Just a Note :)

Hey guys so this is the first book people outside of my family has read my work so please keep the critism constructive. Also this book is part of series but isnt the first book. This is the second in the series. I'm still working out the kinks in the first book so please be patient. I will try have an update the book at least every other week since I am in school. Also once this book is completely finished I will posted it online bookstores for S1.99. Feel free to shoot me an email or post on my profile if you have questions, ideas or even suggestions to improve the book. I won't bite I promise :)

 

Thanks!

 

Lillie aka Liesbeth Assani Marrose

 

P.S. any images used in the series is not mine unless otherwise noted :)

Important Characters Catarina Alejandra Esperanza Marisol

Johnson Family

 

Esperanza Marisol - Mother

William - Father

Brad - Charlie's brother

Caroline "Charlie" 

     Catarina Alejandra - Daughter

     Nico Sebastián - Son

Tyron Torrez - Cousin

Victoria Reyez - The Johnson family housekeeper and Caroline's mother's nurse

 

 

Stone Family

 

Jared - Charlie's boyfriend and soccer teammate

Jaxton

Liam

Jason

Ashton

Asia

Mark

 

 

The Soccer Team

 

Carson St. Pierre

Rachel Ann St. Pierre

Riley Sloan

Christopher Baker

Luna Gallagher

Meghann Davidson

Alessandra Enriquez

Jason Sloan

Chase Underwood

Xavier Worthington

Mikaela Winters

Dylan Martinez

Michael Williams

Mariko "Roxy" Atkins

Oliver Sloan

 

Other Friends

Lila Summers

Lana Summers

Lyla Summers

Siobhan Chavez

Vivian "Vi" Williams

Willow "Low" Trenton

 

 

 

Prologue

“Jared Stone is back. I just saw him in my English Literature class.” The world started to spin & tilt. Jared is back. My heart leaps at the thought of Jared's arms wrapped around me. Running my fingers through his hair, relishing the silky texture. Hearing him whisper all sorts of things in my ear. “Charlie? Are you ok? You look a little pale.” Before I could answer, the world went black.

Chapter One: The Change?

November 23, 2009

BEEP. BEEEEP. BEEP. My hand smacked the snooze bar on the alarm clock. “Caroline Elena Johnson! Get up! You'll be late for your first day of school if you don't get up right now!” Victoria kicked the door. “Don't make me call your father.” Victoria gave the door another good kick. I shook my head. Ever since Mom got sick, Dad had immersed himself in work. So even if he picked up the phone, he would just pretend to listen, while watching the stocks or reviewing the latest business proposal. And once Victoria finished ranting, he would say something to placate her before hanging up. “CAROLINE!” “All right! I'm up! Jeesh. Leaning over my nightstand, I pop in the mixed CD that Jared had given for my birthday last year and Ke$ha comes on.

I can't believe it's already been a year since Mom was diagnosed with cancer. I glance at the clock, 6:35.  If I don’t hurry, Victoria will be back and likely wake up mom. Scooting off my bed, I grab my clothes off of the dresser & head into the bathroom. Not knowing what Victoria would deem acceptable for school, I played it safe with light gray cashmere sweater over a fitted violet tank top paired with some dark wash jeans, comfortable black heels and an emerald ring. Grabbing my messenger bag, soccer bag & the picture of last year's Spring Formal, I race downstairs. Luckily, Victoria wasn’t in the kitchen, so I snuck out the back door, pausing when I saw a black Camaro sitting in the driveway. The driver door opened, revealing my old brother. “Brad!” “Hey Ali.”

I stuck my tongue out at him before smiling, remembering how exactly I got that nickname. He chuckled and gave me a brief hug, mussing my hair in the process, before depositing me into the car. “How have you been? I mean with Mom?” He asked as he slammed the door shut and pulled out onto the road. “Fine I guess. Really just taking it one day at time, you know?” His eyes briefly sought out mine before returning to the road. Studying him, I noticed lines around his eyes that were not there the last time I saw him. Obviously I wasn’t the only one who was having trouble admitting just how much Mom’s illness has effected them. Sighing, I lean my head against the window, the cool glass offering some sense of peace. Brad glanced at me once more.

“I hope you don't mind. I assumed that you needed a ride to school.” I laughed. “What would I do without you?” “Probably die a slow and or painful death for having to walk to school or take the bus.” I shake my head as I lean forward, nudging the radio knob, turning up the volume. Suddenly it struck me. The familiarness of our banter, Mom laughing as we bickered on the way to school. I find myself choking back the tears, hoping that I can compose myself before Brad notices. All too soon we get to school and Brad is pulling into a parking spot, putting the car in park. Letting the car idle, Brad turns and faces me. “Are you seriously alright?” I shift slightly in my seat, getting that all too familiar feeling like I am under a microscope. “Yeah, why?”

“Because I saw you tearing up a few minutes ago. Is there something going on that I need to be aware of?” I sigh. Leave it to my perceptive brother to notice that I am close to losing it. I run a hand through my hair and let out the breath that I have been holding. “I am fine. Just a little stressed over midterms.” He looked at me skeptically before shaking his head. Relief slides through me. For now, he is letting it go but by the way he is eyeing me, I know that he will bring it up later and this time I wont be able to avoid the question. “Do you need a ride home? Or are you catching one with a friend?” “Victoria's actually dropping off my BMW later, so I'll drive home. Thanks for the ride and offer though.” “When did you get a car, let alone a BMW?” I laughed at the shocked aw on his face.

