Chapter Four

Everyone was sitting out on the balcony enjoying the great food and company of friends. Livy laughed and watched as the boys argued about which football teams were better and which movie was worth the money. It was quite entertaining actually she thought to herself. Kendrick, Paul, and Jesse managed to make it which brought the count up to ten people at the cookout.

“Kendrick shut up man. That movie was Epic and you know it.” Kevin said taking a swig of his beer. Kendrick just rolled his eyes. Earon, Livy, and Becca just stared at each other, looking confused.

“We must have missed something” Livy said grabbing her cup. The girls nodded in agreement. All the boys just looked at them.
”Where have you guys been? We’ve been talking about the same movie for the past ten minutes” Kevin said looking at the them.
”No Kevin has been talking about the same movie, we moved on a long time ago” Steven laughed. Kevin looked confused.
”Really?” he asked furrowing his brow. The boys replied by laughing at him.
”No but seriously where have you guys been. Usually we have to duck tape Becca and Earon’s mouth shut when it comes to movies and You usually know more about the football teams better than we do” Steven said pointing to each girl as he said their names.
”Yeah what’s up?” Jesse asked.
'”Nothing” all three of the girls said at once. Each looked at the other and busted out laughing.
”I hate when they do that.” Paul mumbled.
“Stop worrying.” Jordan, Kevin, and Kendrick said at the same time giving each of the girls a looking daring them to deny it.
”Sorry.” The said together once again, followed by more laughter.
The boys smiled and went back to discussing a new movie they all wanted to see. Livy looked around just soaking up the energy around them.

It was strange how just a year ago it seemed like the world wouldn’t stop crashing down on her, Becca, and Earon. They each agreed they needed to get out of Youngtown, Arizona. They each had something to get away from whether it was drugs, abuse, rumors, and bad choices, they all had something to hide. Maybe hide was the wrong word. It wasn’t like they could ever forget their senior year which started out fun, but that haven’t lasted long. Mostly it was due to trusting the wrong people and getting hooked on things that never ended good. Becca was running from the rumors which had started out just that, rumors but ended up coming true. Earon was running from the months she couldn’t remember, doing things she wished she could forget, but Livy felt that she had the most to hide. That night replayed itself in her head and once again she had to thank the fact she had friends that always knew. If it wasn’t for Earon and Becca, she probably wouldn’t have had lived.

Livy shook her head. Now wasn’t the time to think of such things, as she once again took in the scene. Tonight she would let it all crash down but for now she was going to let it live it the past while she lived in the present. She smiled to herself and took a sip of her drink.

*GMW*

Later that night after she got out of the shower, Livy walked to her closet and pulled the shoebox down off the top shelf. Sitting on her bed, she opened the box and looked at the pictures inside. The first picture was of her and the girls the summer before their senior year. She smiled to herself, they had been so happy to be seniors but little did they know what was going to happen to them. Livy sighed well might as well get this over with so I can get to sleep. Luckily it was Friday so she could stay up and wallow late and not have to worry about classes. Staring at the picture brought tears to her eyes. Senior year had definitely been the worst time for all three of them. Earon got hooked on drugs and drinking, that most nights Livy and Becca had to go get her from wherever she had been past out yet. Becca ending up getting used for sex more than once and Livy had to deal with physical abuse from more than one person. All in all moving had been their salvation. Livy put the picture down and wiped the tears away from her face, though she still let them fall freely. They never talked about it, it was just something they wished was a dream,,,, well nightmare Livy thought to herself. It wasn’t all sad though. On the rare occasions they were all sober, clean, and not going through withdrawals, they had great nights. They were happier here though. The only worry that plague their minds was, is Landon and Vicky ok?  Landon and Vicky were the two friends of theirs that hadn’t been so lucky to get out of Youngtown. Livy sighed putting her head in her hands. It was definitely going to be a long night. She laid back in her bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking about that night, letting the tears fall from her eyes.

She felt a gentle moving on the bed, waking her up. She didn’t know when she fell asleep only that at some point she had. When she looked up a pair of green eyes were looking back. She smiled slightly.

