Forbidden Love

16

Luna

"...and they lived happily ever after. The end." I look up from the book and smile at Mom. Technically, that's not the end of the book but I end every single one like that. It's a reminder that in the end, happily ever after does exist. We just have to get through all the pain and hurting at first. Mom has already fallen asleep. She was quick tonight, usually it takes her a lot longer to get comfortable enough to close her eyes. I'm glad though because I'm too exhausted to sit here any longer. I need to get some sleep of my own before tomorrow. Jaxon's car isn't the ideal spot—no matter how cozy the pillow thing is.

"Wanna trade?" Corey asks from the door. I've barely seen him since I got back—aside from dinner. I've been in my room writing. Mostly my feelings, but I started plotting out a book too. One that ends with its own happily ever after. One that Mom would love to listen to.

"You sure?"

"Yeah," He walks over as I get up. "Hey, where'd you get these?" He grabs the shades from the top of my head and puts them on himself. "They're nice."

My heart starts pounding. Corey's wearing Jaxon's glasses. I know it's impossible for him to know, but I feel like he does. Jaxon's right, I've become paranoid. "Give them back."

"I don't know, I might keep them."

"Corey!" I complain in a loud whisper.

"I'm kidding," He hands me the glasses. "Calm down." He shoots me a weird look as he sits where I was previously sitting. I turn to leave, but before shutting the door I notice him holding Mom's hand.

Forever a mama's boy.

I'm ready to fall asleep, or even better, fall into another world in a book. My beautiful escape. I take the quickest shower I've ever taken in my entire life and rush into my bed. Once I'm lying down, I finally get the opportunity to shut my eyes...

And then my phone vibrates.

I make a noise in the back of my throat before reluctantly grabbing it. I don't know what to feel when I see that Jaxon texted.

goodnight

Are we sending goodnight texts now?

i cant be nice for two seconds

No, it's suspicious.

And you woke me up.

you text like my mom

Good. I love your mom.

we can trade

My breath hitches. He wouldn't be offering if he knew my mom and all she came with. All the money problems and sleepless nights. He wouldn't do it.

dont forget our deal

ill see you after church for our study date

After I grocery shop you mean?

maybe ill come

ive never grocery shopped with a girl before ;)

And you'll continue never to grocery shop.

wow

do you not want me to come

That's correct.

I'm going with my siblings.

ah

corey

I'll tell him you said hi and that you love him :)

id rather die

but thanks for the offer

Your sarcasm is inspiring.

i know

Goodnight, Jaxon.

night luna

It's not until my eyes are closed and I'm falling asleep that I notice the huge smile on my lips. I tell myself it's because he's stupidly funny and not because I'm imagining him texting me with the same smile on his face.