“Dad bought it for my birthday.” Brad reached out & popped the door open for me. “Alright. I'll see you at the house. Tell everyone that I say hi and have a good day at school.” “Thanks again Brad.” “Don't mention it.” I zipped up my bag and put my hand on the door handle. I impulsively leaned over and kissed my brother on the cheek. Giving him a small smile, I got out of the car, bumping the door closed with my hip. Hitching my bag over my shoulder, I head to my locker, avoiding bumping into people with stacks of books the size of Mount Everest, while simultaneously scrolling through my text messages. Dropping my bag at my feet, I slip my phone in my pocket before fumbling with the combination lock on my locker. Just then, two arms wrapped around my waist, followed by the scent of Jasmine.

“Hey good lookin.” I whirl around & hug my best friend Siobhan. “You aren’t talking about me, girlfriend.” She looked me up & down and exaggerated fanning herself. “You sure? You look hot. Why are you dolled up, darling?” “Two things, yes I'm sure & no I'm most definitely not hot.” Before Siobhan could object, Michael shows up at my locker presses a kiss to Siobhan's lips before leaning against the locker, an arm carelessly slung around Siobhan's shoulders. “Good morning love. Wow, you look pretty...What's the occasion?” Siobhan rolled her eyes, pointedly giving him a look before jabbing him in the ribs. “Ow! Babe what was that for?” I roll my eyes & jabbed Michael in the chest, making Siobhan laugh.

“Dude seriously? Is today beat up on the pretty boy day? You guys need to make me aware of these things. I mean that's twice in one day. I can bruise you know.” I look at him with false shock. “Whoa whoa wait… You mean you ARE human?” He grinned. “Only off the soccer field and out of the bedroom.” Siobhan’s face colors red with embarrassment and she buries her head in my hand. “I can’t believe you just said that.” I shook my head, trying not to look amused and probably failing miserably. “First of all Michael, there's no such thing as a 'pretty boy' beat up day. Second of all, Siobhan jabbed you because you were drooling over me. I jabbed you because, you, once again, forgot today is my birthday.” Michael laughed then dug out a black box from his bag and handed it to me. “I didn't forget. Happy birthday.”

I open the box and inside is the most beautiful charm bracelet. “It was Carson's idea, surprisingly. I didn’t know he had a slight sweet sensitive side to him. Anyway, there are four charms from your family, a charm from Siobhan, Jared, myself and the rest of the team.” Gently removing it from the box, I fasten it around my wrist. I watch in fascination as the charms catch the light, making them glow. I pull them both into a hug. “Thank you.” They grinned. “That's not all. There's something else.” Michael smiled mischievously & waved to someone behind me. I turned to see the entire soccer team standing behind me. Jared, Riley & his brothers were holding a banner the read 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAROLINE'. “Awe you guys you shouldn’t have. It’s beautiful. Especially ACK!”

Suddenly, I was pelted with water balloons. When the barrage stopped, I saw Jared against the wall laughing, making it obvious who was the mastermind behind the water balloon barrage. Pushing a sopping strand of hair out of my face, I glare at my boyfriend. “Jar-ed.” “Uh oh man. She looks pissed. I would run if I were you.” I turn my glare to Riley, who shrinks back against the wall. Jared wrapped his arms around my waist, pressing his lips to my neck. “Good morning beautiful. How was the shower?” Before I could answer, Lyla walked up, dropping a bag at my feet before turning to glare at the guys. “Unless you want your dick permanently attached to your butt, I would leave right now.” The guys scattered like leaves in a late autumn breeze.

Jared plants another kiss on my forehead before running off to join his friends. “I can’t believe they did that! Urgh! I could kill them. Where do they think they are? Water World?…” I let Lana fume as I check the damage in my locker mirror. She rolls her eyes at my pathetic attempt to fix my now unruly curls. “Come on.” Seizing my stuff, she slams my locker shut and drags me to her locker, or should I say beauty central. I swear this girl's locker is like walking into a beauty department store. Not that I’m complaining. Lyla's obsession with perfection in the form of make-up has saved my butt a couple times. Glancing at my face, she digs in her locker. “At least you had the foresight for waterproof eyeliner & mascara. You might want to touch up the corners.”

Handing me a mirror, some eye shadow, bronzer, blush, eyeliner & lipstick, I quickly re-apply my make-up. Closing the compact she gave me, I toss all the stuff back into her makeup bag and begin to try and fix my hair. Lana watches me struggle for a minute before sighing. “Here let me.” Grabbing a couple of ties from her locker, Lyla braids the sections of hair above my ears before braiding the sections together, making a very intricate braid which she secures with a hair tie. Suddenly, the warning bell rings obnoxiously, sending students scrambling to find their classrooms. “Shoot! I'm late!” She shoves some books into her bag, and slings it over her shoulder. Slamming her locker shut, she waves to me as she runs toward her class. “I’ll see you later!” I laughed.

That girl really does take class attendance too seriously. Heading in the opposite direction, I quickly check my schedule.

 

Harrison

American History Rm. 210

The hallways cleared out quickly as I continued to walk up & down the rows of purple lockers & classroom doors, glancing at the signs as I pass them. It took me until the second bell to find my history classroom. I took a deep breath, grab my changed class slip & finally pushed the door open, causing every head to turn in my direction as I stepped inside. The teacher stopped mid-sentence & a few whispers rippled through the room. Walking quickly, I reached the teacher & handed him the yellow slip, symbolizing that I wasn’t originally in his class. He snatched from me & scanned over it quickly. “Ms. Johnson, welcome to the class. Please take your seat.” He motioned to the only chair open, the one next to the girl wearing cutoff shorts and a Led Zeppelin t-shirt.

