The next two weeks went by in a complete blur.

Wendy and Ian became inseparable during that time. That following Friday Wendy was chatting with Carrie on AIM in her room. It seemed as though she really couldn't talk about these things with her mother or Julie. She had a decent relationship with her mother, but didn't feel completely comfortable talking about personal details with her involving Ian. Her mother and father noticed what was going on, and the only things they said was one night when Ian dropped her off after the movies, both were sharing a bottle of wine on the front porch. It was dark, and the two were listening to the radio. Ian walked her up the driveway before Wendy's dad smiled and got up.

"So you are the fella that's taking my daughter out. Peter Christensen. You work at Build It right?"

Ian grinned and shook Wendy's father's hand.

"Hi Mr. Christensen. I'm Ian. Yeah that's me."

Wendy's dad smiled, still holding his glass of wine.

"Peter please, you're Jack's boy right?"

"Yeah."

"I knew Jack back in school. He plays one hell of a golf game. What year is your van?"

Ian looked over his shoulder and laughed.

"Um, a 92. Classic."

All four of them laughed as they chatted for a while. Instead of kissing Wendy goodnight, he smiled at her, said he would call her, waved goodbye to her parents and walked back down the driveway. Watching him, Wendy couldn't believe how awesome Ian had been. Believe it or not, Ian was actually really good talking with people. He was smart, and had a witty dry sense of humor. He made her parents laugh a few times before saying goodnight. Turning towards them, she smiled as her dad poured more wine into his glass.

"He's a nice kid Wendy. Nail polish is a little silly but that McKinley family are good people..."

Wendy smirked before going inside. A few days later after what seemed like a good four hours of talking about absolutely nothing. Most nights after Ian got off work, they would call each other. Wendy laying in bed laughing and talking with him. That one night Ian had to hang up early since his father was having people over for dinner and he promised to make an appearance. He remarked on how stupid it was, and made plans for her to come over the following night. Wendy sensed Erin and him were fighting, but he wouldn't say. After hanging up, her mother walked by the doorway holding a laundry basket.

"You talking to Ian?"

Wendy smiled.

"Um, yeah..."

"He's a nice boy. You two are cute together."

And that was it. Carrie was the one who knew instantly that Wendy and Ian had slept together. A few days later Wendy went over her house to swim, when instantly Carrie looked at her and and right away smiled.

"You look different."

Wendy was laying on the towel she brought over and lowered her sunglasses before smirking.

"What?"

Carrie closely looked her over.

"You little fox...you did it didn't you?!"

Wendy laughed looking forward at the pool, all ready feeling color rising in her cheeks.

"I don't know what your talking about..."

"Holy shit. Did McKinley rock your world?"

"Carrie..."

"You gotta give me details. I'm drooling over here, come on!"

Wendy giggled, unable to control herself before telling Carrie about the night in the van. She talked about the pain, how it felt, and how embarrassed she was. Carrie waved her hand telling her that it was perfectly normal, before smiling and leaning close.

"Was it big?"

Wendy gassed, laughing again.

"Come on Wendy, is Ian McKinley packing heat?"

"Jesus Carrie, you are really too much..."

Wendy said laughing. Carrie batted her eyelashes, before Wendy finally rolled her eyes and told her. They whispered, giggling, and talking back and forth. Wendy explained since that night Ian hadn't been pushy at all but besides some pretty heavy making out sessions, they hadn't done anything else. She had just gone to her doctor to get on the pill, shamelessly lying saying she had bad period cramps, but really wanted to try again. Carrie sipped her ice tea and waved her hand at her saying it was really no big deal. That it took a few more times but she would really start to enjoy it. Finally she smiled, turning over facing her before asking if she had tried giving him a blow job yet? Wendy nearly choked on her own ice tea when asked this.

Now a few days later she was talking with her friend when her father called her downstairs. Signing off quickly, she hurried down the stairs before seeing the front door open. Puzzled, she walked out before seeing her parents both smiling on the front porch. There sitting in the driveway was a brand new sparking red Civic. Instantly she froze before her parents smiled.

"We've been wanting to surprise you. This for for making honor roll again and really making us proud."

Wendy's eyes widened before Julie rolled her eyes behind her.

