I nervously knocked on Jake's bedroom door. I hoped Aaron was telling me the truth and Jake wanted me back as much as I wanted him.
"GO AWAY, AARON! I said I don't wanna come out," came Jake's voice from inside.
"It... it's Jane!" I squeaked hesitantly.
The door flung open with lightning speed.
"Janey!" he shouted joyfully and swept me up in a bear hug. I giggled and snuggled into his chest, breathing in his comforting scent.
He softly nuzzled his head against mine, "I thought you'd never forgive me for the way I behaved. I'm so sorry," he breathed out.
"Me too," I replied through a lump in my throat. Tears of joy slid down my face as I relished being in his embrace.
"It wasn't your fault Janey. I was a jerk to you, and my brother was the biggest idiot on the planet," he reassured me.
"I deserve that!" Aaron shouted from another room.
I tiptoed and smashed my lips against his.
"Ouch!" he cried. Shit, I forgot his nose was messed up.
"I'm so sorry!" I yelled.
Jake laughed. I stared at him with admiration. Even with his injuries, he was still beautiful.
"I heard you cried," I smirked.
Jake's expression turned serious. "Men don't cry. So that's bullshit information."
I giggled. "Well, I did. I thought I lost you," I said.
"I love you, Janey," he said and stared at me intently.
"Y...you do?" my voice shook. I didn't realize he felt the same way about me.
"Yes, let's never fight again, okay?" he said gently.
"I love you too!" I screamed. He pressed his lips on mine and kissed me, ignoring his pain. He grabbed my hips and pulled me closer to deepen the kiss.
"Are you two done being cringy? I have to go to the bathroom and you are blocking the way," Aaron said.
"Shut it, Aaron, waifu and I are trying to have a moment," Jake sneered.
Aaron rolled his eyes and kept walking, but he was smiling. I guess he was serious when he said he got over Jake and me dating. At least, I hope so.
Jake wiped my tears away. "Now that we are back together, how about that make-up sex?" he smirked.
"JAKE! Is that all you can think about? I told you I am not ready!" I pouted.
He chuckled. "I am just joking. Unless you want me to..."
"NO!" I laughed and pushed him off.
I've never been so happy in my life. Besides the day I found Frederick's Donuts, that was a different type of happiness. This time it was because I was in love.
"Let's watch a movie together," Jake said.
I smiled and grabbed his hand. "Yes, let's go!"
We made our way towards the living room, and Jake clicked on the TV. He pulled me close to him as we cuddled up on the couch.
"What movie do you want to watch?" he asked, looking through the list of movies on his Netflix account.
"How about a romantic comedy?" I suggested.
"Sounds good to me," he replied, selecting one from the list.
We watched the movie, snuggled up in each other's arms. As we laughed at the funny scenes, I felt like I was living in a fairytale.
As the movie came to an end, Jake turned to me. "So what are you going to do after you graduate?"
I hesitated. I didn't put much thought into it. "I guess I will be going to college."
"Where?" Jake asked. He looked so intense that it made me laugh. "What? Why are you laughing?" he asked, looking at me with confusion.
"Because you look so serious just now!" I replied.
"Yeah, well...I was just wondering because..." he hesitated.
"Because of what?" I asked curiously.
"I was thinking...maybe I will apply at the same college as you," he said.
I pushed him playfully. "Are you trying to stalk me now?"
We both chuckled at my playful remark, but I could tell there was sincerity behind Jake's words. The idea of him applying to the same college warmed my heart, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement at the thought of continuing this journey together.
"That's sweet of you, Jake, but you should choose a college that's best for you," I said, trying to sound practical even though the idea of going to the same college thrilled me.
"I know, I know," he replied, "But I've been thinking about it, and I would like to be there to protect you."
"Protect me from what?" I asked.
"From all the boys who will hit on you and try to steal you away from me," he grumbled.
His words made me smile, and I leaned in to give him a gentle kiss. "Well, if we end up at the same college, I can't promise I won't tease you about stalking me," I teased.
Jake grinned, "Fair enough. I guess I'll have to come up with a good comeback then."
We talked about our hopes and dreams, what we wanted from life, and how we were going to make it happen together. This all felt surreal to me. Was I really making future plans with my former bully?
~-~
The next couple of days felt like a dream. Jake and I stayed together like glue in and out of school.
"Hello! Jane? I was asking you a question," Liliana's annoying voice brought me back to reality as I was sitting in my room, dreaming about Jake and me.
"I love Jake," I said blissfully. I had no idea what question she asked me.
"Yes, I get it. We all do, and it's annoying, but I want you to tell me if you are all packed to go to Grandma's house this weekend?" Liliana asked.
Oh. My whole family visited Grandma in Connecticut at least twice a year. So I guess I was expected to go too. But that would mean I'll be out of state for a week. That also meant I didn't get to see Jake for two whole weeks!
"I don't wanna go," I declared.
"What's going on?" My mom walked in and asked.
"Jane says she doesn't wanna go to grandma's house," Liliana replied.
"We as a family have to go see her, so you are going," my mom said irritably.
Ugh! No!
"What's the issue here?" my mom squinted her eyes at me.
"If she goes, she wouldn't be able to see her precious boyfriend," Liliana rolled her eyes.
"Oh, that's what this is about?" Mom asked.
"I finally got a boyfriend, and you want to separate me from him for two weeks!" I pouted. I know I was being clingy and dramatic, but I didn't care.
My mom sighed. "Why don't you invite him to come with us then?" she suggested.
I brightened up. "Really? I can do that?" I asked.
"As long as you two behave, I don't see a problem," Mom said.
Yes! Things were finally going my way. I get to be with Jake for two weeks! True, my family will be there too, but still! This was going to be the best vacation ever!
I called Jake to give him the good news so he would have enough time to ask his parents for permission.
Luckily, his parents didn't, so they agreed right away.
Later in the week, the most unexpected thing happened. Aaron got a new girlfriend he met in college!
Okay, it was not THAT unexpected. Of course, as a handsome young guy, it was natural for him to find someone else in a short period of time. I only saw her a few times. Her name was Macie, and she had a head full of pretty black hair, full lips, and a great body.
But before you think everything is perfect, let me tell you something. Things turned weird all of a sudden.
It all started when Macie came over one afternoon. Jake and I were hanging out in his room, making out like the horny teenagers we were. You know, the usual.
BANG!
An earth-shattering explosive noise rippled through the air and scared the bejesus out of me. I bit Jake's lips in the process.
"Ouch! You bit me!" Jake cried out and touched his lower lip.
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry! That noise scared me," I said.
"Yeah...what the hell is that about?" Jake said and proceeded to check it out.
Aaron ran out of his room at the same time, followed by Macie. She had a terrified expression on her face.
"What happened?" I looked at them curiously.
"Someone threw a rock at my window and broke it," Aaron said grimly and showed us the rock.
"Holy shit, that's huge! Who would do such a thing?" Jake asked.
"I'm guessing whoever wrote this note," Aaron said and handed us a piece of paper.
The note said to break up with Macie, or there will be a problem bigger than this rock.