Never say forever (Never series Book 1)

by Taylor, Courtney A.

  “How is that possible? Your Dad will surely tell my mother I stayed there,” I expressed my concerns.

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll talk to my dad. He will be fine with it, I promise, and he won’t say anything to your mother. This will give us time for me to talk to you on the way to my house,” He said with promise.

  “Okay. Larissa, be safe going home. Text me when you make it. I’m ready for bed. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” I hug her tightly.

  “Okay, I’m glad you’re up. Love you, Bestie,” she says as she breaks free and smiles at me.

  “Love you too, crazy bestie!”

  I start walking towards Aiden’s car with him next to me. He hits a number in his phone and holds it to his ear.

  “Hey, Dad. There was some trouble at this party and I need a favor…..yeah…..I’ll explain it to you later….Serena needs a place to crash, I’m taking her home. Do not say anything to Serena’s mom about this……Okay, see you soon. Thanks Dad.”

  He turns to me, “Everything’s good. He won’t say anything. My dad respects me, I promise, everything will be fine. I’ll drop you off at Larissa’s in the morning and you can walk home from there, that way your mom won’t suspect anything.”

  “Thanks Aiden.”

  I can’t express how great of a friend he is. We walk side by side until we reach the car. He opens my door like a true gentleman. I sit down in my seat and buckle my seatbelt. He enters the driver’s seat and starts the ignition, but doesn’t put the car in drive. I look at him and he seems lost in thought. He seems as if he’s contemplating what to say. He looks at me and I can see concern on his face.

  “Serena, do you remember anything that happened tonight?”

  He asked a simple question. Yet I can’t seem to give him a simple answer. What did happen? I drank, I danced, and I woke up on the sand. I guess that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. What happened between dancing and waking up? I am almost too scared to find out.

  “Aiden, I had a drink. I’m not a drunk. Please don’t patronize me or peg me as a bad person. I don’t need anyone to look down on me. Least of all you! I had a drink to let loose. Don’t judge me.” I got all defensive. I don’t know why. I feel as if Aiden maybe thinking badly of me. I don’t know what else to say.

  “Serena, I promise I don’t think any less of you. I could never think less of you. I’m not asking you to belittle you in any way or lecture you for that matter. I’m simply asking you out of concern, being your best friend, I need to know you’re okay. I need to know what you remember before I go into detail about what happened.”

  Now I’m really scared. Did something bad happen? My teeth start rattling as my eyes threaten the tears that are about to fall.

  “No. Just tell me! I need to know!” I say as a single tear escapes.

  I can’t prevent it. My emotions have gone into overload and I know what he’s about to tell me is not going to be easy for him to say. It’s not going to be easy for me to hear either. I can feel it in my gut, I’m about to be smacked with a reality that will sting me to the core.

  He grabs my face and cups my chin. He looks into my eyes.

  “Listen, I don’t want to tell you this but you deserve to know. I arrived at the house and couldn’t find you. I asked around and someone saw Jeremy bringing you up to a bedroom. I freaked out, Serena. The thought of you being in the room with him, knowing he didn’t have consent from you, drove me insane. I broke down the door. I will never forget the sight of Jeremy on top of you…”

  He didn’t get the rest out because I opened the door and immediately hurled. Tears streaming down my face. How could this happen? I didn’t even want to come to this party. Just knowing that Jeremy was on top of me and he took advantage makes me feel dirty and disgusting.

  “Serena, he didn’t get far, I made it in time. He was still fully clothed. If I had come five minutes later, you may not have been so lucky. I’m so sorry that you have to go through this, but I am here every step of the way. Please know that,” he said with pure sincerity. I don’t say a word until my sobs have slowed and I have emptied the contents of my stomach.

  “So… he… didn’t… rape...…me?” I stutter out the question because it’s hard to believe, I have to hear it again.

  He looks me straight in the eyes and I know he’s being honest.

  “No, I promise. I beat the shit out of him. When I left, he was unconscious. I didn’t care though. All I cared about was getting you out of there and away from that scumbag. That’s how you got on the beach. I carried you out there. Larissa and I sat on that beach for three hours anxiously waiting for you to wake up. We were nervous and afraid of you not waking because we think that Jeremy drugged you. I was hoping to God that he didn’t overdose you. I swear, if you didn’t wake, I was going back in and killing him.”

  I can see the fear on his face as he was telling the story. I saw the fear turn to rage as he was talking about Jeremy. I could tell he really cares about me and our friendship. I sit there in my despair and think of everything. I know that Aiden’s looking out for me and he’s expecting a response but I can’t speak. I can’t express how I’m feeling because my stomach is twisted and I can’t even begin to speak, let alone know what to say. I sit here in misery, in my own thoughts, while Aiden drives us home in pure silence. He knows I need this to process everything that happened tonight. We arrive at his house. He walks around and opens the door for me again.

