Thanks for all the reviews everyone!
Chapter Thirty-six
When I limped up the stairs towards the sanctuary that is my bedroom, I heard the soft murmur of the television in my parents' room.
"Ella!"
I cringed and headed towards the door. "What?"
"'What?' Where have you been? It's late."
Dad looked over, the book he had been reading resting by his leg.
"I told you, I was with Adrian."
"Did he walk you home? Did you eat dinner?"
"Yeah," I lied. "He just had to get back."
Mom nodded slowly, sizing me up. When I flinched, she asked, "What's the matter?"
"Nothing."
"You just flinched; like you're in pain or something."
"I'm fine; just tired. Can I go?"
"Wait a sec," Mom said, gesturing for me to come to her. "I haven't seen you all day. I want to say goodnight."
Reluctantly, I made my way over to my parents' bed. As I suspected, Mom asked with alarm, "You're limping. Why are you walking like that?"
I'm limping because I'm sore from having sex. "I had a long day. And I have CP, Mom."
"I know that, but you're walking weirder than normal."
"Thank you."
"Peyt," Dad said, a smile curling his lips.
Mom pulled me to her embrace. "She knows I'm just kidding," she kissed my cheek. "Right? You know I love you so much just the way you are."
"I love you too. You too, Dad," I said, stretching to awkwardly pat his leg.
"Love you pumpkin. Get straight to bed, it's a school night."
Unbeknownst to my parents, I still had to finish my homework. Instead of hitting the books right away, I changed into sweats and Adrian's sweatshirt and lay down on my bed, resting my phone on my belly. Soon it went off with a text message.
Did you get home OK? Can we please talk?
I ran my thumb over Adrian's words. All I could think about was this Mari person. Who she was, what she looked like. If she knew about the freckles on the small of Adrian's back.
I got home just fine. I'm too tired to talk now Lion. I'll see you tomorrow.
After just a few minutes, I shoved my boyfriend outta my head, and got to work.
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Rapid knocks on the door of her home stirred trepidation in Rebecca, and she gently moved the curtain covering the window aside to see her soon-to-be ex-husband standing there. She opened the door and faced him in her pajamas. "Jesse, it's late. Is everything OK? Where's Adrian?"
"He's back at the apartment doing homework," Jesse said. "Can I come in?"
Rebecca let Jesse in with an urgent wave of her hand. "What's going on?"
Instead of answering, Jesse walked through the first floor of the home he once shared with Rebecca to the kitchen. "Adrian's pissed at me. I had to leave the apartment to give him air."
"...What did you do?"
Jesse sighed, running a hand through his thick hair. "I may have...I may have brought up Mari."
"Who's Mari?" Rebecca asked, in a moment of absentmindedness.
"Becky. Maritza, the girl Adrian used to date?"
"Oh. Why would you bring her up?"
"Because...because I caught Adrian and Ella...you know."
"Oh God," Rebecca made a face. "And then you threw the Mari thing in Adrian's face?"
"What was I supposed to do? What if he'd gotten Ella pregnant, and in my home?"
"Jess, he used a condom with Mari and the condom broke. Was he using a condom this time?"
"He said he was."
"And do you believe him?"
"Of course."
"OK, so… .the condom breaking with Mari wasn't Adrian's fault."
"Well you'd think after something like that he'd be more careful! I just don't want to see history repeat itself."
Rebecca nodded. "Jess. Condoms break. Pregnancy scares happen. It was terrifying for us, sure, but think about how Adrian felt. He's a smart boy, he'll be careful. What do you want us to do, ban him from having sex? We both know there's no way in hell that's gonna happen, so we have to just..."
"What?"
"Hold our breath right now. And make sure he always, always uses protection."
Jesse sank into the stool by the kitchen island. "I may have totally screwed things up for him and Ella. She heard the whole fight."
Rebecca made a sympathetic sound. "...Yeah, you could've been a little more careful. Can I get you a drink?" At Jesse's look she added, "What? You look thirsty." She reached into the fridge and grabbed beers for her and Jesse, sliding it across the island. "Who would've thought I would be the more rational parent on this one?" she teased.
"I know, I know," Jesse mumbled, twisting open the beer and taking a sip. "You were just as scared as I was, though, remember?"
"Perfectly."
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May 23rd, 2027
When Peyton awoke, she instantly noticed the sunlight filtering through the window. She'd already begun to show and thus began to sleep on her side with a pillow in between her legs. She lived for these moments, before the sun rose….just her and Luke, and sometimes (when Ella was younger) her pitter patter would bounce off the hallway, and she'd bound up to them on the bed. Every day with her family, Peyton treasured, but today...today was a special day indeed.
Peyton edged closer to Lucas, who was still asleep. She kissed his cheek, nipped his earlobe and whispered. "Luke...wake up."
