You And Me

Chapter 17

We were in France for two weeks. By the time we got home, Noah was fluent in French.

I was sure we were going to have to move our stuff, but everyone did it for us.

It's Sunday, which means it's family dinner night.

Nobody knows we're home though.

"I guess we should go see our family." I say.

"Maybe." he sighs. "Yes, let's."

We get in my Volvo and I drive us to Nana's.

Everyone is here. I was right.

I walk into the house.

"You guys are back!" Skander grins. She hugs both of us. "Did you have fun?"

"Yeah." I smile. "It was nice being back. And...guess what?"

"What?" Dad asks, kissing my forehead, and then hugging me and Noah.

"Je suis couramment le français." Noah grins. (I am fluent in French.)

Everyone gasps.
"That's wonderful!" Nana says.

"Did you have trouble walking?" Beatrice asks.

I snicker.

"Yes."

She pauses. Wait, you're serious.

I frown. "Yes. Why? Is that not normal?" I ask, scared.
"No, it is." she says.

"It just means Noah's big." Eloise snickers.

I shrug. "I'm not going to comment on that." I laugh. I look at Evelyn. "How's the baby?" I ask.

She shrugs. "Mean."

She's six months, so she has about three months left before she pops. "Mom, can I talk to you in the kitchen?" I ask.

She shrugs. "Sure."

I walk in there.

"What's wrong?" she asks.

I pull her into another room.
"Noah and I had sex and when he pulled out there was blood on his, you know..." I hesitate. "I told him it was my period but it wasn't. Am I going to die?"

"Was that your first time?"
"Yes."

"Your cherry popped." she shrugs. "It's normal."
"So it's nothing to worry about?"

"Right. If you're concerned, call the doctor, but sweetheart, it happens to everyone."

"Okay." I take a deep breath.

She just laughs and walks out, shaking her head.
"What's wrong?" Noah asks.

"I'll tell you later." I say. "I'm going to go get Ace."

I walk out.

I miss my baby.

Excited, I drive over to Mr. and Mrs. Ross's house and slip in the door.

Ace barks, excited, and lunges at me. I carry my giant dog to the car, and go back to Nana's.

When I get there and get out, a guy walks up to me.

"Are you Annabelle Ross?" he asks.

"Yeah." I say, confused. Ace sits next to me. "Who are you?"

He shoves his hands in his pockets.

"Tate's brother."

I'm honestly terrified of Tate.

And anyone associated with Tate.