Ricks POV
Humphreys radio played quietly as he drove. I'd been sitting in the front passenger while Angel sat in the back. We got to the end of the street when Humphrey stopped at the stop sign before checking both ways for traffic. I leaned back a bit to let him see the right side. Still he leaned a bit over the steering wheel to see.
"So I think you heard what Kate said," I told him.
"Said what?" he asked as he turned left. It was such a quiet night out, but maybe that's because Kate lived in a quiet neighborhood.
"Her and Lilly are heading out tomorrow so we should do something, call the guys, hang out" i suggested. Humphrey hummed in thought before speaking.
"Hang out and do what?" he asked. I smiled as an idea popped in my head.
"Dave & busters" I said.
"Oh I want in" Angel said excitedly as she leaned out of her seat.
"Calm down, you know I was gonna ask you," I said. She sat back down and proceeded playing on her phone.
"Dave & busters huh? We haven't been there in almost two years'' Humphrey said, taking a glance at me.
"That's why it's perfect, see what the guys are doing tomorrow and see if they want in" I told him.
"Why do I gotta do it?" Humphrey asked me.
"Because you're the one that plans everything, and they normally tend to listen to you more," I explained. Humphrey sat in thought for a moment before answering.
"Okay i'll do it tonight. Are we car pulling?" he asked.
"Yeah, but whose car are we taking?" I asked.
"We can take mine, i'll just tell the ones who say they're coming to meet up at your place" Humphrey told me, turning on to the next street.
"Sounds like a plan, we can meet up at twelve so we have plenty of time to hang out, we can head out whenever we want" I explained as i set an alarm for the next day. I didn't want to sleep in.
"you gonna be up this time?" Humphrey asked, leaning over to me, not taking his eye off the road.
"Uh-huh" I groaned in annoyance.
"Alright if you say so," Humphrey said with a slight smile.
It was silent for about one minute before Angel broke the silence.
"So… are we just gonna pretend that you didn't get up mid movie to go smash?" she asked. I looked over at Humphrey and smiled. He blushed as he ducked a bit almost as if he was trying to hide.
"She's got a point" I taunted , breaking the fifteen second silence.
"The sex scene made her horny" he admitted. Me and Angel laughed.
"What did you try to replicate it?" Angel asked. Leaning from her seat again.
"No we did… missionary" Humphrey said shyly,
"what? Oh fuck your boring" Angel said.
"What's wrong with missionary?" I asked. I turned to face her in the backseat.
"It's just so… vanilla," she said. Humphrey was slowly starting to lift his head from his shoulders, guess he felt like the subject was changing.
"I like vanilla, i think its sweet, i would never want to fuck just to fuck" i explained as i turned back to the windshield.
"who are you fucking though?" Humphrey asked, laughing to himself.
"Its not who hes fucking. It's who he want to fuck" Angel said. Humphrey turned to me and smiled again before turning back to the road.
"I still think you should go for it," he said.
"Were friends" I defended. He eyed me from the side with the same smile.
"Just because I was looking at the TV doesnt mean I didn't see her practically cuddling you the whole time," Humphrey stated as he pulled into my driveway.
When he stopped fully, Angel got out.
"He is right you know" she taunted as she shut the car door, and began walking to the house. I shook my head before turning to Humphrey one last time.
"I'll see you tomorrow" I said as I opened the door.
"Yep. i'll text ya" he said. I shut the door and walked to the house to meet Angel, as Humphrey backed out, leaving us with only the porchlight once his headlights disappeared around the corner.
"Have fun?" Angel asked me as I unlocked the door. I opened it and let her step inside. Once we were in I shut and locked the door behind us, and reached into my pocket and pulled out the paper that Kate gave me. I showed it to Angel. "You did it," she exclaimed. I nodded before heading upstairs to turn in for the night. Mom and dad were on the couch watching TV. We caught up real quick before I went upstairs. I showered and went to bed.
My alarm rang at eleven thirty, waking me up. I turned it off and looked over my notifications. Only ones that mattered were a text from Humphrey and a text from Kate. I checked Kates first.
