Crush: Part 1

Chapter 1

Ellen POV

“Who are you staring at?” my friend Victoria asks me. I've been staring at this girl all day. We have most of the same classes so it hadn't been that easy to not look at her. Right now we are in the cafeteria having lunch when I zoned out.

“Nothing. Just staring into space” I see how she throws her head back laughing at something the girl sitting next to her said. I wish I was the one making her laugh that hard. I came to realize she will never see me as something other than a classmate.

“Elleeeeen, hello you in there?” I'm in deep thought and try to brush them away before she notices something is up.

“What's up?” I simply say.

“What's up with you today, you're in your own little word. Can you let me in?” Victoria is a childhood friend but this I've kept it to myself only.

“It's nothing important. You have to stay for training today?”

“Ugh yes. Our coach is being hard on us for our next game. We are up against last year's champions and they are really good” she complains to me while I try not to look at the beautiful girl a couple of tables in front of me.

“I'm sure you will win. The soccer team is really good this year” I focus back on our conversation.

“Yeah our striker is amazing. Coach Smith says she's the best he's ever seen here” I know who she's talking about. Portia. I sigh and glance once again at her. I've had this crush on her for almost two years now. I never built up the courage to say hi to her. If I had I would probably be her girlfriend instead of that girl that makes her laugh all the time.

“She is, I have seen her play. When is the game?” I will go to just see Portia. I can't help but smile when I see her.

“This Saturday. You will come right? I'll try and see if I can get you to be down on the field with us instead of the bleachers”

“You can do that? In that case I'll go for sure” my excitement pours out of me. I feel eyes on me, when I try to find who is looking at me I find Portia giving me a confused look. I blush and look away instantly a smile forming on my lips.

“I don't promise anything but I'll try and let you know on Friday alright?” I just nod and get my backpack on as it's almost time to go to our next class. Before the bell rings I steal one last glance at Portia and yet again I find her looking at me confused, like if she's in deep thought. I notice how her girlfriend is trying to get her attention and I smile when she doesn't succeed.

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“Coach said you can come down with us as long as you behave, also said you can come for future games if you like” Victoria tells me as we try to find somewhere to eat our lunch.

“Thank you so much. You are a lifesaver” and I throw my arms around her abruptly nearly knocking down our trays full with food.

“Didn't know you would get that excited” she tries to say while I hug her tightly this time after we had taken a seat.

“It sounds fun. Plus I get to see you play…” I don't know if I should tell her about my crush. If I don't she will eventually find out and she will get angry at me telling me I don't trust her enough to tell her about it. “...and someone else…” I finish my sentence.

“Someone else? Ellen you like one of the girls?!” she shrieks and I have to put my hand over her mouth so she shuts up.

“Umm yeah...I have a crush on someone of the team”

“Who? Since when? Why you didn’t tell me? Talk!” she shakes me by my shoulders.

“Stop yelling at me and I will tell you woman” she finally closes her mouth and waits for me to tell her all the details. “I didn’t tell you because I don’t know, anyway, I’ve had this crush for almost two years.”

“And? It’s ok I want to know who it is. Tell me, curiosity is eating me alive, do I know her? Is it someone we talk to?”

“I wish… No I’ve never talked with her, maybe you have since you are on the same team”

“Don’t worry, we’ll figure something out to put you out of your misery. Who is it?” she insists.

“Portia” I whisper more to myself.

“Oh my god I’m sorry she has a girlfriend Ellen, must not be easy for you” right when she says that they both walk past us holding hands. I try to look away but my eyes are stuck on their hands, how much I wish I was the one holding her hand.

“No problem. So, are you ready for the game tomorrow?” I try to change the subject even though it somehow is still connected to Portia.

“Yes I think we have a possibility of winning. Do you want my mom to pick you up on our way to the game?”

“Yeah thank you I don’t think my brother will want to take me and my parents are out of town”

“You have to be ready by ten though. I have to be there early for warming up and other things before it starts. You can come with me or stay with my mom” I groan internally, I am not a morning person, specially on the weekends.

Chapter 2

I hesitate to wake up at nine in the morning. I just want to roll over and fall asleep again. I went to bed after one in the morning but couldn’t fall asleep until two hours later. I kept thinking about Portia, she is in a relationship but I can still be friends with her right? Mulling over this I still couldn’t muster the courage to talk to her, I want to talk to her without me having a nervous breakdown.

I stay in bed ten more minutes before I finally decide to go shower and have breakfast. I hear a knock on the door and find Victoria with her mom waiting in the car. I didn’t have time to eat so I grab a banana and follow her to the car.

The drive to the soccer field was quiet. I knew she wouldn't bring up Portia in front of her mom but I was still dreading when she would. I get too shy and start to stutter when I get anxious, it's very annoying. When we arrive I follow her to the locker room and sit on a chair feeling awkward.

“Listen up girls!” their Coach stands in the middle of the room “today we are up against last year's champions. Doesn't sound like an easy game but I want all of you to have fun. That's why you play for after all right? Winning is just a bonus. If we win or lose it's ok what matters is that you give everything on that field.”

Everyone hurdles away to change into their training clothes and I wait for Victoria by the exit before they start. I look to my right and find Portia changed already and sitting on a bench in front of I suppose her locker like if she's lost. I want to talk to her so badly, I don't know about what just anything to finally have her attention. Right when I'm about to take a step towards her Victoria tugs at my arm.

“Why you do that?!” I raise my voice and she instantly lets go of my arm. I take a deep breath, I'm annoyed at her, angry I must say. Right when I finally had made up my mind and talk to her something had to happen.

“I'm sorry? Didn't meant to upset you Ellen...”

“No I'm sorry Vicky. It's just that I wanted to talk to her, I was about to when you pulled me” I say and look back at Portia.

“If you want I can introduce you later-”

“I'll love you forever if you can do that for me” I interrupt her hugging her so tight I think I broke one of her ribs.

“El- Ellen I can't breathe-” I hear her struggling to get out of my grasp and I let go before she faints from lack of air.

“Will you really do that for me?”

“Of course. Just be aware that her girlfriend might come and she is the jealous type. I don't mean the cute jealous either”

“Don't worry. Even if we only say hi I'll always be grateful to you” I pull her in for a hug “I hope she doesn't think I'm crazy if I start to stutter…”

“All you have to do is say hi Ellen, the rest will come naturally to you”

“No Vicky you don't get it. I've known her since forever and have never spoken to her. I get all mushy inside when I see her, imagine if she talks to me” I hear myself and it sounds ridiculous.

“Awww so cute you are. You would make a cute couple. I think you'll look better with her than that girl she calls girlfriend” I blush and look away, at that moment Portia walks past us, stops a few steps ahead turns to look at me and gives me a smile. I cover my face with my hands to hide my excitement and the huge smile that formed on my face.

“Oh god she smiled to me-” I hear Vicky giggling behind me but I don't care I'm too happy, this has to be a dream “Vicky pinch me, did that really happen?” I turn to see her and put my arm out so she pinches me.

“El you have it hard…” she just shakes her head and pulls me with her. We walk together out to the field, we go our separate ways when her coach blows his whistle signaling the start of the training. I sit on the ground and just watch how they individually work on their exercises. For the most part I just stare at Portia, at this point I think it started to be creepy but I can't help it. My attention is always drawn to her.

Chapter 3

An hour and a half later Vicky finally comes to where I'm sitting and lets herself fall to the ground closing her eyes. Not wanting to bother her I do the same, we lay there for about ten minutes until she breaks the silence.

“Do you want me to introduce you now or later after the game?” she asks sitting up and crossing her legs.

“Umm… I- I don't know…” dammit why does Portia make me feel so nervous all the time.

“Ellen” I look at her and she puts her hand on my knee “do you want me to introduce you now or later?” she asks again.

I sigh and mutter “...now…”

She gets up and offers to pull me up. As we are walking towards Portia I'm having second thoughts, my hands are all sweaty, my stomach feels really weird. The worst thing that could happen is for me to get sick in front of her and with the luck I have I would die of embarrassment.

When we are a few feet away from her the girl comes running to her and jumps on Portia wrapping her arms around her neck. I feel my heart sink to the pit of my stomach. Portia holds her tight around her waist and spins around making her girlfriend giggle.

Vicky tries to pull me away but I'm glued to my spot. I don't move a muscle I just stare at them. I know I need to walk away from this scene but I can't. She keeps tugging at my arm to follow her, to at least make me look away but I don't. Portia finally puts her down and kisses her. Suddenly I feel jealous, I want to be the one Portia is kissing, I want to be the one hugging her, I want-

“Ellen! Let's go” she stands in front of me blocking them completely. “Come on, I'm starving let's go get a snack” unwillingly I let her pull me this time, I walk backwards my eyes are locked on them as they make out. I finally look away when Vicky stops and I bump into her making me take my eyes off of them.

“Are you ok?” I ask grabbing her hand before she falls to the ground.

“I’m fine, the question here is if you are ok. I shouldn’t have pressured you I’m sorry” I turn to the direction where they were but they are gone. I look around but there is no sign of them.

“Let's go grab a snack I’m hungry I didn’t have breakfast today” I change the subject. She takes the hint and doesn’t bring it back again. In the back of my mind Portia was still there, kept thinking of her all the time. At times I would zone out but Vicky didn’t say anything about it and I’m so grateful for that.

“What are going to do tomorrow?” she asks as we walk back into the locker room.

“Nothing, I don't have anything to do”

“Do you want to go watch a movie with me then?”

“Yeah sure why not” I need to do something to take Portia out of my head.

“Great. I have to go change for the game you can wait here if you like” she grabs her backpack and walks away from me. I decide to wait outside close to the exit and lean against the wall.

The game was amazing, Portia was amazing yet again, our team won by one goal. Vicky helped in scoring those two goals, she plays really good too. Both times that Portia scored her girlfriend was there and kissed her as in congratulating her. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at their actions, truth be told I would do the same if Portia was my girlfriend.

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I’m getting ready for Vicky to come pick me to go to the movies as we had planned. I hear the honk from a car and peek through the window to see who it is. I see Vicky’s mom waiting patiently as I make my way to the car and sit beside Vicky.

“What movie are we going to watch after all?” I ask when we are close to our destination.

“I have no idea. We can decide once we see what they show today.” I get out of the car and wait for Vicky who is telling something to her mom.  “Come on, let’s pick one and I go get the tickets while you go get snacks” we decide on a comedy and I make my way to the concession stand.

“I hope these are enough” I mumble as I try to put the change into my pocket. I almost drop the popcorn and the drinks when I bump into someone. “I’m so-” my voice hitches when I see who I bumped into.

“No it’s my fault I’m sorry I wasn’t paying attention” god she is beautiful this close. My mouth is completely dry, I can’t seem to form a sentence. “Aren’t you the girl that was with Vicky during the game?” she adds and I just nod.

“Hey baby ready to go in?” her girlfriend wraps her arm around Portia’s waist. Luckily Vicky comes and saves me from this awkward situation.

“Ellen come on the movie is about to start” she takes her drink from me.

“Hi Vicky” Portia says and hugs her. “Not sure if you’ve met but this is Rachel, my girlfriend” great now I know her name, it was better when I didn’t know it. On impulse I pull Vicky with me without saying bye or anything and neither do I care I just wanted to get away from there.

“Ellen-”

“Don’t Ellen me, I see them together everyday in school, now here too?” I hissed.

“We came to the movies Ellen. What you expect? To find no one here? This is a small town you can find anyone anywhere, stop being so freaking jealous” she storms through the door leaving me alone outside the theatre.

I finally walk inside and the movie had started also I didn’t know where Vicky was. I squint my eyes and make my way when I find her. To make the night worse they had to be in the same row just a few seats away from us. I clench my jaw and plunge into the seat nearly knocking down the popcorn I was still holding.

During the movie I couldn’t help but look at them every few minutes, I tried to pay attention to the movie but I just wasn’t able to. At one point they started to make out, I cursed under my breath, why me? Then Portia caught me and she stared at me for a few seconds before Rachel took her attention away from me. I hated this night, I hate having this crush, I hate everything and everyone.

The movie finally is over and I get up immediately before even the lights come back on. I rush to the bathroom and lock myself in one of the stalls to try calm myself before my tears spill out. I open the door and walk to the sink to apply cold water on my eyes, I don’t want Vicky to ask if I’ve been crying.

“Are you ok?” my head snaps back up and see Portia’s reflection on the mirror. I nod and walk to dry my hands and my face. “Are you sure?”

“Y-yeah” I sigh exasperated at myself “th-thanks” I try to force a smile. I can’t be angry at her, it’s not her fault she’s beautiful and I fell for her. I walk out without turning back and start searching for Vicky. I want to go home and sleep. This weekend was too much for me.

Chapter 4

A week has passed since that horrible weekend. My mood has been up and down, I get angry easily for no reason. Vicky has started to avoid me and that hurts, she is my best friend and I don't have anyone else to rely on or to tell my things to that I completely trust.

“Vicky wait, I'm sorry I've been a jerk lately. Please forgive me…” I say before she walks away from me.

“Yes Ellen you have” is all she says and makes her way through the crowd of students. Dammit how will I fix this now. After school I promised myself I will do anything for her forgiveness, until then I have to stop being so grumpy.

I'm in my last class of the day, it's just art and it's very quiet usually because we have to concentrate on what we are supposed to be doing. Since it's Friday and this whole week we had been working on a small project and I finished it early I can just sit and relax. I sit back on my chair, throw my head back and let my hands dangle by my side.

“Hi” I hear someone say when I have my eyes closed. I groan mentally at who is bothering me, I prefer to be left alone right now. I open my eyes slightly and straighten up right away.

Did I fall asleep and I'm dreaming or is this really happening? “Your name is Ellen right?” I nod. “Thank god I got that right. I knew I had seen you somewhere else.” I smile. My voice seems to be gone. “Cat got your tongue?” she banters.

“Ummm-” god can't I disappear now “I- I remember you too” I start to hyperventilate.

“From last weekend right? At the movies?”

“Yeah. I was with Vicky” I'm hot all of the sudden so I take my jacket off, I’m surprised I haven’t started to stutter as I always do around her.

“Did we bothered you? You seemed upset about something…” oh no why she had to bring this up.

“I honestly don't remember now. You seemed to enjoy the movie” what the heck am I saying, can't the floor just swallow me.

“Uh yeah- yeah it was great…” she fumbles with her hands “do you play soccer?” she changes the subject.

“No. I'm awful at sports although I like them. You were great in the last match” my hands are all sweaty and cold but my face feels like it’s burning.

“Thanks. It was all Vicky, are you and her umm you know?” I try to get what she is trying to say but I'm lost.

“What?”

“Are you a couple?” my eyes widened. “It's none of my business I'm sorry I asked.”

“It's alright and no she is my best friend but right now she is angry at me”

“If you like I can help with that. Come to our training after school alright?” in my head I obviously take it as something else and a broad smile forms on my face. I’ve been waiting patiently for the class to finish, I can’t wait to find out what idea has occurred to her. “Come on we can walk together to the field” I have tried to keep it cool since we started to talk but it’s just not that easy. We walk side by side and make small talk about anything, well she talks I just nod or shake my head. How much I wish I could hold her hand right now.

“Umm how exactly will you help me?” I can see Vicky in the distance talking with other team members, I really do hope she forgives me, she didn’t deserve the way I treated her.

“Don’t worry about that Ellen, just follow my lead” I have a feeling I’m going to embarrass myself in front of Portia. “Hi guys, when is coach coming?”

“Hi Vicky” she ignores me and I sigh.

“He said he can’t make it but he sent his assistant coach” Vicky answers Portia’s question. Some girls have started to practice by themselves or in groups of two. I am guessing they both will practice together but instead just stay there and watch the other girls.

“Aren’t you going to practice Vicky?” I ask even though I know I will get no response.

“How have you been Portia?” Just as I thought she ignores me completely, doesn’t even acknowledge that I am here.

“What’s wrong with you two?”

“Nothing, what are you talking about? Come on let’s practice” she takes a ball and waits for Portia to join her.

“Come back here” annoyed Vicky comes back “are you angry at Ellen?”

“She’s been a jerk to me all this week. How not to be angry?” she snapped.

“I’m sure she didn’t meant it Vicky come on forgive her” Vicky rolls her eyes.

“No”

“Fine then. Let’s do something, we play a game of two teams. Ellen with me and you with whoever you want. If we win you forgive her” my eyes widened in shock, I don’t know how to play. This is going to be so embarrassing, I will make a fool of myself.

“Sounds fair” she grins and calls a girl over who I’m guessing will play against us.

“Alright Brooke and Shelby will be our goalkeepers, they are not in any team they only stop goals. The first ones to make three, wins. Deal?” I shake my head but don’t say anything. I don’t want to make Portia look bad or hurt her feelings, she is only trying to help after all.

“Ellen when I give you the ball just run alright? When I say pass give me the ball, there is nothing to worry about. Go over there to the left side” she says and I do as I am told. Portia passes me the ball and I freak out. I try to run but trip over the ball and Vicky takes it from me, dammit. I try to catch her but fail she is too fast, Portia does get the ball and gives it back to me. I ran a few feet when she tells me to pass it to her and she makes a goal, without warning she runs to me and throws her arms around me, instinctively I wrap my arms around her waist. So many times I’ve wanted to do that and finally I get the chance to do it, my heart will explode from so much happiness. “Even if we lose she already forgave you” she says as we part.

“How do you know that?”

“Trust me” she winks at me and I almost die. My whole body is still tingling from her touch and now a beaming smiles stretches across my face. I turn to Vicky and she gives me a thumbs up.

We have been playing for almost 30 minutes and my stamina is all but gone. I’m having trouble breathing and I can’t run anymore, it’s 2-2 one of us just has to make a goal for this to finish. Portia gives me the ball and I give it my best to run a little bit more until she tells me to pass. Right when I think my feet will fail me she tells me to pass and she scores the winning goal. For the third time Portia throws her arms around me and mine go to her waist, I spin us around a few times and when I put her down I swear I could feel the air leaving my lungs when I heard someone yelling.

“What do you think you are doing with my girlfriend?!” Rachel shouts making me take a few steps away from Portia. I glance towards Rachel and she has this deadly glare that makes me want to run away. So that is what I do, I grab my backpack and walk away with Vicky hot on my heels calling after me.

Chapter 5

Portia POV

“What the heck is wrong with you Rachel?!” I’m furious right now, I’ve had enough of these little scenes. Every time they just get worse.

“What did I do?! I wasn’t the one all over that girl!”

“What the hell are you talking about? I wasn’t all over Ellen!” I throw my hands in the air exasperated.

“Why were you hugging her then?!” she puts her hands on her hips and taps her foot on the ground.

“We were- You know what, I had enough of your jealousy. I am out, we are over!” I make my way through the girls that gathered to witness this absurd exchange of words. I do the same as Ellen did, I grab my backpack and try to walk away as fast as possible from this.

“Portia wait!” I hear Rachel calling after me “you weren’t serious right?” she pulls my arm.

“Oh I was. We are over, I’ve been wanting to break up days now but I didn’t have the courage to do so. Now that I did I never want to see you again” I try to pull my arm out of her grasp but her grip tightens “you are hurting me-” she takes a deep breath and loosens her grip.

“Look I’m sorry, please forgive me? It won’t happen again I promise, give me one last chance”

“No Rachel this time you crossed the line, I can’t deal with this all the time” I lower my gaze to the ground, I’m interested in someone else and if I let that slip she will be a nightmare to deal with.

“Last time I do this, it’s just that I can’t stand another girl being close to you” I shake my head and laugh sarcastically.

“That’s bullshit and you know it” I hope Rachel didn’t push Ellen away from me, I want to be friends with her, maybe even more than that if it even goes that far.

“This isn’t over Portia” she warns me.

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“Hey what are up to?” I ask James, my best friend, through the phone. It’s Sunday and I really want to do something to get things out of my head.

“Not much, you?”

“Same, I was thinking if maybe you wanted to do something? I’m going crazy in here, please save me” I almost beg him and he laughs.

“What’s wrong? If you like we can go for a coffee and you can tell me”

“How about you come over and we have a coffee here?” he lives just a block away so it wouldn’t take long before he is here.

“Sounds good I’ll be there in five” I get up from my bed and walk downstairs to wait for him, not even five minutes pass when there is a knock on the door.

“That was faster than usual” I say stepping aside so he walks inside.

“Well you did ask me to save you so here I am” we head to the kitchen and make a cup of coffee for both of us. “So, what is it that is bothering you that much?”

“Girls”

“Really? I should know from experience shouldn’t I?” we laugh and I shake my head “Is it Rachel again?”

“Yes and no. I broke up with her”

“Seriously? It was time Portia, she is not the girl for you” I sigh and take a sip of my coffee “believe me when I say the one for you is out there, you just have to keep looking.”

“I know James it’s just that I’m worried about Rachel, she is not going to let this go, she did a scene in front of my teammates just because I was hugging Ellen and-”

“Ellen? Who is that?” I smile and blush when he asks. He laughs as he noticed my reddening face.

“Umm a girl...” I say softly looking down at my cup of coffee “at school.”

“Do I know her?” I shake my head “you like her don’t you?” I nod biting my lip. “Well? Are you going to ask her out?” my head shots back up.

“No- I- I don’t know” I get up hastily and go to the living room. I let myself fall on the couch and he does the same, we stay in silence.

“First I have to meet her and see if she is worthy of you. Then you can ask her out, only then” he pulls me into a hug and I smile thankful for a friend like him.

“She is amazing but I do not know if she is gay James, what if she isn’t?”

“And maybe she is Port, ask a friend of hers maybe they can shed some light your way” Vicky came to my mind right away, Ellen said they are best friends for sure she can tell me.

“Her best friend is a friend of mine too, you did save me after all, thank you” I smooch his cheek loudly and he laughs. We sat there until he had to go back home, he asked a lot about Ellen and I told him everything I knew about my crush. All he did was nod or smile as I rambled on.

Chapter 6

“Hi” I sit next to Ellen in math class, which I didn’t know we had together.

“Uh hi” she mumbles and looks back at her book.

“How have you been? How was your weekend?”

“Boring... you?” she still doesn’t look at me, it’s probably because of what happened on Friday, I sigh.

“Same, look if I’m upsetting you let me know so I don’t bother-”

“No it’s- it’s Rachel, I don’t want trouble ok?” her blue eyes stare deep into mine with disappointment.

“I um- I broke up with her…” she relaxes her shoulders and smiles at me.

“Good for you? That’s your business I’m sorry...”

“And apparently the whole school’s too” this morning when I walked inside everyone was giving me weird looks and were whispering as I walked by. James maybe knows what’s going on, I made a mental note to ask him later.

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know what is going on but I think I’m the gossip of the school, I get weird looks all the time” I look behind me to prove my point.

“I wish I could tell you but neither I know, just ignore them” she smiles again and I feel butterflies.

“Class quiet down get back to work” Mr. Anderson addresses the class.

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I’m standing by myself waiting for the school bus to go home, all day my classmates have been muttering and laughing at me. I know that because I’ve heard my name in their gossips. I see Vicky walking towards where I am, I think I will ask her about Ellen.

“Hey Vicky” I call out when she stops a few steps away from me. Confused she looks around until she finds me and comes to stand next to me.

“Hi Portia!” she hugs me “how are you?”

“Been better, look I want to ask you something” I get to the point right away.

“Sure, what’s up?”

“Is Ellen gay?” I don’t hesitate to ask and it seems to have startled her.

“Portia listen, that is something that only she can answer. You have to ask her that personally, I’m sorry” she holds my shoulder and gives me an apologetic smile.

“Come on-”

“Port!” I hear James shout interrupting me. I laugh when he stops midway but I beckon him to come and say hi to Vicky so I can introduce them.

“Vicky this is James, my bestie, and James this is Vicky, Ellen’s bestie” I see how his confidence crumbles down when she looks at him, I can’t help but roll my eyes.

“Don’t be rude James say hi to her” I tease him.

“Hi…” they shake hands and I giggle behind him.

“Nice to meet you but I have to go, Portia ask her alright?” we hug before she gets on the bus.

“So Ellen is the one with short blonde hair and blue eyes that dresses like a boy?” I glare at him “she’s gay for sure Port” I hit his arm for being rude.

“Stop being rude you jerk, just because she dresses like that doesn’t mean anything. Stop assuming things just because society has made you think that way” I lecture him and he just smiles like if he doesn't care about anything that I'm saying. “I'm being serious James be nice.”

“I was just teasing-” I hit the back of his head “ouch that hurt! Stop hitting me woman” he laughs. “All I'm saying is that I think you do have a big chance to captivate Ellen with your charm. She's pretty also” he gives me a wink and I blush.

“Yes she is very pretty so even if she isn't gay you stay away from her” I poke his chest making my point clear to him.

“She's not even yours yet and you're already jealous. Nice” he smirks and yet again I blush hard.

“Stop being an idiot. By the way since you're popular between the girls can you tell me why is everyone talking about me?” I lean against the wall and his smile fades away.

“Well…” he takes a deep breath “Rachel told everyone she dumped you because you were cheating on her” my eyes widened in shock. Everyone in the team saw what really happened but apparently no one has tried to defend me.

“What?! That little-” I hit the wall with my fist “that is not what happened! There is witnesses, you know I wouldn't do that James...” I start to cry and he wraps his arms around me.

“I know Port, I'm sorry this is happening” he rubs my back as I sob into his chest. “They'll get tired of it and let it die but for now just ignore them.”

“That's what Ellen said but it's not easy, Rachel warned me it wasn't over but I didn't actually think she would do anything”

“She's being immature about this Portia, what's best to do is ignore it” I wipe my eyes and pull him for a hug “okay, okay that's enough hugging” I laugh.

“Thank you, I love you” I mumble against his chest and he kisses the top of my head.

“I love you too Port.”

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The next day I have to endure the same whispering and looks as I walk by, this really does hurt. I find Ellen and Vicky standing by the library so I make my way to them ignoring the rest of the students.

“Hey, do you mind if I take Ellen from you?” I say to Vicky interrupting their conversation. Ellen gives her a look as if pleading to not leave us alone.

“Yeah no problem” she leans over to Ellen's ear to whisper something, looking at me she nods. “See you later during practice.”

“So how are you?” I cross my arms over my chest and lean my shoulder against the wall.

“I'm fine and you? She said you have something to ask me…”

“Yeah umm- I was wondering if this gossip going around has affected you, you are the last person I want to be involved in this mess” why did I not man up and ask what I really wanted to ask, dammit.

“Uh no-” she looks around at the other students staring at us “I don't even know what it is about.”

“As long as you don't get involved it's ok” I give her a smile, I could be mistaken but I think she blushed. I take a deep breath and ask what I really wanted to ask “Ellen, are you gay?”

“I- uh-” she fumbles with her hands “I can't answer that, it's just that we just met and well...” she looks down to the ground “why you ask?”

“My friend James thinks you are because of how you dress and I want to prove him wrong that clothes has nothing to do with it”

“James? James the football player?” my heart sinks at her reaction, could it be that she has a thing for him? My hearts breaks when I remember him admitting that she is pretty. “I’m sorry it’s just that I’ve noticed that Vicky stares at him at times and well he’s popular” I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, my hope in that she might be gay is there so I might still have a chance with her.

Chapter 7

Ellen POV

I get home after a long ride on the bus still shaken by Portia’s question. I do not know why I didn’t answer honestly. It’s not that I’m hiding it or that I’m ashamed of it, just no one in school knows that about me. I don’t want to run the risk of being bullied for being gay, Portia is gay and everybody seems to accept it but she is quite popular for being in the soccer team. In the other hand I’m a nobody in school, no one really knows me, to them I’m Vicky’s friend and it has never bothered me when I know I can count on her for anything.

Letting myself fall onto the sofa I groan when the phone rings “hello?” I answer it when it has rung more than five times.

“Hey how did it go?” I recognize Vicky’s voice.

“How did what go?”

“Come on Ellen don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about”

“You are so annoying, who told her I could be gay anyway?”