"Hm?" Lucas muttered, shifting and opening his bleary eyes. "It's so early. You're awake already?" he asked, his voice gravelly with sleep.
"Don't you know what today is?"
Lucas smirked, gently stretching his arm over Peyton's belly. "Course I do." He kissed her once, twice, three times.
"16!" Peyton cried, absolutely giddy.
Lucas laughed. "16." He inhaled and brushed hair behind his wife's ear. "Happy Anniversary, my love."
"16 years. I can't believe it." Peyton hesitated, and for just a second her eyes brimmed with hurt. "For a few months I wasn't sure if we would make it to 16."
Lucas's eyes filled with pain. "...Yeah. I...I lost my mind..."
"I don't mean to taint anything,. I just..." Peyton took a sharp breath and tears filled her eyes. "I'm so relieved we're here, and so happy. You make me so happy."
"Peyt, you gave me everything. By saying yes. Marrying me, having children with me… you gave me everything. You know that, right?"
Peyton kissed her husband until she was out of breath. "God, I love you."
Lucas smirked and said, "Kisses and a proclamation of love, all before 6am." He traced the outline of her nose with his thumb. "Wait till you see what I have planned for us."
"What does that mean?" Peyton asked, snuggling closer to Lucas under the sheets.
"Well, first we have to be adults and go to work for a little while," Lucas said, chuckling. "But then, then it'll be like we're in high school all over again. Some make out sessions in the back of your car…. then the rest…that's a surprise."
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I couldn't sleep much last night, and now at school I'm a walking zombie, treading slowly through the crowded hallways. I sighed, thinking of Adrian, and made my way to the Tutor Center. When I walked through the door, Sheff was already sitting at our usual table, his backpack emptied out. "There you are!"
"Hey, Sheff," I said, taking off my backpack and sitting next to him. I opened my water bottle and took a sip. "How're ya?"
"Chilling," Sheff said, watching me. "Seriously Ella, thank you so much for agreeing to tutor me during your free period."
"You're welcome," I said. Sheff had bombarded me with text messages last night, begging me to help him with an essay for Mr. Kelly that was due next week, when I'd be in Washington, DC. "Where should we start?"
Sheff showed me a copy of Things Fall Apart. "I don't understand this book. I seriously think every other word in it is 'yam.'"
I tried not to laugh and took out my own notes on Achebe's book. I cleared my throat and we began, only getting interrupted by a familiar knock. I looked up to see Adrian standing there, holding his messenger bag. "Hi."
"Hey." I huffed a sigh and got up. "Work on that outline and I'll be right back," I told Sheff, pulling Adrian into the quiet hallway. I leaned against lockers and turned to my boyfriend, who looked especially sullen. "What is it? This is really unprofessional."
"I wouldn't be interrupting you if you'd just stop avoiding me."
"I'm not avoiding you."
"Yes you are. This is the only time I can get you where you can't run away from me," Adrian gestured to the Tutor Center with one arm.
"Oh, wow. Real mature."
Adrian shook his head. "You know, this is getting to be a pattern, Ella, and I'm getting tired of it."
"What pattern? What're you talking about?"
"Me, coming to find you after you shut me out when something happens. First it's for about a week with the depression, now this?"
"Yes! Now this. This is still a fragile time for me, OK? I've just about pulled out of it with the news about my baby brother or sister. Next I have to find out about some girl you had sex with and got pregnant?"
"Shh!" Adrian hissed, even though the hallway was completely empty. "Don't yell that shit out! After school we can go somewhere private. Before the carnival."
I sighed and checked my phone from my back pocket. "I have to get back in there. I'll see you."
"Let's meet at the park," Adrian blurted out, ignoring my goodbye. "The park a couple blocks from the school, after 3pm."
"Fine." I waved to him, before heading back to the Tutor Center.
"Things with you guys alright?" Sheff asked, leaning back in his chair.
"That's between me and my boyfriend," I said back. "I'd rather not talk about this with you."
"That bad, huh?" At my scathing look, Sheff added, "Sorry."
Despite Adrian's interruption, the session with Sheff went relatively well. I clocked out of the Tutor Center, thankful to be earning the extra cash, and headed down the hall to the left for my next class.
"Ella!" I turned to see Debbie walking, or rather skipping towards me. "How's it going?" She slung an arm around my shoulder.
"It's going alright, how're you?"
"I'm swell. You excited for the fundraising carnival later?"
In a last-ditch effort to raise money for the Washington DC trip with Angela's class, we were hosting a carnival that we'd been planning for weeks and weeks. "Can't wait," I said, pasting a smile on my face.
"Yay! Jon and I will be waiting for you and Adrian. Let's hangout after, too!"
"Oh, I–"
The bell rang, signaling the start of last period on this half-day. "Gotta go Chica. See you later. Te veo mas tarde."
