Chasing Happiness (Rewritten Under My Other Story "It's Just Pretend")

Chapter 9

AN: Jarod happens to be Italian and Anne speaks it as well, so "TRNS" means translation. Chandler is also above!!!!! XD

Anne sighed as she chewed her M&M's and turned up her her stereo; they were the friends that never failed to comfort her. It was going to be her first day back to school and anxiety wracked her nerves. What would the day be like? Pushing aside her worries, she allowed the next song to wash over her emotions.

"Oh Fall Out Boy, I love you," she murmured. Anne's hips swayed as she hummed along. She jumped up onto her bed and shut her eyes, belting out the lyrics.

"And I love the way you hurt me. It's irresistible, yeah. I love the way, I love the way, I love the way you hurt me, baby!"

"Well that was beautiful Anne." The blonde whirled around and saw her boyfriend standing in the doorway smirking. Her words failed her and she felt paralyzed.

"Uhh.... How did you.... I just..... Uhhh.... Hey?" Mentally slapping herself, Anne climbed down.

"So, how'd you get in?" she questioned, her cheeks flaming.

"Your mom let me in."

"Oh... Er....." Anne felt her cheeks warmed immensely and she shuffled her feet. Jarod broke out into laughter and her expression quickly morphed into a glare. Clearing his throat, his chortling died down. Mrs. Harris' sweet voice called them down for breakfast just as Jarod finished apologizing. The couple gingerly laced their fingers together and they made their way downstairs. Settling down on the counter stools, Jarod and Anne gently swung together their locked hands and ate the pancakes her mother had set before them.

"Honey, I have something to tell you." Anne's mother awkwardly fiddled with her fingers.

"Dear, your father and I are going to Florida for a bit to take care of your grandfather. Your brother, David, is staying at a friend's house.... That leaves you. I checked with the Basey's and you can stay there. Are you alright Anne?" Anne stayed stationary and blinked repeatedly. Snapping out of her trance, she replied, "Uh, for how long mom?"

"A month sweetheart." Anne abruptly stood and hugged her mother.

"Take care of grandpappy and send my love yeah?" Her mother returned the embrace with no hesitation.

"Always."

*break*

Anne swung open the door of Jarod's ocean-blue truck and hopped in. Placing a chaste kiss to her lips, he started the car. Anne started aimlessly at the passing scenes.

"Hey," Jarod softly whispered, "are you okay amore mio?"(TRNS: my love) His Italian words sent a shiver down her spine as she looked at his handsome features. His prominent nose, darker skin, high, sharp cheekbones, and his deep, brown eyes.

"Si, sto bene." (TRNS: yes, I'm fine) Anne fought down the urge to reach over and snog the life out of him. Ever since she learned that he fluently spoke his native language, she had learned as well. He rested his free hand atop hers and tenderly rubbed her knuckles. The rest of the ride went by in comfortable silence when they finally arrived at school. Anne swung her back pack over her shoulder as she stepped out in her dark, skinny jeans and baggy, tied-up t-shirt. They walked hand-in-hand to the front gates and turned to look in each others eyes. His tight, black t-shirt outlined his well-defined muscles and she couldn't help but gazed at his perfectly sculpted chest and torso. Jarod held her hands and gently set a kiss upon her forehead; a loving sigh escaped her lips.

"It's going to be okay Anne. Promise." He sent her his sexy wink that still made her heart flutter.

"Ti amo Anne."