“She asked me and I told her to ask you, shouldn’t she know in case she likes you?” I snort rolling my eyes even if she can’t see me. It would be amazing if she liked me but that’s just wishful thinking.

“No I didn’t tell her I’m gay before you say anything, I know I should’ve told her but I couldn’t, the words wouldn’t come out”

“Well I think she likes you Ellen, did you know James Morgan is her best friend?” a smile creeps up my face at what she just said. I unintentionally ignore her question.

“Woah wait- why do you think she likes me? She told you?”

“Of course she didn’t I’m just saying based on my observations” she always has to leave everything halfway when I want her to tell me everything.

“Observations? Vicky just tell me, I’m dying here”

“Last Friday when we had that little game she couldn’t take her eyes off of you, she had her arms around you every chance she got. Did you not notice?” I can’t help the blush that creeps up my cheeks and smile like an idiot remembering that amazing day.

“You’re hallucinating Vicky, I wish it were true but it’s-”

“I know what I’m saying Ellen, trust me. Now let’s move on before you get all sappy, did you know James Morgan is her best friend?” she repeats her question.

“The football player? The one you like?” I tease her.

“Is it that obvious?”

“No but I know you for too long to notice, you should tell Portia to help you with him”

“How about I get him to help you with Portia”

“Portia, I mean Vicky I have to go, see you at school” I stumble over my words when my mom comes through the front door.

“Who is Portia?” she asks innocently.

“Um no one, how was work?”

“Ellen, who is Portia?” repeating her question I look down to the floor “oh you like her don't you?” I nod biting my lip. “No need to be embarrassed honey it's ok to have a crush”

“An impossible crush mom”

“Nothing is impossible, have you tried talking with her?” Portia is the one who has made a move to talk to me, I think I should make an effort to talk to her even if I get anxious.

“Not really…”

“Well you should darling, you may not have another chance with her if you don't take advantage of it now” she goes to the kitchen leaving me alone with my thoughts before I decide to follow her.

“I don’t know how to talk to her, I get all shy when she looks at me”

“That’s normal Ellen, you just have to go for it if you really like her” I do like her, a lot so maybe she is right after all.

“Ok let’s say I talk to her, what if she doesn’t like me?”

“Then you’ll learn a lesson from it honey, in order to find out you need to speak up. You need to let her know your feelings, if not then you may lose your life’s happiness” I listen carefully to what she says and as I thought, she is right. Portia is maybe the one.

“You always know what to say, thank you” I pull her for a hug “since you are in such a great mood, can you buy me something everyone at school has?”

“We are talking about a cellphone right?” I nod hoping she’ll say yes.

“Just think about it, what if I get Portia’s number. I don’t want you eavesdropping on me while I talk with her” she laughs out loud which maybe what I said worked.

“I’ll think about it alright?”

“I’ll help you do chores, cook or whatever but please?” I beg her giving her my best puppy dog eyes.

“You promise?” I nod “alright we’ll go tomorrow-”

“Can we go now? It’s still early” I look up to the clock on the wall hoping she’ll say yes. “Please?”

She sighs giving up “you are helping me cook dinner tonight.” I run off to the living room to get her purse and her keys, I could hear her laughing at me from the kitchen.

----------------------------

Who would know that cooking could be this tiring, I groan when I lay down on my bed, everything hurts. I close my eyes for a few seconds and feel myself drifting away into a deep sleep. Completely forgetting about my new phone I roll over and take it from my back pocket, deciding to make a prank call.

“Hello?” Vicky answers.

“Is this Victoria Parker?” I make my voice deeper trying to stifle my laughter.

“This is she, who is this?”

“I’m a friend of James, just wanted to let you know that he likes you”

“What?!” she shrieks making me pull the phone away from my ear.

“He likes-” I can’t keep up with the prank and I burst out laughing when all I hear from Vicky is ‘oh my god, oh my god.’

“Ellen! Is that you?!”

“Yes-” I continue laughing “I’m sorry- I just had to- don’t get angry Vicky”

“I’ll get you back, you’ll see” she giggles “where are you calling me from by the way?”

“My phone, I convinced mom into buying me one”

“Finally, maybe now you can ask Portia for her number” I bury my face into my pillow probably blushing.

“You for sure have it, can you give it to me?”

“No can do, you my dear friend, have to ask her to give it to you”

“Vicky come on, I’ll do your homework for the next two weeks but please?” I try to bribe her but I know it’s no use.

“No Ellen, this will help you get more comfortable in making conversation with her. I said it once and I’ll say it again, she likes you so just go for it. Talk to her” now I have two people telling me to talk to her, to get over my shyness and go for it. It’s just not that easy.

“Fine. I’ll sleep on it and maybe go for it tomorrow. See you, goodnight”

“Trust me, you won’t regret it. Goodnight Ellen.” jumping out of bed I walk to the closet to look for some pajamas and get ready to sleep, I don’t know what I’ll do tomorrow but I’m already dreading it.

Chapter 8

Entering the school I make my way through the hallways to the same spot Vicky and I hangout with other students before class begins. It's odd when I don't find her anywhere, I thought of calling or sending a text but shrugged it off when I see Portia walking through the door. I decided I would not be shy anymore and I would talk to her today, maybe even get her number if I don't back down.

“Hi Portia” I say before she walks past me.

“Hey Ellen, how are you?”

“Now I'm great, you?” I smile and she smiles back giving me butterflies. I stuff my hands in my pockets so she won't notice how nervous I actually am.

“Same, did you know we have most classes together?”

“I do, you just noticed?” it sadness me that she hadn’t noticed me before.

“You’re very quiet Ellen that’s why, you know we should sit together now”

“What? Won’t your friends get upset for sitting with me?”

“Why should they, you are my friend right?” I nod smiling widely. ‘I want to be more than friends Portia’ I say to myself. “We’ll sit together then” we slide down the wall to sit and our shoulders touch sending a shocking sensation through my whole body.

“You do like to read do you?” I point at the books she has in her hands.

“Yeah relaxes me after a long training session or a game, and you like to draw from what I’ve noticed” she doesn’t ask, she says it as if she had known it time now. Turning to face me she smiles that beautiful smile of hers. “You seem to relax me too-” she blushes looking away immediately and I giggle.

“Why are you blushing?” I tease her even though inside I’m dying from what she said, could it be that she likes me back?

“I’m not blushing Ellen and stop giggling” she hits my arm playfully. Our History teacher comes to open the door and we walk in, I head to the back of the room with Portia behind me.

“You look very smart carrying those books around”

“Look who’s talking, the one who wears glasses” I chuckle and she takes them off of me to put them on. She looks incredibly sexy wearing my glasses.

“You look nice with them-” I quickly bury my face in my hands as I’m sure I am blushing hard

“So do you Ellen” I look up to her and she puts my glasses back on, her hand lightly touches my cheek I close my eyes relaxing to her touch, I could feel my heart beating really fast and I snap my eyes open coming back to reality.

“How is it that the most popular guy is your best friend?” I change the subject and try to make our conversation going even though all I want is to talk about her.

“He’s like a brother to me, I know him since we were kids. I think he has a crush on Vicky”

“And I think she does on him, don't you think they should make a move?” this somehow resembles my situation with Portia. If she does like me, like Vicky said, then she should make a move or I should make it.

“Yeah but he's shy and maybe Vicky doesn't think he likes her or vice versa” she thinks I don't like her, oh how wrong is she. The teacher begins the lesson interrupting our conversation. While we were doing our assignment Portia kept looking at me making me nervous and I wasn't able to focus on the assignment even if I wanted.

“Can you help me with this?” I use that as an excuse for her to move closer to me. I rest my head on my hand while she tries to explain to me, I only stare at her lips, I just can't help it.

“Are you paying attention Ellen?” she puts her hand on top of mine taking me out of my daydream.

“Of course I always pay attention to you”

“You liar” she laughs but I was being serious, my attention will always be hers no matter what. “Do you want to come to training after school?” she asks out of the blue.

“As long as you don’t make me play like last Friday”

“Come on it wasn’t that bad, plus we won”

“Well I tripped over the ball in case you forgot, that was so embarrassing I’m sure you laughed at me and we won thanks to you” I turn in my chair forgetting about our assignment.

“I didn’t laugh at you, I laughed with you”

“And that makes me feel all better” I hit her leg lightly and we giggle. The rest of the classes I could care less what the teachers were trying to teach, all I cared about was that Portia was by my side and I had her full attention today.

----------------------------

Walking out of art class together we make our way to the soccer field. This day has been the best day of my life, it could only get better.

“Looks like I was wrong, tomorrow we have training not today” she sighs walking to the bleachers and I follow her.

“Let's go home then”

“No let's play just you and me” she smirks taking the ball she brought juggling it a few times before beckoning me over. “Try that” I hesitate but the pout she gives me changes my mind.

“Don't laugh” I try to pick up the ball with my foot the way she did but fail. I tried few more times before I give up, immersed in still trying to show her that I can do it I didn't notice she was giggling at me and I give her a hurt look.

“What?”

“You laugh at me” I tease her giving her a pout pretending to be hurt.

“Aww come here” she wraps her arms around me and I feel like I'm in heaven. Her embrace is so warm and caring, I could be in her arms forever. Pulling away she didn't let go of my hand and I didn't want her to either. Her hand is very soft and it fits well in mine. She tried to teach me how to juggle the ball before we both give up after a couple of tries.

“I'm impossible aren't I?”

“No Ellen it just takes a lot of practice, if you want I can teach you a thing or two so you don't trip over the ball again” she banters and I hit her arm playfully. “That hurt-” I do it again softer this time “ouch stop it” she laughs running away and I chase her until I'm out of breath.

“Wa- wait- st- stop” I bend over trying to catch my breath.

“Here drink this” I take the water bottle sitting down on the grass with her doing the same. It's now or never, I take a deep breath before speaking.

“Can I- umm have your number?” my hands are sweating like crazy, my heart begins to race again. I look down at my hands playing with the cap from the bottle trying to avoid her eyes.

“Ellen?”

“Hmm?” I don’t look at her, I keep staring at my hands.

“Look at me” when I don’t do as she says she lifts my head with her finger under my chin “don’t be nervous, I won’t bite you. Give me your phone” I hand it to her with no hesitation making her giggle. “Will you call me tonight?” she mumbles.

“Do you want me to?”

“Of course, I would love to wish you a goodnight” from my chin her finger moves along my jaw giving me goosebumps, I close my eyes when her thumbs caresses under my left eye. I open them to find Portia closer to my face, I don’t know why but I pulled back and I instantly regret it. An awkward silence falls between us, in my head I’m trying to find a way to save this but my mind is a mess. All I can think of is her lips so close to mine then I ruin it by pulling away.

“I- I think I should head home now” I get up to find my backpack and much like last Friday I walk fast away from the soccer field. I’m angry at myself for being such an idiot, I probably hurt her feelings and that makes me want to cry mostly from anger. I don’t know if I should call her tonight or pretend this never happened. I don’t know what to do.

Chapter 9

I thought of calling her then changing my mind, this kept going on for about two hours until I decided to call her and apologize for being rude. I press the call button and start pacing my room, it rings a few times and she answers as I was about to press the button to end the call.

“Hello?”

“Hi it’s me, Ellen. Look I’m- I’m sorry about before- I- I didn't-” I start to stutter but she interrupts me.

“Don’t worry about it, I shouldn’t have done that”

“I didn’t know if to call you or not but you told me to-”

“And I appreciate it, now I have your number too” she says softly. I lay down on my bed once I’ve relaxed, I don’t want to hang up yet, I like talking with her over the phone.

“How can I make it up for you?”

“Hmm let me think” there is silence for a few seconds “how about we have a sleepover here at my house over the weekend? You invite Vicky and I'll get James” today I didn't see Vicky at all I'll ask her tomorrow at school.

“That sounds like fun, I'll ask her tomorrow. So are we ok?” I ask carefully closing my eyes hoping that we are.

“Of course Ellen. Did you do your homework or need help again?” the way she says ‘help' makes me think that maybe she figured it was just an excuse for her to be closer to me earlier today.

“I- no I- wasn't able to get to it” I could hear her laughing through the phone, a smile formed on my lips at the fact that I'm the one making her laugh now.

“I'm just teasing you but if you want tomorrow before school I can help you with it”

“I would appreciate it a lot, are we- are you going to sit with me again?”

“Now that’s the best part of going to school so yes we will sit together from today and on” I couldn't help the huge smile plastered on my face at her words, if only I was brave enough to ask her out.

“I like sitting with you” I mumble barely audible.

“What was that?”

“Uh” I clear my voice “ that I should probably let you go to bed” ‘nice save Ellen’ I say to myself.

“I am already in bed I was just thinking…”

“I'd like to know about what but maybe it's personal so I won't ask unless you want to tell me, if not then it's ok” I start to ramble and even if she can't see me I blush. Again I could hear the beautiful sound of her laughing, my heart soars of happiness.

“Soon you will know about that but now it's time to sleep so Ellen goodnight and I hope you have a wonderful dream with angels and everything” she chuckles.

“Goodnight Portia, sweet dreams” I was about to blow her a kiss through the phone but stop before I do it, she might think I'm weird. I wiggle myself out of my clothes while laying on my bed, I am just too lazy today to go find pajamas so I decided to sleep in my underwear.

----------------------------

“Hey, did my plan of disappearing yesterday worked?” Vicky calls me very early disrupting the amazing dream I was having.

“Good morning to you too”

“Did I wake you up? I'm sorry just wanted to know how yesterday went” I still haven't woke up completely and I'm utterly confused.

“What-” I try to stifle a yawn “what are you talking about Vicky it's too early for me to think” I still could sleep for one more hour if I hang up soon.

“Portia. Did my plan work and you spent all day with her or did you blew it up?”

“What plan?”

“Girl wake up and go get a cup of coffee” I lay flat on my bed and groan when I stretch my body, I reach over to the nightstand looking for my glasses to turn the tv on and see if with that I can wake up.

“I'm up now explain what plan are you talking about” I sit up on my bed covering my mouth as I yawn again.

“About Portia Ellen come on wake up. Yesterday I disappeared so you would spend the day with her. You didn't mess it up did you? Please tell me that me missing school was worth it”

“It was” I giggle biting my finger nail.

“You got her number?”

“I did I called her last night” I sigh as I remember our chat last night.

“Oh what happened to the shy Ellen huh?” she teases me and I roll my eyes.

“Well she told me to call her so I did. Since you were so kind to wake me up I have an invitation for you”

“Invitation? For what?”

“Portia’s house over the weekend for a sleepover. Please say yes” I plead her, as a little joke I won't tell her that maybe James will be there too.

“What do I get if I say yes?”

“You get to make your best friend the happiest girl in the world” she laughs “and I might have a surprise for you but please?”

“You are bad at giving surprises but since I'm a great friend I'll go with you. Just don't smooch in front me, deal?” I could feel my face burning with embarrassment at her words, I would love for Portia to be my first kiss.

After hanging up my sleep was completely gone so I decided to shower and make breakfast for mom and me, I'm in a great mood after all.

“Oh someone woke up very happy. To whom do I owe this?” mom walks in the kitchen making fun that I'm awake making breakfast when I'm usually still in bed. “Is it Portia?” she teases me.

“Stop making fun” I'm blushing hard for sure “just felt like waking up early…”

“Well if this is going to be an everyday thing I could definitely get use to it” I roll my eyes nudging her shoulder making her laugh. We have breakfast and make small talk until it's time for me to catch the bus.

Portia POV

Walking down the sidewalk to James's house I start to daydream about Ellen and I being a couple. About how I would hold her hand everywhere we go, kiss her any time of the day for no reason but just because I felt like kissing her. I sigh pushing away my daydream and knock on the door.

“Hey Port” we hug and I walk inside to say hi to his parents who were on their way out “would you like some breakfast?” he offers me and before I answer he places a plate with pancakes in front of me.

“Thank you, I have an invitation for you”

“What's that? Is there something I get for saying yes?” he smirks taking a bite of his pancakes.

“Hmm you get to spend the weekend with your best friend, doesn't that sound fun?”

“There's more to this and I'll get it out of you” he smiles and I feel a slight blush coming up my face. We continued to eat and by the time we were done it was time to go to school otherwise we would be really late and probably get in trouble. I get in his car hoping he will wait to ask what I know he will ask.

“Will you say yes or no?” I ask when he stops at a red light.

“Yes because I have an idea of what it is about” he pats my thigh “is it this weekend?” I nod looking straight ahead “you are lucky your mom will be out town then.”

“That’s why it has to be this weekend”

“You know I’ll help in what I can, you want me to ask her out for you?” he turns to face me with his smug look.

“No I can do that myself, I have to know if there is a slight chance she likes me first”

“That’s easy Portia, just go up to her and ask. Get a grip of those pants-” he looks at me a few seconds before he continues “or that dress and give her a kiss she will never forget” he laughs at his own little joke while I roll my eyes.

“You had to be a boy” I grunt hitting his leg “yesterday I was about to kiss her but she pulled away” I look out the window remembering how much it hurt she rejected me.

“Thanks to that I’m a boy I can tell you that if she ran away is because she likes you, she just wasn’t expecting that” I squint my eyes not believing what he says “was she nervous? did she stutter when she talked?” I nod “she likes you, believe me.”

“You can’t even tell when someone likes you so no I’m not buying anything you said”

“Someone likes me?” he raises his eyebrows and I just nod teasing him “who?”

“You are a boy remember? Find out” I return his smug look laughing out loud when he tucks his tongue out at me.

“Fine. Even if you are mean I will offer you to pick up Ellen, your future girlfriend”

“She is not my girlfriend” he looks at me as he knows I haven’t finished talking “yet” I blush hiding behind my backpack.

“Oh Portia, Portia” he chuckles shaking his head.

----------------------------

Walking into school I go on my search for Ellen. I told her I would help her with her homework but that is more of like an excuse to be near her as long as possible. Yesterday I wasn’t able to have lunch with her but today that’ll be a different story. I walk to the same spot she was the day before and find her sitting on the floor leaning back against the wall drawing on her notebook unaware of her surroundings, quietly I walk to her and sit beside her.

“Hey ba- Ellen”

“Hi Portia” I sigh in relief thankful she didn’t notice what was about to spill out of my mouth.

“Had a good night sleep?” in the outside I might seem confident but inside I’m crumbling whenever she is around me.

“I was having this amazing dream but Vicky woke me, you?”

“I did too, so will you come to our sleepover? Did you ask Vicky?” I move closer to her, our shoulders almost touching I could feel the heat coming from her body.

“Y-yeah, I didn’t tell her about James though”

“I didn’t tell him about Vicky either” I take any confidence I have left and reach up to her face with my hand on her left cheek “eyelash” is all I say as I wipe softly under her eye. She’s so shy it’s adorable.

“Th-thanks” she mumbles “you look nice today, I like your dress” she tries to look me in the eyes but looks away blushing, her ears turning bright red.

“I like your style too, how about we do that homework?”

“Yeah this time I do need help”

“Yesterday it was just an excuse then?” I tease her, her face starting to turn pink.

“Um yeah, I- I like when you talk and I can just listen, I like your voice” she keeps looking in her backpack emptying it in front of her. She rushes through the folders looking for that one paper she’s so clumsily searching for.

“Ellen” she stops when I place my hand on her shoulder “relax, take a deep breath and let it out” she does as I said relaxing more with each breath she takes.

“You just- you make me very nervous and-”

“You do too, just breathe alright?” she nods leaning back against the wall while I look for that damn paper “here” I hand it to her making sure I brush my hand against hers. We sat there until it was time to go inside for our lesson. All day today I couldn’t take my eyes off of her, the way she fixed her hair today made her look even more sexy if that is possible. I wanted to run my fingers through her short soft hair, play with the ends at the back of her neck, it was rather hard keeping my hands to myself.

Chapter 10

It’s finally Friday the time I’ve been waiting for impatiently since, well since yesterday but it still felt like an eternity. Today after school James and I will go pick up Ellen for our sleepover. I’m really hoping this goes as I planned in my head.

“Ellen, later don’t forget we will come pick you up” I tell her halfway through our art class.

“I’ll be ready don’t worry” she gives me one of those smiles that have captured my heart.

“Don’t worry about Vicky she knows where I live so she will meet us at my house”

“I can’t wait to see her reaction” she giggles “and to spend some time with you too...” she says softly looking back at her drawing.

“Me neither, what do you want us to do? Watch movies, play games or do homework?”

“Homework in a sleepover? You must be crazy” she shakes her head “we can do anything you want, I'll do anything you want” her blue eyes stare into mine and I almost forget my name.

“Homework will be a good excuse for me to be closer to you if you need help” I wink making her blush as usual and I giggle causing her blush to deepen.

“If you were Vicky I'd say you are annoying but you are Portia which makes you so very interesting to me” it's my turn to blush “and I wouldn't mind your help” she flashes me another smile and I forget how to breathe for a moment.

“You can have my help any time you want” I whisper leaning closer to her.

“I- um thank you”

“I won't eat you don't worry, I have a couple of movies we can watch. I promise I'm not boring”

“You- you never bore me” I like when she stutters, it's her being herself and that makes her even more compelling to me.

‘You have beautiful eyes by the way, I really like them. I had never seen such blue eyes’ did I say that out loud or think it? She covers her face with her hands and I chuckle “what are you doing?” I try to pull her hands away.

“Hiding my red face, I can't help it when you look at me like that”

“Like how?” I rest my elbow on my desk leaning my head against my hand.

“Stop you're making me nervous” she giggles putting her head down in between her arms, I hope I didn't upset her.

“I can't help not look at you like that Ellen, I'm sorry”

“I'm not upset Portia it's just embarrassing when I look like a tomato”

“Well a cute tomato then-” why would I say that, why the most cheesy thing had to come out of my mouth.

“On Monday we are starting a new project based on what I've been trying to teach you this week so I hope all of you, especially you Brian, paid attention the whole week” Mrs. Martinez says and I'm very thankful she interrupted me. She walks to her desk as the bell rings signalling the end of the lesson.

Ellen POV

I get up throwing my backpack over my right shoulder waiting for Portia to come so we walk together to the bus section. How much am I into her that I actually liked she called me a cute tomato?

“At what time will you come by?” I ask trying to make a conversation with her before we have to part.

“Around six? I have to clean my room, I can't have you come over and have a messy room” I smile at the fact that she will clean just because she invited me over.

“I wouldn't mind, my room is messy too”

“Maybe one day I'll get to see your room” unexpectedly she hooks her hand around my arm as we continue to walk down the hallways of the school, I could see other students looking at us but I ignored them, she was certainly worth the looks.

“Do you cook and we get to help or are we going to have junk food for dinner?” I turn to see her only to find her looking at me already.

“No but we can order pizza or if you know how to cook I'll help you”

“I can't cook for the life of me so unless you want me to poison you let's better have pizza” she laughs hitting my arm lightly.

“Don't you help your mom cook?”

“Well now that I made a deal with her yes but I only cut up what she gives me”

“A deal? You have to tell me about that” she tilts her head raising her eyebrows.

“I promised if she bought me a phone I would help with the chores and the cooking so…”

“I see, you bribed her” she giggles.

“Me? Noooo I don't know what are you talking about” I shake my head trying to keep a straight face but fail when she bursts out laughing throwing her head back. Like that one time she did when I was staring at her in the cafeteria, only difference is that now I'm the one making her laugh that hard.

“You're funny” I was so happy at that moment, happy that she was this close to me, that she laughs when I say silly things, that I finally had gotten over my worry of her never seeing me as something other than a classmate which she didn't even acknowledged existed.

“I'm glad someone appreciates my funniness” I don't even think that's a real word.

“I prefer to call it silliness” she winks at me, I could feel my heart racing and my stomach full of butterflies. I don't want her to leave but she bus she takes has arrived. “On the day that I don't want it to come early it does” she sighs “is it allowed to take another bus?”

“I'm not sure, why?”

“So I take your bus and go with you”

“You want to ask before you get in?” I will explode from happiness if she comes home with me. She walks to the bus but doesn't go in, I can see she is asking the driver and he shakes his head. The disappointment was evident on her face when she was walking back to me.

“I can't go with you but I'll see you later alright?” she pulls me for a hug which surprises me but I react and wrap my left arm around her waist. If only I could kiss her lips goodbye.

----------------------------

I rush to my room emptying my backpack from the school books and replace them with the clothes I will take to Portia’s house for the weekend. I make sure I don’t take silly pajamas, I wouldn’t want her to laugh at me and embarrass myself again.

Time seems to stop as I wait for Portia to come, I made sure I texted her my address correctly. Twenty minutes ago she said they were on their way, I don't live outside of town for them to take long so it's possible they got lost.

“Ellen will you sit down? You'll make a hole on the floor” mom says patting on the sofa next to her. I reluctantly sit down and start drumming my fingers on my thighs, I'm going to go crazy from being this nervous.

“Do you think they got lost?”

“Relax honey, they'll be here any minute now” I lean back against the sofa trying to focus on whatever she is watching at the moment but it's rather difficult. I let my mind drift off thinking about this week at school, how nice it was to get to know Portia a little bit more. Next weekend there is another soccer game and I think I will go and cheer for her, a smile forms on my lips at my idea.

“Ellen? Darling is that the famous Portia?”

“What are you-” there is a knock on the door and my mom gets up to open it as I’m still trying to figure out what she said.

“Does Ellen live here?” I hear Portia ask my mom when she opens the door, I instantly feel butterflies flying everywhere in my stomach.

“Yes please come in” they come into view and I’m glued to my spot, I try to stifle a smile but my gaze drops to the floor when she flashes me a smile. Can’t I ever not blush when she looks at me? “She has been waiting impatiently for half an hour now” I pull my backpack and hide behind it.

“Mom!” I groan embarrassed that Portia has to hear that.

“It’s the truth honey, now please take her because she will drive me crazy one of these days” I hear both of them giggle when I hide behind my backpack again.

“I would love to hear about that” Portia teases, I’m sure I look completely red.

“She hasn’t stopped talk-”

“Mom!” I interrupt her before she says more “she doesn’t have to know about that” I mumble looking down at my hands.

“Alright, alright I won’t talk more” I sigh in relieve when she changes the subject, I look at Portia as she tries to hide her grin behind her hand. “I’m Betty, her mom as you heard.”

“Nice to meet you Mrs. DeGeneres, I’m Portia”

“Call me Betty and I’m very aware of who you are Portia” she winks at her and I jump to my feet, mom is just teasing me and she is loving every bit of it. I can see it in her eyes.

“That’s enough of chit-chat, see you Sunday mom” before she says more than she should I pull Portia with me towards James who is probably tired of waiting for us. I stop and walk back to her and kiss her goodbye.

“Be careful and behave, be a good girl Ellen” I nod hugging her, I always behave, I’m too shy to cause any kind of trouble anyway. Joining Portia who was waiting for me by the door we walk together to the car, my nerves subside as we start to drive away.

The ride to her house was quiet except when they started to whisper, I couldn’t really make out what they were saying but I’m sure my name was mentioned once or twice. At one point James looked at me through the rear view mirror with a huge smile plastered on his face and Portia hit his arm when he said something to her.

“Stop saying nonsense and drive faster it's getting late” she glared at him.

“Yes ma'am” he keeps laughing while she shakes her head, I'm curious what were they talking about. It has to do with me and Portia I think but I can't connect the dots, what do she and I have in common for James to tease her about it. Mulling over this I didn't realize we had arrived at Portia's house, I look around me and find her sitting next to me in the backseat.

“Welcome back” she giggles at my dumbfounded face.

“Wh- what happened? where are we?”

“At my house but you seemed to be deep in thought and I didn't want to interrupt you”

“And you stayed with me since then?”

“Of course, I love your company” she smiles and my stomach flutters to her words. I couldn't help the smile that was forming in my lips “come on let's go” she takes my hand getting off the car and it took me a while to process the fact that her hand was in mine until she tugs at it. I grab my backpack with my free hand closing the door with my foot. We walk to the front door never did she attempted to let go of my hand and neither did I.

