~1~

Marlene Hastings woke up in her bedroom by hearing the sounds of the birds chirping outside and sizzling oil and metal clattering downstairs in the kitchen.

All of a sudden, her bedroom door was whipped open by one of her sisters, Spencer (who was older by one year)

"Morning Marlene!" Spencer greeted as she lightly jumped on Marlene's queen bed.

"And morning to you Spence. What's going on downstairs?"

"A very special breakfast is being prepared by Melissa and of course Mom and Dad."

"Why if I may ask?" Marlene asked as she wiped her eyes and slowly got off the bed.

"Well, Melissa's wedding is in a week, and we are preparing in every way possible."

"Oh, the Hastings way. Gotcha." Marlene entered her closet and grabbed a black and red pleated skirt along with a black lace tube top. "By the way does this outfit look good for a day out with a friend?"

"A: Yes it looks very cute. And B: Who is this friend?" Spencer asked as she crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes.

"It's just someone from school. My tutor as a matter of fact." Marlene grabbed her purse, phone and exited her bedroom. She walked down the stairs and saw the living room and kitchen was crowded.

"Holy shit. This is what an average breakfast looks like?"

"Morning Marls!" Melissa greeted as she walked over to Marlene holding a paper plate and a cup. "Enjoy some breakfast, they are on the trays. And the canteen is over there as you know."

"Unfortunately I don't have time. I'm meeting up with a friend." Marlene turned her body around but Melissa lightly grabbed her arm.

"Who is this friend?"

"Just someone from school. My tutor as a matter of fact."

"Wait a minute, isn't Andrew Campbell your tutor?" Melissa asked.

"Yeah, why?"

"Oh my God! You're meeting up with Andrew the Nerd Campbell?" Melissa exclaimed as she placed down Marlene's plate and cup on the coffee table beside the chaise.

"Maybe. Besides he has a crush on me so I thought I would just go out and see him."

"Do you like him back?"

"Honestly Melissa, I'm not sure. But we'll find out. Bye!" Marlene waved goodbye and walked out the front door slamming it shut.

Marlene sat in the passenger seat of Andrew Campbell's Mini Cooper while Andrew drove.

"So Marlene, I'm glad you were able to come see me." Andrew said as he briefly took his eyes off the road to look at Marlene.

"Same. I needed to get out of the house."

"Family stressing you out?"

"Something like that. Melissa is having a celebratory breakfast because her wedding is in a week, and she's been preparing like crazy."

"Ahh gotcha. But I thought you didn't like weddings or anything that involved crowds?"

"I don't, but I want to be there for her. Because I know that she will do the same for me." Marlene leaned her head on the seatbelt using it as a pillow.

"You tired?" Andrew asked as he stopped at a red light.

"A little bit. Spencer barged into my room and I barely got enough sleep the night before all because Melissa did karaoke in the barn with Ian of course."

"I'm sorry you didn't get enough sleep. You know, you can always sleep in here. I don't mind Marls."

"Did you just call me Marls?"

"Yeah. Why, you don't like it?"

"No, I do. It's just I'm used to Melissa calling me that. But now I'm cool with you saying it."

"Well, I can now call you Marls instead of your full name." Andrew pulled the car into a parking lot, and placed his hand on the lever beside Marlene's seat.

"What are you doing?"

"Laying your seat down. I'll let you relax."

Marlene laid back and her eyes started closing. Her whole body went limp and her eyes shut completely.

Her eyes opened minutes later to seeing Andrew texting on his phone while his seat was leaned slightly back.

"Oh hey Marls. You were passed out for quite a bit."

"Where are we?"

"We are near the edge of town. I thought this would be a nice and peaceful spot for us to be alone together."

"It is very peaceful."

"Hey Marls, I have a question." Andrew said as he turned his body toward Marlene's.

"Shoot."

"Can I kiss you?"

"Yes." Marlene and Andrew leaned close together and lightly placed their lips on top of each other's. The kiss started soft but progressed to harder and tongue was used.

Marlene laid her seat back all the way and Andrew crawled on top.

His hands ran through Marlene's hair and down her body, grabbing onto her, feeling her warm skin against his cold hands.

Andrew pressed his hands against Marlene's back pressing him against her. The material of his pants slid against Marlene's skirt, causing it to slightly move up her thighs.

"May I?" Andrew asked.

Marlene nodded but before he could kiss her. She moved to the back of the car.

"Ahh wanted more room I see." Andrew crawled back on top of Marlene again and kissed her.

"Yeah." Marlene laid back and kissed Andrew softly. Just as he was about to take off his shirt, her phone rang. "Who could that be?"

She balanced her phone in her hands and saw a very sinister message appear on the screen.

"I wonder what Spencer would think if she found out you were with her ex. And they say that getting with your sister's ex breaks the girl code. Kisses. -A"

"What the fuck does that mean?" Marlene muttered.

"You alright Marls?" Andrew asked.

"No. I need to go home. Please take me home."

"As you wish."