Moments of Clarity, Moments of Insanity
Disclaimer: Switched At Birth is owned by Lizzy Weiss and ABC Family. No
copyright infringement is meant. I am using the characters for entertainment
purposes only.
Disclaimer: Starting in this chapter, there will now be "M" rated themes in
most chapters......
A/N Episode 12 will be broken up into 4 parts :)
#-----------
Chapter 10- episode 12 part 1
After everything that happened at the festival, Emmett and I had started
really getting to know more things about each other. I was learning more sign,
and my confidence was building in its use. Emmett was very proud of the progress
I've made in the last couple weeks.
We were also doing even better as a couple. We video chatted everyday, and he
would sneak over every couple nights. We would hang out in my studio. I would
paint while he watched, or we would cuddle on the couch and talk about things of
interest, like art. With this in mind, I was working on a surprise….
"Ugh," I threw my paintbrush down in frustration. It wasn't working out well…
I couldn't concentrate on what I was painting. Every time I tried to call up
the image in my mind, it just slipped away. I was trying to paint something
special for Emmett, but all I'd managed so far were some abstract circular
motions, before my inspiration went poof and my patience bottomed out.
It was still two hours before Emmett was coming to pick me up for our date
today, so I looked around my studio for something to do. My space was equally
depressing though. It was a mess with all the drama of late, I'd totally been
letting things go in here. So, after tying my hair back with a bandana, donning
some headphones and turning my IPOD on fully cranked, I decided that was
something that had to change.
I set my play list to some songs Toby had recorded….not that I ever planned
on telling him I willingly listened to his music. A good little sister's job was
simply to keep her brother from getting too much of a swelled head. Walking
around the room, I gathered dirty paint brushes, tossing them in the sink. I
stacked up a bunch of blank canvases, covered other half finished pieces and
looked around the room. I noticed some disarrayed boxes and buckets in the
corner.
Walking over to them, I squatted down to get a better look. The buckets were
half full of used, too chunky poster glue. There's something I can't use
again. I dumped the contents down a drain in the floor. I couldn't have
anyone actually figured out what I used the white paste for. After that was
done, I returned my attention to the boxes.
After opening said boxes, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. Inside
were a bunch of old random art supplies. Sitting down, I started sifting through
these new treasures. Would anything still be useful?
I was an artist, but I hadn't always been a painter. Like any teenage,
I had messed around with other things, trying to find my calling, so to speak. I
pulled out old sketch books and special pencils. Dried out modeling clay was
everywhere. I had air brushing equipment from the summer I spent making
t-shirts. I still had a few of the better ones hanging in my closet. Oil pastels
and bits of drawing charcoal were next. There was even some blank sheet music in
here from when Toby tried to teach me his art.
It was then that my hand brushed over something hard and plastic. Reaching
in, I pulled out a heavy largish box that I had spray painted sometime ago.
Hmmm. There was a lock on the front of it. I couldn't for the life of me
remember what was in it. After digging around in the box some more, I came out
with a small silver key that just happened to fit perfectly in the box's
lock…..click, snap and it was open. After flipping up a black velvet covering
cloth I found the camera I forgot that I had.
I pulled out the sleek black memory maker, gingerly turning it over in my
hands smiling. This was the very first form of art I'd ever taken seriously,
just a couple of years ago. Funny that I ended up seriously dating a
photographer! Anyways, like I said, I had gotten this camera a year or two ago
from Toby, after he'd given up teaching me music. I spent that entire
summer snapping pictures of anything that didn't move fast enough. Did I hold
on to any of the negatives? I searched through the box, but didn't find any
negatives. Why had I given up using the camera? I could only assume I'd gotten
tired of it, and like the yellowing sheet music, I'd tucked it away.
Just holding this made me think of, not only some of the funnier pictures I'd
taken with it, but of Emmett as well. I was struck with an idea. Running my
fingers over the soft neck strap, I wondered what he would think if I gave it to
him? I bet the pictures he took with this would be things of beauty compared to
anything I'd ever managed. A small smile graced my lips as I tucked the camera
back into its box, my mind made up. I couldn't wait to give it to him!
Just as I was about to get up, I felt a pair of big hands cover my eyes. I
knew they were Emmett's. His hands always smelled just slightly of the oil from
his bike. I turned my head, smiling up at him. For once I didn't care that there
was still dried paint in my hair. He smiled down at me in amusement, pulling the
still blaring headphones from my ears.
"Any louder, and I could hear that music!" Emmett told me, chuckling.
"Ha, ha. Funny," I said, sarcasm showing.
"Seriously, I thought I was the deaf one here," He joked.
"You're early. I thought you weren't coming till 5?" I said, changing the
subject. Not that I minded him being early…
"It is 5," he said, looking at the clock on my wall.
My eyes flew to the same clock. 5:02 it read. Had I really been looking
through all this for 2 hours? Wow, time sure flew by fast. On the heels of
that thought came another…
Oh my god! I am a mess! Self consciously, I ran my hands through my
hair and straightened out my clothes. Emmett watched me, taking in every
movement.
As if he could read my mind, Emmett stilled my hands. Pulling me close, his
lips crashed onto mine. Melting into him, I allowed him to lead the kiss.
Without breaking the kiss, Emmett pulled me toward the couch. He sat down and
pulled me down, straddling his hips. I again felt his hardness against that most
feminine part of me. I moaned against his mouth.
Emmett's hand traveled over my back, before coming to a stop on my rear end.
I was mildly surprised. Emmett had never been this bold before. My hands
traveled to his sides, skimming his waist. I felt his other hand inch under my
shirt. The skin on skin feeling was electrifying. His hand felt hot on my body,
or maybe, I was the one who was hot.
Inch by inch, I felt his hand creeping slowly upward. His hand scraped
against my bra. I arched, granting better access. His fingers teased the bottom
of my bra, before I felt his finger slip under it. Just as he grazed the
underside of my breast, I pulled back, blushing hotly. We stared at each other,
panting, as reality hit me like a bucket of water.
My parents were right inside the house, as was Toby. Regina and Daphne
weren't that far away from us either. Any of them could walk in on us. My
parents would shit bricks if they caught us. I didn't even want to think about
Daphne's response.
Emmett stared at me, his eyes full of lust and tenderness. Did I really
want to stop this?
Making a hard decision, I told Emmett, "We have to stop."
He looked at me, confused. "Why? We both want this."
I sighed heavily. "I know. That's what is making this so difficult. I
don't want to stop."
"Then, we won't," Emmett said, matter of fact. He reached for me again.
"Emmett, stop! My parents are right inside the house. They could come in at
any time," I said, pleadingly. I knew he couldn't hear it, but maybe my body
language would give away my fear.
It was Emmett who sighed this time. Running his fingers through his hair, he
closed his eyes and put his head back on the couch. I removed myself from his
lap as gracefully as possible. He didn't react. I sat down next to him.
Emmett and I hadn't talked about sex, yet. He didn't know this, but I'm still
a virgin. As much as I wanted him, I was also nervous as hell! What if I did
something wrong? I don't even know how much, if any experience he has. What if
he's not? Would I be too ignorant in his eyes?
After several minutes of silence, I couldn't take anymore. I tapped his leg.
Emmett opened his eyes and looked over at me. His face was blank.
"Are you mad now?" I asked him.
Emmett chuckled without sound. "No, not at you," was his vague response.
Needing to change the subject, I stood up. Emmett watched me, curious.
"I have a surprise for you," I told him, backing toward the boxes in the
corner. Turning around, I grabbed the box with the camera. Please, let him
like this….
Stepping back in front of him, I held out the box.
#----------------------------------
Ever since we came back from the festival, Bay and I had gotten so much
better at communication. We started talking even more about our interests and
hobbies. Bay's signing was becoming phenomenal. There was still much to learn,
but her skills had improved by leaps and bounds.
We were also doing even better as a couple. We video chatted everyday. Bay's
skills were still a little bad over the phone, but it's all a new experience for
her, so I don't criticize. I would even sneak over to see her every couple
nights. We would always hang out in Bay's studio. It was our sanctuary from the
outside world. Bay would paint while I watched, or we would cuddle on the couch
and make out.
I had 2 hours before I was going to pick up Bay for our date, and I wanted to
surprise her with something. I had been searching online, looking for things
that I thought might interest her. Or rather, interest her artistic side. I came
across an article about planking. Hmmm. Looks interesting. We could do
that. I had my camera with me all the time anyway. This is perfect!
Looking at the clock, I realized I needed to head out. Driving through the
streets of K.C., I was struck again by all the beauty. Bay and I would
periodically drive around, searching for new ideas for my pictures and her
paintings. Either way, everything was always beautiful to behold. Bay had even
surprised me one day. She had, without my knowledge, taken some of my newly
developed pictures and painted a collage of sorts from them. When she unveiled
it to me, I was awed by her ingenuity.
Pulling into her driveway, I stopped outside her studio. I never bothered to
knock anymore. Half the time, Bay wasn't paying attention anyway. With that
thought in mind, I opened her door….
And stopped in my tracks.
The sight that greeted my eyes was tantalizingly arousing. Bay was facing
away from me, hovering over some boxes in the corner of her studio. But, that
isn't what made me stop. Her derriere was thrust up in the air, as she placed a
box of something or other, back into a larger box. My mouth watered seeing her
in that position. I had a vision of my hands cupping those cheeks and squeezing.
My girlfriend has one fine looking ass!
As I approached Bay, I noticed the cords from her earphones dangling down.
Listening to her IPOD again. I decided to pull her trick from the festival and
placed my hands over her eyes. Bay didn't even jump. In fact, she turned and
smiled up at me. I was again struck by her beauty. I returned her smile, at the
same time pulling the headphones from her ears. I could vaguely feel vibrations
through the earpiece. How loud did she have the music?
I chuckled and said, "Any louder, and I could hear that music!"
"Ha, ha. Funny," Bay responded, her face a mask of sarcasm.
I couldn't resist. "Seriously, I thought I was the deaf one here."
"You're early. I thought you weren't coming till 5?" Bay asked next. I could
tell Bay wanted to change the subject. Ever since the festival, she was very
nervous about deaf jokes now. Not that I blamed her. I had been pretty harsh
with her that night…
"It is 5," I informed her, my eyes straying to the clock on the wall.
Her eyes widened and flew to the same clock. 5:02 it now read. Had she
lost track of time? Wasn't hard for her to do.
Suddenly, Bay started fidgeting with her hair, brushing it down. Then she
attacked her clothes. Didn't she know that I loved her, no matter how messy and
paint splattered she was?
Reaching out, I stilled the path of her hand. I pulled Bay close, crashing my
lips onto hers. I felt her body mold to mine. I knew the moment when she gave
over total control to me.
Without breaking the kiss, I pulled her with me toward the couch. I sat down
and pulled Bay down as well, so she was straddling my hips. I was already hard
as hell and I could feel her feminine heat even through our jeans. I wanted
nothing more than to rip her clothes off and to pull her under me. I wanted to
thrust into her softness and make her beg for more. Bay moaned against my mouth.
I wanted to have sex with my girlfriend, now….
I wanted to start slow, so I didn't spook Bay. It wouldn't work out well if I
just attacked her. Indulging my fantasy from moments ago, I let my hand wander
down her back, before I placed it possessively on her rear end. I felt Bay start
slightly, but she didn't pull away. This emboldened me to take another step. Her
hands skimmed over my waist. I slowly inched my free hand under her shirt.
Feeling her bare skin was electrifying. I suddenly felt hot all over.
Inch by agonizing inch, my hand crept upward. My hand scraped the bottom of
her bra. I felt lace against my fingers. If it was possible, I got even harder
than before. Bay arched her back, giving me better access. I took advantage of
that. I used my fingers to tease her, playing with the bottom of her bra. I
imagined it was black lace. I wanted to see it so badly. I slipped a finger
under the bra, and felt hot skin. My mouth was aching to be where my hand was.
Just as I grazed the underside of her breast, Bay pulled back, blushing hotly.
Okay, I scared her. Need to slow it down more…
We stared at each other, panting, as I gave her some time to relax. For some
reason, she was very tense. I stared at Bay, knowing she could see the lust and
tenderness I felt for her in my eyes. I hope she doesn't want to stop
this!
Bay breathed heavily, before saying, "We have to stop."
I was confused. She was as turned on as me right now. "Why? We both want
this."
She sighed heavily. "I know. That's what is making this so difficult.
I don't want to stop."
"Then, we won't," I told her, my decision made. I reached for her again.
"Emmett, stop! My parents are right inside the house. They could come in at
any time," Bay said, genuine fear radiating off of her. Damn it!
I sighed, knowing she was right. We really didn't need anyone walking in and
seeing us like that. I ran my fingers through my hair, as I closed my eyes and
put my head back on the couch. I felt Bay move off of my lap, and sit next to
me, but I didn't move.
So many thoughts raced through my head. Contrary to how it sounds, I'm not
the type of guy who forces myself on a woman, especially my girlfriend. I know
Bay wants me. Hell, she's thrown herself at me quite a few times. I was always
the one to put a stop to it.
I really wanted our first time together to be special. Bay was not completely
inexperienced. I knew that. Was Bay a virgin? We haven't had that talk yet. She
didn't know this, but I'm not. I did have sex with one of my classmates a few
months back. Long before I met Bay.
Kinda regretting that decision now…..
After a short time, I felt Bay tap my leg. I opened my eyes and looked over
at her, deliberately keeping my face blank. Bay looked nervous.
"Are you mad now?" she asked.
Oh, how to answer that? Was I mad? At myself, sure. At her, not a chance. I
gave a silent chuckle. "No, not at you," I told her vaguely.
Bay looked at me curiously, before standing up. What was she doing?
"I have a surprise for you," she told me, as she backed toward the boxes she
had been in front of earlier. She reached inside one and pulled out the box I
had seen her put away. She stepped back in front of me, and held out the box.
#---------------------------
I watched with trepidation as Emmett examined the box. He weighed it in his
hand, feeling the slight heaviness within. Fortunately, he didn't shake it. I
held my breath as he opened the lid and peered inside. His eyes lit up as they
landed on the camera.
Almost reverently, Emmett pulled the camera from its home. He twisted it
about, taking in all the angles and nuances of it. Was he pleased?
Emmett's eyes lifted to mine. His face held a small smile, but also, a
question.
"This is a beautiful camera," he commented.
"Is this something- would you like it?" I asked, hesitant. Emmett's smile
grew to his eyes. His head flopped up and down like a hyper puppy.
"Are you kidding? I would LOVE to have a camera like this!" he
replied. My own smile widened.
"Let me tell you a story…" I started, sitting back down on the couch beside
him. I told him about how Toby had given this to me a couple years back. How I
had immediately thought of him when I pulled it out of the box. How very much I
wanted him to have it and use it…
Emmett stared at me, shock on his face. But, he wasn't saying no, yet….