“Finally girls where were you? Smooching?” he teases making both of us blush and I reluctantly let go of her hand.

“Don't listen to him, he can be an ass sometimes” she hits him on the back of his head “you come with me” she pulls me towards the stairs sliding her hand into mine again.

“Can't wait until after dinner?” James calls after us, I'm sure my face was bright red but I couldn't help it or hide it. Portia turns to glare at him once we are at the top of the stairs “just don't do much noise alright?” his grin grew wider. All I could do to hide my red face was to face the wall behind us, my hands started to sweat as usual, where is Vicky dammit.

“Just you wait I'll get you for this James” with no other word she pulls me again and I follow her to a room I'm guessing is hers. “Ignore him he is just making fun of me” I'm out of words so I just nod letting her know I heard her.

“Once Vicky gets here we can decide on what to do for the night so right now leave your stuff here and let's go downstairs” I do as I'm told leaving my backpack against the wall next to the door. Unlike the last two times now I'm the one who takes her hand in mine as we make our way down to the living room.

I let go of her hand and I instantly miss it in mine, all I want is to hold her hand, no I want to hold all of her in my arms. Feel her body against mine and run my fingers through her blonde hair as she rests her head on my shoulder. All of this is just wishful thinking, I sigh.

Chapter 11

The three of us are watching tv still waiting for Vicky to get here. James is sitting on the sofa next to the one Portia and I are on, there is a decent space between us and it's bothering me. I don't want anything to separate us but if I move closer or if she does then he will start his teasing again.

Halfway through the game show we were watching there's a knock on the door and Portia instantly goes to open it pushing James to sit back down, I look at him as to not miss his reaction.

“Vicky finally you're here” his eyes open wide in shock when he hears Vicky’s name. A few seconds later Portia comes back sitting closer to me than before. James's expression is priceless.

“Where did she go? She will take an hour to come back again” I cross my arms over my chest, Portia giggles but James stays quiet staring at the floor.

“She took her things to my room, when she gets back we will vote on what movie to watch”

“You invited Vicky?” James finally speaks up “wh- why you didn't tell me Port?” I try to hold my laughter at his facial expression.

“Ellen invited her like I invited you” she tilts her head raising her eyebrows “that's what you get for teasing us” we both laugh and I find myself moving closer to Portia.

“What have you guys been up to?” Vicky sits next to Portia taking the tv control from the coffee table.

“Hey we were watching that” I reach across Portia's lap to try and grab the tv control from her but she moves it further away from me. Realizing I'm on her I give up my attempt straightening up on my side of the sofa “umm sorry about that.”

“Don't worry Ellen” she pats my leg lightly, her touch always sends a shivering sensation all over my body making me shudder “are you cold?” I shake my head giving her a smile.

“Alright ladies since I'm the only guy that makes me the man of the house” he stands up looking at us with his smug face “I believe it's time to eat so please the kitchen is that way” he points behind him.

“You wish. You will sit down and do as I say” Portia pushes him on his shoulder and he falls on the sofa “now take your phone and order a pizza, man of the house huh? In that case you pay for it” we all laugh as his smug face fades away and starts dialing to order our food.

“You three I will get you back” he winks at us and for a moment I'm frighten, will he do anything to Portia and I and keep insinuating things between us?

“Sure you will but we are three against one and who do you think will win?” we again laugh at him, so far this sleepover is going great. “Alright I have a couple of movies to watch so we will vote” I hope we watch a comedy or anything else than a thriller, it gives me the creeps.

“A thriller!” Vicky blurts out and my hope vanishes ways “let’s watch a thriller or are you all chickens?”

“Fine a thriller it is” James says getting up to put the movie. Deep down I was still hoping someone would say something to overrule it, well I was hoping Portia would.

Portia comes back sitting between Vicky and I. I’m not sure if she likes thrillers or not and I hope she doesn’t mind if I hide behind her most of the time. Instead of going back where he was James comes and sits between Portia and Vicky, I’m sure he agreed just because he likes her.

The sofa is not big enough for the four of us and Portia is as close as possible to me, our legs touch giving me goosebumps all over my body. It’s not easy to not look at her legs when all she does is fidget with her fingers on her lap which only draws my attention to them, she has nice long legs.

I try to pay attention to the movie closing my eyes and bracing myself for what is about to happen every time this scary music starts but then nothing happens. Of course when I don’t expect it something jumps to the screen and I jerk away hiding behind Portia. I peek from behind her shoulder as to make sure that scene has passed and rest my head on her shoulder, I say to myself is just in case it happens again and it’ll be faster to hide than having to jump behind her every time.

A few minutes later I felt a hand creeping up on my own then I realized it was Portia’s hand and I grab it holding it tightly between us. With her hand in mine I felt I didn’t have the need to hide behind her as much as before, I feel safe when we hold hands like right now.

Suddenly there is a knock on the door which makes all of us jump “dammit that was not cool” I say mostly to myself and try to calm down, I could feel my heart rate up to the sky.

“Pizza’s here” James says placing two boxes on the coffee table, Portia gets up and I follow her ending up in the kitchen. She takes out something for us to drink from the fridge and I take out four glasses, heading back to the other two we dig in and now that I have a distraction I can watch without getting startled.

Both boxes are half empty when the movie comes to an end and I have to admit I am relieved it finished, I will have nightmares thanks it now.

“I have an idea” Vicky speaks up “let’s play truth or dare unless of course you’re afraid to play such a simple game” she is such a daredevil, she is not scare of anything if I say so myself.

“I’m in” Portia says, it’s an innocent game up until the questions get more personal and intimate or when the dares just get crazier and knowing as well as I know Vicky I’m fully aware she will not keep this as innocent as I would like to keep it.

“I’m up for anything” James chimes in, I sigh, I guess I have no other option and it could end up being fun, I don’t want to be the party crasher. The three of them turn to look at me as I haven’t said if I’m in or not.

“Sounds fun” I finally say.

“Great, Portia can we play in your room?”

“Of course, come on let’s go” we follow close behind and we all sit in a circle in the middle of her room. “Wait I’ll go get some water, do you all want too?” she asks before stepping out of the room. Vicky and James nod, I don’t want right now but I still say yes and she walks out without another word.

“Go help her” Vicky whispers in my ear, I just give her a confused look furrowing my eyebrows “come on go!” I still hesitate but she gives me a glare and I do as she said.

Walking down the stairs I hesitate to follow her into the kitchen, why did Vicky made me come? Most importantly why did I give in?

I finally decide to turn the corner that leads into the kitchen and watch her reach for glasses from the cupboard. I see how her lean figure stretches to grab them, I feel myself walking towards her but I stop because all I want at this moment is wrap my arms around her waist pulling her into my arms and that might cause confusion in her.

“Do you need any help?” I ask once I'm done looking at every inch of her body, I could feel my temperature rising. Startled by me speaking out of the blue she drops a glass and I watch as it shatters against the floor into a thousand pieces.

“Ellen! Don't do that again, you scared the crap out of me”

“I didn't meant to, I'm sorry” a smile forms against my will, remembering the broken glass I hurry to pick the ones I'm able to get without having to sweep.

“Don't-” she kneels in front of me stopping my actions “you'll cut yourself” she takes my hands looking straight into my eyes and I forget how to breathe.

“It's- it's my fault let me help” she smiles but doesn't let go of my hands, without thinking I start leaning towards her. I look at her lips as her tongue peeks out to lick them. I look back to her eyes only to find her looking at me already, I'm just a few inches away from her soft lips when Vicky shouts from the top of the stairs if we can hurry up.

“Coming!” Portia yells back and goes to grab the broom to sweep the broken glass off the floor. Why Vicky had to interrupt now?

I grab two glasses full with water as Portia takes the other two and we make our way back to her room. When I open the door I find James and Vicky looking suspicious about something.

“Finally you guys, you know you can wait to smooch until after the game” James banters, I just shake my head in disbelief but Portia glares at him.

“Shut up Mr. Man of the house, so how are we doing this?” we both sit down opposite of each other with our legs crossed.

“We will take turns asking clockwise alright?” we all nod “let's start with something innocent, Portia truth or dare?” the mischievous Vicky had been freed and once that happens she's hard to stop.

“Truth”

“Are you still going out with Rachel?” my head snaps up at the mention of that name, what is she thinking?

“No I broke up with her last week, now I ask James right?” Vicky nods. “Truth or dare?”

“Dare”

“Now what?” Portia turns to Vicky.

“Dare him to do whatever you want” her grin grew at the thought of making him do anything. Portia rests her chin on her hand while she thinks.

“Can you do a handstand?” he shakes his head and Portia’s grin grew wider “then do one.”

“What if I fall and break something?”

“Fine then wait a second I’ll be back” she gets up walking out of the coming back a few seconds later “crack this on your head” she hands him an egg sitting back in front of me.

“Are you crazy? This is you getting back at me for everything I said before isn’t?” she nods and he sighs in resignation. Looking over the egg he holds it over his head takes a deep breath and hits his head with the egg, now he will need a shower after that. “Better? Can I have a hug now?” he grins and tries to get Portia for a hug.

“No get away, go hug Vicky” he turns in her direction but she gets up and runs out of the room. Portia and I look at each other before bursting out in laughter.

“I’ll be back I go wash myself” he walks out and we laugh again when we could hear Vicky running down the hall telling him to stay away from her. It doesn’t take long before they both come back giggling about something, they both sit looking at us as if nothing happened.

“Alright it’s my turn, truth or dare Ellen?”

“Dare” I know what kind of questions are asked and will do anything to avoid them.

“Say three things you like about Portia” at that moment I was drinking water and I choke on it when he finishes talking. I turn to Vicky and the devilish smile she had on her face confirmed my suspicions, she planned this with James. I don’t want to answer but then there’s so many things I love about Portia, it’s not possible to just choose three.

“I- uh do I- do I have to answer?” I stutter while the three of them stare at me making me even more nervous, I wasn’t even brave enough to look at Portia.

“Yes you-” Vicky starts but Portia interrupts her.

“She doesn’t have to if she doesn’t want to there is no reason to pressure her guys” she’s too good to me and I don’t get why, I know Vicky for a longer time but she can be an ass like right now. I get enough courage, take a deep breath and answer what James asked.

“I love her eyes, her smile and how kind she is” I say this looking straight into her eyes as everything around us disappear and it’s just us two in the room. I could see the corners of her mouth turning into that beautiful smile I love.

In those brief seconds I felt a connection I’ve never felt with her before, I felt drawn to her more than before. Looking away from her eyes I felt too relaxed, my nerves had subside and I felt I had gained more confidence than what I had before.

“Ahem” Vicky takes me out of my trance “can we continue?” I drink the rest of my water to clear my head and continue the game.

“Truth or dare Vicky?”

“Truth”

“When was the last boyfriend you had?” her eyes widened and all I do is wink at her.

“Um- about a year ago” she brushes the attention off and turns to Portia “truth or dare?”

“Truth”

“Who do you think has the most beautiful eyes here?” she drops her gaze to the floor instantly. It takes her a few seconds to answer but when she does I felt the butterflies going crazy in my stomach.

“Ellen’s, I've never seen such blue eyes before” I could feel the blush creeping up my face and try to hide behind my hands. The game continues a few more rounds when Vicky interrupts it.

“Time for naughty questions” I knew this would happen, crap. “Only two will be asked and we all have to answer them then we can go back to the same old boring questions.”

“Who will ask them?” Portia says laying back propping herself up on her elbows.

“Me of course” Vicky gives us a cheeky grin “has anyone been with someone intimately?” I knew she wasn’t afraid to ask anything but I was not prepared for this one.

“I- I no it-” Portia stumbles over her words “almost happened with Rachel but it didn't” I let out the air I didn't know I was holding and I could not identify the feeling I had at that moment, was it jealousy?

It was my turn to answer and I start to hyperventilate from their attention waiting for my response. I was more nervous because of Portia, I for some reason didn't want her to know I hadn't done anything not even close to it.

“Ellen?”

“I- no I haven't” I look at Portia to see the smile she has on her lips.

“Second question, is there anyone you want to be intimate with?” I glare at her and she just shrugs, I hate these kind of questions.

“Yes there's someone” my eyes immediately go to Portia, now this what I'm feeling is jealousy for sure. It's what I felt that day she was kissing Rachel before the soccer game.

Immersed in my thoughts I zone out thinking back to the two times we were close to sharing our first kiss. The times we've held hands and the various times she has flirted with me or did I misunderstood things for not having any experience?

“How about you Ellen?” Vicky touches my shoulder taking me out of train of thought.

“Um I- I don't know” I'm not lying nor saying the truth, the thought never actually crossed my mind.

Portia POV

Vicky is certainly not afraid to ask any kind of questions and I myself am not afraid to answer any of them up until now. These are just things you keep to yourself and neither did I want to lie, especially not in front of Ellen, if I lie there’s always a chance she will find out the truth.

Ever since I looked her way and I knew I had feelings for her that I couldn’t hide anymore, I can’t help that my mind drifts off into those thoughts of being with her when I think about her. I wasn’t going to lie but I wasn’t going to say who this someone is either.

I don’t know why James dared her to say the things she likes about me but boy am I glad he did. I was expecting for her to say she likes my company as a friend and all that but I was taken back with what she did say. I know it’s mindless dreaming for her to be attracted to me but a girl can dream right?

All this thinking has giving me a headache also it’s quite late so when it’s my turn I’ll end the game, I have things planned to do tomorrow and I hope they want to do them.

“Alright guys it's late so it's time to sleep, I have my bed and two sleeping bags, who wants my bed?” I was thinking maybe Ellen and Vicky could have the bed, it would be awkward for Ellen to share it with James or even with me.

“I'll take the sleeping bag” both Vicky and James say at the same time, which means…

“Seems like you two can smooch after all” James again teases us and all I want is to punch him. I don’t know what the heck is wrong with him and his teasing since I told him I liked Ellen.

“Vicky are you sure you don’t want to sleep on the bed?” she shakes her head “it’s more comfort” I try my best to convince her but I don’t think it’ll be of no use

“I’ll sleep on the floor, don’t mind me” she winks at me, she walks to the closet where I keep the sleeping bags handing one to James. They lay them down and walk out of the room with their pajamas to change into them.

“Ellen- I- I can sleep on the floor with some blankets you take the bed alright?” Least I want is for her to feel uncomfortable around me.

“Don’t be silly Portia, I won’t bite you”

“You sure?” she nods as she looks through her backpack for pajamas “there’s a bathroom there if you want to change now” I point to the door adjacent to the closet. Since I’m alone I decide to change too, I’m very nervous about sharing the bed with Ellen, I tend to hug whatever it is I find next to me.

Both Vicky and James get in their sleeping bags, I wait until Ellen gets in bed so I can come later I don’t want it to be weirder than what it already is.

I slowly get in leaving a large space between us, I turn on my side and stare at the wall. I can’t possibly sleep with Ellen being this close to me, a few minutes later I could hear Ellen’s even breathing telling me she had fallen asleep. The other two were whispering, about what, who knows I couldn’t really tell. I’m happy for them, it seems like they do get along.

My only wish is that Ellen and I can be together in the near future, I feel an attraction to her I’ve never felt with anyone before. I get mixed signals from her all the time and it’s just confusing me even more. I’ve been waiting for the right time to tell her I like her, is tomorrow too soon for that?

Chapter 12

I woke up in the middle of the night to Ellen mumbling in her sleep, I couldn't really make out what she was saying but from her body movements my guess was that she was having a nightmare.

“No...please stop...go away…” is the most I was able to understand. She started to kick at nothing in particular so I start stroking her shoulder to try and calm her down without waking her up.

A few minutes later she stops and seems like she is sleeping peacefully now until she turns over snuggling next to me with her head on my shoulder and her arm draped over my stomach. I carefully wrap my arm around her pulling her closer to me.

“I've got you baby” I whisper as I continue to run my hand up and down her arm trying to sooth her from whatever it was she was dreaming. I kiss the top of her head inhaling the scent that is only hers and try to go back to sleep, happy to finally have her in my arms.

----------------------------

I wake up and feel an emptiness in my arms I'm sure I didn't fell asleep with. I clearly remember pulling Ellen closer to me when she snuggled next to me and falling asleep with her in my arms.

I grab the pillow she used holding it close to me tightly, her scent still lingered behind. I sit up to find both Vicky and James deep asleep but Ellen is nowhere to be seen, where could she be at this time?

Maybe she went downstairs to watch tv so I decide to go search for her, I already miss her.

Just as I land on the last stair an aroma of someone cooking fills my senses, it smells amazing. I turn the corner to find Ellen busy with a spatula in her right hand and a pan on her left, I lean against the door frame to admire the scene I have before me.

I want to wrap my arms around her but that might startle her causing whatever she is doing to fall to the ground so I stay where I am. She told me she can't cook at all so what is she trying to do?

“So now you learn to cook from one day to another?” I say softly as I walk towards her.

“Oh my god Portia don't do that again” she places everything down and turns to me giving me a smile.

“Now you know how it feels” I giggle reminding her of last night when the glass broke.

“That was unintentional and I'm sure this was to get back at me”

“I'm innocent” I say raising both my hands as if I were to be arrested “what exactly are you doing? Trying to burn my house down?”

“Of course not, I can make some amazing pancakes just so you know”

“I can't wait to try them then, did you sleep good?” I ask curious if she was aware of her sleeping in my arms.

“The strangest thing happened, I remember having a nightmare from watching that movie but then it stopped out of nowhere and I slept like a baby in quite a while. How about you?” she gives her full attention to the pancake that is in the pan ready to be flipped.

“You were talking in your sleep you know…” I trail off looking in the fridge for something to drink.

“I- I was? I didn't say anything stupid did I?”

“No you were saying to someone to get away from you” I stand next to her looking at how proportional her pancakes are, almost perfect circles “I think it was the nightmare you had.”

“Portia-” she places the pancake on a plate before pouring more mixture into the pan “I hope you didn't mind I was all over you while I was sleeping” so she does remember snuggling next to me.

“Why to mind when I felt I was somehow protecting you from that nightmare, it was nice sharing my bed with you”

“I- I did too but I need to tell you something-” I get this tingling feeling when she takes my hand in hers, I could feel her hand shaking against my own “I’ll tell you later” she mumbles turning back to the pancakes.

“Good morning ladies” James says cheerfully.

“Good morning” we all turn to the doorway where the groggy voice is coming and giggle when Vicky walks to a chair sitting down with her head on the table, she has a great hairdo.

“Nice hair you have there” Ellen walks next to her patting the hair that is sticking up everywhere.

“Oh shut up I should’ve taken Portia’s offer to sleep on the bed”

“Well I’m glad you didn’t” I give Ellen a wink making her smile.

“What are you doing there?” James looks over my shoulder as I try to flip the pancake Ellen left unattended.

“Pancakes, if you get poisoned blame that one over there” I point at her and she gives me a pout “I’m kidding, I’m sure they are great” she pushes me gently aside and continues making pancakes.

“They will take your breath away you’ll see, you’ll wish you hadn’t said that” James walks to where Vicky is and I take this chance to talk to her.

“Ellen we need to talk, I have something very important to tell you” I whisper.

“Yeah I do too, can we talk later?”

“Of course it has to be in private though” I motion towards Vicky and James who are sitting at the table whispering again.

“Oh shit” she curses turning back to the pancake which is all burnt by now. She tries to scrape it off the pan to start a new one. Fifteen minutes later we are all sitting around the table eating the pancakes Ellen made, which I must admit are delicious.

“I would never have thought you had this in you” Vicky teases as she cuts through them “they actually are good.”

“Why thank you my dear friend, told you I can make some amazing pancakes” she turns to me raising her eyebrows with a cheeky grin.

“Oh please forgive me” I wink as I take a bite “what do ya’ll want to do today?”

“Anything just not some girly stuff” James says before taking a drink from his orange juice.

“Well that throws my playing with dolls plan through the window doesn’t it?”

“I was thinking more of a tea party” Ellen chimes in.

“I was more into spending the day at the salon and-”

“No way, let’s do something I can actually enjoy” he interrupts Vicky “we can all go to the movies later.” We all agree on going later to watch the new movie that just came out, I lean back on my chair as they continue to talk who knows about what. The only thing that I’m concentrating on is how will I tell Ellen that I like her. I need to rehearse this good so I don’t mess up when the time comes.

----------------------------

Ellen POV

“Guys let’s go play soccer or something I’m bored” Portia groans after we've been watching tv for about two hours.

“I have craving for ice cream” Vicky says.

“Then let's go for ice cream then we can go play soccer, here my bestie will invite us the ice cream” Portia points at James and he's clearly surprised why what she said.

“What? Why me?”

“Man of the house remember?” the three of us laugh when he tries to defend himself.

“I was just joking but because I'm a gentleman I'll buy you three ice cream”

“Of course you are, now let's go change we can't possibly go out in our pajamas” Portia says looking down at her own then looking at the rest of us.

I have been quiet ever since Portia told me she wanted to talk to me in private. I'm dreading when that moment will come, I want to talk to her and say that I like her but who knows what she wants to talk about.

I'm no expert at flirting but I've giving it a try and maybe she wants to talk to me about that? Maybe I've been to direct and I didn't notice, maybe it bothers her? My heart will break if that is the case, I don't think I would ever be able to recover from that.

“Ellen? Are you in there?” Vicky waves her hands in front of me.

“What?” everyone is ready to leave and I'm still in my pajamas sitting at the same spot since they were talking about what to do today.

“Aren't you going to change? We can't take you in your pajamas come on” I reluctantly let her pull me with her to Portia’s room since apparently I'm not in mood to do anything myself.

“How long have you guys been waiting?” I know she will ask if anything is wrong and I want to try to avoid that question.

“Just five minutes, look-” she holds me by my shoulders “is something wrong? You were fine when we were having breakfast.”

“I'm- yeah why not to be?”

“I know you too well Ellen what happened?” I get out of her grasp walking towards my backpack to look for some clothes to change into, she knows I'm avoiding her question and she won't stop until she gets an answer out of me.

“Nothing. I'll be back” I walk into the bathroom and stand there staring at my reflection in the mirror for a few minutes. I decide to take a fast shower so I relax a little bit a least. It helps soothing my head as I was starting to get a headache with all of this thinking. I walk out and find Vicky waiting for me.

“Come here and sit down. You will tell me what's wrong or we are not going anywhere” I sigh and sit beside her on the bed “now tell me what's bothering you.”

“Portia. She told me she wants to talk to me later in private, what if it's to say that we should just be friends? I've flirted with her or at least I tried to and maybe that made her feel uncomfortable” I finish letting out the breath I didn't know I was holding. Sympathetically she places her hand on my shoulder pulling me for a hug.

“This is none of my business but because I know how much you like her I'll just say you have nothing to worry about alright? I have seen how she looks at you Ellen, that's the look someone gives to someone they like or love and she only looks like that at you. I promise it's nothing of what you are thinking so just relax and enjoy her company ok?”

“Thank you so much, you're a great friend I love you” I kiss her cheek and pull her for a tight hug.

“I love you too and I want you to be happy but too much hugging” I giggle letting her go “come on let's go have fun.”

----------------------------

“Man, you ladies are costing me a fortune” James complains when he receives the check to pay for our ice cream.

“It’s our pleasure” Portia joked and I can't help but laugh. She has not left my side since we drove away from her house and I would rather not have it any other way.

“Where will we play soccer or y'all changed your mind?” Vicky asks leaning back into the chair.

“There's a ball in the trunk so we can go play in the school's field or in the park” James answers before Portia has the chance to.

“We're allowed to get in there?” I don't know why I ask, I'm so unfamiliar with the school's fields and rules.

“During the weekend yes, come on it should be empty by now” Portia gets up offering me to hold her hand, without thinking it twice I take it in mine as we walk back to the car.

We both sit in the backseat still holding hands. Vicky is right I was just having ridiculous thoughts, if she felt uncomfortable she wouldn't be holding my hand right now and sitting with me instead of the front seat with James.

Leaning her head against my shoulder she places our hands on her lap wrapping both of hers around my own. She lets it go and traces the palm of my hand with her fingertip lightly tickling me.

I kiss the top of her head instinctively, when I realize what I had done I got nervous. I thought she would pull away from me at my action but I was proven wrong when she takes my hand up to her lips kissing it softly.

I have to tell her about my feelings, I can't let this continue and have to keep myself from caressing or kissing her, it's killing me inside. I can't wait until later, after soccer I'll confess myself to her and if I'm lucky enough she might feel the same about me.

Chapter 13

Pulling up to the school’s parking lot Portia and I get out of the car before the other two and start walking towards the soccer field. I stuff my hands into my pockets while Portia’s hand goes around my arm. Today’s the day she will finally know about my feelings and it’s nerve wracking.

“What are you thinking?” she asks as we round the corner of the science building.

“You” her hand tightens around my arm making look at her to find her smiling at me. A warm feeling surrounds my body when she smiles like that, she takes my breath away every time.

“Are you ready to laugh again?” I raise my eyebrows, I chuckle at her confused face.

“Laugh at what?”

“Me of course, I’m horrible at soccer remember?”

“I won’t laugh at you but I’ll laugh with you, we’ll play different than last time” I tilt my head “you’ll see, come let’s sit while we wait for them” she pulls me down with her and I trip on my feet almost falling on top of her.

A few of her teammates were playing so we sat in silence watching them take turns at shooting the ball into the goalie.

“We won’t have any goalkeepers like last time?”

“When they finish I’ll ask Brooke and Shelby don’t worry” I nod and silence again comes in between us “will you- are you going to tell me what you wanted to talk about?”

Caught off guard I can’t think of what to say, do I tell her now or wait a little longer? She kept looking at me to say something but I didn’t know what to say, I was getting anxious, I can never think straight when she looks at me. As if sent from heaven to come save me Vicky and James arrive.

“Thanks for waiting ladies” James muses as he sits besides Portia and Vicky beside me.

“What’s wrong?” Vicky asks quietly as I look straight ahead into the field. I turn to look at her but all I do is shake my head, am I brave enough to break out of my insecurities and tell her how much I like her?

Not caring who will see I take Portia's hand holding it with both of mine on my lap, I caress the back of it with my thumb as I give her my full attention while she talks to James about the game we’re about to play.

“It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know how to play, even Ellen knows and she isn't the best soccer player” she giggles at my shocked expression.

“How nice of you thanks for that” I give her a pout and in return she pulls my hand to kiss it for the second time today.

“I'm just teasing you, it will be us two” she points at us “against the two of you and I'll see if the goalkeepers want to join us.”

“Are we betting anything this time?” Vicky asks Portia leaning forward.

“The one who loses buys the movie tickets”

“Vicky we will win for sure, they will be a piece of cake to beat. Right Ellen?” I roll my eyes. I'm not too competitive but now I want to win just to show him to not to underestimate me.

“You're an ass, did you know that?” Portia answers for me, I tighten my grip around her hand as in saying thanks.

“Chill out Port I'm just kidding, defending your girl already. Nice” he raises his eyebrows, Portia hastily pulls her hand from mine and slaps his arm rather hard.

“When will you stop being a jerk you idiot!” he falls back on the grass and Portia goes on top of him as she hits his chest but all he does is laugh.

James pulls her for a hug but she tries to get out his arms, he whispers something to her and she stops trying to get away from him. He kisses her head letting her go and she comes next to me taking my hand in hers again. Well that was strange, a few minutes ago she was about to kill him and now it's like nothing happened.

“I'll go ask if they want to play” Portia says before walking away from us, we sat silently waiting for her. I couldn't help not notice how sexy she actually is. “Come on we will play soon” she calls us over taking me out of my daydream.

James jogs to her but I take my time lowering my gaze and kick a small rock as I walk slowly.

“Will you tell me what's wrong with you today? You're just out the whole time” Vicky asks pulling me to a stop.

“I don't know how to tell her that I like her. I don't know when to do it. I don't know what I'm supposed to say. Fuck this-” I kick the rock as hard as I can and start walking the other direction.