As I walked to my seat, the teacher cleared his throat. “I hope that in the future, Ms. Johnson, you’ll try to make it to class on time.” Chuckles from my fellow classmates ensued after he said that. “Now as I was saying before, all of you will do a five minute presentation, in front of the class about your lab partner. Ms. Johnson since you had the fortune of arriving late I have no choice but to have you work with Narcisa. Ms. Burch, my apologies.” The girl looked at me then the teacher, nodding her consent. Obviously pleased, he grabbed a white board marker & began his lecture. As I took my seat, I studied my partner. Her blonde hair looked like it had been cut with kitchen shears, giving it a shaggy appearance. The girl - Narcisa, looked at me & smiled.

“Curious little thang aren’t ch’ya? I’m the teacher’s assistant. This is part of my program for school. I’m also friends with the Stone family. You’re Jared’s girl. He purposely made you late so you would be paired with me. He wanted me to look out for you. Answer your questions sweet thang?” I just stared, which made her laugh. Shaking her head, she turned her attention back to her paper. Taking out my notebook & pen, I begin to take notes on the lecture, forgetting all about the strange lab partner I have and her ties to Jared. Could this be the infamous mysterious ex that I heard his brothers talking about? The bell rang, jerking me out of my Jared-fuelled session. The classroom filled with the sounds of backpacks unzipping & zipping, chairs scraping against the ugly yellowish white linoleum floor.

The excited voices of students talking about what they were going to do for holiday break rose over the P.A. system. Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I head for the door, right into a pair of muscular arms. The hands wrapped around my waist & turned me around. “Jesus f-ing Christ! Jared DON’T scare me like that! I’m still mad at you…” Tunneling his fingers through my hair, he kissed me, taking possession of my mouth. Behind us, someone cleared his or her throat. Springing apart, Jared gave the person a sheepish smile. “Sorry Mr. Harrison. I just couldn’t help myself.” Great, first I’m late to his class, now I get caught making out in front of him. Can this day get any worse?

“Mr. Stone, Ms. Johnson. Please refrain from intimate physical contact in front of my class room.” Giving us one finally creepy stare, he heads off to the teacher’s workroom. “Oh God. Jared, we just made out in front of my teacher.” He smiled. “Considering that I have been waiting all morning to kiss you like that, I really don't care.” I smack his arm. “Jared I'm serious! How am I going to face him next class? He already doesn’t like me. This is probably just the cherry on top in his book.” Jared wrapped an arm around my waist. “Babe, you’re just over analyzing the whole thing.” He held the cafeteria door open for me & leads me to our usual lunch table. Lyla looked up & frowned. She glared in Jared’s direction. “What did you do?” Jared rolled his eyes & rubbed my back, obviously trying to soothe me.

“Nothing.” Lyla reached across the table & took my hand. “Charlie what’s wrong?” “I’m going to die from mortification the next time I see my history teacher. Jared & I made out in front of him.” Lyla rolled her eyes, making Jared laugh. “Of course.” She mutters under her breath. “Babe don’t do that!” Dylan called out concernedly as he walked up, plopping in his usual seat across from me. Ugh Dylan Martinez, who has to be one of the most annoying people on the soccer team. His brown hair peeked out from underneath his baseball cap. I don't know why aside from team pride which I doubt, he sitting with us. Unfortunately, no matter how annoying he can be, no one seems to have the heart to tell him to shove off, myself included. “I am not your babe.”

I retorted, making a disgusted & no doubt unattractive face at him. “Dylan, leave Caroline alone or we will have a problem.” Dylan smirked as I laid a hand on Jared’s forearm, feeling his muscles flex & tense. Leaning in, I press a kiss to his forehead. “Jared I’m fine. Dylan is just being an ass. What he says doesn’t bother me at all.” Dylan pretends to look wounded, putting a hand over his chest. “Caroline, I’m hurt. I thought we had something special.” Jared’s arm tenses. Clamping down on his arm, I glare at Dylan. Before I could say anything the bell rang, signaling the end of the day for seniors. We grab our bags dumping our trash in the can as we head out to the courtyard. The whole way there, I am silently thanking God that Dylan isn’t a senior. I link arms with Jared as we head for the wall.

“Y’all wanna hang out at my house before the party tonight? We can totally get wasted!” “Like you know to drink babe.” Everyone laughs as I pretend to wrestle with Jared, and give up a minute later. “Well…. what do you guys think?” “I’m up for it but let’s make it a girl thing. We can help each other get ready & I have enough makeup for all of us.” Lila rolled her eyes & elbowed her sister’s ribs. “Of course you do sis. I live with you remember?” We all laughed as Lana failed to look offended at her sister’s comment. “Vamnos. Lets go before the guys decide to join us.” Seth doubled over in mock pain & then wrapped his arms around Riley. “Awww I just know they’re going to talk about us, & we won’t even be there to defend ourselves.” We laugh & wave by to the guys before heading to the parking lot.

 

“Charlie! I will meet you back at your house. I need to pick up some stuff.” I nodded in acknowledgement & unlocked my BMW. “Wow…when did you get this car?”

 

“Birthday present from Dad. Nice huh?” “No kidding.” Willow ran her hand over glossy black surface. “Alright stop imagining & get in the car. Vi since you are the smallest get in the back okay?” Violet grinned & hopped in followed by Luna & Meghann. Leaving Willow up front. The next few hours went by & before I knew it, it was time to get ready. Lana, Lila & Willow, having already gotten dressed, took it upon themselves to help me get ready.

 

DING DONG.

 

“I got it!” I hear Victoria talking to someone as she closes the door. I was itching to go downstairs & see whom she was talking to. “Jeesh! Charlie can you hold still? I’m trying to do this without maiming you.” I snorted, which earned me a smack on my ass. “Ouch! Lila can you please control your sister?” Lila grinned & shook her head. “Sorry Charlie. Not even the second coming could save you from my sister right now.” I giggled, earning another swat on my ass.

