Hey guys I know this is going up late and I'm sorry. I have some family stuff to deal with and because of it will be moving from Texas back to Cali in a few weeks. Which means the next few weeks are going to be fairly hectic both preparing to move and driving from east Texas to northern California so I will do my best to continue updating everyday but it just may not be possible. I'll still update in order of course and chapters may be a little shorter for a while, this one isn't but others may be. Once I'm settled in Cali the updates will be everyday again.
Ch. 4 Birthday Party and Valentines
(LUKE)
"No one invited you two," Eli says in a hard tone as he get's in Owen's face and Jake gets in mine.
I had no desire to fight and ruin Clare's birthday I only wanted to be with Maya who was looking really hot tonight. Honestly we didn't have a good reason for being here aside from the fact that our team captain lived here but he was on a date tonight. Thankfully we were saved by the birthday girl herself as Clare walked up putting her hands on Eli and Jake's shoulders.
"Just let them stay, it's fine as long as you two don't cause any trouble." She said looking at me and Owen.
"Promise," I nodded.
"We'll be good," Owen smiled at her and she smiled back at him.
Jake and Eli backed off and we went into the party. I wanted to go straight to Maya and kiss her but I couldn't of course and I couldn't just rush upstairs and hope she followed me either so I mingled a bit, sort of. A few of these kids are in my classes but I don't really know them that well, mostly Owen and I sort of hang out in a corner and I watch him watching Clare.
"I'm going to find the washroom," I say to Owen when Maya is nearby and loud enough for her to hear.
"There's one upstairs," Owen says back.
I head upstairs and wait at the top of the stairs for a couple of minutes, finally Maya comes up but we can't just kiss here someone could see us so I take her hand and go up a second set of stairs pulling her into the first bedroom I see. I put my arms around her back and lean in for a kiss but she turns her head and pushes me away.
"What's wrong?" I ask in a hurt tone.
She's giving me an annoyed glare. "What's wrong?! How can you ask that? This isn't working we have to break up! I don't know why I even agreed to be with you in the first place!" She kind of whisper yells.
"Break up? Why? Maya please!" I plead still not sure why she's so angry at me.
"No we're through now you can go back to your puck bunnies that don't care what you do and I can be free to date someone better suited for me like Cam!" She states turning toward the door but I grab her arm and turn her back to me.
"I'm not going to let you just break up with me without telling me why and you can't date rookie!" I retort.
"You have no say in who I date Luke!" She shoots back yanking her arm away from me and crossing her arms over her chest.
"I'm your boyfriend!" I argue.
"Not anymore!" She spits angrily.
"Maya what did I do?" I ask in a pleading tone.
"You were mean to my friend and when your teammates were mean to me you didn't stand up for me! Not even a little!" She says irately.
"We're supposed to be a secret if I stood up for you they'd know something was going on I already told you that." I respond.
"Really because Owen stood up to Dallas for Clare and they aren't even dating!" She reminds me.
Before I can answer the bedroom door opens and Clare is standing there giving us a curious look.
"Why are you two in Drew's room? Granted he doesn't exactly live here now but I still don't think he'd like you in his room. Did I hear you two are dating?" She asks.
I feel put on the spot and she's not keeping her voice down so I take a couple of steps pulling her into the room and shutting the door behind her.
"Well what are you doing up here?" I ask, I know stupid comeback but Maya wants to break up with me and I'm not thinking.
Clare gives me a sort of indignant look. "This is my birthday party thrown by my best friend at his house. I came up here to use Adam's washroom because there's a line downstairs and I heard you two in Drew's room. Are you guys a couple?" Clare asks again.
"Yes," I say firmly.
"No," Maya says at the same time just as firmly. "We were dating in secret but we're all wrong for each other; he's a pig headed jerk and I'm breaking up with him!" Maya states.
"And you're too young and immature for me, trying to break up with me when I wouldn't stand up for you when we're supposed to be a secret!" I shoot back.
"You two do make a pretty odd couple, I'm going to let you work this out and go to the washroom so I can back to my party. Have fun," Clare says turning for the door but we both stop her.
