Sorry this chapter isn't very long. Have an early morning, but the sooner I get home the sooner I can get started on number 4! Hope everyone is still enjoying it so far.
After leaving the flower shop, I couldn't think of anything else. He was supposed to get away from here. At least that is what he told me all those nights together on the beach. The life his father led before he died, was not the one Jax had planned for himself.
Jax finally broke the gaze from the house. I wanted to know what was running through his mind, but before I could ask he spoke up.
"This place is fuckin insane!" he exclaimed as he walked towards the wall of windows that overlooked the ocean. I walked up next to him, trying to see what he saw. I had lived her as long as I could remember. The surroundings were normal to me.
"Yeah it's alright I suppose" I said walking towards the kitchen "we can work in here. I'll grab us something to snack on."
I walked to the fridge and pulled out a couple of sodas and a bag of chips. We sat down and started working on the outline of our project. Not really saying anything unless it had something to do with biology.
The sun began to set into the ocean. That was one of the best things about living on the ocean. The view when the sun started to go down. Mirroring off the water, making the most beautiful colors.
"Would it be cool if we went for a walk?" Jax asked as he pointed towards the beach.
"Yeah, of course. I'd like that." I said as we headed towards the back. The time hadn't even crossed my mind. All I needed was for this moment to continue. This day had become something that I never thought would happen, even if it was just a school project.
I took my shoes off at the door and he looked at me with a questioning look. "I don't want to get sand in my shoes. Besides, there is no better feeling than having sand between your toes and the water over rush over your feet.
We headed down the steps to the beach. It was quiet, other than the crash of the waves. As we walked, I could tell that something was on his mind. Still not knowing him very well, I didn't feel like I should bring it up.
"You know, I've never seen anything like this. Your house is amazing, and you live right on the water. I'd love this. Your parents must make fuckin bank."
"Well it's just my mom, grandfather, and I. My dad died when I was 5. Between her work, and him passing away we've always been pretty well off."
"Oh shit, I'm sorry. I didn't know. My old man died too. Shits rough." After a brief silence, I quickly changed the subject.
"This day has been pretty awesome, not going to lie. I've done things that I never thought I would do. Thanks for giving me a ride."
"No sweat, I'm here to please." He said with a cheesy grin. We headed back my house, the closer we got the more I realized that my mom was home. My hands started to sweat. I knew she was going crazy, not knowing where I was, and wondering whose bike was in the driveway.
My mom had heard me walking into house. Before even noticing that I was with someone, she started in on the yelling.
"No note, no phone call. Some motorcycle in the driveway. This is not like you Alexis. I thought you were more responsible than this." Finally stopping when she looked up and saw Jax standing behind me.
He reached out his hand "The names Jackson Teller. I was just leaving." He said grabbing his books and his bag and headed towards the door. I followed behind him, completely embarrassed by mom's outburst. We walked out the front door and I closed it behind me.
"I'm so sorry for that. My mom gets kind of crazy sometimes."
"Just shows she cares." Jax said. I rolled my eyes at the thought of my mom caring. Why start now after so long?
Jax pulled out a knife from his pocket, cutting a rose from the bush in front of the house. He smelled it and handed it to me. "Have a good night Lex. I'll see you in class tomorrow." He said with a wink and a grin. He turned away and headed to his bike. Lighting a cigarette before he got on and started it up.
The blush didn't leave my face, even after he left. I put the flower to my nose. It was beautiful and simple.
I kept running the last few minutes over and over in my head. Lex, no one had ever called me Lex before. I liked the sound. It felt like it fit.
The service was small. Close family and friends. I couldn't cry. I was upset, I should have been there for my grandfather at the end. I was just too stubborn to forget the stupid shit my mom and I had said to each other. I would not be able to forgive myself. But still, here I sit, surrounded by family and friends, not crying. Maybe I was heartless like my mom believed after all.
After the service and burial, my mom had arranged a gathering back at the house to celebrate my grandfather.
On the drive back to the house, I took a little detour. I was in no hurry to get back. They were family, but they judged me, the way my mom did. Without saying a word, they didn't need to. I could read it on their faces.
The roar of the bike snapped me out of my thoughts, just in time, making me realize I needed to slam on my breaks. It was too late. I hit the car in front of me. This day just kept getting better and better. I got out of the car and looked at the damage. Thankfully nothing was wrong with either car. My mom would have killed me if I had wrecked her car. I didn't need anything else held against me. I pulled off into a parking spot of the side of the road.
The thunder of the bike was already forgotten. I sat in the car, calming my nerve. Working myself up to go back to the house. I was here for my grandpa, not my mom, or the family. Just for him. I would put my brave face back on and get through this trip.
The next few days, Jax and I spent together, finishing our project. The presentation had gone smoothly, and before I knew it, it was over.
As the bell rang, I got up, gathering my things to go home. I began to walk out the door, ready to catch up to my friends to get a ride.
"Lex! Lex, wait up!" I heard someone yelling behind me. I knew it was Jax. When he reached me, he said "Just cause the project is over, doesn't mean we can't hang out, right?"
Hearing that question gave my stomach butterflies. It didn't matter what it meant. He still wanted to spend time with me. That's all that mattered.
"You know what? I'd really like that." I said with a smile. With my response he smiled. We started walking towards his bike.
"I'd like to take you to one of my favorite places. I'm sure you'll love it." He said as we got on, and started riding away.
Before I knew it we were here. Not sure where here was, I was still terrified to ride with my eyes open. We pulled onto a dirt road, I opened my eyes when he slowed and stopped his bike. There were shade trees all around us, and I could hear the trickling of water in the distance. We got off and headed down a trail, came around a group of trees, and there was a small stream. It was so peaceful. We sat along the bank of the stream and he placed his arm over my shoulder. A feeling that I could get used to, his arm made me feel safe. We sat in the silence for a little, just enjoying it.
"I come here a lot when I'm stressed, or havin a bad day, or when I'm missin my old man. Don't really ever bring anyone here."
"I can see why you would come here. You can hear your own thoughts. Sit in the silence and work your shit out. I love that you would think of bringing me here." I said smiling at him. Looking towards him, I wanted nothing more than for him to look me in the eyes. I wanted to see the depth in his beautiful blue eyes. As if he had read my thoughts, he looked at me. Before I knew what was happening, his hands were sliding over my cheeks and into my hair. His lips touched mine and for a second we were connected.
I sat in the kitchen alone. Only coming out when someone else arrived late, or the snacks needed refilling. I heard a knock at the door. I gave it a second to see if someone would answer it. Another knock came from the door.
"Don't move, I've got it." I said annoyed. I walked to the door and took a deep breath, placing a fake smile on my lips. Pulling the door open, I wasn't expecting what was on the other side.
"Hey, sorry to hear about your gramps." He paused slighty. Looking deep into my eyes, choosing his words carefully. "I've missed you Lex."