“Hold it right there Ellen”

“What now?” I say with more anger than I thought “I don't need no pep talk alright?” I keep walking but Vicky runs ahead of me blocking my path.

“What the hell did I do now? All I'm trying to do is help you, look-” she takes a deep breath “I'm your friend and sorry but you are being ridiculous about all of this. It doesn't take that much to just say ‘I like you’ to her, you just can't walk away like that without telling her. Dammit Ellen just tell her.”

“I'm sorry- this is driving me insane and it's not your fault. Let's go play, I'm not ready to pay for his ticket, he's an ass how can you like him?” I tease her changing the subject.

“He doesn't mean it like that I promise, I'm not ready to pay for yours either, seems like this is a serious game huh?” I shake my head at her comment and we start making our way to the rest of them ready to start the game.

“They'll play with us just like last time” Portia says as soon as we are within hearing range.

“Great now we will kick your ass” Vicky says and James just has to agree with her as usual.

“Ignore them we will win. Now, because we played with Vicky before she will think I'll do the shooting like last time but not today” the mischievous smile she has makes me think the worst.

“No forget it like that we will lose for sure”

“Don't think like that come on” she has me at her feet with that pout and she knows it “for me?” why am I so weak against her puppy dog eyes?

“Why you do this to me Portia? You know how bad I am so why even try?”

“Because I believe in you and I know you can do it” I shake my head not believing I'm at her mercy giving in to her when I know this will be a disaster. “We will play like before with the passing but today when I say pass you'll run as fast as possible ahead of me so I pass and you shoot right away alright?”

“But Portia I can't shoot, I've never shot a ball before” I start whining at her but she just smiles as if she's enjoying my misery.

“You're acting like a baby” she grins.

“Now I'm a baby. Perfect. If we end up buying their tickets I'm blaming you”

“Alright I'll take the blame but come on it's getting late” we walk hand in hand back to start playing for real now.

James passes the ball to Vicky and she runs way too fast for me to even try get her but Portia takes the ball from her passing it to me. I, of course, have to trip again over the ball and lose it.

“Told you this would be a piece of cake” James banters as he laughs. Now I'm angry, I have to try the best I possibly can.

Portia once again takes the ball as Vicky attempted to pass it to James and gives it back to me. I ran or at least I tried this time succeeding at not tripping and passed it back to her when she told me. As planned I sprinted ahead of her and tried to shoot but slip and completely miss the ball, I didn't even touch it.

“That was great to be the first time” Portia says casually as I'm trying to catch my breath and the game just started, how will I be by the end of it?

Vicky passes to James and he scores. This can't happen, we can't let them win. I have to step it up so we have a slight chance of winning. I take the ball and pass it to Portia before she tells me to and I run again this time I kick the ball and it goes inside.

Ecstatic about what I just accomplished I run to Portia and throw myself at her. She holds me tight around my waist as she spins around a couple of times before finally putting me down.

“Great shot Ellen!” she kisses my cheek, if I didn't pass out from out of breath I'll definitely pass out if she kisses me again.

The game continues and much like last time I'm dead thirty minutes later, we both are one goal away from finishing this. Vicky tried to shoot but Brooke blocked her shot and the ball landed at my feet. I run looking behind me to make sure Vicky nor James are trying to take the ball from me and run as if I was being chased by a wild animal.

I turn to my right and Portia is there, I keep running waiting for her to tell me to pass but she doesn't. My stamina is all out but I'm not giving up just yet, again I look at Portia and with her hands she tells me to keep going.

“Shoot Ellen!” I hear Portia yell from who knows where but I do as I'm told and shoot the ball. I see how the ball passes in between Shelby’s legs going inside the goalie for the winning goal.

I raise my hands over my head and turn back to look for Portia, I immediately run to her for the second time throwing my arms around her neck. Unlike before this time she stumbles backwards and we fall down with me on top of her.

Time seems to stop as we both look deep into our eyes, every breath I take is hers. Everything seemed to fade away as I glance down at her lips and I lick my own as they tempt me to capture them. I don't think twice about it and I close the gap that separate us, fireworks go off in the back of my mind as our lips crash for the first time.

I could feel her heart racing under my hand that rested on her chest. I never could've imagined how soft her lips would be against mine, how her scent could drive me crazy, how a great kisser she would be. I peck her lips one last time before I pull away resting my forehead against hers as take in what just happened.

“Portia” I mumble “I like you a lot” I don't dare to open my eyes I'm not brave enough to do so yet.

“Look at me Ellen” I hesitate but open my eyes when she pecks my lips one more time. “I like you a lot too, you don't know how much” I wipe away a stray tear with my thumb.

“I'm glad you do otherwise this would be extremely awkward” she giggles and I lean to kiss her again, I just can't help myself.

“Love birds, hello we are still here” James teases us with a huge grin on his face.

“Go away then” Portia waves her hand at him as we continue to look at one another.

“It's movie time girls come on, you can keep kissing later” I blush at Vicky’s comment and I reluctantly let go of Portia so we both get up. I pull her closer to me by wrapping my arm around her waist as hers goes around my shoulders.

----------------------------

After we all got ready to go back out I couldn’t help not stare at Portia during the whole drive to the movies, kissing her hand every once in awhile.

I instinctively take her hand in mine as we walk through the parking lot, the feeling of being complete with her by my side is the best feeling in the world and I wouldn’t change it for nothing.

“You guys go buy the snacks but you” she grabs James’ arm “give me the money for the tickets, the bet remember?” she grins.

He hands it with a pout on his face then takes Vicky’s hand and they walk to the concession stand finally leaving Portia and I alone.

“Come on let's go buy their tickets I have other plans for us” she winks at me making me blush. I pull her back to me and kiss her lips softly. “What was that for?” she asks leaning her forehead against mine.

“I missed kissing you” I mumble close to her lips, the smile that formed on her face as I pull back made my knees weak.

Unwillingly she steps away from me and we continue our way to buy the tickets. She buys two tickets for a romantic comedy and we go look for them inside the building.

“Won't they notice if we are not there?” I ask before we approach them.

“No don't worry about it, if you want to watch a movie we can I just wanted to be in a more quiet place alone with you”

“That sounds even better”

“What sounds even better?” Vicky asks curiously.

“Uh- the movie we decided on, it's even better than all the other ones” I try to come up with a reasonable excuse. “Where did he go?” I ask before she notices I'm lying, I'm a horrible liar.

“He's buying the snacks, too many people to go with him” I know she didn't believe what I said but she didn't say anything about it either. Five minutes later he comes back with his hands full holding everything he could.

“They ran out of popcorn but they are making more now” he explains.

“Don't worry here take your tickets and we will come as soon as we get our snacks” Portia hands him both tickets and with no other word they walk away from us. “That went better than what I planned” she giggles.

“Vicky knows I lied”

“That's alright don't worry. Come on let's get out of here” she slides her hand back in mine as we make our way out.

“Where exactly are we going? We don't have a car just so you know”

“To a park that is a few minutes away in walking distance, we need to talk Ellen” I stop dead on my tracks. This can't be a bad ‘we need to talk’ thing right? I mean we like each other what else is there to talk about now?

She comes back to me pulling me for a hug and I relax in her arms. I take a deep breath taking in the scent that I have learned to love this whole week we've been close to each other.

“Trust me it's nothing serious” she kisses my neck sending shivers down my back “I just have to tell you a few things.”

We continue our walk in silence as we are wrapped in each other's company to make any idle talk. The park is not too dark but neither too light up as we make our way to a bench that seems to be a little away from anyone to hear us.

“Alright so- ummm” she bites her lip “I have been wanting to tell you this for a few days now but I couldn't come up with the right time and today right now seems like it is the right time” I take her hand to encourage her.

“Ellen” she sighs “I- I have liked you for a few months now but I didn't know how much until that day we bumped into each other at the movies remember?” I nod as I'm unable to form any words and too many things are going through my head at the moment.

“I wasn't happy with Rachel and I finally knew why that day, the next week was just the worst week of my life. I had a girlfriend I didn't felt anything for anymore then there was you, you were so close to me yet so far. I wasn't even sure you were gay so that didn't help much but I decided I wanted you in my life even if it was just as a friend” I reach to wipe away the tears that threatened to fall down her beautiful face.

“I have liked you for two years Portia you don't know how much this means to me. That day at the movies I was jealous of Rachel, jealous because she was able to hold your hand, because she was able to kiss you, because she was able to show what a beautiful girlfriend she had. I was never able to build up enough courage to say hi to you and I truly regret that. But now” I take her hand bringing it up to my lips “now everything has changed, so Portia will you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?” I kiss her hand as I wait impatiently for her response.

Chapter 14

Portia POV

‘Did she just ask what I think she asked or am I dreaming?’ I think to myself. This can't possibly be happening, my dream would finally become a reality.

“Ellen it would make me the happiest girl in the world to be your girlfriend, you don't know how many times I've daydreamed about this moment” I reach up to her face with my free hand caressing her soft cheek ever so slightly.

“So is that a yes?”

“Yes Ellen yes” I lean in and kiss her soft lips as I cup her cheek with my left hand.

“I'm so lucky you even looked my way Portia, you are beautiful did you know that?” she says softly close to my lips as we pull away.

“You're too sweet” I feel a blush creeping up my face against my will “you're beautiful with those blue eyes that I love so much”

“Yeah it must be my eyes why else would you like me” she giggles but I don't and her smile fades away.

“That was not a joke Ellen, I'm being serious to me you are beautiful in every way possible and you're one sexy girl that-” I laugh out loud when even under no light it's obvious her face is burning red.

“I- I don't-” she averts her gaze from me taking a deep breath “me sexy? Are you blind?”

I turn her head back to me with my finger under her chin but still she avoids my eyes “Ellen look at me, never doubt what I say, to me you're beautiful and sexy” I give her a wink and she chokes at my words.

“Well so are you Portia, it was getting harder keeping my hands to myself you know” she gives me a shy smile.

“For me too” I lean back against the bench resting my head on her shoulder “so baby what do you want to do until their movie finishes?”

“Baby? I like that word” she giggles “I'll do anything you want to do baby” I snuggle closer to her and she wraps her arms around me pulling me closer kissing the top of my head. It's incredible how safe I feel in this very moment, I hope this will last forever.

“Are you hungry?” I feel her head move which I'm guessing was a nod “let's go have some pizza then.”

“Anything you say baby” I smile grabbing her hand to pull her up to make our way to my favorite pizza place which is coincidentally close by.

We walk hand in hand for about ten minutes in silence just enjoying each other's company when we finally reach our destination. Before we walk in I pull her to me kissing her lightly and giving her a wink which of course makes her blush.

“You are going to love it here, it's my favorite pizza place” I say as we take a seat in a table further away from the entrance.

“I'm sure I will” we both look through the menu. They have many more things to choose from but the pizza from here is the best but maybe Ellen doesn't want pizza after all.

“You don't have to get pizza if you don't want to by the way” I tell her leaning over the table.

“I want to see why you love it here so much so get your favorite ok?”

“Are you sure?” she nods and our waiter comes to take the order.

“Should we tell them about us?” she asks once he left us alone.

“Them who?”

“Vicky and James, should they know?”

“I think they figured that one out with our first kiss” I giggle “you know what James told me before when I was hitting him?”

“No but you don't have to-”

“He told me he wouldn't stop bothering us until we got together” I interrupt her and take her hand in mine.

“I think they both planned something about the truth or dare game, Vicky knew I had a crush on you and she probably told him while we were downstairs”

“They did look suspicious but I didn't think much of it” I intertwine our fingers putting a stray strand of hair behind my ear “let's- let's talk about us” I mumble out.

“I like that idea” she whispers as our waiter brings our pizza “this looks delicious.”

“I hope you like it” taking a slice of pizza I watch her every move as she takes a bite out of it waiting for her reaction.

“You don't like it do you?”

“It's the best pizza I've ever eaten” she covers her mouth while she speaks and I giggle at her.

“Told you” I take slice for myself and we eat in silence for a few minutes. Should I consider this as our first date or not?

“What are you thinking?” she takes me out of my thoughts giving me that beaming smile that I love.

“Is this umm...is this like our first date or-”

“It can be anything you want but I'd like it to be our first date” I smile reaching with my thumb to the corner of her mouth wiping away some tomato sauce.

“Our first date”

“Yes baby, can I kiss you?” she sheepishly asks, I respond by leaning to her lips kissing them softly.

“Well, well, well” I hear someone say behind us and I instantly pull away “what do we have here?” Rachel's voice drips with sarcasm.

“What do you want?” I flat out say without even looking back as I know who this is, I feel Ellen tense up beside me and I take her hand in mine giving it a light squeeze to let her know it's ok.

“You're on your third one already?” she walks around the table standing in front of us with her arms folded up to her chest.

“What are you even talking about?”

“Since you couldn't turn Vicky you came to me and now you're after her?” I feel my blood boiling at her idiotic comment.

“Vicky is just a fri- you know what I owe you no explanation” I take a deep breath as in to try and not explode in a public place. “Can you just leave us alone?” I try to say as politely as I can.

“Aren't you going to introduce me as your ex to your new girlfriend?” she sits in the empty chair, oh boy how much do I want to punch her right now.

“You know what Rachel? You can go to hell, you get close to her or start spreading stupid rumors about me or her then you'll know who I really am” I raise my voice and get up pulling Ellen with me. I pay the bill and walk out without looking back.

I'm furious with what just happened. She just had to come and ruin the best night of my life, she could've kept her words to herself but no she felt the need to bother us just to amuse herself at our expense.

We walked for ten minutes in silence, I needed to cool off after that unfortunate encounter. Ellen has not said one word since she interrupted us, she is probably shocked by how I reacted.

“Are you ok baby?” she asks giving my hand a squeeze.

“Yeah I'm sorry it's just-”

“Don't worry” we sit back in the same bench we were sitting at before “she isn't worth it” her smile brings back the joy I had before Rachel appeared.

“I don't want her to hurt you Ellen, I wouldn't be able to live with myself if she does”

“I'll be ok you worry too much” she says looking down at her hands “you and Vicky didn't- right?”

“Of course not baby she said things to get to me and to bother you” I place my hand on the bench behind her slowly wrapping it around her neck pulling her to me and peck her on the cheek.

“You know even after that this night has been amazing, I finally have my dream girl” she looks up at me and I take the chance to kiss her lips again.

“I have to agree” I whisper close to her as we pull away “you know I think we should head back to the movies they might be wondering where we are” I say taking her hand to check her watch.

“We will get busted” she laughs and I join in laughing with her as we start to walk back and to go back home.

“Oh see that you made it back” James teases us as we get in the back seat of the car. Guess Ellen was right, we got busted, oh well.

“We lost track of time” Ellen tries to find an excuse but both burst out laughing as they shake their heads.

“Well I hope you had fun” Vicky turns to us and winks. Ellen of course blushed as I just rolled my eyes at their silly comments.

The rest of the drive we joked around and sang to the songs that came on the radio, this night couldn't get better, now long forgotten our prior incident.

“What should we do for the rest of the night?” James asks as he turns the corner on the street I live at.

“I don't know, what do you think guys? Should we let him decide once what should we do?” I say teasing him while the three of us laugh at him.

“It'll be the best night of your life if you do ladies, I can be lots of fun”

“Alright then decide, let's hope we don't fall asleep before ten” I banter and he mocks me as he parks the car on the driveway.

“Let's hope we don't fall asleep before ten, please Port don't tell me that's your bedtime” I could see from the back of his head that he was proud of his comment, it was funny I must admit.

“Ha ha ha very funny Jamie”

“Hey don't call me that” we get out of the car giggling, I take Ellen's hand in mine as we walk to the door and go inside.

“Come with me baby” I walk to the kitchen with Ellen behind me “I missed this” I whisper as I get closer to her lips.

“Portia-” I cut her off with my lips and she responds right away to my kiss, just as I lick her bottom lip we are interrupted.

“Woah take it slow girls” Vicky says walking around us to the fridge.

“We- uh we just uh-”

“You're so cute when you get shy baby” I said it louder than I thought making Vicky roll her eyes shaking her head at us “hey I saw that.”

“Saw what?” the grin plastered across her face meant she was having fun with this.

“You're evil” she walks away and I could still hear her laughing from the living room. I turn my attention back to Ellen, it's so obvious how embarrassed she got when Vicky caught us.

“I love your ears when they get this red” I trace my finger along the shell of her ear.

“Stop that tickles”

“You're adorable did you know?”

“No you are, but I agree I am too” I laugh at her words and she chuckles while I continue laughing her arms go around me holding me close to her.

“You're silly, come on let's go see what fun James has in store for us”

“Finally you stopped smooching” James blurts out and I glare at him “come over here so we start our game night” we walk to the middle of the living room, Ellen sits on the chair pulling me onto her lap as we didn't all fit in the sofa.

“What are we playing?” Ellen speaks up since we got in the car earlier.

“Two options that are equally just as fun, pictionary or charades. You ladies can choose”

“What do you say Ellen?” I ask slightly turning around to face her.

“I've never played any of these games so whatever you want baby”

“Aww she called you baby” James mocks her and I grab a pillow throwing it at him “you two are cute together” I blush as he winks at us.

“You're an ass” I mutter.

“He's right you two make an adorable couple” Vicky says agreeing with him.

“We know” both Ellen and I say together, I place my arm around her neck as both her arms go around my waist pulling me closer to her giving me a peck on my cheek.

“So what are we playing?” James asks as he holds both games in his hands.

“That one” Vicky points to the pictionary box.

“It'll be you and I against them then” he opens the box setting up the board game on the coffee table.

“We go together first so Ellen sees how to play it” I tell James since we have played many times before. When I'm about to roll the dice he stops me

“Hold on who goes first?”

“Me of course” I smirk as I throw the dice on the table. I grab a card and lean over so he can see the word we got.

“We got this Vicky” he grabs his paper and pencil, I do the same and start the timer.

“You just have to guess what I'm trying to draw ok?” I say as I draw.

“Pen, pencil, stick” Vicky shouts but Ellen stays silent just looking at my paper and I'm worried she won't be able to get anything from my horrible drawing skills.

“Fishing pole”

“Point to us!” I can't believe she got that from my drawing and on her first time playing this.

“How did you get that from that?” James looks at my paper confused but amused at my drawing.

“It's just a stick with a line straight down one end” they both chuckle.

“Well to me it's a great drawing reason why I guessed it right” Ellen says winking at me.

“Yeah get on your girlfriend's side…”

“I have to I like her after all” she trails off taking the dice from the middle of the table.

“Too cute, I can't stand it” James mumbles before laughing and Vicky joins him “I'm kidding Port, don't give me that look” he pulls me for a hug.

I go back to my spot to continue the game, Ellen throws the dice and takes a card leaning over to Vicky so she sees what they have to draw. Both grab paper and pencil and in a matter of seconds Ellen has drawn a decent drawing.

“Pimple, mole, freckle-” she shakes her head. What else can it be? She drew a face with a mark on the cheek with an arrow pointing at it.

“Scar, makeup, pimple- no she said that, Vicky what is it?” James starts to get frustrated as time is running out. Then it hits me.

“Dimple!”

“Yeah good job baby” she kisses me “two to nothing we're too good” I chuckle as I know how competitive James is in this game.

“You know how to draw that's not fair” he starts to whine about them losing already.

“Don't be such a cry baby” I tease him hitting his arm lightly “come on it's our turn.”

The game continues for a couple more rounds until they give up as Ellen and I are winning by three points. This was definitely fun, we end up watching tv for the rest of the night and what's a better place to watch if not in your girlfriend's arms.

“Do you want to go to sleep?” I ask Ellen when her heads falls on my shoulder.

“Not yet, I like having you in my arms like this” her grip around me tightens “plus where am I going to sleep?”

“Where you slept last night of course baby”

“Won't it be- you know...uh weird?”

“Weird why?” I think about it then I realize what she means “Vicky can sleep on the bed if she wants to don't worry.”

“No you take my place and I sleep on the floor, you'll be more comfortable” I smile at how sweet she is.

“You are my guest here so no you sleep on the bed” I put my finger over her lips as I know she will argue with me about it and she kisses it softly.

“Fine I won't argue about it” I lean towards her and just as our lips are about to touch Vicky interrupts us.

“Guys it's getting late I think I'll go to sleep” she gets up and James follows suit.

“Yeah me too goodnight girls” they both walk out of the living room leaving us alone.

“We should go soon too, it is kind of late”

“But I don't want to baby” she places her finger under my chin so we can look at each other. Her finger moves from my chin along my jaw and stops under my ear, my weak spot I've discovered.

Her lips replaces her finger and soon I melt to her touch, she could do anything of me at this moment. She continues down to my neck, my other weak spot but I have to stop her this is going to fast.

“Ellen baby-” she kisses me silencing me. I pull away and get off her lap taking her hand in mine. Her look was one that broke my heart but I couldn't let it continue, it isn't time for that.

“Did I do something wrong?” she stops her tracks dropping my hand and folding her arms over her chest.

“What? Come on it's late”

“You didn't like it? Did I do it wrong?”

“Wh-what are you saying?” I sigh walking to her “it's too soon Ellen that's all.”

“I- I'm sorry it's just- I don't know what happened to me there- sorry” she mutters and I'm sure she's blushing hard.

“Don't be sorry baby, I do want but I don't want our relationship to be based on that or our first time to be a quickie” I giggle when I take her hands and they're freezing cold a clear sign that she is embarrassed by this subject.

“You- I- yeah you're right…”

“You're adorable when you get shy baby” I know I've said it many times but it's true “let's get some sleep come on” we walk upstairs and get changed into our pajamas. As I walk back to my room I think of all the events that happened today.

Ellen and I shared our first kiss, we became a couple and then this scene with Rachel that still makes my blood boil just thinking about her. Our game night was so much fun, we definitely have to do this again and finally what would've happened if I hadn't stopped it just a few minutes ago.

Walking inside I see Ellen already asleep on the side of the bed she slept on last night, I smile and quietly get in trying not to wake her up. Right when I lay she turns over snuggling next to me with her arm draped over my stomach. I take a deep breath and relax to her even breathing soon too falling asleep.

Chapter 15

Ellen POV

I’m lost again. I’ve come through this path dozens of times and I still seem to manage to get lost. While I try find my way out I feel like if I’m being watched. I run to get away from whatever or whomever is after me. ‘I need to get out of here’ I say under my breath before I trip over my feet landing face first. I feel something liquid dripping down my face and I realize I’m bleeding. As I try get up on my feet something latches on my right foot and starts to pull me.

“Ellen baby wake up” someone’s sweet voice says to me shaking me gently. I hesitate to open my eyes and find that my dream was real and that I’m locked up somewhere for no one to find me.

Soft lips caress my cheek as I open my eyes slightly to find worried eyes looking at me. A smile forms on my face at just seeing Portia’s beautiful face. She pulls me into her arms wrapping them around me tightly and I take a deep breath trying to forget about that awful dream.

“Why are you awake?” I look up to see her eyes in the early morning light.

“You were kicking and-”

“I kicked you? I’m sorry baby”

“No but you were mumbling things I’m surprised they didn’t wake up”

“That dream felt too real and I was scared it actually had happened” she kisses the top of my head as I snuggle closer to her, I feel so safe in her arms.

“I’m here nothing will happen to you” with her finger under my chin she pulls my face to look at her, I can’t help myself and I kiss her softly. “Come on let’s go downstairs so we don’t wake them up” I reluctantly let her pull me with her.

“What time is it?” it’s too early to be awake, we both didn’t sleep enough.

“Almost seven, can you make me a favor?”

“Depends” I tease her pulling her into my arms resting my forehead against hers.

“I’ll give you many, many kisses”

“You know I won’t say no to that and you use it against me” she laughs out loud quickly placing her hand over her mouth and giggles at herself.

“You have to know early in our relationship that I always get my way” her smirk gives me butterflies and I’m transfixed by the twinkle in her eyes.

“And you have to know I’ll never say no to you”

“In that case make those amazing pancakes only you know how to make” she pulls me to the kitchen sitting herself on the counter next to the stove. I give her a smile and start looking for everything I need to make them.

“Watch and learn baby” I give her a wink and start pouring everything into the mixing bowl to make the batter. I grab the pan and wait for it to heat up, while I wait I lean against the counter Portia is sitting at.

“My baby is a chef, how sweet I got myself a cook” I hit her leg and we start to giggle.

“I only know how to make these” I say matter of factly as I look at our hands intertwined together.

“To me you’re still one and a very cute one” I blush at her compliment but hide it before she notices and starts teasing me about it “I’m hungry come on hurry up” she complains to me as I walk away to find a spatula.

“You’re an ass” I say in a serious tone “but I like it” I give her a sly smile and yet again she laughs out loud “shhh baby you’ll wake them up and I’m not ready to make for everyone.”

“And then I’m an ass”

“Well you are my girlfriend, you requested pancakes and you shall have some” I pour some of the mixture into the pan and lean against her legs as I wait until I have to flip it.

“Now I feel special”

“You are to me” I mumble barely audible, as I go to flip the pancake she pulls my arm and crashes her lips against mine “the- the pancake it’ll burn…”

“I don’t care, right now I want to kiss you” her lips are on mine again and I gladly concede to her. I pull away for much needed air as I pant from our heated kiss. “Hey you burnt my pancake” she pouts.

“It’s your fault” I kiss her nose before I go to throw away the black pancake and pour more mixture into the pan this time I lean against the counter opposite of her.

“Not my fault I can’t resist kissing you” I blush against my will and she of course noticed it.

“Someone’s blushing” she teases me “it’s cute when you blush.”

“Stop making fun” I pout and she jumps off the counter standing in front of me, I can’t help not get nervous when she looks at me like that giving me that smile of hers.

“Are you nervous?” I nod as my mouth has gone dry “I like making you nervous” she whispers taking my hand in hers.

“The- you- your pancake will burn again” I stumble over my words as her eyes burn into my skin.

“Don’t worry about it” her tongue snakes out to lick her lips and I find myself staring at them. Peeling my eyes off of her I look behind her to find smoke from the burnt pancake, I rush to take it off the pan and hear someone laughing behind me.

“You keep distracting me, you won’t eat if you continue”

“You know you like my distractions” she bites her lip and I gulp. What has gotten into her?

“Distract me when I’m not busy” I wink at her this time it’s her turn to blush “now who’s blushing” I tease her as I flip the pancake.

“You’re a slow cook” she banters changing the subject and I couldn’t be more relieved.

“You let me burnt those two pancakes so don’t complain” she groans taking a seat on the counter again. I quickly make the rest of the batter into ten pancakes. I made more than I intended to but not enough for the four of us so I place two for myself and three for Portia, the rest Vicky and James can have them.

I take both of our plates to the table as she goes to get the syrup and some orange juice, she takes a seat next to me taking my hand to kiss it softly.

“Thanks for breakfast baby” I smile and kiss her cheek. We eat in silence just enjoying each other’s company, I help her wash the dishes I used even if she kept telling me not to. I hope my future is much similar to this morning, wake up in her arms and make breakfast for her every morning is all I ask.

The four of us didn’t want to do anything today so we stayed in until it was time for me to go home, which I reluctantly had to do. James was very kind offering to take me home.

“I’ll see you tomorrow baby” I say before getting out of the car.

“Wait” she pulls me back inside giving me a kiss I’ll feel on my lips until tomorrow. I peck her one last time waving as they drive away.

----------------------------

A ringing sound disrupts my sleep but I can't seem to figure out where it's coming from. Certainly not an alarm, my alarm doesn't sound like that. I sit up with my eyes still close as I try to make out where it's coming from, it's not too loud but neither too low.

“Where the heck is it?” I curse under my breath. Deciding I have to get up to find the source of whatever is ringing I get out of bed to turn the light on, I almost trip over my shoes in the process.

Agitated I can't find it I give up and lay back in my bed, eventually it'll die out or whatever, I think. As I slide my hand under my pillow I pull out my phone realizing it was ringing all this time, I quickly answer when I see the name on the screen.