I watched Debbie make her way down the hall, meeting up with Jon and leaning into his embrace.
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Music accompanied me on my short walk to the park by Tree Hill High School. Sure enough, Adrian was sitting on one of the swings in the abandoned swing set, scrolling through his phone until he saw me approaching. "Hey," he said, far more upset than he was earlier in the day. "For a couple minutes I didn't think you were gonna show up."
"You know I walk slow." I sat on the swing next to him even though it hurt my hips to do so.
We sat in silence for a few minutes, before Adrian started talking. "Ella…. I never meant for you to find out about Mari that way. I didn't really want you to find out about her at all."
"Why not?" I asked, my voice muted.
"Because...I didn't…. think it mattered," he said, clearly flustered.
"Of course it matters! I had a right to know."
"Why? You knew I wasn't a virgin."
"Yeah, but I didn't know you were almost a dad, my God."
"Yes it was scary, I was completely freaked out, but it's over. It happens."
"It happens?"
"Yeah," Adrian said, shaking his head at me. "Look, it's not like I was cheating on you and knocked up another girl. Don't you think that would have been much worse?"
"Don't waste my time with hypotheticals," I said, and he quietened.
"I'm just saying, what Mari and I had was in another life practically. It's over and done with. I moved here for my grandmother, and I unexpectedly met this amazing girl who I'm...so in love with, and who I'd do anything for. Anything."
His words softened my edges. "Would you have broken up with her had it not been for the move?"
Adrian nodded his head in affirmation. "The pregnancy test was positive, but when Mari went to the doctor, the tests they did were negative."
"So the test was a false positive."
"Yes. She didn't tell me that though, at first. After I told her I'd be there for her through the pregnancy, that I would honor any decision she made, she cracked under the guilt and told me everything, including all the cheating. I was furious and hurt, so I broke up with her. That was at the end of May, two months before we moved here, so that makes the breakup...about a year ago."
"A year ago?"
Adrian looked at me, nodding again. "Does that make you feel better?"
"...A little."
"You're not threatened by Mari, are you?"
I bit my lip. "It's a little strange and painful to think of you with anyone else….in love with anyone else. I know it's stupid."
"Hey, if things were different and I'd found out about some guy you were in love with before me, it'd be hard for sure."
"So you did love her."
Adrian's face was pained. "That was so long ago. It wasn't love like this. I realized I was just infatuated."
"A year is a long time to be infatuated."
"Ella," Adrian sighed heavily. "Come on."
"What?"
"I thought...I thought I loved her. Then I realized Mari wasn't who she said she was. I would have broken up with her regardless if I'd stayed in San Francisco. I didn't want to be with someone dishonest, manipulative, and evil. I still don't."
I looked down at my red Converse shoes.
"I'm glad I left California," Adrian moved toward me in his swing, shuffling his feet in the gravel. "And not because I got to get away from Mari. I'm glad I left, because if I hadn't you would have never entered my life. My life is so much better with you in it."
I grabbed his hand, and swallowed the lump in my throat. "Mine too."
"Any questions you have, you can ask."
"It's history, right?"
"Totally history. Never wanna see her again."
"I'm sorry, Lion. You must've been so upset."
Adrian shrugged, brushing the hair from his forehead. I could see faint traces of a smile at me calling him Lion again. "It's all good. Everything happens for a reason."
I leaned forward and kissed him deeply in that park, and that's where both of us remained as the minutes passed us.
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Peyton opened the door to her home when the doorbell rang, to see Brooke on the other side, embracing the May weather with Chanel shades, a green dress, and heels. "Hey sexy," Brooke said, smiling cheekily.
"Me? Look at you." She reached to kiss her best friend on the cheek. "Honey, you're ageless."
"Thank you P Sawyer." Brooke laughed, her laugh like honey. She shut the front door behind her, followed Peyton past the foot of the stairs. "Happy Anniversary to you and Luke! 16 years, huh? I've always considered it way longer than that."
"Why's that?"
"Oh come on, he's loved you so much for almost as long as we've been best friends. And once you two idiots realized you were meant to be together in high school, you were practically married by then anyhow." Brooke smiled her warm smile, her eyes a doe brown. "P, you and Lucas deserve all the happiness in the world and more." She squeezed Peyton's hand, and Peyton squeezed back just as hard. Brooke motioned to the top of the stairs and exclaimed, "Come on, let's find you something to wear for tonight!"
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"Not bad for a school fundraiser," I said, standing next to Debbie. Tree Hill High arranged for the carnival to be held by the docks, the same place where the town held the Burning Boat Festival in the Fall. The carnival was made up by booths manned by the students–they even had an epic moon bounce. It was no secret that Angela and her work were both supremely valued by Principal Curtis and the rest of the school's administration.
"I know, right?"
