Page 44 of Honest With You

Weekends are spent at my house. On Saturdays, we lounge around my room, usually making out since we keep things pretty PG at her place. Other times, she’s content reading on her e-reader while I mess around with my guitar and write music. Sometimes we play video games, and she kicks my ass every time. And on Sundays, she joins my mom and I for our weekly K-drama binge-a-thons. Reese even came over a few times when she didn’t have plans.

It was probably the most fun I’ve had on K-drama Sundays, because I’ve realized that Ava and Reese are opposites of each other and it makes for some interesting (and adorable) arguments between them. While Ava is reserved and an introvert, Reese is more social and loud. And the bratty little sister loves to get a rise out of her older sister, if only to break her out of her shell.

Our relationship is what I’ve always wanted my other relationships to be.

Chill and drama-free. FUN.

But I worry it won’t stay that way forever. I haven’t told her about my plans to go to NYU yet, nor have I dared to ask where she plans to go to college either. I have a feeling any chance of her going somewhere that would take her away from Reese is slim to none. Talking about what our relationship is going to look like post-graduation is not a conversation I’m looking forward to having anytime soon.

I also haven’t talked to her about Margaret or about what I spent the majority of the past summer doing. After what happened to Ava on that first day, and what followed the first two weeks of us being together, I’m on edge.

She endured pointed fingers and whispers in the halls. I hated the way the girls from the cheerleading squad banded together to talk shit about her, like they owed Margaret loyalty points. I’m not looking forward to rehashing the shit show that was my last relationship with the girl I’m hoping is the one for me.

Right now, I just want to enjoy being with her.

I’m looking forward to tonight. It’s been extremely fun to hang out, just the two of us, but this weekend is Halloween. And since our friends have been bugging us for weeks now to venture beyond our houses and hang out, we’re heading to a party tonight.

But that also means Ryder Kim will be there.

Ava is still pretty friendly with him, and even I have to admit he was more than gracious when Ava told him that we were together. But I’ve seen the way he looks at her sometimes – he doesn’t fool me. I’m doubtful he’s over her. Especially since she eats with him and Vanessa almost everyday at school,which means I’m always on guard when he’s around.

It’s really the only contention between me and Ava. She insists they’re just friends. I get that-I do. But that voice in my head that sometimes screams insecurities focuses on the fact that she may think of him as a friend but he clearly wants more.

And after everything that happened with Margaret, my jealous thoughts are hard to quiet down.

Right now, she’s leaning on the hood of my car, obviously waiting for me, and Ryder is just standing beside her with a huge grin on his face like he can’t get enough of her.

A gust of wind blows through, making Ava push her hair back and in the moment she turns her head to sweep her hair out of her face, I see him giving her a once over before immediately righting himself and smiling at what she’s saying to him.

Yup. He definitely likes her.

I force a smile on my face as I cross the parking lot to meet them. I slowly exhale, relying on the technique Tyler taught me whenever I find myself getting pulled in by wayward thoughts. I find comfort in the knowledge that she’s mine.

Ava looks over her shoulder and a smile explodes onto her face at my approach. I feel myself beam back. I can’t help it.

I’m so fucking gone for this girl.

She leaps off the hood of my car and meets me halfway, sprinting to hug me.

I catch her before she trips, chuckling. She’s a born klutz.

“Hi!” Those gorgeous caramels shine with laughter, a hint of blush staining her cheeks at almost eating asphalt.

“Hey, sweet girl. I missed you today.”

“I missed you more!” She replies enthusiastically, poking the dimple on my cheek.

Still laughing, I give her a peck on the lips, swinging my arm around her shoulders. Her arms wind around my waist as we find our way back to my car.

By the time we reach it, Vanessa and Dean have both joined Ryder at my car along with my boy, Matt, who is chilling by his bike.

I nod my head in greeting, keeping my arm around Ava. “What’s up?”

Ryder turns his back on Vanessa and Dean, who are suddenly whispering angrily at each other.

His eyes widen in mock shock, nudging Matt to step away from them, which he willingly does. They both move to stand next to me.

Matt socks me in the arm.

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