“Can I just finish high school?”
“Maybe. I’ll let you know.”
I felt my heart flutter in my chest at the thought of ever being his wife, then chastised myself for getting carried away. We were yet to make it through a month without someone trying to split us up or cause mayhem. He kissed the top of my head as he slid his arm around my shoulders, turning his gaze to Ray.
“So, how’s it going with Elijah?”
We walked to school, the three of us deep in conversation, when we saw Chase and Elena having a heated discussion. Bailey and I exchanged a look while Ray smiled at them sweetly.
“Trouble in paradise?”
“Fuck off.” Chase snapped, his eyes focused on Elena, who was staring him down. I looked up at Bailey, who shrugged, clearly disinterested.
“I hate that we don’t have many classes together. Roll on exams. Roll on, college,” Bailey complained as we paused outside my class.
“Oh god, you’ll see her at lunch. I don’t see Elijah until it’s dark; how do you think I feel?” Ray whined as she hooked her arm through mine.
“It’s still too long,” he murmured as he took me into his arms, his lips meeting mine briefly before Ray tugged me away.
“Come on, Juliet. You’ll see Romeo later. Bye, Bailey.”
Our hands were still intertwined as we parted, his handsome face smiling as he watched me leave.
“Yo, Fenton. Wait up.” I heard Chase call as I saw Bailey narrow his eyes at him.
“Have you called that driving instructor?” Ray asked as we slid into our seats, pulling out our books.
“No, but I will,” I confessed as she tutted.
“You’re too busy with Mr. Fenton, that’s why.”
I stuck my tongue out at her as I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I glanced around before checking it, noticing it was a text from Bailey.
BAILEY: Chase thinks Elena is screwing around... video anyone?
ANNABELLE: Don’t!
BAILEY: Ha. They both deserve it. I miss your sweet mouth.
ANNABELLE: Behave, Fenton.
BAILEY: Never.
Twenty-Eight
Finally
When I left school that day, I silently cheered. I missed the days when I could be invisible, managing to avoid drama and attention, the highlight of my day listening to Ray’s exploits. I was looking forward to tonight, a girl's night with no boys allowed. I spotted her car and saw her waving at me impatiently from the driver’s seat as I rolled my eyes, skipping down the steps.
Suddenly an arm slipped around my waist, making me squeal with fright.
"Just a quickie before you jet off on your girl's night," he murmured as I giggled, staring into his delicious blue eyes. I heard the horn beep as his lips met mine, kissing me urgently as I groaned, pulling away reluctantly. He folded his arms as I walked away, glancing back at him longingly as he smiled knowingly.
"Call me when you're home?" he said, more of a command than a question, as I nodded. I slipped into the car next to Ray as she glared at me with disbelief.
"One night with me, he's stalking you at the school gates. That boy has it bad." She tutted as she shifted the car into drive, waving at Bailey as he watched us leave, our eyes meeting briefly as I passed him. Ray insisted we went into town tonight to a chicken restaurant we adored. We always ordered the same thing—spicy chicken, rice, and spicy nuts. My stomach growled as I imagined the food, and I decided to add fries on the side too.
"So have you thought about which college you want to go to? I'm going to apply to Arc," Ray said as she joined the busy main road, filled with commuters trying to get home from the city. Arc was a prestigious college that excelled in law— a passion of Ray's. I hadn't given too much thought to it as I just wanted to see what grades I got. I didn't want to pressure myself unnecessarily.
