Beginnings (19 page)

Chapter 24

“Good morning, Annie.” I don't think I've ever smiled so big. My body was wrapped around his. “I don't think I've ever slept so good.”

I giggled, “But we only slept for a couple hours.”

“Yeah, but I got to sleep with you in my arms.”

Every part of our bodies were entangled, both of us wanting to feel every part of ourselves touching the other.

I started to get up but Adam pulled me tighter to him, “Where do you think you’re going?”

I reached up and kissed his lips, “To the bathroom.” He pouted and it made me kiss him again, “I'll only be gone a moment.”

I got up, put my robe on, and hurried to the bathroom. I didn't want to be away from him either.

When I got out of the bathroom I came to a complete stop in front of my bedroom door. Jeremy was coming out of Haley’s room with only his boxers on. We both turned beet red.

“Hi,” I spoke up first.

He gave me an awkward smile, “Adam still in there?”

I nodded, “How did you know?”

He rolled his eyes, “Besides the sound of you guys slamming into the wall, you weren't exactly quiet all night.”

I turned even brighter red.

Haley must have heard our voices because the door flew open and she stood there in one of Jeremy's shirts.

“I bet you’re glad I made you wear the thong.” She looked so pleased with herself.

“Haley!”
Was it really necessary for her to say that in front of Jeremy?
It was my turn for the door to fly open and Adam was standing there with his pants on.

“Hey, guys!” He looked so happy to see them that they just stared at him confused.

“You look quite pleased with yourself,” Haley smirked taking joy in my discomfort.

Adam wrapped his arms around me and kissed my neck. “I for one am very glad you made her wear the thong.” I jabbed my elbow in his ribs. “Ow Annie, that hurt.” Haley's mouth dropped open. “Oh, and to answer your question I'm very happy. Happier than when Annie first told me she loved me, because I get to do this-” he twirled me around and kissed me, “Whenever I want to, among other things,” and he winked at them.

Jeremy looked amused, “Man, you're less up tight when you get laid.”

Haley was still standing there with her mouth wide open, “Holy shit, you remember!”

Jeremy's eyebrows raised, “Do you?”

Adam was glowing and he beamed at them.

“Wow, that must have been some night you two had!”

“Jeremy!” Haley pushed him.

“Although she did rock my world.” I turned bright red again. “I remembered way before that.”

“Yeah, he's known since Friday night,” I informed them. I still wasn't sure how I felt about him keeping it from me for so long.

Haley was bouncing with excitement, “What? Tell me everything!”

“We haven't really gotten the chance to talk about it yet.” This was a conversation I wanted to have with Adam, alone.

Jeremy grabbed Haley's hand, “Come on, lets go take a shower.” He practically had to drag her.

“I know you're still mad that I waited so long to tell you,” Adam pulled me close to him and started trailing kisses down my neck, “But don't you think it was better than finding out drunk or hungover?”

I tried to concentrate on what he was saying but I was enjoying the feel of his lips on my neck.
One day I'll get even with him for stalling, but right now I need to get him back into my bedroom.

********

Someone pounded on the door, “I'm taking Haley for some breakfast. You guys want to come?”

“Hell yes!” Adam shouted, hopping out of bed with excitement, “Give us a second to get dressed.”

Jeremy laughed, “Okay.”

I got out of bed and noticed Adam's eyes grazing my body. I should have felt self-conscious, but not with Adam. The way he looked at me made me feel like the sexiest woman alive.

“I can't believe this is happening. I can't believe I get to wake up in your arms every morning.”

He walked up to me and placed his hands over the sides of my face, “Do you have any idea how much I love you?” He kissed me with an overabundance of love and passion I wanted to cry. “Promise me no matter what we will always be together.”

“Always,” I promised. His lips smiled against mine.

“Now, let’s get dressed and get some food.” He slapped my bare bottom, causing me to yelp, then picked up his pile of clothes. “While we're out we should stop by the frat house and I can get some clean clothes.”

“Why not get all your stuff?”

“Yeah? You want me to live here?” His face was unreadable, and I prayed it wasn't too forward.

“I figured we'll be together all the time now, so you might as well move in,” I was fiddling with my hands, nervous for his reaction.

He scooped me up in his arms, his face had the biggest smile I'd ever seen. “Thank God! I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to ever part from you!” I kissed him with as much delight as I felt. “You're still naked,” he said, starting to kiss down my neck. I didn't respond, my mind was too busy feeling his fingers caress my whole body. I started undoing the pants he'd just put on and reached my hand down. He groaned.

“Come on guys, I'm hungry,” Haley whined through the door. We instantly separated, looking like we had been caught.

“Out in a second,” I responded, breathless.

“Food now, sex later! Can't you two stop for five seconds!” Haley yelled, but I knew she was smiling, her voice sounded too happy.

We got dressed as far away from each other as we could. The nearness was too tempting. We came out to the living room to find Haley and Jeremy in an intense make-out session.

“Can't you two stop for five seconds,” I teased. They also jumped apart looking guilty.

Adam drove us to the restaurant, where we ordered five different plates and shared them all – Adam's idea of course.

