Chapter 25- Forward to Time Past
Leila's breathe quickened. Her palms were sweaty. This was the first time that she had flown without someone with her; more specifically, Pete. The rise up at the beginning of the flight went fine and smooth, no matter how nervous she was. There were a few bouts of turbulence, but nothing compared to this. They were descending and it was getting progressively worse. Leila's hands clamped tightly on the arm rests and she had to force herself to breath. She was sure that she was scaring the woman next to her, but she couldn't help it. The plane finally made a bumpy touchdown and it smoothed out and soon came to a stop.
Sighing with relief, she got all her things put back into her bag; packing away her Ziploc bag of crackers and her iPod, she exited the plane. Making her way to the luggage pick up area, she managed to bump into everyone imaginable. Digging her suitcase off a constantly circulating belt, she made her way to a nearby bench to call her family, and ask them to pick her up. While she was fishing for her phone, she wasn't watching where she was going, and bumped into another, taller person. Her bag fell to the floor, and the contents went spilling everywhere. Cursing herself, she bent down to pick up her things. As she reached for her iPod, another hand grabbed it up and handed it to her. Tucking a piece of falling hair behind her ear, she took her iPod.
"Thank you, and I'm sorry for bumping into yo-" she said, standing up to face him.
Her heart skipped a beat. She stared into those oh-so familiar blue eyes. Letting out a small giggle, Josh Davis flashed a dazzling smile her way. One of her best friends from band and her first love was standing in front of her. Around five inches taller than her, with blonde hair and pearly white teeth, Josh had been a major part of her high school life.
"Well, hello there. I didn't expect, whiling I was dropping my sister off, that I would see you," Josh said in amusement.
Leila stood in a daze. It had been years since she had really seen him. High school graduation to be correct. "He's still as good-looking as ever," she thought to herself. Then she thought about what was she was thinking and shook her head, making it fly from her mind. Replacing her dazed look with a smile, she wrapped her arms around him, hugging him. A familiarness washing over her.
"Oh wow! I haven't seen you in forever! How are you?" she asked releasing him from her. Josh looked down at her, his eyes shining.
"I'm pretty good. Fresh out of college and in the Marines. I have to admit that I am very happy with that," he said, chuckling. "Well, I don't really need to ask about how you're doing… I can read that in the papers."
He must have seen the scowl on her face, because he quickly recovered with, "Not that you can believe everything you read. I personally take the magazine racks with a grain of salt."
Leila smiled up at him, and giggled a little. He still had the power over her to make her fall into a fit of giggles.
"So, who's picking you up?" Josh asked, looking around to spot any of her family.
Hitching her bag back up on her shoulder, "Actually, I was about to call my mom to come pick me up."
Josh gazed at her for a second, "Well, I'm going that way. I can take you to your parents'. That is, if you want me to?"
A small feeling formed in her stomach that told her to say no, that she could call her mom. Pete's face flashed in her head. Would he like her getting this close to an old love? But she was rebelling against everything that was "norm" in her life.
"Sure, thanks!" she said, grabbing up the handle of her suitcase; her shoulder bag falling over, landing in the crook of her arm.
"Here, let me help with tat," he said, taking the suitcase from, and waited for her to get ready.
Hitching the bag up again, she looked to Josh, "Lead the way then."
Smiling, he walked along side of her, regaling of old times from high school. By the time they reached the parking deck, he had her in stitches from laughing. Josh stopped at the trunk of a silver convertible Mustang, with a black drop top. Leila looked at it, smiling.
"You still have this old thing?" Leila said, as memories flashed in her mind again; times after the school day had ended and he drove them home. Some had Casie, and some didn't. Josh looked up at her as if she had just insulted his sister.
"I thought you always loved my 'Stang?" he said in a hurt voice.
Leila looked into those blue puppy dog eyes, and couldn't help but laugh. Smirking at her, he popped the trunk and slipped her suitcase and over head bag in and closed the lid. Pressing the button on his keychain, unlocking the doors, Leila got in the chair, fastening her seat belt. Josh followed suit and pushed his key into ignition and cranked up. The radio turned on and Fall Out Boy's "This Ain't a Scene" came through the speakers. Leila shifted in her seat, and turned her glance out of the window. Josh noticed this and quickly changed the station. But the atmosphere had already been set. It became awkward because Leila knew that Josh was aware of her and Pete. She thought of what he was thinking about seeing her; especially in seeing her without him. Leila racked her brain for something to say to lighten the mood. Then she thought of something that made her smile.
"Well, at least you got the radio fixed," she said quietly. Josh let out a deep laugh and continued to drive through downtown Birmingham. Leila figured that she should let someone know she arrived safely, but who would she call? Pete? Was she able to talk to him with fresh out of leaving?
"Shouldn't you call someone, and let them know you arrived safely? I'm sure that he will want to know you're here," Josh said very business like.
