Stay

by Ivy Kovacs

  - I'll stop if you'll be my girlfriend. – He said out of nowhere and suddenly I wasn't ticklish anymore. My smile faded and I felt the blood leave my face. I couldn't give all of myself to him because a piece of me died on that cliff...

  - That was... unexpected. – I sat up and he got off me. – Uh. –

  - I'm sorry. – He looked down on the ground.

  - No, I don't mean it that way! – I grabbed his hand and looked at him. – I like you. I've liked you since the beginning. But I'm not a good girlfriend material... Plus you have plenty of girls to choose from. –

  - You make this a lot harder than it should be. – He sighed and shook his head.

  - I mean are you ready to accept a damaged, mentally ill girl into your life? – I kept glaring at him and he finally looked at me. Those eyes would be the death of me once.

  twenty-five

  - Are you kidding? – He raised his eyebrows which made his forehead wrinkled. – I've never been more sure about anything in my life. – His voice was soft and ensuring.

  - What if you change your mind? I mean won't it be hard for you to be committed? – I wasn't trying to be rude I just needed to know he wasn't going to play with me. – I'm not like the girls you've fooled around with. –

  - And that’s exactly why I felt something for you the first time we met. – It was hard to believe that a boy like him could be the exact opposite of himself just for a girl. – Listen. – He grabbed my hand and looked into my eyes. – I know you're scared to fall, but I promise I'm not going to hurt you. I like you, Grace... – I heard the words and saw his lips forming them warily, but it was so incomprehensible.

  - I think I already fell... – I mumbled and his face lit up. He gently placed his hand on my cheek and pecked my lips deeply. I opened my eyes for a second to see if he was as lost in me as I was in him. I knew it was risky to let him in, especially so soon, but I was afraid I'd lose him if I kept waiting.

  - So? Will you be my girlfriend? – He whispered when our lips parted.

  - This is so cheesy. – I pulled away giggling. – But yes. – I shook my head laughing and he picked me up from the ground and spun me around. When he placed me back down on my feet he kissed my lips again and smiled brightly. –You seem very happy. –

  - I am. – He smiled and intertwined our hands.

  - But you have to be honest with me okay? If we're going to do this, you can't let other girls approach you like they used to. – I looked at him with a serious face and he chuckled at me.

  - You're adorable when you're jealous. –

  - I'm not jealous! – I frowned.

  - Sure. – He kept laughing and walked back to the car. Thank God he released the fish back into the water. Poor fish would've suffocated rather than hear our cheesiness.

  - I'm not! – I reassured him. Maybe I was a little jealous but he didn't need to know.

  - Okay, Miss I'm not jealous. Are you hungry? – He opened the trunk and sat inside grabbing the bag of food we brought.

  - Starving. – I replied and scooted next to him. He pulled out the boxes of fruit that I packed.

  - Oh wait! – He reached for a bag on the backseat and handed it to me. – I've got you something. – He sat back down and grabbed the boxes. Grandma made us her homemade pizza and she also packed us wraps.

  I opened the bag he handed me and pulled out a pack of chocolate-covered strawberries. – Dylan. How did you know? – My voice was higher and sweeter than usual.

  - I remembered that your favorite was strawberry, and Debby helped. – He shrugged and took a bite of his wrap.

  - Debby? – I asked with an astonished reaction.

  - Yeah, I asked her what girls like to do on dates and she said picnic. –

  - Does she know you asked me out? – I asked biting into a slice of pizza.

  - She's one of my best friends. – He swallowed and looked at me after wiping his lips in his hoodie’s sleeve.

  - No. Yeah. I mean its okay, I'm just surprised that you told her. You seemed to be ashamed of me when Max saw us kiss at the party. – I added quietly.

  - I wasn't ashamed, okay? – His voice quickly changed from friendly to sulky. – You don't know them… They don't know when to stop. – He looked at me with a stern look on his face.

  - What's that supposed to mean? – I raised my brows perplexedly.

  - They... – He sighed and placed his wrap back into the box. – Usually, after I hit on a girl they think it's their turn. If you know what I mean... – He added and grabbed the water bottle and took a sip from it.

