Planning on Forever
Barnes & Noble Edition
* * * *
Planning on Forever
Copyright © 2012 by Ashley Wilcox
Preliminary edits done by Ashley’s Freelance Editing
Final edits done by Jennifer Roberts-Hall
Cover designed by Okay Creations
Image provided by ©FuzzBones
Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the above author of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
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Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
– ALEXA –
Double checking myself in the mirror, I make sure that my hair is perfectly curled and that my makeup is perfectly applied. Dressed in my favorite mini skirt and printed cami top, I walk out of my bedroom to grab a latte and bagel from the kitchen before driving to school.
I arrive at the school parking lot and my face immediately brightens when I see Collin. Unlike most juniors who aren’t given a parking pass, being captain of the cheerleading squad and dating the senior star quarterback has given me some benefits.
“Hey, beautiful,” Collin whispers in my ear, helping me out of my car.
“Hey, yourself,” I reply, snuggling under his arm.
“So what's on the agenda for tonight?” Matt asks. “And Collin, you’d better not say you have plans, because I’ll beat that lover boy grin right off your face...no offense, Alexa.” He’s wide receiver of the football team and Collin's best friend since elementary school. They met during pop warner football when they were five years old and have been each other’s sidekicks ever since. Collin looks at me with an arched eyebrow, knowing we already have dinner plans with my parents tonight.
“Babe, it's okay. Have fun with your friends. It's your last day of high school,” I say with a smile.
“You're amazing. How did I get so lucky?” He smiles back at me, squeezing me closer to him.
Just as I lean in to give him a kiss, something wet hits me on the leg. Looking down, I see that my leg has a huge red mark on it.
“What the hell?” I yell, noticing Collin's friend, Travis, standing there with a bunch of water balloons.
“Sorry, Princess, I was trying to hit Prince Charming. Chill out, it's just water,” he replies in his cocky voice. And that's Travis, my least favorite friend of Collin's. Like Matt, he’s known Collin since their pop warner days. You can label him as the dysfunctional friend.
“Why do you have to be such a dumbass?” I ask, throwing my hair behind my shoulder. I turn to Collin, “I'm going in, are ya coming?”
After shooting Travis a dirty look, Collin grabs my hand. “Yeah, let’s go.”
This day is not going how I envisioned. Today is supposed to be fun! It's the last day that we'll all be at school together and I want it to be free of drama, especially because I'm already slightly annoyed that I have to return for another year of high school without Collin. During my freshman year I was stricken with mono. I missed so much school that I was held back and required to repeat my freshman classes.
We walk through the front doors, hand in hand like the power couple we are. Heads turn and people whisper as we walk by, just like any other day. Collin has that “All American” look that you cannot help but drool over. He has brown shaggy hair that goes every which way, beautiful caramel eyes, and the most amazing muscular body. Every girl’s dream guy. We stop by my locker to grab my books before Collin walks me to my homeroom.
“I'll see you in a little bit, beautiful,” he says, pausing to give me a quick peck before heading to his classroom.
– COLLIN –
Being the last day, all the teachers are laid back and handing out random papers and test scores. Before I know it, the bell rings, and my years of high school are officially over.
Turning the corner to our lockers, I take a minute to admire Alexa as she packs her things. She is one of the most beautiful girls I have ever seen. With long blonde hair, amazing green eyes and a perfectly cut little body, she is the complete package; probably the sweetest girl you'll ever met. She's the first girl I ever loved and the first girl I ever slept with.
I was approved for a football scholarship at St. John Fisher, a little over an hour away from Syracuse. Next year is going to be crazy, not seeing her every day. We’ve never discussed what is going to happen after I leave; we’ve just brushed it aside, trying to avoid it.
“Hey,” I say, coming up behind her and kissing her neck. She turns around, wraps her arms around me, and gives me a puppy dog look. Leaning in, I bite her bottom lip, making her laugh. “Stop pouting, I’m not leaving yet,” I tell her, knowing that she is sad that our last day of school together is over and I’ll be leaving soon.
“I know, I know...I think it's just starting to hit me,” she says with a sigh.
“Everything will work out, I promise.” Kissing her forehead, I lean over to pick up our bags before walking out the school doors one last time.
– ALEXA –
My junior year is officially over and the next time I walk through these doors, I will be a big, bad senior. I should be overly excited about this, but the thought of walking through these doors without Collin next year makes my stomach turn. Although things will be different, I know everything will be okay; it’s not like he’s going to be across the country. We can easily visit each other on the weekends. I’ll be busy with cheerleading, school, and my part-time job. We love each other; I just have to keep reminding myself of that.
“There he is, the infamous Collin West, making his final walk down to the parking lot,” Matt jokes as we approach them in the lot.