She knew he was right, but she didn't want to hear the sorrow in his voice so shortly after leaving. She settled for sending him a text message. It stung her heart that she was being so distant, but wasn't that why she came to Alabama?
Josh noticed her pressing buttons on her phone, wondering why she just didn't call him. But he figured that is was none of his business. Instead he tried to make the rest of the ride home was comfortable as possible.
oo
Casie arrived back to Pete's house with a very solemn load. Cara was now in the front seat, with Pete and Patrick in the back. Pete had said nothing to them. If it wasn't for an occasional cough, he didn't exist. When Casie parked, Pete was the first to slouch out and head to the door. Casie had to do something. Before Pete reached the front door, Casie wrapped her fingers around his wrist, pulling to the side of the walk. As the others filed in the house, Pete tried to follow, but she didn't let go.
"She'll be back, Pete," Casie said as the front door shut. Pete turned his head away. He didn't want to hear anyone trying to make him perk up.
He understood why Leila left, but it still didn't make hurt any less. The truth was that he wasn't talking because he was afraid he would break down. If he would just remain emotionless until she returned, he would be fine. But he couldn't help the thoughts that ran through his head. What if the only thing he offered her was Fall Out Boy, and now that has gotten old and she was tired and moved on. If he was just a pawn in her game of life; that he was just being used.
"She loves you, Pete. If you believe me or not, she does. And I have seen my fair share of her being boy crazy, and this is not that. When we were in high school, she would giggle over one guy, and then the next week, she was on to someone else. I see the way she looks at you. This is not a fleeting thing that you two have. Leila is in love with you. She just needs time to breathe without cameras in her face. Give her time, she'll come back… I promise."
Pete looked at her through his sunglasses. He could feel the sincerity in her voice, and he trusted her. If anyone knew Leila, it was Casie. She had known her the longest, and had seen her through all kinds of stages. He got closer to her to hug her, but Casie stopped him.
Smiling slightly, "I don't think that's a good idea to do in the open, Pete. If you know what I mean? That would cause drama that needs not to happen."
A vague smile tried to grace his lips. "Improvement," Casie thought.
"C'mon, let's get in the house," she said, opening the door for him.
oo
Leila had her head resting on the back of the headrest, watching the trees fly past her. She forgot how fast he drove; a lot of things that she had forgotten were coming back to her. As Josh turned off the interstate at the right exit, he lowered the volume of the radio.
"Do you have any strict plans right now? Some place that you have to be?" Josh asked.
Leila looked at his profile highlighted by the setting sun. His blonde hair was golden in the light.
"What did you have in mind?" she asked. He glanced at her smiling.
"I want to show you something," he said with mystery in his voice.
"Should I be afraid, Josh?" she asked with laughter in her voice. He just smiled at her wickedly and shut his mouth. Leila looked ahead to the road again, shaking her head, relaxing for the first time in a while.
oo
"Trouble In Paradise?"
"Our cameras caught the hot couple saying an apparent good-bye in Wentzs' town of Chicago. She then got on a plane, alone, and took off for Alabama. Wonder why they aren't traveling together? Could the pressures of Hollywood be getting to Miss Grint? Sources close to the couple say that she has been heard yelling to anyone who'd listen, that she hated being watched by film lenses. As we can relate to her rantings, if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen."
oo
"Are you ready, Cas?" Cara said, from the living room.
It was Casie's birthday tomorrow, and they were celebrating it tonight. With the sudden departure of Leila, Casie had been quite sad when the time came to celebrate her party. And the fact that she wasn't going to see all her family was another reason for her not-so-hyped attitude towards her twenty-third.
"Yeah, I guess," she said, coming down the stairs in a jean skirt and a bright blue blouse with an intricate black swirl print up the side with her black and silver converses. Andrew was waiting by the stairs for Casie, holding his hand out as she reached the bottom. He looked into her eyes, seeing how sad she looked. Smiling to himself, he knew that he was going to make it better.
Linking her arm on his, Andrew turned to the living room, "Are you guys ready to go?"
Cara stood up and was greeted by Patrick holding out her coat. The September nights in Chicago got extremely chilly. Cara smiled at him and stuck her arm out to allow Patrick to slip her jacket on. Joe and Danielle stood by the door; Danielle had her arm around his waist and he had his draped over her neck. Pete walked down the stairs at his brother's voice and stopped short. Everyone was paired up and glowing at each other. His stomach knotted up.
"I don't think I feel up to going tonight, guys…" he said, trailing off.
He was then bombarded with lines about how he should go, and not sulk in the house. It wasn't until Casie looked at him with sadness in her eyes that he listened to her.
"Please, come. If I can't have Leila, I want you to come," she said.