“Did I wake you?” she speaks up forming a smile on my lips at the sound of her sweet voice.

“What if I say yes?”

“Then I'll apologize with a kiss when I see you”

“So if you didn't I wouldn't get a kiss?” I like when she laughs, it warms my heart when she does.

“You'll get more than one if I did” she says softly, I miss her lips on mine.

“I'd like more than one”

“You'll get as many as you want baby” I roll over on my back with the covers up over my head and I sigh.

“I miss you”

“I do too that's why I'm coming to pick you up in ten minutes” I swiftly sit up with my eyes wide open in surprise.

“What? Ten minutes? I- I have to get ready then” I jump out of bed and could hear her giggling as I was going through my closet for clothes to wear. I don't have enough time to shower or do I?

“Baby listen” I stop what I'm doing waiting for her to continue “go get ready and I'll see you in a few minutes” she blows me a kiss through the phone before hanging up.

Throwing my phone on the bed I grab my clothes and run to the bathroom for a fast shower. While I was fixing my hair I heard the doorbell, that was Portia. I was sure it was her when mama opened the door. I rush to my room to grab my backpack and realize it's empty, I forgot to put my books inside last night.

“Ellen, darling Portia is here” I heard mama calling me. I quickly stuffed everything in my backpack and start making my way to Portia.

“Hi” I say out of breath “good morning” mama didn't know yet about us and I hesitated if to kiss her in front of her or not.

“Good morning, are you ready?” Portia seemed to have taken the hint and went with it.

“Yeah let's go, see you after school mama” I kiss her goodbye and follow Portia out the door. “I haven't told her yet I'm sorry” I take her hand as we walk to the car.

“Morning Ellen” James greets me.

“Morning” I turn to look at Portia giving her my undivided attention “I missed you a lot, can I kiss you?” I whisper so only she could hear me.

“You never have to ask” I lean and stop when we're a few inches apart. I stare into her eyes as she stares into mine, our noses lightly touching.

I peck her lips while I still look into her eyes, they express so much in this moment. Closing my eyes I caress her lips with mine in a tender slow kiss. My hand cups her cheek as our kiss continues, I pull back and wrap my arm around her shoulders pulling her closer to me. I think I'm falling in love with her, that is if I haven't fallen already.

----------------------------

We are in the third class and second we have together. Unlike in History here we have our individual chairs and I sit behind her, it's closer than if I sat next to her. We were passing notes back and forth, I was scared we would get caught.

Did you know you look so sexy with your glasses on? The text says in her neat handwriting making me blush.

Did you know I love when you wear that red dress? I write and pass her the piece of paper, when she read it she turned to me giving me a wink.

Ellen, can you tell me how it's possible for you to like me for such a long time? I mean two years it's a very long time. I think carefully about her question, I don't even know myself actually.

I don't know, you took my breath away the first time I saw you. I had given up on you noticing me but I couldn't help or change my feelings. No one knew about it, not even Vicky. So many times I wanted to be brave and say hi to you but I never did, I always just looked at you and wondered why would you even like me anyway. I take a deep breath and pass it back to her.

What's not to like about you? I like everything about you baby, even your light snoring I kick the back of her chair as she tries not to laugh have lunch with me?

Asking me out on a date? Not sure I'll like the place but I'll go anywhere with you, mind telling me how come you like me?

Yeah the cafeteria isn't the best place for a date but as long as you're with me I'm happy. I told you you're beautiful, I noticed this one time I glanced at you during art class. I wanted to talk to you but I was with Rachel back then and slowly I lost interest in her because of you. A smile appears on my face at her words, I re-read it a couple of times just to let it sink in.

The teacher passes by as I think of what to reply back, I quickly stuff the piece of paper under my math book, I wouldn't want to risk her catching us passing notes during class.

I wasn't able to write my response as we had to take a test that took the rest of the remaining time we had.

We have lunch together and I walk her to her next class that is a few doors down from mine. We kiss goodbye before we go our separate ways when the bell goes off.

In the middle of class my phone vibrates and I carefully take it out to check who texted me. If I get caught the teacher will take it from me and mama will be furious at me. Before unlocking it I look around to make sure it's safe.

Meet me in the restroom in five minutes. Reads the text from Portia. I stuff it back into my pocket and wait a couple of minutes before raising my hand to ask for permission.

Walking down the hallway I get nervous. What does she have in mind? I walk inside to find that it's empty, Portia would be here soon.

I lean against the sink as I wait for her to come. The door opens slightly and I see her look one last time behind her before she runs to my arms.

“I missed you” she whispers. I don't get a chance to reply when her lips crash on mine. Her hands go around my neck as mine go to her waist pulling her closer to me. I easily lift her up and walk into one of the stalls pinning her against the wall.

“I did too” I pant once we pull away with her still in my arms. “We can't stay longer we will get in trouble baby” her arms and legs tighten around me when I try to place her down.

“One more kiss and we-” she cuts herself short placing her lips back on mine. I lose track of time as our kiss continues, my hands start to roam around her body as hers do too on mine.

“Portia…” it comes out more as a moan than I intended it to “let's go baby, we really need to” I peck her lips one last time and place her down.

“I'll see you in art class baby” one last kiss and she's gone. I apprehensively walk down the hall back to class, I'm not sure for how long I was gone and if my teacher noticed I’ll be in big trouble.

A sigh of relief escapes from me when I enter the class and the teacher wasn't there. I quickly walk to my seat getting back to work before he comes back.

----------------------------

“Come to practice with me?” Portia asks a few minutes before the last bell rings signaling the end of school for today.

“I'd love to” she has been sitting next to me everyday since that day she helped me when Vicky wasn't talking to me. She stares at me as I try to finish off a small sketch the teacher had us do, “stop you make me nervous” I can't help it when she looks at me the way she is now.

“I’m sorry you're just so so pretty to look at” I smile shyly and of course I blush.

“You make me nervous”

“I like I do” she winks at me making me blush harder. I try to focus on my sketch while her eyes burn into me, she passes me a folded piece of paper and I wait for the teacher to walk by before I read it.

I love to watch you draw and I miss kissing you ;) I gulp.

She was leaning back on her chair when I decided to risk the chance of looking at her. I knew once I looked into her eyes I would forget anything that was going around us. I quickly write down a reply and give it back to her.

Come to dinner the day after tomorrow? I’ll cook you dinner… long forgotten the sketch I had to do I wait for her to answer me. I drum my fingers on the desk impatiently.

I’d love to but no need to cook for me baby

It’ll be my pleasure, pray I don’t poison us though she chuckles and I put my head down to hide my smile from other students. Before she has a chance to reply the bell rings, I instinctively take her hand in mine as we walk to the soccer field.

When we get there we’re the only ones there, we must be too early. I take this chance to pull her flush against me and take her lips without warning. She licks my bottom lip asking for entrance and I open to her, we pull apart when someone shouts at us from a distance.

“Get a room!” I blush bright red at Vicky’s teasing comment taking a step back from Portia but she pulls me back by my waist as she giggles at my embarrassment.

“Don’t get shy baby” she whispers to me pecking my cheek before Vicky comes next to us “where’s everyone else?” I relax when the subject is changed.

“They’ll be here in five, we are practicing in groups of two but we’re one short. Megan isn’t here today so…” she trails off looking at me with a mischievous grin.

“What? Oh- no, no forget it I’m not-”

“Please?” Portia gives me her puppy dog eyes and I melt inside, why would they do this to me? I’m like the worst soccer player ever.

“But baby I wasn’t made to play soccer, don’t give me that look come on” I turn to Vicky as in asking her to bail me out but all she does is grin.

“You’ll be with me I promise but please?” I sigh, she indeed does get away with anything. When I don’t argue more about it she hugs me and whispers “I’ll repay you for this baby” I shudder when her breath hits my ear.

The rest of the girls come and practice starts. Lucky for me there was no running included, all we did was pass the ball and played one on one. Portia is really good, I could barely take the ball from her without kicking her leg accidentally.

Once practice is over everyone sits on the grass and make idle talk. I just listen as they all talk, mostly about boys and of course I have nothing to say in that subject.

Portia lays down between my legs resting her head on my chest. I run my fingers through her hair as we continue to listen to the girls. Her hand goes on my neck pulling me down to her and I don’t hesitate to kiss her soft lips, everyone quiets down as they see our display of affection.

“So you guys are really a couple?” one of them asks and Portia nods as I’m hypnotized by her eyes that look deep into mine.

“Well you two make a cute couple” another girl says, we both look away from each other to look at them smiling broadly at her comment. One by one they start to leave until we are alone, well that is until I see Vicky in the corner of my eye looking up to the sky.

“You are adorable together like seriously” she sighs and I have a feeling something is wrong with her. I haven’t spent much time with her and I feel guilty right away. “See you tomorrow girls” she smiles as she grabs her backpack, I am at a loss as of what to do so I just look at her walking away from us.

“You need to talk to her baby, something is clearly bothering her” Portia sits up turning to look at me.

“I think I know what is” I could be wrong which is why I have to talk with her first. I sigh and she caresses my cheek instantly relaxing me. I lay on the ground as I think of how I could help Vicky if there really is something wrong.

“Relax baby it’ll be alright” she lays on top of me pecking my chin. I wrap my arms around her as hers go to my hair, her fingers run through my short hair making close my eyes at her light touch. Soft lips kiss my own, soon our kiss deepens and our hands touch and caress each others body.

“We should probably go home it’s late” I say once we pull back, it is in fact late the sun had started to set. Mama is probably worried where I am when at that moment my phone rings.

“Honey where are you? It’s getting late” I smile before telling her where and with who I am. She offered to take Portia home when she would come pick me up and I couldn’t be happier. Getting out of the car with Portia I kiss her goodbye and I’m aware mama probably saw that but I have a feeling she already knew we were together.

Sitting in the front seat she pats my leg smiling at me making me blush, I couldn’t be more proud of having her as my mama. She has always supported me even more after I came out to her.

Chapter 16

I texted Portia I would use the few minutes before school starts to talk to Vicky. I walk down to my History class and find her sitting against the wall by herself.

“Mind if I sit here?” she just stares at the wall opposite her so I sit next to her. I look at other students as they walk by waiting for Vicky to acknowledge that I'm here.

“Hey what's wrong?” I touch her shoulder lightly which seems to catch her attention.

“Since when are you here?”

“Doesn't matter, I noticed something is off and I want you to know that I'm here. I know I've spent all my time with Portia but-”

“She's your girlfriend El, I understand you two want to be together all the time” she sighs and looks away from me “how did- how were you able to like her in silence for a long time? I mean you kept it a secret and she had girlfriends, didn't you-”

“This is about James isn't it?” She nods, she has always been there for me and now it's my turn to be there for her. I pull her in for a hug, some idea came to me but I'll need Portia’s help for this.

“I may seem confident and all that but I'm really not, I tried so hard this weekend to keep it cool around him. It probably came out as if I'm a hard person to deal with.”

“Portia and I know you are not Vicky, does he have a girlfriend or likes someone?”

“How can I know? Many girls like him in case you didn't notice, maybe he likes the attention, maybe he's a player-” at that very moment he walks by with his friends and all the girls drool at the sight of him. He winks at them before walking out the double doors.

“You see what I mean? I have a crush on a guy that is an ass” the bell rings and she goes inside the classroom with no other word.

Portia didn't come to our first class which was odd when she didn't tell me anything about it. Vicky was in her own little world and I didn't want to bother her. Would she get angry at me if I set her up on a blind date with James?

----------------------------

Hey baby, where were you during History? I send Portia a text as I make my way to my second class. I make a short stop by my locker to make sure I have everything I need when I feel two hands snake around my waist.

“Missed me?” she whispers.

“You don't know how much baby” I close my locker turning around in her arms. I am aware students are walking by and that some maybe are looking being nosey but I can't care much about that right now.

“We don't have long but I just wanted to do this” the gap between our lips disappears as we kiss for the first time today. I pull back aware of where we are resting my head against hers.

“If we don't go now we will be late for class”

“But I don't want to” she pouts. I peck her lips one last time taking her hand in mine as I walk her to her next class.

“I'll see you in math baby” we kiss goodbye and she walks inside. I rush to mine, I can't get detention for tomorrow.

Physics always seems to last forever, this is my least favorite subject and the only one I have a difficult time in. I try to focus but I always seem to drift away as Mr. Willis talks about who knows what.

I always think I do good on classwork or homework in this particular class and I'm disappointed every time my grade stays the same, I can't seem to even have a decent C.

Before I zoned out we were learning about Isaac Newton, we were to take notes and I was really trying to pay attention as I wrote on my notebook.

I can't write and listen at the same time, either I write or listen to him. Arguing about this in my head I stopped paying attention therefore I wasn't taking any more notes, which of course got me to get called on by Mr. Willis.

“Ellen? Mind telling us what unit is named after Isaac Newton?” I sigh at the simple question he asked.

“The newton?”

“Correct. Now what is it used to measure?” I gulp. I glance down at my notes, praying I had written this one down. I don't like having attention on me, especially not the teacher's when they wait for an answer. I sigh and give up.

“I don't know” I mumble, did he even hear me?

“Next time pay more attention” yes he definitely heard me. He continues with the class as I try to force myself into learning things I'll probably won't need for my future.

Portia POV

English class is just as boring as sitting and doing nothing. Since I'm in the last grade that means it's essay class more than English itself.

We have an essay due this Friday that I have to ace, my grades have to be great to be able to keep playing soccer and be in the team. I can't fool around like the guy sitting in front of me.

We got started on this last week and not once have I seen him open the laptop the school provides us with. I have always hated writing essays but for doing what I love I have to try my best.

After writing a couple of paragraphs I give up, I lean back against my chair and stare at the screen. I wish Ellen and I had all classes together but that would just be a distraction to me. How would I concentrate with her being so close to me?

I missed our first class together because my coach needed to talk about some things with me. He told me this upcoming match there is going to be a person that looks for soccer players to join teams around the country.

My only wish before I fell for Ellen was to play soccer as a career. I wanted to join a good team and eventually play for the national team. Now if that happens what will be of our relationship?

Uninterested in continuing my essay I take my phone out discreetly to find an earlier text from Ellen. She is the best thing that has happened to me this whole year, I think I might have more than a crush on her.

Coach wanted to talk about something, I miss you baby I reply placing it back into my pocket. As I try to get back to my essay my phone vibrates.

Physics is the worst class ever, I wish you were here... I can't wait for the hour left to pass by fast. I just want to be with her all the time, I never had this feeling with Rachel. My anger rises just at the thought of her.

----------------------------

“I missed you so much baby” we kiss before we start walking towards our math class. Just as we round the corner that leads to the class we bump into Rachel, great now she will ruin our day.

“I think Vicky wanted to see you about something” Ellen whispers and pulls me back to where we came from.

“What’s wrong with Vicky?”

“Nothing that was just an excuse to get away from her” I pull her for a hug kissing her cheek as a thank you.

“You didn’t have to that baby, I can handle her”

“No Portia, I had enough of her. She needs to leave you alone, you are not her girlfriend anymore” she takes a deep breath “I’m sorry...it’s just that I can’t stand her.”

“My baby is jealous” I teased her lightly “we will talk about this later right now let’s go to class before we both get in trouble” I take her hand and we make it just in time, the bell goes off as we walk in.

Ellen there’s no need to be jealous, you are the girl I like plus you are my girlfriend I write on a piece of paper and pass it to her.

I can’t help it, I’m sorry. It’s not just jealousy, I don’t like how she talks to you or the way she looks at you

She does it to bother us baby that’s all, forget about her alright? I heard her behind me sigh exasperated, even if Rachel didn’t say anything to us she achieved in ruining our day.

I’ll try but next time she’ll see if she bothers you again

Ellen you wouldn’t do anything, for me just let it go? I can’t believe we are having our first “argument” if it’s even that because of that piece of- I take a deep breath and let it out. I’m not going to let her win.

As you say baby but don’t Ellen me, makes me feel like I’m in trouble I chuckle at how cute she is during lunch I’ll tell you what’s wrong with Vicky and maybe you can help me with it. I don’t have a chance to reply when our teacher passes out another test that counts more than the one of yesterday.

----------------------------

Much like before we walk hand in hand to the cafeteria waiting in line to get our lunch, I wish we could eat something better than this crappy cafeteria food. As the line moves at a snail’s pace I lean against Ellen with her arm around my shoulders and mine around her waist.

Five minutes later we finally get our food and start scanning the large room for an empty table to sit at. I notice Rachel at the far end of the room so I avoid sitting close to her and instead opt for a table closer to the entrance.

“How is it that I can help Vicky?” I ask once we sit down.

“First tell me something, does James like someone?”

“Yeah I think he does, what does he have to do with Vicky?” I take a bite and decide it’s not of my liking so I push the tray away from me.

“Hold on baby, he’s not a player right? I mean with girls”

“No he isn’t, what did he do?” Lately I haven’t spent much time with him and I feel guilty about it but I’m sure he understands.

“Well Vicky likes him and if he does too I was thinking we should set them up” she finally takes a bite of the food and just like me she pushes the tray away.

“That’s a great idea, we should do what we did Sunday and leave them alone so they figure things out”

“Yeah we should plan this good, you still are coming tomorrow for dinner right? I promise it’ll be better than this” she points to the food next to us.

“I’ll come but no need to-”

“I want to baby, I just hope you like it” she interrupts me. I don’t get why she insists in cooking me dinner but I don’t argue more about it, it’s very sweet of her. Maybe one of these days I do the same for her.

Soon the bell rings and we each have to go our separate ways. Yesterday she walked me to class so today I walk her to hers. I kiss her goodbye and for a moment I forget I have to get to class when the teacher scolds me for still being there.

Chemistry isn’t as hard as Physics but it’s still challenging for someone who doesn’t like any science stuff. Today is lab day which is better than sitting doing paper work.

The girl I was paired with is a very smart girl and in a matter of minutes we are finished, she didn’t do all the work I did try to help her. We can just sit and relax until everyone else finishes so I take advantage of my free time to text Ellen.

How’s that essay going? I wasn’t expecting her to answer when I know she will be engulf in that essay, one thing I’ve noticed is that she is very disciplined when it comes to important school work or at least in the classes she enjoys.

It’s kicking my ass, how’s your class going?

I kicked it’s ass, we are done for today. Want to meet in the restroom again? ;) Since we are done I don’t think my teacher will mind or notice if I take longer than I should, Ellen’s teacher is a very laid back one so she won’t notice either if she takes longer.

What do you have in mind? ;)

You’ll see baby so see you in five ;) a couple of minutes later I go ask for permission. As I walk to the restroom I feel butterflies in my stomach, every time I see her I feel weak at my knees.

Walking through the door I find her waiting for me leaning against the sink like yesterday. I push her to the wall pinning her against it, holding her hands above her head. It keeps getting difficult to keep my hands to myself, I don’t want us to rush into anything yet either.

I pull her into one of the stalls and it’s my turn to be pinned against the wall. Easily I wrap my legs around her waist as her lips claim my own, I invade her mouth with my tongue to play with hers. Her lips move to my neck up to my ear, my weak spot, I gasp when she nibbles under my ear. I pull back when the door opens and two girls walk in.

“Don’t’ put me down yet baby” I whisper and she nods. If we get caught we could get in big trouble here. We just stand there, well Ellen does, as we wait for them to leave, when one of them speak I freeze. It’s Rachel.

They talk about boring stuff, things that don’t matter to me, they like to gossip and I should’ve known that when she was the one that spread that rumor about me.

“Doesn’t it bother you that Portia has a girlfriend already?”

“It does, that’s why I have tried to bother them. Portia is mine not that nobody’s” I can’t believe my ears. Ellen is not a nobody, she is my everything. If she wasn’t here holding me I would’ve gone out and give her a piece of what she really needs.

“Why you call her ‘nobody’ Rachel, she has a name you know”

“No one knew her before this weekend and now everyone does because she’s with Portia. Portia is popular because she’s in the soccer team, I’m sure this Ellen is with her just to become popular” Ellen’s grip was tightening around my waist, she was angry and she had every reason to be.

“Well they make a cute couple and I don’t think what you say is true”

“Maybe not true but I’ll get Portia back sooner or later” she must have gone insane, she doesn’t know how stupid she sounds.

“You need to let Portia go, she wasn’t meant to be with you end of story” I couldn’t recognize the voice of the other girl but I’m so thankful for her words that shut Rachel up. They both leave and silence surrounds us for a few seconds.

“We should go back to class, see you in art” Ellen pecks my lips and places me down before walking out. I’m upset at the fact that Ellen walked out on me like that, I mean I wanted to make her feel better by talking to her but apparently she was very angry.

I didn’t dare bother her during art class, not that we would be able to talk since we had a small project we had to start to finish by Friday. Usually she concentrates easily in this class but not today, she drums her fingers on the table clearly annoyed.

I scoot my chair closer to her and take her hand in mine even if she tried to jerk it away from me. I rub the back of it with my thumb giving it a light squeeze every few minutes. Finally she turns to look at me giving me a small smile, I can’t help it and I blow her a kiss.

Ellen POV

After hearing what Rachel thinks about me I couldn’t help not get angry. It wasn’t Portia’s fault, I shouldn’t have shut her out the way i did, I promised myself I would make it up to her.

Today they have practice again but I couldn’t stay, I had to get home and convince mama into showing me how to cook something for tomorrow.

While I wait for her to get home from work I do my homework, or at least I try to. It’s still nagging me the way I treated Portia, I need to apologize to her. Long forgotten my homework I grab my phone and dial her number, she should be done with practice by now.

“Hey there” she answers out of breath, I’m assuming they just finished.

“Baby I’m sorry about earlier…”

“Don’t worry about it, you had every reason to be upset. Although, I’m sad you didn’t come to practice with me…”

“I have to get mama to help me cook something for you tomorrow and-” she giggles. I lay on my bed as we continue to talk.

“You’re being silly about that but it's so sweet of you, I’m sure I’ll love whatever you make baby” I don’t know why I got in my head to cook something when I could just take her out for pizza.

“Even if it tastes bad?”

“Even if it tastes bad, what counts is that you made it with love” Love? My feelings are confused, do I like her or did this become love and I haven’t noticed yet?

“With all the love in the world baby”

“You’re so cheesy and I love it” she laughs and a smile forms on my face against my will “I miss you Ellen” she sighs.

“I miss you Portia”

“I miss you more” she laughs making me giggle “I don’t want to but I have to go, I need a shower.”

“Shower at home then not in the locker room”

“Why? I’ll go home after-”

“I don’t want another girl to see you naked by any chance” she bursts out laughing but I’m serious. Especially I don’t want Rachel to find her alone in school and to start bothering her.

“You’re being serious aren’t you?” I stay silent and she sighs. “Baby no need to be jealous I told you” I never thought I’d be a jealous person, I’m only with Portia.

“I just don’t want Rachel to-”

“Rachel can go to hell Ellen, she can’t force me to stop liking you or break up with you. I don’t care what she says, you are my girlfriend. The girlfriend I’ve always dreamed of, she can’t compare herself to you baby.”

“I’m being stupid about all of this, I’m sorry. You know you are the girl everyone dreams to have, I’m so lucky Portia.”

“I’m luckier baby. Have to go but I’ll call you later before going to bed, I send you lots of kisses” she kisses the phone a couple of times before hanging up. I think I’m falling in love.

After thinking over our conversation I decide to check if mama was home. I want to surprise Portia tomorrow with something nice and that she will actually like.

Mama tried to show me how to make the tomato sauce for spaghetti, it seems easy enough that I shouldn’t burn down the house. I took notes just in case I forget to put an ingredient or forget how long I have to let it cook.

Portia called me as she promised she would. We talked for almost an hour when all I could hear was her breathing, I said her name a few times but she didn’t answer which meant she had fallen asleep.

“Goodnight baby” I whisper and hand up. I roll to my side to try to sleep, this day was exhausting. I close my eyes taking a few deep breaths to relax, I fall asleep with Portia in my mind.

Chapter 17

I reach out from under the covers to the bedside table looking for my phone to check the time for the fifth time. I groan when the time reads 4:45. I’ve had a restless night, the worst night of my life. I haven’t been able to fall asleep just thinking about dinner with Portia.

I roll over facing the wall trying to finally fall asleep, I can’t possibly be tired for tonight. Grabbing the second pillow I hug it and take a deep breath letting it out slowly. I feel myself drifting off and I don’t fight it, soon enough I wake up feeling as if I’ve slept only a few minutes.

The time reads 6:40, I slept almost two hours which felt like not even half an hour and I feel quite rested. I don't think I'll be able to fall asleep again so I go take a hot shower.

Since I don't have anything else to do I go down to the kitchen to make some breakfast, how much I wish Portia was here to keep me company. I liked making her breakfast last Sunday, I would love to do it everyday.

“That smells nice.” Mama says startling me, “Portia should come everyday for dinner if that makes you wake up this early.” She teases me and I roll my eyes.

“You're just lucky you have a nice daughter.” She laughs. “Talking about Portia I wanted to ask you for a favor.” I put the last pancake on the plate and turn to her, “please?”

“It has to do with Portia doesn't it?” I nod shyly. “I'll pick you both up after school honey don't worry.” How did she guess that I would ask her that? Now that's creepy.

“How- you need to get out of my head mama.” I walk towards her pulling her for a hug. “Thank you, I love you.”

“I love you too darling, now come on it’s too early to make me cry.” she giggles wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. We eat breakfast over small talk, laughing at silly things until it’s time for me to get ready for school. I grab my phone and send a text to Portia.

Good morning baby, I can’t wait to see you. I was about to write ‘I love you’ but I stopped myself. I’m still not sure about my feelings and I would hate to hurt Portia like that.

I sit on the edge of my bed thinking over what would have happened if I had sent the ‘I love you’ in that text. Would she freak out? Would she even say it back? I sure would like if she did but then again she doesn’t have to and it might break my heart if she didn’t.

“Darling what’s wrong?” Mama says in her soft voice she uses to comfort me when I’m upset. Maybe she can give me advice in this, she always knows what to say.

“Mama…” I take a deep breath, this is something I never thought I would talk about with her. “How do you know when to say ‘I love you’?”

“Portia?” She asks and I nod looking down at my hands. “Honey that is something only you will know the answer to, listen to your heart. There’s no rush in saying it but you have to be sure before you hurt her and it’s not really what you feel.” She places her hand on my shoulder, she always has the answer to everything.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you, you always know what to say thank you.”

“I’ll always be here, always.” She wraps her arms around me holding me in a way I feel safe. She sniffs and I chuckle. “Why are you laughing?”

“In the end I made you cry.” We both end up laughing. “I love you, you're the best mama.” I hug her tightly.

“I love you too darling, now come on or you'll miss the bus.” She grabs my hand pulling me off the bed. On the way out of my room I grab my backpack throwing it over my shoulder.

----------------------------

Walking through the front double doors I walk through the main hallway of the school that leads to the cafeteria, auditorium and the library.I haven't been in the library in ages and for no particular reason I decide to walk inside.

As I walk through the aisles of books I stop where there's books about poems. I haven't read a book in quite some time so I grab one and find an empty table to read.

I've never understood how you read a poem, do you pause at the end of every line or just read it slowly? Is it better when someone reads one to you than to read it yourself?

After reading a couple I finally found the one that has captured my heart. I read it a few times when someone kisses my ear making lose focus on the poem.

“I missed you, I've been looking for you baby.” Portia murmurs in my ear. My breath hitches when she nibbles on my earlobe, “someone likes that.” She whispers.

“Ba-baby stop doing that you-you're killing me.” She giggles as I stumble over my words.

“What are you reading?” I show her the book while she rests her head on my shoulder. “I love that poem.” Before I know it she is reciting it to me.

   “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
   I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
   My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
   For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
   I love thee to the level of everyday's
   Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
   I love thee freely, as men might strive for Right;
   I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
   I love thee with the passion put to use
   In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
   I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
   With my lost saints,–I love thee with the breath,
   Smiles, tears, of all my life!–and, if God choose,
   I shall but love thee better after death”

“That was beautiful baby.” I turn to my right giving her a kiss on her cheek. She looks at me and I feel as if I'm floating, I look at her lips closing the small gap separating us. I grab her hand and pull her on my lap wrapping my arms around her shoulders.

