“That’s terrible.” Susan sighs, and I can see that her eyes are actually moist. A woman understands. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that. Oh! And you have to see him at school and remember everything!”
“It’s hard.” I admit. “I went through a really tough time, but Ian really helped me through it.”
“And you told him everything?” Susan asks.
“Yeah, and I asked him not to tell anyone. That’s why he wouldn’t tell you what the fight was about, he was protecting my privacy.”
“I understand.” she says with a sigh.
“Is Ian’s dad still at work?” I ask after a solid minute of silence.
“Yes.” Susan nods. “I called him and told him what happened. He’s very upset.”
“I’m sorry.” I repeat as I stare at the soda can in my hands.
“It’s okay.” she says after a few moments of thought. “I’m upset that this happened, and Ian shouldn’t have hit him, but I understand.”
“Can I keep seeing him?” I dare to ask.
“I’ll talk to his father, but I think it will be okay for you two to continue seeing each other.” Susan answers, actually giving me a small smile.
“Thank you.” I reply sincerely.
“But Ian is still grounded until the suspension is over.” Susan adds. “So, no party tomorrow.”
“Okay, I understand.” I say with a nod.
“Why don’t you go and see him?” she offers.
“Really? Thank you!” I exclaim.
“You’re welcome.” Susan smiles before her expression turns serious. “But remember, keep the door open.”
“Okay!” I respond.
Grabbing my soda, I hop to my feet and walk towards Ian’s room. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders Ian and I can keep seeing each other! I reach his bedroom door, which is closed, and raise my hand to knock.
“Yeah?” Ian’s voice calls out.
“Ian, it’s Kayla!” I say through the door.
“Kayla?!” his shocked voice rings out.
I hear him scramble to his feet and then run through the room. He throws open the door, and I get a look at his face. He has quite the shiner! His lower lip is also split. He’s clearly been crying. I gasp and immediately hug my boyfriend.
“Ian!” I call out as my arms squeeze him tight.
“My mom let you in? She said I couldn’t see you anymore?” he asks as he holds me close.
“She changed her mind.” I say as the two of us walk into his room, still clinging to each other.
“I can’t believe it!” Ian exclaims as he runs his fingers through my raven locks.
“Ian, I told her.” I whisper against his chest. “I told her Keith raped me.”
“Why?” he asks before kissing the top of my head.
“So she’d understand why you did it.” I explain, pulling back to look him in the eye. “Lexi said no one was talking to the dean.”
“Yeah,” Ian nods, “Keith just sneered at him, and I refused to tell him. The dean even brought a couple of witnesses in to ask, but no one said anything. I’m surprised the other students didn’t talk.”
“I guess no one wanted to admit to having nudes of a girl who didn’t consent to have them shared.” I suggest with a sniffle.
“Maybe.” he agrees. “Did Keith really…?”
“Rape my ass? Yes.” I acknowledge as tears run down my cheeks. “I heard that’s what made you snap.”
“He hurt you so badly. I was just so angry.” Ian mumbles.
“Thank you for defending me.” I smile while using the back of my hand to wipe away my tears.
“Anytime.” he says while crying.
“Your mom said we can keep seeing each other, but you’re still grounded.” I tell him.
“I guess I’m missing the party tomorrow.” he says with a fake laugh, trying to make light of the situation.
“We can always reschedule that.” I respond. “There are other weekends.”
“Maybe I can go out next weekend, since the suspension will be over Friday.” he suggests.
“Maybe.” I answer. “You’ll have to ask your parents about that one.”
“Yeah, I will.” Ian replies.
We stand in silence for a couple minutes. My arms are around Ian’s neck while he holds my waist and looks at me with affection. Words come unbidden to my lips. Words I never should have said to David, because he doesn’t deserve them. Ian does.
“I love you.” I whisper, gazing at him.
“W-what?” he gasps, his eyes wide.
“I love you, Ian.” I repeat, my face breaking out into a grin.
“I love you, too.” he replies, his voice shaky. “I’ve wanted to say it for so long, but didn’t want to scare you away.”
“I’m not going anywhere, big guy.” I say with a giggle.
My giggles settle down, and I look at Ian seriously. He looks back at me with love. We lean toward each other at the same time. Our lips meet as we hold each other in a passionate embrace. My breasts squish against his chest as he buries a hand in my hair.
For several minutes, we kiss while standing in the middle of Ian’s bedroom. I moan into his mouth as he runs his tongue along mine. My hands grip his biceps, my body is pressed firmly against him.