“Rough night?” he asked
She shook her head “yea” she whispered
He gave her a half smile and caressed her cheek “wanna talk about it?”
She looked down, trying to push down the lump that was starting to form in her throat.
”So it’s about that huh?” he said more than asked
”Yea” she replied. “Look it’s a long story and I…”
He put his finger on her lips, making her go silent “Whenever you’re ready. I know you have a past baby, and I know that there are things you’re not ready for me to know.” She opened her mouth to protest but he silenced her again. “I don’t really care who you were back then, and nothing you said will change that. Baby I’m in no hurry to know all your dark secrets especially when you’re not ready to tell me. I can wait.” he told her looking in her eyes, putting his hand back on her cheek and rubbing it gently. She closed her eyes as she felt his hand caress her cheek. Taking a deep breath and letting it out she opened her eyes.
”Ok” she replied. She glanced at the clock.
”You want breakfast?” she asked him.
He shook his head yes and leaned in to kiss her gently. She kissed him back and got out of bed.They went to the kitchen, she starting cooking their breakfast while he looked up movie times. She knew at some point she would have to come clean about her dirty little secrets about her past but for the moment she could just enjoy the day and worry about the when later. He wasn’t pushing for it, he didn’t mind not knowing for the time being and she didn’t have to worry.

Chapter Three

Ok if I start on the left then move to the right, I can add the spin in the middle. She thought to herself. Sighing, she grabbed her neck and messaged. When she looked at the clock she realized it was 3:30, ok I have two hours before J gets home and four before my friends arrive. I have time for a shower and then to the store. Closing her books and shutting her binder, she got up from the bed and went to the shower. After getting out and dressed, she headed to the store to buy the food. Half an hour later she walked in carrying a handful of groceries. As she put the bags down on the counter her phone began beeping. Glancing at the clock as she pulled her phone out of her pocket she smiled to herself, that has to be J. She pulled up her text messages and read.
Hey babe. Miss you, and running a little late. See you soon. She smiled and text back.
That’s fine running a little late too. Miss you too babe. See ya soon, she answered back and then started putting the food away and grabbing everything she need to start dinner. An hour and half later she listen to her music trying to decide which lyrics went with which instrumental while she cooked. He came in very quietly and listen to her sing. Leaning against the wall, he smiled to himself. After a while he came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

“Hey” he whispered in her ear. She smile and leaned her head back to kiss his lips.
“Hey to you too” she smiled. They stood there for a few more minutes just soaking up the peace of the moment. He kissed her once more before letting her get back to cooking. She went back to cutting while he pulled out the hamburger meat and starting mashing them into patties. They worked in comfortable silence, which they did often. Making comments every now and then, and leaning it for a kiss or two.
“How long do you think the silence will last?” he asked as he finished the fourth patty and moved on to the next. She just continued finishing up the salad and moving on the next thing on the list. He looked up at her, waiting for her to respond but nothing. He laughed to himself then asked the question again, still no answer.
“You’ll do fine. You still have two weeks before the show case” he said looking back down while he worked. That caught her attention.
“What?” she asked confused. He smirked to himself and whispered “You’ll be fine.”
She smiled sweetly and replied “I’m sorry. I’m distracted. What were you saying before that?”
“How long do you think….” The doorbell rang, J smiled to himself walking to the sink, “answers that question” They both laughed. The doorbell rang four more times, then a girl yelled.
“God damnit Liv. You and J stop sucking face and answer this door, some weird guy keeps staring at me and licking his lips.” Livy and J looked at each other “Becca” they both mouth and laughed. J gave Livy a quick kiss and went to the door.
“Finally, Gees I could’ve been raped” Becca said to J pushing her way into the place.
“Well hey to you too” J replied stepping out of the way.
“Please Becca, it’s just Kevin and Steven” Earon said smiling at J. “Ignore her I think she forgot to take her happy pills” Earon told J hugging him.
“I heard that” Becca called from the kitchen. J & Earon both laughed.
“Steaks and hotdogs are in the bag” She told him. J took the bags into the kitchen where Livy was finishing up with the mixing for the cake and Becca was sitting on the counter with a glass of wine.
“Damn already?” Earon asked taking in Becca appearance.
“What? After that traumatic experience I just went through I should be drinking hard liquor” Becca replied.
Earon and Livy looked at each other then back at Becca confused.
“Are you talking about your alleged attack outside my door?” Livy asked.
“I was almost raped” Becca replied
“My God Becca its Kevin and Steven, you have like four classes with them at school” Earon laughed
“Hey hey I saw the lust in his eyes” Becca replied
“Right” Livy and Earon giggled.
“Hey Ladies” Kevin replied carrying bags in both hands. Steven was following behind carrying drinks.
“Hey guys” Steven said quietly smiling walking back to where the guys where in kitchen.
The girls replied with their heys and hellos. Livy smiled to her smile. Steven and Kevin were new additions to the friendships she had in her life. They were Jordan’s friends. Kevin was the “fun” guy. Livy didn’t think anyone could hate him. He was always friendly and nice, and wasn’t bad looking either. Livy giggled quietly to herself and went back to making to the food. Becca and Earon began talking about their finals that were coming up soon and the showcase which was creeping up on them. You could feel the underline nerve that stood on end when the thought of the showcase came up. Livy continued to work quietly while thinking about the upcoming events. Earon came over with a glass of wine, while Becca went out to watch the guys get the grill started up.