"A new car? Seriously?"

Squealing, Wendy raced down the front porch steps, nearly missing a few before running straight to the car. She couldn't believe it. Turning, tears of joy in her eyes she began jumping up and down.

"OH MY GOD ! ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"

Her parents laughed watching her as she ran around in a frenzy.

Later that night...

Ian sat in Wendy's driver's seat of her brand new car. She drove over shortly after having dinner with her parents. She couldn't believe it, and called Ian right away wanting to show him the car. Now the two sat parked in Ian's long driveway, as he sat in the driver's seat as she smiled in the passenger seat.

"There's even an I-pod jack, this thing is insane!"

Ian looked over before smiling.

"This is great Wendy, did you have any idea this was gonna happen?"

Wendy sat back shaking her head.

"Zero idea. Seriously...I couldn't believe it. I mean I've wanted a car for so long but I didn't think this would happen now."

"It's great, really. Look there's a fricking moon roof!"

Ian said surprised as he looked up. Smiling, Wendy glanced ahead at the McKinley mansion. Wendy had only met Ian's dad just last week when she came over to swim again. He was on his way to his BMW, on his cell phone before he walked by. Ian rolled his eyes before calling him over. "Dad! This is my girlfriend Wendy." Mr. McKinley stopped before lowering his phone. He smiled before nodding.

"Pleased to meet you, I'm sorry I'm late for a meeting. Ian invite her over for dinner soon!"

Wendy stood back stunned before he climbed into his car, and started up the engine. Standing next to Ian, he rolled his eyes, and rubbed his forehead.

"Sorry..."

"No it's okay...I would really like to meet him and your step-mother soon...this place always seems so empty..."

"Yeah tell me about it. Come on..."

Ian had shown her the inside of the main house which was ten times bigger than it actually looked outside. He showed her around and in the end, Wendy actually felt relieved going back to the pool house which seemed ten times more welcoming. Erin was nowhere to be found and Wendy didn't bring her up. Now here they were back at the house, both sitting in the driveway, admiring Wendy's new car. Both took turns test driving it up and down the road, before finally coming back. Both sat there in silence before Wendy sighed staring at him.

"I don't think Erin likes me..."

"Wendy..."

"No I'm serious. You two seemed so close and now...ever since we..."

She shrugged before Ian sat back, turning his head and looking at her.

"She's just...not used to change. Her mom is like never around, and you've met my dad...he isn't either. It's just been us and she...well...give her time okay?"

Wendy nodded before smiling, looking down the dark driveway.

"Man...a new car and a new boyfriend. This summer certainly has been pretty eventful."

"Boyfriend huh?"

Wendy smiled staring at him.

"You called me your girlfriend when I met your dad."

Ian grinned, showing his teeth as he laughed softly.

"When your right your right Christensen..."

Wendy smiled before looking down the driveway. Tomorrow Ian was taking her to Philly for Riot Fest, a series of shows he had bought tickets to. Originally Erin and him were going to go but Erin bailed and refused to explain why. When Ian shrugged saying he would just sell the tickets, Wendy said she would go. At first Ian laughed, raising an eyebrow.

"Really? That would be fun for you?"

Wendy smiled shrugging.

"Yeah, I like music, I know some of the bands...why not. I'll cake on the eyeliner, and wear one of your shirts."

Laughing, and calling her crazy, Ian shook his head and said okay. Both had been planning the trip even though it wouldn't be an over night trip since Philly was just two hours away. They had planned it, on taking the van there early, having lunch, walking around the city for a bit, before heading to the shows. Wendy offered now taking her car but Ian said it would be fine. Last thing they needed was her brand new car getting stolen. Both had a good laugh over this, and Wendy was actually pretty excited, charging her camera ahead of time.

"So...we got tomorrow but I wanted to run something by you."

"What's up?"

He asked, reaching over, brushing some of her hair back behind her ear. Smiling, Wendy nuzzled against his hand before sighing. Ian had been wonderful with her lately. These past few weeks were amazing. As silly as it sounded Wendy even kept one of the roses from the dozen she had received from him the night after the van. She was hoping to dry them and press them like her grandmother used to do whenever she was scrapbooking. Nearly every night they would call and stay on the phone for hours laughing and talking about nothing. She had swung by his work just a few times, bringing him lunch when things were slow, but she eased up since the daggers she was getting from Erin. He was what she thought about when she woke up, and when she drifted off to sleep.