  - They wanted to hit on me? – I was confused and shocked by what he just explained. The way they treated girls was disgusting. He nodded and swallowed the water. – How will you tell them that I'm your girlfriend? – I asked curiously.

  - Why are you asking so many questions? I don't know yet, Grace. I'll figure something out. – Was he annoyed? I guess this topic was sensitive to him.

  - Okay, sorry I was just curious... – I looked down and grabbed another slice of pizza.

  - I'm sorry. – He took a deep breath and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear with his clean hand. – I just don't like talking about them. They are not good people. Neither am I but I'm trying to be better for you. – He said caressing my cheek.

  - It's fine. – I muttered.

  We ate quietly and by the time we finished, the sun had already set and we decided to close the trunk because there were too many mosquitoes. I lay down on the pillows and made myself comfortable.

  - Are you mad at me? – He took his hoodie and shirt off and threw them on the backseat. I watched his muscles tighten as he got half-naked.

  - No. – I replied and kept staring at his body.

  - You're too distracted by my abs. – He grinned and pulled a blanket over us which covered his abs.

  - I'm not mad at you. – I said again and took my sweater off leaving myself only in my leggings and an oversized T-shirt.

  - You're going to be hot. – He said with a grin on his face.

  - I know, but I didn't bring any shorts because you said bring warm clothes. – I rolled my eyes at him.

  - I'm pretty sure that shirt will cover you just as much as that cheerleading uniform does. – He licked his lower lip. I gasped and threw a pillow at his face.

  - You're unbelievable. – I shook my head and pulled the blanket over myself. I raised my hips and struggled to take off my leggings under the blanket.

  - What are you doing? – He laughed and watched me.

  - Taking my pants off. – I replied and finally managed to pull them out from under the blanket. I waved it in front of him with a silly grin and placed it beside me. I scooted closer to him and lay on his chest.

  My bare legs touched his and I heard him groan really quietly as he put his arm around me, kissing my head. I closed my eyes and listened to his heartbeat. – Dylan? – I asked in a soft voice after a few minutes had passed.

  - Hm? –

  - Did you fight with Max after I left the party? – I kept thinking about that night. He was drunk and he said it wasn't his blood on his hand. I could imagine what happened after he saw us kissing.

  - No. – He replied without hesitation. – I punched Cam. – He added quietly.

  I turned on my stomach and faced him. – Cameron? –

  He nodded and brushed my hair with his hand. – I was drunk and he said disgusting things about you. –

  - But don't fight okay? I don't want you to get hurt. – I said looking at him and he gave me a soft smile.

  - Okay. – He responded quietly. I lay back on him and buried my head into his neck. He smelled so nice.

  I closed my eyes and thought about how our relationship would be like if we met in Florida. He could've come to our house and make Christmas cookies with me and my mom. We could've gone to the beach every day after school. I'd be a completely different person.

  twenty-six

  I woke up really early. I was awake as soon
as it got bright outside but stayed and watched Dylan sleep. This trunk bed was surprisingly comfy. – Are you enjoying the view? – Dylan asked in a low voice but kept his eyes closed. He must’ve seen me staring while I was focused on my thoughts.

  - The nature is beautiful. – I knew he was asking if I was enjoying his view but I thought I’d mock him a little. He opened his eyes slightly and started smiling. – What? – I asked giggling.

  - Nothing. – He had his eyes fully open now and kept grinning.

  - You’re annoying. – I rolled my eyes and grabbed my leggings putting them on under the blanket.

  - I’m just happy you’re mine. – He commented and I looked at him surprised. I never would’ve thought that he would be this sweet of a boyfriend. Boyfriend...huh. Crazy. I leaned over him and pecked his lips then grabbed my phone and saw a bunch of messages from my family.

  - What’s wrong? – He sat up and looked at me.

  - It’s my uncle. He said that Lily fell off a horse and they need me there. – I looked up from the screen. – Could you drive me back to their place? – I asked with worry in my voice.