"I remember one time, I was walking through the house, taking random shots of
anything and everything. Toby came out of the bathroom, wearing only a towel
around his…shoulders." I blushed hotly, remembering that. "I had snapped a shot
before I realized that…everything was exposed. I don't know who screamed
louder, me or Toby."
Emmett's lips were pressed together, like he was holding laughter in. The
corner of his eyes were suspiciously wet.
"I had to make a deal with Toby. I would wash his car for a month, in
exchange for his silence."
I heard a small chuckle escape Emmett. "Still have that picture?" he asked, a
devilish glint in his eyes.
"Unfortunately, Toby took it. Whether or not he still has it…" I frowned.
Emmett studied the camera again. Then, he looked at me. I knew what he was
going to say, even before his hands started moving. No….
"Bay, this camera is perfect, but…" here it comes. "I can't accept
it."
I felt my face drop. Tears welled in my eyes. I got up and walked away from
Emmett, before he could see the tears. I had expected him to say no. I just
hadn't realized how much that rejection would sting.
Big hands wrapped around my shoulders and pulled me back into a solid chest.
I quickly swiped at the tears on my cheeks. Then, those big hands turned me and
pulled me into a hug. I wrapped my arms around his waist, hating myself for
being so stupidly emotional about this. It's just a freaking camera…..
We stood like that for awhile. Emmett just held me and stroked my hair.
Finally, he pulled back and looked me in the eye. I tried not to let my hurt
show through.
"Bay, why is it so important that I have this camera?" Emmett asked,
confusion on his face.
I took a shaky breath. "Because, you have given so much and done so much for
me, and I feel like I haven't done enough for you. You helped me look for my
father, and you barely knew me. You've taken so much of your time to teach me
sign, and you put up my art on the billboard, even after it looked like it was
hopeless. Please, I really want you to have it. This is the only way I can think
of to give something back to you."
Emmett sighed loudly. "Bay, I did all of that because I wanted to. I
wanted to help you find your dad. I wanted to help you learn sign
faster. I wanted to put a smile back on your beautiful face, when I put
your art on the billboard. You owe me nothing!"
Realizing he wouldn't take the camera at all, I nodded and grabbed it off the
couch, preparing to put it back in the box I had found it in. Big hands covered
mine. I looked up at Emmett. He smiled, and took the camera from my hands.
Confused, I watched him wearily.
"I'll make a deal. I'll take the camera, on one condition," Emmett
told me. I gazed at him, waiting. "That you agree to be my "test
subject."
Test subject? "Uh, okay," I answered hesitantly. What exactly did he
have in mind?
As if he could read my mind, he said, "Let's go planking!"
#-------------------------------
Bay watched me as I looked over the box she had handed me. Holding it in my
hand, I realized it was slight in weight. Whatever was inside, was not overtly
large or heavy. Finally, I opened the lid and peeked inside. Inside was a
gorgeous camera. It was fairly brand new as well, from the looks of it.
Carefully, I pulled the camera out of the box. I turned it about, taking it
all in.I sensed Bay was waiting patiently for my reaction.
I lifted my eyes to Bay. She looked tense, so I gave her a smile. She visibly
relaxed, and gave a small smile in return. I set the camera down on my lap.
"This is a beautiful camera," I told her.
"Is this something- would you like it?" Bay asked, hesitant. Would I like
it? Was she kidding? I smiled wider and nodded my head vigorously.
"Are you kidding? I would LOVE to have a camera like this!" I replied
honestly. Bay's smile widened.
"Let me tell you a story…" Bay said, sitting back down on the couch beside
me. She told me how Toby had given the camera to her a couple years back. How,
when she had found it in the box and had immediately thought of me. Then she
told me how much she wanted me to have it and use it…
I could only stare at her, shocked. She wanted to just give me the
camera? Bay was still talking, so I focused on her again.
"I remember one time, I was walking through the house, taking random shots of
anything and everything. Toby came out of the bathroom, wearing only a towel
around his…shoulders." I watched as her face turned red. "I had snapped a shot
before I realized that…everything was exposed. I don't know who screamed
louder, me or Toby."
I pressed my lips together, fighting laughter. The image I had in my head was
just too funny not to. I waited, knowing Bay wasn't done yet.
"I had to make a deal with Toby. I would wash his car for a month, in
exchange for his silence." Bay looked put out by that statement, even though all
of this had transpired a couple years ago.
I chuckled, wondering if she knew how adorable she looked right now. "Still
have that picture?" I asked, hoping I could use it for a little blackmail in the
future.
"Unfortunately, Toby took it. Whether or not he still has it…" Bay frowned.
Damn!
I picked up the camera, studying it again. It is an awesome camera,
but I really can't take it. Now, to let her down gently. I looked at her.
"Bay, this camera is perfect, but…" please don't be mad. "I can't
accept it."
The change was instantaneous. Bay's face dropped and tears sprang to her
eyes. Before I could reach out to her, Bay stood up and walked away from me. I
knew she was trying to hide how hurt she was. I placed the camera on the couch
and stood up. Walking behind her, I wrapped my hands around her shoulders and
pulled Bay back against my chest. I saw her quickly swipe at tears on her
cheeks. Turning Bay around, I pulled her into a hug. Bay wrapped her arms around
my waist, and sobbed into my shirt. Now I felt like a heel for making her cry.
We stood like that for awhile. I continued to hold her and stroked her hair.
Eventually, I pulled back and looked Bay in the eye. She was trying valiantly
not to cry anymore.
"Bay, why is it so important that I have this camera?" I asked, confused why
she was so insistent I have it.
I saw Bay take a breath. Then she said, "Because, you have given so much and
done so much for me, and I feel like I haven't done enough for you. You helped
me look for my father, and you barely knew me. You've taken so much of your time
to teach me sign, and you put up my art on the billboard, even after it looked
like it was hopeless. Please, I really want you to have it. This is the only way
I can think of to give something back to you."
She still didn't get it? I sighed loudly. "Bay, I did all of that
because I wanted to. I wanted to help you find your dad. I
wanted to help you learn sign faster. I wanted to put a smile back
on your beautiful face, when I put your art on the billboard. You owe me
nothing!"
I couldn't believe Bay still didn't understand why I did all that. Didn't she
know how much I love her? That I would do anything for her? Didn't she
realize that those where my early ways of showing her just how much she was
under my skin and in my heart?
Bay nodded and grabbed the camera off the couch, presumably to put it back in
its box and hide it again. Then I thought of something. If I took the camera,
she would have to pose for pictures and hopefully not complain. Not that she is
camera shy, but, more than once she has grabbed my camera and took off
running with it. I have to then chase after her and retrieve it. Good thing my
legs are longer.
I reached out and covered Bay's hands with mine. Bay looked up at me,
confusion on her face. I smiled, and took the camera from her my hands. Time
to barter….
"I'll make a deal. I'll take the camera, on one condition," I told
her. She watched me, waiting. "That you agree to be my "test subject."
"Uh, okay," she answered, clearly bewildered.
I smiled brightly and said, "Let's go planking!"
#---------------------------------
Over the next couple weeks, Emmett and I went "planking" all over town. We
planked at the market, at the mall, even at the movie theater. Emmett definitely
got a lot of awesome pictures with the camera. I swear he was like a kid in a
candy store. I poised without complaint, and even got some of him as well.
One night, he took me to Carlton. We snuck into the school, using his Mom's
key. The idea he had was to "plank" in the men's locker room. However, when we
got there, we saw the football team changing after a game.
One of the guys waved a greeting and started signing fast to Emmett. Faster
than I could keep up. Emmett gestured back at me at one point. Was he
introducing me? The guys waved and a few smiled. I waved and smiled back.
A taller guy, who was the size of a freight train, started signing to me. I
caught the words Emmett, pictures, and….did he just call me a hottie?
I looked at Emmett, showing him my confusion. He looked irritated, but then
laughed and repeated the guys question.
"He wants to know why you are with a guy like me, who's into pictures, when
you could be with a hottie like him?"
Ah, so he called himself a hottie, not me. That made me feel better. I looked
at Emmett. He looked….jealous.
"What can I say? I love a guy who knows how to make me beautiful," I said
with a smile. Emmett visibly relaxed.
Freight train laughed. Then he walked up to me and slapped my ass! OH
MY GOD! Liam used to do that to me all the time, and I hated it. Self
centered, egotistical jock!
Emmett looked like he was ready to rip freight train a new one. Better cool
him down, before fists fly. Tapping Emmett, I said, "Hey, can we use them to
"plank" on?"
Emmett had been glaring at freight train, but finally looked at me. I
repeated my question again. He eyed the guys and started signing. They signed
amongst themselves and then they all nodded.
So, I found myself being held up by 6 football players, and freight train was
up by my head. I think Emmett put him there deliberately. Emmett snapped some
shots and thanked the guys. They all waved and smiled.
"Can we go see your locker?" I asked, once we were back outside. Emmett
looked surprised, but took my hand and led me toward the lockers. He pulled to a
stop in front of one and pointed.
"This is mine," he said. I grinned.
"Can I see inside?" I teased. Emmett opened it and stepped aside. Inside I
saw a picture of the two of us, along with some school books and binders. I
closed it with a smile and turned to Emmett. He was standing patiently, waiting.
Suddenly, I reached out and spun him around, so he was against the locker. He
looked shocked. I leaned in and kissed him. Of course, he responded immediately.
I felt his hands on my waist. Suddenly, he turned us, so I was against
the locker. Emmett stepped in close and kissed the breath out of me. I was
getting so turned on right now. Could he tell?
I felt one of his legs nudge between mine. God, now I felt like I was riding
his leg! I stifled the urge to bounce. I could feel the cold of the lockers
behind me, and the hot, solid body of my boyfriend in front of me.
Would he object if I ripped his clothes off?
After a few minutes of that, Emmett stepped back and away from me. He was
panting and I could see the noticeable bulge in his jeans. I knew he wanted to
gain control back of the situation, before we both took it too far. Internally,
I whined.
"Come on. I have another idea," Emmett said, and then he was holding out his
hand. I took it without hesitation and followed him to his bike.
#---------------------------------
Over the next couple weeks, Bay and I went "planking" all over town. We
planked at the market, at the mall. I even talked her into planking at the movie
theater. We had to pay to get inside, though. On the bright side, Bay and I were
very entertained for the next couple hours. I took loads of interesting
shots. Bay didn't realize how giddy I felt, using this beautiful piece of
machinery. Bay poised without complaint, and even got the camera away from me a
few times to take some of me planking.
One night, we drove over to Carlton. Using Mom's key, we snuck into the
school. My idea was for us to "plank" in the men's locker room. I was surprised,
however, to see the football team changing after a game when we got there.
Eric, one of the linebackers, waved and started talking to me. "Hey, Emmett!
What's up man? And, who is that fox standing behind you? She is freaking
sexy as hell, brother!"
When he talked about Bay like that, I had a sudden urge to crack open his
skull. Glaring at him, I replied, "Nothing much. Just came back to have some
alone time with my girlfriend," I said, gesturing back toward Bay. I
refused to tell him her name. Take the hint Eric! A few of the other guys
waved at Bay and a couple smiled at her. Turning slightly, I saw her wave back
and return the smiles.
Mark, the quarterback, addressed Bay. "Hey, Sweetie? Why are you with a loser
like Emmett, who's only in to pictures, when you could have a hottie like me?"
Then, he started laughing.
Bay gave me a blank look. Mark had signed too fast and she didn't know what
he had said to her. I could feel the irritation of his words bubbling under my
skin. I almost decided to lie and tell her something totally different. Then, I
changed my mind. Bay was with me. These guys wouldn't turn her head.
Finally, I forced a laugh and repeated what Mark had said. "He wants to know
why you are with a guy like me, who's into pictures, when you could be with a
hottie like him?"
Bay nodded, finally understanding. I waited, anxious to know what her reply
was.
"What can I say? I love a guy who knows how to make me beautiful," Bay said,
cracking a smile. I felt the tension release at her words. Thank you
beautiful!
Mark laughed. I watched him approach Bay. What the hell was he planning to
do? Suddenly, he reached down and slapped her ass! I saw RED!
How DARE he touch my girlfriend like that! I started moving toward
him. I wouldn't be happy, until he had a broken nose!
Suddenly, Bay was in my line of vision. She tapped my arm and said something
I didn't catch. The haze of red that was covering my vision dissipated. I never
wanted Bay to see that side of me, if I could help it. I loved her too much to
expose her to anymore violence. Visions of the bruises Toby had left on her
months ago danced through my head. Turning my heated glare from Mark, I looked
down at Bay. She repeated herself. "Can we use them to "plank" on?"
I eyed all the guys and asked if they were cool with holding Bay up so I
could snap her "planking." They all talked among themselves and finally nodded
their consent. So, Bay soon found herself being held up by 6 football players,
all of them holding out their arms, like they were boards for her to lay on. I
had Mark standing up by her head. No more chances to slap her ass for you,
buddy! I quickly snapped the shots and thanked them all. Smiles and waves
were their only replies. I pulled Bay out of the locker room and headed outside.
Bay tapped my arm. I turned to her, expectant. Bay looked a little shy and
embarrassed. I looked at her, wondering what she wanted to say.
"Can we go see your locker?" she finally asked. I knew my surprise at her
question showed on my face. That wasn't exactly what I thought she would ask
me. I took her hand and led her toward the lockers. Stopping in front of
mine, I released her hand and pointed.
"This is mine," I told her. She grinned at me.
"Can I see inside?" she asked. I could see the teasing look she threw me. I
wanted to slap myself. Of course, she would want to see inside it. I didn't have
anything to hide, though. I spun the combination and opened my locker. Stepping
aside, I allowed her to look inside. Bay saw the picture I had of the two of us
inside and the few school books and binders I didn't need for homework. She
closed it and turned to me, a smile on her face.
Before I could blink, Bay had grabbed me and spun me around so my back was
against the lockers. I was shocked. Bay had never done that before! Then,
she leaned in and kissed me. My shock was quickly overridden by the all
consuming flame of love that I feel for Bay. I responded to her kisses with
equal vigor, licking and sucking on her mouth, begging entrance. She granted it,
and our tongues dueled. With my hands riding her waist, I turned us so Bay was
now the one against the lockers. Her shocked expression was quickly replaced
with desire.
Stepping closer, I nudged one of my legs between hers, so she was basically
riding my leg. I could feel the heat coming off her body. All I wanted to do was
rip off her clothes and take her against the lockers. I could already imagine
her body moving rhythmically against my own. My body hardened at the thought.
Could she feel it?
