A/N: I know, I know. I'm a horrible person… I deserted this story for, what, well over 2 years? And it really doesn't have much left to it… Maybe 5 more chapters at the most. But I figure since I have some time off for the next couple weeks, I should finish it… Especially since I have about 3 or 4 other stories I've been writing but haven't posted. I'd be a complete ass to post them and not finish this one first.
I have to say most of my motivation to pick this story up came from reviews I got… Even though it hasn't been updated in so freakin' long, you all still reviewed and told me you liked it. And plus I read it over again last night and found myself snickering at parts so I felt I had to finish it.
As of right now, I'm really motivated so I might even finish it in about a month or so but if not that fast, then I PROMISE I will finish it before college starts again in August. Otherwise I won't have any time since the two years I've been absent for have been my freshman and sophomore years at college and I never had time to write.
So I sat down and wrote this in about 3 hours this morning and I'll probably start the next chapter later tonight. (And I also like how I had a reason for the title at one point… But I never actually explained it and forgot to do so in this chapter too… Haha, oh well.)
I've also enabled my e-mail so, heaven forbid, I neglect you again, feel free to yell at me.
- Your groveling authoress, theLadyLoco
Sidenote: To all of you who read this far… You had the patience to read 54 pages (size 12 Times New Roman)… I didn't even realize it was that long until I condensed it into one Word file. So thank you and here is the LONG awaited new chapter.
Operation: Awakening
Chapter 10
Alden's POV
Running a hand through his hair in annoyance, Alden glared at Nina in frustration. He couldn't believe he had actually dated the girl for a full year… She seemed so, well, spoiled.
"But Alden, we were so good together." Nina whined, attempting to wrap her arms around his neck.
Pushing the petite redhead away firmly, Alden shook his head. Ugh, I forgot how much she whines… "No Nina, we were never good together. I was just a naïve little boy who actually thought you might love me. And you got a cheap thrill out of having me wrapped around your little finger."
Feeling a little mean at being so blunt, Alden shrugged it off. Nina had brought this upon herself by assuming he would just welcome her back with open arms. Especially after all the shit she talked about Sharon. No one says that type of stuff about my Sharon and gets away with it. Wait… My Sharon? Gah…
"But Aldie, the sex was amazing."
Smirking at her, Alden held up a finger. "First, do NOT call me Aldie." Holding up a second finger, he added, "And secondly, I know this is an odd concept for you to grasp, but for a relationship to be meaningful, there has to be more to it then sex."
Pouting up at him, Nina made her lower lip quiver. "But it was beautiful when we made love."
Snorting derisively, Alden couldn't believe he had ever fallen for that expression. Annoyed at how long this needless conversation was taking, he bit out, "Nina, we did not 'make love.' What we did is fuck, plain and simple. Don't try to dress it up with pretty words. In order to make love to someone, there has to be love on both sides and what we had was clearly a one-sided relationship."
Watching her face contort into an ugly scowl, Alden shook his head and began fiddling with the car keys in his pocket. God, she's so… vapid. And annoying. And, well, a bitch. I'll have to tell Sharon about this when I get back.
Shifting his mind to Sharon, Alden felt a small smile grace his face. There was something about the blonde that just made everything else seem to pale in comparison. She was just so genuine; she truly cared about people and their feelings. Nina looked like a washed-out fake in comparison.
"ALDEN! Would you pay attention to me when I'm talking! GOD. I forgot how annoying it was trying to have a serious discussion with you!" Nina screeched, interrupting his train of thought.
Wincing, Alden clenched his jaw and glared down at Nina. "Look Nina, as far as I'm concerned, this conversation is OVER. There is no 'us' and there never will be again. Even if I could have forgiven you for the way you treated me, I could NEVER forgive you for cheating on me."
Realizing the conversation was not going the way she had planned, Nina glared at him and shrieked. "Oh that's just RICH! You can't forgive me for some stupid indiscretion but you're still buddy buddy with Brock! He had a part in it too, you know!"
Snorting, Alden glared at Nina, "Brock was DRUNK, Nina. You took advantage of him when he was intoxicated because you KNEW it would hurt me." Smirking at her rather maliciously, he continued softly, "You know, what you did boarders on rape so I wouldn't go shouting it out to everyone."
Nina had the good grace to look a little apprehensive but she had one last card up her sleeve. "If you think that Spitz could ever be as good for you as I was, you've got another thing coming to you. She's just a stupid little girl who isn't even as pretty as I am."
