***DISCLAIMER***
Me: (to readers) Okay you guys, I know you enjoyed that chapter from all of the reviews, I know I liked it.
Tommy: (walks in with his arms folded scawling)
Adam: (walks in smiling ear to ear.)
Me: (Laughs at both of thier expressions.) So you guys read it?
Adam: (nodds) Yep, and guess what Tommy thought about it.
Me: (hesitant, not sure what to expect.) What?
Tommy: Don't tell her!
Adam: (smiles) He thought it was. . .
Tommy: DON'T!
Adam: Hot. . .
Me: (jaw drops) Really?
Tommy: (still scowling) . . . yeah well, don't read to far into it.
Adam: (draps arm over Tommys shoulder, Tommy cringes.) Don't lie Thomas. You know ya want me.
Tommy: (sarcasticaly) Oh all the fucking time.
Me: (laughs) Now seriously, what did you think Tommy?
Tommy: (sighs) I won't lie, it was. . .hot. . .
Adam: (to Tommy) At least it wasn't quite as graphic as some other stories.
Tommy: (eyes grow wide and raises an eyebrow.) You've read more. . .about us?
Adam: (looks the other direction). . .Maybe. . .
Tommy: (confused) I don't know whether I should be creeped out or surprised. . .
Me: (giggles) Oh I love you two. (sigh) I wish I did own you. (to readers) But I don't. Read any way, this chapter is full of fluffy cuteness. ENJOY!
~CHAPTER TEN~
"It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good."
My eyes flew open when a high pitched beeping filled my ears, and woke me from my blissful dream. Adam's room was still cased in darkness, apart from the gloomy glow from the digital alarm clock on his desk. With tired eye I glared at the red numbers across the room.
Beside me, Adam shuffled, stretching his long arms over his head with a yawn. He slowly brought himself to a sitting position, letting the thin sheet fall from his bare chest and into his lap. He sat there for a second with a slender, pleased smile on his face, before pulling on his jean and walking over to shut off the alarm. I knew I was going to have to hurry up and get my ass out of his house before his family woke up and caught the two of us.
Lazily, I pushed myself up and searched the floor and the bed for the pair of sweat pants Adam lent me, and then pulled them on as soon as I caught sight of them. The air in the room was somewhat chilly, and it made me shiver slightly. As Adam moved around swiftly in the dark, trying to turn on the light, I stayed frozen to the bed; suddenly too cold to move. Then Adam flicked on the switch.
"Ahh. . ." I groaned.
The sudden change from dark to light hurt my eyes, and I shut them immediately.
"Sorry." Adam whispered.
I got up from the bed and gathered my clothes from yesterday, which were now dry. Before I could pull my t-shirt over my head, Adams cold finger tips stopped me.
"If you want to shower, you know where the bathroom is."
I looked at him for a second to process what he had said.
"What about your parents? Shouldn't I leave?"
Adam laughed seeing the concern on my face.
"Nah. They don't know what happened."
I felt my cheeks flush pink, remembering last night. He smirked at my blush and I laughed nervously.
Cautiously, I cracked his bed room door open, peering into the dark hall, then tip toed silently to the bathroom. The reflection that met me when I looked in the mirror made me smile, despite how hideous I looked. For once I had woken up in a good mood, and I wasn't about to let my appearance ruin it. My hair was going to be a complete bitch this morning, but I didn't even care. Adam was right though, I needed a shower in the worst way. Rain and sweat left a filthy coat of grime on my skin that wasn't very attractive.
I turned the stainless steel knob in the shower to hot water- probably hotter than needed, and took time to study my face in the mirror as the water heated up. Along my right cheek were four long red marks, parts of which were scabbed over where my mother's sharp nails broke skin. In a few days most of the scaring wouldn't be visible and it will be as if the entire event never even occurred.
When the water was hot, I stripped out of Adam's baggy pants and stepped into the steady flow of steaming hot water. Almost instantly my muscles relaxed and relieved all the soreness and tension the past year or so had thrown at me. I couldn't even remember the last time I took a hot shower ever since the water heater blew up and I couldn't pay to fix it.
I closed my eyes and took deep breaths, drowning myself in the soothing rain like droplets as they massaged the tight parts of my body. After a long while of standing under the hot water, I washed my hair and body, taking longer than needed. The water was so calming, but I couldn't stay in the shower forever.
A thick film of moisture covered the once spotless mirror, and heavy clouds of steam lingered in the air. I felt ten times better once the rain and sweat was washed away; my hair looked better too.