"On our way to our grandparents, we will probably be here all day. I already miss you" it read. I smiled as I thought. She already misses me? She won't even be gone long. I looked at my phone again before texting back.
"Don't worry. I'll see you in school tomorrow, but until then I'll miss you too" I hit send and swiped over to Humphreys message.
"Hey. I asked and I think it's only going to be me, you, Angel, and shaky" I snickered at the text. Angels had a crush on Shaky since the day she first saw him.
"That's fine, let me know when you're on your way" I hit send and sat up out of bed. Just then I got another message from Kate.
"can't wait. XOXO" xoxo? Is she fucking with me? I don't even know how to respond to that. I got it.
"3" nailed it. I got up and did my morning routine. After I showered I went to get dressed. It was supposed to be warm today so I wore black jeans with a dark blue button up. I rolled the sleeves up to my elbows before going to wake up Angel. I knocked on her door and got a response.
"Come in," she called. I opened it and saw her on her laptop. She was already dressed.
"I'll never understand how you wake up when you do," I told her. She glanced at me from across the room as I stood in the doorway.
"Lots to look forward to, you won't see me doing this on a school day" she said, turning back to her laptop. I nodded before leaving to go downstairs. Once I was there I saw mom at the table eating some breakfast.
"Hey. What are the plans for today?" she asked me. I grabbed an apple and took a bite.
"Was gonna head out to dave & busters with Angel and Humphrey" i answered. She hummed in response as she sipped her coffee.
"Not hanging out with Kate huh?" she asked. I took another bite out of the apple.
"She's away for the day" I told her.
"Ahhh" she said as if she solved a case.
"What?" I asked.
"Well… I was talking to Eve after the hospital and we thought you two would be such a cute couple" she explained.
"So i've heard" I nodded, as i pulled out a chair to sit in.
"well?" she urged.
"She's not into me, she literally just found out I existed, she's out of my league anyway, have you seen her?" I asked.
"My good friend's daughter? Yes I have, and I know you've had a crush on her since middle school. I also know that she asked you to stay with her at the hospital over her mom" she explained. I shrugged.
"Yeah. I'm still confused about that," I told her.
"Why do you think she's out of your league anyway?" she asked curiously.
"Apart from her being the prettiest girl on this earth, i think she'd rather have someone into sports or something '' I explained." Mom laughed.
"What a jock? She's not a cliche you know, just because she has a pretty face doesn't mean she wants some jerk" she said, grabbing her plate and walking to the kitchen. I sat in silence.
"I don't doubt that," I said to myself.
My phone played its text tone, and I checked it to see that Humphrey had texted me.
"On my way. Be there in 15, Shaky is on his way as well" I read the text and messaged him back a quick
"okay" before hitting send and walking into the living room. I sat down on the couch and turned on the TV. spongebob was on. It reminded me of when Kate and I watched it in the hospital together. I loved taking care of her so much. I took out my phone and texted Kate.
R. spongebob is on. Making me think of you.
K. aww you're thinking of me? Aren't you sweet?
R. can't help it.
K. well hang out again soon don't worry
R. You make it there safe?
K. yes. Just kind of sitting here. Lonely. Wish you were here.
R. why?
K. because if anyone will give me some love here it's you.
R. Your grandparents aren't giving you any attention?
K. no they are, but mostly because of what happened with the whole car thing.
R. oh
K. yeah. Don't really want to talk about it because you'll be mentioned one way or another.
R. What's wrong with that? : (
K. nothing but they'll think we're dating.
R. oh i see
K. yep it's happening. I'll message you later gtg.
R. Okay stay safe.
K. i will XOXO
She did it again. Does she do that with everyone? Just as I was thinking Humphrey texted me.
"Here" it said. I messaged him to come in and waited for him, turning the TV off. I heard the front door open and my mom greet Humphrey. After he did he walked through the door frame to see me sitting on the couch.
"Hey" he said as he sat down.