That’s when someone clears their throat behind us. We immediately break our lip lock and pull away from each other. I whip my head around, my raven hair flailing about as I come face to face with Ian’s mom, who is standing in the doorway with her arms folded.
“Um, hi.” I mumble, my face turning red.
“Hello, Kayla.” Susan says before turning to her son. “You’re still grounded, young man.”
“Yes, mom.” Ian replies.
“I think it’s time for Kayla to head home.” Susan states firmly.
“Okay.” I say. “Bye, Ian.”
“Bye, Kayla.” Ian responds.
“I’ll return his phone so you two can keep in touch.” his mom says with a small smile.
“Thank you!” I breathe.
“Thanks, mom.” he smiles.
“C’mon Kayla, I’ll walk you out.” is Susan’s only response.
I follow Ian’s mom out of his bedroom and through the house. She doesn’t say anything to me as we reach the front door. When she opens the front door for me, I start to walk out. Susan indicates for me to wait, and I turn to face her.
“I spoke with Ian’s father.” Susan says.
“Okay.” I state, unsure of where this is going.
“I didn’t tell him about what happened to you.” she explains.
“Oh!” I exclaim. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Susan nods. “I told him that Ian had a good reason for what he did, even though he shouldn’t have done it. We both agree that Ian is grounded until Friday. If you two want to hang out next weekend, that’s okay.”
“Thank you, Susan.” I smile.
“You’re welcome, Kayla.” the older woman says.
“We also feel it’s best to reschedule our day together until next Sunday. Does that work for you?” Susan asks.
“Yeah, I’m available.” I confirm.
“Great!” Susan smiles. “The four of us will spend the day together.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” I smile back.
Susan surprises me once again by hugging me tightly. She rubs my back affectionately before releasing me. I give her another smile and wave goodbye before turning and walking back to the car. Soon, I’m buckled up beside Lexi.
“How’d it go?” Lexi asks. “You were in there for awhile.”
“Ian and I can keep seeing each other.” I confirm with a smile.
“Oh, good!” she chirps.
“Yeah, long story short, he’s getting his phone back, he can’t come to the party tomorrow, but he can go out next weekend.” I start rambling. “Oh, and we said we loved each other.”
“You did?” Lexi exclaims.
“Yes!” I gush.
“I’m so happy for you!” she smiles as she leans over and pecks my lips.
“Thank you!” I giggle.
Lexi and I keep chatting as she starts the car and pulls out onto the street. I also check my phone and see messages from Marcia, Hazel, and Ashley in our group chat, all of them wondering what is going on. I send a couple of very long texts to our group chat, filling in my girls on everything, including the big ‘I love you’.
“Lexi?” I ask.
“Yeah?” she replies.
“Maybe we should switch the pool party to next weekend?” I suggest.
“That’s a good idea. Text the girls.” Lexi instructs.
“Okay. I’ll also text Ian, Josh, and Shawn.” I say.
I send the texts, and soon we all agree to push the pool party out to the following Saturday. There’s some disappointment over the delay, especially since the guys are so excited about it, but everyone ultimately understands that it’s necessary. I put my phone away in my purse and lean my head back against the seat with a sigh.
We spend the rest of the car ride in silence. Eventually, Lexi parks the car in our driveway and we head inside. Making our way to the main living room, we kick off our shoes and socks, take out our books, and get started on our homework.
“I can’t concentrate!” I announce fifteen minutes later as I throw my pencil down.
“Neither can I.” Lexi admits. “Wanna watch TV?”
“Sure.” I reply.
Lexi and I end up cuddling on the couch while watching television. I have my head pillowed on the perky redhead’s chest as she holds me close. Lexi is running her fingers through my hair, which is so incredibly comforting.
“That was a good episode.” Lexi comments.
“Yeah, do you think they’ll stay together?” I wonder.
“Probably not.” she replies after thinking for a minute. “It’s just a quick romance arc.”
“I think you’re right.” I say. I then put on some music rather than starting the next episode.
“Oh, music.” Lexi giggles. “Trying to seduce me?”
“With how easily you’ll spread your legs, why would I bother?” I tease.
“Kayla!” Lexi exclaims in mock outrage as she playfully swats me on the arm.
“Yes?” I ask innocently.
“You little bitch.” she laughs.
Then she attacks. We end up having an intense tickle fight on the couch as we pull at each others clothes. Lexi actually gets me on my back on the couch and then stands up. She grabs my left ankle and lifts my leg so she can tickle the bottom of my foot.
Leave a Reply