"You know, with something this elaborate you'd think the school would just pay for the whole trip itself."
Debbie laughed. "I know. But...where's the fun and stress in that? I think they want us to learn responsibility and how to work for the things we want. Come on, if we're not in our booths soon, Angela'll freak." Debbie paused, "You look nice, by the way. Great lipstick. And I really like your boots."
I had brought them to school and changed out of my Converse when my feet started throbbing. "Thanks," Debbie and I walked side by side to the center of the carnival, which was open to the public but primarily for THH students, staff, and faculty. Adrian was easy to catch in his black button down and jeans.
"When do you get off your shift, Gummy?" he asked me from where he stood, selling concessions.
"Not until 4:30," I said, checking my phone. It was only 1:30pm. Three hours of just sitting here. Angela was ruthless–you'd think she'd actually let us enjoy the carnival we were hosting. You'll enjoy DC, was what she said when we had pestered her.
"Me too."
I shouted over the music, "We're hanging out later with Debbie and Jon."
"What?"
I waved him off, my signal for never mind, and began working the booth. At 3:30, I couldn't stand anymore. I headed away from the booth.
"Where you going?" Adrian called.
"To get a chair," I called back. "Been standing for two hours. My feet are killing me."
"I'll get it," Adrian said, patting a fellow classmate on the shoulder when he offered to stand in. Ever resourceful, Adrian returned with a cheap folding chair and set it down on the grass. I sat down and exhaled in relief. "Better?" He handed me his water bottle. "Have you drank water at all today?"
I nodded. "I just have to fill my water bottle again."
"I can do it."
"Thank you," I said, squeezing his hand. He squeezed back and winked at me, before disappearing.
"I know I've said this before, but you and Adrian are mad cute," I turned to see Sammi watching us. She walked over to me in her perfect outfit and hoop earrings. "You haven't heard anything from that Jasmine girl, have you? She hasn't bothered you anymore?"
"Who? Oh, hell no."
"Good, she's a bitch anyway. Did I mention she's also a hoe?"
Sammi's inflection had me laughing. I hadn't thought about it in a while, but I remembered Jasmine's rude and heinous comments about my intimate moments with Adrian at that party at the Ridge.
"I'm serious. She always wants the D."
"Oh my God," I said, shaking my head. It was true that Sammi knew all the school gossip, and who was dating who in our grade.
Adrian returned with my water bottle. "What's going on?" he asked, smiling at me mid laughter.
"If y'all want to ditch your booths, we can watch them for you," Sammi offered, referring to her best friend and partner in all crimes, Aracelis 'Celi' Rivera.
"Seriously?"
"Yeah! Go have fun. And avoid Angela at all costs."
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Lucas and Peyton walked hand in hand on the streets of downtown Tree Hill, where Lucas gestured to where he was taking his wife for their big anniversary dinner. The sign over the front door of Karen's Cafe swung slightly in the evening breeze.
Lucas shrugged. "I figured you'd prefer having a quiet place to ourselves rather than the busiest, fanciest restaurant in Wilmington with overpriced steak."
Peyton laughed, placing a hand over her cute baby bump. "I'm currently having an aversion to steak. And tuna," she cringed.
"Exactly." Lucas held out his hand, and Peyton took it. He led her inside, where almost every inch of the cafe was lit in small candles.
"Luke...this is perfect. You did this all on your own?"
"I had a little help," Lucas said, gesturing to the kitchen where Jeff the Cheff and Zander, Haley and Brooke's favorite waiter, waved towards them. "They owe me." Lucas pulled out a chair where a table was elegantly set up for them, and Peyton sat down.
"Place cards," she said, picking up a larger-than-wallet size card with a beloved photograph of her and Lucas a few weeks after they got married, happiness and elation in their eyes. Below the photograph in fancy cursive, was emblazoned Sixteen, and underneath that true love always.
"Read the back."
Peyton flipped the card over, and read aloud the words printed in italic.
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am home again
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am whole again
Peyton stopped, tears gathering in her eyes. She looked at her husband of sixteen years, best friend for longer, and love of her life for even longer than that. No words needed to be said, as Peyton recited the words she had painted for Lucas all those years ago on the RiverCourt, pouring her heart out to him for what she thought was the last time.
However far away
I will always love you
However long I stay
I will always love you
Whatever words I say
I will always love you
I will always love you
"Peyton," Lucas said, quietly, calmly, and as intensely as he ever had, "I couldn't stop thinking about what you said early this morning. I know I can't...I can't erase all my mistakes and shortcomings. I can't take back leaving you in October." Lucas paused, taking a shuddering breath at even the mention of one of his deepest regrets, ever. "You gave me another chance, I survived a heart attack and was given a second chance at living….I've been trying to be a better person...a better man and a better human being... for you and for our daughter. So...making it to 16 means more to me than I can possibly express. I just want you to know…I'll never take you for granted again."
