So I was tempted to write this chapter from Derrick's POV (as someone had suggested), but I thought it'd be better to leave it all in 3rd person! I should've been reading for my summer hw for AP English, but the book's just too boring! So here you go!
What should have followed Derrick's announcement should have probably been an excited exclamation of sort. But instead what came next was complete silence as Massie's eyebrows crinkled in confusion.
"What do you mean you're coming back for good?" Massie asked as she unraveled herself from Derrick's arms.
Derrick frowned. Okay, this was not the reaction he had expected. He'd thought Massie would've immediately started shrieking in happiness or something. The least she could've done was say something good.
"Actually let me correct myself," Derrick said, "I am back for good. For college. I'm going to NYU and although that wasn't my parents' expectations, I don't really care. NYU seems like a good school. That's why I couldn't come earlier, I was busy moving into my new apartment."
" NYU? Your apartment?" Massie gaped as she tried to process this piece of information. She and Derrick were going to go the same school. "Derrick, how can you possibly survive on your own in an apartment in New York?"
"It's fine," he said, "My parents will be sending me money each month to cover all costs. Besides I like the idea of living alone at only this age."
"You could've let me know earlier!" Massie exclaimed as she stood up, ignoring the cold. "I could've made arrangements and have you stay here with us."
"Um, Mass? I don't know if you remember but the last time you tried to convince your parents to let me stay at your house did not go over so well. And I doubt this time would be different."
Massie grumbled in frustration as she realized Derrick was right. "Still, I could've asked at least. You never know…"
Derrick chuckled. "It's okay, really. I'm just glad I'm back in New York. I never really got used to California. You would not believe it, but people there really are different from New Yorkers."
Massie pouted. "Of course, we're so much better." She got out of the pool and went into the jacuzzi, enjoying the sensation of bubbles shooting out from the sides. "Come on, I think we've had enough swimming, don't you?"
Derrick nodded in agreement and quickly got out and slid in next to Massie, his knees bumping into Massie's along the way. The two sat in silence for a moment as the news sunk in.
He was back for good. Massie just couldn't believe it. She never fully realized how much she had missed Derrick until now. Just the presence of him in her backyard warmed her. This was an amazing start to her summer.
"So," Derrick said, breaking the silence. "Where are you headed next fall?"
"NYU," she responded, biting her lip down to keep a smile from forming.
"You could've let me know earlier!" Derrick mimicked. "That's awesome. Now we'll be together like the old times."
"Shut up," Massie smacked Derrick's right arm. "I know, isn't that amazing?" We really will be together like the old times.
"Massie," Derrick growled, "I thought I told you not to hit me anymore. Now you'll have to suffer."
"Suffer? Yeah, what are you going to do me?" She taunted, playfully splashing some water onto Derrick's face. "You're not going to do anything."
"Think again, babe." Derrick's hands launched out as he attacked Massie, tickling her stomach.
Massie started shrieking and writhing. "Derrick!" She gasped in between painful breaths of laughter. "Stop,stop, I can't breathe!"
"You promise to stop beating me up?" Derrick asked.
Massie nodded feverently, "Yes, yes, I promise! Derrick, please!"
Derrick dropped his hands and surrendered. "Okay, you promised."
Massie collapsed against Derrick as she gathered her breath.
"But seriously, Mass," Derrick said, "Now I can't wait for next semester. I almost want it to start now."
"Oh shush," Massie chided, "we'll have enough time to spend together. There's no need for school to start so soon."
"Promise?"
"Of course," Massie said, "Don't even worry about it, we'll be inseparable. "
"Is that so?" Derrick smiled and leaned in closer. "Inseparable sounds good to me."
"Good, I'm glad you think so." Massie smiled back and snuggled closer to Derrick.
Derrick wrapped his arms around Massie and whispered in her ear. "So does that mean we're back together?"
Massie's heart swelled upon hearing Derrick's question. This was exactly what Massie wanted to hear. "Well, what do you think, silly?"
"Hmm, I'm not sure." Derrick muttered, "You keep slapping and hitting me. I don't know if you love me or hate me."
Massie felt a smile creeping onto her face. She tilted her head upwards and kissed Derrick lightly. "How about now?"
"Okay, I know you definitely don't hate me. But I'm still a little bit confused. Perhaps you like me?" Derrick smiled. "Would you like to show me again?"
And without another word, Massie's lips crashed against Derrick's. The two instantly felt their connection rekindle and that only urged them on. Derrick ran his fingers through Massie's hair as Massie somehow managed to swing around and situate herself on Derrick's lap, her lips never leaving his. Despite swimming, Derrick could still taste the raspberry chapstick on Massie's lips. They slowly started to slide lower and lower until Massie suddenly broke apart.
"What's wrong?" Derrick asked, sitting back up.
"I think my feet are getting prune-y." She crinkled her nose in disgust and lifted her feet up to inspect.
Derrick blinked. And then he bursted out laughing. The ridiculousness of Massie's comment was just too cute.
Massie got up from Derrick's lap and stared at him. "What?"
"Ah, I love you, Mass," Derrick smiled, his laughter had died down to a chuckle. "You're adorable."
Massie crossed her arms defiantly. "I don't want my skin to get all prune-y. That's disgusting. I'm not an old lady, you know."
"Then let's get out, shall we?" Derrick got out and offered Massie a hand. He lifted her up and out.
Massie darted towards the pile of clothes but she didn't even bother to put them on because she knew they were no use. Then she went to the patio door to go inside. But the door didn't budge at all when she tugged on the handle. She jerked the handle again and to no avail, it was still closed. "Derrick, the door's not opening."
Derrick picked up his shoes and came over to inspect. "Are you sure it's not just stuck? Let me try." He tried tugging and he failed.
A look of huge disappointment swept across Massie's face as she realized what was happening. "I've locked us out."
Okaaaaay. sorry for another short chapter! I know this chapter wasn't as good as it could've been, but I kinda didn't really have any inspiration. So I lied. This is NOT the last chapter. Ahh, I'm so indecisive, I know. It's just that while I was writing this chapter, another thing came to my mind, and I thought it'd be really good to write it. So next chapter will be the last chapter and it will be amazing! Haha, you guys do want to know how this all ends, right? :)
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