He gave in. He would feel selfish if he made others sad in his sulk. Shuffling towards the door, he followed everyone out to the cars. The chill of the night catching him off guard, wishing he had a coat. Crossing his arms around his chest, he sat in the very back of Andrew's Range Rover, while Joe and Danielle were driving behind them in their red Chevorlet Cobalt. They arrived outside a local bar in the heart of Chicago. Wedged in the middle of two taller buildings, the restaurant seemed very small and quaint. Which is a good thing when the members of Fall Out Boy show up. There was little to no commotion and it was quite peaceful.
Sitting in the very back of the place, with a very private table, the celebration dinner started. Andy and his girlfriend Heather, who met them there, were the first to hand Casie a present. She didn't expect to get anything, for she had asked for nothing. Casie tore into the wrapping a new set of paintbrushes. Smiling at them, she reached for another present. This one was from Joe and Danielle. It was a gorgeous sea shell that they had picked up on their honeymoon. It had many different colors winding all around it. Carefully setting it aside, she grabbed up Cara and Patrick's present. Pealing the paper back, she saw that it was a fashionable black hat with a blue design on it, and bright blue sunglasses. Laughing at the gift, as it was something that only Cara would buy, Pete handed her his gift. It was a picture frame of the three girls at the Alabama football game. They all seemed so happy then. She looked at Leila's still form. A smile that would always be there for eternity. Leila was in the middle of Casie and Cara, her arms around both of them. Feeling emotion welling up in her eyes, she smiled at Pete and placed the picture on the table. That seemed to be the only presents she had on the table. Pete, who noticed the same thing, looked to Andrew.
"Her boyfriend didn't even get her a present?" Pete said, smirking at Andrew.
Andrew's head snapped to Pete's, "Yes, her boyfriend did."
Reaching into his pocket, he began pulling out what looked like a silver chain. And hooked on the chain was a small blue heart, sparkling in the candle light. Casie looked at it, at a loss for words. It was absolutely gorgeous, and her favorite color. She moved her hair out of the way, as Andrew fastened the necklace around her. He placed a soft kiss in her hair, and pulled back.
Fingering the heart, "Thank you Andrew. It's beautiful."
"But I'm not done," he said, reaching into his coat pocket, pulling out an envelope. In pretty cursive writing it said Casie's name. He slowly handed her the white envelope, watching her closely.
Taking the envelope from him, she slipped her fingers into the flap and pulled out what seemed to be two plane tickets. Letting the envelope fall to the table, she read the tickets. A yelp slipped from her lips, and she launched herself into Andrew's arms. The rest of the table was just staring, perplexed at them, waiting to know what was so great.
"I know how sad it makes you to not be with your family, so I thought we could go see them. I already called your mother, I hope that's okay? I get her number from your phone one night while you were sleeping, and we planned everything out. We leave early tomorrow morning, and then have a party at your Aunt Jamie's."
She watched him in awe as he explained what was going to happen tomorrow. She can't believe that he would do this for her. No words were coming to her. She crashed her lips onto his hard, showing him how she was feeling, because words had failed. Laughing beneath the kiss, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a hug.
oo
Leila watched on as Josh drove into a neighborhood that she had never been in when she lived here. It might have been new, and that's why she didn't remember it. The landscape just got more rural as he drove, and the houses got less dense. It wasn't long before he was pulling into a long drive way, where trees blocked the view of the house. Leila spotting the mailbox, and on the side it said "Davis", and she knew that this was going to be his house. He was showing her his very own house.
"So, you finally moved out of your moms?" she giggled, ducking a playful swat of his arm.
"As a matter of fact, yes," he said, trying to fight his laughter.
The trees cleared and a beautiful dark red brick house stood in the middle of open land, standing two stories tall. White cement steps led to the porch where gracious patio furniture stood. A deep mahogany door, trimmed in gold, gleamed in the retreating sun. Josh parked the car, and got out. Leila followed suit, surveying the house. Josh watched her watching his house. For some reason, he really wanted her to like it.
"What do you think?" he asked, trying to hide his need for acceptance in his voice.
"I love it. It's really nice," she said, looking back to Josh. "Tour?"
Laughing, he led the way to the front door, unlocking it, and pushing it open. The inside was just as elegant as the outside. Stopping for a minute, Leila thought of something.
"Who did your house? This is to fancy for the Josh I knew…" Leila said, eyeing him.
"Caught me! It was my sister's doing. But I have to admit, that I do like it," he said, running his hand down the back on his couch.
"It is very nice. I like it," Leila said, looking around, taking in her surroundings. Just then her stomach growled and she realized how hungry she was. It didn't go unnoticed by Josh.
"Do you want to go get something to eat? I don't really have any groceries here," he said, shrugging his shoulders.
"That would be great. I haven't eaten anything really since I was in Chicago," she admitted, holding her stomach overdramatically. Josh smiled at her.
"Well, let me go get a quick shower and I'll be ready to go. Feel free to look around the house. But the east wing is forbidden," he said, trying to growl.