I dried myself off, rubbing my head with the fluffy towel in order to remove the drip, than dressed myself. The seamy temperature in the bathroom felt good, and I wanted to stay locked inside- dreading the cold air of Adam's room. I didn't have a choice though. With a sigh, I opened the door, already cold from the chill the hallway brought, and made my way back to his room. Before I got there, I ran into something, or someone. . .
I stumbled backward, but caught my footing before I fell. Adam's younger brother squinted in the dark, confused as to who he ran into.
"Tommy?" he whispered.
"Shh!" I pressed my fingers to my lip, and swiftly maneuvered around him before he could question me any further.
Adam was still wearing only his dark blue jeans when I found him in the room laying across his bed. My heart started pounding from the shear sight of him, and how completely breathtaking he was. His brown hair was messy, sticking every which way and the same pleased smile colored his pink lips.
Secretly I was jealous. Adam could make anything look hot by simply incorporating it to his person. I was never able to make 'bed head' look the way he did. God it was hot on him.
Adam smirked when he realized I was gawking at his perfection.
"Hey. . ." he said seductively raising an eyebrow. Just the slight gesture almost sent me into cardiac arrest. My heart was jumping hurtles for him. He was so fucking good.
"Hey." I answered back meekly as I tried to control my sudden rush of desire.
Adam removed himself from the bed and placed himself in front of me with a devious smile on his lips. He gently trailed his smooth fingertips along my cheek and to the bottom of my chin. With every breath his face came closer to mine, his warmth rippling through me.
Our foreheads were the first to meet, as we gazed endlessly into each other's eyes, and then slowly he pulled my mouth to his. My body went limp and I was immediately whisked off into a high of pure ecstasy. His hands caressed my face and I pressed myself to his bare chest. A soft, quiet moan escaped my busy lips and Adam pulled away.
"Mmm. . ." he chuckled. "Good morning."
"Morning. . ." I stole kisses as we both spoke, not fully satisfied. Adam complied, and willingly returned each one, soft and sweet on most; but playful and more aggressive on others. My hands worked their way to his naked flesh of his chest and then to his dark locks. Adam took a few steps back, until he was laying on his bed with me hovering over him. His skilled tongue entered my mouth for a short time, and then his lips left mine. He locked his beautiful blue eyes on my own.
"Help yourself to whatever's in the kitchen." He said brushing some damp hair behind my ear. "I'll be there before you know it."
"Okay. . ." I said breathlessly.
The lower part of Adams house was dark, indicating that his family wasn't up yet. There were dim trickles of light seeping through the curtain covered windows; illuminating the house just enough to see.
Surprisingly, I really wasn't hungry, even thought the last meal I had eaten was lunch yesterday. After a quick glance through the cabinets, I decided on something simple; knowing I would regret not eating something now, later. I removed an almost empty box of Cheerios from the top shelf and poured what was left into a bowl of milk. I placed myself at one of the four chairs in the kitchen table and took a bite.
"Oh. . .Tommy." Leila said walking into the kitchen. "I didn't know you were staying over."
I hadn't even heard her come down the stairs. The shocked expression on her face faded quickly in to the smile that matched Adams. I waited to see if it would change into something else, but it didn't. Adam was right; his mom was completely oblivious to what went on last night. Or if she did know, she was damn good at hiding it.
Leila made herself breakfast, and I stirred my spoon in my cereal. Neil was the next one to come down, and as soon as his eyes landed on me, a strange look flooded his face. For some reason he knew, the look on his face only confirmed it. His dark eyes moved back and forth between his seemingly unknowing mother and me. I shook my head slowly, giving him a fierce glare. If he ratted us out, Adam would be short one sibling. The atmosphere was quickly growing uncomfortable, until Adam bounded blissfully into the room. It took everything in me not to jump up and stand by him.
"Good morning!" he said cheerfully, kissing the top of his mothers head and ruffling his brother's hair.
"Adam, why didn't you tell me that Tommy was staying over? I would have left out extra sheets and pillows." She gave Adam a look- which was neither threatening nor suspicious, and then he shrugged.
"I didn't know he was coming. He got locked out of his house again."
That was our excuse incase I had to come over without invitation. And so far it had worked like a charm.
Leila laughed. "Oh honey, why don't you just go get yourself a key made?"
I shrugged, keeping my eyes on my untouched bowl of cereal. "I keep forgetting."
She laughed again softly, and sipped her coffee. "I hope you slept well."
"I'm sure he did." Neil mumbled under his breath. Both Adam and I shot him a wicked glare, and luckily Leila didn't hear a thing.
Breakfast continued; Neil staring at Adam and I, while I tried my best to ignore it.
"Am I giving you a ride this morning?" Adam asked his brother.