Bay started grinding herself against my leg. I swear, she's gonna kill my
resolve to be a gentleman one of these days. I was sure she didn't realize she
was doing it. Unfortunately, now I couldn't think of anything else! Before I
could take her up on her very blatant offer, I stepped back and away. My
breath was short and panting. Bay's eyes strayed to the very noticeable
bulge in the front of my jeans. Her eyes widened slightly and took on a glazed
look. I understood exactly how she felt.
"Come on. I have another idea," I told her a minute later. I held out my
hand, waiting. Instantly, Bay's hand was in mine. We walked back toward my bike.
Sweet Jesus! That was too close!
#-------------------------------
Having dropped off his bike in a parking lot, Emmett and I were currently
walking around downtown KC looking for a new place to plank. Well, he was
looking. I was trying to reel in my raging female hormones. Said hormones
had barely cooled to a simmer thanks to a certain red headed male with a
very talented mouth. I blushed just thinking about being caught between
him and his locker. Damn I want to do that again!
Next thing I knew, Emmett was grabbing my hand dragging me down the sidewalk.
Looking over at him, I noticed he had an excited gleam in his eyes. Apparently,
he had just been struck by an idea. After just a few more feet, we came to a
halt in front of a…bus stop? Okay then…
"You're planning what exactly?" I said, as I gestured to the germ ridden
structure before us.
He pulled me into the tiny boxed off area, forcing us closer together. This
did absolutely nothing to help my lust issues. Part of me wondered if he did
that on purpose. Now, I eyed him curiously. Did he know how badly I still wanted
him? If Emmett did know, either he wasn't letting on or he just wasn't
interested anymore. God, if he was still as hot as me, I couldn't see it.
"I want you to lay out here, so I can take your picture." He grinned broadly,
gesturing to the bench.
My thoughts came to a screeching halt. He wants me to what? I gave him
an alarmed look. Oh, no… no… no …no… Not HAPPENING! Has my crazed
boyfriend even considered the number of germs currently throwing a party on that
thing? He really wants me to lay my face on it? Wow, just wow….
I gave him a meaningful look, "You want me to plank on that thing?"
"No, I want you to lay out on it T-I-T-A-N-I-C style," he said, humor evident
on his face. NOT IN PUBLIC!….Then, his words and my thoughts sunk in and
penetrated my mind. Did that mean I'd be willing to strip for him otherwise?
Emmett ignored the shocked look on my face and continued with, "Of course I want
you to plank on it." Then the pervert had the nerve to wiggle his eyebrows at
me, "Unless of course, you'd rather we go somewhere more private
to….take pictures."
Now, I was thoroughly annoyed with him. "In Your Dreams!" I replied, sticking
out my tongue.
"Every night, beautiful," Emmett instantly retorted.
I just stared at him, not sure how to respond to that one. I could feel my
face turning pink as the implications of his statement hit me. Emmett dreamed of
me? The real question was, did he just dream of me, or did he dream of
me? Ya know, the kind of dream that required his ahh…..attention when he woke
up. I wonder what he would say if he knew I dreamed of him, too, and what
it might be like between us?
"Well, I'm still not planking on that thing. It might make me sick," was my
weak retort.
Emmett gave me that knee weakening smirk of his. "If it does, I'll take care
of you, promise." A knowing look crossed his face. "Besides, you owe me.
Making me plank at the mall, on top of all those nasty, plastic kiddy
strollers." Emmett shuddered. "All the germs made me want a shower in the worst
way!" Okay, he had a point there. Those are equally nasty.
"Fine!" Rolling my eyes at him, I gave in.
Turning my back, I walked over to the bench. I positioned myself on the back
of the bench plank style. Emmett came over making little adjustments, which I
think were just his excuse to touch me. I shivered when one of his hands grazed
over my backside. Oh yeah, he's just making up reasons at this point. Not
that I mind… entirely.
Finally, he stepped back to set himself up for the shot. Out of nowhere, I
heard a voice that was clearly directed at me.
"Excuse me? Are you okay?"
Looking up, I found a well meaning older woman looking down at me,
clearly concerned for my mental health. Quickly, I told her, "Oh, just
fine. Thanks...heh," I gave Emmett an aggravated look, "Would you hurry up
please?"
"Stop moving. Hold still," Emmett said, seeming impatient at the
interruption. Makes two of us.
Oh, so he thinks he gets to be annoyed now? I took position again
wanting him to snap the picture and get it over with. As soon as I heard the
click and snap I was sliding off the bench. Standing, I brushed my clothes off.
Emmett had sauntered up to stand beside me, fiddling with the camera. I was so
glad that he was happy with it.
"Thank you so much for being patient with us," I said to the woman,
smiling politely at her.
"Uh… not a problem," she said, before walking around us, heading for a
different bus stop. Oh yeah, chick thinks we're nuts!
Shrugging my shoulders, I looked over at Emmett. My annoyance from earlier
had evaporated. "So, what's next?"
"Pizza?" Emmett asked me, looking hopeful.
Food? Yes, God yes! Pizza, mmmmm, almost the best idea he's had
all day. Not bothering to answer him, I smiled widely. Then, grabbing his hand,
I dragged him in the direction of his bike.
#----------------------------
We dropped off my bike in one of the many parking lots in KC.
Currently, Bay and I were walking around downtown, looking for new planking
locations. Bay was silent beside me, not trying to have a conversation. In a
way, it was a good thing. I was still a little turned on from earlier.
Bay didn't realize the effect she had on me. One glance from her, made me want
to jump her. When she was pressed against me earlier, I wanted to… whoa,
brain! Luckily, at that moment, I spotted the perfect planking spot.
I grabbed Bay's hand, dragging her down the sidewalk. I was curious to see
her reaction. Would she love it? Hate it? A few feet later, I pulled her
to a stop in front of a bus stop. I turned to Bay, excitement building.
Bay had a bewildered look on her face. She faced me fully.
"You're planning what exactly?" she asked, gesturing to the structure before
us.
I pulled her into the tiny area, forcing us closer together. Bay looked at me
with a curious expression. She almost looked….turned on? Well, that made
two of us. The things I wanted to do to her on that bench…
"I want you to lay out here, so I can take your picture," I told her,
grinning at the stupefied look on her face. I gestured to the bench.
Bay looked at me, alarm and horror strong on her face. What? It's
just a bench. She threw me a meaningful look. "You want me to plank on that
thing?"
"No, I want you to lay out on it T-I-T-A-N-I-C style," I told her. With those
words, a mental picture of Bay sprawled out on that bench, completely nude,
sprang to my mind. I almost groaned aloud at the vision in my head. I tried to
ignore the image in my head, and focused on Bay again. Fully clothed Bay.
"Of course I want you to plank on it." Then, just to get a rise out of her,
I wiggled my eyebrows and said, "Unless of course, you'd rather we go
somewhere more private to….take pictures."
"In Your Dreams!" Bay retorted, sticking out her tongue. If she only
knew…
"Every night, beautiful," I instantly retorted.
Bay stared at me, disbelief in her eyes. Did she think I was kidding? I
did dream of her every night. Sometimes in PG, but, mostly R rated. She
had no idea how many times I had to.. Ahem, take care of myself.
Her face started to turn pink. Now, I was curious. Did she ever dream of
me like that? Was she really thinking I wanted her to pose nude?
"Well, I'm still not planking on that thing. It might make me sick," was the
reply I finally got.
I smirked at her. "If it does, I'll take care of you, promise." Time to
blackmail. "Besides, you owe me. Making me plank at the mall, on top
of all those nasty, plastic kiddy strollers." I shuddered, remembering. "All the
germs made me want a shower in the worst way!"
"Fine!" Bay said, rolling her eyes at me, giving in.
Turning her back, she walked over to the bench, positioning herself on the
back of the bench, plank style. I came over, making little adjustments. Nothing
absolutely necessary, but I couldn't resist the urge to touch her skin. What
do you want? I'm horny as HELL! Bay shivered when one of my hands
accidentally grazed over her backside.
Finally, I pulled away and stepped a few feet away to set up the shot. I saw
an older woman start talking to Bay. Her back was to me, so I couldn't tell what
she was saying. Bay looked up at the woman, embarrassment clearly marking her
face.
Bay replied to the woman, and then shot me a look. "Would you hurry up
please?"
"Stop moving. Hold still," I told her. Ignore the woman and let me take
the shot!
Bay took position again, and I quickly snapped off a couple of shots. Bay
slid off the bench, and brushed off her clothes. I walked back to Bay, playing
with the camera. It really was an awesome camera.
"Thank you so much for being patient with us," Bay told the woman,
smiling politely at her.
"Uh… not a problem," she replied, before walking around us, heading down the
street toward a different bus stop.
Bay shrugged her shoulders and looked at me. "So, what's next?"
Would she be up for some food? "Pizza?" I asked her, a hopeful
expression crossing my face.
Not even bothering to answer me, Bay smiled widely. She grabbed my hand, and
dragged me back towards my bike. Guess that's a yes!
#----------------------------------
I grinned at Emmett, holding the front door open for him while he carried in
4 boxes of pizza. Of course, as amusing as it was to watch Emmett walk through
the front door, getting from the pizza joint to his front door, on a
motorcycle was even more fun. Emmett, to his credit never complained
about the amount of pizza I required or the kind I ate.
Most guys looked at me like I was nuts when I was able to eat a whole pizza
myself. Of course, they initially thought I was crazy because I eat
pineapple on my pizza. Emmett though, he never even blinked twice. He might've
given me a strange look at first, but then again, he's use to eating Daphne's
creations. With that in mind, I'm sure pineapple with meat and cheese is not the
strangest thing he's consumed. I hope…
Since Melody wasn't home, I felt more than comfortable making a beeline for
the kitchen. After grabbing some paper plates, a roll of paper towels and a
twelve pack of Dr. Pepper, I went to go meet Emmett in his room. We never hung
out in the main part of the house anymore, just in case Emmett's Mom
did pop up unexpectedly. We didn't do this because of anything that I'd
said, but rather, Emmett had started keeping us in his room or in his garage. I
like to think it's his way of protecting me from her instead of him
hiding me. It also makes me worry about how deep her dislike of me
actually goes. Would I ever be good enough?
Shaking all that aside, I put a big smile on my face. Stepping into Emmett's
room, confident in the knowledge that at least he thought I was good enough for
him, even if myself and the rest of the world questioned it. He was already
settled at the computer, uploading pictures to the computer, with one slice of
pizza in his hand, while he worked with the other. I just stood in the doorway
content to admire him longingly while he was doing his thing.
I watched him, wondering how many people knew the little things about him
that I knew. For instance, I knew that he was struggling with one of the
pictures because of the way he squinted at the screen. Then his facial
expression smoothed out, becoming more thoughtful. He nibbled on the edge of
pizza, obviously coming up with a solution to his problem. Emmett was absolutely
adorable to behold.
My favorite part though, was when he saw something that caught his attention
so much that Emmett forgot about the pizza in his hands. While reaching up to
presumably run his fingers through his hair, only to have his pizza
collide with his cheek instead. I was completely fascinated as Emmett wiped the
sauce off using his fingers. I was suddenly overcome with an overwhelming urge.
Before I could stop myself, I closed the gap between us. Catching his hand
with mine, I sucked the sweet and tangy sauce off his fingers. It was when I
felt Emmett shiver and move to bring me closer, that I realized exactly what I
was doing. Looking up, I met Emmett's hungry gaze. His eyes were turning a
darker shade of blue, like when we would make-out. Oh God I did not think
this all the way through!
Panicking, I dropped his hand. After snatching up his half-eaten slice of
pizza, I tossed myself onto his bed. Emmett's bed is, after all, the only
other place in the room to sit besides his lap, of course. It was not the best
place, but I needed to put some distance between us. I needed to collect myself.
It was the best option.
Why did I do that? It had been this way all day. I'd been so much
more….aggressive. Emmett was normally the one to make the first move. I was
dying to know what he was thinking, but too afraid to ask. Hell, I was too
freaked out by myself right now to even sit up and try to read his face. So, I
just laid there staring at the ceiling wondering what was currently going on in
his head…both of them.
That was when I felt the bed shift and move underneath me. Flicking my gaze
to the side, I found Emmett sitting next to me. My breath caught in my throat.
For just a second, a glimpse of how much he wanted me flashed across his face. I
blushed, staring up at him, suddenly realizing just how much I wanted him.
Leaning down and over he kissed me softly, one of his hands grasping my
curls. I lifted up, returning that kiss, craving the taste of his lips on mine.
My hand came up, fisting his shirt tightly, wanting to pull him to me. Emmett
leaned down even more like he was going to give in to me. I wanted him to
give in to me.
Then he froze, his lips no longer moving against mine. I whimpered in
protest, even though he couldn't hear it. Then, reaching out, he snatched his
piece of pizza back from me. Pulling away, he was grinning at me like that had
been his plan the whole time. Bullshit! I rolled my eyes at him,
irritated and frustrated. Emmett winked at me before going back to his
computer, leaving me wanting. With no other recourse, I decided to drown that
need with pizza and liquid caffeine.
#---------------------------
Bay stood holding the door, grinning, while I tried to balance 4 boxes of
pizzas. Her hilarity knew no bounds while she watched me do my balancing act. Of
course, she had been silently laughing at me since we picked up the damn things,
to start with. How can someone so small, EAT so much? When she ordered the
pizzas, I hid my surprise well. Maybe, she just wanted to take some home. Then,
she started talking about how she was the only one in her family that liked
pineapples on her pizza, so usually she would eat that pizza all by
herself! But, being the gentleman I was, I paid for the pizzas without
comment, and we made our way back to my house, the pizzas balancing precariously
on the back of my bike, behind Bay. Good thing I have those tie straps…..
Mom wasn't home, much to my relief. Bay made for the kitchen, while I headed
to my room to start downloading the pictures we had taken today. I knew Bay
would follow me, so I wasn't concerned about heading back downstairs for the
food. I didn't know if Bay suspected the reasoning of why we didn't hang out
downstairs. Mom wasn't her biggest fan, and I didn't need the headache of
listening to her bellyaching. So, Bay and I, at least while at my house, hung
out in my room, or the garage. I really was just protecting her from my mother.
I settled at my computer and downloaded the pictures. I started munching on
the one slice of pizza I had grabbed before heading upstairs. After the pictures
were loaded, I started the business of cropping, zooming and what not. One
picture was bugging me. It was the one of Bay planking on the Football team from
Carlton. I didn't like the way the picture looked. I cropped, I uncropped, I
cropped again. Finally, I figured out what was bugging me and fixed it.
Absentmindedly, I nibbled the pizza, not really paying much attention to where
the slice was.
It wasn't until I felt the pizza collide with my cheek, that I realized I had
forgotten entirely about the slice in my hand. I wiped at the sauce. Just as I
was bringing it to my mouth to suck it off my fingers, Bay appeared in front of
me. She grabbed my fingers and brought them to her lips. As her mouth
surrounded my fingers, I swear the room got hotter. Damn! I reached for
her, bringing Bay solidly against my body. Her face flamed red.
