It was always you

Chapter 4

Author's note: I hate having to put this in here, but a warning, this hasn't been edited and I might change the first part of it, but the second part, the meeting-I wrote it long ago and have been itching to share it with you, so here it is. Excuse any mistakes and leave any suggestions below.

Allen had been incensed by my interaction with Jasper, somehow reading even more between the lines than I could and demanding I either leave Celebron or cut off any ties with Jasper.

But further thought had made me averse to both ideas.

Sciences were my love, yes. But writing was my passion.

And while the degree was to appease my family-or that which was left of it to support me-it was the work with Celebron that would pave my way for the career I truly desired.

The one in writing, hopefully in journalism.

Jen despite her lacklustre performance this year, had, based on her earlier dedication to Celebron, already received a spot on an online news publication. Before even graduating!

If I wanted even a chance to follow my heart I needed a similar oppurutunity and for that I needed Celebron.

And to continue to work there, and with the added space granted to me courtesy an absent Jen, I needed to stay in Jasper's good books. After many days of arguments, a grumbling Allen finally gave in but with one stipulation.

He would be in the know of any exchanges between us. In person, especially.

"And no meetings outside the group ones, Nat. I mean it. No one-on-one treats!"

"Yes, I know!" I replied, collecting my books as we left the library. Leaving earlier today because Allen was heading out to meet his girl friend. A three hour drive he was too happy to make this weekend, given it was her birthday weekend.

"And I will pick you from these meetings from now on. If he sees you with a man, he might back off."

I laughed at that, "Are you going to be my pretend boyfriend then?"

"Not a bad idea, but given Nessie would cut me for even faking something like that, I will just be the overprotective brother that is here to put the fear of god in him."

"You are as scary as a teddy."

"To you. Ask my opponents on the field, and they will tell you otherwise."

By now were were stood outside the library. He was to walk to the car park from here and I to Casa's where I was meeting Rhea.

"I will believe it when I see it."

"And you will soon. Practice starts next month." His brow furrowed as it always did at the mention of the approaching March Madness. He was studying here on a sports scholarship which would only be maintained if he proved his worth to the team but also March was when he stood a chance to be drafted.

"Hey, you will be a star on the court, dont worry. And I will be right there, cheering you on."

His expression eased and he reached to ruffle my hair, "Take care, and keep in touch, else I will worry."

And I knew he would.

Paranioa could've easily been his middle name, a truly jarring discovery giving how laid back he otherwise was.

But I had noticed for the ones he loved he truly worried for.

Case in point the one time I'd forgotten to text when I reached home after a longer day at college and thirty minutes later he was banging at my door, demanding to know if I was fine.