She told Carrie in private her really thought she was falling hard for him.

"Carrie was wondering if we'll be up at Jessie's for his 4th of July party. I told her I wasn't sure yet and I wanted to check with you."

Ian raised his eyebrows staring forward. Absently he played with the radio knob, programing her stations as the music played softly. Wendy chewed her lip instantly feeling bad.

"Listen, if you don't want to I completely understand..."

Ian turned towards her, flashing that same smile that made her feel butterflies in her stomach. Looking at her, his blue eyes narrowing he winked.

"I would love to."

"You're lying..."

"No, I would love to."

"Listen they aren't a bad crowd, we'll just stay for a while...maybe then watch the fireworks at the lake."

"Sure, I got the night off. Should be fun."

"You sure?"

Ian smirked reaching over and taking her hand. Giving it a gentle squeeze, he kissed the top of it with his full plump lips. One of her favorite parts of him was his lips. She loved kissing them, or gently nibbling on them. Staring, she took a deep breath before reaching down and touching the crotch of his jeans. Instantly Ian's eyes widened.

"Hi..."

"Listen, last week I...I went to my doctors. I'm on the pill now. It might take like a month but...I...just thought you outta know."

Ian smiled.

"Cool...I mean..." He lowered his eyes embarrassed as both laughed. Ian sighed shaking his head staring ahead.

"Wow, I'm lame..."

Wendy cupped his crouch and gave it a dull squeeze making Ian make a small noise from the back of his throat.

"Let's go inside..."

Later...

Ian sat on the edge of his unmade bed. His bedroom was actually neat and tidy for a teenage boy. There were closets, with band posters and shows from the city plastered on them. His bed, a desk, and even his guitar which rested against the amp off to the side. Ian had shown her it, saying he had gotten it for his birthday a few years ago. He could play a little, but wasn't that good.

One night Wendy came over and he tried playing her something before both completely started cracking up before going to the living room to watch movies. Wendy knew she needed to try and get on Erin's good side. They weren't talking, and she knew she was now sucking up all of Ian's free time. Erin had her own issues to deal with, but she felt guilty taking away the one safe person in her life. Tonight Erin wasn't around again. Wendy was grateful for what was happening between the two of them, in fact she knew she was truly falling in love fast with him, but she never wanted to come between them. Tonight, she decided to try something Carrie had mentioned. She was nervous, and not sure how good she was doing, but the second she gently pushed him to sit on his bed, she got down on her knees, slowly spreading his legs, before reaching and unzipping his jeans. His erection sprang out, before she made sure her hair was tied up, before she smiled, running the palms of her hand over his thighs. Ian stared down, about to say something when Wendy reached up, gently pressing her finger against his lips, before putting her head down. Making sure to be careful with her teeth, she slowly opened her mouth, and tried to relax her throat like Carrie told her to. The taste wasn't exactly appealing, but Wendy closed her eyes, slowly bobbing her head down, and trying to remember what to do with her tongue from what Carrie said. She wasn't sure if she was any good, but she wanted to make him feel good.

Ian sat there, slowly trying to take deep breaths. He made fists, grasping onto the sheets, before he tilted his head back. Suddenly it felt like a million degrees in his bedroom. He couldn't focus.

"Wendy..."

He heaved for breath, wanting to squirm as her head began to go up and down even faster. Seconds later, Ian climaxed strongly, crying out before Wendy lifted her head, blushing and wiping her lips. It tasted horrible, but she heard that was normal. Looking up with big eyes she smiled.

"Was it...okay?"

Ian, still breathless, and ignoring the mess he made at the front of his jeans, laughed before throwing himself back. Feeling completely spent, he sighed before staring up at the ceiling. Wendy slowly rose, before staring at him, nervously twisting her hands together.

"I hope I was okay, I mean I've never..."

