The Strength of Us

Chapter Twelve - Are We In Junior High?

Chapter Twelve - "Are We In Junior High?"

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One week and a few days later, we were back at school. Things are pretty much back to normal. Except for the fact that Oliver and I are kind of together.

That's definitely something different. And it is something that Alyssa could not stop talking about.

"So, has he like, tried to do anything to you?" She asked with a slight smirk, curiosity obvious in her tone.

"Please define what you mean by 'try to do anything to me'," I chuckled. But my cheeks burned bright pink anyway.

"You know what I mean, Stevie," she nudged my arm with a playful eye roll.

I giggled a bit nervously, then shrugged my shoulders, folding my hands on my lap. "No, actually. We've made out and stuff. But he hasn't tried to like, take off my clothes or feel me up or anything," I explained calmly. On the inside, I'm practically dying of embarrassment.

I've never had a girl friend to talk to about this kind of stuff, ever. All my life, I've pretty much been surrounded by guys. Alex and I have been best friends since we were two and so from that I would always hang around with him and his friends.

So, talking to Alyssa about guys and relationships and sex after all these years is a little uncomfortable. But she's all I really have girl friend-wise.

"Really? You guys haven't even gone to second base yet or anything?" She raised her blonde eyebrows in shock.

"What is this, are we in junior high? Second base?" I laughed, making her roll her eyes and laugh too.

"I'm serious," she chuckled and nudged my arm again.

"Nope," I shook my head firmly. "We haven't gotten to second base."

"Do we have to talk about this? I don't really wanna hear about my best friend and my other best friend gettin' it on," Alex complained from the other side of the room.

A strong wash of embarrassment came over me and I sunk deeper into the couch cushions. I almost forgot Alex is here.

We're at his house after school on Thursday, sitting in his basement and watching TV. Although, Alyssa and I have mainly been talking about Oliver and I. Alex just tried to tune us out.

Alyssa laughed at my tomato-red face and shook her head. "That's the thing, though. They aren't getting it on. Not yet, at least," she clarified.

"Well, whatever you guys wanna call it, stop talking about it in front of me. I'm still in shock over the incident at the house over break," he shot me a look, with a raised eyebrow and a mocking smirk that said you-know-exactly-what-I'm-talking-about.

"Oh, Lexi give it up, it's been almost two weeks. Let me live," I groaned.

"Not until I can erase that image from my mind permanently," he denied, shaking his head. I groaned again in return. "What am I supposed to do? I walked in on my best friend, basically my sister, and my other best friend – who was shirtless, by the way – making out in bed. As the guy best friend, I think I have the right to be shocked."

"Get over it, Alex," Alyssa tried to help by siding with me.

"I won't. This just means I have all the better reason to keep an eye on Steve at all times," he kept his eyes on the TV, trying to change the channel.

"But you already do that anyway," I grumbled, crossing my arms.

"Exactly," he shot me a grin. I just rolled my eyes. "Look, all I'm saying is I want to make sure you're happy. And also that my best friend is treating you right. 'Cause if not, he's out."