“Where's my poem?” She teases me. I give her a wink before opening the book again looking for another poem that I loved just as much. I start to recite it to her as her eyes burn into me.

“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date:
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimm’d;
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance or nature’s changing course untrimm’d;
But thy eternal summer shall not fade
Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest;
Nor shall Death brag thou wander’st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou growest:
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.”

“I loved it baby.” She takes my hand kissing it softly. We stare into each other's eyes when the bell rings. “I can't wait to be done with school.” She whines getting off me, I can't help but look at her butt as she stands in front of me tugging at my hand.

“Nice” I whisper to myself tempted to reach out and touch her.

“Baby come on stop staring, we will be late.”

“I-I wasn’t- what are you talking about?” I try to play innocent but my stuttering gives me away. “Don’t laugh I can’t help myself.” I blush as she continues to giggle.

“You know you can touch right?” Her sly smile causes my blush to deepen. She grabs my hand and brings it around her waist, I let my hand slide slowly to her lower back. I don’t know why I’m so nervous if she’s my girlfriend, as we continue to walk to History I slip my hand into her back pocket and she turns to kiss my cheek.

“You’ll be the death of me baby.”

“Imagine when you get to touch something else.” She whispers in my ear sending a shiver down my back. Shocked by her comment I forget where we are until she goes around me and starts pushing me by my shoulders.

“What are you doing?”

“Pushing you to class since you just drifted off.” I stay quiet when I remember what she told me. How must it feel to touch her ‘something else’ I wonder to myself. I don’t think I would know how to do it either.

“I can walk myself you know.” I chuckle as she keeps trying to push me through the crowd of students who are trying to get to class on time.

“Fine you'll take me to class then, bend down.” She stops but keeps her hands on my shoulders pushing them forward.

“What?”

“You'll carry me to class baby.” Throwing my backpack over her shoulder I do as I'm told and she jumps on my back. I grab both of her legs as her arms go around my neck.

“Why do I always do as you say?”

“Because I'm your princess and you should always keep me happy.” I laugh at her cuteness and she hits my shoulder. “Don't laugh.” I was sure she was pouting.

“I'm not laughing at you baby, I must say though, you are my princess.” She kisses my cheek and I put her down when once we arrived to class.

“You're adorable did you know?”

“Yeah I know.” She laughs shaking her head as we take a seat ready for class, that's if I can concentrate with her being so close to me.

----------------------------

After Math class finally being over we walk hand in hand to the cafeteria. I need to tell her mama will come pick us up after school. I hope she didn't have other plans before coming over for dinner.

“What are you thinking?” we hold hands across the table. We decided food from here is the worst so why spend our time in a line when we could sit and chat until lunch is over.

“About dinner with you tonight, I can't wait.” Our fingers intertwine as we look at each other. Her eyes scream excitement while mine for sure scream panic for everything to go well.

“Yeah me neither I hope you like it.”

“I'm sure I will baby, what time should I come by?”

“About that...I asked my mom if she could pick us up after school…?” I raise my eyebrows hoping it won't upset her I decided for her.

“That's a great idea but could we maybe go to my house so I grab something I'll need?”

"Yeah of course baby, what do you need?" I asked intrigued, she doesn't have to bring anything for dinner. Certainly not wine, don't think we're allowed to drink that yet.

"A surprise for you.” She winks.

"Is it that red dress?" again she winks and I start to get nervous so I let her hand go as mine started to get sweaty.

"Hey come back I want to hold your hand." I hesitate but as usual she gives me that pout I can’t deny anything to so I wipe my hand on my jeans before bringing it back to her.

We talk about anything and everything with pauses in between and just look at one another. Even if we don’t talk I still feel we communicate in a way. When the bell rings I walk her to class, kiss her goodbye and make my way to English.

I could barely concentrate in English class. My nerves and excitement were pouring out of me, I couldn't keep still. Either my legs were shaking, I was drumming my fingers on my desk or I was tapping my pencil on it.

Last period didn't go any better, Portia was there, she wasn't doing anything to distract me but her just being there was more than enough to take all my attention. I was behind on the project we had due this Friday, I always finished a day or two before and Mrs. Jones kept asking if I was alright or if I needed help.

Five minutes felt like ten, every time I checked the clock on the wall the big hand seemed to be glued to the same time, it didn't want to move.

I turn to look at Portia and she’s calm reading a book. How can she be that calm? Does she not ever get anxious like I do? Am I overreacting?

She peeks over her book winking at me and I lose it. I feel as if I’m melting inside, I quickly put my head down to hide my distressed face. Why can't twenty minutes fly by and not feel like an hour?

"Baby are you ok? You seemed flustered during class." Portia slips her hand in mine while we gather our stuff to go home. I was secretly hoping she hadn’t noticed.

"I don’t know why I’m so nervous for tonight."

“Aww baby there’s nothing to worry about, come on your mom must be waiting for us." We start walking to the front of the school scanning the parking lot for mama's car. Once we spot it we get in the backseat.

“Mama can we go to Portia’s house? She forgot something she needs."

"Sure honey just tell me where to turn." Portia tells her and soon she's off to find whatever it is that she needs to bring. I rest my head on her shoulder as mama drives back home, my nerves had subside but now they’ve come back.

"Baby look at me.” When I don't do as she said she lifts my head with her finger under my chin, “relax it'll be ok." She whispers looking straight into my eyes, all I can do is nod.

When we get home mama pulls me to the kitchen. "I'll be in my room but you behave and be nice to her understand?" I scoff, as if I dared treat her bad. She stares at me for a few seconds before continuing, "if you need help with the food just come get me and I'll help you alright?"

“Yes mama yes now go, she’s probably wondering where you took me.” She rolls her eyes and leaves me alone. I grab a glass of water to calm down at least a little bit before I go look for her.

"Baby?" I call her when she’s not in the living room where we had left her. I look everywhere, even outside but I can’t find her. She couldn't have left could she?

Come to your room. Says the text she sent me. I swallow hard.

I take my time walking to my room, I don't know how she figured that was my room or what she has in mind. My hands start to get sweaty again, my face feels as if it’s burning hot whenever I touch it. Before going into my room I go to the restroom to put cold water on my face to relax a little bit.

Opening the door slightly I take a deep breath and peek inside. I find her sitting at my desk looking at the pictures I have of my family. I walk towards her sneaking in a kiss on her bare shoulder.

“Baby… I was wondering what was taking you so long.” Her hand goes to my neck keeping me in place. I kiss her cheek softly then look at the picture of my brother and me she's holding.

“I thought you had left…”

“Never. I just got curious I'm sorry.” She places it back where it was and tugs at my hand to come around in front of her.

“Don't be, it's a little messy as you can see-”

“I like it the way it is baby, so tell me do you like it?” She stands up, walks to the other side of the room and models her red dress to me. My mouth goes dry. I can't seem to form any words, realizing that she giggles as she walks back to me.

“You're- God you're sexy baby,” I whisper.

“Not as sexy as you.” Her hands go to my waist pulling me flush against her warm body. I rest my forehead on hers as I look deep into her beautiful eyes. She rubs her nose on mine in an Eskimo kiss making me chuckle.

“What do you want to do until it's time for dinner?”

“I want to cuddle with you.” I can't say no to that so I lay in my bed and pat the empty space next to me. I miss having her in my arms.

“Baby? I'm waiting…” smiling ear to ear she jumps and lands on top of me. I wrap my arms around her tightly as I breathe in the aroma that is only hers and makes my knees weak.

“I missed this…” She takes a deep breath, “being in your arms.” Her head rests on my chest with her eyes closed.

“I did too baby.” Silence falls between us, it's a nice silence and not awkward one. A few minutes later she rolls off me snuggling as close as she can to me.

“So who was that in the picture with you?”

“My brother, he's a few years older than me and he's off in college.” Ever since we started to get to know each other not once did I ask about her family, that was so rude of me.

“He seems nice just like you, you're just hotter.” I blush and try to hide it with my laughter. I always blush even if she just looks at me.

“Do you have a brother?”

“Yeah but I haven't seen him for a few years now.” I'm not sure if I should ask why or if I shouldn't. “He lives with my dad ever since my parents divorced.”

“I'm sorry I brought it up baby.”

“No it's ok you didn't know. How about your dad?” I wince at her question. I've never told this to no one as everyone seems to not really care or pay attention to those things anymore.

“He- he…” I start to well up “he left when I was three years old, haven't heard of him ever since. I don't even remember him…”

“Oh baby I'm so sorry.” She wipes a stray tear that managed to escape with her thumb.

“Don't be it's ok, so much for cuddling huh?” her laughs makes me forget why I was upset a few seconds ago. Like so many other times we stare at each other, time seems to stop when this happens.

“You want to know a secret?” she mutters as our eye contact never breaks. I nod. “I- I think that my feelings for you have become stronger than I thought they would.”

“What-” her index finger comes over my lips and I stop talking at once.

“I think what I'm trying to say is-” she closes her eyes for a second “I think I'm falling in love with you Ellen.” I can't help the smile on my face as the last words come out of her mouth.

“Baby I feel the exact same thing, I think I'm falling in love with you too.”

“Yeah?” I mouth a yeah to her as I lean closer placing the most delicate kiss on her lips. I cup her face with my hand as our kiss deepens. Her tongue traces my lip asking for entrance and I gladly open to her.

Our tongues swirl together before I take her bottom lip between mine sucking on it lightly earning myself a hiss. I continue to kiss her jaw then her neck, I move under her ear and start to nibble. I just found out recently she loves when I kiss her there. She moans my name, I love how my name sounds I could definitely get use to that.

My hand goes from her face down to her beautiful legs as hers go to my hair tugging at it messing it up. Soon my hand disappears under her dress, I rest it on her hip drawing circles with my thumb as she pulls me back for another kiss. I lay myself halfway on her and pull her dress up to her waist.

Out of nowhere she flips us over and she straddles my lap, grinning mischievously at me she starts to pull my shirt up to my breasts. I get shy when her eyes wander over me so I grab a pillow to hide my red face.

“No baby don't get shy now.” She pulls the pillow off my face giving me a wink. My muscles tremble as she lightly touches my stomach, my breathing becomes laboured as her hands travel to my breasts. I follow her every single move.

As she starts to fondle my right breast there's a knock on my door. Instantly she pulls her hand away and gets off me and off the bed to fix herself. Shocked that mama could have caught us I'm glued to my bed and can't seem to move.

“Baby pull your shirt down.” Portia whispers. I'm still shaken up by all of this and just stare at the door. I feel myself being pulled then I realize Portia is trying to pull me to sit up. Once she succeeds she pulls my shirt down and fixes my hair a little bit.

“Can I come in?” I hear mama through the door and I start to get really nervous.

“Uh- ye- yeah...” I kick myself mentally for stuttering.

“Honey it's getting late for dinner.”

“It is? We- uh we were about to go to the kitchen.” I totally forgot about dinner, with what we were doing I lost track of time.

“Are you ok darling?”

“Yeah… we were talking about dad and… so yeah.” I use the only excuse that came to mind. I'm not lying after all am I? She rushes to me and hugs me running her hand up and down my back, like she does when we talk about this subject.

“If you want I'll make you two dinner and-”

“No, no mama. I want to make it myself-” I lean closer to her so only she can hear me “and impress her.” She laughs out loud and I see Portia squints her eyes in confusion.

“Alright honey just please don't burn my beautiful home.” She banters making Portia laugh, I pout and she just laughs harder.

“Come on Ellen I'm starving.” She holds her tummy.

“Yeah honey come on this young lady needs food.” I can't believe my own mama is taking Portia’s side, they of course laugh at me. After mama left us alone Portia made her way back to me.

“You got away this time, next time you won't be so lucky Ellen” I feel my face getting warm as well as the rest of my body. It reacts on its own as she purrs in my ear.

“I- uh baby- you-” I stumble over my words as her lips attack my neck and I lose myself in her touch.

“Soon I'll get my way with you.” She interrupts me and bites on my neck. Her soft wet tongue soothes her bite but then she bites again making me hiss. I close my eyes and let my hands wander around her body as she continues to nibble on my neck.

“Baby… dinner… need to cook… your dinner.” I mumble against her lips that found their way back to mine.

“I… I want you… but you’re right.” Pulling back she gives me a sly grin. My body is on fire and only she can put that fire out. She walks out of my room leaving me wanting more of her, she knows what she has done to me and she's enjoying my torture.

Frozen in place and in awe at what Portia is able to do of me for a second I almost forget she's waiting for me. I shake my head and chuckle as I make my way to the kitchen.

"Well look who decided to join me." She comes to my arms.

"You make it hard for me to focus."

"That's the plan." Portia will seriously be the death of me, I can't take my eyes off of her, I can't concentrate with her around.

"Uh how about I make that dinner?" I kiss her lips and go look for what I need. I take out all the ingredients I'll need following every step I can remember, hopefully I didn't forget one. I grab a pot filling it up with water and put it to boil so it's ready for the pasta.

"You're look so sexy when you cook baby." Portia snakes her arms around my waist while I check if the sauce is ready. She kisses the back of my neck giving me goosebumps all over my body.

"And you're so distracting honey."

"Honey? I like that one." Her breath hits the nape of my neck as she talks, I can't help the sigh at how nice that feels. She places her lips on the sensitive spot she bit earlier kissing me softly.

"Portia..." Comes out more as a moan.

"Ellen... it's so hard keeping my hands to myself baby." Her hand slips under my shirt resting on my navel, teasing and tickling me as she caresses my skin.

I lean back against her while still in her arms entirely forgetting the task at hand. My head falls against her shoulder as her hand travels further up stopping under my breasts. I forget how to breathe when her fingernails graze across my abdomen.

The sizzling sound coming from the pan in front of me takes me out of whatever trance Portia had me in. I mix it to stop it from burning and also realize it's time to add the pasta to get it cooked, once I'm done I give all my attention to Portia for the next few minutes.

"I want..." I surprise her by taking her lips sneaking in my tongue to play with hers. Her hands go to my hips slithering around my back down to my butt, I groan when she gropes me pulling me tight against her as my hands cup her face.

"Honey where are you?!" Mama shouts from the living room and we instantly pull away before we can get caught again "I have to go, some problem with a friend. You behave alright? Is Portia going to stay the night?"

"Baby? Do you want to?"

"I'd love to yeah." I try to hide my excitement, I've missed sleeping next to her.

"Help yourself to anything you need alright Portia?" She nods looking at me in a way that makes me blush. Mama pulls me to the side.

"Darling I'll probably come home late if not until tomorrow morning, please don’t throw no party while I’m away." I can’t help but roll my eyes. "And that pasta is ready." She says pointing at the pot on the stove, I honestly had forgotten about it.

“Don't worry mama, love you.” I kiss her goodbye and go back to the dinner. It should be ready to serve in any minute now.

“Baby could you grab some plates?” I drain the water from the pasta while she looks in every cupboard for them. I serve the pasta pouring tomato sauce over it and take them to the dining table with her trailing behind.

“This is delicious.” She takes a bite as I look at her astounded. Maybe she didn't want to hurt my feelings by saying the opposite.

“Really?”

“I promise, try so you see.” Portia grabs my fork and feeds me a bite. That is not bad to be my first time, I'm actually proud of myself. We hold hands as we eat mostly in a comfortable silence.

Once she's done she sits back and watches me as I eat, I'm a slow eater. At one point she ran her foot up my leg to my knee, I almost choke at her action. Taking my last bite I place my fork down and just looked back at her.

She leans forward pulling me by my shirt and licks the corner of my mouth and goes back to stare at me.

“You taste nice.”

“Do you taste nice too?” I throw back.

“Why don't you come and check?” She gives me that grin that drives me crazy. I don't hesitate and get up pushing her chair back straddling her lap. I push my body against hers as I take her lips in one breathless kiss.

I grab her hands pinning them behind her head as my hips start to move on their own accord against hers. I've never felt anything like this before and it's amazing.

We both pull back from lack of air, she throws her head back and I take the opportunity to kiss her neck. She starts to moan when I nibble under her ear like I know she likes it.

I let her hands go as mine go to her hair to hold her in place while I continue my attack on her neck. Her right hand goes to my head pulling it by my hair to look at me. She licks my lips taking the bottom one into her mouth biting on it hard.

“Baby…” I groan. She has a thing for biting and I love it.

“Your room?” I hum my assent. Her hands squeeze my butt as she tries to pull me closer to her body, my hands go around her neck as she attempts to stand up with me in her arms. I cling to her like a koala bear and she starts, well she tries, to walk back to my room.

With difficulty and after bumping into a few walls we arrive. She stops outside my room pinning me against the wall thrusting her hips against mine. I extend my left arm looking for the doorknob which is harder when I’m only focused on Portia.

Once the door is open she walks inside kicking it close. She places me gently on the bed hovering over me, biting her lip she leans towards me, I hold my breath in anticipation.

“You can still say no baby.” She whispers, I shake my head. “Are you sure?” I nod. I want this, I want her.

“I’m sure... I want this, I want you to be my first.”

“I want you to be my first too Ellen.”

“I just… I don’t know what to do.” I say shyly. What if I do it wrong and she doesn’t like it? What if I’m bad at it and I’m not able to satisfy her?

“Don’t worry about that baby, just let yourself go in the moment.” Her lips shut me up. The kiss starts soft and delicate, her lips feel like rose petals caressing my own. Soon it becomes more passionate and hot, I trace her bottom lip asking for entrance and she opens. Our tongues dance together as we both start to moan into the kiss.

We gasp for air once we pull apart, she sits up on my lap letting her hand travel under my shirt pulling it over my head. I start to get shy again and avoid her gaze as she stares at my exposed half naked body.

“Why- you- baby stop looking at me like that you- you make me very nervous.” I stare at the wall as her hands touch my stomach softly.

“I can’t help it, you’re beautiful.” Her fingers tickle me as they travel up to my chest where she places a kiss as well as one on each of my breasts. I close my eyes at the feeling of her kissing my chest going up to my oversensitive neck, her smooth tongue licks me then she bites and sucks as if she were a vampire.

Her hand disappears under me unclasping my bra, she takes it off and throws it somewhere on the floor. Both of her hands fondle my breasts, I throw my head back at this incredible feeling. My breath hitches when she takes my nipple into her mouth, lapping at it as her fingers tease the other one.

I take the chance to reach behind her and pull down the zipper of her dress. Her mouth continues the assault on my nipple, she bites it softly pulling it and letting it go just to do it one more time. Unsure of what I should do I let my hands go to her thighs groping them, every time my hands got closer to her crotch she’d bite a little harder on my nipple.

I tugged at the front of her address a few times until she allowed me to pull it off of her. She is stunningly beautiful, I couldn’t help look up and down her very toned body. I traced my finger around her stomach earning myself a moan, I sat up to take off her bra and whisper a ‘wow’ to myself. I do as she did on me and carefully fondle her breasts giving them both kisses.

She groans when I take her nipple and suck on it, her hands go to my head tugging at my hair. She pushes me back down and hovers over me once again, she unbuttons my jeans and pulls them off me so easily. Next on her list is my underwear she takes her own off then takes mine off, now that I’m completely naked in front of her I get self conscious and become embarrassed.

“Can we- umm turn the light off?” I say shyly. She doesn’t hesitate and gets up to turn it off. I reach to my nightstand and turn the small light on, I want to see her I just don’t want her to see me.

“No need to be shy baby, you’re perfect. Now where were we?” Her lips search for mine in the dimmed light, the feeling of her naked body on mine is one of the best feelings ever.

She props herself up on her left arm as her right hand travels down to my stomach stopping right under my belly button. I stop breathing as her hand cups my sex, her touch is so delicate and gentle. As her hand caresses me her lips kiss all over my body until they reach my own.

“Ellen… baby look at me.” I gasp for air as her fingers slip between my folds and she stops at my entrance, “I love you.” She says looking deep into my eyes as her fingers enter me. I wince at the pressure her fingers are applying, it decreases as she starts to move them in and out.

I place my hand over her sex sliding my fingers between her folds that makes her head fall on my shoulder gasping for air. Portia’s fingers go deeper and with each thrust she hits a sensitive spot that causes my back to arch up to her.

“I love you Portia” I pant entering her carefully. She groans as I start to move my fingers in sync with her fingers that don’t stop moving in and out of me. Soon she starts to moan my name which is like music to my ears, it means she likes what I’m doing to her.

Her thumb rubs my clit as her fingers hit that spot that feels heavenly, the feeling is so overwhelming I pull out of her and claw at the sheets as my hips rise on their own. She leans in taking my lip between her teeth biting on it hard, her tongue soothes the bite. Her lips linger over mine as I pant, every breath I take is hers, my whole body starts to shake uncontrollably.

Light sweat covers both of our bodies, my thighs begin to shake and I feel myself tightening around her fingers, I feel as if my whole body is on fire. I feel a tightness on the lower part of my stomach and a wave of pleasure overcomes me causing my breathing to become ragged.

“Baby…” I cry out and grasp her wrist as she continues to move in and out of me. I shut my eyes closed letting my head fall back against the pillow. Everything seems to fade away as my orgasm comes hard sending a burning sensation all over my body.

A few seconds later I manage to flip us over letting my right hand trail down her body. I look into her eyes as my fingers slip back in her, I want to hit that same spot she hit in me. When she grips my arm it's a sign that I am and I smile to myself.

My thumb rubs her clit as I thrust into her as deep as I can, her back arches into me and I take the chance to kiss her chest. I feel her muscles tightening around my fingers and I know she's close.

“Ellen…” she pants sinking her head into the pillow, her thighs close around my hand as she comes moaning loudly. I lay on her and her arms hold me tight against her, I kiss her with everything I have, I've never felt anything like this before.

“I love you.” she whispers as she holds my face. I can't help the tear that falls down my cheek, she wipes it away with her thumb and I notice her watery eyes. “I know it’s fast and I don’t know how but I fell hard for you baby.”

“I love you too, I can't believe you are here in my arms.” I wipe away the tear that fell from the corner of her eye and stare at each other for a few seconds and for no reason we start to giggle.

I let my head fall against her chest and listen to her heart, her hand runs through my hair and I feel myself drifting off.

“My love?” I faintly hear next to me. I look up to find Portia smiling widely at me.

“What is it baby?”

“Did I tell you that I love you?” I can't believe this is really true, that she loves me, I'm so happy it's hard to hide it from her.

“I love you too.” I reach up to kiss her and cuddle into her. My eyes feel heavy, I sigh wrapping my arm over her stomach and my leg in between hers. A last kiss and I fall into a deep slumber with Portia in my mind.

Chapter 18

Portia POV

I wake up to an ache I've never felt before on my legs and my arms wrapped around a body that is cuddling up to me. I smile as I remember what happened last night, it was not something I planned but neither do I regret it happened. Giving myself to Ellen, who I came to realize I love, was the best decision I've ever made.

I move slightly so that I can spoon her. I can't resist the temptation to kiss her bare back or let my hand move down her naked body. I graze my fingernails on her stomach, her muscles quiver at my light touch. I reach up to kiss the back of her neck in an attempt to wake her up.

She leans her head back against my shoulder exposing her neck to me, I take the chance to kiss her softly. As she starts to wake up she snuggles closer to me, her body pressed completely against mine.

I sneak my tongue out licking up to her ear, her moan is an indication that she was awake and aware of what I’m doing to her. I move my hand to cup her breast and her hand covers my own as I gently massage it.

Her hand goes to my hair keeping me in place, I respond by biting her soft skin, her comeback is a tug at my hair. I chuckle and bite one last time earning myself a moan.

"Baby..." She pants.

As I continue my assault on her neck I tease her breasts. I take her nipple between my fingers, I'm gentle at first but then my touch becomes rough. I tug and squeeze on both of them as I please.

Her control was wavering as I trail my fingers down her navel. She held her breath as I slid my fingers between her folds.

"Breathe baby." I whisper in her ear. I snake my left arm under her holding her as close as possible against me.

I trace small circles on her clit, her body shudders as I apply more pressure. I move slightly to position myself in an angle that I won't hurt her.

"Portia..." She moans as I enter two fingers. I nuzzle her neck taking her earlobe between my teeth and nibble on it, I massage her breast with my free hand.

"I love you baby." I mumble and start to move faster in and out of her. Her breath hitches and I know I'm hitting that special spot. I wince at the sharp grip she has on my hair as her body starts to shake.

Her legs close around my hand and I feel her clenching around my fingers, she's close. My grip around her breast is firm as I try to hold her trembling body still.

"I'm..." She groans in pleasure as she comes around my fingers. I slow my movement letting my fingers rest inside of her as she calms down from her orgasm. She sighs as I carefully slip out of her.

Slowly she turns around in my arms, we look into each other's eyes. I smile when she gives me a cheeky grin.

"What is it?" I whisper as I move closer until our foreheads touch.

"Nothing." I feel myself fall as I look deep into her eyes. Her hand snakes between us placing it on my cheek gently caressing under my eye with her thumb.

"I've fallen so hard for you Ellen, I truly love you."

"So have I baby, so have I." I cup her cheek and we both lean in to a kiss full of the love we feel for one another. In this moment I couldn't be happier, I never want for this moment to finish. Sadly, it had to.

"Girls, breakfast is ready." Ellen's mom says through the door.

“I’m sorry I didn’t get to-”

“Don’t worry about that baby.” I interrupt her with a kiss. “Next time.” I mumble against her lips, I’m sure she was blushing.

“Next time.” She repeats my words. “I love you Portia.” I really don't want to get out of her arms but we have to otherwise we will miss school.

“I don't wanna go.” I start to complain.

“This is our last year baby, come on.” She attempts to get up but I hold on to her. “We will both fall baby.” We laugh when we indeed roll off the bed and I land on top of her.

“You're so, so beautiful and sexy.”

“Look who's talking baby, we should get up before I…” Her hand slides between us and cups my sex. My head falls against her chest as she caresses me.

“Ellen, honey you two will be late for school.” She pulls her hand away and I instantly miss her touch.

“We- we're coming.” Her eyes are full of panic as we hear the footsteps fade away.

“Relax baby,” I run my fingers through her hair. “Let's go get ready, come on.”

“If you want to shower you can.” She says pointing to the door next to her closet.

“I didn't bring extra clothes…”

“You can barrow some of mine just look through the closet baby.” She grabs clothes for herself, gives me a kiss and walks out the door.

I take a quick shower, dry myself and walk naked out of the restroom to look for clothes to wear. I love her style, all of her clothes look so comfy. I decide to take the hoodie that she wears all the time, it smells just like her.

“Hey that's my favorite.” She gives me a pout.

“It's mine too.” I counter her pout with my puppy eyes and I know I'll get my way.

“It makes you look even hotter.”

“I was aiming for that.” I walk to her and peck her lips. “Let me do your hair.” I laugh as she shakes her head.

“My hair? Why baby I can-” I give her a pout and try my best at being upset until she gives in. “Alright, alright you can do my hair baby.”

“It will look amazing, trust me.” I push her down on the bed and start working on her hair. A few minutes later I'm happy with how it looks.

“Can I look now?” I nod and she walks to the mirror. I stare at her as she checks herself.

“You know you like it.”

“I love it, I can never get it to look like this.” She comes back to me, I pull her so she's standing between my legs with my arms around her waist.

“Perks of having me as your girlfriend.” I give her a wink. I rest my chin on her stomach as I look up to her. “I love you.” I whisper.

“Then you'll let me do your hair because you love me right?” I know that cheeky grin she was giving me very well. I knew I wasn't going to say no.

“You barely know how to do your short hair and you want to try with mine that is long?” I tease her.

“If you don't like it you can fix it yourself baby.” She frowns.

“I won't undo whatever you do to it my love, I was just kidding.” Her smile returns. She moves behind me on the bed and starts to do my hair, her touch is so gentle.

