irrational thoughts like this were running around like crazy lunatics in her head.
"You'll be okay. I'm here with you if anything else," Amelie reassured him, smiling sweetly.
He looked at her, his posture softening from its rigid nervousness, and leaned down a kissed her. It lasted only a second if that.
"Reid!"
A woman, as blonde as Reid, walked into the living room instantly reminding Amelie of the Queen of Hearts. Her arms were outstretched for Reid and enveloped him in a a hug. Amelie didn't move. She placed her hands on the knee she crossed over her leg. Every part of her felt frigid. The woman looked down at Amelie. Amelie recognized her instantly. She had seen her during Christmas break at the charity ball. She was speaking with her Mom and Dad. She seemed a lot more cheery looking too.
It was clear where Reid got his sharp, blue eyes. Her eyes looked evil though as if Amelie were a cockroach that needed to be squashed. She looked back at her son and took his face into her hands and kissed his cheek.
"Is Dad home?" Reid asked.
"He'll be home this evening. Why don't you two stay for dinner?"
Reid exchanged a questioning look with Amelie. She gulped and looked down at her hands. This was a good time not to talk.
"Sure," he said.
He didn't want to stay for dinner. Dinners ended with everyone being upset and angry. There hadn't been one dinner where everyone was civilized. There was the criticizing and the usual irresponsibility lecture. He didn't want to put Amelie through that.
"Amelie and I are going to go upstairs."
He took Amelie's hand quickly and led her from the room before Mrs. Garwin could say anything to her. Amelie looked over her shoulder. Mrs. Garwin stared after the two with a rigid glare, mostly and her.
"Your mom does not like me."
"Sure she does."
"Reid, she looked at me with hate. I know that look. I give that look fifteen times a day. I'm a professional with that look. She doesn't like me. I have her baby in the palm of my hand."
She squeezed Reid's hand tightly.
"She likes you. She's naturally intimidating."
"No, she doesn't Reid. You don't get it. You didn't see the way she looked at me. It was mean, and I'm sure she's plotting my death."
They stopped at the top of the stairs. He turned to face her, wrapping his arms around her waist, he said,
"Well, I'm not going to let her kill you."
Amelie gulped uneasily and looked down the stairs. She didn't feel safe. She knew she couldn't control this territory and staking claim would be very bad. This was like Greenland. Nobody wanted to be here. Not even Reid.
"C'mon."
He pulled her along down the hallway. Getting to the end of the hall, he opened the door on the right and climbed up a small staircase. Amelie stared around the decent sized room. It was shocking to see organization. There was any gross mess on the floor. No clothes scattered everywhere. It was pretty spotless. His desk was a bit of a mess, but that was normal when you were given a shit ton of homework or if you were a writer. The rack of vinyl across the room caught her eye immediately followed by the cds and stereo.
Reid locked the door behind her.
"This isn't how I wanted you to meet my parents, but I guess it was bound to happen."
Amelie's focused gaze on the music collection broke, and she smiled, shrugging a little. Just grin and bear it. He's probably the same way at my house.
He pulled her over towards the bed and sat down, resulting in him lying down. Amelie laid beside him. Reaching across her, he grabbed her thigh and pulled her so that she was on her side and lying partially on top of him. Amelie laid her hand on his chest, sliding her fingers underneath his hoodie. The zipper slid down a little. His hand moved up to her waist from her thigh. She felt a sudden calm when he kissed her. That was when she felt safe. She clenched a fistful of his shirt as the kiss escalated.
As soon as it did, she pulled away. He looked at her confused.
"Your Mom is downstairs," she reminded him.
"So? I've done it before," he blurted. His eyes widened with regret instantly.
Amelie scoffed and sat up, and slid from his hold quickly. She stood and took a few steps away from him. That's exactly what I want to hear. Fucking asshole.
Reid stood and made his way to her, instantly regretting those words. He reached out to touch her, but she shrugged it off.
"Don't touch me right now," she snarled.
"Look, it wasn't like they meant anything." Reid sighed.