  “I know it’s tough and you may not know what to say. You may not want to talk. I’m not going to push you. I’ll leave you to be alone if you want. Just know that I am here, if and whenever you need me.

  Don’t hesitate,” he said, his eyes promising me what his words just told me.

  We enter the house and he walks me up to his room.

  “You can sleep in my bed. Don’t worry, I will be on the couch.”

  He walks up to his dresser and pulls out a t-shirt and some pajama pants.

  “I know these may be big, but get out of these clothes and you can wear these to bed. I’ll leave you be. Get comfy. I’ll see you in the morning. Remember, if you need me, I’ll be right downstairs on the couch,” he says with a smile as he closes the door behind him.

  I start to undress, ridding myself of the clothes that caused this chaos. I put on his t-shirt and pants. It smells just like him. I know this is wrong but I can’t help but snoop around his room. I find a photo on his dresser. Looks like a young Aiden and probably his mother. I pick the picture up and see the pure love on their faces, just by seeing their smile. My heart wrenches to know that he doesn’t have that anymore. I know his mother gone but I’m not sure how. I walk over to his closet and notice a bunch of football trophies on the top shelf. Hmmm. He must have played football before. I wonder why he hasn’t tried out at our school. Judging by his trophies, he must be a great athlete. I guess I will find out sooner or later.

  I start to feel sick in the pit of my stomach again, so I go to lie on the bed. I lie awake and can’t seem to fall asleep. Deep down, I am scared. I know Jeremy doesn’t know where I am at but the fear is still there. He didn’t succeed with me. What if he tried again? My mind keeps going crazy with thoughts that I can’t take it anymore.

  I rise out of bed and walk downstairs to the living room. Aiden is lying on the couch watching some TV show. He hears me approach and gets up immediately.

  “What’s wrong?”

  He can sense something is wrong without me having to say anything.

  “I can’t sleep. I am still scared. I don’t want to be alone. I know your dad won’t be happy but can you sleep in the same room as me. I might be able to sleep if I know someone is there with me and I’m not alone. I don’t mean to sound like a baby or anything.”

  “You don’t sound like a baby. It’s understandable. You went through a lot today. Yeah, I’ll come up and sleep in there. I know you won’t want me to sleep in the bed with you so I can sleep in my chair or on the floor.”

&nbs
p; I actually do want to sleep in bed with him. I long to have his arms wrapped around me. I know I’ll be able to sleep knowing I am in his arms and well protected. I don’t say anything though. He may not want the same thing and I don’t want him to get into trouble with his dad if he finds out we slept in the same bed. We walk up to the bedroom and I watch him as he pulls out extra pillows and blankets and makes himself a bed on the floor. He turns out the lights and lies down on the floor in his bed right beside where I lie a few feet above him. I rest my head on the pillow and am invaded with his scent. Just as I am about to fall asleep I feel his hand reach up and gently hold mine. It was the sweetest gesture that comforted me to a deep sleep.

  ***

  Aiden

  I woke up the next morning and looked up and Serena was still passed out on the bed. She looks so cute when she’s sleeping. I could sit here all day just watching the peacefulness she portrays while she’s asleep. I start to rise and notice that my dad was stopped right in front of my door. I hope he’s not thinking that anything happened.

  “Hey Dad.”

  “Good morning son. What happened last night?” he asked with a concerned look on his face as we both start making our way to the kitchen.

  I don’t want to have a conversation in the bedroom while she’s sleeping. For one, I don’t want her to have to hear any sort of details again and I also don’t want to wake her up.

  “I arrived at the party to find out the scumbag quarterback drugged Serena and tried to rape her. I walked in before he could succeed. You just can’t say anything to her mother. She doesn’t want anyone to know, she probably won’t even be happy if you knew. I think she may be embarrassed because of it,” I say as I am grabbing a glass of milk.

  “That’s terrible. I won’t say anything. She seems like a good friend to you, and I don’t want to ruin that. I’m glad you got there in time. Something like that should not happen to a girl. Something needs to be done. I think the authorities should be called,” he said.

  “We thought of that but since people were drinking there and he didn’t succeed, it’s his word against hers. They may be able to somehow spin it around on her since he comes from a family of money. It’s okay, though. I gave him a good beating so he should know his place not to come near her. I will make it clear at school as well. As long as I’m around he won’t be coming near her. I got her back,” I said with confidence.

  “I’m glad. She’s lucky to have you as a friend. I don’t want to get any phone calls from the school saying you got into trouble. I know you’re a good kid. Don’t let a girl change you around. Why weren’t you sleeping on the couch? You know I don’t want you sleeping in the same room as a girl,” he lectured.

  “I actually was sleeping on the couch and she came out and asked if I could sleep in the same room because she was scared and didn’t want to be alone. I figured with what she went through last night, I would be there for her, so I slept on the floor just so she would know that someone was there with her,” I said.

  “I see the way you look at her. I’m not stupid. I was young once. That look on your face the moment she enters the room….that’s the same look I gave your mother the moment I fell in love with her and every day after.”