Leila laughed at his imitation of "Beauty and the Beast". When she heard his door shut, she began wandering around the house. It seemed quite big for just one person. She ran upon two other bedrooms that he was obviously not using. The next room she came across was the computer room. This was obviously his football memorabilia room as well. Articles of the Auburn football team lined the walls, and there was an orange and navy blue, Auburns' colors, football propped up on top of the bookshelf. She walked to the bookshelf, running her finger across each book's spine, reading the name. She the very last books on the bottom shelf were their old high school yearbooks. Smiling to herself, she took the one out that she knew was their senior year. Sitting Indian style on the ground, she began flipping through the pages, her high school memories on paper. When she got to the activities section, with pictures of their marching band, an old piece of paper fell out and hit the ground. She gazed at the paper for a minute, before setting the yearbook aside to pick up the old crumpled, well-worn paper.
Folded three times in its original state, she began to flip it open very carefully, not to rip it. Her heart jumped her throat as she realized what she was reading. It was the letter she wrote to him the night of graduation, telling her how she had always felt about him. Reading over what she had wrote four years ago, she was still reeling from the fact that he had kept it. The door behind her creaked open and she heard Josh's voice.
"I though I told you not to go to the east win-" he started, but stopped short when he saw the paper in her hand.
Leila stood slowly up from the floor and walked to him. She looked between the letter and Josh.
"You kept this, after all these years?" she whispered.
His cheeks turning a fair shade of pink, he looked her in the eyes, "Yes."
Leila could think of only one thing to say, "Why?"
Sighing, he said, "Because it was the sweetest letter I have received. And when we left for our different collages, I had nothing concrete to remember you by, but this. I never did get to tell you 'Thank you'. I think that's another reason I kept it. Also, the letter showed me a side of you that I had never seen before, and it was very touching."
Leila closed the space between them and wrapped her arms around his neck. Even after all these years, and being very happy with Pete, it felt good to have that closure. To know that she was appreciated.
Laughing, Josh added, "But I'm sure you kept something that reminded you of me?"
Blushing slightly, she nodded. He looked at her, urging her to continue. "Well, yeah, I did. I actually kept quite a few things, to be honest. But you have to understand that I was a silly teenager. But the only thing I am going to bring up… is the picture that was taken of us, our senior year. It was spirit week, and that day we got to dress up in camouflage gear. I was the Army girl, and you were the Marine boy. And my friend Kimberly took our picture with us in our gear, and you had painted my face. It was my favorite picture of us."
Josh gazed into her eyes, still inches from her. Leila could feel his hot breath hitting her lips. Her rebellion wave kicking in, she wanted to close the space between her and Josh. She had been dreaming of his kiss more or less since the eighth grade. Her mind was telling her to go, but her heart was screaming no. She knew that if she kissed him tonight, it would mean hell her for her and Pete. She remembered how she felt when she found out Pete had kissed another. But alcohol was involved with Pete and Casie. This would be a in the heat of sober passion. Intaking a gasp of air sharply, she jumped back away from Josh.
"Josh… I-I can't do this. I love Pete. I couldn't do that to… " she stuttered, crossing her arms around her chest.
Josh's heart was racing. He could feel it in his throat. Disappointed, he looked down at Leila. The radio played softly in the distance. It wasn't until then that he remembered turning it on. Stepping away from Leila, something on the radio caught his ear.
"Pete Wentz, from Fall Out Boy, still doesn't know when his girlfriend will come back to him… or if she's coming back to him. Wentz and a group of friends were spotted earlier tonight, celebrating a close friend to Grint, Casie Depp's birthday. She was unaccountable. No word on how Pete's taking this blow, but sources say that's he leaning back on his ex-girlfriend, Ashlee Simpson."
Leila must have heard it too, because he felt her stiffen. If it was from hearing something about his ex-girlfriend, or realizing what they had just got close to doing, Josh didn't know. But he did know that he must do something to clear her head. Take her mind off of the stings that were bothering her.
"C'mon, let's go to dinner. My treat," he said, opening the door the computer room door.
He watched as Leila just stood there, staring at nothing in particular. He didn't know if what he heard was true or not, but he had to do something. He had never seen her so unresponsive. He looked into her eyes, and saw the tears that she was holding back. Josh had never really seen her cry. There were them few times at the end of the football season their senior year, but that was different. She was really upset this. Grabbing her hand, snapping her out of her daze, he pulled to out of the room, down the stairs and in his car.