"Hey. Are you thirsty or anything?" I asked. Humphrey shook his head. I nodded before sitting up. "Hey you have Kate's number right?" I asked. Humphrey nodded as he answered.
"Yeah. I do. Why?" I didn't answer, I just asked another question.
"You guys text?" Humphrey shrugged and laid back on the couch.
"Not really, even if Lilly doesn't answer for a while or she needs to ask me for something why?" he asked again. I held out my hand and made a come here motion with my fingers.
"Lemme see," I asked.
"What?" he said as if he had something to hide.
"I just want to see something," I told him. Slowly he handed me his phone after he unlocked it. I went on his and Kate's messages.
"Don't worry, I'm not mad at you. I just find it amusing that my sister and you are getting busy" was the last text from her to him. I scrolled up a bit and nowhere could I find the parting words XOXO.
"You want to tell me what you're looking for?" Humphrey asked me. I handed him his phone back and took out mine. I then went on Kate's messages and showed him our text.
"You see that? Everytime a conversation ends she writes that" I explained. Humphrey peered at it before speaking.
"You talking about the hugs and kisses thing?" I nodded, causing Humphrey to smile. "You keep doubting yourself but I'm telling you bro. She likes you" I read through the text again. No way.
"Has Shaky texted you?" Humphrey asked me, changing the subject.
"No. why? Did he go quiet on you?" I asked back.
"No. but he said he was on his way and that was like twenty minutes ago" Humphrey explained.
"Well he does live farther away" I defended.
"Yeah I guess…" Humphrey said as he gazed up at the ceiling. "You know you're lucky" he told me.
"How so?" I asked.
"Well. Do you know how many guys want to be with Kate? Even though I had a crush on her before me and Lilly started dating. So many want her, she's one of a kind, and you seem to be the lucky guy she wants" Humphrey explained. He's right. I've never seen any other wolf with her fur color. On top of that she doesn't use her one of a kind beauty to benefit her. She's smart, kind, and overall the whole package. What I wouldn't do to become her one and only.
"Well Humphrey you're right about one thing. She is truly special and one of a kind. It's a shame that so many want her for just her looks" i told him. I laid back and closed my eyes. Thinking about Kate. her sweet face, perfect body, and kissable lips. I long for the day where I could just kiss her all day. I bet her kisses taste so sweet. Suckling on her tongue while rubbing behind her ear would be a dream come true. I bet she's a gentle kisser.
As I was lost in thought I heard the front door open again.
"Must be Shaky," Humphrey said getting up. I walked over to the stairs.
"Angel, come on we're leaving!" I called before following Humphrey into the kitchen where we saw Shaky talking to my mother.
"Are you guys leaving now?" she asked. I nodded before shaking hands with Shaky.
"Been awhile" he said.
"I missed ya" I told him as I patted him on the shoulder and started walking to the door. When we got outside I realized it wasn't warm but it was cool. Not enough to where I would want or need a coat.
"So we're taking your car?" Shaky asked Humphrey.
"Yeah, I'll drive us," Humphrey said as we started walking to his car. I hopped in the front as the other two got in. "Angel coming?" Humphrey asked.
"She should be," I said, checking my watch. 12:14 it read.
"So Dave & busters. I can't think of the last time we went there" Shaky said.
"Well we've been playing airsoft too much," Humphrey said.
"Glad we're not doing that this time, I hate going up against you," Shaky said pointing to me.
"He's right, you're too good at it," Humphrey said. I shrugged as I watched Angel step out. She got inside the car and sat next to Shaky.
"Hey guys," she said.
"The fuck took you so long?" I asked.
"Sorry. I Asked mom for some money so you didn't have to pay for me" Angel explained.
"Aww you didn't have to worry about that" I said as Humphrey began backing up before stopping.
"Shaky you fucking prick you knew we were taking my car, why did you park right fucking behind me?" he asked as he started turning around one of the bushes in my yard. Shaky and I laughed while Humphrey just scoffed.