Amelie's eyebrow arched. Dig yourself deeper, jerkass.
He could tell that she was only getting more pissed off. She clenched her fists tightly. Her nails pinched her skin.
"Amelie, it's not a big deal. Quit acting like this. You're being dramatic."
"Dramatic?" She snorted. "Dramatic…"
She seethed, her nostrils flaring. She turned away from him.
Dramatic? I can be dramatic. This is me just pissed off. It's so good to know that you fucked several different girls in this bed, in this room! Dramatic! You just reminded me I'm not the only girl you've ever slept with! I could understand three or four maybe five…but it was more than that! God, you're a whore!
"Dramatic," she said again. "I wasn't a whore. I had my select few, not the whole damn state."
"Wow, we're really going there aren't we." He said angrily.
"Go where Reid? You've been everywhere! And, I've been reminded that I'm not the only one you've been with. I'm just the latest."
"AND YOU'RE THE LAST ONE I WANT TO EVER BE WITH! YOU'RE THE ONLY ONE! THERE IS NOBODY ELSE!" he screamed.
Amelie looked down at the floor then at the wall, shaking her head. He just had to say that.
She couldn't get herself to look at him. She'd cave and she knew she would. Those words played over in her head. More and more silence filled up the room like a growing chasm.
"Do you understand that?" Reid's voice cracked when he finally spoke.
He was in front of her now. Looking up at him, she fought the urge to cry. Crying was for the weak.
"It happened. But it's not happening now. You are the only one that is in my bed. None of those girls compare to you in any way, shape or form."
He caressed her cheek causing a shiver to run through her to the very vein. She wanted to stay mad, but she couldn't. He was so broken by this. By seeing her so devastated from that. Letting him pull her into his arms, she relaxed and wrapped her arms around his waist, holding him tightly.
Reid kissed the top of her head.
"I love you, okay? I don't want you to worry about my past. I don't exactly respect myself for all of it. You are the only person for me."
Amelie looked up, meeting his eyes. They were soft, pleading-like. She nodded then laid her head against his chest. His heart beat radically against her ear like heavy bass.
"Okay," she whispered.
They were quiet for a long time. Reid pulled her back to the bed. They laid down on top of it, eventually falling asleep.
A knock on the door and Mrs. Garwin's voice calling out to the teenagers, awoke them.
"Reid? Honey, dinner is ready. Your father and I will be in the dining room. We expect to see you two in two minutes."
Her voice was terse.
Amelie sighed and rolled onto her back. After running his fingers through his mess of blonde hair, he rolled on top of her making her giggle loudly.
"Two minutes," she reminded him.
"I can do two minutes."
"You absolutely won't." Amelie said darkly; her eyes glimmering with a warning.
He chuckled and kissed her. she parted his lips with her tongue. They wouldn't have sex, but she could make him want to. She grinded her hips upwards against him. He groaned, biting her lower lip. He held her hips against him and grinded into her harder than she did.
"Two minutes are up," she said against his lips then moved out from under him and walked towards the stairs.
Reid looked down at himself and hung his head.
"Fuck," he muttered.
Quickly collecting himself, he met her at the door and unlocked it. They walked downstairs hand in hand.
In the dining room, a small chandelier hung over the dining room table. Amelie stared at the sparkling glass in awe. From the table, she saw a man stand. He looked sharp and the kind of guy who was always on his toes just by his attire. He wore a black suit with a black tie. He reminded Amelie of a super spy almost.
"Reid. It's good to see you son."
Amelie watched the two men hug. Reid didn't show as much enthusiasm about it like his father did.
"Hey, Dad."
"Sit." His Dad insisted.
They did. Mrs. Garwin stared at Amelie long and hard as Mr. Garwin started talking. Amelie looked down at the table at her food. It was duck covered with a thin layer of sauce. Amelie crinkled her nose. There was too much Oregano in the sauce.
"So what's on your mind? We don't see you home often," Mr. Garwin said.
Reid kept his snarky comment to himself. He wanted to say that he didn't see them very much either.
"Well, I got a few letters back from the colleges I applied to?"