Ian stared at her as he silently fixed himself and zipped his jeans still laying down. Smirking, he motioned for her to lay down beside him. Smiling, she wiped her mouth again before crawling next to him. Staring at her, both locked eyes before Ian reached over, kissing her deeply. Both moaned between the kiss, split trailing as they parted, both trying to breath. That's when Ian's hand slowly slid down the front of Wendy's pants.

"Ian..."

"Shhhh..."

Wendy laid there before she felt his hand slowly start to rub down there. Eyes widening, she went to say something when she felt two of his fingers enter her. Taken by surprise, she laid back before that same wonderful tingling she knew started to build there. Laying there she started to squirm, before his free hand cupped her face, deep in focus.

"Look at me, I wanna look at you."

Wendy turned her head slightly, staring at him as his hand started moving even faster. Opening her mouth, she started to cry out as the orgasm completely took hold. Biting down on her lip, she tilted her head back before almost screaming. Ian smiled staring at her, before kissing her forehead. Both laid there, sweetly and exhausted. Later... Wendy stood in Ian's shower, the cool refreshing water pouring down on her as her hair slicked back and she tilted her head. Ian was standing behind her, nuzzling her neck and kissing her as his hands went around to her flat stomach and slowly began to rub. Wendy leaned back, pressing her body against him.

The concert was amazing the next day. The trip into Philly was much needed. Ian picked Wendy up early and the entire ride over both sang along to the CDs Ian brought, and they shared coffee. Wendy was tempted to bring up Erin, but decided not to say anything. Instead she wanted to enjoy herself. She had jeans and a purple T-shirt with the Sex Pistols logo on it. She thought how silly it was her dressing to fit in for this kind of show, but she actually had fun getting ready. She was happy seeing Ian so relaxed. He had been looking forward to this, and she knew he needed his mind off things. Last night they didn't have sex. They showered together, but after drying off they dressed again, sprawled out on his bed watching a movie.

Before midnight, she drove home even though he offered for her to stay. Today despite the fact she didn't get much sleep, she was wired and excited. They had lunch in the city and explored for a bit. Wendy snapping photos of everything she saw. When the show started, they were close to the front of the pit, all the while Ian's hands firmly on her shoulders. The bands began, and as wild as its as Wendy finally didn't feel the need to be Ms. Polly perfect. She danced against Ian, kept kissing him, and singing along watching the bands. It was around seven when they headed back. Before kissing her goodnight, Ian told her he would love to go to Jessie's party. Staring at him, Wendy playfully tugged on his hair before nuzzling her nose against his.

That weekend...

Wendy and Ian walked into Jessie's house holding hands. It was 4th of July and there was the annual fireworks celebration going on at McKinley fairgrounds.

They took Wendy's car, and parked in the lawn along with the other cars there. Jessie was one of Kevin's friends. He was a hockey player, rich parents, and a nice house on the lake. Rumor had it there was indeed a keg, and thanks to Jessie's cousin being on the McKinley police force, there was little to no chance of any cops showing up. The moment they parked, they could hear the music blasting from outside. Ian lifted his eyes looking at the house. Wendy thought he looked really nice. He was in jeans and a black T-shirt, hair spiked up. Wendy smiled, killing the engine.

"Ready?"

Ian sighed before forcing a smile.

"Sure let's go."

Both got out, and Ian put his arm around her as they climbed the steps. Kids from their class were all standing around, drinking out of solo cups. Instantly Wendy could see the glances of people as a few waved and said hi. Ian stayed cool, arm still around her as they walked inside. The party was crowded. As they made their way towards the living room they saw Lewis chugging from one of the kegs using a beer funnel. A bunch of people were standing around cheering, others sitting on chairs and couches, passing joints around, drinking beers, and dancing to the music. Wendy and Ian walked forward before finally Lewis finished, not even spilling a drop.

"SEE! I JUST WIN! THAT'S WHAT I DO! I JUST WIN!"

Everyone cheered, fist pumping, and laughing as Lewis grabbed old of Ashley, twirling her, and kissing her as everyone laughed. Wendy spotted Carrie who was leaning against Kevin, both holding beers. Instantly she spotted Wendy and Ian and her eyes widen as she ran over.

"Oh my God you guys made it!"