"I know," Peyton said, starting to cry. "I know." Carefully, she got up from the table and soon was at her husband's side. Their embrace was vehement, whole, and complete.
When the couple pulled apart, both wiping at their eyes, they were approached by Zander already carrying a platter of food.
"We didn't even order yet," Peyton said, looking at Lucas with a raised brow of intrigue. She smoothed out her cloth napkin on her lap.
"Oh, I took the liberty of ordering for us ahead of time," Lucas said, wearing his best boyish grin. He motioned for Zander to serve Peyton first.
"Double cheeseburger, fries and a chocolate milkshake," Zander announced, starting to laugh at Peyton's reaction.
She had tilted her head back in laughter. "Oh my God. I've been craving this meal so bad."
"I know! I told myself if I didn't get it for you now, I'd never hear the end of it."
"Is it annoying?" Peyton asked, like a small child.
Lucas smiled. "It's adorable."
"Cornbread and chili," Zander said, setting the meal in front of Lucas.
"Mom's chili is the best chili!"
"I need to perfect her recipe," Peyton mused, sipping from her milkshake. "Yummy. Mommy and Baby are satisfied."
Lucas raised his glass of seltzer water. "To 16 years….and one hundred more." Their glasses clinked together in a toast, and with sweet conversation, the couple enjoyed their special meal.
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As Adrian and I were leaving the deserted carnival with Debbie and Jon by our side, I saw Sammi sitting alone, scrolling on her phone. "Sammi," I called. She looked up. "Do you want to hangout with us?"
Sammi's eyes lit up. "Sure! Can Roman come?"
Inwardly, I cringed. "Uh, yeah sure! I know a place open all night."
"Roman's coming?" Adrian asked me, only so I could hear. "I thought they broke up."
"Apparently not. What was I gonna say? Are you mad?"
"Nah," Adrian said. "Just wish the guy wasn't such a tool."
We got to the River Court and the sun was setting. As all of us sat at the picnic table, taking out snacks we bought at the convenience store, with Jon setting up music on his phone. Roman set his backpack down in the middle, and brought out a bottle of Bacardi, Cola, and finally a six pack of Stella. "Who wants?"
"Uh..." I said, looking at Adrian. "We're in public."
Roman, a junior, snickered at me. "So? You see anybody else here?" He motioned the beer in my direction. "I know you drink, I saw you that night at the Ridge."
"Ella if you don't want to, you don't have to," Adrian said.
"No pressure," Jon added.
"What is with you losers? It's just beer, damn. Yes or no?"
I stared at Roman before grabbing the beer rather forcefully from his hand.
"I don't drink," Jon said, after Roman offered to make him a makeshift version of a Cuba libre. Jon's dad was an alcoholic, but Sammi and Roman didn't know that.
"You too?" Roman asked. "Sammi, why are we hanging with these people?"
"Roman, shut up," Sammi said back.
"I'll take a rum and Coke," Adrian said, and Roman made him one, light on the Coke and heavy on the rum.
"I even got limes, bro," Roman said. "And ice."
Bro? I mouthed to Adrian across the table, and he held in his laughter.
"Much appreciated," Adrian said, before taking the drink in a red Solo cup.
"So," Roman said, an arm casually around Sammi's shoulder. "Let's play I Never."
"Ella hates that game," Sammi said, giving me a knowing look.
"Why? What is she, in charge?"
"No," I said, shooting Roman a look. "We can play."
Roman cleared his throat. "I'll go first. I never….had sex in this park." I looked around, nobody took a drink. "...Nobody? What?! Aw come on."
"Next," Sammi said, sticking her tongue out at Roman. "I never got high with Mr. Reiser."
Roman stared at Sammi before taking a drink from his cup, and Adrian and Jon erupted into laughter.
"Yo..."
"Whaaat. Get outta here!"
"Are you kidding?"
Sammi shook her head. "Nope. Mr. Reiser smokes that ganja."
Roman pointed at us. "That shit doesn't leave this park. That guy is one messed up motherfucker."
The game went around and around, until I could see my friends getting buzzed.
"I never...uh…." Adrian sucked his teeth and looked at Jon and me. "Sorry. I've never...gotten head in the west stairwell at school."
"Damn Adrian, way to blow shit up!"
"What the fuck man, you tryna get me plastered?" Roman said, taking another long swig of his Stella. Jon also took a drink, and Sammi's mouth was gaping.
"Adrian!" Debbie whined, covering her face with her hands.
"Well shit I didn't think Jon was gonna drink! My bad!" Adrian said, holding out his hand. "My bad."
"You've for real never done that with him there?" Roman asked me. "Why not?"
"I don't have to answer that."
"OK, prude."
"Hey," Adrian said, his voice stern from across the table. "Come on."