Leila watched as he walked around the car, and got in. Thoughts ran through her head. She knew Pete would never go back to her; if they had broken up, he would still not go back to her. There may be some things that she didn't know about Pete, but that was something she was sure of. The thing that worried her the most is what she had up her sleeve. What Ashlee was planning to do with Pete? Leila knew she left him in a vulnerable state, just the same way as she felt. Ashlee had an opportune moment to get to Pete. And it scared her.
oo
"So, who did you get to pick us up?" Casie asked, pulling her luggage behind her. It was the middle of the afternoon in the Birmingham airport. It wasn't nearly as crowded as they expected. They had a clear path towards the front door. Casie was really excite about seeing her family today, and wanted to know everything Andrew had planned out for her.
She was about to open her mouth and ask again, when she saw a group of people off to the side. She gasped and smiled, as she spotted her mother, Jo, sister Andi and her children Addie and Colton. Addie's eyes found Casie and she took off running in her direction. As she got right on Casie, she stopped running. Her eyes were glued on Andrew. Casie huffed a little and realized what she was looking at.
"Pete Wentz!" Addie squealed and flung herself around his midriff. Andrew looked down at the brown headed girl clinging to his waist and back to Casie for help. Andi and Jo, with Colton behind his mother, had made their way to Casie by now. Casie pried Addie off of Andrew and pulled her close.
"That's not Pete Wentz, Addie. It's his twin brother, Andrew Wentz," she whispered to her. Addie looked at Casie with big eyes. Casie just laughed at her, and stood up. She hugged her mom and her sister, and Colton. Pulling back next to Andrew she looked between them all.
"Gam, Andi, Addie and Colt… this is my boyfriend, Andrew," she said, "and Andrew, this is my sister and my niece and nephew… You obviously have talked to my mom before."
"It's nice to finally meet you, but instead of standing here in the airport, let's get back to the house, Andrew has a surprise for you there," Andi said. They all agreed and walked to the parking lot. A white SUV was parking next to a burgundy one. Andi went towards the burgundy one and Jo went the white.
"Casie! Ride with me! Come with us!" Addie said, clinging to her hand. Colton shook his head in agreement and grabbed her other hand, pulling towards Andi's car.
"No, guys. We are all going to the same place; Casie will be there when get there. Let her ride with Gammy and Andrew. You have all day to be with her," Andi said, waving Casie away and to Jo's white car. The kids objected a little as they got into the car, but was silenced by the close of the door.
Casie got in the front seat next to her mother while Andrew loaded the luggage into the back and slid into the backseat. The ride to Jo's house was very chatty. Casie and her mother talked about everything from something Addie said in school to Colton's baseball game.
"Oh, and Andrew?" Jo asked in a sweet voice.
"Ma'am?" he asked, chuckling a little.
"When we get home, or tomorrow, will you change a light bulb on my front porch?"
Casie laughed and rolled her eyes.
"I told you see?" Casie said laughing. When her mother gave her a look, she said, "I just know you too well. I told him that you would have small jobs for us to do when we got there."
Jo just rolled her eyes. Andrew was thoroughly enjoying the witty banter between mother and daughter. The smile that was on his face could not be wiped off. When they arrived at Casie's mother's house, Andrew was having trouble catching his breathe, his hands covering his red face.
Closing the garage door, Andrew got out Casie's luggage and handed it to her. Casie followed her mom into the door that led to the kitchen. Andrew looked around at the kitchen. A dark steel refrigerator with a matching stove set off the medium brown counter tops flecked with a lighter brown. The floor was tiled that resembled stone. As he followed Casie to the living room that joined the kitchen with no wall barrier, he saw the classy elegant, but simple look. A glass coffee table, with matching side tables, was surrounding a spotless white sectional sofa. Andrew remembered Casie warning him about this couch. She said that her mother would kill anyone that stained it up.
A cream colored carpet surrounded the entire living room. Above the couch was a large abstract painting that had brushes of color that matched the couch and its cushions. Opposite the couch was a black wood entertainment center with the TV. Next to the TV, were two black-covered chairs, facing into the living room with a plant behind them. To the extreme right of the kitchen was the dining area. A round glossed table surrounded by four chairs stood in front of a dark china cabinet with white china on each shelf.
Andrew followed Casie down a small, short hallway to the guest bedroom. It was relatively small with only one chair; that he was told to put nothing on it all at. It was a very old chair, and could break under any weight. The bed was donned with a toned down gold comforter with tan sheets and matching pillows. Casie rolled her case to a stop and put it up against the closet door, and Andrew did the same. Andrew had something on his mind that had peeked his curiosity.
"Casie, why do you call your mom, 'gam'?" he asked, turning her around to face him.
Casie laughed a little, "Mom started out wanting to be called 'gramsy', but Addie couldn't say that. So it changed to 'gammy'; and now they are older we just call her 'gam'."
Andrew smiled at how cute the story was. Everything about her family so far was amazing to him. He w as worried that he might not fit in her family, but now, he was sure that he was going be fine.
Walking back into the living room, Casie turned to Andrew.