Wendy and Ian smiled as she grabbed Wendy's hand, dragging both of them over. Kevin instantly raised an eyebrow, almost stunned to see Ian there. Instantly Wendy saw that kid Jason standing next to him. They locked eyes for another second before Jason dropped them, holding his drink. Carrie brought them over.

"Let's get you guys a drink!"

Wendy instantly wrinkled her nose.

"I'm good."

"Nonsense, come on..."

Wendy who only really had wine at weddings or on holidays shook her head.

"No, I'm good."

Carrie made a face before shoving a cup in her hand.

"Live a little Wendy, come on."

Wendy sighed before Carrie got to work filling Ian's. Handing it over, Ian raised an eyebrow, smirked and sipped his beer before Kevin grinned.

"What's up McKinley?"

"Nothing much Kevin..."

They all stood around in an awkward silence before Ashlyn walked over, clearly pretty drunk. Stumbling a bit, she looked at Wendy and Ian and instantly her eyes got big.

"Oh my God! Wendy! Ian! I heard you two were together! You guys look so cute!"

Ashley walked over, Lewis by her side.

"What?"

Ashlyn motioned to Wendy and Ian.

"Aren't they so cute?! I told you they were together!"

"Oh my God, you two are like the cutest! I love when opposites attract!"

Both girls started talking a mile a minute, pulling Wendy away from Ian as Carrie laughed following. Left alone, Ian stared at Lewis, Kevin, and Jason. Nodding at them, he silently sipped his drink before Lewis smiled.

"Cool to see you McKinley. Is it true you're with Christensen?"

Ian nodded.

"Yep...it is."

"Damn boy. Good for you. She is fine! A little too stuck up, but you know...

" Ian made a face, trying not to laugh before Lewis looked, watching Ashley and Ashlyn and narrowed his eyes.

"Mmmm, we got some fine pieces of ass here tonight boy. Let's see which one gets the honor of scoring with a legend!"

Lewis pushed him way through the crowd before Jason broke up laughing.

"Did he just refer to himself as a legend?"

Ian smiled drinking his beer.

"Yeah...I think he did."

All three of them laughed as Wendy sat on the edge of one of the sofas as Ashley and Ashlyn asked a million questions at once. Carrie laughed, finishing her beer.

"So, like when did you like know...I mean he's kinda weird but I can see after being a little cleaned up he would be cute."

Ashley nodded in agreement.

"Totally..."

Wendy looked up at Carrie as she laughed. Both girls were beyond interested and very curious about Ian and her. As they kept talking her ear off, Wendy glanced over her shoulder and was pleasantly surprised to see Ian actually talking with the guys. Smiling, she turned back, as Ashley was asking why Ian painted his nails?

Later...

The party actually wasn't that bad. David glared from afar, before getting so drunk he passed out in the downstairs bathroom. Lewis brought Ashlyn upstairs, and Kevin cracked everyone up by dancing in the middle of the living room when a Backstreet Boy's song came on. Everyone circled around cheering, as Kevin made a complete ass of himself. Wendy leaned against Ian, laughing with him. The night hand't gone bad. Nobody really questioned the fact that Ian and her were together, and the guys were actually being really nice to Ian.

Wendy had three beers so far, and was feeling truly for the first time in her life buzzed. Ian meanwhile had stopped at one beer, never being much of a drinker. They stood laughing watching Kevin finish his dance as Jessie the host played DJ with the music. Carrie, embarrassed kept laughing and shaking her head as Kevin motioned for her to come dance with him. Just then they heard a voice.

"You have got to be kidding me? McKinley?!"

Wendy turned with Ian to see the ever so annoying Frankie Cheeks walk over. Frankie had graduated last year and had been a complete and utter asshole that nobody could stand. Instead of going to college, Frankie worked for his father's car lot, and was as creepy as they came. Once or twice when she was a freshmen he had hit on Carrie and her a few times. Tonight he strolled over, collar turned up, and a very annoying smile spread across his face. Jessie glanced over before rolling his eyes, changing the music as people began to break up into little groups dancing. Wendy and Ian watched as Frankie strolled over and made a face.

"Shouldn't you be in some cemetery or something McKinley?"

Frankie laughed, looking around waiting to high five someone but saw nobody paying any attention. Looking at Wendy, he grinned and leaned in close.