Dropping my hand, she grabbed my pizza and retreated to my bed,
conveniently the only other place to sit in my room. Two can play this
game! I walked toward the bed. Bay was laying there, nibbling little pieces
off the slice she stole. She reminded me of a timid rabbit. Her face showed she
was thinking hard.
As I settled on the bed beside her, Bay glanced at me and blushed again.
Payback time! Leaning down, I kissed her softly, my mouth barely grazing
hers. Bay's breath caught. I grasped her curls, pulling her slightly closer. She
returned my kiss, greedily. She fisted my shirt in her hand, pulling slightly. I
obeyed the pull and leaned down more. Bay's eyes started to slip close.
Quickly, I snatched back my slice of pizza. Grinning broadly at her, I made
my way back to my computer, winking just to piss her off. Bay's eyes bulged and
her chest heaved. Oh, sweetheart. If you only knew how badly I wanted to
continue that…..
#----------
The best part about Emmett and I was that we were comfortable just being
together. He was working at his computer while occasionally flipping through a
school book. I was doodling in a sketch book I'd left here a while back. We
could be together and be completely comfortable just sharing space, which was
not like most couples I knew. It suddenly dawned on me that even separate, we
were still in sync, still aware of each other, in a way I'd never experienced
before or even understood. All I could think about was how connected to Emmett I
felt as I stole glances at him between bites of pizza. The look of concentration
on his face was so intense as he worked.
Suddenly, Emmett looked up, smirking at catching me staring at him. "Come
here."
He waved me over. Rolling off the bed, I went to stand behind him. Emmett
started shuffling through all the pictures we'd taken. All of them were actually
pretty funny. It was when he got to one of the last ones that I got
disappointed. I just didn't like the feel of it. It felt wrong, off somehow.
I squinted again at the picture we'd taken at the awesome little store we'd
run across. "I don't think we can use that one."
Suddenly, Emmett was the one to look confused. "Why not? It's great. It's
funny."
"Because, it's staged!" Duh. "We told those guys to act like we
weren't there."
"So?" So….seriously? All he has to say is "so"!
Fine, I'll break it down for you. "So, to really be planking
you can't stage or Photoshop anything." Next Emmett started shuffling things
around on his desk like he was looking for something. Why did I suddenly get the
impression I was about to become the butt of a joke here? "Wha….what are you
looking for?"
"The planking rule book." Sarcasm….yay. "My copy has got to be around here
somewhere." Yep, definitely the butt of a joke.
"Ha ha ha, funny." I do have a point here and you're missing it, "I'm
just saying that true art needs to be authentic. People can sense when something
is phony." So apparently he wasn't really listening this time as he cut off my
rant with his camera, "Uh, okay stop, stop that!"
I pushed his camera away, sitting on his leg, suddenly thinking of much more
creative things that we could be doing. Pulling him toward me, running my
fingers in his hair, I gave in to my earlier urges. Kissing Emmett while my eyes
fluttered closed. He'd barely got his arms around me before I heard his bedroom
door swing open. Knock much! Quickly, I pulled away standing on my own
two feet instead of sitting in his lap and I came face to face with Melody. I
knew we should have made out earlier when we had the chance.
Cue massive embarrassment, "Oh, oh uh hello. Hi." Great now I must
look like a massive slut, having been caught in her son's lap.
Melody didn't even bother acknowledging my presence. I could live with that.
She did however. hold up an official looking paper. This triggered rapid
fire signing that I had no hope of ever being able to follow. Of course that
didn't stop me from trying too.
"Something….without something." I looked back and forth between the two of
them so fast I was sure I'd have whiplash later, "I…uh can't talk?" Melody did
not look happy, Emmett just looked severely annoyed and suddenly I no longer had
any desire to be so obviously intruding in her home. "Uh, ya know what? Maybe I
should go…" My nerves were officially getting the better of me.
"That's a good idea." Sure, the first time Melody directly acknowledges me,
would have to be a dismissal. Now, I pride myself on having a more or
less thick skin, but that stung really bad.
"Okay, mm bye." I turned to Emmett for a moment wanting to kiss him, but
Melody was shooting death glares at me, and since I was afraid Melody might
murder me on the spot if I did, I just flicked my hand in his direction
instead.
After walking around Melody, I stopped in the doorway to look at Emmett one
more time before leaving. With a miserable look coloring his features, he
signed, "I'm sorry." I didn't know how to respond to that or the miserable look
on his face, so I just fled.
She utterly and completely hates me…..and Emmett is caught in the
middle.
#----------------------------
Bay and I worked well together. We were so in sync, that there was an
awareness that I was sure most couples lacked. Did she feel it too?
Currently, I was working on more pictures, occasionally flipping pages in my
school book. Looking toward Bay, I see her doodling in a sketch pad that she had
left here a few weeks before. I had flipped through it, and as always, been
blown away by her creativity. Bay was gifted, no doubt about that.
I finished all the pictures and glanced up at Bay, only to find her staring
at me. I smirked, and she turned pink. "Come here," I said, waving her to my
side. When she stood behind me, I started scrolling through all the planking
pictures, particularly the last set we had just done. Bay and I laughed at quite
a few of them, and I couldn't help wondering if we had suffered from temporary
insanity at the time. Some of those pictures were nuts!
We came to a picture of me, planking in front of a small store. A guy is
staring at me in the background. Bay placed her hand on my shoulder, and I
glanced up at her. Her face was disappointed.
"I don't think we can use that one," Bay told me, squinting slightly at the
screen.
Confused, I look at her, and frowned. I looked at the picture again and said,
"Why not? It's great. It's funny."
"Because, it's staged!" Isn't that the idea? "We told those guys to
act like we weren't there." Bay was tripping over something insignificant, at
least in my opinion.
"So?" Bay looked at me, disbelief on her face.
"So, to really be planking you can't stage or Photoshop
anything." I decided to tease her a bit. I started ruffling around my desk,
looking under papers. Tapping me, Bay said, What are you looking for?"
I decided sarcasm was the best answer. "The planking rule book. My copy has
got to be around here somewhere." Bay didn't look happy.
"Ha ha ha, funny." What? I thought it was hysterical. Bay continued. "I'm
just saying that true art needs to be authentic. People can sense when something
is phony." Oh, so we're playing that game, huh? I grabbed my camera and started
snapping her picture. Bay put her hands up, trying to fend me off. Yeah,
that'll happen. Bay continued to try to push the camera out of the way. "Uh,
okay stop, stop that!"
Finally, I let Bay push the camera away. She sat on my leg and pulled
me toward her, her fingers burrowing through my hair. I was just pulling her
closer, when my bedroom door flew open. My mother stood there, looking
rather pissed off. Great! What the hell's her problem now? In her hand
was a piece of paper. Wondered how long it would take before she blew her
fuse….
Bay waved to my mother, but of course, she just blew her off and turned
toward me. "What's this?" she asked, holding up the paper.
I tried to brush it off. "I'm dropping AP Bio."
Mom threw a scalding glance at Bay. "So you can take speech therapy." It
wasn't a question.
"It's the only time they offer it," I told her, starting to feel irritated.
Now, Mom matched my irritation. "Your education is still my responsibility.
You can't make these decisions without my permission!"
"I'll just ask Dad," I told her, shrugging off her anger.
"You can't shortchange your academics, just so you can talk to your
girlfriend," Mom said, a snide look crossing her face, while she gestured toward
Bay. "And, don't you have a History test to study for?"
"I'm fine. Stop micromanaging me!" I told Mom, wishing she would just leave.
Bay had been looking between us, trying to follow. She looked very confused. Mom
was staring daggers.
"Uh, ya know what? Maybe I should go…" Bay had finally figured out that Mom
was angry.
"That's a good idea," Mom finally directly acknowledged her. Bay took the
out.
"Okay, mm bye." Bay headed for the door. She turned to face me one more time.
Mom looked at me like, "What?" Miserably, I told her, "I'm sorry." Bay
headed out the door.
It's official. My mother hates my girlfriend. She utterly and completely
hates her…..and I'm caught in the middle.
#---------------------
Once I got home, I started wandering aimlessly around my garage. Glancing at
the clock, I realized I had been sitting in my garage for over an hour now. I
had been trying to paint but all I could do was obsess. It wasn't the obsessing
part that bothered me, I got fixated on stuff all the time. It was who I
was obsessing over that bothered me. Currently all my thoughts were focused on
Melody and indirectly on Emmett, but more so Melody.
If tonight's display was anything to judge by my relationship with him was
screwed! I mean the Mother usually never likes the girl their little boy is
going out with, but what Melody felt for me obviously went beyond the
normal protective instincts. In fact, I was sure if Melody had her way,
even if it meant cutting Daphne out of Emmett's life to get rid of
me, she would do it. The thought of losing him just made me sick.
Then, there was Emmett himself. I was so scared that he didn't care about me
enough to get through this. I'd watched my Mom brow beat Toby into dumping
enough girlfriends without so much as saying a word. I knew I wasn't crazy for
being nervous about how strong our relationship is. I knew that it was a
very realistic fear.
I laughed humorlessly now, wondering if Emmett was concerned that I hadn't
even checked in yet. Whenever I drove myself home, it was always the last
thing he'd ask me to do-text him so he'd know I'd gotten home without a scratch.
In fact, by the time I got home, Emmett would get over impatient and there'd
already be a message on my phone asking where I was. This time there was no
comforting message to read in my driveway and tell me he was concerned that I'd
taken too long on the road.
What if Emmett decides that keeping peace with his Mom was more important
than keeping me? Not that I wanted to be the cause of a rift in their
relationship or anything, I just wanted him. I wanted Emmett enough that I was
willing to be selfish about keeping him. I could deal with anything, even if it
meant that events like tonight were to become normal.
My cell phone rang obnoxiously for the millionth time that night. Flipping it
open I found yet another text. Since leaving his house that night, he had left
me seven different messages. I hadn't opened any of them. The first had arrived
about half an hour after I'd already arrived home. His texts weren't very
comforting in the least. All I got from him was "Text me." or "Video chat."
There was nothing to offer me any hope that things were okay between us.
Then, there was the suspicious timing of his communication that lead me to
believe Emmett and his Mom had a discussion after I left. It's honestly what had
scared me the most into thinking about losing him. What if his Mom had talked
him into giving me the "Axe" or rather the "Ex" and not in an ironic street art
sort of way.
All my musings had lead me to where I was right this second, staring blankly
at a flashing screen proclaiming that I had a new message. I made a decision
right then and there, that no matter how his Mom treated me, I would stick with
him. I would do whatever it took to get his Mom to like me. Even if that meant
making changes to how I acted around her to try and keep the peace myself.
First things first though. I'm going to let Emmett know I'm still thinking of
him.
Hitting the ignore button on his message, I opened up a new one instead. I
sat back and tried to think about what to say to him. I wanted him to know that
I was still with him despite it all, without calling his Mom a bitch. I needed a
subtle way to do it, Suddenly it dawned on me. It was perfect and something only
he would understand.
"I Dream Of You Too," Grinning, I hit send and then shut my phone off
for the night hoping and praying that Emmett would understand and still be with
me come morning.
#--------------------------------
After Bay bolted from my room, I stared at my Mother. How dare she
dismiss Bay like she was an annoying gnat, flying around her head. She had no
right! Mom glared back at me. Okay, here it comes….
Mom didn't disappoint me. "How serious is this relationship with her?"
Mom asked, venom in her signs.
I stared her straight in the eye. "Serious!" I wouldn't tell her I was in
love with Bay. That would send her into orbit.
Mom shook her head. "You barely know her. How can you be that serious
already?"
"I do know her, and she knows me," I said, angered by her
words.
A look of horror crossed her face. "Are you two…?" She let the question
slide, but I knew what she was asking.
Irritation plain, I said, "No…. not yet!" Mom visibly relaxed at my
words. As if it was any of her business!
"Emmett, I'm worried about you. This doesn't seem like a very healthy
relationship. I just don't want to see you get hurt."
"Hurt? What's hurting me is you! You have made it obvious from the
start that you don't like Bay. And, she knows it!"
"I don't want you to drop out of an Advanced Placement class, just so
you can talk to your girlfriend!"
"Yeah, Mom, I get it. We already established that. And, I'm saying, I'll get
Dad to okay the class change."
"You live in my house, not his!" Mom snapped.
"Not by CHOICE! I wasn't given the choice, as usual!" I railed at her. Mom
stepped back, shock on her face.
"Do you want to live with your father?" she asked, confusion on her face.
My shoulder's slumped. "I didn't say that. I just said I never got the
choice." I'm a teenage boy. OF COURSE I would rather live with my father!
"AP Bio will be worth more in the long run than Speech Therapy. You don't
need to speak. You speak with your hands. That's the only language you need,"
Mom said, beseeching me.
"I'm not changing my mind," I told her stubbornly. I crossed my arms over my
chest to get my point across.
"Fine, I'll drop the subject." For now. "But, I still think you are
too young to be in a serious relationship. You should go hang out with other
kids, too. For so long, it's just been you and Daphne."
"I have other friends, Mom!" I told her.
"I know you do. Maybe, you should hang out less with Bay, and more
with your other friends. Go to a Pep Rally, a bonfire. You know, something with
a lot of other people."
"You mean a lot of other Deaf people," I accused. Mom didn't deny her
words.
"At least with them, you don't need to try so hard."
I stared at my mother, not believing those words actually came from her.
The nerve!
Mom walked toward the door, obviously having made the point she wanted to
make. She placed a different piece of paper on my desk, and walked out the door.
I was so angry and frustrated, I slammed the door behind her. I was sure she
felt the vibration through the floor.
Sitting at my desk, I glanced at the paper she left. There was a Pep Rally
this weekend at school. Disgusted, I grabbed my phone. No message from Bay. Had
she made it home okay? I sent her a text, asking her to text me. After the storm
with my mother, I needed to know Bay was alright.
When I didn't get an immediate reply, I sent her another one, saying "text
me" again. This went on for almost an hour. I sent Bay several texts, wanting
her to text me or video chat. I stared at my phone. Why isn't she answering me,
damn it?
I glanced at the flyer again. Picking it up, I thought over Mom's words
again. If I could hear, I could just call Bay. Sometimes, our relationship was
harder than I let on. Sometimes, I wanted to chuck it all. Sometimes, it was
just….too….hard.
My phone vibrating startled me. I picked it up and saw it was a message from
Bay. Opening it, I read what she wrote.
"I Dream Of You Too," Grinning, I sent a "Thank You" heavenward, and
shut my phone. I began hatching a plan. I would force my mother to spend time
with Bay. She would see what an awesome person Bay really was.
She would see how much I love her.