"And Yale?"
"I've decided to go to Berkley."
Amelie watched as both parents froze. Mrs. Garwin, who was taking a sip from her wine glass, set it down. Mr. Garwin paused In the midst of cutting his duck. He didn't look up. The room grew more silent than it was already. Amelie gulped.
I feel like I'm at a funeral. Maybe my own.
She looked at Reid. His sat rigidly stiff.
"Berkley. What's at Berkley?" Mr. Garwin's voice went terse.
The duck on his plate was destroyed as he continued to cut it up.
"What I want to study."
"You're going to Yale. It's what we discussed."
"You discussed it, and I ignored it," Reid said.
Mr. Garwin put down his fork and knife. The utensils clinked lightly on his plate. Amelie had never seen parents so cold.
"I want to go to Berkley and I'm going. They have a good writing program."
"Writing? You want a career that will get you nowhere."
"No, it'll get me somewhere. I'm good at it. I want to write books and maybe become published."
"You sound like a damn hippy." Mr. Garwin snapped and slammed his hands down.
"Whatever you say Dad." Reid sighed, shrugging.
"Don't you talk to me that way!" Mr. Garwin yelled, slamming his fists down on the table.
Amelie jumped. Reid looked over her and mouthed 'I'm sorry'. She just nodded, and kept her silence.
"Is this girl going to Berkley? Is that why you want to go?" Mrs. Garwin spoke up, pointing at Amelie.
"Yes she is going. She gave me the inspiration to do what I want for a change," Reid replied.
Amelie, felt her chest rise and fall as if it were a cave caving in on itself.
"I can't believe you want to jeopardize your future over some little sprite," Mrs. Garwin spat.
Amelie couldn't take anymore.
"Excuse me," Amelie said, holding her composure.
She took the cloth napkin from her lap and stood. Reid grabbed for her hand, but missed it just barely. She left the room quietly, keeping her eyes straight ahead. She reminded herself that she was in dangerous territory. That's all that kept her from defending herself and ripping the woman apart. Closing her eyes, she felt them well up. Don't you cry you stupid bitch. They're just angry he didn't want what they wanted.
"Well, I see that we aren't going to decide on this right now and that you thought attacking my girlfriend was the solution."
Reid stood, his palms pressed flat on the well-polished dining room table. He glared at both parents.
"You should know that I really like this girl. Get used to seeing her."
"She's an ignorant little tart," Mrs. Garwin said unmoved by her son's cold words.
"I humiliated myself. Turned over backwards, and watched as she was torn down, so that I could be with her. She's the smartest girl I've ever known. You will not ruin this. I don't care how you feel about her. You aren't home enough to feel anything about her let alone me. As of right now, I want you to accept her."
His jaw was clenched tightly. He looked from his mother to his father who had an eyebrow cocked. He looked back at his mother. She looked at him as if she had been struck across the cheek.
"Of course," his father spoke solemnly, "I'd like to…meet with her some more under better pretenses."
Mrs. Garwin didn't say a word. She looked down at the glass of wine and swirled it in her glass.
"You're certainly different," he continued. "I imagine she's done that too?"
"You have no idea."
"We will talk about colleges next weekend. You better have a few really good reasons as to why you deserve to go this school, and I want to review a few pieces of your work. How good of a writer you are will also determine if I want to consider letting you go."
"You'll have anything you need for me to prove it."
"Good. Send in Amelie would you? I need to speak with her."
"You said tha-"
"Send her in," Mr. Garwin cut him off.
"Yes sir." Reid resigned.
Leaving the room, he found her at the window in the living room. She had her arms around herself tensely with a concentrated stare out the window.
"My Dad wants to speak to you," Reid told her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"I can't go back in there."
"Don't worry. I'm right here."
He gave her a reassured look as he took her hand and kissed her knuckles.
"Okay," she said after a minute.
She still didn't want to go in there. It was like reentering a fight when you already lost. She went back slowly. To her delight, delight on the inside, Mrs. Garwin wasn't in the dining room. Mr. Garwin hadn't moved from his seat. He ran his hands through his golden locks then down his face.