“I'm done.” I grab her hand and walk to the mirror. She stands behind me as I look at what she did.

“You don't like it do you?”

"Why would you say that baby?" I look at her reflection in the mirror as I hold her hands that are around me.

"I don't- because you're face says it..."

"Well I love it and I'll keep it like this." She smiles and pecks my cheek. "I'm keeping this hoodie by the way..." I giggle at her face, priceless.

"Now you will start taking my clothes too?"

"I haven't taken anything else baby, what are you talking about?" I turn around to face her and she leans in for a kiss.

"You have taken my heart." My stomach flutters at her words, the butterflies were going crazy in there. She can't possibly be any more cute than what she already is.

"You have mine too baby." I kiss her soft lips one more time before we finally go have breakfast.

Betty is so nice, now I see where Ellen got it from. We hold hands as we eat, they both joke around as if they are best friends. I just sit back and enjoy their exchange of words, it's quite amusing.

I really don't want to go to school, I just want to cuddle with Ellen and we can't do that in school. Other students stare at us if we kiss or show any other kind of affection. My eyes go wide open when I remember I didn't do any of my homework and neither did Ellen.

"What's wrong baby?" She asks concerned.

"We didn't do our homework, History and Math."

"Oh fuck-"

"Watch your language young lady." Betty scolds her.

"Yes mama..." I couldn't help my laugh. Ellen's mom noticed and gave me a wink. "Don't laugh, I feel like a ten year old." She pouts, I giggled and soon enough we were all laughing.

"We'll miss the bus come on baby." I grab my backpack and wait as she kisses her mom goodbye.

As soon as we get to school I pull her with me to the library and sit at an empty table. I take out my History book ready to do my homework.

"Really baby? Homework right now?"

"Yes I have to turn it in otherwise it may lower my grade and I won't be able to play soccer if it does." I say as I scribble on the paper.

"Let me help you then." We do both of our homework together and in twenty minutes we were done. I put everything back into my backpack and look at her as she finishes writing the last couple of words.

"Do you ever not look sexy?" She chokes and rushes to put her books away trying to avoid looking at me. She got shy and I couldn't help my grin.

"You alw- why do you-" She takes a deep breath. "Stop making me blush with the things you say."

"I'm just saying the truth, you're sexy all the time." Her blush deepens. I get up pulling her with me and walk out of the library.

"You're just biased." What does that even mean?

"No it's the truth." As we walked through the halls of the school I noticed girls were staring at us, no, they were staring at Ellen.

"Hi Ellen." One of them gets the courage to speak up as we walk by. She blushes when Ellen waves back at her. Another girl winked at her and another gave her a piece of paper.

"What does it say?" I ask once the girl had walked away. She opens it and inside there's a phone number written on it. I clench my jaw as I stare at it.

“Baby… I don’t-”

“What are you going to do with it?” I interrupt her.

“What do you want me to do with it?” She throws back. I glare at her, not in an angry way, I just stare at her.

“Are you going to call her tonight?” I fold my arms over my chest. Deep in my heart I know she wouldn’t do anything to hurt me, I trust her completely.

“Baby don’t you trust me? Didn’t last night meant anything to you?” I could hear the hurt in her shaky voice. I reach to her pulling her into my arms. I never meant to hurt her in any way but I also couldn’t help my jealousy of girls hitting on my girlfriend.

“Of course it did, I’m sorry I got a bit jealous.”

“A bit? You were about to kill those girls.” She banters. “Be sure that the only girl I want is you, the only girl I love is you baby.”

“You’re mine my love and I’m yours, forever.”

“Forever.” She closes the gap between our lips, forgetting we are in the middle of the hallway I push her against the wall. I cup her face as I lick her bottom lip asking for entrance. I could faintly hear a few students whistle at our display causing for me to pull back embarrassed.

“Oh god…” I bury my face on the crook of her neck. “They saw…”

“And? Aren’t we a couple?” I nod and she laughs as she holds me against her. “Let me kiss you.” She lifts my head with her finger under my chin, I can’t say no when she looks at me the way you forget whatever is happening around you.

A minute later the bell rings and we reluctantly have to pull back. We walk hand in hand to History class, we had individual work to do so we couldn't really talk or send notes to each other.

English class was boring as usual, I’m still having trouble writing my essay. We only have one week left before we have to turn it in and I only have one page written. I hope Ellen is doing better in Physics, I take out my phone and send her a text.

Hey baby, I hope you're kicking Physics’ ass. I miss you. I put my phone between my legs waiting for Ellen to answer back. While I wait I try to get back to my essay, which I really have to finish.

It's kicking my ass. :(

English is kicking my ass too. :( Right when I send it the teacher walks by, I immediately put my phone under my leg praying she didn't see me texting. Five minutes later I feel a vibration under my leg indicating I have a new text.

I send you a kiss for good luck baby. Get back to that essay. A smile appears at her sweet text. I quickly wish her the same and put my full attention back to the essay, determined to at least write one more page.

When class is finally over I find Ellen already waiting for me so we walk together to Math. Girls keep flirting with her and my jealousy was on peak. She was ignoring them but that didn’t help much my irritation over them not noticing I was with her and that I was holding her hand.

“Call me, I’ll show you how to have a really good time.” A girl I’ve never seen before pushes her against the lockers just mere inches from her lips. Ellen's face was turning a deep red color, you could see in her eyes she didn't know what to do.

The girl reaches into her pocket taking out a piece paper. Her hand disappears behind Ellen as she slips it into her back pocket. I was ready to jump on that girl when she wasn't taking her hand off my girlfriend.

She pushed her body hard against Ellen's and I couldn't let this continue, I was angry and Ellen was very uncomfortable.

"Leave my girlfriend alone you..." I grab a fistful of hair and tug at it hard. She screams as her hand grips mine in an attempt for me to let go. I turn her around by her shoulder shoving her against the wall.

A hiss is all I hear when I pull her head back. "Get close to her again and you will regret it next time." I attest.

"De Rossi!" I instantly let her go. "To my office now!" Principal Kelly glares at me, I walk back to Ellen and give her a kiss.

"I'll see you later baby." I follow him worried what will happen to me. Will I get suspended or just get detention? I hope this doesn't cost me the game I have on Saturday.

"I'm very disappointed in you Portia." He says as he sits down in front of me. "I need you to tell me a very good reason why you did what you did."

"Not an excuse to do it but I was jealous and angry. That girl was hitting on my girlfriend." His expression softens giving me a small smile.

"You know what entails for this kind of misconduct, don't you?" I nod and look down at my hands on my lap. "Because it didn't have greater consequences you will have detention all next week alright? As of this weekend's soccer game, I'll have a talk with your coach about it."

"Please let me play this match, suspend me for the next one but-"

"I'll talk with your coach about it, don't worry alright?" I nod and pray that I get to play. "Just go back to class as if nothing happened." He smiles. I walk out the door relieved I at least didn't get suspended.

I'm sorry you got in trouble because of me baby...

It's not your fault darling, that girl had it coming. I hope I don't bump into her on my way back to class.

I didn't know what to do, I'm sorry I didn't move away.

You're apologizing for nothing baby, forget about it ok? Engaged on my phone I wasn't looking where I was walking until I bump into someone.

"Hey! Watch where-" Rachel shouts, she looks around me as if trying to find something she lost. "Where's your little Ellen?" She mocks me.

"Get lost." I try to walk past her.

"Manners baby, I keep wondering how are you with a nobody. I mean, what does she have that I don't?" I laugh at her silly, stupid question.

“Where should I start?”

"I don't know, aren't I a better kisser?" I snort. I need to get back to class before I get into any more trouble because of this ridiculous situation.

"You wish you were, I gotta go." Again I try to walk past her but she holds me by my shoulders and starts pushing me back against the wall.

"No you don't, what would that little-" She makes a face in disgust. "What would she think if she saw this?" Her body is pressed against mine as she holds me by my waist.

"Nothing, she knows I love her and only her."

"You- you love her?" I nod, her grip on me tightens. I wince at the sharp pain throwing my head back against the wall. "I'm the one for you, you'll be mine again." She forces her lips against my own.

"Rach- let me go Rachel!"

"No! You belong with me, I’ll show that Ellen she messed with the wrong person." I try my best to push her off me. Her tongue tries to invade my mouth against my will, I bite on it for her to let me go. She groans placing her hand over her mouth.

"I told you to let go." I wipe my mouth with my sleeve and walk away.

"This- I'll get you back Portia, just wait and see, I'll burst your little bubble." I ignore her as she raises her voice. I turn around and flip my finger at her.

By the time I got to class the lesson was over, I took my seat in front of Ellen as usual. Should I tell her what just happened or keep it and avoid such a bad moment for her?

Finally you're back, I missed you. Reads the note she threw over my shoulder.

Baby, we need to talk. I have something to tell you. I decided it's better to be honest and for me to tell her than for her to find out from someone else, especially if that someone else is Rachel.

They didn't suspend you, did they? Even through writing I could tell how concerned she was about me. Just another thing I love about her.

No, I tell you everything during lunch. We don't have homework do we? The bell rings as soon as I give it back to her. I turn around in my chair to look at her reading it.

"We had a substitute, no homework baby." I let out my breath relieved at how lucky I am, no one likes spending their free time on a lesson you miss.

"You're my lucky charm." She smiles giving me a wink, I laugh at how cute she is. "Come on I've got things to tell you my love." Her hand locks with mine, her touch so delicate on me unlike Rachel's.

I don't let other girl's looks bother me as we walk to the cafeteria. As long as they stay away from Ellen I'm ok with that. I'm the lucky girl that gets to call her my girlfriend after all.

"You don't know how bothersome is that they stare at me like if I'm a piece of meat." She whispers, I couldn't help my laugh at her comment.

“You're silly.” I hook my arm around hers and we sit down next to each other.

“What did Principal Kelly say?” I sigh. It could honestly have gone worse for me, hopefully mom won't be so upset when she finds out.

“I got detention all next week and I might not be able to play this Saturday.”

“It's my fault I'm sorry baby.” She starts to apologize. I put my finger over her lips.

“Shhh let's forget about it alright?” I take a deep breath preparing myself to tell her what happened with Rachel.

“Portia what's wrong?”

“Promise me you won't get upset.” I say looking down at my hands.

“Why would I baby?” She smiles taking my hands in between her own. I feel guilty about what happened even if it wasn't my fault.

“Please Ellen just promise me you-”

“I'd never get upset at you baby but alright I promise.” Her right hand cups my cheek as her other gently draws smalls circles on the back of my hand. I take another deep breath.

“Rachel-” She starts to tense up. “She- she umm kissed me…” You could see the color draining off her beautiful face, she was as white as paper. She let her hand fall from my cheek as she stared at me.

“She what?”

“While I was walking back to class I bumped into her, I didn’t- she forced the kiss.”

“You didn’t respond… Did you?” It hurt she doubts but I couldn’t blame her.

"No but I did bite her tongue..." Her face light up at that fact.

"She deserves that, she didn't hurt you did she?" She cups my cheek again, I lean into her touch as I shake my head.

"I told her I love you though..."

"You did?" I nod looking straight into her eyes, my hands snake around her neck pulling her towards me until our foreheads are touching. I give her an Eskimo kiss, I laugh when she wrinkles her nose against mine.

Deep down I know she isn't happy with what happened but I'm glad she didn't get upset or at least she didn't let me see that. I'm praying Rachel will leave us alone and not do anything against us, I don't know what kind of trickery she's planning on doing.

"Hey girlfriends, mind if I join you?" Vicky sits opposite of us carrying a few snacks that made my stomach protest in hunger.

"Of course not, mind sharing?" Ellen takes one offering it to me before Vicky could answer. I shake my head as I don't want to be rude taking it without her assent.

"Take as many as you like. Nice hickey you got there my friend." She tilts her head to take a better view at Ellen's neck.

"Hickey? Where?" Vicky points to her neck and Ellen immediately places her hand over it blushing hard nearly choking on her snack.

"I'm taking it Portia has a thing for biting?" It's my turn to blush hard as I remember I indeed bit her a couple of times last night. She laughs at our red faces shaking her head.

"You're an ass."

"Come on El you know I'm kidding but I've got to say you look rather hot today." I couldn't agree more with that, now wonder girls keep flirting with her. "Something oozes hotness around you, maybe it's that hickey..."

"I'm so glad to see you too Vicky." Ellen hides her red face behind her hands. I had never seen her this embarrassed before, it's cute.

"I knew you missed me." I shake my head at their exchange of words, I see why they are best friends. "Why is literally every girl looking at us?" She turns around and in fact they are, I hadn't even noticed.

"Well, we have Miss sexy sitting with us." I point my finger at Ellen and she groans.

"Seriously?"

"Yes two already gave her their phone number." I try to hide my irritation about that, I just can't help it.

"Woah El you've become a sex symbol."

"Oh shut up you..." Ellen shoots back. "It's so uncomfortable, I feel weird with all of this."

"Just ignore them, Portia here won't let them get into your pants."

"Let's not even talk about that, I probably won't play Saturday because of that..." Vicky's eyes go wide open in shock.

"What? You've got to play Portia, it's the day people will come scout players for their teams."

"I know but I got caught blowing up on a girl that was all over this sex symbol." I wrap my arm around Ellen's neck pulling her to kiss her cheek.

"Ellen..." She sighs shaking her head and I laugh. "Coach won't let that happen, he knows it's a big day for you."

"It's a big day for everyone, for you too Vicky." I take Ellen's wrist to look at her watch, lunch is almost over. "I'll see you tomorrow in practice?"

"Yeah and Ellen please stop getting your girlfriend into trouble." Ellen rolls her eyes as we both laugh.

"I'll get you back Vicky, you'll see." The bell rings and Ellen walks me to Chemistry. Lunch went better than I expected, I honestly thought Ellen would get angry at what happened.

"See you in a few minutes baby." I give her a wink and giggle at her puzzled expression. “Check your texts.” I kiss her lips before walking through the door.

Chemistry  lesson was going by really fast without a problem. Halfway through it I send a text to Ellen to meet me in the restroom. We haven't gotten caught yet and I hope we don't, it's hard being away from her.

"Hi my love I missed you." We hold hands as we look at one another. I run my fingers through her hair massaging her head gently.

"I love you." She closes the gap separating us. Her tongue licks my bottom lip asking to be let in to play with mine, I gladly open. My tongue glides over her soft one as I pin her body against the sink leaning in further into her warm body. I sneak my hand under her shirt cupping her right breast, she lets out a throaty moan that encourages me more.

“Come on.” I pull her into the stall pushing her against the wall as my hands roam around her body with want, my hand rests above the button of her jeans while I continue kissing her lips.

“Baby not here.” She pants grabbing my wrist from going any further. “What if we get caught?” I stop my tracks as I think over what she’s saying.

“You’re just irresistible.” I peck her lips. “I can’t help myself, you’re my kryptonite baby.”

“You are too whatever that means.” My laugh echoes in the restroom, she always says the most silly things. “I like I can make you laugh.” I smile and kiss her nose.

“Only you make me laugh this much.”

“Rachel did too…” I furrow my eyebrows confused. “Once I was staring at you during lunch and you were laughing at something she said.” I try to make memory of when is she talking about without success.

“She never made me laugh but you baby, you always make me laugh even when you don’t try.” We walk out of the stall, I fix her hair a little bit before we get back to class.

“Let’s go before I get you in trouble again.” I don’t know for how long I was out of class, my only hope is that my teacher didn’t keep track of how long I was gone.

Five minutes until Chemistry class was over I get called into the principal’s office. My only guess is that it had to do with if was going to be able to play on Saturday or not.

Coach was able to convince Principal Kelly into letting me play, I couldn’t be any more grateful for that than what I already was. I would have to miss the following game but this one coming up was the most important game in my life, it could determine my future.

I had to miss my last class and I didn’t get to say goodbye to Ellen. I thought I was going to able to catch her before she got in the bus but I got held back by a fight that broke out in the middle of the hallway.

After finishing my homework and cleaning my room a bit I decide to send a text to Ellen as I was feeling a bit lonely being home alone since mom went out for dinner with her friends.

I miss you baby, I’m sorry I had to miss our last class.

It’s alright but I missed you, I hope everything went ok.

I get to play Saturday, you will come watch me right? I place my phone next to me as I look through the sofa cushions for the tv control, it always seems to get lost in there.

I wouldn’t miss it for the world baby. Could I possibly come over? I wanna wish you a goodnight and give you a kiss, well many kisses, why stop at one. ;) I laugh out loud as I read her text a couple of times. Since mom isn’t here I don’t see why she can’t come.

I’d love if you could but I want many kisses. Deal?

Deal. Give me twenty minutes baby, see you soon. I flip through the channels as I wait for Ellen to get here, I hope her mom doesn’t mind bringing her at this time.

Engrossed on the show I left it on I didn’t notice more than thirty minutes had passed since Ellen’s last text and I was starting to get worried.

Baby where are you? Are you ok? I type out as fast as I can with my trembling fingers.

Dammit… I got pulled over. Pulled over? What is she talking about? I walk to the door and wait for her outside. I would die if anything were to happen to her.

A car I recognize as her mom’s pulls over in the driveway and emerging from the driver's side is Ellen. I didn’t know she was allowed to drive. I run to her arms engulfing her in a tight embrace. I was worried sick about her.

“I thought your mom was-”

“I sneak out in her car, on my way here I got pulled over.” She groans showing me the ticket the police officer gave her. “I’m going to be in so much trouble, she’s going to kill me.”

“Oh baby you shouldn’t have-”

“I wanted to see you Portia, I just didn’t think this would happen.” I rub my thumb under her eye in an attempt to relax her, her eyes close at my soft touch.

“Let’s go inside.” I go into the living room to turn the tv and the rest of the lights off with her trailing behind me. I grab her hand guiding her upstairs to my room.

“Can we just cuddle? I’m just-”

“Of course we can baby, come here.” She lays next to me with her head on my shoulder and her hand draped over my stomach.

“If I could hide it from her I would but I have no way of paying for it.”

“How did you even sneak out?” I run my fingers through her hair as I rub her arm with my other one.

“She wasn’t home and I needed to see you.” I kiss the top of her head as she snuggles closer to me. We stay in silence and within a couple of minutes her breathing had become even, she had fallen asleep.

I smile to myself to the fact that she’s here with me, that she is able to find comfort in my arms. I pull her body closer to me, I take a deep breath and everything starts to fade away as my eyes feel heavy. Forgetting that Ellen had to go back home I let my sleep take me away.

Chapter 19

Ellen POV

I roll over draping my arm over someone's warm body, pulling them closer against me. Instantly the warmth gets rid of the chills I had. I snuggle up to them burying my face in the nape of their neck. I take a deep breath, I immediately recognize the perfume that I love. I smile to myself as I draw small circles on her stomach with my fingers.

It must be very early in the morning for me to be awake. I sigh. I must've fallen asleep too early last night, I was not planning on staying the night here either. Mama is going to kill me for sure now.

Carefully I unwrap myself from Portia and start looking for my phone to check the time. It's only about to be six in the morning, I think it's better to face mama now than to wait until after school.

I try to get off the bed without disrupting Portia, as I’m about to get on my feet she takes hold on my arm pulling me back next to her.

“Don’t go.” She mumbles in her sleepy voice. I kiss the top of her head as she engulfs me in a tight hug.

“I’ve got to get home baby, I need to face mama with all of this.” The fact that I didn’t even call her so she knows where I am is more than enough for her to be fuming. And when I tell her about the ticket…

“But I don’t want you to go.”

“I’ll see you again in a couple of hours darling.” I try to convince her into letting me go. I don’t want to leave but I really have to go.

“Fine.” She huffs and lets go off me. “Go then.” I sigh.

“I love you.” I lift her head with my finger and kiss her soft lips. I feel her smile in our kiss which made me smile and soon we end up giggling.

“I love you too.” Her head rests on my chest for a few seconds before she sits up. “Go now before I trap you under me.” I could see her smirk under the soft light causing me to blush.

“See you at school.” I hover over her and give her a wink before leaning to peck her lips one last time. I walk apprehensively down the hall and the stairs, the least I want is to wake up her mom as well.

The ride back home had my nerves upside down. I had never gotten into trouble so I'm not sure how I'm supposed to face mama with this ticket and for not coming home last night. The worst that could happen is for me to get a slap but I doubt it, she has never raised her hand on me. I might get a scold and get grounded, I think.

I park in the driveway still a little scared at what could happen behind that front door. I grab the ticket and stuff it in my pocket and finally get out of the car. I take my time walking to the front door, I'm starting to panic as I put the key turning it slowly. The door isn't fully open when I hear mama's voice.

"Ellen Lee." I let my head fall as I step inside. I walk towards the living room where her voice came from.

"Yes-" I gulp. "Yes mama?"

"Would you mind telling me where have you been all night?"

"I was wi- I wanted to see Portia."

"By sneaking out?" She finally looks up at me but I can't be brave enough to look at her. "And taking the car without permission?"

"I wasn't planning on staying there mama, I-"

"Ellen I was worried sick about you honey, you could've called at least." I nod and slide my hands inside my pockets, I clutch at the piece of paper I had forgotten about.

"I'm sorry... I just forgot because-"

"Because what?" I hesitate to tell her the truth, I subconsciously start biting my lip. A show tell sign I'm afraid to say something. "Ellen what did you do?" She takes both my hands out of my pockets and the ticket falls to the floor.

"I umm... I got pulled over when I was driving to Portia's."

"And how exactly will you pay for this?" She sits back on the sofa, folds her arms over her chest and stares at me. I can't tell if she's angry, disappointed or both.

"I have half of it saved and I'll earn the rest someway..." Maybe if I offer to mown lawns and things like that I'll be able to pay it off, there has to be a way.

"No honey, that money you keep it for yourself." I shake my head, the ticket is mine so it has to get paid with my money. "I'll pay it tomorrow but you are grounded for sneaking out, taking the car without permission and staying all night out."

"But mama the ticket is mine, I'm the one that-"

"You'll pay for it by helping more around the house, starting tomorrow you are grounded."

"No not tomorrow please, Portia has a game and I want to go-"

"Tomorrow I said." She cuts me off, I can't possibly miss tomorrow's game. I can't risk the chance of sneaking out again either. I nod and stare at my feet as she walks out of the living room. How am I going to tell Portia I can't go to her game tomorrow?

I go to my room upset about this, I throw myself on my bed letting out an audible groan. I'm so frustrated at myself, I don't want to let Portia down but I can't disobey mama either, I'll only make this situation worse.

A few minutes later I get ready for school, I honestly could care less about the damn school right now. I need to see Portia, only she can calm down when I'm this exasperated.

I'm looking for Portia when I receive a text from Vicky. I'm sure Portia will understand if I go look for Vicky instead, maybe she needs me right now.

Could you come to the locker room? I don't hesitate and I start walking towards the sports area of the school. It's about twenty minutes until school starts and girls are coming in from their training.

Also I'm not sure which one is Vicky's locker so I walk through the room until someone pulls me by my arm and hugs me. Once I regain my balance I sit on the bench next to Vicky.

"I haven't seen you in awhile El."

"Yesterday remember? When you embarrassed me in front of Portia?" I glare at her pretending to be upset about it.

"Don't overreact, you know I was kidding. How is she by the way?"

"She's great, best girlfriend ever."

"I'm glad you're happy with her." She gives me that smile someone gives you when they're happy for you but not for themselves.

"Hey what's wrong?" I pull my right leg over the bench so I'm looking straight at her. I take her hand as I wait patiently for her to tell me.

"Nothing." She shakes her head.

"Vicky I know it's not nothing but you don't have to-" She pulls me into a hug, without thinking it twice I wrap my arms around her.

"I've just missed you a lot. I miss hanging out with you and talking to you and all that, you know?" I sigh. I didn't realize how much I was ignoring her.

"I'm sorry, I'm such a bad friend." She shakes her head against my shoulder, I know she will deny it but I've been an awful friend to her.

"No, you found a girlfriend and I understand you want to spend all day with her. No offense but I would do the same if I had a boyfriend." She chuckles and I can't help but join her.

"I'll help find you one then."

"No it'll come when the time is right, I know a way you can repay me for abandoning me though." She pulls away with a cheeky grin.

"And what way shall that be?"

"Go with me to the movies tonight, it's on you of course." I roll my eyes and shake my head, I’m happy she doesn’t hate me for the way I’ve been towards her, it’s nice to know she still wants to be friends.

“Why am I not surprised at this…” We both laugh for a couple of seconds, then she grabs my chin to turn my head to the right.

“Gee she does like to bite.” I blush at her silly comment and she laughs. “Since when you have it?”

“Why are you so nosey?”

“Because as your friend it’s my duty to embarrass you.” I stare at her baffled, I feel my blush deepen as I remember what happened the day she bit me.

“How are you still my friend?” She shrugs giving me a wink. “It happened two days ago…” I start to whisper since this is more of a private thing and I don’t want anyone to hear about it.

“It? What do you mean by-” She cuts herself placing her hand over her mouth in shock, I think. “You did it?” I nod, I can’t help the smile as I admit it did happen. “Tell me everything.”

“What? No you’re crazy…”

“Come on no one is here now.” I groan, she will not let this go.

“This is embarrassing and a private thing to talk about Vicky.”

“Were you planning on it happening?” I shake my head, I don’t think these are things you plan or that need to be planned. “Do you regret it?” I shake my head again as I stare down at my hands.

“Are you done interrogating me?”

“Was it just sex or did you make love?” My head snaps up, I’m not sure if I’m angry at her for asking or just feel discomfort at how easy she can ask me anything.

“Make love.” I mumble and start to fidget with my shoelaces. It’s weird talking about this with Vicky or anyone for the matter.

“How do you know?”

“Well she- uh she said that- she told me she loved me as she… you know…” I start to stutter and I hide behind my hands which feel cold against my face.

“Oh my god that’s so romantic.” She pulls my hands away and holds my chin with her fingers. “I’m jealous of your relationship.” She chuckles.

“Anything else you want to know?” I might as well tell her everything now.

“Was she good? Was it what you were expecting?” I don’t think my blush could get any deeper. Neither do I have any other time to compare it to.

“It was my first time Vicky, I was not expecting anything…”

“But?” She tilts her head and smiles in a mischievous way.

“But she was umm… she-” I’m literally saved by the bell. I swiftly grab my backpack relieved that this avalanche of questions is over. As I turn the corner to the exit I bump into Rachel.

“Watch where you’re going you-” She glares at me with so much hate.

“Stop listening to other people’s conversations. Get out of the way.” Vicky steps up for me and pokes on Rachel’s shoulder to push her out of our way.

“Please tell me she didn’t hear us.” I start to panic over the fact that she might’ve heard what we said, most importantly that Portia and I slept together.

“I don’t know but don’t worry about it.”

“She’s Portia’s ex Vicky, there’s everything to worry about.” Maybe I’m freaking out over nothing but she could easily spread rumors or who knows what else she can do with what she heard, if she did.

“Hey relax ok? There’s nothing she can do...”

“Just leave it, let’s just go to class or we will be late.” I’m so irritated right now that I don’t think before I speak, I wouldn’t want to  hurt her feelings. “I’m sorry it’s just that I don’t want trouble with Rachel.”

“Nothing will happen El, I’m here I won’t let her do anything to you.” She grabs my shoulder giving me a small smile. I couldn’t ask for a better friend than Vicky, she’s amazing.

“I love you did you know that? Thank you, you're amazing.” I pull her for a hug and kiss her cheek.

“Hey no kissing I don't know where your mouth has been.” I hit her shoulder a tad bit harder for her little comment. “Geez no need to be violent.” She tries to sooth the pain from her shoulder.

“Don't say stupid things then.”

“Stupid but true.” I squint my eyes at her ready to hit her shoulder again.

“Don't even think about it.” Comes from behind me grabbing my hand in midair.

“My savior.” Vicky pushes me aside to hug Portia. “You have to get control of your girlfriend, she's going wild.” She clings to her as if were a hurt puppy. I glower at Vicky, if it wasn't because Portia was literally between us I would've gotten her for the things she says.