That. Fucking. Bitch.
Now Alden understood the term "seeing red" as he leaned down and glared at her furiously. "You could never be HALF the woman that Sharon is. And you know why? Because you don't have a single decent bone in your entire body. Sharon is sweet and pure and funny. And she is ten times more beautiful than you could ever be because her beauty comes from inside and has nothing to do with makeup or designer clothes."
… Wow, that was really corny… Did I just say that?
Clenching his fists together in an attempt to control his anger, Alden took a deep breath to calm himself before looking down at the intimidated redhead. "This conversation is over. As far as I'm concerned, we have nothing left to talk about. Goodbye, Nina."
With that final word, Alden turned and walked swiftly back towards his car, ignoring the sounds of Nina yelling after him. Grinning to himself, he unlocked the door and slid into the driver's seat. That felt really really good. I would have probably been mad at Nina for a long time still if I hadn't been able to say that all to her face.
Pulling out of the park parking lot, Alden turned right and headed towards Maria's house where he knew the band (and Sharon) would be waiting for him. Now that that conversation was out of the way, I can focus on more important things like the band. And school. And, well… Sharon.
Sharon's POV
Bouncing her foot up and down, Sharon stood and went to look out the garage window for the third time in the last 10 minutes. Where is he!
"My god Sharon, would you sit still! You're driving me crazy!" Mark moaned pitifully.
Turning towards the brunet, Sharon grinned to herself before making a running leap towards Mark and landing directly on his stomach.
"OOF! SHARON!"
Pushing the laughing blonde off his lap and onto the floor, Mark glared down at her in irritation. "Look, I know how antsy you are to see lover boy, but SERIOUSLY, take a chill pill."
Snorting at him, Sharon stood then leaned forward and ruffled his hair in the way that she knew pissed him off. "Aww, poor widdle Marky. Someone's knickers are in a bit of a bunch, aren't they?"
Hearing someone snort behind her, Sharon turned to see Jace smirking at her as he leaned on his pool stick, waiting for Conner to make his shot. "Sharon, leave poor Mark alone. He didn't get any last night so he's a little grumpy."
Snickering with Jace, Sharon was about to make another comment to annoy Mark when she heard the garage door open behind her. Spinning around, she grinned when she saw Alden let himself in quietly. He looked tired but happy. Thank god he's okay. I don't have to worry about him anymore… Not that I was worried… or anything. Right. Um. Anyways.
Bouncing over to him, Sharon threw herself onto his back and wrapped her arms around his neck, grinning when his arms immediately grasped her thighs so he didn't drop her. "Aldie! Where have you been! I've been so bored without you!"
Hearing Mark groan from the couch, Sharon peeked over Alden's shoulder in time to see Mark poke his head over the couch and look at Alden pleadingly. "Please calm her down or something. She's been annoying the shit out of us for the last hour or so."
Laughing from the pool table, Maria nodded as she kept her eyes on the game between Jace and Conner. "She's been harassing Mark almost nonstop since she got here. It's quite amusing actually."
Pouting at Maria, Mark whined. "Maria! Whose side are you on?"
Raising an eyebrow, the Asian girl finally took her attention from the game and focused on Mark. "Don't be a whiny little bitch, Mark. It doesn't suit you."
Snickering, Sharon buried her face in the back of Alden's neck in an attempt to muffle her laughter. It was always hilarious when Maria and Mark got going. Feeling Alden's back shake slightly as he laughed with her, she grinned and snuggled closer to him. Murmuring so the others wouldn't hear, Sharon asked quietly. "Is everything okay, Ald? You kind of ran out on me earlier."
Nodding, Alden began rubbing his thumb along the outside of her thigh where he held her. "Just something I had to take care of."
Ignoring the fuzzy feeling she got at Alden's light touch, Sharon frowned slightly. "You don't normally hide things from me, Alden."
Moving towards the couch, Alden gently lowered her onto it backwards before turning and smiling down at her. "Everything is fine Sharon. In fact, everything is perfect."
It felt like she was drowning in his caring blue eyes and never wanted it to end. Gah… Why is it I think in cute little clichés when ever I'm around him? And why to I always get that warm, fuzzy feeling in my stomach. Do I really like him as more than a friend?
Feeling the couch sag as Alden sat down next to her, Sharon sighed happily as he wrapped his arms around her. There was a point, probably even just a few days ago, when that realization would have scared the crap out of her. But this was Alden. Alden would never do anything to hurt her. In fact, he'd rather hurt himself first.
