girl next door ☆ c. sturniolo

1.3 she don't come home anymore

Addie was peacefully enjoying Chris' presence, listening to Acai bowl by Dominic Fike when she felt Chris' hand settle on her right leg. Her heart rate instantly jumped, bringing her own hand on top of his and tangling their fingers together.

She was driving them to the nearest Shake Shack, since they both agreed they didn't want anything fancy, they just wanted to be able to chill together.

Addie and Chris both felt very grateful that they both shared the same values when it comes to relationships. Neither of them felt like they needed to try hard, or go to crazy measures to ensure the other's attention was solely on them.

"Do you fuck with Dom?" Chris asked Addie, as the song ended and now Skies was playing.

Addie nodded, "I love Dom, I went to his last tour." She explained, laughing when Chris squeezed her hand.

"You just go to concerts all the time?" He gasped, yet again insanely jealous of her seeing one of his favorite artists. He couldn't believe that they were so deeply connected they had still shared the same music taste as they grew up, away from each other.

"I'll take you on a concert date sometime, whenever someone good comes to Boston." She offered with a grin on her face. Addie loved concerts, she hadn't been to one since the summer, and was dying to go to another.

She had always been envious of couples she's seen at concerts, watching them sing the songs to each other, looking completely in love. She was beyond excited to be able to experience that, hopefully soon.

"I'm gonna hold you to that, pretty girl." He replied, a smirk creeping onto his face as he watched her cheeks flush. "You like pet names, don't you?" He teased, making the girl roll her eyes but nod nonetheless. She always thought they were corny, but hearing Chris' raspy voice with a heavy Boston accent call her pretty girl, about made her scream.

Addie carefully pulled into the Shake Shack parking lot, finding a decent parking spot and turning the car off. She was a little nervous about driving the van, but she didn't let it show, she didn't want Chris to feel bad about it. Chris hopped out of the car while Addie was reaching into the back seat to grab her purse, when she felt her door being opened for her.

"My lady." Chris joked, bending half way at the waist and holding his arm out. Addie loudly laughed at that, taking his arm as she exited the van. Chris had a proud smile on his face, he absolutely loved making Addie laugh.

"You're insane, Chris." She laughed, stumbling when Chris bumped his hips with hers.

"Shut up, you know you like it." He grinned down at the girl, making her scoff.

"Unfortunately, you're right."

"Unfortunately?!"

The date carried on in almost complete perfection to Addie's standards, the two of them having a great time making jokes and laughing. They both loved to watch people, and make up stories about the lives the random strangers could be living. Chris had just returned to the table with their food, a grimace on his face.

"What's wrong?" Addie asked, as she distributed their food.

"Um, nothing." Chris shook his head, glancing over Addie's shoulder before focusing his attention back to her. "Everything is fine."

"Chris, you're a shit liar." Addie replied with a straight face. He wasn't, but she knew he'd believe her and tell her if something is actually wrong.

"Okay fine," Chris huffed, "I didn't want to tell you since this is our first date and all, but my ex is here." He awkwardly explained, scratching his head before picking up a fry and shoving it in his mouth.

Addie chuckled, "Chris, I don't care that you've dated people before. I don't mind hearing about them, as long as it's part of your past." Addie shrugged, and Chris immediately felt better about everything.

"I hope you mean that." He replied, looking into the distance behind the girl.

"Why?" Addie asked before taking a bite of her burger.

"Because she's coming over here." Chris frowned, immediately reaching across the table to grab Addie's hand. She thought the gesture was sweet, but she honestly couldn't care less about the girl coming over.

"Hey, Chris." The girl greeted Chris, fully ignoring Addie. Addie couldn't help but check her out, noticing she had blonde hair and brown eyes. She was kind of tall, definitely athletic. She was wearing a pink top with black skinny jeans, and white air forces. Addie couldn't help but smile at the fact she looked so basic.

"Gwen." He replied toneless, pressing his lips together while he looked at her. Addie thought it was hilarious how uncomfortable Chris seemed, and decided she wanted to see how far she could take it before he cracked.

Addie cleared her throat obnoxiously, "Who's this, babe?" She asked, pretending to be mad, making Gwen snicker in amusement.

"Yeah, who am I babe?" Gwen asked Chris, twirling a strand of hair while tilting her head at the boy.

Chris was truly at a loss for words, he's never been this confused in his life. Addie felt kind of bad, but his face was absolutely priceless.

"I'm Addie." She introduced herself, expecting Gwen to reply but she just kept looking at Chris, who hadn't moved an inch since the interaction began. Addie lightly kicked Chris underneath the table, seeing if that would reboot the poor boy.

"Gwen, don't call me that." He instantly said, his face screwing up in disgust. "You should go."

Gwen rolled her eyes, "Come on, Chris! You know you miss me." She teased him, going as far as crossing her arms across her chest, trying to lure him into looking. Much to her dismay, he didn't.

"You're delusional. I'm on a date so please, for the love of god, fuck off." He smiled up at Gwen, shocking her, and her only response was a hateful glare before she walked away.

As soon as she was across the restaurant, Addie burst into laughter, making Chris join in.

"What the fuck, babe?" He mocked, clutching his chest.

"I can't believe she turned around and called you babe right after I did." Addie giggled, as she resumed eating.

Chris sighed, with a grin on his face. "I'm glad you got some entertainment out of it at least."

"It was worth it."

The pair finished their meal in peace, other than a few lingering stares from Gwen as she dined across the restaurant with her friends. Chris and Addie threw away their trash before heading out to the van to go home. They had sat in the restaurant for about two hours, talking and having fun.

The ride home felt quick, and Addie was starting to feel sad as she pulled into Chris' driveway and put the van in park.

"I don't want today to end." Addie whined, turning towards Chris. He smiled at the girl fondly, reaching over to cup her cheek.

"This is just the beginning, Ads." He leaned in for a quick kiss, before getting out of the car to walk Addie home. Chris grabbed her hand as he led her to her own house, coming to a stop when they had a full view of her front porch.

"Addie?"

"Chase."

authors note .ᐟ
imagine if i just ghosted the fanfic rn