 

I glared at Lana while she glared at her sister, who shrank back in her seat helplessly. “Lana don’t make her laugh. She is just lucky I didn’t stab her eye out. Why don’t you make yourself useful & grab her dress from the closet & put it in the bathroom.” Oh god. Knowing Lana, she probably got me a dress that’s bright hot pink, or one with lots of ruffles, or even worse, both. Gulp. “There. I’m done. Now go change. And foreheaven sakes don’t touch your face.” I resisted the urge to do just that as I head to the bathroom. Stripping off my clothes, folding them & placing them neatly on the toilet, I unzip the black opaque garment bag & gasped.

 

Inside was a beautiful strapless knee length wine red dress with a diamond bracelet hanging on the hanger. So not only was it not pink but it was also something I would wear. I began to apply the lip gloss Aria handed me when a knock on the bathroom door shocked me back into reality. “Charlie? People are starting to arrive.” “Okay I will be right out.” I slid the dress over my head grateful that I did a full body shave in the shower this morning & fastened the diamond bracelet around my wrist. I took a deep breath & opened the door to find Jared leaning against the wall outside of the bathroom. His eyes bugged out of his head, as his eyes swept over me.

 

I tugged at my bracelet. “That bad?” I asked him teasingly. He stalked towards me & kissed me roughly, his hands moving to cup my ass. I moan as he thrusts his tongue in my mouth, taking full possession. He pulled back & rubbed his hard dick against my stomach. “This is what seeing you in that dress does to me.” He growled.

 

“You are stunning Char. You’re absolutely gorgeous. I’m going to have a hell of a time trying not to be a protective, jealous bastard & end up ruining your birthday party.” I must have looked shocked cause he grinned & pressed a kiss to my forehead. Then he turned me towards the mirror & I was dumbstruck. Staring back at me was one of the most beautiful girls that I have ever seen. My hair was wavy, framing & emphasizing the heart shape of my face. Lana had put a hint of shadow on my lids & my lips were slightly darker than my natural color, which made me look even darker than I was. And my eyes looked bigger & bluer than normal due to the mascara at the outer corners of my eyes. “Damn. I’m hot…”

 

Jared burst out laughing, clutching the side of his stomach. “What?!” Jared shook his head and wiped the moisture from his eyes. “Nothing babe. It’s just that I pretty much said the same thing and you seemed to have not taken me seriously.” I waved him off. “I thought you were just saying that cause we are dating. I didn’t know you were being dead serious." He hugged me and kissed my forehead. I pull away, trying to hide my tears to no avail as I thought of Tyron.

 

A wave of sadness washed over me. He wasn’t able to get tickets to come here so he would miss yet another milestone in my life. “Caroline what is the matter? Did I say something to upset you?” I shook my head. “Tyron used to do that. I really miss him. Do you think I can have a minute to re-group?” “I’ll see you downstairs. And please don’t go wondering by yourself in that dress, or I am bound to sock some poor bastard in the jaw.” I rolled my eyes and pushed him towards the stairs. I must have been up there for a while thinking because Brad came looking for me.

 

“Ali? Jared said that you were up here. What are you doing here all alone? The party is downstairs you know.” I turn and wrap my arms around Brad and smiled. “You know what? You’re right. Lets go party!!” He laughed and looped his arm through mine. We wound our way down the stairs and through the crowd. Brad “dropped” me off at the buffet table and kissed my cheek. “I know I didn’t say this earlier but you look even more beautiful tonight. I will go find Jared.”  He gave me a little push. 

 

“Until then go & socialize with your friends.” With that said he disappeared back into the crowd. Just then someone tap me on the shoulder.  I turned around only to come face to face with the one person who I wanted here as much as I wanted Jared here, Tyron, who I hadn’t seen in two years. “Ty Ty!” I launch myself at him, almost knocking him over in the process. I wrap my arms in a bear hug, inhaling the familiar sent of pinewood & aftershave. He breaks my hold effortlessly, gently pushing me back in the process.

 

“Let me look at you. Wow. You are absolutely stunning little cousin. Now a question for you Ali.” “What?” “May I have this dance?”  I took his hand. “You should wear that color more often. That red makes your blue eyes pop out.” “Ty?” “Yes. . . .?” “How in the hell did you get over here?”  

 

He laughed.  “When did you learn how to cuss?”  “Two years ago shortly after you left now answer me.”  He smiled at my directness. “Your dad flew me over from Omsk about a week ago as a surprise birthday present & there is a second part.” “What is the second part?”  “I am moving back to the States to finish school.” I paused & looked at his face. 

 

“That’s wonderful Ty. Does Brad and Victoria know you are here?”  “Yes they know. They have been helping me hide from you.” “So you have been hiding all this time from me?”  “Yeah.”  “Why?” He sighed, running a hand through his hair.  “Because Ali, I wanted you to be surprised when I showed up here.” “Well you succeeded in surprising me Tyron.”

 

He grinned me & I laughed letting the moment sink in. “Caroline?” “Yes?” “You must introduce me to this boyfriend your brother was telling me about.” “Oh God. What did he say?” He chuckled & mussed my hair. “There is no need to be nervous, he said good things about him which made me curious & eager to meet him. He’s here right?” “Yeah he’s here.”

 

Tyron held his arm out & I accepted it. As we went looking for Jared, I took the chance to greet my friends & introducing them to Tyron. All of a sudden someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around to come face-to-face with Jared, who didn’t seem very happy that I was with a strange well strange guy to him at least. I trusted my cousin.  Obviously Jared wasn’t joking about punching people’s jaws. Before he can make the mistake of punching my cousin, I wrap an arm in his waist. “Brad said you were looking for me?”