"You know, I didn't believe the rumors when I heard them. Guess you got a wild side Wendy huh?"

Wendy stared at Frankie disgusted before he chuckled.

"Shouldn't you be with a real man?"

Ian leaned forward.

"Frankie, isn't there some school yard you should be stalking or something?"

Frankie shot Ian a look.

"Shouldn't you be off screwing that weirdo sister of yours?"

Ian's face fell completely and Wendy got between them.

"Fuck off Frankie."

Frankie grinned.

"I rather fuck you."

Reaching forward, his hand snaked behind Wendy and goosed her, making her cry out in surprise. That's when Ian lost it. His face crumpling. Pushing Wendy aside, he lashed out shoving Frankie. Stumbling back a bit, Frankie was caught by surprise before he noticed people looking. Shooting a look, he turned his hat backwards. "You stupid little freak!" Going to shove Ian again, Kevin and Jason appeared out of nowhere getting between them. Frankie flipped Ian off, and Ian glared over at him. Instantly Jessie walked over.

"Frankie, you weren't invited, get the hell out!"

Frankie shot the guys a look before looking at Wendy and licking his lips.

"If you ever want a real man, come see me baby."

Ian glared, pushing forward.

"You stupid..."

Wendy held him back.

"Ian, he's not worth it, come on..."

Ian sighed, still glaring at Frankie before they turned and walked away. Reaching the back porch, Jason, Kevin, and Carrie followed. Once they were out there, a few kids sitting around smoking pot, or making out, they laughed, all standing in a circle.

"Where is that creep?"

Carrie asked looking back through the open French doors.

"Jessie is kicking him out. What a weirdo, he tries to get into every party."

Ian rolled his eyes before nodding at Jason and Kevin.

"Thanks, sorry about that."

Jason shrugged shaking his head.

"No problem..."

He glanced at Wendy for a second before dropping his eyes. Sighing, Kevin laughed.

"So, who's down for shots in the kitchen?"

Wendy smiled before pulling on Ian's shirt.

"We gotta get going..."

Carrie made a face.

"What? Come on don't let that jerk ruin your night."

Wendy smiled shaking her head.

"No really, we're headed up to the fairgrounds. If you see Jessie tell him thanks for the invite."

Carrie rolled her eyes before smiling.

"All right, but call me tomorrow."

Wendy nodded as they hugged. Kevin slapped Ian five as did Jason. They said their goodbyes before Ian and Wendy went down the backstairs and circled around to the car. Ian looked at Wendy before laughing and grabbing her keys once she finished them out of her pocket.

"I'll take those thank you..."

Wendy smiled, still feeling pretty buzzed.

"Hey mister, I'm fine."

Ian made a face as he opened her door.

"Oh yeah you are totally fine."

Flipping him off and laughing, Wendy fell back into her seat before Ian went around to his side. Once he got in, Wendy laid her head back and sighed.

"Sorry about that asshole..."

Ian shrugged.

"He's a creep. Sorry I lost it."

"You were defending my honor and it was sweet."

Ian smirked before Wendy looked at him.

"Sorry if that was lame..."

"No, actually that was a pretty good time..."

"Good I'm glad."

As Ian started the engine, and backed the car up, Jason leaned against the front porch railing finishing his own beer watching them. Sighing, he shook his head before going back inside.

Later...

Wendy slowly moved up and down on Ian's lap. Both were parked by McKinley lake, far away from the actual fairgrounds. Ian had driven Wendy's car to a nice remote private spot, where they had a perfect view of the fireworks. Now less than an hour hour, Wendy found herself having sex with Ian. Her panties and jeans were thrown in the backseat, as was her shirt. Just in her bra, she slowly had straddled Ian, moving up and down on his erect penis, working through the discomfort, but surprised that it hadn't hurt as bad this time around.

In fact, with the constant moving, she was beginning to feel that same tingling feeling. Warmth was building, and she felt amazing. Ian's jeans and boxers were pushed down to his ankles as he sat in the driver's seat, holding onto Wendy's hips and watching her closely as she bit down on her bottom lip, eyes focused as she stared down at him. Up and down, she slowly worked herself, staring at him. Both were sweating, but couldn't stop staring at each other. The windows were getting fogged up, and Wendy knew he was close.