Amelie took this moment to get a good look at Mr. Garwin. He was…how to put this…hot. He had soft, chiseled features. His blonde hair was thoroughly messed with. For a man in his early forties…she could daydream about him.
"Please, sit."
He sounded nowhere near like Mrs. Garwin. He was kind. He even smiled at her. Smiled. Was that good? She sat down where Reid had been sitting.
"I'm sorry about my wife. It's difficult to see our son with a girlfriend since he doesn't date very much. Your parents have told us quite a bit about you. That you're pretty intelligent. "
She just nodded. She'd never been one to be intimidated, but this man could end their relationship. This was the man of the house.
"My son has changed. I'm to assume it's your fault."
His voice didn't hold much emotion if any, making it hard to judge if he was upset or happy about this. His eyebrows rose in amusement. Amelie heart pounded hard in her chest. She clenched her hands together tightly.
"I'm so-"
"Thank you," he cut her off.
Amelie's eyes widened. Not what I expected to hear.
"Thank you?"
"I've never seen my son stick up for very much in his life except for when his friends do idiotic things. He's never made good choices in his life or any choices for that matter. I'm astounded to see him taking responsibility, and that he has found such an equal in you."
Amelie stared at him blankly. Also, not what I expected to hear…
"Oh."
Mr. Garwin chuckled lightly.
"Well, it's not like it was easy to be with him at first."
"I figured. You must've made it worth his while."
Amelie smiled to herself now. I must've…
"I imagine you two need to get back to campus. I hope to see you again soon. We'll sit down to a more proper dinner."
Amelie nodded then got up and left. Reid twirled his car keys around his fingers, his head tilted to the side as he stared at a painting on the wall. He couldn't decide if he had seen the painting before or not. Amelie wrapped her arms around him and bit his back making him jump.
"Ah!" he yelped in a hushed whisper. "A little vicious aren't we?"
"A little."
"What did my Dad tell you?" He asked as they walked out the front door.
"He thinks I'm good for you."
"Huh."
Amelie looked at him skeptically.
"What?"
"I think you're going to be the death of me is all."
Amelie scowled and got in the car.
"Did he say anything else?"
"Yeah."
"Like what?"
"Oh I'm not telling you," she scoffed.
"Please?" he asked.
He looked nervous now, tapping his thumbs on the steering wheel. He glanced over at her.
"He thinks you've changed."
She smiled and shrugged.
"I don't see it. You still act like a jackass who owns everything," she continued.
"Not everything," he said, "just you."
He took her hand in his, lacing their fingers. Amelie shook her head and smiled, looking out the window. The hard part was over. Being able to make an official decision on your life was always the hardest part. The parents had to understand that it was your decision and that you couldn't be swayed. You had to be brave enough to go through with it.
The decision was made. Amelie felt genuinely happy about it too.
"So, how about I spend the night?" Reid suggested as they walked down the hallway of the dorms.
"You can. I wouldn't mind," Amelie said, her voice quiet.
He stopped and spun her to face him. Immediately, she could tell something was bothering him.
"Are you okay? You were quiet during the whole ride back." He said
"Just over thinking life and am tired."
"I'll be back soon. Do you want anything to eat? You barely touched your dinner earlier."
"With your Mom staring at me like I was the devil, it was difficult to have an appetite. I'm fine though."
"You sure?"
He raised his eyebrows at her. Amelie patted his chest lightly with her hands.
"I'm okay. Go, be a guy."
She slid from his light hold and walked the rest of the way to her room. She thought about going to see Sarah and Kate, but had already passed their room on the way down the hall and didn't feel like going back. She pulled her keys out of her pocket and unlocked her door. The room was warm, and she immediately thought of summer. Thinking of summer made her think about the internship. It had been on her mind a lot. April was coming fast. Next week fast.
She changed out of her jeans and dark green baby doll shirt and into yoga pants, keeping her light green tank top on. The weekend was something that had been on her mind much as well. She hated that it was over. She touched her bottom lip and smiled, remembering Reid's lips on hers. God, it was divine.