 

“Yes. I wanted you to meet my cousin. Tyron, this is my boyfriend Jared.” I saw Tyron give Jared a subtle once over before offering his “million dollar smile”. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Ali has told me a lot about you. But I’m going to warn you right now. You hurt her in any way they will never find your body.” Jared looked at me & then at Tyron before nodding. “Ali, I am going to go say hi to Uncle Eric alright?” “Ok, but let’s keep the vodka to a minimum okay?” Tyron laughed. “I will try Layna but I make no promises. It was nice meeting you Jared.”

 

“You too Tyron.” I tugged at my bracelet & brushed a strand of hair out of my eyes. “Jared? Why are you looking at me like that?” He smiled sexily. “Because you are beautiful.” My cheeks warmed—it was a flesh eating fire burning its way through my skin. Jared strokes my cheek. Grabbing his hand I head for the stairs.

 

Luckily for us we managed to slip away from the party without being noticed by anyone especially my dad. Sitting there on the bed with him next to me, made me realize something. “You, Jared still owe me a birthday present. “Yes I do. . . .What do you want?” I looked down to think about it. Everything I ever wanted I had. Except for one thing, but what if he doesn’t grant it? I looked up & met his penetrating gaze. 

 

I reached for the buttons to his shirt. One by one I undid all of them & gently pushed his shirt off. Then after pushing him down on to the bed, I asked him. “Now do you know what I want?” “Are you saying you want to have sex with me?” Maybe I should just stop there. No. No longer am I going to be a virgin.

 

I wasn’t going to be the only girl who just let an opportunity to convince her boyfriend to have sex pass her by. “Yeah, I do.” “Char I am most defiantly not going to take advantage of you when obviously you have had too much to drink.” He got up, pulled his shirt back on, & begun to walk towards the door. I stepped in front of him. “Wait Jared, I really do want to do this. I’m sober…I have had nothing to drink at all today.” He looked at me. “Are you sure about this?”

 

As an answer, I pushed off his shirt & rested my hand on his bare chest. Shrugging off my hand, he closed the distance between my mouth & his & scooped me up into his arms. Still kissing me, he walked over to the bed & gently laid me down on it. I only hesitated for a moment before pulling the gown over my head & tossed it on to the floor. Having already shed the rest of his clothes, Jared helped me shed the rest of mine. I locked my arms around his neck pulled him down & kissed him with such a passion that it turned him on right away. He caressed my naked body. He trailed to a place where no other guy had ever ventured before.

 

I screamed as he shoved himself into me. He paused & looked at me, the concern obvious in his eyes. Cautiously I shifted & he moaned, his hips thrusting unintentionally. Then just like that, the ache was over replaced by undiluted pleasure. Soon it ended. We fell asleep like that, entwined, his thighs cupping my thighs & hips, his hands around me, one of his legs wrapped around my waist. The next morning I woke up the sun across my bare back. I stretched.

 

“You know you look like a goddess with your hair down like that right?” I looked up & saw Jared on the edge off the bed. He moved closer to me, & kissed the side of my neck, running his fingers through my hair. “You were amazing last night. . . . I never knew you had that much passion.” To enforce what he just said I rolled over, now facing him, hugged him close & kissed him furiously. “There are a lot of things you don’t know bout me Jared.” He groaned & pulled away.

 

“Are you trying to start something again?  Cause if you are it’s working more efficiently than you think.” I smiled my most seductive smile. “Really? Is it working that well?” He rolled his eyes. “You honestly don’t know the effect have on guys Char?” “I have an effect on guys?  Huh. And here I thought I only had an effect on you.”  He looked at me, a smile on his face & then brushed his lips against mine. “Hmm. Maybe I should video tape it & show it to you.” 

 

“Ha ha very funny.” He chuckled & put on his shirt. “My plane leaves in an hour. I’ll see you after the break.” He leaned forward & kissed my forehead before slipping out the window. “This is going to be a long five weeks.” 

Chapter Two: Unintended Consequences

I opened my eyes to the sound of my alarm going off at 5:30 in the morning for my usual run. I changed into shorts, sports bra, t-shirt then brushed my teeth, before slipping on my running sneakers on. I looked in the mirror & pulled my hair buck into an elastic. Everybody says I look like my mom but the only thing we shared was our hair color. My mom was voluptuous with straight blonde hair & hazel eyes. Where as I have a curvy figure sparkling blue eyes & wavy blonde hair. “Momma!" "What?" I heard the door of the huge fridge where extra chocolate was kept, slam.

 

I walked into the kitchen, grabbing a muffin before hopping up on the counter to eat it. She looked at me before shaking her head and pointing at the chair. I grinned. "Morning. Is everything ok?" She smiled when I kissed her on the cheek. "Good morning, honey. Sorry, I'm just so stressed, Mrs. Honeywell is sick so I have to find a last minute person to manage the shop when your father & I go to Italy next week.” She wiped her face, probably trying to wipe the stress away. "Momma. I can do it. Plus the doctor said for you to take it easy."

 

She looked up at me. "Oh honey, it’s your last summer before college, I want you to enjoy it & spend time with your friends, not wasting your time in here. As for the doctor, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I am stronger than everyone thinks." "No, seriously, I can do it Mom. You know I don't like most people, well my age." I headed for the door. “Stop worrying; go take a soothing bath before you have to open. I'll see you later." She sighed but smiled when I looked at her. Mom wouldn't say it out loud but she thought I didn't take my youthfulness to the advantage. When there was still high school, I was always concentrating on work & activities. If it weren’t for Siobhan and Jared, I probably wouldn’t even have a social life.