  - Yeah, we’ll pack this up later. – I was glad he wasn’t annoyed by how family-oriented I was. He put on a T-shirt and his pants before we drove away.

  On the way back I was texting my aunt telling her that I was coming as soon as possible. I hoped Lily was okay. She was like my little sister...

  When we arrived I unfastened my belt and glanced at him. – Thank you. I’ll text you later. –

  - I’m coming with you. – He answered getting out of the car. That was unexpected.

  I got out and rushed to the door knocking on it. My hair probably looked messy. I didn’t bother to do anything with it.

  - Grace! Dylan! Thank you for coming! – Seb greeted us at the door and let us inside.

  - Where is she? – I asked warily, looking at him.

  - Upstairs. – He replied and I rushed upstairs. I heard Seb offering Dylan a coffee and he accepted it. I knocked on Lily’s door and walked in. She was lying on her bed and Aunt Bex was sitting next to her. They were watching a movie on her TV.

  - How is she doing? – I looked at my aunt for answers.

  - I’m here too, and I’m fine. – Lily rolled her eyes and I chuckled shaking my head.

  - She sprained her wrist but other than that the doctors said she’s fine. She got lucky. – Rebecca said and I nodded sitting next to her on the bed.

  - You scared me. –

  - It’s nothing compared to your accident. – Lily said and my aunt poked her side. – What? I’m serious! –

  - It’s fine. – I said in a soft voice. – I’m glad you’re okay. – I poked Lily’s arm playfully and she smiled.

  - I’m sorry I texted you so many times last night but we couldn’t reach grandma on the phone. Turns out she was at a festival with her friends. – Aunt Bex chuckled. I knew grandma well. She hated being at home so she always went somewhere. Especially when I wasn’t home.

  We stayed for another hour or so and left because Dylan had to help Max with something, so he dropped me off at home. I showered and changed before I started studying for Math’s and Biology.

  Dylan texted me late at night, telling me that Max’s car broke down so they were fixing it all day. We spoke a few words but then I got tired and fell asleep.

  The next day after I ate lunch I decided to facetime Mia and tell her about what happened. I put my MacBook on my desk and called her.

  - Grace! How are you? – My old friend smiled on my screen. Her blond hair and green eyes attracted every guy in Boca.

  - Hey. I’m good I just miss you. –

  - I miss you too! Come to Boca! Parties are no fun without my bestie. – She responded. It was true. We were always together at parties and everyone knew us. We were inseparable.

  - I will, I promise. But you can visit me in Atlanta too though. – I added while cleaning my face with a makeup wipe.

  - True. Anyway! How is that thing going with Dylan? Did he talk to you or is he still a jerk? –

  - Nope. Actually... we’re kind of dating. – I said shyly but smiling.

  - What?? No freaking way! – Mia screamed so loud that my speaker resonated.

  - Shhh. – I laughed and placed my finger in front of my lips to signal her to be quiet.

  - When you left I never would’ve thought you’d get together with someone. I’m so happy for you Grace! –

  - Thanks, Mia. – I smiled slightly since her words made me feel guilty again. I knew I shouldn’t feel guilty because it was normal to move on, yet I still felt like I should be mourning for decades.

  Mia told me about the party she had last weekend and how Jonah threw up on her white rug. It felt good to talk about normal teenage stuff. Her mom called her down so we hung up just in time for dinner.

  Nana went to Seb’s so I was alone at home. I grabbed the Twilight book and started reading on the couch. Time flew and by the time Dylan texted me it was 10 pm. We said goodnight and I fell asleep on the couch.

  On Monday I got ready wearing an oversized hoodie and leggings with my sneakers. Sometimes it felt good to hide my body under comfy clothes. Uncle Seb texted me that he was outside so I hugged nana before I walked out to the car.

  - Hi. – I smiled and got into the car, putting my seat belt on.

  - Hey. – He replied and drove off. He seemed off today.

  - What’s up? You look anxious. – I looked at him as he drove.

  - Oh, just work stuff. – He shrugged it off. – How are you? –

  - I’m good. How is Lily? –

  - Better. She won’t be going to school this week. – He replied and I nodded looking out from the window.