"My god, get a freakin' room already!" Mark growled.
Giggling, Sharon flipped the glowering guitarist off before snuggling deeper into Alden's arms. "See Ald? He really is bitchy today."
Hearing Alden's laughter rumble in his chest, Sharon bit back a grin when she felt him shift to look at Mark and state, in a very solemn tone, "Mark, I think you need to get laid."
At that comment from Alden, who normally didn't join in the teasing, the entire group burst out laughing (even Mark). Maria, getting up from Conner's lap, walked over to Sharon and pulled her reluctantly out of Alden's arms. "Come on Shar, we have to find you something to wear tonight for the show."
Shit, how could I forget about the show tonight? She wasn't so much worried about it as she was surprised she had forgotten. I guess with all that's been going on with Alden, it completely slipped my mind.
Shooing the guys out of the garage with the instructions to go home and get dressed, Maria yelled after them. "Be ready in an hour! We'll meet at the diner for dinner at 6:00!" With that, she grabbed Sharon and pulled her into the main house and up the stairs to her bedroom.
Grinned at Maria's enthusiasm, Sharon laughed as the other girl practically dove into her closet to find something for her and Sharon to wear. It wasn't as if Sharon couldn't dress herself, it was just that she dressed a lot more, well, preppy then everyone else in the band so Maria always took it upon herself to find Sharon a "suitable" outfit for gig nights.
And, although I'd never really admit it out loud, I absolutely adore Maria's taste in clothes… Most of the time.
"What do you want to wear tonight, Shar? Pants or a skirt?" came a muffled voice from the rather large walk in closet.
Shrugging, Sharon threw herself back onto Maria's large bed. "Doesn't matter. Something comfortable." Looking around the large bedroom, she grinned to herself. I absolutely love Maria's room… My mom would kill me if I did anything like this to mine.
Maria had painted her entire room a dark purple and had matching black sheets and curtains. All over the walls, Maria had tacked pictures of the group from the past couple years. Pictures of her and Maria from way back in freshman year. Various candid pictures of Alden (most of which Sharon had taken). Tons of more recent ones of the entire band, just relaxing and having fun together.
Reaching up, Sharon traced one picture of herself and Alden from one of the many picnics the band had had last summer. Alden was leaning against a tree, playing his guitar while Sharon was lying next to him on her stomach, reading a book. Smiling, she traced Alden's smile with the tip of her finger. I love his smile. Especially when he's completely relaxed and happy.
Hearing noise from behind her, Sharon turned to find Maria stumbling out of the closet with an arm load of clothes. Tossing them on the bed, she immediately began sorting through them before tossing an outfit at Sharon to try on.
Looking down, Sharon found herself holding an extremely short plaid skirt and a sheer top with a bunch of crisscrossing straps across the front. You have got to be kidding me. Does she want me to look like a hooker? I wouldn't even know how to put this thing on…
Wrinkling her nose, she looked up at Maria and frowned. Seeing Sharon's expression, Maria laughed and took the outfit back. "Too much?"
Snorting, Sharon rolled her eyes. Maria always attempted to get Sharon to try on some of her more eccentric creations before giving her something she would actually wear. Seeing another set of clothes come hurling towards her out of the corner of her eye, Sharon caught them and raised an eyebrow at Maria in skepticism.
Grinning innocently, Maria shrugged. "What? Don't you trust me?"
Laughing, Sharon shook her head no and took what appeared to be a plain black shirt and worn jeans into Maria's bathroom to try on. There has to be a catch…
Tugging the shirt over her head, Sharon turned to look at herself in the mirror and started laughing. The shirt was a far cry from the sheer number Maria had attempted the first time. It was actually a modified black muscle tee with a scoop neck and cut off arms. Maria had tailored it to hug all the right places so it didn't look boyish at all. Across her right side, the band name 'Avenged Sevenfold' was written in white with the picture of a skull with batwings directly below it. Never listened to the band but I think it's one Maria constantly raves about. (A/N: Sounds weird but my friend owns it and it looks really cute.)
Paired with a pair of tight, faded jeans, Sharon found she actually liked the end result. Normally it took at least 3 or 4 outfits before she agreed on one but this she liked. The tee was formfitting enough to look sexy and, paired with the jeans, the outfit would be comfortable to perform in.
Grinning, Sharon headed out into the bedroom and did a pirouette for Maria. "What do you think?"