 

I was never into the normal teenage stuff like partying, drinking & hooking up with random people. Once I got to Siobhan’s, her little brother, Chris, opened the door for me. "Hey what are you doing up so early?" I crouched down to his height; he was about four but was very smart & short. "Cartoons." He smiled his toothy grin & went back to watching, an old episode of Spongebob. “Siobhan!! Come on! We were supposed to leave forty five minute ago. What’s taking you so long?” She came into the living room, pulling her hair back into a ponytail. “You kissed him, am I right?"

 

"Wait what?” “Did you kiss Jared?” “Yes…?” She squealed. “Siobhan, I still don't see the point. Considering I slept with him on my birthday." "Oh my god!!! That’s where the two of you disappeared to?! I want details. RIGHT NOW!” My face went bright red as Chris looked at the two of us before deciding that what ever we were talking out wasn’t more interesting then SpongeBob. “Shove off Siobhan!”

 

She laughed, “My Sapphire is back!!!" She wrapped her arms around me acting like a little girl when opening her Christmas presents. "Shut up. Let's go before it gets hot." I led the way out the door. "So, if you aren’t going to tell me how he is in bed. Is he at least a good kisser?" Siobhan couldn't help but ask as we started our jog on the marked trail. I rolled my eyes & said, "I suppose." "Oh my god!! He must have been amazing!! Now I feel a little love deprived."

 

Now she started getting people to look at us. That was supposed to be a quiet or little conversation jog, but because of the whole Jared thing, she didn't shut up about it! "Ha! What happened to Richard?" I turned my head to looked at her but she didn't seem to want to talk about it right this moment. Oh no. “Siobhan?...” “Oh look there’s Jared.” Automatically, I looked up and sure enough, there he was in his delectable glory.

 

Standing next to him had to be my least favorite person, Riley Sloan. Unfortunately for me, Jared was practically brothers with him. “Hey babe. What’s shaking Siobhan?” Jared wrapped an arm around my waist before leaning down to give me a smoldering kiss. “Gross get a room you two.” I laughed as Siobhan pretended to shoot herself. “Oh come on Siobhan, It could have been worse.” She grinned.

 

I stared at her, wondering why she was so closed mouth about Richard. “Its obvious Jared came here to steal you from me, so I going to head on back and watch SpongeBob reruns with Chris.” Waving, she head back to the house. “Alright, you two are spending time together. I’m done playing mediator.” I looked at him, startled. “Jared what are you talking about. We get along fine.” He raised a brow, as if to say ‘I don’t believe you.’ “Okay semi along. But still we aren’t making you play mediator. Are we?”

 

“Yes you are.” “I’ll do it.” Riley nodded when we both looked at him. Kissing my forehead, he hugged me. “Try not to kill him. I kind of need him for the game tomorrow. After that he is all yours babe.” “I heard that you inconsiderate jerk. Now get out of here before I kick your ass.” Laughing, Jared headed towards the parking lot. I jestered towards the soccer field.

 

“Mind if we sit down?” He nodded & we both headed over there. “You know we don’t have to do this if you want. We can just pretend we did.” “What’s your favorite movie?” He looked at me startled. “Why?” “Because I’m curious. And Jared said to hangout so why not play twenty questions.” “Silence of the Lambs. You?”

 

“Shiloh.” And for the next hour it went on like that. His favorite color was blue, food was spaghetti, dessert was brownies, ice cream was coffee, soda was birch beer, & music was country. His dream girl was someone who cares for him, is playful, will try new things, active, smart, kind, loving, respectful, beautiful on the inside & out, & who would love him for him. The features don't matter. The funniest thing that he has ever done was light mini fireworks in a trash can to a very hung over Jared because he would not wake up when they had a gig in an hour then. “Wait that was you?! That was hilarious. Jared could hear for a week. It was so funny.” I laughed, remember how Jared yelled at his mom for bread when she was standing next to him.

 

Riley looked down at me & had a look in his eyes that I couldn’t read. The back of his fingers grazed my cheek. “You’re so beautiful.” I bit my lip as his other hand slid down my arm and grasped my hand. “Riley…” He looked down at our joined hands and pulled back quickly. “Sorry I didn’t mean to do that…I mean I… never mind.” I turned my head and closed my eyes.

 

I could still feel his hand in mine and I don’t think something that wrong ever felt so right. I shivered as desire sliced through me. Something touched my shoulder and I opened my eyes. Riley had taken his russet brown sweatshirt and now offered it to me. “Riley, you don’t need to do that, I’m fine.” I pushed the sweatshirt back to him. “Char, its fine. You probably need it more than I do.” He offered it once more and I surrendered by putting it on.

 

It was warm and soft. It also smelled like him, a mix of a pure masculine smell and that of pine, which made me experience that good kind of toe curling dizziness. Just then his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen before answering it. “Hey man…Nothing much. We moved onto the lawn by the soccer field…Okay see you in a few.” He slid the phone back into his pocket before standing. I followed suit, brushing the back of my jeans to catch any stray dirt that I might have picked up. “So you can keep the sweatshirt…I have plenty. Thanks for the fun time Caroline.”

 

He smiled, leaned in and kissed my cheek before disappearing into the crowd. Just then I saw Jared and my heart leaped into my throat, completely confusing me, considered what had transpired. “Hey baby. It looks like you managed not to kill each other or did you kill him after he hung up?” I laughed and jabbed him in the ribs. “Yes I did and I decided to keep the sweatshirt. You will never find him. Mwah haha.” Jared laughed and wrapped an arm around my waist as we wended our way through the fair stalls. The next few weeks went by & I noticed my appetite increase & officially stared freaking when I missed my period. So now here I am waiting for the home pregnancy test results. 