“Hey girly” Earon said bumping Livy’s shoulder.
“Hey” Livy answered giving a small half smile.
“So you and J seem serious…” Earon sipped her wine.
“Yes and you and Kendrick are hot and heavy too, so your point is?” Livy asked arching an eyebrow.
Earon laughed taking another sip from her glass “Yes but we were talking about you not me. Look I’m glad you’ve found J. I haven’t seen you this happy since….” She trailed off. Livy looked up.
“ Awww Earon don’t do that, please don’t go there. I’m asking you nicely.” Livy begged.
“Now wait, Just here me out Liv” Earon pleaded. Livy sigh and put the cake in the oven. Well I guess it’s better now than later She thought to herself. Livy turn around and motion for Earon to continue. Earon took a long sip of her wine and then looked at Liv.
”J is a great guy. He’s sweet but not over barring. He takes care of you in the way you need. Don’t let past failures ruin something good.” Earon told Livy. “We know you’re falling for him. We can see everyday. Please don’t run from this.” Earon said quietly. Livy stared down at the floor. There was nothing else that could be said. Livy gave a small smile to her friend. Earon smiled back putting her wine glass down and walk over to hug her best friend. They stayed like that for a few minutes before J walked into the room.
”Where’s the video cam when I need it.” He laughed as he made his way to the fridge to get the hot dogs. Livy just made a face and replied with a shut up.
“I’m going to join Becca, make sure she not attacking anyone.” Earon said to Livy.
”Yea She might mistake Kevin being nice as a sexual assault.” Livy laughed.
”They’re having one of their debates about weather or not their writing professor is sexist or not.” J replied gathering the rest of the food that needed to be grilled. Both of the girls laughed. Earon walked out to the balcony. Livy could here Becca and Kevin debating.
“God they need to jump each other and get it over with already” Liv muttered. J came up be hide her and kissed her neck.
”Hmmmm sounds like a good idea for us to do” J whispered in her ear. Liv shivered at his warm breath on her neck, and smiled. J began to walk out the door.
”Babe” Liv called causing J to turn around “Later” she smiled and went back to finishing the cooking. Tonight was going to be a good night.  

Chapter Two

Silk sheets and skin was all that ever existed in their bed. They stayed wrapped up in each other long after they had reach bliss, he prefer it that way same her. He loved this peacefulness that came to him when waking up in the morning. His head laying on her chest, her legs still wrapped around his waist in the morning light. He smiled to himself then slowly pulled himself from her arms. Standing next to the bed, he admired her beautiful sleeping form. That’s my girl he thought to himself and walked into the bathroom. The bathroom would have been the first indicator that she came from money, if he hadn’t seen the rest of the loft. Whirlpool bath tub and a walk-in glass shower, with marble sinks. She had decorated in shades of tans and blue for a beach theme.  He smiled when he walked over to the sink to brush his teeth. Her mirror was covered in her handwriting with words that described her and her friends. He sighed contently to himself and finished brushing his teeth quickly. He turned to the shower and quickly washed himself. Walking back into the bedroom to retrieve his work clothes, he admired her once last time before getting dressed and heading to the kitchen. He grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and then took the note pad from the counter and quickly wrote a good morning note. He slid his shoes on, grabbed his keys and left locking the door behind him.