"Figures you're not even drunk yet," Roman said, staring icily at me.
I smiled at him. "Doesn't that mean I'm winning?"
"Roman, leave her alone. She's the one who invited us."
"I know. I'm really curious as to what'll get you to drink….." his eyes alternated between Adrian and me. "….I've never gotten caught fucking by my parents."
Stone faced, I raised my beer to my lips and took a long drink.
Roman's mouth hung open in shock, and he stared at me. "YO! I just made that up. I thought you were still a virgin!"
"Why's that, because of my disability?" I asked him, my words hard and pointed. "Didn't think someone would have sex with me?"
Roman held out his hands. "Look, I'm an asshole, but I'm not cruel. In fact, I have mad respect for you Ella."
I was suspected that Roman Fabrizio was full of shit, even when drunk. "I'm surprised you even know my name."
Roman shrugged.
The sounds of a basketball hitting the tarmac caused us all to turn around. "Oh, fuck," I said, as Jamie stood there, Andre by his side.
"Ella?" his eyes were stern as he saw the alcohol, a drunk Roman and Sammi, and Adrian, who was pretty buzzed. "What is this?"
I held out my hands. "OK...calm down."
"What up bro? I'm Roman," Roman held out his fist, but neither Jamie nor Andre were amused.
"Get outta here," Jamie said. "All of you, go home. Is anyone here even sober?"
"I am," Jon said, raising his hand. "I'll walk everyone home." He dumped his Solo cup, full of water, into the grass and did the same with all of the other cups full of alcohol. Jon took Debbie's hand, who waved bye to me, and led Sammi and Roman out of the RiverCourt.
"Are you drunk?" Andre asked.
"Maybe a little bit. Here, let me help clean up."
"Can you walk?" Jamie asked me, his tone sincere.
"I'm fine. We were playing I Never. I think I won, actually."
"Ella, underage drinking games in public? Come on."
"Look, I'm not even the one that brought the alcohol. And you have no right to act all judgmental. I've covered for you so many times in the past."
"I never said I was gonna rat you out," Jamie answered, calmly. He sat down next to me on the bleachers. "...I always thought you were above all that."
"I finally have the confidence and the security to play those types of games and not feel like shit about myself." I took a deep breath in. "Adrian and I had sex."
Jamie made a face, but I ignored him.
"I finally feel comfortable enough in my own body to be with my boyfriend. And you were right, it was freeing. You shouldn't judge me," I said, my voice breaking. "You should be proud of me."
"I am proud of you, Ella. I'm proud of you every day. I just don't want to see you get hurt because of rash decisions, that's all."
"I'm not perfect, Jamie and I'm going to make mistakes. You have to let me, so I can learn from them. I feel like you have me on a pedestal, and it's not fair."
"If it seems that way, it's only because I think so highly of you." Jamie squeezed my knee, and he laughed as Andre put what was left of the bottle of Bacardi and Cola in a plastic bag. "Andre, you're keeping the liquor?"
"Hell yeah. I don't want to waste it."
Andre drove us all to my house, since my parents were out at their anniversary dinner and date. We all congregated in the kitchen, where Jamie and Andre finished off the Bacardi before my parents found it.
"Oh so you can drink? You're underage too," I said. "Just saying."
"But I'm not doing it in public, and I'm not doing it with...what was his name?"
"Roman," Adrian said, drinking plenty of water.
"That guy seems like a douchebag."
"In my defense, I invited Sammi, who invited Roman. I was just trying to be nice," I said, struggling with sitting on the island stool.
"Oh relax," Jamie said. "You weren't responsible for him, he was responsible for himself."
"Y'all want to watch a movie?" Andre asked. "Can Lily come?"
Like I was gonna say no to Lily, who was back for the summer. "Um, yes. Of course."
Jamie and Andre headed downstairs to the family room. Adrian poured another glass of water. "Babe?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm really sorry I brought up that whole thing about the blow job in the staircase….that was stupid. I feel like such a jackass."
"Hey, I'm sorry I drank when Roman asked about getting caught by our parents. I should have just lied. Now the whole school's gonna know about it by tomorrow."
"I doubt it. Roman was so drunk he's probably not gonna remember anything. And you know Debbie and Jon will keep it quiet."
I nodded, grabbing Adrian's hand and lacing his fingers with mine. "Just so you know," I said, my voice low. "If you really want one, you can tell me. I won't give you one in the stairwell at school, but..."
The tip of Adrian's ears got pink as he blushed. "I was waiting. I wanted you to be comfortable with the idea first."
I stared at him, my emerald green eyes boring into his amber ones. "I think we've waited long enough."
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With Jeff the Chef and Zander long gone, Lucas and Peyton stayed in the cafe, cuddled up on the couch listening to Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, specifically their duet, "The Nearness of You."
