«Johnny, I have to go» I giggled while he nibbled at my neck, as we lay on his bed tangled in each other's arms. «Nooo don't! Stay please» he whined immaturely, causing me to laugh to myself as I put my top back on.
We both stood up facing each other, our faces inches apart, when a sudden erupting sound of the door opening made us jump startled.
«What are still doing here you have practice» his step-father scolded aggressively. «I'm sorry sir, it's my fault, I was just going» I apologized weakly. «Shut up! Just leave» he attacked.
«Hey, don't talk to her like that!» Johnny barked before his stepfather landed a hard slap on the back of his head. I yelped frightened and shyly looked up with terror.
Johnny offered me a frail look, and lowered his head, «I'll call you, just go» he mumbled before I hurried outside, while their arguing voices faded behind me.
I walked down the block with my arms tightly crossed, lost in my thoughts. I knew Johnny wouldn't allow anyone to walk over him, and to see him so defeated made my heart ache with worry and sadness.
Ever since the discussion with my mother, I haven't really talked to her or my father, and that's why I was so taken aback when I met them sitting together in the kitchen with scheming looks on their faces.
They didn't notice me at first, as they were bickering under their breaths. I was greeted with excessive enthusiasm, which made me quirk up an eyebrow suspiciously, as my mother pushed me to sit at the table.
«I'm sure you remember all about my business trip to Irvine, don't you Y/n?» my father begins. I reminisce through the memories of that night when Johnny surprised me by showing up at my doorstep, causing my cheeks to assume a slight red tint.
«Well, we happened to have encountered a new corporate member on our stay, and we went all night talking about you» he proceeds confidently. I cock my head to the side suspiciously, unsure about what toll the conversation was going to take.
«Mr. Frazer also has a son, and he is also seventeen, just like you» he appealed while exchanging a knowing look with my mother. «We thought, that it would be nice if you two met each other, go on a date maybe. I think you will like him a lot. He's superbly smart, serious, determina-» he rambled snobbishly.
«You have to be kidding me!» I cut him off heatedly. «I can't go on a date with this guy» I fumed. «Oh, you will. They're in town for a few days, I invited them to the country club tonight» he disclosed presumptuous.
«Well have a good fucking time, because I am not coming!» I hiss tempestuously. «Watch your tongue, young lady. You are coming, and you are going to make the boy enjoy himself. End of discussion» he commanded.
«You always said boys were a waste of time, and now you're forcing me to go out with a fucker who I don't even know!» I yell exasperated.
«He is a good kid, not like those idiots you hang out with! Don't you think your mother told me about the other night? Showing up here so loudly, driving recklessly, probably drunk or high, or who knows what else!» he accused while pointing his finger at me aggressively, making me clench my fists. «Charles has got a bright future ahead of him, he already got into Stanford, and that is because he knows better than to sleep around or barge in every night, making a mess!» he shouts, giving me a nasty look.
«Right, I should've fucking known! Of course, he's going to Stanford! Is it so hard for you to let me make my own choices for once in my life? Everything I do, everything is for you: I study my ass off, I quit cheerleading, I'm going to go to fucking Stanford and become a lawyer! Has it ever crossed your mind that I don't care about any of these things? At least my friends make me happy! Don't you wanna see me happy?» I break down, waving my arms in the air maniacally.
My father stepped closer to me, and watched over me coldly, as streams of salty tears poured from my eyes. «You look like shit. Get changed, you have one hour. And you better lose the attitude, before I make you» he concludes stiffly, scanning me up and down. I give my mother one last look of betrayal before running to my room and slamming the door behind me violently.
-
«Ah! Marcus, it's so good to see you» my father exclaimed while exchanging a fraternal hug with Mr. Frazer. Behind them appeared a boy with long slicked-back hair and a kind smile.
His narrow eyes lit up when he caught me staring and he hurried down to greet me. «You must be Y/n! I heard so much about you» he flattered before taking my hand and kissing it elegantly.
«It's nice to meet you, Charles, right?» I ask unsure, observing him attentively. He nodded in approval and looked around at the people walking inside. «Uh, shall we go inside?» he offered nervously and I agreed before leading the way.
I sat bored and inspected the other tables, noticing a few familiar faces. «So, Charles, you must be really looking forward to Stanford» my father comments while giving me a scowl. I stared back at him briefly before chugging down the wine in my tall glass uninterested.
«Y/n what about you, have you started filling out the applications yet?» Mr. Frazer asked. I put my glass down and inhaled sharply with my eyes closed. «Forgive me, I'm gonna go get some fresh air» I excuse myself and head outside, trembling on my shaky knees.
I took a lingering look at the golf course, the night breeze carried the scent of freshly cut grass, and the distant laughter of the guests inside seemed distant. A soft melody floated through the air, reminding me of the days when life was simpler, and I had yet to face the weighty decisions that lay ahead.
The thought of growing up weighed heavily on my mind. My parents had always envisioned me attending Stanford, following in their footsteps to continue the family legacy. I had always admired my parents and respected their success, but lately, a part of me longed for something different, something that was uniquely my own.
As I gazed up at the stars, memories of the past months replayed in my mind. That night at the beach, when Daniel had just moved and everything was still so carefree and thoughtless. I thought of Johnny and the way it all began and I couldn't help but chuckle. The conversation we had on our first date hadn't left my mind since then. He had been able to see through me and had been the only one to make me feel like my dreams could actually become a possibility.
I thought of the times we had spent together, and of the tingling feeling I felt every time I saw him. The stolen kisses in the school's empty corridors and the shared glances during class, I knew one thing for sure and that is that I never wanted this to end.
Feeling a gentle touch on my shoulder, I turned to see Charles standing beside me. «Sometimes I wish life could be as simple as it used to be,» I croaked.
Charles smiled softly. «Life is never truly simple, but it's about finding what truly makes you happy. You have to decide for yourself what matters most.»
I looked at him, standing solemnly under the dimmed lights, looking out ahead of him with his hand in his pockets. «Come with me» I whispered.
We sneaked over the pool fence, the water reflecting the moon's light. I smile to myself remembering the times when Susan, Ali, Barbara, and I used to hide every time our parents dragged us to the club, secretly drinking or smoking and exchanging secrets only to never mention them ever again after those rebellious nights.