 

I set down the stick & pulled out my phone & called Jared. “Hey baby. Its me When you get this call me back. Love you. Bye.” I set it down on the table & plopped down onto the bed. Ring Ring Ring. “Caroline, Siobhan is on the phone!”  I picked up the phone. “Hello?” “OhMyGod. Char. Where have you been?” You haven’t shown up for practice like forever & everyone even coach was starting to worry.”  “SIOBHAN! Shut up & listen!”

 

“Okayy.” “I’m not 100 percent sure but I think I am pregnant.” “. . . . .WHAT? What makes you think that?” “I still haven’t gotten my period.” “Have you taken the home pregnancy test?” “Yeah, I’m going to look at the results right now.” I walk over into the bathroom & pick of the test & look at it. “Positive. Siobhan it says I am pregnant.” 

 

I walked to the bed & sat down. “Who’s baby is it?” “Jared’s.” “Are you going to tell Jared & your family?” “Yeah I will, but. . .” BEEEP. I look at the phone. 703-557-4321  Crap. “Hey Siobhan, Can I call you back?  Jared’s on the other line.” 

 

“Yeah sure. Just make sure to tell him about the baby.” “Alright.” Siobhan hung up & immediately Jared’s voice filled the line. “Hey. I got your message. What’s up?” I took a deep breath. “Jared is there any possible way you could meet me at the park in like five minutes?” “Actually I’m on my way to your house, but I can head to the park if you want.” “No. Come here. We need to talk.” “Alright I will be then in a minute.”

 

I hung the phone back on the hook, & slid down the wall to the floor.  I was still in curled the fetal position when I heard Jared’s car pull up in the drive & a few seconds later him knocking on the door & my brother Peter greeting him.  “She is in her room.” KNOCK KNOCK. “It’s open Jared.” He walked in, spotted me on the floor, walked over & sat beside me. “Do you love me?”  He looked at me startled. 

 

“You know I do Layna, forever & always babe.” He took my hand. “What’s this about Char? I can tell there is something you aren’t telling me.” I stare at the floor. “Jared I’m. . . . I’m. . . .pregnant & it’s yours. He dropped my hand, stood up & began pacing. I watched him wearily, as he paced. All of sudden he stop in front of me & offered me his hand. 

 

I took it & he pulled me up, trying to pull me into an embrace, but I pushed away. “Jared. We need to tell my dad. Cause I have decided to keep the baby.” “WHAT! What do you mean you’re keeping it?! Caroline are you outta your mind? NO! You have to get an abortion, you aren’t ready to have a kid.” I glared at him my temper getting the best of me. “Dude seriously? You didn’t just say that! God you’re an asshole Jared. Just leave I never want to see you again.” “Fine with me babe. Oh & Char? We both know it isn’t mine. That you’re trying to shuck the responsibility on me.” His words cut me like a knife & before I knew it he was gone. I slid down the wall sobbing, completely unaware of my brother standing in the doorway.

 

Want to know how Charlie and Riley get together? Or how she raises her kids. My Fight with Love is going to be posted soon. It is in both Riley and Charlie's POV. It encompasses everything between chapters two and three. :) It begins three months after Charlie tells Jared. I hope you all will take a few moments to consider reading...obviously if you want to read chronologically you will have to wait. I hope you enjoy and happy reading!!!

 

Liesbeth Assani Marrose

Chapter Three: Jared...?

May 16th, 2018

 

The sky was clear blue, not a cloud in sight. Sunlight filtered through the trees, making the trees appear as if they were glowing. The newfound blooms swaying in the breeze that blew across the field. I sighed. There was nothing I would rather do than draw the scene in front of me. The bell tolled. Glancing at my clock, I realized that I had fifteen minutes to make it to my psychology class. Mom always said I had a tendency to wander off into my mind & be oblivious to my surrounds.

 

I grabbed my stuff & headed for the science building hoping to get there before the professor locked the door. “Charlie!” I turned & to see Riley running across the quad. “Riley? Is everything okay? What’s wrong?” He sucked on his lip, a sure sign that something was bothering him. Suddenly, the wind picked up, throwing my hair all over the place. Laughing, Riley helped me wrangle it in. "Jeez Char. If I didn't know you better, I would say you love having your hair on you face." "All right you’ve had your fun. Now tell me what’s going on Ri."

 

He grimaced, looking at his boots. "Riley. Look at me. Please.” He met my gaze. Worry was all I could see in his eyes. “Riley, you are scaring me. Please just spit it out already!” He brushed his hand through his hair showing off his rippling muscles. Damn, the boy's too hot for his own good. “Jared is back.”

 

If he were—“What did you just say?” “Jared Stone is back. I just saw him in my English Literature class.” The world started to spin & tilt. Jared is back. My heart leaps at the thought of Jared's arms wrapped around me. Running my fingers through his hair, relishing the silky texture. Hearing him whisper all sorts of things in my ear. “Charlie? Are you ok? You look a little pale.” Before I could answer, the world went black.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

I walked out of American History, too enveloped in my notes to watch where I was going. Before I knew I was plowed but what felt like a wall. I looked up from my spot on the floor to see Jared, more beautiful than ever looking down at me with a concerned gaze. Jeesh no wonder why my shoulder hurts. He is defiantly built like a wall. I rub it while I try to re-gather my bearings to where I am and how to get to my next class. “Caroline are you okay?” Groaning, I get up and try to head for the elevator, only to have a wave of dizziness hit me.

 

Swaying I lean against the wall for support and nearly end up on my butt again. Steading me, Jared wraps an arm around my waist and hauls me towards the elevator all the while he kept glancing concernedly back at me. “You can let go now Jared.” He grinned and shook his head. “What if you need me? I can’t possibly leave you alone in this condition. For all you know you might have a concussion.” I rolled my eyes and put his hand on my back. I glared at him, daring him to move his hand and find out the consequences.