                It was 7:30 when she finally woke up. She turned on her back and stared at the ceiling for a few minutes before looking back at the clock. 7:32 Ok time to get up and get ready gotta meet the girls. She thought to herself. She walked to her bathroom turned on her shower jumped in scrubbed her body down and brushed her teeth. Staring at herself in the mirror, she decided to apply just a little eyeliner to her face then moved to the kitchen. Grabbing a glass from the cabinet and the orange juice from the fridge she poured herself something to drink. After putting the juice back, she turned back to her glass took two slips before seeing the note. She put her glass down, picked up the note and smiled to herself when she read it. Glancing up at the clock she let out a little ah before chugging the rest of her drink down. Grabbing her back and keys she rushed out the door. Locking the door behind her and sliding the note she was still holding into her bag, she head for the stairs not even bothering to wait on the elevator. I’m going to be late enough as it is. She thought to herself with an eye roll. When she got down stairs, she gave a friendly smile to Jason and headed down to the coffee shop near her school.

                 Her two best friends were there when she finally pulled the door open. She waved as she headed up to give her order to the cashier that her friend describes as tall, dark, and handsome. He gave her a friendly smile as he handed her, her drink and change. She walked over to her friends and their normal table. She was greeted with smiles and hugs. This was their normal routine even before they all moved to California. Back in high school it was a local pizza place and when they were even younger than that it was the park. They had all met in kindergarten when she was the new girl and they all had been best friends since. When they were seniors in school, they decided they would attend the same College. They sat talking until 10:00 when they all had their first class. She made in to class with five minutes to spare so while she wait, she pulled out her note book and music pad and started writing. She was really getting into it when her professor finally walked in. Her music professor was hands down her favorite. She was an older woman who looked like she was in her twenties. She wore glasses and always had her hair up in a ponytail or bun. In other words a librarian and a sarcastic on at that, who had a passion for music and teaching it. For the next hour and half she was in her own world full of music the way she liked it.

When class ended her professor called her in for their weekly meeting, which lasted for about an hour to two. They talked about upcoming term papers, finals, and her summer showcase. They brain stormed on what she could do for the summer scholarship. Summer scholarship was something her and her friends were dying to get. The Arts and Acts Scholarship was a scholarship awarded to freshmen students at the end of their first year. Basically it was a full ride for the next three years of school, an internship after senior year and every summer you get to study abroad which includes flights, hotels, and meals. You could apply solo or with a group and her & her friends decided to do it together. The way they determined the winners were at the summer showcase. Writers’ had to summit a 15 – 20 chapter story of any style to their writing professor the week before finals, Artist had to present a portfolio containing pictures of their personal works, and Musicians had to perform a show on stage the last night of the summer showcase. With finals three weeks away and the showcase starting the week after that her and her friends were starting to get a little nervous. Both her friends had started on their works but she still had another week before she could begin hers. She finished discussing and outlining her term paper with her professor and headed to the library to get started.

When she got to the library her friend was there working on her term paper as well. She grabbed the books she need and headed to the sit right across from her. They smiled at each other and worked in silence. This was something they had always been able to do even in high school. They could work in silence comfortably but their other friend couldn’t. Around 2:30 they both finished their papers and decided to wait for their other friend outside in the courtyard for her class to get out. When they were finally together, they headed to their favorite coffee shop. They ordered their drinks and grabbed their usually table.