"You can't tell anyone about us," Maya and I say together.
"I won't say a word; I just came up to use the washroom." Clare assures us.
"If anyone found out we were together they'd…" I start but Maya cuts me off.
"That we were dating, we aren't anymore I broke up with you!" Maya argues.
"You can't break up with me just because I was bothering Zig and wouldn't stand up for you in front of my teammates!" I argue.
"Yes I can and I am!" Maya responds.
"Okay I really should get back to the party, I think they might notice if I don't come back." Clare says trying to leave but I hold the door shut.
"We can't remain secret if I suddenly change my behavior right Clare?" I ask inserting her into the argument.
"I don't…" Clare starts but Maya cuts her off now.
"It's not too much to ask that he stand up for me or at the very least stop bothering me and my friends. I mean Owen doesn't exactly stand up for us but at least he doesn't participate." Maya points out.
"I should really get back to my birthday party guys," Clare says sounding uncomfortable and trying to leave again but I'm still holding the door shut and I'm a lot stronger than her.
"Luke let her out it's her birthday party!" Maya demands.
I let go of the door as Clare is pulling on it so of course it opens too fast and she starts to fall but Owen's on the other side of the door about to knock and he catches her before me or Maya can.
"Thanks Owen, you always seem to be there to catch me when I fall," Clare says as he helps her stand again.
"And I always will be," he replies with a smile.
"Uh I should use the washroom and get back downstairs just don't break anything Drew will kill you." Clare says getting out of Owen's arms and walking quickly to the washroom.
Owen turns and looks at us, closing the door when he can't see Clare anymore. "Everything okay?" He asks.
"I broke up with Luke," Maya says.
"No you're not! Look I'm sorry I didn't stand up for you but Dallas and the guys would have started teasing me and saying I like you and we're supposed to be secret." I tell Maya.
"Fine but the very least you could have done is not pick on Zig! Ignoring me at school is one thing; Owen does it to Tris all the time." Maya remarks.
"Hey!" Owen says offended.
"You do ignore him dude," I agree.
"I was perfectly fine with us ignoring each other at school and in public because we're secret but I can't stand by and watch you pick on my friends but worst of all you were mocking me right along with them! You didn't even try to stand up for me; do you have any idea how much that hurts?" Maya says in a wounded tone as we hear the washroom door open.
"I'm going to let you two talk and go catch Clare," Owen says leaving the room, closing the door behind him.
Maya goes and sits on the edge of Drew's bed, I sit next to her. "I like you Luke but we're all wrong for each other and I'm reminded of that everyday. As good as I feel when I'm with you I feel just as bad watching you at school. If you're not being a jerk to me and my friends then you're surrounded by puck bunnies. It's so hard to feel so good when I'm with you and know that we're good together and belong together and as soon as we're apart start questioning my sanity because I think we're good together." May laments.
I cup her chin in my hand and put our lips together. "We do belong together Maya I'm sure of it. I don't know how to be any different but if its that important to you then I'll try to be better at school without letting on to the fact that we're dating. Please don't break up with me Maya; I don't want to lose you. One more chance please." I beg.
"I don't really want to break up with you either, I really like you and I like being with you. I know we have to hide us from everybody else but I really wish we didn't." Maya says with a tear at the corner of her eye and a sorrowful look on her face that breaks my heart.
I wipe the tear away and bring my lips to hers softly at first and then deepening the kiss slowly. Her arms go around my neck and I lean her back on Drew's bed as the soft kiss turns into us making out.
"Wait what about Clare? You think she's going to tell?" Maya asks breaking from the kiss.
"I'm pretty sure Owen's taking care of it." I assure her before connecting our lips again.
(CLARE)
I leave the washroom and start walking downstairs, I hear Drew's bedroom door open when I'm half way down the stairs and then there's a hand on my arm stopping me gently.
"Clare wait, they don't want anyone to know they're dating so you can't say anything." Owen tells me.
"I know they told me when I discovered them in the room, how did you know?" I ask the tall hockey player.
"I found them kissing outside of her bedroom the other night and talked to Luke. I promised to keep their secret. I think they're cute." Owen smiles.