Neil didn't usually ride with us in the morning to school. Instead he rode with one of his friends; I hoped today would be any different.
"Nope." He answered, popping the P sound.
Adam stood, placing his empty bowl in the sink, and then looked at the clock.
"You ready to go?" He asked.
I nodded. "Yep."
I dumped my wasted Cheerios down the drain and sat my bowl with his in the sink. His mom said good bye; giving us both warm hugs, and then we left.
~oOo~
The bright sun was in the middle of the vast blue sky, shinning down upon us. The weather was the complete opposite of yesterday's storm. There was not a single grey cloud in the sky, just light feathery ones.
Today it was just the two of us at lunch, and I was glad. We would break the news to Monte sometime, but right now I was living in the moment, which was big for me because most moments I didn't want to live.
We decided, instead of going to your usual café, to hit up the closest burger joint's drive up. The schools cafeteria was too crowded, and the little place we had recently become regulars at wasn't privet enough. So we sat in the back seat of his mustang and ate our lunch. After last night all I wanted to do was be alone with him again, and this was perfect.
We ate in silence, but completely comfortable. There was nothing more that needed to be said because we already knew. The soft audio of the car radio was the only sound that added to the ambiance.
"Are you worried about your mom?" Adam asked suddenly, taking a bite of his burger.
I didn't answer right away. "I haven't really thought about her much since last night." I admitted.
Adam nodded.
"Honestly, I don't care anymore." I told him. "It's just too much for me to handle. I've tried and failed so many times." I paused, ignoring the wave of self pity that washed over me, and I met Adam's glossy eyes. "Besides, I have you, and Monte of course, but mainly you.
Adam smiled weakly. "You're just going to give up?"
My forehead creased, thinking. As much as I wanted to give up and forget her, I knew I couldn't. That was the entire problem with me. I couldn't stop helping her. Finally I shook my head.
"No." I sighed, defeated. "I can't do that to her, not after my father-" I trailed off and the car grew quiet. Suddenly I wasn't hungry anymore, and I sat my container of fries in the middle seat between us.
"I wish life was simple." I whispered. Adams deep gaze was upon me, I could feel it as I looked out the windshield.
"And people stayed out of everyone's business so people could just be who they wanted to be." I added.
Adam moved our lunch from the seat, and placed himself next to me. As soon as I felt his warmth near me, I relaxed a little.
"Life's struggles only make us stronger." Adam said resting his head on my shoulder, tangling his fingers with mine.
"Only if we survive them." I muttered.
"You and I have." He pointed out.
I paused. "Sure, but-"
Adam pressed his finger to my lips, and moved so his blue eyes were transfixed to mine.
"Tommy Joe Ratliff. I do not want to hear this kind of talk from you this moment."
I wasn't used to hear my full name. "What do you want me to do?" I asked.
Adam smiled. "Kiss me."
As he spoke, he moved closer to me, giving me no time to refuse if I wanted to. Delicately, Adams plump lips caressed mine in their warmth and made my skin tingle. My hands touched to soft skin on his face as I straddled his lap. This time I slipped my tongue inside his mouth. He tugged me closer to his chest, and his hand slid under my shirt causing my blood to run cold. I moaned into his gaping mouth and he pulled away griming delightfully.
"Lunch is almost over." He smiled, kissing the tip of my nose.
My lips lingered over his. "Let's ditch." I suggested, wanting more of him.
Adam chuckled. "We can't do that. There is practice after school remember?"
I slouched. "Oh yeah. . .I don't have my guitar."
I was in such a horrendous state yesterday, that I didn't even think about grabbing my guitar when I left. Nothing in life seemed to be worth living yesterday. Except for Adam of course, he would always be my reason to keep going.
"I'm sure the school has one you can borrow." Adam assured me. "Now seriously, we need to get back to school. Otherwise we are in deep shit."
I sighed. "Okay."
He put to fingers under my chin and kissed me once more softly. We both gathered our trash, which consisted of non-eaten food, then walked over to the large dumpster in the parking lot. From his jacket pocket he took out the set of keys Ms. Baker gave him and let us back into the building.
~oOo~
By the time practice started, Adam managed to get his hands on a bass guitar. I wasn't sure how, or by what means, but I wasn't gonna ask questions. It could have been better tuned, but again, I didn't have the right to complain. He had already saved me in so many ways, I would be making it up the rest of my life.
For two hours I played along side Monte, while the actors danced and sang in poodle skirts and leather jackets. I realized it was hard to ignore the fact that Adam looked drop dead gorgeous in tight blue jeans and a black leather jacket with "T-Birds" stitched into the back. By show time, I was going to have to find something else to focus on.
