Forever and Always

Chapter 17

CHAPTER 17:

I had about a week to get all of my scholarship forms in and even though I only had like three or four left they were still stressing me out. Plus it means that I won't really be able to see Caleb all that much this week. We've always been close but ever since the accident I've found that I've become more and more dependent on him. I know that it sounds creepy, but I'm beginning to crave being around him. His smile brightens up my day and when he touches me this indescribable warmth spreads through my whole body.

I sound like a psychopath, don't I? So I only have a week to get in my scholarship forms and less then two until my eighteenth birthday. It's hard to believe how fast this year has flown by. I've already gotten the work that I'll miss on my birthday, but I have no idea where Caleb is taking me that would require me to miss school. I really need to hear from Northwestern Florida, but Caleb says he hasn't heard anything either which makes me feel a little bit better. I'm done with forms for the weekend. They're a pain in the ass.

As I laid in bed I couldn't help but think of everything that Caleb and I have been through this past school year. I thought about the mountains, the wreck, the court hearing. Wait... I thought about Katie. She hasn't spoken to me since the second month I was with Brendan. I tried to text her, but her number had changed. I'll have to talk to her at school this week if she'll even listen to me. I hope she'll listen to me. I sighed and texted Caleb. He immediately responded and asked how the scholarship forms were going. I told him I was done for the day and asked if he wanted to come over. I've definitely got him wrapped around my finger.

After my last middle of the night freak out I just gave up and gave Caleb a house key, not that it was a big deal. I mean we'll be living together soon anyways. I heard the door open and Caleb called my name.

"Upstairs," I called back.

Caleb walked into my bedroom and said," Hey hun." kissing my forehead and laying down next to me.

"Hey," I said smiling. "Guess who just booked a wedding dress appointment?"

"Hmm..." he smirked. "Would it be my lovely bride to be?"

"You would be correct," I said pecking him on the lips before looking back at my computer. "I just can't decide which direction I want to go with for style."

"Does it matter? You'll look gorgeous in anything."

"You're ridiculous," I laughed. "And yes, it does matter. I leaned back against Caleb's chest while he gently played with my hair. "I'm going to try to make up with Katie."

Caleb kissed my forehead and said, "That's a great idea sweetie."

"I just hope that she'll stop and listen to me long enough to hear what I have to say."

"I'm sure it'll be fine Charlie. It's been a while since you guys actually fought and when have you known Katie to hold a grudge?"

I smiled and sat up, kissing Caleb. After a few seconds I pulled away a little and whispered, "Stay with me?"

Caleb kissed my forehead and said, "Of course."

I kissed Caleb again, this time deepening the kiss. His arms slid around my waist and he gently pulled me up onto his lap and closer to him. I tangled my hands in Caleb's hair, pulling our faces impossibly closer to each other. I gently bit his bottom lip before slightly parting my lips, letting him slip his tongue into my mouth.

I barely heard the knocking on my door, but I pulled out of the kiss and sighed. "Yes?" I called a little irritated.

"Dinner's ready when you are," my mother called through the door.

I sighed again and leaned my forehead against Caleb's before he said, "Charlie, you need to eat."

"I'll be fine," I protested a slight frown on my face.

Caleb pulled away from me and gave me a stern look. "Charlie, your stomach has been growling for fifteen minutes now. You need to eat."

I groaned, "Fine." I had a pout on my face, but Caleb lightly kissed my lips and it faded.

"Come on," he laughed.

We had dinner with my family and I'm pretty sure it's the first time we've had dinner together since the accident. My four year old sister started calling Caleb "brother", but she says it more like "bruder" since she's four.

All of my siblings love him and I' glad about that, but I wanted to go back up to my room after dinner. Of course my siblings begged Caleb to play with them though so instead we're all sitting around the fireplace in my living room. Caleb was a natural with kids and I haven't met anyone who hasn't liked him. Looking at him I could see our future. He would come home from work and play with our kids on the floor. I felt a smile spread across my face and Caleb looked up smiling at me.

My mom stood up from where she was sitting next to my dad and looking at my siblings, she said, "Come on guys. It's time for bed."

Of course they all started to protest since they wanted to keep playing, but we all had school in the morning and it was getting late. Eventually Caleb stepped in and said, "Go on to bed guys. The sooner you go to sleep the sooner we can play tomorrow."

"My four year old sister Lucie  kissed Caleb's cheek before saying "Goodnight brother."

He kissed her forehead and said, "Goodnight silly."

After my mom put my siblings to bed Caleb came and sat down next to me. He wrapped his arm around my waist and I said, "You're going to make a great father you know. Seeing you play with them let me see what it'll be like to see you playing with out kids one day."

Caleb kissed the side of my head and said, "Yeah, well I won't be able to do that unless I have my woman by my side to help me."

I smiled and laid my head down on Caleb's shoulder. I felt my eyes getting heavy and Caleb whispered, "Let's go on up to bed."

Caleb scooped me up in his arms and once we got upstairs I changed into spandex and a penny. Caleb had already stripped down to his boxers and was lying on my bed. I curled up next to him  with my head and hand on his chest.

Caleb kissed the top of my head and said, "Night babe. I love you."

"I love you too," I whispered, closing my eyes.