"They are, don't worry I won't say anything." I assure him with a smile.
I never noticed before what a sweet smile Owen has and how deep his eyes are, just as I'm getting lost in them Eli yells up the stairs.
"CLARE COME CUT YOUR CAKE!"
"Want some cake?" I ask Owen.
"After you, it is your party after all." Owen says.
I bite my lip and walk downstairs Owen lags behind I guess to not arise suspicion and mixes into the crowd as soon as we're downstairs. I blow out my candles and Adam hands me a knife so I can cut the cake. After some quick math I cut it into little squares and take a piece sitting on the sofa while Katie starts handing out pieces to the other guests.
"Where's Maya? She should have cake," Katie says.
"Oh she went to use the washroom upstairs, I'll go find her," I offer.
"No it's your birthday you sit," Owen says from near the stairs and I smile at him.
(MAYA)
As I make out with Luke on Drew's bed and it begins to get more and more heated I begin to forget why I ever wanted to break up with him to begin with. I could go on kissing him all night but after a few minutes there's a knock at the door.
"Maya your sisters looking for you, you guys better get downstairs." Owen calls through the door.
I push Luke off me and stand up fixing my glasses, clothes and hair. "You better wait a minute before you follow me down." I tell Luke.
"I take it we're still together," he says more than asks.
"Yes," I smile then I go to the door and Owen looks at me. "Thanks Owen, we're fine now but I should get down there."
I go downstairs and get a piece of cake sitting by Katie and Jake. I tell them I had to wait for the washroom and they don't ask any questions. The rest of the night is a lot of me and Luke sneaking glances at each other from across the room when I'm sure no one else is looking. I also notice a lot of Owen looking at Clare but as she's the birthday girl her attention is being fairly monopolized, mostly by Eli and Adam. Poor Owen I feel kind of bad for him, I think they would be so cute together and they wouldn't have to hide like me and Luke plus they're the only two that know about us.
"Are you still coming over tomorrow to help me and Dad in the backyard? Clare will be there but she's not going to help except maybe with the garden." Jake says to Katie making a face at Clare's resistance to manual labor.
"Of course I'll be there, building the swing should be fun and then we can test it out." Katie smiles and Jake smiles back with a dopey pleased expression.
I get a mental image of the two of them making out on the swing, gag! Then an idea occurs to me.
"Can I come?" I ask and they break out of their love stare to look at me. "To hang out with Clare and help with planting in the garden, I don't really want to do carpentry either." I explain.
"Yeah sure," Jake shrugs.
Luke and Owen leave with the other guests, Alli and Jenna drive Clare home while Katie and I stay and help clean up. First thing I do when I get home is say goodnight to Mom and Dad then I get ready for bed and when I'm in bed I text Luke.
SG: I have an idea but I have to check with Clare when I go over tomorrow.
SB: So what's the idea Beautiful?
SG: Well Monday is valentines and I would love to spend it with my boyfriend. If Clare and Owen can cover for us we can all meet up and go to the movies or something. Not in our neighborhood, far away so no one sees us but I could say I'm hanging out with Clare and you say you're hanging out with Owen. We get to spend time together and I just won't tell Clare I'm secretly setting her up on a date with Owen.
SB: Brilliant, kind of evil but brilliant. I told you you were an evil genius.
SG: Check with Owen and see if he'll cover for you and I'll ask Clare tomorrow.
SB: I will. Goodnight Beautiful.
SG: Goodnight sweet dreams.
Putting my phone on my nightstand with a yawn I quickly fall asleep with wonderful thoughts of Luke. I hope I made the right decision to stay with him.
(LUKE)
"I was thinking we should do a valentines dance. I don't think Principal Simpson would approve one at the school on the day of but Dad said we could use the rec room at the church. What do you think?" Becky asks me over breakfast.
"A valentines dance Becks? Aren't we a little old for that? I was thinking I'd hang out with some of the guys from the team, get to know them a little better. You know male bonding." I reply.
"Oh poo you're no fun, I bet Jenna would help me plan it and maybe Adam," she says with a lovesick smile then quickly wipes it from her face, "I mean Alli, Alli might help. I'm going to go call them."