#------------------------
End of Part 1........... :)
Disclaimer: Switched At Birth is owned by Lizzy Weiss and ABC Family. No
copyright infringement is meant. I am using the characters for entertainment
purposes only.
Disclaimer: Starting in this chapter, there will now be "M" rated themes in
most chapters......
A/N Episode 12 will be broken up into 4 parts :)
#-----------
Chapter 10- episode 12 part 1
After everything that happened at the festival, Emmett and I had started
really getting to know more things about each other. I was learning more sign,
and my confidence was building in its use. Emmett was very proud of the progress
I've made in the last couple weeks.
We were also doing even better as a couple. We video chatted everyday, and he
would sneak over every couple nights. We would hang out in my studio. I would
paint while he watched, or we would cuddle on the couch and talk about things of
interest, like art. With this in mind, I was working on a surprise….
"Ugh," I threw my paintbrush down in frustration. It wasn't working out well…
I couldn't concentrate on what I was painting. Every time I tried to call up
the image in my mind, it just slipped away. I was trying to paint something
special for Emmett, but all I'd managed so far were some abstract circular
motions, before my inspiration went poof and my patience bottomed out.
It was still two hours before Emmett was coming to pick me up for our date
today, so I looked around my studio for something to do. My space was equally
depressing though. It was a mess with all the drama of late, I'd totally been
letting things go in here. So, after tying my hair back with a bandana, donning
some headphones and turning my IPOD on fully cranked, I decided that was
something that had to change.
I set my play list to some songs Toby had recorded….not that I ever planned
on telling him I willingly listened to his music. A good little sister's job was
simply to keep her brother from getting too much of a swelled head. Walking
around the room, I gathered dirty paint brushes, tossing them in the sink. I
stacked up a bunch of blank canvases, covered other half finished pieces and
looked around the room. I noticed some disarrayed boxes and buckets in the
corner.
Walking over to them, I squatted down to get a better look. The buckets were
half full of used, too chunky poster glue. There's something I can't use
again. I dumped the contents down a drain in the floor. I couldn't have
anyone actually figured out what I used the white paste for. After that was
done, I returned my attention to the boxes.
After opening said boxes, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. Inside
were a bunch of old random art supplies. Sitting down, I started sifting through
these new treasures. Would anything still be useful?
I was an artist, but I hadn't always been a painter. Like any teenage,
I had messed around with other things, trying to find my calling, so to speak. I
pulled out old sketch books and special pencils. Dried out modeling clay was
everywhere. I had air brushing equipment from the summer I spent making
t-shirts. I still had a few of the better ones hanging in my closet. Oil pastels
and bits of drawing charcoal were next. There was even some blank sheet music in
here from when Toby tried to teach me his art.
It was then that my hand brushed over something hard and plastic. Reaching
in, I pulled out a heavy largish box that I had spray painted sometime ago.
Hmmm. There was a lock on the front of it. I couldn't for the life of me
remember what was in it. After digging around in the box some more, I came out
with a small silver key that just happened to fit perfectly in the box's
lock…..click, snap and it was open. After flipping up a black velvet covering
cloth I found the camera I forgot that I had.
I pulled out the sleek black memory maker, gingerly turning it over in my
hands smiling. This was the very first form of art I'd ever taken seriously,
just a couple of years ago. Funny that I ended up seriously dating a
photographer! Anyways, like I said, I had gotten this camera a year or two ago
from Toby, after he'd given up teaching me music. I spent that entire
summer snapping pictures of anything that didn't move fast enough. Did I hold
on to any of the negatives? I searched through the box, but didn't find any
negatives. Why had I given up using the camera? I could only assume I'd gotten
tired of it, and like the yellowing sheet music, I'd tucked it away.
Just holding this made me think of, not only some of the funnier pictures I'd
taken with it, but of Emmett as well. I was struck with an idea. Running my
fingers over the soft neck strap, I wondered what he would think if I gave it to
him? I bet the pictures he took with this would be things of beauty compared to
anything I'd ever managed. A small smile graced my lips as I tucked the camera
back into its box, my mind made up. I couldn't wait to give it to him!
Just as I was about to get up, I felt a pair of big hands cover my eyes. I
knew they were Emmett's. His hands always smelled just slightly of the oil from
his bike. I turned my head, smiling up at him. For once I didn't care that there
was still dried paint in my hair. He smiled down at me in amusement, pulling the
still blaring headphones from my ears.
"Any louder, and I could hear that music!" Emmett told me, chuckling.
"Ha, ha. Funny," I said, sarcasm showing.
"Seriously, I thought I was the deaf one here," He joked.
"You're early. I thought you weren't coming till 5?" I said, changing the
subject. Not that I minded him being early…
"It is 5," he said, looking at the clock on my wall.
My eyes flew to the same clock. 5:02 it read. Had I really been looking
through all this for 2 hours? Wow, time sure flew by fast. On the heels of
that thought came another…
Oh my god! I am a mess! Self consciously, I ran my hands through my
hair and straightened out my clothes. Emmett watched me, taking in every
movement.
As if he could read my mind, Emmett stilled my hands. Pulling me close, his
lips crashed onto mine. Melting into him, I allowed him to lead the kiss.
Without breaking the kiss, Emmett pulled me toward the couch. He sat down and
pulled me down, straddling his hips. I again felt his hardness against that most
feminine part of me. I moaned against his mouth.
Emmett's hand traveled over my back, before coming to a stop on my rear end.
I was mildly surprised. Emmett had never been this bold before. My hands
traveled to his sides, skimming his waist. I felt his other hand inch under my
shirt. The skin on skin feeling was electrifying. His hand felt hot on my body,
or maybe, I was the one who was hot.
Inch by inch, I felt his hand creeping slowly upward. His hand scraped
against my bra. I arched, granting better access. His fingers teased the bottom
of my bra, before I felt his finger slip under it. Just as he grazed the
underside of my breast, I pulled back, blushing hotly. We stared at each other,
panting, as reality hit me like a bucket of water.
My parents were right inside the house, as was Toby. Regina and Daphne
weren't that far away from us either. Any of them could walk in on us. My
parents would shit bricks if they caught us. I didn't even want to think about
Daphne's response.
Emmett stared at me, his eyes full of lust and tenderness. Did I really
want to stop this?
Making a hard decision, I told Emmett, "We have to stop."
He looked at me, confused. "Why? We both want this."
I sighed heavily. "I know. That's what is making this so difficult. I
don't want to stop."
"Then, we won't," Emmett said, matter of fact. He reached for me again.
"Emmett, stop! My parents are right inside the house. They could come in at
any time," I said, pleadingly. I knew he couldn't hear it, but maybe my body
language would give away my fear.
It was Emmett who sighed this time. Running his fingers through his hair, he
closed his eyes and put his head back on the couch. I removed myself from his
lap as gracefully as possible. He didn't react. I sat down next to him.
Emmett and I hadn't talked about sex, yet. He didn't know this, but I'm still
a virgin. As much as I wanted him, I was also nervous as hell! What if I did
something wrong? I don't even know how much, if any experience he has. What if
he's not? Would I be too ignorant in his eyes?
After several minutes of silence, I couldn't take anymore. I tapped his leg.
Emmett opened his eyes and looked over at me. His face was blank.
"Are you mad now?" I asked him.
Emmett chuckled without sound. "No, not at you," was his vague response.
Needing to change the subject, I stood up. Emmett watched me, curious.
"I have a surprise for you," I told him, backing toward the boxes in the
corner. Turning around, I grabbed the box with the camera. Please, let him
like this….
Stepping back in front of him, I held out the box.
#----------------------------------
Ever since we came back from the festival, Bay and I had gotten so much
better at communication. We started talking even more about our interests and
hobbies. Bay's signing was becoming phenomenal. There was still much to learn,
but her skills had improved by leaps and bounds.
We were also doing even better as a couple. We video chatted everyday. Bay's
skills were still a little bad over the phone, but it's all a new experience for
her, so I don't criticize. I would even sneak over to see her every couple
nights. We would always hang out in Bay's studio. It was our sanctuary from the
outside world. Bay would paint while I watched, or we would cuddle on the couch
and make out.
I had 2 hours before I was going to pick up Bay for our date, and I wanted to
surprise her with something. I had been searching online, looking for things
that I thought might interest her. Or rather, interest her artistic side. I came
across an article about planking. Hmmm. Looks interesting. We could do
that. I had my camera with me all the time anyway. This is perfect!
Looking at the clock, I realized I needed to head out. Driving through the
streets of K.C., I was struck again by all the beauty. Bay and I would
periodically drive around, searching for new ideas for my pictures and her
paintings. Either way, everything was always beautiful to behold. Bay had even
surprised me one day. She had, without my knowledge, taken some of my newly
developed pictures and painted a collage of sorts from them. When she unveiled
it to me, I was awed by her ingenuity.
Pulling into her driveway, I stopped outside her studio. I never bothered to
knock anymore. Half the time, Bay wasn't paying attention anyway. With that
thought in mind, I opened her door….
And stopped in my tracks.
The sight that greeted my eyes was tantalizingly arousing. Bay was facing
away from me, hovering over some boxes in the corner of her studio. But, that
isn't what made me stop. Her derriere was thrust up in the air, as she placed a
box of something or other, back into a larger box. My mouth watered seeing her
in that position. I had a vision of my hands cupping those cheeks and squeezing.
My girlfriend has one fine looking ass!
As I approached Bay, I noticed the cords from her earphones dangling down.
Listening to her IPOD again. I decided to pull her trick from the festival and
placed my hands over her eyes. Bay didn't even jump. In fact, she turned and
smiled up at me. I was again struck by her beauty. I returned her smile, at the
same time pulling the headphones from her ears. I could vaguely feel vibrations
through the earpiece. How loud did she have the music?
I chuckled and said, "Any louder, and I could hear that music!"
"Ha, ha. Funny," Bay responded, her face a mask of sarcasm.
I couldn't resist. "Seriously, I thought I was the deaf one here."
"You're early. I thought you weren't coming till 5?" Bay asked next. I could
tell Bay wanted to change the subject. Ever since the festival, she was very
nervous about deaf jokes now. Not that I blamed her. I had been pretty harsh
with her that night…
"It is 5," I informed her, my eyes straying to the clock on the wall.
Her eyes widened and flew to the same clock. 5:02 it now read. Had she
lost track of time? Wasn't hard for her to do.
Suddenly, Bay started fidgeting with her hair, brushing it down. Then she
attacked her clothes. Didn't she know that I loved her, no matter how messy and
paint splattered she was?
Reaching out, I stilled the path of her hand. I pulled Bay close, crashing my
lips onto hers. I felt her body mold to mine. I knew the moment when she gave
over total control to me.
Without breaking the kiss, I pulled her with me toward the couch. I sat down
and pulled Bay down as well, so she was straddling my hips. I was already hard
as hell and I could feel her feminine heat even through our jeans. I wanted
nothing more than to rip her clothes off and to pull her under me. I wanted to
thrust into her softness and make her beg for more. Bay moaned against my mouth.
I wanted to have sex with my girlfriend, now….
I wanted to start slow, so I didn't spook Bay. It wouldn't work out well if I
just attacked her. Indulging my fantasy from moments ago, I let my hand wander
down her back, before I placed it possessively on her rear end. I felt Bay start
slightly, but she didn't pull away. This emboldened me to take another step. Her
hands skimmed over my waist. I slowly inched my free hand under her shirt.
Feeling her bare skin was electrifying. I suddenly felt hot all over.
Inch by agonizing inch, my hand crept upward. My hand scraped the bottom of
her bra. I felt lace against my fingers. If it was possible, I got even harder
than before. Bay arched her back, giving me better access. I took advantage of
that. I used my fingers to tease her, playing with the bottom of her bra. I
imagined it was black lace. I wanted to see it so badly. I slipped a finger
under the bra, and felt hot skin. My mouth was aching to be where my hand was.
Just as I grazed the underside of her breast, Bay pulled back, blushing hotly.
Okay, I scared her. Need to slow it down more…
We stared at each other, panting, as I gave her some time to relax. For some
reason, she was very tense. I stared at Bay, knowing she could see the lust and
tenderness I felt for her in my eyes. I hope she doesn't want to stop
this!
Bay breathed heavily, before saying, "We have to stop."
I was confused. She was as turned on as me right now. "Why? We both want
this."
She sighed heavily. "I know. That's what is making this so difficult.
I don't want to stop."
"Then, we won't," I told her, my decision made. I reached for her again.
"Emmett, stop! My parents are right inside the house. They could come in at
any time," Bay said, genuine fear radiating off of her. Damn it!
I sighed, knowing she was right. We really didn't need anyone walking in and
seeing us like that. I ran my fingers through my hair, as I closed my eyes and
put my head back on the couch. I felt Bay move off of my lap, and sit next to
me, but I didn't move.
So many thoughts raced through my head. Contrary to how it sounds, I'm not
the type of guy who forces myself on a woman, especially my girlfriend. I know
Bay wants me. Hell, she's thrown herself at me quite a few times. I was always
the one to put a stop to it.
I really wanted our first time together to be special. Bay was not completely
inexperienced. I knew that. Was Bay a virgin? We haven't had that talk yet. She
didn't know this, but I'm not. I did have sex with one of my classmates a few
months back. Long before I met Bay.
Kinda regretting that decision now…..
After a short time, I felt Bay tap my leg. I opened my eyes and looked over
at her, deliberately keeping my face blank. Bay looked nervous.
"Are you mad now?" she asked.
Oh, how to answer that? Was I mad? At myself, sure. At her, not a chance. I
gave a silent chuckle. "No, not at you," I told her vaguely.
Bay looked at me curiously, before standing up. What was she doing?
"I have a surprise for you," she told me, as she backed toward the boxes she
had been in front of earlier. She reached inside one and pulled out the box I
had seen her put away. She stepped back in front of me, and held out the box.
#---------------------------
I watched with trepidation as Emmett examined the box. He weighed it in his
hand, feeling the slight heaviness within. Fortunately, he didn't shake it. I
held my breath as he opened the lid and peered inside. His eyes lit up as they
landed on the camera.
Almost reverently, Emmett pulled the camera from its home. He twisted it
about, taking in all the angles and nuances of it. Was he pleased?
Emmett's eyes lifted to mine. His face held a small smile, but also, a
question.
"This is a beautiful camera," he commented.
"Is this something- would you like it?" I asked, hesitant. Emmett's smile
grew to his eyes. His head flopped up and down like a hyper puppy.
"Are you kidding? I would LOVE to have a camera like this!" he
replied. My own smile widened.
"Let me tell you a story…" I started, sitting back down on the couch beside
him. I told him about how Toby had given this to me a couple years back. How I
had immediately thought of him when I pulled it out of the box. How very much I
wanted him to have it and use it…
Emmett stared at me, shock on his face. But, he wasn't saying no, yet….