Crossing her arms across her chest, Maria eyed Sharon critically before grinning. "Most girls go for slutty when going to gigs so you'll stand out. I can even get out some temp hair dye and have some fun putting streaks in your hair."
Nodding in agreement, Sharon watched as Maria grabbed a pair of worn black Converse sneakers out of her closet and handed them to her before adding, "Either way, Alden won't be able to take his eyes off of you."
What!
Sputtering, Sharon turned to look at Maria before repeating her thought. "What!"
Laughing at her, Maria moved over to fasten a black leather bracelet over one wrist and several thin plastic ones on the other. "Don't give me that. I saw you're expression earlier! You finally admit to liking him, don't you!"
Frowning, Sharon crossed her arms and debating on being stubborn just to annoy Maria. Damnit, when did she get so observant. I thought all her attention was on Conner.
Sighing in defeat, Sharon moved over to the mirror and began applying her make-up. "Get dressed while I talk. And yes, for your information, I do like him."
Glaring at Maria in the mirror when she saw the other girl smirking in triumph, Sharon groaned in aggravation. "Shut up, you little brat."
Tugging on her own clothes, Maria flashed Sharon a grin. "Aw, don't get annoyed with me. I'm just happy you finally stopped denying it to yourself. I mean, everyone could see it but you two."
Raising an eyebrow, Sharon frowned. "I wasn't that obvious."
Snorting derisively, Maria shook her head before stating. "Yes, you were. If Alden was anywhere in the room, I could basically guarantee you'd be with him. You two are like attached at the hip. Plus there's been all the cuddling recently."
Ugh, she's not going to let me live this one down.
Blushing slightly, Sharon attempted to stand her ground. "Not necessarily. And we haven't been cuddling!" Well, at night maybe… But what Maria doesn't know won't hurt her.
Laughing, Maria just smirked knowingly. "You two cuddle just as much as Conner and I do… And we're going out!"
Growling in annoyance (a habit she had picked up from Alden), Sharon admitted defeat. "Fine. So maybe I do like him…" Seeing Maria look at her in amusement, she growled again. "Fine! I like him A LOT… Is that better?"
Nodding happily, Maria motioned for Sharon to continue. Little brat… She's lucky I love her to death or I might have to kick her ass for being so annoying.
"I just want to take things slow and see what happens." Since I'm not even positive he likes me back. What if he still thinks of me as his sister? Remembering yesterday morning's kiss, Sharon found herself blushing. Okay, so maybe not as a sister… But he might not like me as much as I like him…
Frowning, Sharon shook her head. "I don't know Maria. I just don't want to rush things and push him into something he might not necessarily want."
Hearing Maria laugh out loud, Sharon broke out of her depressing thoughts and looked at her friend as she laughed hysterically. "Maria? You okay?"
Waving at Sharon, Maria hunched over and attempted to catch her breath. Looking up at Sharon from under a curtain of black hair, Maria asked in astonishment, "You really doubt how much he likes you?"
Seeing Sharon nod, Maria stood up straight and walked over to Sharon. Looking her directly in the eye, she dropped the teasing note her voice had held earlier. "Sharon. Seriously. I know that boy almost as well as I know you. And while I might not be as close to him as you are, I have something you don't."
Tilting her head to the side, Sharon stared at Maria in confusion. "What's that?"
Smiling, Maria said, "An outside view on the situation. And from where I'm standing, that boy is head over heels for you. It's like whenever you're in the room, everyone else comes second is his eyes. I don't even know if you realize, but he always watches you. I don't know if it's because he has a bit of a possessive streak in him. But either way, he rarely takes his eyes off of you."
Looking down, Sharon felt her cheeks blush at Maria's words but she wasn't quite sure if she should believe them. Maria has this way of exaggerating sometimes and I don't know if what she's saying is really true. But if it is… If it is, that would be amazing.
Reaching over, Sharon pulled Maria into a hug. "Thanks Maria. You always know how to make me feel better."
Who knows…? Maybe Maria is right?
Smiling to herself, Sharon allowed herself to savor the warm, fuzzy feelings that thought provoked. Maybe things might work out alright after all…
A/N: Once again, sorry for the wait and it was the reviews that motivated me again… So keep reviewing!
Special thanks goes out to: Ivykitty93, Code Name Adania, Alizabeth, Ivelis, RietroFan42, BoStOnChIcK because your reviews really made me get off my ass and write this.
And, of course, EVERYONE who reviewed, I absolutely worship you all for liking this story since I started it out on a whim. I wasn't even sure I liked it until recently so THANK YOU.