 

A smile broke across his ridiculously sexy face at my, no doubt, prudish action. Heat burned through my cheeks. I glanced away, hopefully before he noticed the stain on my cheeks. The last thing I need is Jared realizing I still have feelings for him. Wait what? Feelings? Where did that come from? Shaking my head, I pressed the button on the elevator, trying to ignore his hand on my back.

 

May 29th 2018

 

He wasn’t at all what I had remembered. I guess after all these years I expected him to be the same. But now he’s 6’1 of solid muscle & even more hot at that. I snuck another glance at him. “Man he fits those jeans just right. Doesn’t he Charlie?” “Huh? What are you talking about Mikaela?” The curvaceous brunette laughed, her topaz eyes sparkling with mischief. “The guy sitting with Xavier. You have been mentally undressing them for the past thirty minutes. Not that I don’t blame you. He is hot.”

 

She grinned & looked at him. Suddenly, memories of that night hit me with the force of a sledgehammer. I bit my lip, forcing back the scream that tried to escape. “Charlie? Are you all right? You…” Mikaela looked at me then at Jared & then back at me, before understanding & sympathy filled her eyes. “That’s him isn’t? The bastard!” I nod & close my eyes, hoping that the flashbacks would stop. Mikaela glared in his direction before wrapping her arms around me.

 

I pressed my palms to my temple, trying to erase the memories. Shhh…Char. It’s just me...... “Hey Mikaela? I’m going to head back to the dorm. I’ll see you later.” “Do you want me to come with you?” I shook my head. “No. I want to be alone right now. She glared in Jared's direction before nodding. Quickly grabbing all my stuff, I hiked my bag over my shoulder & headed to the dorm quad.

 

I was almost to the dorm hall when a hand closed around my waist. “Caroline…” I jerked away so I could at least have a barrier of space between us. Jared leaned against a tree with his hands in his back pockets. “We need to talk hon.” I glared at him. "We don’t need to talk about anything. What we had is dead. So congrats! You had your fun playing with my heart. Now leave me alone!” Suddenly he was towering over me.

 

Instinctively I take a step back. “You think I used you? Caroline…” “Its Charlie now. I stopped using my full name awhile back. Actually right after you left.” “You will always be Caroline.” “Not even Char? The nickname you & the guys came up with?!” I glared at him, wanting him to leave so I could mourn what would never be alone. “Goddammit Caroline you are making this harder than it needs to be baby.” “What…”

 

My question was cut short by his lips on mine. Man I forgot how good the boy could kiss. Shit! Get a grip Caroline. Pull away! Now! Jerking my head back, I raised my hand to slap him. Instead, he just restrained both my wrist in a callused hand.

 

“Are you going to hit me again? Cause Charlie, I’m using all my self control not to just throw you over my shoulder & lock you in my room till you see reason.” I squirmed, trying not to show how much I wanted that. Jesus Caroline get a grip on yourself this is the guy you vowed never to love again!!! “Jared let me go. Please just let me go.” Tears welled up in my eyes. Damn-it! Don’t cry! He rested his other hand on my cheek.

 

“Caroline… Why does this bother you so much? You left me, remember?” I shake my head. Rage boiled up inside of me. You were the one who promised to write & you only wrote one letter that tore my heart out! Instead of saying that, I bit my lip trying to control my temper. “Go back to your whore Jared. She needs you more than I ever will. More than our children will need their father.”

Ignoring the shock & hurt on his face & the stab of pain in my chest. I yanked my hand out of his grip.

 

As I walk away, I suddenly realize the wetness sliding down my cheeks. Damn-it. I hope I wasn’t crying while I said that. “Charlie!” Oh, foreheaven sakes! Out of all the people on campus, it has to be Riley who sees me like this!! Quickening my pace, I try to outrun Riley. Something tugs on my backpack, sending me stumbling backwards into a wall of muscle.

 

“Charlie are you okay? I saw you talking to… Shit! You’re crying. What happened? What did he do?” I look up at Riley’ concerned face. He gently takes his shirttail & wipes my cheeks, which only makes me cry harder. “Ri-ley,” I hiccup his name as I try to take a deep breath to calm myself down. “I think I still love Jared.” The last few words rush out of my mouth. After a few tense moments, I peeked up at his face.

 

It was expressionless. “Are you mad?” He looked down at me, a forced grin on his face. “I can never be mad at you Charlie. I figured the two of you would hook up again.” I didn't need a mirror to know my face was bright red. I set my hand on his cheek. “Char, all I want is for you to be happy. If he makes you happy then I'm willing to let you go.” My eyes welled up with tears.

 

Throwing my arms around him, I bury my face in his chest. "I’ll always be here for you, Char. I’m yours.” He said, stroking my hair. “If you ever hurt her again, friends or not, I will kill you.” I turned around & see Jared in all of his magnificent glory. Concern was etched not only in his light ice blue eyes but also in his posture. He held out his hand & without thinking I escaped Riley’s embrace & took Jared’s hand. “I will treasure her for the rest of my life…I love her.” I stare at Jared with my mouth gaping open.

Author's Note 1/08/2015

 Hey everyone so I know that I sent out an email and or posted on your wall saying that the next update would be next week. I was wrong and I apologize for the confusion. Due to some personal issues I will have to but Destiny's Touch on hold as of now. I will send/post when I update again.

 

Thanks for your understanding.

 

Liesbeth Assani Marrose

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Thanks to all my friends and family who have supported me and been there when I needed a good dose of reality. Thanks to my one true love for being there supporting me, putting up with my unpredictable moods and for being my rock. I love you baby!