As we were driving we let Shaky be the DJ for the ride. Hey played music via the bluetooth on his phone. I noticed Angel kept taking glances at him. He's only one grade above her, why doesn't she just ask him out? Me Humphrey and Kate are seniors, he's only one grade below us, and Angel and Lilly one grade below that so there's almost no age gap between us. Although I think I'm the oldest. Humphrey turned the music down as he started a conversation.
"So you tell Angel about the XO's?" he asked me.
"Oh?" Angel asked, smiling.
"No i haven't" i said as i tried desperately not to look at Angel.
"I don't see why not, I'm not gonna blab to anyone" Angel said. I snickered.
"Sure you wont" I said.
"I won't! I never do" she replied, trying to sound innocent.
"Please do tell," Shaky said smugly. I sighed before telling them.
"Kate and I have been texting… and everytime we say goodbye to each other, she texts me Xs and Os," I explained. Shakey's ears shot up as he leaned forward out of his seat.
"You dont mean…" he started until I finished his sentence.
"Kate Hunter," I told him. Shaky fell back into the chair before yelling out.
"No… fucking… way! Your fucking in bro!" he said as he sat up again and shook my shoulder.
"We're friends," I said. Humphrey just laughed.
"I don't know about that," he said.
"My dude. Do you know how many guys want to get in that? You date her, you'll have it made!" Shaky exclaimed.
"I promise you. That even if i did date her i wouldn't think of her like that" i said.
"You heard that Shaky? He's in love" Humphrey said as the three burst out in laughter.
"Fuck you both" i said.
After a long ride of talking and catching up we finally made it. We stepped out and walked to the building. Once inside we each bought cards to play games.
"Are you sure this will be enough?" Shaky asked.
"If we need more, we'll buy more," I said. Humphrey took a moment to explain the machines around the arcade so Shaky knew where to go for more points. After that Angel asked what we should do first.
"You and Shaky do whatever. Humphrey? You. me. House of the dead" I said walking over to the game. Humphrey looked at Angel and Shaky and shrugged with a smile before following me. Once there we sat inside and started to play.
"Of course I'm the chick," he whined.
"Yea. thats because your a fucking beta male, now lets fuck shit up" i said as the game began.
Eventually we beat all three stages and the boss, costing us a quarter of our points. We left to go find Angel and Shaky.
"That… was fun," Humphrey said.
"Yeah, I know they have Tomb Raider around here, that's four players we can play with the other two," I explained, looking around the room. Eventually we found the two playing a racing game. After we all played a couple rounds of that we played tomb raider, and a couple others, as well as wasting a few points on a random wheel. Somehow Humphrey ended up hitting a jackpot. Fuck him. After about five hours we started to get hungry so we went to the food area and sat down.
"I think I'm more thirsty than anything, '' Angel said, looking at the menu.
"Get whatever you want, I'll pay," I said, kissing her on the head. Humphrey and Shaky were too busy talking shit to each other about a game to notice. As I looked at the menu I felt my phone vibrate. I looked to see it was another text from Kate. I'm beginning to realize every time I see a text from her I feel a small surge of happiness.
K. im soooo bored here. What are you up to?
R. dave & busters
K. awwww you went without me? : (
R. you into that?
K. Uh yea! I love it there.
R. well i promise to take you when you get back.
K. aww you'd do that for me?
R. as long as im spending time with you, i'd do anything
K. might have to take you up on that offer.
"Rick!" I heard Humphrey yell, snapping me out of it.
"What?" I asked confused.
"What do you want to drink?" Humphrey asked, pointing at the waitress.
"Oh shit I am so sorry," I said, feeling bad.
"It's fine," she laughed.
"Root beer" I said. The waitress nodded before walking away.
"Geez what the fuck were you doing?" Shaky asked. Angel looked over at my screen dramatically before looking at the two across from her.
"Sexting," she said proudly.
"Fuck off, i wasn't sexting" i said.
"Okayyyy," Angel said, smiling. The other two laughed. I scoffed before looking back at my phone.