“Yeah, bro, we are done with this place,” Collin greets Matt, doing their little hand shake they do.
“So you still down to go celebrate, buddy?”
Although the question was directed to Collin, they all look at me for confirmation that I'm okay with it. I would love to say no and keep Collin all to myself tonight, but to avoid being labeled “The Ball and Chain” I agree that it’s fine.
“Yeah, yeah,” I say, rolling my eyes. “Just try not to get into too much trouble, will ya?”
Squeezing me into his side, Collin kisses my temple in appreciation.
“You better make this up to me tomorrow night,” I whisper in his ear.
Looking down at me with hungry eyes, he whispers back, “Oh, you can count on that.” and then gives me a long kiss.
“Shit, dude. Do you guys need some alone time before we leave?” Travis interrupts.
Pulling awa
y from me Collin smiles. “We'll finish this tomorrow.”
As he jumps into his car with his friends, I sigh softly to myself. How that boy can leave me weak in the knees with just one kiss, I will never know.
Finding myself alone on a Friday afternoon, I decide to stop by my best friend’s house. Amanda and I have been best friends for years, and unlike my more reserved attitude, Amanda is crazy and definitely lives life to the fullest.
“Hey hot stuff, no Collin today?” Amanda greets me, standing at her front door.
“Nope, he's with the guys doing who knows what.” I hate that I sound so pathetic. When did I turn into this love struck idiot?
“Well, go grab one of my bikinis and get your hot ass by the pool. We can have some cocktails.” I look at her skeptically.
“Oh relax, Miss Goody Goody. They don't have any alcohol in them. I just wanna try out my mom's new smoothie machine.” I laugh because I know if she had it her way, they wouldn’t be virgin cocktails. Must mean her parents will be home later; they’re involved with a million different committees and are out at fundraisers and dinners almost every night of the week.
– COLLIN –
Driving away from school for the last time, I put the top down on my new Mustang, a graduation present from my parents. I am ready for the next chapter. We decide to take advantage of the beautiful day and kick off the summer with a barbeque at Travis's. Travis lives with his mom in a small, three bedroom ranch, a little outside of town. Working two jobs, she’s rarely ever home, making his house the perfect place to hang out at. He also has an older brother, Troy. Even though Troy is three years older than him, they could pass for twins, giving Travis access to the perfect fake id.
“Alright dudes, time to make a beer run. What are you ladies drinking today?” Travis jokes, collecting money from everyone.
“Only the good stuff, buddy. Go big or go home. We need to get our livers ready for college!” Matt shouts.
As the rest of the football team starts to pile into the backyard, I start the grill and throw on a bunch of burgers and hotdogs. Feeding a football team is quite the production. We call it a barbeque, but to anyone else it would be considered a feast.
“You ready for this buddy? The next chapter?” Matt asks, joining me by the grill.
“Yeah, man. I am more than ready.”
“So, what's up with you and Alexa? You guys plan on staying together when we leave?”
That has always been the plan. Well, it has always been the unspoken plan. But how am I supposed to juggle college life and a serious girlfriend? I’m going to be crazy busy with school and football...How will Alexa fit into that? With Friday night games and Saturday morning game review, coming home will be impossible, but I can’t expect her to come out every weekend, either. Is this really what I want? Will I look back one day and realize I missed out on the best years of my life because I was tied down to one girl?
“That's the plan, I guess…” I reply, not very confidently.
“Well, you have all summer to figure that out. She is a pretty awesome girl, but you only live once; you have to enjoy it while you can.” Matt picks up three hamburgers and two hotdog rolls. “How’re those burgers coming, buddy? I didn’t get this big just looking at food.”
“Pull up your skirts, ladies. The party has arrived!” Travis walks in the back yard carrying three cases of beer, with four girls in bikinis trailing closely behind; these girls did not leave much to the imagination with their wardrobe selection. Travis really knows how to pick them; one girl is carrying two bottles of some kind of liquor and another is carrying three two liters of cola. Tonight is definitely going to be interesting.
– ALEXA –
“This is my summer right here. Drinks, Cosmo girl, sun, and pool. Maybe I'll throw a hot little summer fling in there somewhere, too,” Amanda giggles, lying next to the pool.
“Yeah, I could get use to this.”
“Well, you know where to find me. We should hit up that new downtown club at some point. You only have to be eighteen to get in, and I hear there are some smoking hot college guys that go there,” Amanda says with a wink.
Giving her a skeptical look, I laugh. “Um, yeah...no thanks. That's all you.”
“Oh, come on. Just because you have a boyfriend, doesn't mean you can’t have a little fun. Live a little for once.”