He always kept one hand holding mine. It made it harder to eat, but I didn't care. I was in a restaurant with Adam, touching him, talking to him. Across from us Haley and Jeremy were joking and talking to Adam like we had all been friends for years. I scooted closer to Adam and he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, giving me a squeeze. It was that feeling people talk about, the one I hadn't felt since before my parents death: contentment.

Adam Remembers

I pulled up to my parents house, but I really didn't want to be there. My grandparents were over and I didn't have the energy to deal with them. My grandpa always hounded me with trivia questions to make sure my mind was really as smart as they said (I swear he spent his free time trying to come up with the most random questions). Then my grandma spends the whole time fussing over me. At least my siblings would be there, except for Alexia who was busy getting her PhD from Harvard.

I sat in the car not wanting to get out. Pulling out my phone I tapped on my photos scrolling down until I found what I wanted. Anna's face appeared, and I instantly felt more relaxed. It was a picture of her resting her head in her hand while reading at the library. I had taken it shortly after we started sharing a table. I don't know what possessed me to do it, but I'd spent hours staring at her face, memorizing every feature. She really was beautiful; my favorite was her lips, they always appeared ready to be kissed. I needed to stop thinking about her.

I put my phone back in my pocket and got out of the car, making my way to the door. I rang the doorbell and the maid appeared to lead me to the parlor, where everyone was sitting and enjoying drinks before dinner.

My younger sister, Alyssa, jumped up when she saw me and rushed to give me a big hug, “I'm so glad you're here!”

I hugged her back and kissed her forehead. I adored her, she was always so happy and upbeat. I prayed nothing would ever happen to make her lose her optimism.

I handed her the small bag I was carrying, “I got you a surprise.”

She grabbed it and pulled out the cowl I had found for her, “I love it!” She wrapped it around her neck and sat back down.

“Alyssa, a cowl should not be worn to the dinner table,” our mother firmly informed her.

She sighed, then took it off knowing arguing wouldn't do any good – mom always got her way.

I walked over to our mother and put my hand out to help her stand.

“Adam, darling, I'm so glad you came,” she rested her hands on my shoulders and kissed both my cheeks. I only smiled back at her, I hadn't been given a choice. No way was I allowed to skip out when my grandparents came for dinner. At least I had an excuse not to attend Charlotte's sorority party.

My grandfather stood up, buttoning his suit jacket, “Let me get you a scotch.”

Before I could respond my mother answered, “You know Adam isn't supposed to drink.”

“One won't hurt,” he proceeded to the drink cart and poured a scotch.

“That's okay grandpa, I'm fine with sparkling water,” I offered.

He grunted, then drank it himself. I bent over to my grandma, who had a hard time moving, to kiss her hello. She grabbed my face in both her hands.

“It's so good to see you looking so well,” her eyes tearing up. She did that every time I saw her. It had been four years since my coma, but she acted like it happened only months ago.

“You look beautiful this evening grandma,” I gave her a kiss on the cheek before standing back up.

I heard my brother and father's voice down the hall. When they entered my mother was clearly irritated.

“My parents and your son have been here waiting,” she gave them her icy cold stare. After all these years my mother still intimidated my father, she intimidated everyone really.

We said our hellos and sat down. Asher and I only nodded to one another. My brother and I didn't talk much, we never had, but it didn't bother either one of us.

My grandpa and father discussed politics until my mother cut them off.  My grandfather began drilling me about my education. It was almost like he didn't believe I'd learned what I had, like maybe somehow I'd cheated to make people believe I learned everything so quickly.

“What I really want to know is if anyone has caught your eye,” my grandmother interrupted to ask. Anna's face came to mind.

“He's been seeing Bill and Diane Blackwell's daughter, Charlotte, since this summer,” my mother answered for me.

“That's wonderful,” my grandmother looked delighted. “That's a good strong family.”

“Good for you, son. Don't get too serious. College is a time to let lose and have some fun,” my grandfather said winking at me.

“It's good for Adam to get serious. Charlotte is the exact kind of girl Adam needs,” my mother said, taking a sip of her martini.

She was right, of course, Charlotte understood my family and the responsibilities of being a Kenward. She reminded me of my mother, which didn't sit well with me. I looked over at my father sitting there, letting his wife take control over everything, looking miserable most of the time.
Will that be me in thirty years?
If I married Charlotte it would be. We went to parties and events together with the occasional dinner out, but our conversations were always lacking. It wasn't like with Anna, who made me laugh and have fun. It felt forced with Charlotte. I knew what to expect from her and our relationship, which was exactly what I thought I wanted until Anna came along.

Anna made me feel alive, made life feel exciting. I kept trying to ignore my feelings for her, but I couldn't; my body reacted too strongly to her. The only time I felt a sense of peace was when I was next to her.

I was relieved when it was finally time for dinner; it meant being that much closer to leaving. I sat between Asher and Alyssa, my grandparents across from us, my parents at opposite heads. The maid brought out our salads, then followed with the main course. Everything was made with my nutritional health in mind, meaning boring and tasteless.