“She is isn't she?” I stare at Portia in awe.

“Yeah thank you for saving me.” I roll my eyes annoyed that they both tease me. Tonight I'll get Vicky back.

“You're such an ass-”

“No I am not you just said you love me, don't be upset I'm just messing with you El, come on.” She wraps her arms around me but I don't reciprocate her action. “You know I love you.” My heart warms a little and I hug her back.

"Girls class is about to start." Mr. Jackson ushers us inside, we take our respective seats as we wait for lesson to start. We are assigned group work and the three of us get together to work on it.

"Vicky you have that wrong again." Portia fixes her mistake.

"Well here do it yourself smartypants." We had a timeline of events to work on and we have to place them in the order that they happened.

I'm not a History nerd, on the contrary, I hate History just like I hate Physics. I think I hate Science stuff more. Portia is the smart one of the three of us and she's always fixing our mistakes.

I know a few things just from memory but because I love to tease her I'm always asking her to help me out. It's more of an excuse for her to lean over and having her closer to me.

"Baby is this right?" I point with my pencil.

"Yeah good job." She kisses my cheek and goes back to her thing.

"Baby is this right?" I ask again a few minutes later. I notice Vicky look over at me, I give her a wink as Portia leaves whatever she was doing to check.

"It is, will you ask again or can I continue with mine?" I smile and shake my head. One last time that I'll ask can't hurt her.

"Baby is this-"

"You're just messing with me aren't you?" She pokes the side of my stomach. I try to get away from her continuous poking, I'm ticklish and I don't want to embarrass myself by laughing out loud.

"Stop- Portia no- come on-"

"If it's of any help, she's ticklish Port." Vicky chimes in, I glare at her and she laughs as I struggle to grab Portia's hand.

"Oh is she?" I nearly fall off my chair trying to get away from her but she grabs my arm before I do.

"Thanks for the help Vicky."

"Any time El." She smiles but I can't help roll my eyes. I know she was just kidding, it's just in times I don't appreciate it much because I never can get her back.

We continue working on the timeline or actually Portia works on fixing our mistakes, both Vicky and I laugh when she groans as she has to redo everything we thought was right.

"You two should study more."

"How about you help me study?" I give her wink, she stares at me so I blow her a kiss and add another wink.

She continues to look at me like if she's in a trance, I reach with my hand to touch her face. She blinks a couple of times as I trace her jaw with my thumb.

"Ladies we're still in class." Vicky whispers, I glance behind Portia to find other students looking at us. Immediately I feel my face reddening and I let my hand fall.

"Get back to work." Mr. Jackson notices half the class staring at us. He smiles at me once everyones has gone back to the assignment.

I don't know what happened to me in those few seconds, I knew in the back of my mind we were in class but I couldn't help myself. After what happened I couldn't focus anymore, Portia and Vicky end up doing everything alone.

"I'm sorry I wasn't of much help." I tell them both as I get my backpack ready for Physics class.

"You weren't before that happened either." Vicky teases me and I throw her a paper ball I was going to throw in the trash on my way out.

"Do you two ever not insult each other?" Portia asks rolling her eyes, we both shake our heads and end up laughing.

"Baby you both are in the same team, have you not notice she's an ass?" Vicky sticks her tongue out at me and throws the paper ball aiming for my face.

"I wonder how you two became friends to begin with."

"I'm wondering too now." Vicky attempts to kick the leg of my chair but misses and instead hits her knee against the desk. "Are you okay?" I ask concerned.

"See? You love me but you try to hide it." I roll my eyes. Even in pain she has to joke about everything.

"Even in pain you're an ass." She pouts which changes my mind and I retract my words. "I'm kidding, you know I care about you."

"Now that's how you should talk to each other." Portia giggles.

"No that's too cheesy."

"Yeah we can't have a cheesy friendship." I teasingly agree with Vicky. We don't try to hurt each other, we both know we're joking and that's how we get along. We have our serious talks too, I know deep down she cares about me as much as I care about her.

"This goof knows I love her." Vicky winks at me.

"Oh now I'm a goof, great."

"You see? I can't win..." Portia laughs out loud shaking her head. The bell rings and she hooks both her hands around Vicky's and my arm.

"Both of you are goofs, now let's go or we will be late." Vicky and I look at each other pretending to be hurt but end up laughing again.

"See you at lunch Vicky." We drop her off at her English class. It would be nice if I had more classes with Vicky, especially Physics, it would certainly go by faster.

"So, where were you this morning baby?" Her hand slips into mine as I walk her to English.

"Vicky wanted to talk and as the amazing friend I am, I went to see her."

"Now wonder, I was looking everywhere for you."

"You don't mind, do you?" I pull her into my arms as I lean against the wall, I can spare a few more seconds before I have to run to Physics.

"Of course not I just missed you." She caresses my lips softly with her own. I lose myself in the kiss and ironically enough I lose track of time as well. Someone taps on my shoulder taking my attention away from Portia.

"You'll be late if you don't leave now." Mrs. Mills, our English teacher, smiles shyly for having the need to interrupt us. I of course, blush.

"Thank you for telling me." I give her a smile. "See you baby." I peck her lips and jog before I'm late and get in trouble.

Physics didn't go as bad as everyday, Mr. Willis wasn't here so we got to watch a film. A very boring film, I dozed off for a couple of minutes but it's better than learning Science stuff, in my opinion.

A few minutes before the bell rings I decide to text Portia. I know she's having trouble writing her essay and I just want to encourage her.

I hope you were able to write more of your essay baby.

I did, I was able to finish it right on time. X I'm glad she was able to finish it but that X takes my attention off our topic.

What's with that X?

It means a kiss baby, I send you a kiss after every text. X She's too cute, I still don't know how it's possible for her to be my girlfriend.

You're adorable, I love you. XX

I love you too but why two kisses?X I can't help chuckle at her question.

Because you deserve all the kisses in the world. X Sometimes I'm so corny but I don't care, it's just how I am.

So cheesy yet so damn romantic baby. X

Only for you, I can't wait to see you. X I will literally fly out the door once the bell rings, it’s hard being away from her for more than an hour.

"Mr. Willis left homework for you guys." Everybody groans, I do too it's Friday not Monday. "I know, I'm sorry but it's only five questions." He passes the paper around and I stuff it in my backpack as I know the bell will ring any second now.

Just as I thought I'm the first one out the door, I sprint down the hall before it gets crowded and I get stuck trying to push through everyone.

"Wow you're fast today." Portia giggles. I try to catch my breath before I peck her lips. She runs her fingers through my hair as I still gasp for air.

"Told- you I cou- couldn't wait to see you."

"Take a deep breath baby." I do as I'm told and soon enough I'm back to my normal breathing. "You're crazy."

"Yet you still love me."

"Of course I do, come on let's go." She takes my cold hand in her warm one and brings it to her lips.

We were holding hands as we walked, she was talking about soccer or something that had to do with it, I don't remember. I couldn't help stare at her as she talked, how her lips move with every word she speaks.

"Don't you agree?" She asks and I'm at a loss about what am I supposed to agree to. "Were you not listening to me?" She pouts.

"Yes I- you were- I love you." I give her a cheeky smile, she shakes her head as she tries not to laugh.

"Good save baby." As I'm bringing her hand to my lips someone walks between us causing for Portia to bump into other students and for me to almost fall.

"Hey!" I raise my voice and grab her by the arm. "Watch where you're going." She hits my hand away, I start to back up against the wall as she closes in on me.

"Or what?" Rachel seethes.

"Or I'm going to give you what you deserve." I try to say as confident as I can, she can't see me weak right now.

"You?" She laughs in my face, my hands close in fists and my anger rises with every laugh. "Don't make me laugh."

"Yes, me you-" I grab her jacket pushing her back until her back hits the opposite wall, she just smiles which only makes me angrier.

"What are you going to do? Punch me?" She's enjoying this, she knows what she is trying to make me do.

"Ellen, baby let her go." Portia pulls at my arm, I clench my jaw. "She's not worth it come on." Maybe she's right but that just means I let her win.

"Yeah listen to my baby." Rachel grins and I tighten my grip on her jacket. I'm so close to losing my patience with her and actually punch her. "Nice to see you honey." She winks at Portia. I blow up.

"She isn't yours anymore! Leave her alone!" I grit my teeth at her obnoxious smile. I feel arms wrapping around my torso trying to pull me away.

"Baby please..." Portia almost begs near my ear. "I love you." Like magic I relax a little to her words which seems to wipe away Rachel's ridiculous smile and I let my grip on her jacket go.

"Okay." I whisper. Portia pulls me into her arms kissing my shoulder. As we start to walk away I smile as I see Rachel's face go red in anger.

"Portia wait!" She yells after us, Portia ignores her and we continue walking to class. We are probably late by now.

I can't believe how lucky we are when I open the door, Mrs. Jones was late for class. I hurry to a seat before she comes and finds out we just got here.

The seats were arranged in some strange way so we sat next to each other, I was still annoyed and angry about earlier and I didn't felt like really talking.

"Everyone settle down." Mrs. Jones walks in a little happier than usual. From the way the room is arranged it seems we will be doing some kind of activity.

“Are you ok?” Portia whispers taking my hand in hers. I shake my head and she sighs.

Mrs. Jones checks attendance then walks to the board and starts writing two math problems, I’m glad I don’t do so bad in math. It shouldn’t be so hard to solve them.

"Alright, two of you will come up and solve the problem that’s on the board. In the end whoever are the last two, one of you won't have homework all next week." Everyone seems to be excited about this, I'm not so much. Math homework can't be worse than Physics.

Two girls are called up to the board and they try solve the first problems they were given. I think we will be called in alphabetical order which means Portia and I will go up together.

One of the girls finishes first and she gets a thumbs up from Mrs. Jones, the other one looks irritated, probably she's competitive.

The next two are a guy and a girl, he seems to care less about anything. He's one of those students that slacks off and does nothing of what he should in school.

"Will you talk to me?" Portia comes closer to me and rests her head on my shoulder. I'm not upset at her it's just that everything that happened has me irritated.

"About?" I keep looking at the board.

"I love you baby don't be like that." I turn to her giving her head a kiss. Something happens to me whenever she says she loves me and I forget about everything, I don't know what she has done to me.

"I'm sorry, I love you too." As I'm about to wrap my arm around her Mrs. Jones calls on us like I thought she would. We walk up to the board and I give her a wink.

I write down the problem that was given to me, Portia does the same and soon we both are trying to solve it. I look over at her and she's halfway done, she looks at me and I give her a cheeky smile as I write the last number for solving my problem.

"Great job Ellen." Mrs. Jones congratulates me, Portia shakes her head giving me a pout. I go to take her hand in mine to walk us back to our chairs, I pull it up to kiss it gently.

"How did you solve it that fast?" I shrug, it was a really easy problem to me. "Math geek." She teases me.

"I'm just smarter than you." I throw back earning myself a slap on my shoulder. "It's the truth, we just proved it." She sticks her tongue out at me as she tries to hide her smile.

"You're lucky you're cute." Again I shrug and she giggles, in reality she's the cute one but oh well I guess I can be too.

Some time later it's finally time to see who will win that 'homeworkless week' and surprisingly enough I'm one of the last two. I get called up with the smartest girl in class. Now for sure she'll win.

"Whoever finishes first will have no homework all next week so give it your best ladies." I grab the marker and start to write the problem she dictates me, I could feel the wheels in my head already solving it.

As I wait for the other girl to write her problem I sneak a glance at Portia, she winks, blows me a kiss and gives me a thumbs up.

"Alright start." Mrs. Jones says as she stands behind us. I scribble down the numbers as fast as I could, I realize I made a mistake so I have to erase half of what I had written. I look at the other girl and she seems to be lost, she furrows her eyebrows and shakes her head erasing what she had written down.

I jot the last digit and step aside so Mrs. Jones can check if it's correct. I sigh once she says that it's indeed right. The girl I was up against gives me a smile before she goes back to her seat.

"I'm so proud of you." Portia pulls me into her arms.

"For winning this little game?" She nods and I shake my head at how silly she is. "What's my reward?" We are facing each other with our legs intertwined, she winks at me before leaning closer and placing her hand over my crotch. My eyes go wide open as she gently touches me.

"I'd like to reward you but..." She looks around us, I had forgotten where we were for a few seconds. I had to keep myself from pulling her on my lap to kiss her.

"You- baby you-" I hate when this happens to me. "You're killing me." She giggles and takes her hand off of me, we're lucky nobody saw that.

"You're cute when you get flustered." Class is about to finish so we both grab our backpacks ready to go to lunch.

"We better not bump into Rachel." I take her hand as we walk to the cafeteria, I'm in a great mood for her to ruin it again today.

"Don't worry about her come on." We push through the students until we finally sit in our regular table. "What will you do tonight?" I prop my hand on the table and rest my head on it.

"I'm going to the movies."

"And may I know with who?" She raises her eyebrows, I had forgotten I didn't tell her about it. "Why you tell me until now?"

"Vicky. I forgot, I'm sorry." I take her hand in mine again. "I was thinking maybe you and James should join us." Her beautiful eyes light up at my offer.

"That would be fun, yeah why not."

"Don't tell him though, let it be a surprise for both of them. Deal?" She nods and I lean in to kiss her soft lips. "Ready to set them up?"

"Yeah I just hope they both don't get angry at us."

"Vicky won't, she's a good sport." I hope she won't want to murder me tonight, she did tell me to not do anything about it but if they like each other why not do it.

"I haven't talked to James all week, he must be angry at me."

"He's not, I'm sure he understands just like Vicky which is why I'm taking her to the movies." She tilts her head like a confused puppy. "I haven't payed much attention to her since you and I... you know."

"Oh I'm sorry baby-" I shake my head and place my finger over her lips.

"Don't worry she understands, do you have practice today?"

"Yeah, do you want to come?" The bell rings unexpectedly so we hold hands as she walks me to English. I still haven’t told her that I won’t be able to come to her game tomorrow, I really hope she won’t be upset.

"I'd love to baby."

"I'll see you in art then." I nod, she leans in to kiss me and then she's gone. I walk inside ready to continue with the essay that is due today, all I need to do is go over it before I can finally turn it in.

As I walk out the door I find Portia leaning against the wall on her shoulder beckoning me over with her finger. I saunter my way to her, she winks at me and I blush against my will.

Once I'm a foot or so away she throws herself on me, I almost lose my balance at her unexpected action. I make sure she's secure in my arms and tighten my grip around her waist as her legs go around mine.

"You're crazy baby."

"Crazy for you my love." She pulls my head closing the space between our lips.

"We. Have. To. Go." I say in between kisses which makes her laugh.

"Well walk then."

"Oh so now I have to carry you everywhere?" She nods and I shake my head in disbelief, I've become a human taxi. " Alright but this transport is not free." I feel my knees go weak as she plays with my hair on the back of my neck.

"I'm sure you'll like your payment." Her forehead rests against mine, I look deep into her eyes and feel myself fall deeper and deeper. "Baby?" She pokes my nose taking me out of my trance.

"Class. Right. Okay ready?" I try my best to walk through the hall without bumping into anyone. Most giggle at us, might be because I look at a mother carrying their child. The fact that Portia decided to rest her head on my shoulder doesn't really help at how we look to them.

"Thanks baby." I put her down, her hand cups my cheek and she pecks my lips.

"Girls come on, we have things to do." Mrs. Martinez chuckles when we both blush. We follow her into class then I walk to my seat with Portia behind me, we sit next to each other anyway.

I try to finish the little project that was due today and that I was not able to focus on all week.

"Need some help?" Portia asks me and scoots her chair closer to mine. I shake my head, I don't want her to spend her free time helping me when it's my fault I'm behind.

I see from the corner of my eye Mrs. Martinez walk to the front of the class with a paper in her hand. I sigh. Another project when I haven't finished the one in front of me.

"Everyone listen up. Monday we will start a new project that'll take the a week or two. This time it'll be a group project. On this paper," she raises it for everyone to see it, "I have who will work with who." I pray I get to be with Portia.

"Mrs. can't we just work with who sits next to us." A guy speaks up from the back of the class.

"No Chris you cannot." She glares at him then starts to read the names out loud. I almost jump out of my seat when she reads Portia's and my name, this will be exciting.

I was able to finish with my project before class finished. I think I didn't do the best I could on it but I doubt I'll get a bad grade on it.

"Come on baby." Portia takes my hand as I throw my backpack over my shoulder. "Practice time." She groans, I'm happy about it actually. I enjoy watching her play soccer.

"Ladies wait just a second." Mrs. Martinez calls after us. "I hope that because you two are a couple it won't affect the grade on your project, it counts as half of your grade after all." I shake my head apprehensively.

"It won't, I promise." Portia smiles and Mrs. Martinez nods letting us walk out the classroom.

"You know, you just lied to our teacher."

"I might have." Her hand goes to my hips pulling me closer to her as we walk to the soccer field. "I didn't want to risk the chance of getting another partner for the whole project." She gives me a wink.

"As long as it wasn't a girl..." She starts to laugh and gives my hip a light squeeze. "Why you laugh?" I give her a pout.

"You're being silly baby, it's cute when you get jealous."

"You like I get jealous?" I raise my eyebrows a little surprised. I know Rachel is the jealous type and I just thought she didn't want that in her next relationship.

"I do. Just not how Rachel was." She takes a deep breath. "Her jealousy was toxic, yours is cute and it makes me laugh."

"Yeah well yesterday you weren't laughing much..." I tease her reminding her of the girls who were flirting with me.

"I don't blame them. I mean look at you-" She walks ahead of me and looks me up and down. "You're hot." I drop my head because I'm sure my face has become bright red.

"Stop it-" I smile sheepishly, she giggles at my reaction as usual. "It's your turn to take me to the field." I tease her.

"You got it baby, hop on." She lowers herself a little bit, I throw her backpack over my own and hop on her back. Her hands grab my legs around her waist as mine go around her neck.

"Now I see why you want me to carry you."

"It's fun isn't it?" I hum my assent and rest my head on hers. "Don't fall asleep there baby." I chuckle, I nuzzle her neck and kiss it softly.

"I love you." I whisper.

"I love when you tell me that at random times." There's a pause of a few seconds before she speaks again. "I love you more."

"No, I love you more."

"I love you the most." She kisses my hand and I get goosebumps from her cute action and I forget what we were saying.

"Are we there yet?" She shakes her head. "How about now?" I giggle when she stops walking and turns her head to stare at me. "We will never get there if you don't walk baby." I smirk.

"Ellen-" Oh now I'm in trouble. "Baby you're killing me here." I sigh relieved she isn't upset as I thought she was.

"Don't Ellen me, I thought you were upset." She continues walking, a couple of steps more and I get off of her.

"Never my love, come on." We walk hand in hand to the bleachers where I'm going to be watching from. We sit in silence for a few minutes until the rest of the team comes.

"Have fun." She kisses me then runs to the middle of the field ready to start practice.

An hour or so later she calls me to come down with her. She's all hot and sweaty just when I thought she couldn't get any sexier.

"Hey baby." Portia jogs towards me placing a kiss on my lips. I almost forget how to breathe as I stare at her in her shirt and shorts. "Are you in there?" She waves her hand in front of me.

"You take my breath away..."

"Oh stop it..." Her red face from practice covers her blush, I smile to myself happy to know I can too, make her blush. "I'm so ready for tomorrow's game." She says excitedly and my smile disappears.

"I won't be able to go baby..."

"What? But you said-" The disappointment was evident in her eyes, it broke my heart. Maybe if I beg mama into letting me go I could surprise Portia.

"I got grounded, I'm sorry I was an idiot and got that ticket, sneaked out and stayed out without permission." I look down at my hands.

"No baby it's alright, I just wanted for you to be there." She raises my head with her finger forcing me to look at her. I smile when she gives me one of those smiles that I love.

"I'll make it up to you, tonight."

"Tonight?" I nod, she probably forgot what's tonight. "Oh. Oh yes tonight." Her eyes light up.

I sit cross legged on the grass, I grab her hand tugging on it until she gives in and falls on top of me. She's pretty strong, with no effort she flips over hovering above me.

"I'm not doing that again." I chuckle.

"Don't even try." My hands are pinned above my head and she sits on my lap, trapping me under her. I wouldn't be able to move even if I wanted to.

"Or what?" I banter as I try my best to wiggle out of her grasp, failing completely. I raise my hips to try and get her off me but it's no use.

"Giving up yet?" I nod, I'm definitely not trying that again, I'm already out of breath just from that. "Now for your reward." I don't have a chance to ask what she means when she leans to kiss me.

I don't hesitate to respond back to her kiss, her hips start to move against my lap. She lays herself on me turning her attention to my neck. Her attack has me writhing under her, she kisses me softly and bites over the fading hickey I had, I hiss at her action.

I manage to get one of my hands free and touch her everywhere I can. I groan at my phone ringing in my pocket, I someway take it out as Portia still continues to kiss me.

"Hello?"

"Don't forget the movies tonight, I'll come pick you up." Vicky says excitedly. I couldn't focus with Portia still continuing her attack on me. "Ellen?"

"Yeah- uh I'll be ready..."

"What are you doing?" I hold my breath as Portia sits up and starts to snake her hands under my shirt. I shake my head to her but she gives me a mischievous grin.

"I'm- nothing- I'll be- at seven-"

"Alright, see you then. Have fun. Say hi to Portia for me." She laughed before she hung up, I think my short answers gave me away.

"Baby we have to-" I lose my train of thought as her hands fondle my breasts. "Movies-" Her lips shut me up.

"You're irresistible baby." She stands up leaving me breathless on the ground. "Coming?" I still lay there as she starts to walk away from me. 'What has she done to me.' I ask myself out loud.

----------------------------

“Please don’t kill me.” I beg her as we enter this pizza place Portia loves, we take a seat and wait for Portia and James to get here.

“Why do you say that?” I give her a wink and I brace myself. “Ellen what did you do?

“You’ll see just please let me live.” My phone vibrates, I take it out to read a text from Portia. They’ll be here any minute now.

“I’m going to freaking kill you.” She says under her breath glaring at me as they walk towards us.

“Hi baby.” Vicky rolls her eyes annoyed, I kiss Portia and they take a seat in front of us

“Hi Vicky.” James says shyly and her composure softens blushing slightly, at least he didn’t get annoyed which is a great thing. I can’t believe the confident, daredevil Vicky had just blushed.

“Hi Jay.” Her blush deepens once she realized what she called him. Portia and I just looked at them, they make a cute couple.

“Jay. I like that one but only you can call me that.” He smiles again, I’m sure Vicky doesn’t know where to hide her face. Vicky’s brunette hair falls to the side of her face in a form of a curtain, she looks at me as if asking what she should do next, I give her a wink before I speak.

“You too make a cute couple…” I try to hint it that that’s why they’re both here and that it’s not a simple coincidence.

“I agree, you guys should totally go out… on a date...” Portia follows my lead.

“Really?” James asks as he fidgets with the menu the waiter brought us, Portia and I look at each other and nod. It takes him a few seconds but he gets the courage to ask Vicky out. “Would you like to turn this into a date?”

“Yeah… I would.” Her green eyes light up.

“In that case we’re out of here.” I say as I get up taking Portia’s hand in mine, Vicky’s eye shot open in panic. She stands up and pulls me to the side away from the table.

“You can’t leave me, not now-”

“Vicky I can’t be present in your date and you two have things to talk about.” I hold her hand which is freezing cold a sure sign she’s very nervous.

“But Ellen-”

“No buts, also he likes you.” She smiles shyly and I push her back to sit next to James. “Be nice to her or else get it?” I stare at him and he just laughs.

“You better be James.” Portia chimes in.

“Hey I thought we were besties…” He pouts.

“We are but be a gentleman with her. I can’t cover up for you with Ellen, she’s my girlfriend and if you hurt her bestie I’ll kill you.” I give her hand a squeeze as a thank you, she can’t be more amazing.

“Never would I hurt Vicky.” He turns to Vicky giving her a smile and she blushes. “I promise.” He’s a really sweet guy so I hope he doesn’t do anything that changes my perception of him.

“Good then, have fun.” I hug Vicky before we let them be. Portia and I walk that same path we walked through the park the day I finally asked her to be my girlfriend. We walk in silence for a couple of minutes wrapped in each other’s company.

“What do you want to do baby?” We reach the other end of the park, I don’t mind what we do as long as she’s with me I’m happy.

“Anything you like.” I kiss her hand.

“Let’s go watch a movie then.” I shrug, we walk for the few minutes to the theater. “Choose.” She tells me as we get in the line to buy our tickets. I choose a romantic one, pay for the tickets and go to the concession stand to buy our snacks.

“What do you want baby?” She points to some kind of candy and some nachos. “Cheese?” She shakes her head, I take popcorn for myself and our drinks.

“Thank you.” I get a kiss on my cheek and hand her the nachos and her drink, as we walk to the theater our movie is at I eat my popcorn. By the time the movie starts they’re gonna be gone for sure.

There’s barely any people in here which is good, I prefer it when it’s not too full. The movie will start in a few minutes so I go up to the last row where, in my opinion, you get a better view of the movie.

“Can I have one?” I take a nacho before she acknowledges what I mean.

“Hey these are mine.” She takes them away as I go take another one. I should’ve taken nachos, they’re really tasty.

“But I want some.” I pout but she doesn’t let me take more. “You can have some of my popcorn.” I smile as I try to bribe her.

“Too bad then, isn’t it?” She smirks, I place the popcorn between my legs and I huff as I cross my arms over my chest. “Aww come on, don’t huff me.” She puts the nachos on her lap and leans towards me in an attempt to kiss my cheek.

“No nachos, no kiss.” She laughs out loud which breaks my frown into a smile. “Don’t laugh, I’m upset at you.” I try my best at a serious face but fail.

“No you are not.” I see how she takes a nacho into her mouth teasing me.

“Yes I am.” I huff again.

“No because you love me.” She grins as she knows she has won and she’s right. I lean to kiss her but instead I take a nacho from her. “Thanks.” I smirk taking it into my mouth.

“Ass.”

“I’m a lovely ass.” Again she laughs and two people turn around annoyed at us since the movie had already started.

“Give me some popcorn.” She whispers, I shake my head taking it away from her reach. “You can have some nachos.” Now it’s her turn to bribe me and of course I give in.

Ultimately we end up exchanging snacks and I couldn’t be happier with that. She rests her head on my shoulder, I thought she had fallen asleep so I kiss the stop of her head. In the dark I could see her grey-blue eyes look up at me.

I want to wrap my arm around her but I don’t want to move her either, she seems too comfortable for me to do that. I continue to watch the movie or at least I try to as she keeps looking at me.

After a couple of minutes of staring at me she pulls my arm and snuggles closer to me. I sigh happy with this position, I lift her head with my finger closing the gap between us. Her tongue licks my bottom lip asking for permission, I don’t open just to tease her a little, her retaliation is a bite on my lip. Her soft lips then move to my neck to kiss and nibble on it, I was losing control really fast and this is not that place to lose it at.

“Baby- stop- it’s-” I groan when she soothes her bite with her tongue. I don’t want to stop, all day she has been teasing me and she knows that.

Suddenly the lights come back on and she’s forced to stop her assault on me. The movie finished and I don’t even remember the name of it, I’m pretty sure Portia doesn’t either.

I grab her hand as we exit the theater, I take my phone out to call mama if she could come pick me up and see if we can take Portia home. I don't want to leave her by herself here.

Twenty minutes later mama arrives, I open the door for Portia to get in and I follow suit sitting next to her. I still have to see if mama will let me go to her game tomorrow, I'm praying she does.

"I love you baby." I walk her to her front door, I've always wanted to do that with my future girlfriend and now that I have her I'll do it every chance I get.

"I get to see you tomorrow?" Since mama didn't tell me what I'm allowed to do while I'm grounded, I nod. I hope she won't send Portia away. "I love you too my love." We kiss goodnight and I get back in the car ready to go home.