"I think that is about as good as it's gonna get." Ms. O'Connor huffed, looking down at the watch around her boney wrist. "And thank you Mr.. Ratliff for gracing us with your presence this time."
I smiled at her as I put the guitar back into it's beaten case, she ignored me, then I glared at her. My hatred for that loathsome woman was increasing by the minuet.
Everyone bounded off stage, some going back stage to change out of their costumes while others gathered their book bags and left.
"Show starts at eight o'clock sharp! I want you hear no later than seven!" she announced loud enough for everyone to hear. I followed Adam back stage the the dressing room, so he could change out of his Greaser out fit.
"So am I taking you back to my house or. . ." He asked leaving the question open to other options.
His invitation was tempting, but my wondering mind kept going back to my poor mother on the liquor soaked floor. I couldn't give up on her, not when I was the only thing she had left.
As Adam pulled on his shirt from earlier, I sighed.
"No, she needs me. At the very least I have to make sure she's not dead." I paused, feeling Adams gaze upon me once again as we walked out of the building. Neither of us said anything until we were standing next to his car.
"Does that make me a fool?" I asked; my hand hovering over the door handle.
"What?" Adam asked getting in. I followed suite.
"Wanting to help someone who is beyond any help." I explained.
A smooth, angelic smile stretched across his lips and his for head moved slowly back and forth.
"No, I don't think you're a fool."
I met his eyes; they were clear and liquid, no form of lie or facade clouded them. He truly believed I wasn't a fool.
"You love your mother." he said. "That's why you get so upset when she does the things she does."
I just looked at him.
"Everything she does to unintentionally harm herself makes you mad because you can't stand the thought of loosing her. I would do the same thing if it came to my family." he said.
I couldn't help but smile at his words. He was amazing. Without even knowing it, he made me feel a million times better about myself. But he was also right, I couldn't loose her.
During the ride back to my house, he let one of his hands fall from the steering wheel and to the console that separated us. As soon as my eyes fell upon it, I didn't hesitate to intertwine my fingers with his. Adam smiled and brought the back of my hand to his lips and kissed it, before returning it to where it was a second ago. I was falling in love with him. Whether he knew it or not, I was, and I doubted my ability to live without him.
When we reached my street, Adam parked behind a white 91 Ford, that I hadn't seen in a long time.
"Who's at your house?" He asked arching a brow.
"No one." I said. "That is our car. The repair shop must have dropped it off."
"Oh." Adam shrugged. "That's convenient."
"Yeah."
I thought back to when I first was without that stupid car, and how much I hated having to walk to and from school. I loved that car because it was an escape from life reality on those days that were less the bearable. But now my escape was Adam, so why did I need the car anymore?
I glared at the vehicle, arms folded eyes narrowed. Adam laughed beside me, seeing my expression.
"I can still pick you up if you want me to, ya know."
I brought my eyes back to him with a nervous smile stretching across my lips. Was it that obvious?
"Good." I said.
He chuckled again, his carefree laugh made me smile, and the turned off the the car. Adams laugh died down and he looked at me.
"I'll pick you up around six o'clock for the show." he said. "And don't forget your guitar."
"Yeah, okay." I smirked.
As I turned to get out of the car, Adams warm hand caught mine and stopped me.
"Don't go just yet." Adam murmured, pulling him close to me.
"Okay." I breathed as his lips encompassed mine.
There wasn't much room in the front seat of the car, but somehow Adam managed to lay himself down across the front seat. I loomed over him, his playful, lusting kisses filling me with satisfaction. When he broke the kiss he still kept his lips close enough to my own that they tickled mine when he spoke.
"I'll see you soon." he murmured, grabbing a sweet peck from my lips.
"It won't be soon enough." I whispered kissing him this time.
Adam grinned. "Then I'll hurry."
We kissed again, each one fed my never ending addiction. I got out of the car with a smile on my face; one that only Adam could have created.
As he drove away, he waved, and I watched like always, until he was out of sight. Despite the fact that I knew I had one hell of a mess to pick up when I got into the house, I was in a good mood. I also knew Adam was mine, and nothing would ever change that.
A/N: So you will be glad to know that I've desiced to cut the last chapter into two parts, so that means you have AT LEAST two more chapters after this one :) be happy that it is lasting longer, and im only doing it because i love you guys so very much! Any way, let me know what you thought, LONG reviews are my favorite, even if they ramble cuz they make me smile ;) xxGlambert2010xx left me an awesome long review so i expect deatailed ones ;).
**Thank you for EVERY ONE who is reviewing, long or short i love them all, the long ones just make me smile!
~Jackie
