In love with...who?

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     On Friday, I put on a laced up corset, a thong, and thigh high socks. I pulled a trench coat over my ensemble. At 6:55 I was standing in his driveway.

     Axel beat me to the door. He said nothing as he slammed it shut behind me. He pulled me by the wrist to his bedroom.

     "Ow! Stop!" I yelped as I twisted out of his grip. He was muttering under his breath.

     "Stupid coach. Put me on the bench. Works out great. I should've aced that test," grumbled Axel.

     "You okay?" I asked quietly.

     He kissed me roughly as he pushed me against the wall. When he broke it, he pounded his fist into the surface behind me. His arm was against my cheek. He barely missed my eye.

     I slid onto the floor. I backed to the corner in shock as tears flooded my vision. I stared at the garnet red walls. Axel put another hole in the wall. I reached out to him as my hand shook violently.

     "P-Please, stop," I choked. His head snapped towards me. After a single look at my terror, he softened.

     "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Baby girl, don't cry. I didn't mean to do that. I'm sorry," atoned Axel. I wept into him for a length of time I can't recall. He apologized endlessly while we sat there.

     "So you aren't just a mindless prick?" I joked to ease the tension.

     "So you aren't Satan?" he remarked.

     Axel lifted my chin with his index finger. He leaned in to kiss me gently. He took me to his lap and wrapped his arms around my waist.

     "I feel so bad. I'm sorry. Let's not have sex tonight. We can just watch a movie or something. I want you to be okay," he permitted. He buried his face into my shoulder.

     "That sorta violates our agreement. We aren't supposed to do anything but sleep together. I thought that was the plan," I stated.

     "Only this one time. We can do anything else. Tell me what you want to do and we'll do it. I want to make this up to you," Axel begged.

     "A movie sounds nice, but I don't want to wear this while we do," I compromised as I took off my coat.

     "Oh, damn. You look sexy. Okay, um, here..." he said as he handed me an old pair of pajamas. I changed in front of him as he bit his lip.

     "Thank you," I accepted. Axel's clothes were baggy but comfortable. He stood up to hug me again.

     "So, what movie do you want to watch?" I interrogated. I was growing a little skeptical of his attitude. I'd never known him to do anything kind.

     "No. You get to pick, my baby girl," he refused.

     "Um, how about 'Stepbrothers,'" I commented.

     "Good choice," he commended, smiling brightly. He set me on his bed. He laid next to me; I curled into his chest.

     "You're cute," he complimented. I blushed.

     "You are too," I admitted.

     I stayed in his arms for the duration of our movie. As soon as the end credits rolled, Axel spoke.

     "Please, be my girlfriend," he requested.

     "I'm not really looking for that right now," I declined.

     "That's exactly why I want you," he added.

     "I'm sorry," I whispered.

     "You seriously don't care what people think of you, do you?" he inquired. I thought for a minute.

     "Honestly, I used to. Then I realized I could either care what everyone else thought and hate myself or love myself and screw the world. I liked the idea of not having to give anyone explanations, so I chose me instead," I answered.

     "I wish I could do that. Being an athlete, people would lose their minds. I guess it doesn't matter though. I'm just stupid, worthless," Axel insulted.

     "I don't think so. You've been nicer to me than anyone in a few years. You're smarter than you're given credit for," I comforted.

     "Are you really defending me? I almost punched you," interrogated Axel.

     "Everyone deserves to have someone defend them. Besides, athlete or not, you get to decide what you do. You don't have to live your life for other people," I justified. He caressed my cheek.

     "How do I make you mine?" he asked as he searched my eyes for an answer. I looked away as my face turned pink.

     "So beautiful," muttered Axel. He kissed me gingerly. Our eyes closed simultaneously as my body melted to his.

     "If I'm not careful, I'm gonna fall for him," I thought.

     If only I would've known the half of it.

     "Will you at least go to prom with me? I want you so much," pleaded Axel. I shrugged.

     "Oh, baby girl," he whimpered.

     "What time is it?" I inquired. "10:15," he replied.

     "What are we doing tonight?" I questioned. It was his turn to shrug.

     "Do you want to go out?" I interrogated.

     He shook his head as he pulled me closer. His heartbeat and even breathing lulled me to sleep. When I got up, Axel was asleep. I left his pajamas folded on his mahogany dresser. I crept home and slept in my own bed