  - Dylan and I are dating. – I admitted randomly. I didn’t want to keep anything from them.

  - I know. Dylan asked for my permission on Saturday. –

  - What? – I looked at him surprised. Why would Dylan ask for permission when he wasn’t my dad? Well he’s been the closest thing to a father but he wasn’t.

  - Yeah, he’s a great guy. – I did not expect him to be so understanding. He had been worrying about me non-stop ever since the accident. I thought he’d be overprotective about me having a boyfriend but he handled it the opposite way.

  - He is. – I added quietly and smiled when I saw Dylan leaning against his car in the parking lot. – Thanks for the ride. – I looked at my uncle and got out of the car. I walked towards Dylan who was in a black leather jacket and ripped jeans with sunglasses. He looked insanely hot. – Hey. – I smiled when I reached him.

  - Hey. – He smiled back. Was I supposed to kiss him? Or were we not ‘school official’ yet?

  Thankfully he grabbed my hand and pulled me in for a kiss. It felt magnificent that he wasn’t trying to hide me. – What’s up? – He grabbed his backpack from the backseat, swung it across his shoulder, and intertwined our hands as we walked inside school.

  - I have a Math test today. – I replied as we stopped by my locker.

  - I’m sure you’ll get an A as always. – He said and looked behind me. I turned my head to see what he was looking at. It was Max and the boys walking towards us.

  - Do they know? – I looked at him.

  - They do. – He responded curtly. That was surprising but I was glad he told them.

  - Hello lovebirds. – Max stopped next to us and I rolled my eyes slightly.

  - What's up? – Oliver looked at me.

  - Nothing. – I shrugged. – How’s your car, Max? – I looked at Max while holding my books in front of my chest.

  - My car? – He looked at me like he didn’t understand. – Oh right. My car... Yeah, it’s working. – He seemed weird. Dylan wouldn’t lie to me so maybe he was just too stoned to remember.

  - Let’s go, Biology starts in 2 minutes. – Dylan grabbed my arm gently and pulled me away from his friends.

  - You’re weird. – I stated as we walked inside the classroom. I saw Dom sitting
alone so I decided to sit next to him. – Hi. – I smiled brightly.

  - Is it true? – He looked at me suspiciously.

  - What? – I got confused.

  - That you’re dating Dylan. – What the hell? I arrived to school 10 minutes ago and everyone already knew we were dating.

  - Yeah... – I knew he told me that I shouldn’t trust him but I couldn’t help it. He was different than the boys I’ve met before. – How do you know? –

  - I heard some girls gossiping in the hallway. I’m surprised you didn’t tell me. – Crap. I understood what this was about.

  - I’m sorry, Dom. I swear I wanted to tell you today... I just didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. – I sighed. – I guess it’s too late anyway. –

  - It’s fine. I’m happy if you’re happy. – He was being so nice... I wish I would’ve met him back in Florida. – But if he hurts you, I’ll kill him. – He added jokingly but I think he was serious.

  The class started and we were reading our book for the first few minutes. – You know he’s not taking his eyes off you. – Dom whispered into my ear. I turned around to check on Dylan and when our eyes met he waved at me. I shook my head and turned back around.

  - Are you ready for the match? – Dom asked as we walked out of class. Dylan followed me from behind.

  - Yes. I’m excited to see how things are here. My old school’s team wasn’t very good. –

  - Oh we’ll definitely win, babe. – Dylan said from behind and we both stopped and turned around to face him.

  - You know it’s rude to be eaves-dropping. – I mocked him with a grin on my face.

  - I have training now. I’ll see you out on the field. – He stepped closer to me and kissed my head. – See ya, Lewis. – He looked at Dom before he walked down the hall.

  - That was odd. – Dom chuckled.

  - Were you friends before? – I asked curiously.

  - We were friends back in primary school but then he started hanging out with Max. – He shrugged. - You should go change before the girls rip your uniform into shreds. – He added laughing. I could honestly imagine them sabotaging my performance. Thank God the match was on Friday.