She laid down on her bed and stared up at the ceiling. Having stared up at it for so long, she closed her eyes. She didn't know when, but she did. Her eyelids had grown heavy and each time, she left them closed longer and longer until they just didn't open and she had fallen asleep. When she woke up it was dark and she was under the covers. Beside her laid a sleeping Reid. He faced her, lying on his side.
Turning over and facing him, she scooted closer and intertwined their legs together. He put his arm over her, and she was engulfed in his heat. Though it seemed suffocating, she was perfectly fine. He smelled good. She closed her eyes, snuggling against his bare chest and fell back asleep.
The alarm clock sang obnoxiously signaling her that it was Monday morning. She groaned unpleasantly and sat up. Reid continued to sleep.
"If you don't get up, I will torture you," she grumbled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
Reid opened his eyes and stared at her long and hard. Leaning down, she kissed him. Her hair fell around her face. He slid his fingers through her hair, grabbing her by the back of her head so as to keep her there. She moaned at his tongue massaged against hers. Her hand pressed against his chest trying to keep herself steady.
She pulled away and looked at the clock. Two hours before class.
"You should go," she breathed against his lips.
"You don't want me to go," he said in a low, husky voice.
Amelie bit her lower lip. She didn't want him to go. Lying here all day sounded wonderful. She kissed him once more then got up and moved to her closet.
"You should wear red," Reid suggested.
"I should?"
"Mhm."
Reid walked over to her desk and grabbed his shirt from the back of her chair. He put it on and made his way over to her.
"I find it very seductive."
The words were silk on his lips. He left her with that. She looked at her door then at her closet. It seemed like a day to wear stilettos.
She looked at herself in the mirror after getting dressed. The bruises were long gone. The eye liner was fine. The dark red lipstick was perfect. She looked good. There was one button buttoned halfway down her white blouse, a black tank top underneath. Her hair contained large, loose curls and shined amazing. The colored streaks were long gone and she was okay with that. She would need a dye job to completely exterminate the remnants of the color, but that was it.
Amelie ran her fingers through her hair once more then grabbed her bag and made her way out and down the hall. She took her usual route to the mailboxes. Instead of looking at the white envelopes, she threw them away. It was April. Now was a good time for people to do their own work. There were a few college letters as well, but Daddy was already sending a check to Berkley. It was strange to think about him paying for since she had saved up so much money to pay for it herself. She had expected him to disown her or something. The fact that he didn't was utterly surprising and unexpected.
The only envelope she didn't toss into the trash was one from the L.A studio of Rebel Records. The envelope was a crisp white. Amelie gulped and put it in her bag.
She held onto the letter for two weeks, not opening it. It sat on her desk. She was terrified of it. two things could be in that envelope. An acceptance or…a rejection.
"What's this?" Sarah picked up the envelope from Amelie's desk.
Amelie looked up from her bed. Her breath hitched and she gulped.
"Wait. Is this…" Sarah trailed off, holding the envelope up.
Amelie nodded.
"I'm so scared to open it." Amelie croaked.
"When did it get here?"
"Two weeks ago." Amelie cringed.
"Jeez, I'll open it."
Before Amelie could jump up from the bed to stop her, Sarah ripped open the envelope and pulled out the letter.
"Amelie Abbot, your application has been reviewed many times as has your song. We have had many submissions that have gone far beyond what we could've hoped for. We cannot accept as many as we would like for this opportunity, I am personally writing this letter with anticipation that you will accept the internship here at Rebel Records in Los Angeles, California. We would also like to record a demo with you here at the studio. Congratulations and we hope to hear from you soon…Isaac Hawkins."
Sarah's eyes widened as she read the letter, and her voice quivered with excitement. Amelie had frozen and stared completely awe stricken. Neither of the girls breathed. Amelie's blood pumped loudly in her ears. Did she hear it correctly? She had been accepted into the internship...
"Amelie, you got it."
Amelie didn't move. She stared straight ahead.
"Amelie?"