Leaning down, she cupped his thin face, looking deep into his eyes before pressing her lips against his and tasting him. both moaned through the kiss before Ian stiffened, crying out gently, she felt his erection twitch, before climaxing. A new kind of warmth overcame her, as she felt it. Finishing, he buried his head against her neck before finally stopping. Both exhausted, Wendy laughed gently before kissing the top of his head.

"Happy 4th of July Ian..."

Both had made plans on Wendy spending the night. Wendy had told her parents she would be crashing with Carrie. Usually she wouldn't lie to her parents, and she figured they honestly didn't care if she did crash over at Ian's, but she didn't want there to be any questions. Instead, she told them she was going to a party then Carrie's. Tonight, they parked her car out back, and headed into the pool house together, arms around each other as they kissed. Both had dressed quickly, the fireworks still going off in the air. Once Ian opened the door, and flicked on the light both froze. Erin was sitting there in a hoodie and shorts. She was sitting with her arms crossed on the edge of the sofa. Instantly Ian and Wendy froze, as if they had been caught doing something wrong. Staring, the two froze in the doorway before Erin smirked.

"Hey you two..."

Ian looked at her.

"Hi Erin...what's up?"

"Have fun at your little party?"

Wendy stood back, dropping her eyes before Ian shot her a look.

"Listen if your gonna be a bitch I'm not..."

"In the mood?"

Wendy finally had enough, looking up she shook her head.

"What's your problem Erin? If you think I'm trying to steal Ian away from you...you're wrong."

Erin laughed, standing up.

"Is that a fact?"

"I know you two are close, but you've dropped off the map this summer. I keep trying to put forth an effort but you have this attitude. If you don't like me I wish you would say it..."

"Fine, I don't like you."

Ian stared at her as if she was crazy.

"Erin!"

Erin shrugged.

"You are just a little stuck up bitch who has Ian by the balls. Come next year he'll be old news as you're dating some football or baseball player from school. I know girls like you Wendy. That sweet innocent little girl next door act isn't fooling anyone."

"Maybe the reason why people think you two are together is the way you act. Ever think that? He's your step-brother and he cares about you...wouldn't you wanna see him happy?

I guess misery loves company..."

Erin glared.

"You are such a bitch..."

"I think you are just unhappy...maybe even a little sexualy confused, but don't take it out on us because we're happy..."

Erin shook her head.

"I know you saw me that night leaving school and if you think you owe me anything...you're crazy. Have fun sucking my brother off until you get bored!"

Pushing past Wendy, Erin slammed the door behind them. Standing in silence, Wendy never thought she could feel so bad. Her temples pounded before Ian ran his hands through his hair and shook his head.

"I'm so sorry..."

Wendy sighed.

"No, I'm sorry...I shouldn't have said anything. Maybe I outta go..."

She turned to leave when Ian stood in front of her, hands on her shoulders.

"Wendy...look at me."

Wendy lifted her eyes slowly before Ian softly smiled, touching her chin.

"I love you okay. People are going to be jerks, but I don't care."

"But I shouldn't..."

Before she could finish, Ian leaned forward kissing her.

Later that night...

Wendy laid in one of Ian's shirts asleep beside him. Ian laid shirtless beside her, watching her sleep and smiling. Making sure she wouldn't wake up, she reached into his nightstand, pushing some CDs and things away before taking out the tiny box. Opening it, a sparking ring sat. This had belonged to his mother. Shortly after she died, his grandmother had given to him, saying it was his and she would be damned before his dad gave it to another wife. All these years he kept it hidden. Looking at Wendy he knew it was too soon.

He didn't want to scare her. No, he would do whatever he could to keep the two of them together. If possible, maybe he would give it to her next year, maybe before graduation. He prayed that everyone wasn't right, most of all Erin. He knew things had moved fast with them, and to a lot of people it was just some dumb little high school fling. But to him, it was much more. He loved Wendy, and if things went the way he wanted...he would propose by next year. Smiling, he tucked the ring away, before turning and gently kissing her neck. Draping his arm around her, he fell asleep listening to the sound of her breathing.