"I remember one time, I was walking through the house, taking random shots of
anything and everything. Toby came out of the bathroom, wearing only a towel
around his…shoulders." I blushed hotly, remembering that. "I had snapped a shot
before I realized that…everything was exposed. I don't know who screamed
louder, me or Toby."
Emmett's lips were pressed together, like he was holding laughter in. The
corner of his eyes were suspiciously wet.
"I had to make a deal with Toby. I would wash his car for a month, in
exchange for his silence."
I heard a small chuckle escape Emmett. "Still have that picture?" he asked, a
devilish glint in his eyes.
"Unfortunately, Toby took it. Whether or not he still has it…" I frowned.
Emmett studied the camera again. Then, he looked at me. I knew what he was
going to say, even before his hands started moving. No….
"Bay, this camera is perfect, but…" here it comes. "I can't accept
it."
I felt my face drop. Tears welled in my eyes. I got up and walked away from
Emmett, before he could see the tears. I had expected him to say no. I just
hadn't realized how much that rejection would sting.
Big hands wrapped around my shoulders and pulled me back into a solid chest.
I quickly swiped at the tears on my cheeks. Then, those big hands turned me and
pulled me into a hug. I wrapped my arms around his waist, hating myself for
being so stupidly emotional about this. It's just a freaking camera…..
We stood like that for awhile. Emmett just held me and stroked my hair.
Finally, he pulled back and looked me in the eye. I tried not to let my hurt
show through.
"Bay, why is it so important that I have this camera?" Emmett asked,
confusion on his face.
I took a shaky breath. "Because, you have given so much and done so much for
me, and I feel like I haven't done enough for you. You helped me look for my
father, and you barely knew me. You've taken so much of your time to teach me
sign, and you put up my art on the billboard, even after it looked like it was
hopeless. Please, I really want you to have it. This is the only way I can think
of to give something back to you."
Emmett sighed loudly. "Bay, I did all of that because I wanted to. I
wanted to help you find your dad. I wanted to help you learn sign
faster. I wanted to put a smile back on your beautiful face, when I put
your art on the billboard. You owe me nothing!"
Realizing he wouldn't take the camera at all, I nodded and grabbed it off the
couch, preparing to put it back in the box I had found it in. Big hands covered
mine. I looked up at Emmett. He smiled, and took the camera from my hands.
Confused, I watched him wearily.
"I'll make a deal. I'll take the camera, on one condition," Emmett
told me. I gazed at him, waiting. "That you agree to be my "test
subject."
Test subject? "Uh, okay," I answered hesitantly. What exactly did he
have in mind?
As if he could read my mind, he said, "Let's go planking!"
#-------------------------------
Bay watched me as I looked over the box she had handed me. Holding it in my
hand, I realized it was slight in weight. Whatever was inside, was not overtly
large or heavy. Finally, I opened the lid and peeked inside. Inside was a
gorgeous camera. It was fairly brand new as well, from the looks of it.
Carefully, I pulled the camera out of the box. I turned it about, taking it
all in.I sensed Bay was waiting patiently for my reaction.
I lifted my eyes to Bay. She looked tense, so I gave her a smile. She visibly
relaxed, and gave a small smile in return. I set the camera down on my lap.
"This is a beautiful camera," I told her.
"Is this something- would you like it?" Bay asked, hesitant. Would I like
it? Was she kidding? I smiled wider and nodded my head vigorously.
"Are you kidding? I would LOVE to have a camera like this!" I replied
honestly. Bay's smile widened.
"Let me tell you a story…" Bay said, sitting back down on the couch beside
me. She told me how Toby had given the camera to her a couple years back. How,
when she had found it in the box and had immediately thought of me. Then she
told me how much she wanted me to have it and use it…
I could only stare at her, shocked. She wanted to just give me the
camera? Bay was still talking, so I focused on her again.
"I remember one time, I was walking through the house, taking random shots of
anything and everything. Toby came out of the bathroom, wearing only a towel
around his…shoulders." I watched as her face turned red. "I had snapped a shot
before I realized that…everything was exposed. I don't know who screamed
louder, me or Toby."
I pressed my lips together, fighting laughter. The image I had in my head was
just too funny not to. I waited, knowing Bay wasn't done yet.
"I had to make a deal with Toby. I would wash his car for a month, in
exchange for his silence." Bay looked put out by that statement, even though all
of this had transpired a couple years ago.
I chuckled, wondering if she knew how adorable she looked right now. "Still
have that picture?" I asked, hoping I could use it for a little blackmail in the
future.
"Unfortunately, Toby took it. Whether or not he still has it…" Bay frowned.
Damn!
I picked up the camera, studying it again. It is an awesome camera,
but I really can't take it. Now, to let her down gently. I looked at her.
"Bay, this camera is perfect, but…" please don't be mad. "I can't
accept it."
The change was instantaneous. Bay's face dropped and tears sprang to her
eyes. Before I could reach out to her, Bay stood up and walked away from me. I
knew she was trying to hide how hurt she was. I placed the camera on the couch
and stood up. Walking behind her, I wrapped my hands around her shoulders and
pulled Bay back against my chest. I saw her quickly swipe at tears on her
cheeks. Turning Bay around, I pulled her into a hug. Bay wrapped her arms around
my waist, and sobbed into my shirt. Now I felt like a heel for making her cry.
We stood like that for awhile. I continued to hold her and stroked her hair.
Eventually, I pulled back and looked Bay in the eye. She was trying valiantly
not to cry anymore.
"Bay, why is it so important that I have this camera?" I asked, confused why
she was so insistent I have it.
I saw Bay take a breath. Then she said, "Because, you have given so much and
done so much for me, and I feel like I haven't done enough for you. You helped
me look for my father, and you barely knew me. You've taken so much of your time
to teach me sign, and you put up my art on the billboard, even after it looked
like it was hopeless. Please, I really want you to have it. This is the only way
I can think of to give something back to you."
She still didn't get it? I sighed loudly. "Bay, I did all of that
because I wanted to. I wanted to help you find your dad. I
wanted to help you learn sign faster. I wanted to put a smile back
on your beautiful face, when I put your art on the billboard. You owe me
nothing!"
I couldn't believe Bay still didn't understand why I did all that. Didn't she
know how much I love her? That I would do anything for her? Didn't she
realize that those where my early ways of showing her just how much she was
under my skin and in my heart?
Bay nodded and grabbed the camera off the couch, presumably to put it back in
its box and hide it again. Then I thought of something. If I took the camera,
she would have to pose for pictures and hopefully not complain. Not that she is
camera shy, but, more than once she has grabbed my camera and took off
running with it. I have to then chase after her and retrieve it. Good thing my
legs are longer.
I reached out and covered Bay's hands with mine. Bay looked up at me,
confusion on her face. I smiled, and took the camera from her my hands. Time
to barter….
"I'll make a deal. I'll take the camera, on one condition," I told
her. She watched me, waiting. "That you agree to be my "test subject."
"Uh, okay," she answered, clearly bewildered.
I smiled brightly and said, "Let's go planking!"
#---------------------------------
Over the next couple weeks, Emmett and I went "planking" all over town. We
planked at the market, at the mall, even at the movie theater. Emmett definitely
got a lot of awesome pictures with the camera. I swear he was like a kid in a
candy store. I poised without complaint, and even got some of him as well.
One night, he took me to Carlton. We snuck into the school, using his Mom's
key. The idea he had was to "plank" in the men's locker room. However, when we
got there, we saw the football team changing after a game.
One of the guys waved a greeting and started signing fast to Emmett. Faster
than I could keep up. Emmett gestured back at me at one point. Was he
introducing me? The guys waved and a few smiled. I waved and smiled back.
A taller guy, who was the size of a freight train, started signing to me. I
caught the words Emmett, pictures, and….did he just call me a hottie?
I looked at Emmett, showing him my confusion. He looked irritated, but then
laughed and repeated the guys question.
"He wants to know why you are with a guy like me, who's into pictures, when
you could be with a hottie like him?"
Ah, so he called himself a hottie, not me. That made me feel better. I looked
at Emmett. He looked….jealous.
"What can I say? I love a guy who knows how to make me beautiful," I said
with a smile. Emmett visibly relaxed.
Freight train laughed. Then he walked up to me and slapped my ass! OH
MY GOD! Liam used to do that to me all the time, and I hated it. Self
centered, egotistical jock!
Emmett looked like he was ready to rip freight train a new one. Better cool
him down, before fists fly. Tapping Emmett, I said, "Hey, can we use them to
"plank" on?"
Emmett had been glaring at freight train, but finally looked at me. I
repeated my question again. He eyed the guys and started signing. They signed
amongst themselves and then they all nodded.
So, I found myself being held up by 6 football players, and freight train was
up by my head. I think Emmett put him there deliberately. Emmett snapped some
shots and thanked the guys. They all waved and smiled.
"Can we go see your locker?" I asked, once we were back outside. Emmett
looked surprised, but took my hand and led me toward the lockers. He pulled to a
stop in front of one and pointed.
"This is mine," he said. I grinned.
"Can I see inside?" I teased. Emmett opened it and stepped aside. Inside I
saw a picture of the two of us, along with some school books and binders. I
closed it with a smile and turned to Emmett. He was standing patiently, waiting.
Suddenly, I reached out and spun him around, so he was against the locker. He
looked shocked. I leaned in and kissed him. Of course, he responded immediately.
I felt his hands on my waist. Suddenly, he turned us, so I was against
the locker. Emmett stepped in close and kissed the breath out of me. I was
getting so turned on right now. Could he tell?
I felt one of his legs nudge between mine. God, now I felt like I was riding
his leg! I stifled the urge to bounce. I could feel the cold of the lockers
behind me, and the hot, solid body of my boyfriend in front of me.
Would he object if I ripped his clothes off?
After a few minutes of that, Emmett stepped back and away from me. He was
panting and I could see the noticeable bulge in his jeans. I knew he wanted to
gain control back of the situation, before we both took it too far. Internally,
I whined.
"Come on. I have another idea," Emmett said, and then he was holding out his
hand. I took it without hesitation and followed him to his bike.
#---------------------------------
Over the next couple weeks, Bay and I went "planking" all over town. We
planked at the market, at the mall. I even talked her into planking at the movie
theater. We had to pay to get inside, though. On the bright side, Bay and I were
very entertained for the next couple hours. I took loads of interesting
shots. Bay didn't realize how giddy I felt, using this beautiful piece of
machinery. Bay poised without complaint, and even got the camera away from me a
few times to take some of me planking.
One night, we drove over to Carlton. Using Mom's key, we snuck into the
school. My idea was for us to "plank" in the men's locker room. I was surprised,
however, to see the football team changing after a game when we got there.
Eric, one of the linebackers, waved and started talking to me. "Hey, Emmett!
What's up man? And, who is that fox standing behind you? She is freaking
sexy as hell, brother!"
When he talked about Bay like that, I had a sudden urge to crack open his
skull. Glaring at him, I replied, "Nothing much. Just came back to have some
alone time with my girlfriend," I said, gesturing back toward Bay. I
refused to tell him her name. Take the hint Eric! A few of the other guys
waved at Bay and a couple smiled at her. Turning slightly, I saw her wave back
and return the smiles.
Mark, the quarterback, addressed Bay. "Hey, Sweetie? Why are you with a loser
like Emmett, who's only in to pictures, when you could have a hottie like me?"
Then, he started laughing.
Bay gave me a blank look. Mark had signed too fast and she didn't know what
he had said to her. I could feel the irritation of his words bubbling under my
skin. I almost decided to lie and tell her something totally different. Then, I
changed my mind. Bay was with me. These guys wouldn't turn her head.
Finally, I forced a laugh and repeated what Mark had said. "He wants to know
why you are with a guy like me, who's into pictures, when you could be with a
hottie like him?"
Bay nodded, finally understanding. I waited, anxious to know what her reply
was.
"What can I say? I love a guy who knows how to make me beautiful," Bay said,
cracking a smile. I felt the tension release at her words. Thank you
beautiful!
Mark laughed. I watched him approach Bay. What the hell was he planning to
do? Suddenly, he reached down and slapped her ass! I saw RED!
How DARE he touch my girlfriend like that! I started moving toward
him. I wouldn't be happy, until he had a broken nose!
Suddenly, Bay was in my line of vision. She tapped my arm and said something
I didn't catch. The haze of red that was covering my vision dissipated. I never
wanted Bay to see that side of me, if I could help it. I loved her too much to
expose her to anymore violence. Visions of the bruises Toby had left on her
months ago danced through my head. Turning my heated glare from Mark, I looked
down at Bay. She repeated herself. "Can we use them to "plank" on?"
I eyed all the guys and asked if they were cool with holding Bay up so I
could snap her "planking." They all talked among themselves and finally nodded
their consent. So, Bay soon found herself being held up by 6 football players,
all of them holding out their arms, like they were boards for her to lay on. I
had Mark standing up by her head. No more chances to slap her ass for you,
buddy! I quickly snapped the shots and thanked them all. Smiles and waves
were their only replies. I pulled Bay out of the locker room and headed outside.
Bay tapped my arm. I turned to her, expectant. Bay looked a little shy and
embarrassed. I looked at her, wondering what she wanted to say.
"Can we go see your locker?" she finally asked. I knew my surprise at her
question showed on my face. That wasn't exactly what I thought she would ask
me. I took her hand and led her toward the lockers. Stopping in front of
mine, I released her hand and pointed.
"This is mine," I told her. She grinned at me.
"Can I see inside?" she asked. I could see the teasing look she threw me. I
wanted to slap myself. Of course, she would want to see inside it. I didn't have
anything to hide, though. I spun the combination and opened my locker. Stepping
aside, I allowed her to look inside. Bay saw the picture I had of the two of us
inside and the few school books and binders I didn't need for homework. She
closed it and turned to me, a smile on her face.
Before I could blink, Bay had grabbed me and spun me around so my back was
against the lockers. I was shocked. Bay had never done that before! Then,
she leaned in and kissed me. My shock was quickly overridden by the all
consuming flame of love that I feel for Bay. I responded to her kisses with
equal vigor, licking and sucking on her mouth, begging entrance. She granted it,
and our tongues dueled. With my hands riding her waist, I turned us so Bay was
now the one against the lockers. Her shocked expression was quickly replaced
with desire.
Stepping closer, I nudged one of my legs between hers, so she was basically
riding my leg. I could feel the heat coming off her body. All I wanted to do was
rip off her clothes and take her against the lockers. I could already imagine
her body moving rhythmically against my own. My body hardened at the thought.
Could she feel it?