Hanging out in a club with a bunch of sweaty people grinding on each other, practically having sex on the dance floor, is not exactly top on my list. Besides, I’m pretty sure Collin wouldn’t be too thrilled about it either. Something tells me I would not get the stamp of approval on this one. “We'll see,” I reply just to get her to shut up.
“So, what's up with you and lover boy? You guys plan out what you are going to do when he leaves?”
“We haven't really talked about it but we'll stay together, obviously.”
“When I go off to college, there is no way I’m going tied down to some guy. Good for you two, but no way!” Amanda makes it sound like staying together is an awful thing to do but I know it’s the best decision for Collin and I.
The only decision.
We spend the next two hours basking in the sun, drinking girly drinks, and learning the top ten ways of pleasuring your man this summer, compliments of Cosmo. I decide that I should probably get ready to go so I can meet up with my parents for dinner. Knowing that Amanda has a zillion bikinis, I don’t bother returning the one I’m wearing. Instead, I just throw what I wore to school back on over it.
“Hey, don’t worry about the whole Collin thing. You guys are disgustingly perfect for each other,” Amanda sweetly says.
“Thanks. I’ll talk to ya later,” I reply, before making my way to the front of the house.
Driving into the parking lot of the restaurant, I notice my parents standing by the entrance waiting for me. Well, waiting for us, but Collin had other plans tonight.
“You told him he could go, Alexa, stop being so pathetic.”
“Hi, honey. How was your last day of school?” my mom asks, greeting me outside of our favorite mom and pop restaurant.
“It was good, no different than any other day, I guess.”
“Where's Collin, I thought he was coming out with us tonight? I brought his scrapbook I’ve been working on,” my father asks, disappointed to see me alone.
Collin is the son my father never had. He has followed Collin's high school football career ever since we started dating. He’s never missed a game and has collected all of his newspaper clippings. To say that my father likes Collin is an understatement.
“He’s with all the guys celebrating. I think I would’ve been labeled the world’s worst girlfriend if I had made a fuss over it,” I tell him, not being able to help the annoyance in my voice.
I wonder what they’re doing? I never care when it's just Collin and Matt hanging out, but when I know Travis is with them...well, you never know what can happen. Not that I’m worried about Collin being unfaithful. He’s never given me any reason to not trust him; I just don’t trust Travis.
“Well, it is pretty exciting to be done with high school. Tell him we understand, and that we’ll meet up with him another night. We should plan a little summer trip before he leaves for school. Why don't you look at your work schedule and figure out a weekend that works,” my mom adds, before we make our way into the restaurant.
– COLLIN –
After six beers and three rum and cokes, I’m feeling pretty good. Thinking back, I can’t remember the last time I’ve drank this much or had this much fun. Travis set up a beer pong table and I’ve been partnered up with one of the girls that Travis picked up at the liquor store. Her name is Nicole. She has jet black hair barely touching her shoulders, the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen, and tan legs that go on forever. To say she is good looking is an understatement; she gives sexy its own definition. Thankfully, she’s good at beer pong too, because I’m starting to feel the effects of the sun and alcohol and I don’t think I
can stomach one more shot of beer.
Before hurling everything I’ve consumed this afternoon, I decide after our fourth consecutive win, to excuse myself to get a glass of water. Putting an arm around Nicole's waist, I whisper in her ear, “I'll be right back, don't go anywhere,” before disappearing into the house. Stumbling through the back door, I catch myself from falling on the counter. I down two glasses of water and stand there for a minute, trying to compose myself. Realizing it is getting late, I decide to text Alexa so she doesn't get worried. Although we usually call each other before going to bed every night, I don't think that would be such a great idea given the state that I’m in right now. Deciding to text her instead, I grab my phone from my pocket.
Just as I shut my phone, I hear someone coming in from the backyard. Turning the corner, I see Nicole standing there with her hand on her hip.
“You comin’ or what? I was beginning to think you were ditching me.” she asks, acting annoyed.
Fuck me, she’s hot.
“Are ya kidding, ditch the hottest beer pong partner ever? I don’t think so, sweetheart.”
Alexa! Alexa! Alexa!
If Alexa saw me right now, she’d be pissed and the thought of her acting like this with some other guy, makes my temperature boil with anger. Oh, but the things I’d do to Nicole if I could. Shit, I’m getting hard just thinking about it.
Not good; this is not good at all.
“Well, come on then,” she says, grabbing my hand and pulling me outside.
Our barbeque has become a full blown party with people that I’ve never even seen before.
“Yo dude, this party is rockin,” Travis says, draping his arm on my shoulder.
“Yeah, no shit.” I toss a ping pong ball at the two pixie cups remaining on the other side.
“Stop distracting my partner,” Nicole jokes after I miss both cups.
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