R. So what did your grandparents say about me?
K. they said God bless you and that they're so grateful that you were there. Mom won't stop talking you up.
R. really?
K. really.
R. Your mothers to kind.
K. I think you're just too hard on yourself.
R. What do you mean?
K. you're always doubting yourself. I never really see you being confident or proud. Your a great guy and you act like you're some loser. I don't get it. You'll be a great husband one day.
R. husband?
K. yeah. Anyone in school you like?
R. Well there is one.
K. Do I know her?
R. you do.
K. What's she like?
R. where to even start. She's the most amazing girl I've ever seen. Every time I look at her she takes my breath away. It's an honor just to be in her presence. She is not only pretty though. She is smart, kind, and friendly. I'd do anything to make her happy. If only she knew how I felt.
K. sounds like id want to be that girl.
R. really?
K. yeah. I've given guys chances and they never seem to see anything past my looks. They tried hard to act like they cared but it was all an act. I've never even kissed anyone before and my sister who is younger than me, has somehow done it all.
I felt a slap in the back of my head. I looked over to see Angel giving me a what the fuck look. Oh. They ordered their food. I havnt even looked at the fucking menu… fuck it.
"Sorry um… I'll do the boneless wings and fries," I said. The waitress wrote it down before walking away.
"Okay i'll put these in for you guys' ' she said happily. Angel snatched my phone while I was distracted. "What are you doing?" I asked in a panic.
"I want to know what got you so zoned out" she said as she read the texts.
"Well?" Shaky asked. Angel skimmed through the texts before smiling and handing back my phone.
"Good for you," she said.
"What?" Humphrey asked as I resumed my texting.
R. speaking of which. I got the scoop on what happened with those two last night
K. ohhhh do tell
R. well. Apparently the sex scene made Lilly horny so she told Humphrey to go upstairs and wait for her.
K. He tell you what they did?
R. vanilla shit
K. aww that's actually kind of sweet.
R. You think? I think its funny
K. well that too. I just can't believe she's done it all and who knows for how long, Humphreys her first boyfriend and they've been dating for about two years so my guess is not long, but not nothing new.
R. you into vanilla shit?
K. i don't know
R. you totally are
K. guilty. I don't know, I guess after boys wanting to just rail you for so long, you just kind of feel alone and want someone to love.
R. You'll find him Kate. I know you will.
K. thanks Rick. were about to leave soon so I'll talk to you later, ok?
R. yeah, just one more thing.
K. hm?
R. How are you getting to school tomorrow?
K. Humphrey said he would take us.
R. Okay just let me know if you ever need a ride.
K. ok i know i can trust you. Talk to you soon. XOXO
She did it again. I wonder…
"hey Angel?" I asked. She looked over to me.
"Yeah?" she asked.
"The whole XO thing. Do you know if that's something Kate just does?" I asked.
"Well she doesn't do it with me, and I'm pretty sure she doesn't do it with anyone else. You must be special" she said.
"Your lucky Rick. I don't even have her number" Shaky said.
"Shaky. Everyone has Kate's number here except for you" Humphrey said. Shakey just put his head on the table and moaned overdramatically.
"Aww don't worry, you'll find someone" Angel said as she patted him on the head. Humphrey and I looked at each other and smiled. I made a shh sign with my finger before Shaky lifted his head up, the rest of the time we were there we ate, talked, and had some more time playing games. We had such a good time.
"Alright guys, gather around" Angel said as she took a picture of all four of us. She said she wanted to keep something to remember this day. I agreed. I had to hold the phone because I was the tallest. Angel tried but she was just not tall enough. After trying a few poses we finally got it. Shaky put his right arm around Angel, pulling her into a hug almost, with his left arm on my shoulder. I put my right arm around Shaky and my left around Humphrey. Humphrey returned the gesture putting his right arm around me and using his left hand to flip off the camera as he smiled smugly. I took the picture and after looking at it we laughed. It was so wholesome. I was definitely getting this printed and framed. At that moment I felt like I'd never been happier.