Bay started grinding herself against my leg. I swear, she's gonna kill my
resolve to be a gentleman one of these days. I was sure she didn't realize she
was doing it. Unfortunately, now I couldn't think of anything else! Before I
could take her up on her very blatant offer, I stepped back and away. My
breath was short and panting. Bay's eyes strayed to the very noticeable
bulge in the front of my jeans. Her eyes widened slightly and took on a glazed
look. I understood exactly how she felt.
"Come on. I have another idea," I told her a minute later. I held out my
hand, waiting. Instantly, Bay's hand was in mine. We walked back toward my bike.
Sweet Jesus! That was too close!
#-------------------------------
Having dropped off his bike in a parking lot, Emmett and I were currently
walking around downtown KC looking for a new place to plank. Well, he was
looking. I was trying to reel in my raging female hormones. Said hormones
had barely cooled to a simmer thanks to a certain red headed male with a
very talented mouth. I blushed just thinking about being caught between
him and his locker. Damn I want to do that again!
Next thing I knew, Emmett was grabbing my hand dragging me down the sidewalk.
Looking over at him, I noticed he had an excited gleam in his eyes. Apparently,
he had just been struck by an idea. After just a few more feet, we came to a
halt in front of a…bus stop? Okay then…
"You're planning what exactly?" I said, as I gestured to the germ ridden
structure before us.
He pulled me into the tiny boxed off area, forcing us closer together. This
did absolutely nothing to help my lust issues. Part of me wondered if he did
that on purpose. Now, I eyed him curiously. Did he know how badly I still wanted
him? If Emmett did know, either he wasn't letting on or he just wasn't
interested anymore. God, if he was still as hot as me, I couldn't see it.
"I want you to lay out here, so I can take your picture." He grinned broadly,
gesturing to the bench.
My thoughts came to a screeching halt. He wants me to what? I gave him
an alarmed look. Oh, no… no… no …no… Not HAPPENING! Has my crazed
boyfriend even considered the number of germs currently throwing a party on that
thing? He really wants me to lay my face on it? Wow, just wow….
I gave him a meaningful look, "You want me to plank on that thing?"
"No, I want you to lay out on it T-I-T-A-N-I-C style," he said, humor evident
on his face. NOT IN PUBLIC!….Then, his words and my thoughts sunk in and
penetrated my mind. Did that mean I'd be willing to strip for him otherwise?
Emmett ignored the shocked look on my face and continued with, "Of course I want
you to plank on it." Then the pervert had the nerve to wiggle his eyebrows at
me, "Unless of course, you'd rather we go somewhere more private
to….take pictures."
Now, I was thoroughly annoyed with him. "In Your Dreams!" I replied, sticking
out my tongue.
"Every night, beautiful," Emmett instantly retorted.
I just stared at him, not sure how to respond to that one. I could feel my
face turning pink as the implications of his statement hit me. Emmett dreamed of
me? The real question was, did he just dream of me, or did he dream of
me? Ya know, the kind of dream that required his ahh…..attention when he woke
up. I wonder what he would say if he knew I dreamed of him, too, and what
it might be like between us?
"Well, I'm still not planking on that thing. It might make me sick," was my
weak retort.
Emmett gave me that knee weakening smirk of his. "If it does, I'll take care
of you, promise." A knowing look crossed his face. "Besides, you owe me.
Making me plank at the mall, on top of all those nasty, plastic kiddy
strollers." Emmett shuddered. "All the germs made me want a shower in the worst
way!" Okay, he had a point there. Those are equally nasty.
"Fine!" Rolling my eyes at him, I gave in.
Turning my back, I walked over to the bench. I positioned myself on the back
of the bench plank style. Emmett came over making little adjustments, which I
think were just his excuse to touch me. I shivered when one of his hands grazed
over my backside. Oh yeah, he's just making up reasons at this point. Not
that I mind… entirely.
Finally, he stepped back to set himself up for the shot. Out of nowhere, I
heard a voice that was clearly directed at me.
"Excuse me? Are you okay?"
Looking up, I found a well meaning older woman looking down at me,
clearly concerned for my mental health. Quickly, I told her, "Oh, just
fine. Thanks...heh," I gave Emmett an aggravated look, "Would you hurry up
please?"
"Stop moving. Hold still," Emmett said, seeming impatient at the
interruption. Makes two of us.
Oh, so he thinks he gets to be annoyed now? I took position again
wanting him to snap the picture and get it over with. As soon as I heard the
click and snap I was sliding off the bench. Standing, I brushed my clothes off.
Emmett had sauntered up to stand beside me, fiddling with the camera. I was so
glad that he was happy with it.
"Thank you so much for being patient with us," I said to the woman,
smiling politely at her.
"Uh… not a problem," she said, before walking around us, heading for a
different bus stop. Oh yeah, chick thinks we're nuts!
Shrugging my shoulders, I looked over at Emmett. My annoyance from earlier
had evaporated. "So, what's next?"
"Pizza?" Emmett asked me, looking hopeful.
Food? Yes, God yes! Pizza, mmmmm, almost the best idea he's had
all day. Not bothering to answer him, I smiled widely. Then, grabbing his hand,
I dragged him in the direction of his bike.
#----------------------------
We dropped off my bike in one of the many parking lots in KC.
Currently, Bay and I were walking around downtown, looking for new planking
locations. Bay was silent beside me, not trying to have a conversation. In a
way, it was a good thing. I was still a little turned on from earlier.
Bay didn't realize the effect she had on me. One glance from her, made me want
to jump her. When she was pressed against me earlier, I wanted to… whoa,
brain! Luckily, at that moment, I spotted the perfect planking spot.
I grabbed Bay's hand, dragging her down the sidewalk. I was curious to see
her reaction. Would she love it? Hate it? A few feet later, I pulled her
to a stop in front of a bus stop. I turned to Bay, excitement building.
Bay had a bewildered look on her face. She faced me fully.
"You're planning what exactly?" she asked, gesturing to the structure before
us.
I pulled her into the tiny area, forcing us closer together. Bay looked at me
with a curious expression. She almost looked….turned on? Well, that made
two of us. The things I wanted to do to her on that bench…
"I want you to lay out here, so I can take your picture," I told her,
grinning at the stupefied look on her face. I gestured to the bench.
Bay looked at me, alarm and horror strong on her face. What? It's
just a bench. She threw me a meaningful look. "You want me to plank on that
thing?"
"No, I want you to lay out on it T-I-T-A-N-I-C style," I told her. With those
words, a mental picture of Bay sprawled out on that bench, completely nude,
sprang to my mind. I almost groaned aloud at the vision in my head. I tried to
ignore the image in my head, and focused on Bay again. Fully clothed Bay.
"Of course I want you to plank on it." Then, just to get a rise out of her,
I wiggled my eyebrows and said, "Unless of course, you'd rather we go
somewhere more private to….take pictures."
"In Your Dreams!" Bay retorted, sticking out her tongue. If she only
knew…
"Every night, beautiful," I instantly retorted.
Bay stared at me, disbelief in her eyes. Did she think I was kidding? I
did dream of her every night. Sometimes in PG, but, mostly R rated. She
had no idea how many times I had to.. Ahem, take care of myself.
Her face started to turn pink. Now, I was curious. Did she ever dream of
me like that? Was she really thinking I wanted her to pose nude?
"Well, I'm still not planking on that thing. It might make me sick," was the
reply I finally got.
I smirked at her. "If it does, I'll take care of you, promise." Time to
blackmail. "Besides, you owe me. Making me plank at the mall, on top
of all those nasty, plastic kiddy strollers." I shuddered, remembering. "All the
germs made me want a shower in the worst way!"
"Fine!" Bay said, rolling her eyes at me, giving in.
Turning her back, she walked over to the bench, positioning herself on the
back of the bench, plank style. I came over, making little adjustments. Nothing
absolutely necessary, but I couldn't resist the urge to touch her skin. What
do you want? I'm horny as HELL! Bay shivered when one of my hands
accidentally grazed over her backside.
Finally, I pulled away and stepped a few feet away to set up the shot. I saw
an older woman start talking to Bay. Her back was to me, so I couldn't tell what
she was saying. Bay looked up at the woman, embarrassment clearly marking her
face.
Bay replied to the woman, and then shot me a look. "Would you hurry up
please?"
"Stop moving. Hold still," I told her. Ignore the woman and let me take
the shot!
Bay took position again, and I quickly snapped off a couple of shots. Bay
slid off the bench, and brushed off her clothes. I walked back to Bay, playing
with the camera. It really was an awesome camera.
"Thank you so much for being patient with us," Bay told the woman,
smiling politely at her.
"Uh… not a problem," she replied, before walking around us, heading down the
street toward a different bus stop.
Bay shrugged her shoulders and looked at me. "So, what's next?"
Would she be up for some food? "Pizza?" I asked her, a hopeful
expression crossing my face.
Not even bothering to answer me, Bay smiled widely. She grabbed my hand, and
dragged me back towards my bike. Guess that's a yes!
#----------------------------------
I grinned at Emmett, holding the front door open for him while he carried in
4 boxes of pizza. Of course, as amusing as it was to watch Emmett walk through
the front door, getting from the pizza joint to his front door, on a
motorcycle was even more fun. Emmett, to his credit never complained
about the amount of pizza I required or the kind I ate.
Most guys looked at me like I was nuts when I was able to eat a whole pizza
myself. Of course, they initially thought I was crazy because I eat
pineapple on my pizza. Emmett though, he never even blinked twice. He might've
given me a strange look at first, but then again, he's use to eating Daphne's
creations. With that in mind, I'm sure pineapple with meat and cheese is not the
strangest thing he's consumed. I hope…
Since Melody wasn't home, I felt more than comfortable making a beeline for
the kitchen. After grabbing some paper plates, a roll of paper towels and a
twelve pack of Dr. Pepper, I went to go meet Emmett in his room. We never hung
out in the main part of the house anymore, just in case Emmett's Mom
did pop up unexpectedly. We didn't do this because of anything that I'd
said, but rather, Emmett had started keeping us in his room or in his garage. I
like to think it's his way of protecting me from her instead of him
hiding me. It also makes me worry about how deep her dislike of me
actually goes. Would I ever be good enough?
Shaking all that aside, I put a big smile on my face. Stepping into Emmett's
room, confident in the knowledge that at least he thought I was good enough for
him, even if myself and the rest of the world questioned it. He was already
settled at the computer, uploading pictures to the computer, with one slice of
pizza in his hand, while he worked with the other. I just stood in the doorway
content to admire him longingly while he was doing his thing.
I watched him, wondering how many people knew the little things about him
that I knew. For instance, I knew that he was struggling with one of the
pictures because of the way he squinted at the screen. Then his facial
expression smoothed out, becoming more thoughtful. He nibbled on the edge of
pizza, obviously coming up with a solution to his problem. Emmett was absolutely
adorable to behold.
My favorite part though, was when he saw something that caught his attention
so much that Emmett forgot about the pizza in his hands. While reaching up to
presumably run his fingers through his hair, only to have his pizza
collide with his cheek instead. I was completely fascinated as Emmett wiped the
sauce off using his fingers. I was suddenly overcome with an overwhelming urge.
Before I could stop myself, I closed the gap between us. Catching his hand
with mine, I sucked the sweet and tangy sauce off his fingers. It was when I
felt Emmett shiver and move to bring me closer, that I realized exactly what I
was doing. Looking up, I met Emmett's hungry gaze. His eyes were turning a
darker shade of blue, like when we would make-out. Oh God I did not think
this all the way through!
Panicking, I dropped his hand. After snatching up his half-eaten slice of
pizza, I tossed myself onto his bed. Emmett's bed is, after all, the only
other place in the room to sit besides his lap, of course. It was not the best
place, but I needed to put some distance between us. I needed to collect myself.
It was the best option.
Why did I do that? It had been this way all day. I'd been so much
more….aggressive. Emmett was normally the one to make the first move. I was
dying to know what he was thinking, but too afraid to ask. Hell, I was too
freaked out by myself right now to even sit up and try to read his face. So, I
just laid there staring at the ceiling wondering what was currently going on in
his head…both of them.
That was when I felt the bed shift and move underneath me. Flicking my gaze
to the side, I found Emmett sitting next to me. My breath caught in my throat.
For just a second, a glimpse of how much he wanted me flashed across his face. I
blushed, staring up at him, suddenly realizing just how much I wanted him.
Leaning down and over he kissed me softly, one of his hands grasping my
curls. I lifted up, returning that kiss, craving the taste of his lips on mine.
My hand came up, fisting his shirt tightly, wanting to pull him to me. Emmett
leaned down even more like he was going to give in to me. I wanted him to
give in to me.
Then he froze, his lips no longer moving against mine. I whimpered in
protest, even though he couldn't hear it. Then, reaching out, he snatched his
piece of pizza back from me. Pulling away, he was grinning at me like that had
been his plan the whole time. Bullshit! I rolled my eyes at him,
irritated and frustrated. Emmett winked at me before going back to his
computer, leaving me wanting. With no other recourse, I decided to drown that
need with pizza and liquid caffeine.
#---------------------------
Bay stood holding the door, grinning, while I tried to balance 4 boxes of
pizzas. Her hilarity knew no bounds while she watched me do my balancing act. Of
course, she had been silently laughing at me since we picked up the damn things,
to start with. How can someone so small, EAT so much? When she ordered the
pizzas, I hid my surprise well. Maybe, she just wanted to take some home. Then,
she started talking about how she was the only one in her family that liked
pineapples on her pizza, so usually she would eat that pizza all by
herself! But, being the gentleman I was, I paid for the pizzas without
comment, and we made our way back to my house, the pizzas balancing precariously
on the back of my bike, behind Bay. Good thing I have those tie straps…..
Mom wasn't home, much to my relief. Bay made for the kitchen, while I headed
to my room to start downloading the pictures we had taken today. I knew Bay
would follow me, so I wasn't concerned about heading back downstairs for the
food. I didn't know if Bay suspected the reasoning of why we didn't hang out
downstairs. Mom wasn't her biggest fan, and I didn't need the headache of
listening to her bellyaching. So, Bay and I, at least while at my house, hung
out in my room, or the garage. I really was just protecting her from my mother.
I settled at my computer and downloaded the pictures. I started munching on
the one slice of pizza I had grabbed before heading upstairs. After the pictures
were loaded, I started the business of cropping, zooming and what not. One
picture was bugging me. It was the one of Bay planking on the Football team from
Carlton. I didn't like the way the picture looked. I cropped, I uncropped, I
cropped again. Finally, I figured out what was bugging me and fixed it.
Absentmindedly, I nibbled the pizza, not really paying much attention to where
the slice was.
It wasn't until I felt the pizza collide with my cheek, that I realized I had
forgotten entirely about the slice in my hand. I wiped at the sauce. Just as I
was bringing it to my mouth to suck it off my fingers, Bay appeared in front of
me. She grabbed my fingers and brought them to her lips. As her mouth
surrounded my fingers, I swear the room got hotter. Damn! I reached for
her, bringing Bay solidly against my body. Her face flamed red.
