Forever And Always (On My Mind)

Forever And Always - Chapter 3

Finally it was Friday. I was really excited about today because Jodie was going to meet Tom for the first time.

"Oh my god... this day is going so slow! I just want to meet Tom now!" Jodie moaned in almost every lesson.

"Haha, it's only a couple hours left Jods and we'll be free of this hellhole" I said with a wink. Even though on the outside I seemed pretty cool about Jodie meeting Tom, on the inside I was freaking out. What if Jodie didn't like Tom? What if she didn't like him and told my parents? Or... What if they got along? What if they got along a little too well? I shook my head trying to free myself of these negative thoughts for the rest of the day but more and more 'What if's' started to pop up and lurk like a miserable cloud hanging over my head in the back of my mind.

Suddenly the bell rang and I looked up at the clock. 3.00. Oh god. This is it. I felt Jodie's arm hook into mine and drag me out of the school.

"Ahh! I'm so excited! Is he really as cute as you make him out to be?" She asked.

I gave her a small smile.

"Even better." I replied.

We were walking over to Tom's house each with our own Starbucks in our hands. Once we got to his house, I reached for the keys in my pocket and opened the door with Jodie squealing quietly behind me.

"Tom? We're here!" I shouted out.

"Ah hey babe. How was school?" He replied.

"It was pretty slow actually. Tom, this is Jodie, the girl I was telling you about." I told him.

"So this is the famous Jodie. Bree talks about you all the time. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." He said, holding his hand out for Jodie to shake.

Jodie looked at him with a confused look on her face. She didn't even shake Tom's hand.

"Jods? You ok?" I asked.

"Urm... Is a joke? Seriously? Where's Tom?" She replied with a hint of annoyance in her voice.

"Jods what are you talking about? He's right in front of you! Now stop being rude and shake is goddamn hand!" I replied with anger. I can't she was doing this. She'd been waiting all week to meet Tom and now that she finally has, she's being incredibly rude!

"Hey guys, it's ok. Come into the living room. I've prepared dinner." Said Tom. He grabbed hold of my hand and whispered into my ear.

"Is she ok? Why is she behaving so weirdly?"

"I have no idea. Hold on, let me talk to her."

I walked over to Jodie.

"Hey. Why are being like this? I thought you wanted to meet him? Well there he is. Come on, let's just eat." I said.

"I-i I cant. I have to go. I just realised I needed to pick my brother up from his football match and look after him because my parents are out at the moment." Jodie stammered.

She grabbed her bag quickly and ran our the door.

"JODIE! JODIE! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU GOING?!" I screamed on the doorstep as she was running away.

Tom came up from behind me and shut the door.

"Just ignore her. Why are you even friends with her? She's a rude bitch." Said Tom.

"Well... She's my best friend... We've been friends since kindergarten and she's never been like this." I replied feeling sad and annoyed at what just happened.

"Listen, I don't want you talking to her anymore. Is that understood? She's a bitch and doesn't deserve someone as stunning and incredible as you. Ok?" He said sternly.

"But-"

"No buts. It's final." He said cutting me off. I looked at the door with sadness. What's going happen at school on Monday though? Jodie is the only person who I've ever been friends with. Who am I going to talk to then?

As if reading my mind, Tom came over and put his arms around my neck.

"It'll be ok at school baby. This is a chance for you to make new friends. Better friends. Not hanging around with people like her. It'll be a fresh start for you." He whispered into my ear. He tugged on my arm motioning me to follow him into the dining room. After we had eaten, I freshened myself up, to get ready to go back home before my parents start to get worried.

I walked over to Tom and gave him a kiss.

"I'll see you tomorrow yeah?"

"Sure." He replied with a smile.

As I was walking towards the door, Tom grabbed my arm and pulled me towards him.

"Listen Bree.. Don't forget what I told you ok? Everything will be ok. I promise. I love you baby. Forever and always."

I looked up at him and smiled.

"Of course, I promise I won't forget. Anything for you darling. I love you too. Forever and always."

I gave him a quick hug, breathing in his musky scent. After a while,I finally let him go and went home.

I opened the door to my home and walked into the living room, only to find my mom, my dad and Jodie. I looked around confused as to what was going on. Mom walked towards me, her face filled with anger.

"YOU HAVE A BOYFRIEND?!" She screamed. I looked at Jodie, feeling so betrayed.I trusted her and look what she has done. Tom was right. Jodie's a spiteful bitch and I'm never going to talk to her again.

"I'm sorry. I was going to tell, I was just waiting for the right time." I replied quietly choking back sobs.

"I can't believe you. Who is he?"

"His name's Tom. And if you just meet him, you'll realise what a sweetheart he is. He's really nice and cares about me."

"Oh.. So are you saying your parents don't care about you?"

"I didn't say that - "

"What school does he attend?"

I stood there awkwardly not wanting to answer the question. Just answering it would make matters worse than it already is thanks to Jodie.

"ANSWER ME!"

I jumped in shock. "He... He doesn't go to school. He doesn't want to." I replied quietly, tears streaming down my face. Mom looked at me with horror. Oh god. This is not going to end well.

"I want to meet him." Mom said quietly.

"I want to meet him and see if he's really as good as you say he is."

Mom walked out of the room and went upstairs. I looked over at my dad but he just looked at me with disappointment and walked out of the room too. I then looked at Jodie.

"You stupid little bitch. I can't believe you did that." I spat at her.

"I'm sorry, but your parents had the right to know. Anyway I didn't even - "

I cut her off. "Save it for someone who cares. Just get out of my house Jodie. I never want to speak to you again."

"Bree - "

"JUST LEAVE!" I screamed at her.

She gave me one last look and walked out of the house. I fell down to the couch and let out a big sigh before falling asleep thinking about the events that occured this evening. I can't wait until I'm 18 and won't have my parents to boss me about, telling me what I can and can't do. Only two more years. Just two more years and me and Tom will be together forever. Forever and always.