We were halfway through dinner when my phone buzzed. Charlotte knew I was having dinner with my family and knew better than to text. My heart jumped when I realized who it could be. I didn't care how angry it would make my mom, I took it out to see.

Will you be at the party tonight?

No, why are you going?

Yes, I thought Charlotte would make you?

It's a big party for them.

I had a family dinner I couldn't get out of.

My mother cleared her throat, but I ignored her.
Why did she ask me? I thought she was still angry with me.

Did you want me to go?

It doesn't matter. You couldn't come anyway.

For you I would have.

I typed it before really thinking about it, but it was true; if I had known she would be there I would have found a way to go. I thought of the last party she attended and all the guys watching her. I had to get to that party.

Are you eating dinner now?

I looked up. Everyone at the table was staring at me, shocked at my rude behavior. I didn't care, which scared me. Anna consumed me, and I couldn't stop needing her.

Yes. My mom's about to slap me for

being so rude.

Why did you answer my text then?

Because it was you.

I really wish I had known you weren’t

coming.

I really wish I knew you were. Now I'm

going to be worried about who's hitting on

you all night.

It was already driving me crazy thinking about her at that party. My mind flashed to Landon groping her and I automatically stood up.

“I have to go.” I didn't even say goodbye, just headed straight to the door.

My mother's hand stopped the door.

“That behavior is unacceptable Adam. You will not disrespect me in my house.” She was beyond mad but I didn't care, there was no way I could miss the party.

“Well, it's a good thing I'm leaving then,” I walked out the door as she stood there, stunned. I had never talked back to her before. I would pay for it later.

I raced to get to the party, cursing myself for running a red light. I knew the consequences of reckless driving better than anyone.

I arrived only ten minutes after our last text. My adrenaline was pumping as I made my way through the crowd, but I didn't see her. I noticed Charlotte dancing and headed the opposite direction.

Where the hell is she?
I stepped into the backyard and spotted her. The same thrill I always got shot through me. I loved how she could look incredible in jeans and a tee shirt.

I watched her play Penny Can horribly. She had bad aim and ended up taking three shots from losing. The guys that were playing kept eyeballing each other every time she drank. I knew they were hoping they could get her attention. I was about to walk over and pull her away when she gave up. All the guys playing stopped to watch her, nudging each other. She, of course, had no clue. She never noticed the attention she got from men.

I moved out of view as she stumbled back inside. I followed her, not sure why I was so scared to say hello.
How many times have I stood back and just watched her?
If she had any idea she'd go running for the hills.

She stopped to watch the dancing. I went around to the other side, hoping to catch her attention. Someone squealed, and I looked to see Charlotte drape herself on me.

Shit, how did I forget she was over here.

I wasn’t in the mood to deal with her. She smelled of beer as she started kissing me. I tried pushing her back but she clung to me. I peeked over towards Anna, but she was gone.

Great
.

I started moving and Charlotte followed.

“I'm so glad you came, Adam. I can't believe you came for me.”

I ignored her, my eyes searching for Anna. I finally spotted her at the bar getting a beer.

Haley stormed past me, knocking me closer to Charlotte who thought I did it on purpose. Anna and Haley seemed mad at each other, both clearly drunk. I needed to get over to her.
Why did Charlotte have to pick tonight to get drunk and clingy?
She was all over me and it was starting to piss me off.

I leaned down and whispered in her ear, “I need you to back off Charlotte.”

“Excuse me!” She yelled. She looked over to where my eyes kept darting, “Her! It's still about her! I don't believe this, Adam!” She stormed off.

I should have felt bad but I didn't. I made my way to Anna. Her body was swaying slightly from the alcohol.

How much have you had to

drink?

I'd counted six, but I hadn’t been able to watch her the whole time she'd been here. She tried texting back and kept dropping her phone; I needed to get her home.

None of your businesses.

I thought you had a family

dinner?

I got out of it.

I was standing behind her.
Finally
. I watched her head move around before she texted me back.

Where are you?

I tapped her shoulder, startling her, and she dropped her phone. I reached down and picked it up. She tried taking it from me, but her hand missed.
Wow, she is really drunk.
I slipped the phone in her pocket to save her from further embarrassment.

“Charlotte seemed happy you came.” She looked pissed, jealous even, and sadly, I liked it. I grabbed her beer from her and she had a brief look of shock, “Are you drinking tonight too?”

“No, but I think you've had enough,” I said, but it was the wrong thing to say. She grabbed another shot before I could stop her.

“I decide when I'm done.” Then she walked away.
I hate drunk people
.

She was having a harder time walking now. She stopped in front of a group playing spin the bottle and sat down.

What the hell is she doing?
I moved to the wall and texted her.

What do you think you're doing?

I couldn't tell if she was too drunk to feel her phone or she was ignoring me. The idea of her kissing someone else pained me, even though I had no right to feel so possessive. She glanced over at me, clearly annoyed, and pulled out her phone.

I was about to ask you the same thing.

Keeping an eye on you.

I'm a big girl. I can handle myself.

Don't you have a girlfriend you can bug?

Is that why you’re doing this?

To get back at me?

Get over yourself.