Dropping my hand, she grabbed my pizza and retreated to my bed,
conveniently the only other place to sit in my room. Two can play this
game! I walked toward the bed. Bay was laying there, nibbling little pieces
off the slice she stole. She reminded me of a timid rabbit. Her face showed she
was thinking hard.
As I settled on the bed beside her, Bay glanced at me and blushed again.
Payback time! Leaning down, I kissed her softly, my mouth barely grazing
hers. Bay's breath caught. I grasped her curls, pulling her slightly closer. She
returned my kiss, greedily. She fisted my shirt in her hand, pulling slightly. I
obeyed the pull and leaned down more. Bay's eyes started to slip close.
Quickly, I snatched back my slice of pizza. Grinning broadly at her, I made
my way back to my computer, winking just to piss her off. Bay's eyes bulged and
her chest heaved. Oh, sweetheart. If you only knew how badly I wanted to
continue that…..
#----------
The best part about Emmett and I was that we were comfortable just being
together. He was working at his computer while occasionally flipping through a
school book. I was doodling in a sketch book I'd left here a while back. We
could be together and be completely comfortable just sharing space, which was
not like most couples I knew. It suddenly dawned on me that even separate, we
were still in sync, still aware of each other, in a way I'd never experienced
before or even understood. All I could think about was how connected to Emmett I
felt as I stole glances at him between bites of pizza. The look of concentration
on his face was so intense as he worked.
Suddenly, Emmett looked up, smirking at catching me staring at him. "Come
here."
He waved me over. Rolling off the bed, I went to stand behind him. Emmett
started shuffling through all the pictures we'd taken. All of them were actually
pretty funny. It was when he got to one of the last ones that I got
disappointed. I just didn't like the feel of it. It felt wrong, off somehow.
I squinted again at the picture we'd taken at the awesome little store we'd
run across. "I don't think we can use that one."
Suddenly, Emmett was the one to look confused. "Why not? It's great. It's
funny."
"Because, it's staged!" Duh. "We told those guys to act like we
weren't there."
"So?" So….seriously? All he has to say is "so"!
Fine, I'll break it down for you. "So, to really be planking
you can't stage or Photoshop anything." Next Emmett started shuffling things
around on his desk like he was looking for something. Why did I suddenly get the
impression I was about to become the butt of a joke here? "Wha….what are you
looking for?"
"The planking rule book." Sarcasm….yay. "My copy has got to be around here
somewhere." Yep, definitely the butt of a joke.
"Ha ha ha, funny." I do have a point here and you're missing it, "I'm
just saying that true art needs to be authentic. People can sense when something
is phony." So apparently he wasn't really listening this time as he cut off my
rant with his camera, "Uh, okay stop, stop that!"
I pushed his camera away, sitting on his leg, suddenly thinking of much more
creative things that we could be doing. Pulling him toward me, running my
fingers in his hair, I gave in to my earlier urges. Kissing Emmett while my eyes
fluttered closed. He'd barely got his arms around me before I heard his bedroom
door swing open. Knock much! Quickly, I pulled away standing on my own
two feet instead of sitting in his lap and I came face to face with Melody. I
knew we should have made out earlier when we had the chance.
Cue massive embarrassment, "Oh, oh uh hello. Hi." Great now I must
look like a massive slut, having been caught in her son's lap.
Melody didn't even bother acknowledging my presence. I could live with that.
She did however. hold up an official looking paper. This triggered rapid
fire signing that I had no hope of ever being able to follow. Of course that
didn't stop me from trying too.
"Something….without something." I looked back and forth between the two of
them so fast I was sure I'd have whiplash later, "I…uh can't talk?" Melody did
not look happy, Emmett just looked severely annoyed and suddenly I no longer had
any desire to be so obviously intruding in her home. "Uh, ya know what? Maybe I
should go…" My nerves were officially getting the better of me.
"That's a good idea." Sure, the first time Melody directly acknowledges me,
would have to be a dismissal. Now, I pride myself on having a more or
less thick skin, but that stung really bad.
"Okay, mm bye." I turned to Emmett for a moment wanting to kiss him, but
Melody was shooting death glares at me, and since I was afraid Melody might
murder me on the spot if I did, I just flicked my hand in his direction
instead.
After walking around Melody, I stopped in the doorway to look at Emmett one
more time before leaving. With a miserable look coloring his features, he
signed, "I'm sorry." I didn't know how to respond to that or the miserable look
on his face, so I just fled.
She utterly and completely hates me…..and Emmett is caught in the
middle.
#----------------------------
Bay and I worked well together. We were so in sync, that there was an
awareness that I was sure most couples lacked. Did she feel it too?
Currently, I was working on more pictures, occasionally flipping pages in my
school book. Looking toward Bay, I see her doodling in a sketch pad that she had
left here a few weeks before. I had flipped through it, and as always, been
blown away by her creativity. Bay was gifted, no doubt about that.
I finished all the pictures and glanced up at Bay, only to find her staring
at me. I smirked, and she turned pink. "Come here," I said, waving her to my
side. When she stood behind me, I started scrolling through all the planking
pictures, particularly the last set we had just done. Bay and I laughed at quite
a few of them, and I couldn't help wondering if we had suffered from temporary
insanity at the time. Some of those pictures were nuts!
We came to a picture of me, planking in front of a small store. A guy is
staring at me in the background. Bay placed her hand on my shoulder, and I
glanced up at her. Her face was disappointed.
"I don't think we can use that one," Bay told me, squinting slightly at the
screen.
Confused, I look at her, and frowned. I looked at the picture again and said,
"Why not? It's great. It's funny."
"Because, it's staged!" Isn't that the idea? "We told those guys to
act like we weren't there." Bay was tripping over something insignificant, at
least in my opinion.
"So?" Bay looked at me, disbelief on her face.
"So, to really be planking you can't stage or Photoshop
anything." I decided to tease her a bit. I started ruffling around my desk,
looking under papers. Tapping me, Bay said, What are you looking for?"
I decided sarcasm was the best answer. "The planking rule book. My copy has
got to be around here somewhere." Bay didn't look happy.
"Ha ha ha, funny." What? I thought it was hysterical. Bay continued. "I'm
just saying that true art needs to be authentic. People can sense when something
is phony." Oh, so we're playing that game, huh? I grabbed my camera and started
snapping her picture. Bay put her hands up, trying to fend me off. Yeah,
that'll happen. Bay continued to try to push the camera out of the way. "Uh,
okay stop, stop that!"
Finally, I let Bay push the camera away. She sat on my leg and pulled
me toward her, her fingers burrowing through my hair. I was just pulling her
closer, when my bedroom door flew open. My mother stood there, looking
rather pissed off. Great! What the hell's her problem now? In her hand
was a piece of paper. Wondered how long it would take before she blew her
fuse….
Bay waved to my mother, but of course, she just blew her off and turned
toward me. "What's this?" she asked, holding up the paper.
I tried to brush it off. "I'm dropping AP Bio."
Mom threw a scalding glance at Bay. "So you can take speech therapy." It
wasn't a question.
"It's the only time they offer it," I told her, starting to feel irritated.
Now, Mom matched my irritation. "Your education is still my responsibility.
You can't make these decisions without my permission!"
"I'll just ask Dad," I told her, shrugging off her anger.
"You can't shortchange your academics, just so you can talk to your
girlfriend," Mom said, a snide look crossing her face, while she gestured toward
Bay. "And, don't you have a History test to study for?"
"I'm fine. Stop micromanaging me!" I told Mom, wishing she would just leave.
Bay had been looking between us, trying to follow. She looked very confused. Mom
was staring daggers.
"Uh, ya know what? Maybe I should go…" Bay had finally figured out that Mom
was angry.
"That's a good idea," Mom finally directly acknowledged her. Bay took the
out.
"Okay, mm bye." Bay headed for the door. She turned to face me one more time.
Mom looked at me like, "What?" Miserably, I told her, "I'm sorry." Bay
headed out the door.
It's official. My mother hates my girlfriend. She utterly and completely
hates her…..and I'm caught in the middle.
#---------------------
Once I got home, I started wandering aimlessly around my garage. Glancing at
the clock, I realized I had been sitting in my garage for over an hour now. I
had been trying to paint but all I could do was obsess. It wasn't the obsessing
part that bothered me, I got fixated on stuff all the time. It was who I
was obsessing over that bothered me. Currently all my thoughts were focused on
Melody and indirectly on Emmett, but more so Melody.
If tonight's display was anything to judge by my relationship with him was
screwed! I mean the Mother usually never likes the girl their little boy is
going out with, but what Melody felt for me obviously went beyond the
normal protective instincts. In fact, I was sure if Melody had her way,
even if it meant cutting Daphne out of Emmett's life to get rid of
me, she would do it. The thought of losing him just made me sick.
Then, there was Emmett himself. I was so scared that he didn't care about me
enough to get through this. I'd watched my Mom brow beat Toby into dumping
enough girlfriends without so much as saying a word. I knew I wasn't crazy for
being nervous about how strong our relationship is. I knew that it was a
very realistic fear.
I laughed humorlessly now, wondering if Emmett was concerned that I hadn't
even checked in yet. Whenever I drove myself home, it was always the last
thing he'd ask me to do-text him so he'd know I'd gotten home without a scratch.
In fact, by the time I got home, Emmett would get over impatient and there'd
already be a message on my phone asking where I was. This time there was no
comforting message to read in my driveway and tell me he was concerned that I'd
taken too long on the road.
What if Emmett decides that keeping peace with his Mom was more important
than keeping me? Not that I wanted to be the cause of a rift in their
relationship or anything, I just wanted him. I wanted Emmett enough that I was
willing to be selfish about keeping him. I could deal with anything, even if it
meant that events like tonight were to become normal.
My cell phone rang obnoxiously for the millionth time that night. Flipping it
open I found yet another text. Since leaving his house that night, he had left
me seven different messages. I hadn't opened any of them. The first had arrived
about half an hour after I'd already arrived home. His texts weren't very
comforting in the least. All I got from him was "Text me." or "Video chat."
There was nothing to offer me any hope that things were okay between us.
Then, there was the suspicious timing of his communication that lead me to
believe Emmett and his Mom had a discussion after I left. It's honestly what had
scared me the most into thinking about losing him. What if his Mom had talked
him into giving me the "Axe" or rather the "Ex" and not in an ironic street art
sort of way.
All my musings had lead me to where I was right this second, staring blankly
at a flashing screen proclaiming that I had a new message. I made a decision
right then and there, that no matter how his Mom treated me, I would stick with
him. I would do whatever it took to get his Mom to like me. Even if that meant
making changes to how I acted around her to try and keep the peace myself.
First things first though. I'm going to let Emmett know I'm still thinking of
him.
Hitting the ignore button on his message, I opened up a new one instead. I
sat back and tried to think about what to say to him. I wanted him to know that
I was still with him despite it all, without calling his Mom a bitch. I needed a
subtle way to do it, Suddenly it dawned on me. It was perfect and something only
he would understand.
"I Dream Of You Too," Grinning, I hit send and then shut my phone off
for the night hoping and praying that Emmett would understand and still be with
me come morning.
#--------------------------------
After Bay bolted from my room, I stared at my Mother. How dare she
dismiss Bay like she was an annoying gnat, flying around her head. She had no
right! Mom glared back at me. Okay, here it comes….
Mom didn't disappoint me. "How serious is this relationship with her?"
Mom asked, venom in her signs.
I stared her straight in the eye. "Serious!" I wouldn't tell her I was in
love with Bay. That would send her into orbit.
Mom shook her head. "You barely know her. How can you be that serious
already?"
"I do know her, and she knows me," I said, angered by her
words.
A look of horror crossed her face. "Are you two…?" She let the question
slide, but I knew what she was asking.
Irritation plain, I said, "No…. not yet!" Mom visibly relaxed at my
words. As if it was any of her business!
"Emmett, I'm worried about you. This doesn't seem like a very healthy
relationship. I just don't want to see you get hurt."
"Hurt? What's hurting me is you! You have made it obvious from the
start that you don't like Bay. And, she knows it!"
"I don't want you to drop out of an Advanced Placement class, just so
you can talk to your girlfriend!"
"Yeah, Mom, I get it. We already established that. And, I'm saying, I'll get
Dad to okay the class change."
"You live in my house, not his!" Mom snapped.
"Not by CHOICE! I wasn't given the choice, as usual!" I railed at her. Mom
stepped back, shock on her face.
"Do you want to live with your father?" she asked, confusion on her face.
My shoulder's slumped. "I didn't say that. I just said I never got the
choice." I'm a teenage boy. OF COURSE I would rather live with my father!
"AP Bio will be worth more in the long run than Speech Therapy. You don't
need to speak. You speak with your hands. That's the only language you need,"
Mom said, beseeching me.
"I'm not changing my mind," I told her stubbornly. I crossed my arms over my
chest to get my point across.
"Fine, I'll drop the subject." For now. "But, I still think you are
too young to be in a serious relationship. You should go hang out with other
kids, too. For so long, it's just been you and Daphne."
"I have other friends, Mom!" I told her.
"I know you do. Maybe, you should hang out less with Bay, and more
with your other friends. Go to a Pep Rally, a bonfire. You know, something with
a lot of other people."
"You mean a lot of other Deaf people," I accused. Mom didn't deny her
words.
"At least with them, you don't need to try so hard."
I stared at my mother, not believing those words actually came from her.
The nerve!
Mom walked toward the door, obviously having made the point she wanted to
make. She placed a different piece of paper on my desk, and walked out the door.
I was so angry and frustrated, I slammed the door behind her. I was sure she
felt the vibration through the floor.
Sitting at my desk, I glanced at the paper she left. There was a Pep Rally
this weekend at school. Disgusted, I grabbed my phone. No message from Bay. Had
she made it home okay? I sent her a text, asking her to text me. After the storm
with my mother, I needed to know Bay was alright.
When I didn't get an immediate reply, I sent her another one, saying "text
me" again. This went on for almost an hour. I sent Bay several texts, wanting
her to text me or video chat. I stared at my phone. Why isn't she answering me,
damn it?
I glanced at the flyer again. Picking it up, I thought over Mom's words
again. If I could hear, I could just call Bay. Sometimes, our relationship was
harder than I let on. Sometimes, I wanted to chuck it all. Sometimes, it was
just….too….hard.
My phone vibrating startled me. I picked it up and saw it was a message from
Bay. Opening it, I read what she wrote.
"I Dream Of You Too," Grinning, I sent a "Thank You" heavenward, and
shut my phone. I began hatching a plan. I would force my mother to spend time
with Bay. She would see what an awesome person Bay really was.
She would see how much I love her.
#------------------------
End of Part 1........... :)