"This way, it's like our Ella is with us, too." Lucas ran a hand up Peyton's leg. "Care for dessert, Mrs. Scott?"
Peyton sighed dramatically. "Is that even a question?"
Lucas got up and moved quickly, returning with two plates. "Apple pie," he gestured, topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream. "Or cake?" he motioned to the other plate.
"I'm so spoiled," Peyton shook her head, held out her hand nonetheless. "Pie, please."
Lucas sat next to his wife, draping her legs over his lap. Together they devoured their desserts, laughing and reminiscing like a couple of teenagers, sharing each other's sweets and the like.
"Full?" Lucas asked.
"So full. I need to walk it off."
"I'm glad you said that. There's one more place I wanna take you."
"Really?"
"Really." Lucas leaned in and kissed his wife, her lips tasting like pie. "After we make out like fiends first."
"Well. If we must." Peyton looped her arms around Lucas's neck and happily obliged.
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"We're gonna do it now?" Adrian hissed, holding my hand as I headed towards the stairs. "With Jamie and Andre here?"
"Hello?"
I turned to see Lily in the foyer, and I was half thrilled half disappointed. "Hey!" I hugged her hard. "So good to see you!"
"I heard that you're gonna be a big sister," Lily said.
"You're gonna be an aunt again!" Holding Lily's hand, I gestured to the stairwell that led to the family room. "Andre and Jamie are picking out the movie. What's in the plastic bag?"
"Stuff to make root beer floats. I wasn't sure if y'all had ice cream or not."
"Awesome, I'll help you make them. Adrian, wanna help pick out the movie?" I said, and Adrian smirked at my not so subtle dismissal.
"Sure. See you guys down there."
I followed Lily back into the kitchen, watched as she began making the root beer floats with vanilla ice cream.
"Andre and Jamie told me they found you at the River Court," she said.
"Yeah...I know we shouldn't have played in public, but...I just felt so much power playing. A lot of control…. You don't think Jamie's gonna tell my parents, do you?"
"If he said he won't, he won't." Lily slid a root beer float across the island.
I took a sip and watched Lily for a second. "So…."
"So…." Lily echoed. "What's new with you, girly?"
"...I lost it."
"What do you mean?" Lily looked at me, and set her spoon down on the island with a clang. "YOUR VIRGINITY."
"Yes."
"How was it!?"
"We hit a few bumps in the road on the way there, but….it was amazing."
"Aw, yay," Lily said, her eyes soft. She drank her float. "I don't even remember my first time."
I laughed. "I was kinda worried you'd be disappointed in me."
"Why?"
"Because...I know I'm only 14, and..."
"Hey. I was 16, so not much older than you. Ella, as long as you were with someone who adores you, respects you, would do anything for you….that you're comfortable enough with….that's all that matters. And that you're safe."
"We used a condom."
"Good. No condom, no entry. Seriously."
"I know."
Lily nodded, looking just like my dad. "Did you…."
"Mhm."
"How great does it feel."
"It was pretty epic."
"Are you guys coming?!" Came Jamie's shout from downstairs. "We picked out a movie!"
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"The docks?" Peyton asked, her arm looped through that of Lucas.
"Mhm." They stopped in front of a very familiar, very beautiful boat.
"I should've known," Peyton said, shaking her head. "My dad has always had a soft spot for you."
Lucas gestured for his wife to follow him. Holding on to her, of course. The night was now chilly, so the couple went into the cabin, furnished with an expensive liquor cabinet, couch and a single size bed. Perfect for the start of what Larry Sawyer called his "Third Act."
"I forgot how cozy it is in here," Peyton said, taking off her shoes and sprawling across the bed, watching as Lucas rummaged through the backpack he had grabbed back at the cafe. "What's in there?"
"One more thing I wanna show you," Lucas said, taking out his MacBook from its case. He joined Peyton on the bed, resting his laptop on his lap. Peyton watched as Lucas took out a white CD, marked with 16, and put it in the drive. "One more trip down memory lane?"
The CD held a slideshow, which began with photographs of Lucas and Peyton in their junior year of high school: her with her long curly hair and Lucas with his boyish charm. "Oh my Gosh. Look at us."
"Ella helped me put it together. We had a blast."
Brooke appeared, the guys from the River Court, Nathan, Haley. The slideshow breezed through their senior year, which included snapshots of the State Championship game against Pontiac.
"Geez. Look at my hideous hair," Lucas said, and Peyton laughed. "What was I thinking?"
Peyton leaned on Lucas' shoulder, tearing up as the slideshow continued through the college years, to a special photograph of Lucas down on one knee, and soon the pictures faded into a video.
"Our wedding," Peyton said, taking in a breath. "There's no way I can watch this without crying, Luke."