"So where's my surprise that was supposed to be here?" she asked, smiling at him. He looked over her shoulder, and smiled. Cocking her head at him, she turned to see what he was staring at. Her heart leaped to her chest when her eyes met those green ones.
Casie ran over and hugged Leila. Leila laughed, hugging her back.
"Oh my gosh! What are you going here? I thought you went to your Nannie's?" Casie asked in disbelief.
"Well, that's just what I told you. I didn't know I was going to leave Chicago so suddenly," she said, averting her eyes a little, but quickly regained her composure, "and I talked to Andrew and promised I would stay in town for this party. Besides, I was the one that pushed him to call your mom anyways."
"Where's your car?" Casie asked, remembering that she didn't see her car in the driveway.
"In Andi's garage," Leila said smiling. "And I also want to play dominos and kick you and your family's butt!"
Casie burst out laughing. She looked back at Andrew, amazed at how much length he had gone for her. To make her birthday exactly what she wanted. She walked to him and squeezed him to her. Wrapping his arms around her, he looked to Leila and smiled at her. But his heart sunk a little looking at her. She had a look of bittersweet sadness in her eyes. Knowing that his brother was going through the same thing made him wish that they would just realize that they are perfect for each other and get over this silly fight. But he shook those thoughts from his head. This was not the time and place to be bringing that up. He knew Leila didn't want to talk about it, and he didn't really feel like arguing with her. This was Casie's day, and he was going to treat it as such. Just then, Casie's mom, Jo, walked out from her bedroom.
"Now that I changed clothes, we can go to Jamie's," she announced, walking to the kitchen getting her things ready on the counter. "Casie, close the blinds, because it'll be dark when we get back."
Casie nodded her head and made her rounds around the living room, pulling the strings on each one. She walked back to Andrew and stood waiting for her mom.
"The front and back door are locked?" she asked Casie. When Casie just nodded her head, she said "Are you sure?"
"Yea, Gam," Casie said exasperated.
Jo raised an eyebrow at her daughter, smirking, and headed towards the garage door. Casie sat next to her mother again, and Leila and Andrew got in the back, with Leila behind Jo and Andrew behind Casie.
The ride to Casie's Aunt Jamie's was a long one. But it was nothing but entertaining. Now that Leila joined the mix, Andrew couldn't help but laugh at everything. He loved Casie's mother. He realized how much Casie took after her. In a few of the quiet moments in the car, Andrew looked around the scenery they were driving by. They were far from the city. Trees and shrubbery were all he could see, with an occasional house here or there. After about forty-five minutes, Jo turned off the highway and on to a long and windy road. Bigger, fancier houses took the place of constant forest. It wasn't long after that they were pulling into a crowded driveway. By the looks of it, Andi and the kids were already there. As well as a lot of Casie's other family members.
They all got out and headed towards the front door when it slung open. Addie came barreling out and headed for Casie. But she spotted Leila standing next to her, and changed her heading.
"Leila!" she screamed and ran into Leila, knocking her a little off her balance. Leila laughed and hugged her back just as tightly.
"Hold me, Leila!" Addie begged, trying to already jump up in her arms. Leila, who was being pulled down with by Addie, picked her up and carried her in the house. The rest followed her in. They walked without stopping to the kitchen and that was the first room that Andrew got a good look at.
The kitchen was on the larger side of things, black marble countertops with stone tiled floor and a huge island in the middle of it that held the flat top stove. Food was lain out all over the island. Jamie's famous baked beans were simmering on the stove, and all kinds of snack foods were set up; including Leila's favorite, sliced apples and caramel dip. Casie spotted her favorite and reached for a couple of cubes of Colby Jack cheese. A fruit tray was set up with pineapples, grapes and apples. Chips and salsa were caddy-cornered to the fruit tray. Andrew was amazed by everything he saw. People were flittering about every where, and he only knew just a few. Casie saw the look on his face and laughed.
"Andrew, come here. I want to introduce you to everyone," Casie said to him softly. Then she turned to face in the general direction of the rest of the group. "Okay, I'm going to do this the easy way. Everyone, this is my boyfriend, Andrew. Andrew this is," she said, going down the line of people, "Mike, my cousin Brad, my Aunt Niki, my mom you know, Mitchell my other cousin, my Aunt Kellye, but I call her 'Aunt Kay Kay', and her daughter Krista-"
"And I'm Aunt Jamie," came a voice from behind him. Turning around he saw a woman shorter than Casie, with dark hair that was pulled back in a clip, but straggles were hanging down around her face from running around the house. She had a floor length light olive green sleeveless cotton dress and sandals. A smile was on her face, watching Andrew.
"It's nice to meet all of you," he said, a little overwhelmed by all the names. He was definitely going to need Leila and Casie's help on remembering their names. He went around and shook everyone's hand and got to know them a little more, in hopes of remembering names.