“Again I’m sorry class took so long” Earon apologized for the fifth time.
“Stop apologizing” They both said at the same time
Earon just giggled and took a sip of her mocha. Sipping her coffee, Becca looked at the news paper. Livy pulled out her phone, checked the time and sighed.
“J not off yet?” Becca replied not looking up from the paper.
“No” She shook her head. Great even they know when I’m thinking about him she thought to herself.
Earon smiled “So are we going to the game tonight?” Earon just started seeing one of the football players. It was a shocked to their little group. That usually wasn’t her type. She fell for the rocker and punk-rockers most of the time. This guy was completely different.  He made her happy though and stayed faithful which was all they cared about. Becca on the other hand was single as she usually was. She had high standards that Earon and Livy were pretty sure no one would ever be able to meet. Sure she was hit on all the time by guys in her creative writing class and her book club but it was all in vein.
“Don’t we always” Becca answered.
“Not always” Earon replied
“Yes we do. Every time the team plays you ask us the same question knowing you’ll drag us to it anyways” Livy said cocking an eyebrow daring her to argue.
Earon just smiled and threw a balled up napkin back at them. They both laughed.
“Why is there even a game tonight?” Becca asked as they all got up and headed for the door.
“For that matter why is there a game at all. It’s not even football season” Livy chimed in causing Becca and her to both laugh. Earon just rolled her eyes.
“Okay okay okay, so they find it more fun to condition and practice when they do games against nearby school” Earon explain, which caused Becca and Livy to laugh even harder. Earon just rolled her eyes a second time.
“Okay Becca let’s be nice.” Livy finally got out when she was done laughing.
“You know we love you and Kendrick.” Becca replied then arched an eyebrow “What the hell kinda name is Kendrick anyways?” She asked.
“It’s Celtic/Old English” Earon and Livy both answered. Earon smiled at Livy. Livy just shook her head and laughed slightly.
“I don’t even wanna know how you found that out” Becca sighed.

Chapter One

She definitely didn’t see this coming. She had been content being with herself and the passing world around but this changed everything, he changed everything. She couldn’t figure out what it was, she only knew something about this was different. Her friends saw the changes but only she could truly understand the depth of what they were doing to her. It wasn’t like those stories were the two people perfect for each other ended up together. Nothing like the books she read about true love or soul mates and for some reason lately she was unfilled when she read those stories; even her favorite love movies couldn’t satisfy her need. She was hungry for something pure, lustful, and downright painful. She was in need of him and all he brought to the picture. She slapped her book angrily and pushes her chair back. She didn’t care about the people who were staring at her or the angry “shhh” she got from the librarian. Picking up the rest of her stuff she slid her bag onto her shoulder and headed for the door. So much for my peace sanctuary she thought with an eye roll. Continuing to beat and belittle herself, she pulled her phone from her bag and looked up his number.  No answer means he’s still at work. She sighed to herself and started walking down the street to her loft. When she finally got to her place she had trouble with her key. Of course! She rolled her eyes. When she did finally manage to get inside, she threw her bag on the end table and headed to her kitchen. Her place was what she refers to as her sanctuary, her place of peace and Zen. Very few were allowed into this house of worship, of which Music Gods and herself were thought of as the higher power. Most people her age couldn’t afford a five foot walk up, let alone a loft but she had received this place as a gift from her grandmother for graduation. She was grateful for her place and the money she received like clockwork every two weeks from her Grandma, though she didn’t need it. She had a job at the record store and lunch was free at the university where she studied but it was nice to have spending money.

After walking around her kitchen countless time she decided to head to the bedroom to change into her camouflage shorts and black tank top to go for a run. When s he got down stairs she said hello   to Jason her doorman and chatted for a few minutes, then she turn her IPod on and started running. Usually on her runs she would think of her firsts. First kiss, first smoke, first drink, first time her and her best friends played truth or dare, first time but lately the only first that would continue to play in her mind were the thoughts of him. First sight, first time they talked, first date, the first time they made out, and to no one’s surprise their first time. As they visions of silk sheets and lustily moans filled her head, she pushed herself to run faster and harder. The more she thought the faster she ran, his hands holding her hips as he thrust harder, the way he kissed down her neck right before he slid in. She turn her iPod up a little louder hoping to drown the memory out of her head but all it did was make the memories themselves become louder as well. Epic fail she thought to herself with yet another eye roll. She continued to run and to her unfortunate luck she let he memories replay. The sun was just beginning to set walk she finally reach her street. As she slowed her pace catching her breath she noticed Jason smiling his friend smile at her. That’s when it hit her. HE’S UPSTAIRS!!!!  She yelled to herself as she ran full speed down the street to her door, gave a breathy hey to Jason who laughed as he held the door open. She came to the elevator press the button ten times jumping from one foot to the next and then decided to take the stairs. She made it all the way up and rounded the corner to her door when she saw him sticking his key into the door. I know somewhere else he can stick something and it ain’t his keys. She thought to herself. He turn around just in time to see her running down the hall way. Putting the back on the floor he held his arms opened and while catching her body with his, he caught her lips as well. He’d never tell but he loved when he got back before her because it gave him excuses for scenes like this. He never was a true romantic until she came along.