I watch my sister skip up the stairs and I pull out my phone to call Owen.
"What's up?" Owen says when he answers.
"What are you doing today?" I question.
"Not much why?" He asks in a suspicious voice.
"Wanna go do something? Get out for a while I mean it is Saturday and for once we don't have practice this morning." I point out.
"Yeah sure, there's a pool hall close to the school called the Break Room. Meet you there in an hour." Owen says.
"Cool," I reply and hang up just as Becky comes down the stairs again.
"Jenna and Alli want to help me plan the dance so you're off the hook." Becky says scrunching her nose at me.
I finish my breakfast, clean up and go upstairs to hop in the shower before leaving. I yell that I'm going out as I'm walking out the door. The pool hall is sort of hidden in an alley behind the Dot, if you didn't know it was there you'd miss it but I do finally find it. Owen is there at a pool table in the back when I go in. He hands me a pool cue and he breaks sinking a ball and making him solids.
"How'd you know about this place?" I ask him.
"A lot of guys on the football team hang out here. Sometimes Clare is here too, although I don't know who told her about it.
"Ah hoping she would be here? I think she's at home Maya is going over there today. Which reminds me Monday is valentines and I want to spend the evening with Maya so I was hoping you'd cover for me? We can tell our families we're hanging out and avoiding the whole valentines couple thing, especially since my sisters throwing a dance at our church. Really we can meet Maya at a movie theatre way outside of our neighborhood and I can have a valentines date with my girl." I tell him after I take my shot and miss.
"I know a good theatre but why don't you just tell your family you're hanging out with me and go meet Maya yourself? I don't really want to be a third wheel on your valentines date." Owen remarks taking a shot and sinking another ball.
"But you won't be a thirds wheel Clare will be there. Maya's getting Clare to cover for her." I tell him as I finally sink a ball.
"Yeah?" He asks with a pleased smile.
"Yep," I nod.
"Then I'm in," he says.
Now I just hope Clare is actually going to help and I didn't just lie to Owen.
(MAYA)
"So have you and Luke been together since the field trip?" Clare asks me.
I've been here for about an hour and we're hanging out in her room while the rest of her family and my sister are banging away in the yard to build a patio and a bench swing.
"No not exactly, we kind of made out that night though. I couldn't stop thinking about him all weekend and I guess neither could he. We kind of argued and then got together Monday at school. I know he's all wrong for me and we're complete opposites but I love how I feel when I'm with him. Even though he makes me so aggravated sometimes, actually most of the time." I confess to her.
"I know what that's like; I think I'm the queen of those kinds of relationships." Clare laughs.
"Well we can't tell anyone about us because well no one would understand and my family would make us break up and his family probably would too. Which sucks but I'd rather be with him in secret than not at all. Listen since you know about us do you think you could help us out?" I ask Clare in a slightly pleading tone.
"What do you need?" She asks.
"Well Monday is valentines and I really want to go on a date that evening but I can't tell my parents I have a date they'll want to meet him. I was hoping I could say I was hanging out with you but really we could go to a movie theatre outside of town and meet Luke. You wouldn't have to stay you could do something else and just pick me up from the movies and get me home on time. I know it's a lot to ask but no one else besides Owen knows about us and I can't say I'm hanging out with him." I practically beg.
"Sure why not it's not like I have anything better to do on valentines," Clare shrugs.
"Thanks I really appreciate it." I smile hugging her tightly.
"No problem," she smiles back.
I get out my phone and send a text to Luke.
SG: Clare's in.
SB: So is Owen and he knows the perfect theater. It's in Moss Park which should be far enough out of our neighborhood that no one will see us.
SG: Perfect send me the address and I'll give it to Clare.
"Here's the address of the theatre." I tell Clare showing her my phone when Luke sends me the address.
"SB?" She asks while she writes down the address.
"It stands for Secret Boyfriend and I'm SG for Secret Girlfriend." I explain.
"Aww how cute," she smiles.
The sudden knocking on her doorway scares us both and we both jump.