"Me too," Lucas admitted, watching his 23 year-old self in his Hugo Boss suit, courtesy of Brooke. "I remember feeling so tongue tied as you walked towards me."
"Look at my dad! Aw, he looks so young and proud," Peyton wiped at her eyes for the millionth time. "This is too much for me."
"There's more," Lucas said, kissing Peyton's temple. There were photographs of Peyton pregnant and a beaming Lucas, and finally, sacred photographs of Ella in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, three months premature and holding on to life.
"Oh God…." Peyton cried, covering her eyes with her hand.
"There's our beautiful baby," Lucas said, his voice soft and full of raw emotion. When he noticed his wife's reaction he added, "Aw, you know this story has a happy ending."
"I know, I know..." Peyton cried. "Just...look at her. I love her so much."
There were pictures of the three of them in that brownstone in Brooklyn, Ella plastered in a body cast after her first major surgery, a huge smile on her face despite the pain. There were pictures of the trio on vacations, at birthday parties, during lazy Sunday mornings.
The slideshow's last photographs were recent ones. A black and white close up of Lucas mid laughter on the River Court, his eyes finally free of pain, guilt, regret.
"Adrian took that one. That kid's pretty good."
"I love it," Peyton whispered.
Finally, Ella, Peyton, and Lucas sitting together, a "family selfie" during their board game-pizza making day. The photograph faded to black, and flowing text in cursive read,
To my best friend, my wife, and my comet. Thank you for this remarkable life we've shared, and all the priceless memories. I love you.
Luke
Peyton wiped her face, damp with tears. "How could you make me such a meaningful gift when you know I'm so hormonal?" she joked, before kissing him, her hand pulling him by the collar of his charcoal shirt.
"So you liked it?"
"Are you kidding, I'm a wreck. Of course I did." Peyton reached into her purse, pulled out a present. "I never thanked you. Everything and everyone I value most in our lives, you've given me."
Lucas swallowed, holding back tears. He unwrapped the gift carefully, and graciously, to reveal a black leather bound book. Lucas opened the book to the first page to a note written in his wife's elegant handwriting.
Just like you say my art changed your life, your words changed mine. I am so in love with you, and always will be.
~Peyton
Lucas flipped to the first page of text, his eyes dancing over the words. He looked at Peyton in disbelief. "This is...this is the short story I'm writing about Ryan. You had it bound for me… how did you know I was writing it?"
"I had a little help."
"Thank you," Lucas said. "Thank you so much. I'll always treasure this."
"Until it gets published," Peyton said, smiling at him. "Which it will."
Lucas leaned in to kiss her, the kiss holding all his adoration and gratitude. "You tired, baby?"
"I'm always exhausted after so much crying," Peyton replied, her eyelids heavy.
"Let's go home."
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"What's this one?" Jamie asked, motioning to a blank white CD in a case.
"Not sure," I replied. "Put it in."
Jamie put the CD in the DVD player and hit play. The screen got fuzzy before coming to light, showing the family room at Uncle Nathan and Aunt Haley's house. Little me was standing in the middle of the screen, Jamie at my side.
"Oh my God," I said, laughing.
"I remember this day," Andre said, sitting with his arm around Lily on the love seat. "Ella, this is the day you walked! Remember? Yeah, it was a huge welcome home party for you and your parents, and this is you walking without the walker for the first time."
"Wow." Sure enough, my steps were wobbly and unsteady, and my parents, as young as ever, were waiting for me a few feet away.
"Hello?" came my mother's voice, not on the screen but from up the stairs. "We're home!" the familiar clack of her heels resonated Peyton's descent. "What're you guys up to?"
"Watching home videos," I answered, and watched as Lily got up from her spot and hugged Peyton hard, wishing her congratulations. "This is me walking after surgery."
"I don't know if I can handle anymore crying," Mom said, and Dad wrapped an arm around her waist. "My little baby!"
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Soon after everyone left, I was in my room nestled in my reading corner, looking over all the song lyrics and dumb phrases I had put on the wall amidst miserly times of teenage angst.
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Adrian had put those lyrics up on the wall when we sat together here in this room not too long ago. It was right before I found out my mom was pregnant, and I was pretty deep in my own hurt. He held my hand and told me he loved me, and I told him that I loved him too, squeezing his hand tight.
"Hey," Mom said, and Dad followed her into the room. "We wanted to say goodnight."
"So you guys had a good day?" I asked, leaning back in my chair.
"Great day," Dad said, beginning to rub Mom's back. "Your DC trip is coming up in a few days, you excited?"
"So excited."
"We're chaperoning, by the way," Dad said.
My mouth dropped. "No, you're not. Are you serious?"
My parents stared at me before starting to laugh. "No," Mom said. "We're not going. But you should've seen your face."
"You guys suck!"
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I know this one's a little shorter but i wanted to give you guys something. Show some love and review!