"Holy shit," Amelie breathed.
"We have to celebrate!" Sarah exclaimed then jumped up and down.
Amelie sucked in a deep breath. Slowly, a smile spread across her face. Her heart pounded even harder. She got up from her bed, tossing her books aside and snatched the letter to read it herself.
"I got it…I got it!" Amelie screamed.
"You did!" Sarah squealed.
The door opened and Reid walked in followed by Kate. They both looked at the jumping girls confused.
"I got it!" Amelie screamed, waving the letter around.
"Got what?" Kate asked.
Reid's eyes widened, realizing what she was talking about. He scooped her up in his arms quickly and spun her around, kissing her. She held him tightly around his neck. Bouts of laughter came out of her. This was unbelievable.
"Wait, what?" Kate said, still confused.
"She got the internship." Sarah said, and shook her
"Oh my god. Congratulations!" Kate exclaimed, slapping her hand to her mouth.
Reid set her down and spun her in a circle, dancing with her.
The rest of the day was spent on cloud nine. After dinner, Amelie went to the music building. It had been a while since she had been there. She sat down on the piano bench and lifted the wooden cover from over the keys. They felt smooth to the touch and cold. It hadn't been played in a while. She pressed a key. It sung beautifully. Then another.
Her fingers moved gracefully across the keys. The melody of one of her favorite songs. The song was so mellow and beautiful, calling out for contact. She smiled, moving to the flow of the music.
"It's been awhile since you've been in here," Caleb said, making his presence known.
"Two months," Amelie said.
She turned around on the small bench. Caleb stood down on the floor, leaning against the stage. There was a bemused look on his face.
"It's good to hear you again."
"It's good to play. I've missed it," she said, touching the piano like a long lost friend.
"Are you excited about the internship?"
"Are you kidding? I can't wait."
Amelie smiled ridiculously. After talking a little longer, Amelie went back to playing. Caleb gave her the same old same old and left the auditorium. It was nearly midnight before she stopped playing. Her fingers ached. She cracked them. It wouldn't be long before arthritis would set in.
I can't believe I'm going to Los Angeles. Daddy will be so proud. This will convince him even more that this is a good choice for me.
She didn't expect to get famous from this. It was shocking enough to have even gotten the internship.
Instead of going back to her room, she went to the indoor pool across campus. The sky was littered with stars. She peeked into the place first and saw only one person. Slipping in, she sat at the edge of the pool. The swimmer stopped and took off his goggles, looking up at her.
"Hey." She said, tilting her head to the side with a lopsided smile.
Reid smiled back.
"You okay?" she asked.
"Couldn't sleep. You?"
"I was just in the music building. I wanted to play and had lost track of time."
"The mind of a musician never sleeps."
He swam over to her and propped himself up on the edge beside her.
"So true." She chuckled.
She stared across the pool. The lights in it made the water look a teal color. The lights overhead were off so the pool seemed like a glowing oasis.
"Are you okay with me going this summer?" she asked.
Reid floated in front of her and took her flip flops off of her feet. She had taken off her stilettos hours ago. Grabbing her by the ankles gently, he set her feet in the water and propped his elbows on her thighs. The pressure on her legs tickled.
He was wet on her legs, but she didn't care. She ran her fingers through his wet hair and down along his jawline.
"Why wouldn't I be? You've been waiting for this."
"I know…"
"I would love for you to be here so we could be together, but I can wait a few months."
"I don't leave until mid-June. We have time."
Leaning down, she kissed him, chastely. She nearly fell into the pool. She pulled back and giggled then kissed him again.
"I'll see you tomorrow."
"I hate it when you leave me hanging," he grumbled low.
Amelie giggled again, but it was more alluring.
"Good night," she whispered.
He watched her leave, leaving watery footprints behind, then continued with his laps. Doing them usually helped him get tired. Amelie going to L.A. did bother him. He didn't want anything between them to change, but they would be. L.A. was a big place. What if she found somebody better? What if he didn't like the change? There were a lot of what ifs making themselves known in his head. High school was going to be over and the real world was going to start.
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