Everyone sat down to eat after Mike brought in a giant plate of grilled meats from the back porch. Sitting in between Casie and Leila, he enjoyed the wide variety in conversations. Mike, who was sitting next to Casie, looked over to Andrew.
"So, Andrew, what do you do for a living?" he said, pilling more baked beans on his plate.
Swallowing his bite, he said, "I am a music producer for Decaydance Records."
"Really, I have never heard of that label," Mike said, studying Andrew.
"My brother started it up, and asked me to join him and help produce some of the bands that he had signed," Andrew said to his cup of iced tea.
The meal continued on with boisterous laughter and a few spats between Addie and Colton. When everyone seemed to have their fill of the food, Leila and Casie stood up and cleaned off the big round glass table that was recently used to eating. Once they had gotten it cleaned up, Casie went to the hallway and opened up a drawer to a cabinet and pulled a metal rectangular tin that rattled with every step she took. Removing the lid, Andrew saw rows of dominos with color dots on each one. With one swift movement, she upturned the tin, sending around a hundred or so dominos on the table with a loud rattling noise. Leila helped make sure that each domino was face down on the table and began to stir them around. As Jo and Jamie said their goodbyes to Kellye and her daughter, they joined the group forming around the table. Andrew sat next to Casie, with Jo on his other side. Leila was on Casie's right side, and Mike sat down next to Leila. Jamie sat next to Jo and Andi was in between Mike and Jamie. Colton joined up with Jo and Addie went to play with Leila.
"You ready to show your boyfriend how to play dominos, Quesada?" Mike said smiling. Casie rolled her eyes his nickname for her.
Andrew looked at Casie with curious eyes. He was confused at how they were all going to play dominos. Casie looked up at him and laughed.
"It's not like the dominos you're thinking about. It's called 'Mexican Train Dominos'. Be on my team, and I'll show how to play," she said smiling at him, squeezing his knee under the table.
And the game commenced. Round after round, Andrew slowly caught on to the trick of the game. But the harder they tried, the more they kept losing. He also realized that it took a lot of time to play this game. The sun had gone and stars replaced by the time they got to the final round. They heard a tapping noise come from Leila and Addie, which meant they only had one domino left and were about to win. Leila was in the lead for the first time ever playing against Casie's whole family. When Leila's turn came around, she was grinning like a opossum. Everyone knew she was about to win. Jo gave her a death stare, and Jamie said that if she puts that last domino down, she wasn't allowed back in her house. But that didn't stop Leila. Letting Addie take the domino, she placed it down, and the game was over. Leila let a victorious yelp, and high-fived Addie.
"I want a rematch!" Jamie said, crossing her arms across her chest.
"Well, I think I have had enough dominos," Casie said, pushing her dominos away from her and Andrew. "You want to go play pool?" Casie directed towards Andrew.
"I want to come!" Addie squealed.
Casie went to open her mouth when Leila spoke up, "But I need your help Addie. You're the only reason I won the last game. I can't play with you."
Addie studied Leila for a moment before flipping her hair over her shoulder, "Yeah, that's true. Sorry Casie, but Leila needs my help," she said matter-of-factly to Casie. Then added in a whisper, "She's so bad at it."
"I heard that!" Leila said in mock offense. Casie laughed and took Andrew by the hand, ignoring the look she was receiving from her mother.
Andrew let Casie drag him through a dark hallway and down a stairwell. They reached a solid white door, and Casie pushed it open. In the middle of the room stood a mahogany pool table. A rack of pool cues stood next to two chairs with a small chess set in between them. Casie walked to the rack and picked out her favorite blue cue stick. Andrew walked behind her and got a solid light brown cue. Digging the balls out of each corner of the table, Casie rolled them to the middle and Andrew set up their first game.
"Do you want to break, or do you want me too?" Casie asked.
Feeling pretty confident about his skills, he said, "Go for it."
Casie lined the white ball up to the left of the triangle of balls. Putting the tip of the stick between her fingers, she bent over the table, and hit the ball. It went zooming straight ahead, knocking into the rest. The force sent the balls rolling in every direction, knocking the nine solid ball into a corner pocket.
"Solids," she said, smirking at Andrew.
Raising his eyebrows at her, he looked at the table, studying his moves. He missed the first ball he shot at, making it Casie's turn. It went on like that; Casie knocking all her balls in the pockets effortlessly and Andrew struggling to a get a decent shot at his. But the time Andrew had only three striped balls left, Casie was getting ready to shot the eight ball.
"Man, you are killing me," Andrew said, his hand on his neck.
"Well, if you wouldn't have started off so cocky, you might have down a little better," she said, making sure to brush up against him as she moved around the table.
She lined her last shot. "Right corner pocket," she called it. Andrew watched on as Casie hit the white ball, and it bumped into the black one, sending it down into the pocket. Casie jumped up and screamed, turning around meeting Andrew who had snuck up behind her.