"If you two aren't going to help us build then how about running to Little Miss Steaks to get us some lunch?" Helen requests holding some money out to Clare.
"Sure Mom," Clare says as we get off her bed.
"Here's what the rest of us want and you two can get what you want." Helen tells her and Clare takes the paper.
"We'll be back in a little while," Clare replies.
We go out and get into Jake's truck which apparently Clare drives too and go to Little Miss Steaks. We go to the to go counter and Marisol takes our order after me and Clare decide what we want. Clare pays and then we sit down at the counter to wait for the food.
"Hey Blue Eyes," Eli says to Clare coming over and hugging her. "Hi Maya," he adds as he's hugging her.
"Hi, what are you doing here?" Clare asks hugging him back.
"Bullfrog wanted steaks but he's too lazy to cook them and Cece's out of town, so I called in an order." Eli laughs.
"Hi Eli your order will be ready in a few minutes." Marisol says ringing him up.
Eli pays and looks back at Clare. "What are you guys doing here?"
"Katie and the rest of my family are building a patio and a bench swing but since neither Maya nor I wanted to do construction we were sent to pick up lunch." Clare explains and Marisol hands Eli a bag.
"Thanks Marisol, see you guys Monday." Eli says waving as he leaves.
"You and Eli are you…" I start to ask when Clare cute me off with a giggle.
"Just friends, we're better that way it's less intense but we do care about each other and I still love him but now I love him the way I love Adam." She explains.
I'm really relieved because I really really want her to be with Owen. "He called you Blue Eyes though, isn't that like a pet name?" I ask.
"Yeah kinda, he used to call me that last year when were dating and I guess it just became habit. I don't mind though," she says as Marisol hands us our food.
We go back and all eat lunch together, Clare's mom asks me and Katie a lot of questions. After lunch Clare and I help her mom with what will be an herb garden come spring time. Katie and I stay for dinner and then go home to spend the evening with our parents and I bring up that Clare and I want to hang out on valentines since we're single. Mom says it's fine but I have to be home by curfew which is 10:30 for me. Just before going to sleep I text Luke, it's becoming a nightly ritual.
SG: Everything's set for Monday, my parents think I'm hanging out with Clare and I just have to be home by curfew.
SB: Told my parents Owen and I were getting in extra practice. Got church stuff tomorrow all day but I can't wait for Monday Beautiful.
I set my phone down and fall asleep with a smile on my lips.
(LUKE)
Monday at school seemed to drag by, I barely paid attention in class and only concentrated during practice because I knew Dallas would yell at me if I didn't but all I wanted was to get to my date with Maya and maybe have a little matchmaker fun with Owen and Clare too. After practice and a shower Owen and I left for the theatre, I'd come to practice with him and let Becky take my car, she actually got about 100 kids to come to her dance tonight on last minute notice. The girls weren't meeting us till 6:30 so we got there a little early and waited outside the theatre for them, then I heard Clare's voice.
"I don't know this area looks pretty sketchy," she was saying as the girls came around the corner.
"Don't worry we'll protect you," I assured her as I put my arm around Maya.
"Hey Luke and Owen," Clare adds Owen's name slowly giving Maya a look.
"Maya didn't tell you I'd be here?" Owen asks her.
"Oops must have forgotten to mention that little detail. Owen is Luke's cover, they told their families they were hanging out tonight. Hey we should all go in and watch the movie together; yeah that's a good idea." Maya says quickly taking Clare's hand and pulling her inside before the other girl can argue.
"We should get some snacks," I say when we're inside.
Owen and I buy some popcorn, candy and sodas. I buy one thing of popcorn, one thing of chocolate and one large soda for me and Maya to share. Owen gets two small popcorns, things of candy, chocolate that Clare picked out and gummy worms for him and two small sodas.
"We should sit in the balcony," Owen says.
So we go upstairs to the balcony to find it lined with love seats.
"Sweet!" I exclaim as I get to spend the night in a dark theatre with my arms around Maya and maybe making out a little.
"Perfect, I love this!" Maya smiles.
"How cozy," Clare says slowly sounding aprrehensive.