  I guess he can see right through me that I really do want something more than just friends with her.

  “Well, we’re just friends. You want something to eat? I think I’ll make some breakfast since she’s still sleeping,” I say as I head to the pantry to see what I can make.

  “Breakfast in bed for the young lady?? And you say you’re just friends. HA!” he laughs at me.

  “Whatever”, I say as a grin forms on my face.

  I grab a pan, some eggs, bread, cinnamon and a bowl. I mix the eggs and cinnamon together and soak the bread in it. I place it in the pan and start frying up some French toast. I start humming a tune as I’m making breakfast. I can’t help but get out of this little happiness I seem to be feeling. I start moving around the kitchen when I hear some footsteps.

  “Someone’s in a happy mood?”

  I turn around and my jaw drops. There’s Serena, standing in front of me dressed in my pajamas looking sexy as hell. Her hair is messy but I love it. No makeup. The just rolled out of bed look. I stand there and just drink her in. She is absolutely beautiful. I have to make the food but I feel as if my feet are imbedded into the floor. I can’t move. I can’t take my eyes off her.

  “Here let me help you with that, before you burn our breakfast and your house down,” she says sarcastically with a smile. I love that smile. I don’t even move as she walks up to me and takes the spatula.

  Now she’s baking with my clothes on. I sit down in the chair before she turns around to see the bulge in my pants. I can’t take my eyes off her as she cooks us breakfast. This is a sight I can sure get used to. She walks in with the food and sits across from me.

  “Breakfast is served. Thank you for cooking and thanks for everything yesterday,” she smiles at me.

  Wow, she is amazing. She seems different. Maybe her barriers are breaking and she’s learning that she can trust me. This definitely feels different.

  “No problem. I figured you would be hungry and you know I always have your back Serena,” I say as I am cutting my French toast.

  “I know you do, but thinking and knowing for sure are two separate things. I know for sure now,” she says. Her eyes have a new sparkle to it.

  We eat our food and head out to the car. I let her in and start the engine. We are on the way to drop her off at Larissa’s. I can feel her eyes on me.

  “We should do something later or tomorrow. Get out of the house. Maybe go for a walk or something.”

  Well that just took a turn. A turn for the better.

  “Yeah that would be great. When?”

  I can’t help but feel ecstatic about this.

  “I don’t know. Maybe later this afternoon or the evening. I’ll tell you what. You decide and text me.”

  I know this is not a date but it seems as if I may have broken down one of her walls or barriers. I couldn’t be happier right now.

  “Ok, will do,” I said as I pulled up to the curb of her drop off point. She leans over and gives me a hug. I want to squeeze her and never let go, but I have to.

  “I’ll see you later. Don’t forget to text me.”

  She raises her eyebrows at me, which was the cutest thing.

  “Don’t worry, I won’t,” I said and I start driving off.

  How could I forget? This is something I’ve been waiting for. I drive home with nothing but Serena and our “date” clouding my brain. I have to figure out where to take her. I want to try to make this somewhat romantic because this may be my only chance to break down her other walls and claim her as mine. I turn the music on full blast, because I am just feeling that much happier. My excitement at full speed as I am anticipating this night.

  Chapter 5

  Serena

  I walk the half block to Larissa’s anticipating what Aiden will come up with. I’ve really grown close to him, especially with what happened last night. No guy has ever treated me like that, been a gentleman, opened doors for me, let alone let me sleep in their bed while they roomed on the floor. No guy has ever saved me and cared enough to sit there with me until I wake up. He is a whole new species, one I’m especially not used to. After last night, I can’t help the anticipation of getting to know him more.

  I walk up to Larissa’s house dressed in Aiden’s clothes. It really just looks like I’m just bumming around in sweats. I knock on her door and a minute later she opens up.

  “Well, well, well. Look at you! You got some didn’t you?” She winks at me.

  “No it’s nothing like that. Since my clothes were kind of ripped and had vomit on it, Aiden told me to wear his clothes.” I knew she was going to think that since I am wearing his clothes.

  “So what happened? Did you sleep in his bed with him?” She asked very suggestively.

  “
No. He was a true gentleman. He let me sleep in his bed and he slept on the floor. He even made breakfast this morning….well, I finished the breakfast otherwise he would have burned it.”

  As soon as I said that, Larissa started busting out laughing.

  “I’m surprised he let you finish after your baking fiasco.”

  She will always bring that up. Larissa and Aiden always tease me about that. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget it as long as I’m friends with them. They will never let it go. But it is funny in a way.

  “Well whatever. I made the French toast perfectly.” I stuck my tongue out at her.

  “Of course. Anyone can make French toast. All you have to do it put it in the pan and flip. What’s so hard about that? Oh, that’s right. That’s all you had to do with the cookies and you burned that.”

  She leans over laughing in hysterics. I’m glad she finds this so funny. I have to find something to get back at her.