He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to him. Casie rolled her cue stick on the table, it knocking the left over balls away. She looked into his blues and could see amusement in the. Entwining her fingers together around his neck, laughed at him. He could feel her breathe hitting his lips.
"How does it feel to get your butt kicked?" she asked softly, a smile playing at her lips.
She felt his lips brush against hers. His arms were tightly around her body, pressing her against his chest. He bit down softly on her lip, sending shivers down her spine. Their lips met softly. They backed up to where they bumped into the way. As Casie heated up the kiss, Andrew pulled back a little.
"You can kick my butt anytime," he whispered in her ear.
Before Casie could say anything, his lips crashed on hers. One of his hands found the back of her neck. He used his body to push off the wall and spin Casie around; now she was pinned against the wall. They broke apart only to breathe. They were focused on only each other; they didn't even here the click of the door being unlocked.
"Leila told me to come look for you gu- CASIE!" Addie said, ending in a scream.
They broke apart was if one of them had been electrocuted. Casie's head snapped to Addie's. Addie's eyes were wide as saucers, one hand on the door knob the other holding a hair clip; that she must have used to pick the lock.
"Addie! What are you doing?" Casie asked, straightening her shirt.
Once Addie finally found her voice, she said, "I'm telling Gammy!" and she took off running.
Casie let out a swear word under breathe and took off after Addie.
"Addie! Wait!" she called out to her, but she couldn't catch up to her.
She ran up the stairs behind her and stopped when Addie got to the kitchen.
"GAMMY! GAMMY! Guess what I just saw?!" she yelled, running to stand in between Jo and Andi. Leila clamped her hand on her mouth, knowing exactly what she had sent Addie to interrupt. Casie caught her eye and threw her a death ray; which only made her want to laugh harder. The rest of the table just stared at Addie, catching her breathe beside Jo. Andrew walked up behind Casie in time to hear Addie.
"Gam… I saw Casie kissing Andrew downstairs! Kissing!" Addie exclaimed.
Andi puckered up her lips to avoid laughing, and passed Casie an amusing glance. Mike let out a small snigger, and Jamie had about the same expression as Andi. Jo raised her eyebrows at Addie and then faced Casie.
After Addie had left the room, Jo got up from the table and found Casie on the back porch waiting for Andrew to get back from the bathroom.
She sat down next to Casie, watching her.
"What mom?" Casie asked.
"Do want to tell me something?" she asked.
"We aren't doing 'that', Gam, if that's what you're asking," Casie said, turning to face her mom. "We were just kissing."
"Well I think you should be more careful next time. Especially with Addie and Colton around," she said in a serious voice.
"Yes, Gam," she said, not in the mood to fight with her mom.
Once all the commotion had died down, and it was getting really late, it was time to head back. The ride from Jamie's back to Jo's was an awkward silent one. Leila kept throwing Andrew smirks and he just wish that she would stop. It was awkward enough that Addie had told the whole table the pool room shenanigans. When they finally arrived, Leila didn't even make to walk in.
"I have to get back home. I'm heading to Nannie's early in the morning," she said, trying to stifle a yawn. Casie hugged her good-bye.
"Well, be careful, and text me when you get there!" Casie called out as Leila drove off.
Casie walked back in the house, locking the door behind her. Her mom had gone to her to change into some more comfy clothes. Andrew was lounging on the couch, with his feet hanging off the couch.
"Well, I'm tired. I'm going to bed… you coming Andrew?" Casie said, making her mom's head snap back to her.
"Casie?" her mom said, one eyebrow raised at her.
"Andrew, go get ready for bed if you want too, I'm going to talk to my mom," she said, stepping out of the way to let him walk by.
He was glad to be out of the sudden tension filled room. Casie walked to her mom.
"I don't think that's a good idea, Casie," Jo started. "He can have the guest bed, and you can sleep with me."
Casie groaned, "Mom, please. We aren't doing anything, I already told you. Besides, your bed hurts my back, and I do not want to sleep on the couch, and I'm not making Andrew sleep in there. So either let me sleep in there, or Andrew can sleep with you…"
Her mom was still just standing there, watching her daughter.
"Mom, please. You can trust me. I am no near ready to have a baby, so do you think I would be that irresponsible?"
Jo sighed, and kissed her goodnight and left Casie standing stunned in the living room. Her mom had never given in that quickly or easy. Smiling, she headed back to Andrew. He was already lying in bed, with his night clothes on.
Ten minutes later, Casie came out of the bath room, and crawled into bed. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she snuggled up close to him, laying her head on his chest. Propping his chin on her head, he sighed. As he relaxed, the day's events passed in his head. They still brought a smile to his face. Casie shifted in his arms, getting more comfortable.
"Remind me to kill Leila later," Casie mumbled into his chest.
-note from the author-
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed it! The next chapter will be called "Thriller".