We sit down on one loveseat, Clare and Owen sit on one next to us and I put my arm around Maya while Owen and Clare are sitting far from each other. I don't think they'll be that way for long, this theatre only shows old movies and since it's valentines they're showing From Here to Eternity. The lights dim and the curtain goes up, Maya nuzzles into me as the movie starts and I look over to Owen. Clare has mixed her candy into her popcorn and is nibbling on it and sipping her soda while watching the movie. Owen is watching her more than the movie which she either doesn't notice or is ignoring.
About half way through the movie as it's getting very romantic and hot I put our food to the side and move Maya so that I have access to her lips. Joining our lips together in a passionate kiss, my tongue slides out and slips between her lips meeting her tongue, her hands go behind my head and start combing through my hair. We continue making out until the movies over, finally parting our lips as the lights come up. I look over at Owen and Clare and they still aren't touching but they are sitting next to each other now and both are smiling.
"It's only eight you guys want to go do something else? I'd say we'd go to my sister's dance but then Maya and I couldn't be together." I comment.
"There's a coffee shop nearby, not quite the Dot but they have good desserts." Owen suggests.
"Why am I not surprised you knew about this theatre in this neighborhood." Clare remarks.
"It's just a couple of blocks we can walk," Owen says ignoring Clare's comment.
Owen knows where the coffee shop is so we follow him, Clare is walking right behind him and we're behind her but after a we pass an alley with some guys that whistle at her she speeds up and walks at Owen's side. We go into the coffee shop and get a booth in the back.
"The mud pie looks really good but very big I don't think I could eat it all." Clare says looking at the menu.
"We could share it," Owen offers a little timidly.
"Okay sure," Clare smiles.
"I'm not that hungry either you want to share something? Like the chocolate cheesecake." Maya suggests.
"Sounds great," I smile kissing her softly.
The waitress comes over and we all order coffee, Owen and I order the desserts.
"So did you two even watch the movie?" Owen asks when the waitress leaves.
"Half of it," I shrug.
We make small talk about school and stuff while we sip our coffee and then eat our desserts.
(MAYA)
"It's only nine maybe we should go to Becky's valentines party. Alli and Jenna did help plan the thing and most of my friends are there, even Adam and Eli." Clare remarks when we're done eating dessert.
"Yeah I did tell Becks I'd try to make it." Luke sort of sighs.
"I'm sure we can steal a few moments alone at the dance. I mean it's at your church right, so you know all the private rooms." I point out to Luke and he gets a carnal smile.
"Yeah right, let's go." Luke says as he and Owen pay the bill and we leave.
Clare and I get back in her mom's car which she borrowed for the night, Luke and Owen get into his car then we start driving back to our neighborhood.
"You and Luke are cute together," Clare says as we're driving.
"Thanks, I really like him but he can be so frustrating. I spend most of my time when I'm not with him questioning my decision to be his girlfriend. It's not just that we have to be secret but we're complete opposites, he can be a real jerk and we have nothing in common. When we are together he's so sweet with me and kissing him feels so right. Am I crazy for going out with him?" I ask Clare.
"I'm not sure I can answer that for you. My first real boyfriend was K.C. who cheated on me with Jenna; left me for her then got her pregnant. Then came Eli who went crazy, literally, when I tried to break up with him and crashed his car to get me to come see him in the hospital. Then came Jake who is now my stepbrother! In between K.C. and Eli I had a pathetic crush on a boy that was not only too old for me but had a girlfriend oh and I was black mailed into a date. In between Eli and Jake I went on a revenge date with Liam. You just have to ask yourself if the sacrifices you have to make to be with Luke are worth it to be with him." Clare advises as we pull into the parking lot of the church behind Owen and Luke.
We all get out of the car and start walking to the dance, Clare and I are walking ahead of Owen and Luke and we're almost at the door when suddenly Clare is pulled back. I stop and look back to see Owen holding Clare by the waist.
"Wait before we go in I have to say this. I really like you Clare and I have for a long time but I was too chicken to do anything about it until now. Clare will you be my girlfriend?" Owen asks her.
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