Oxygen

Chapter 29 - Picnic Proposals

"What are you going to do?". I wasn't exactly sure what he meant by 'I'll fix this', but I guess I was going to find out. "Don't you worry, sunshine. Everything will be okay". The reassurance was comforting, but I was still unsure. If Jordan did something he would regret, who knows what kind of trouble he could end up in.

We sat by the river for the rest of the day. No one called to ask where we were, or what we were doing out of school, but that made us all the more happy that we were gone. No one cared. We sat close together, I had my head tucked under his chin in an attempt to stay warm and out of the frosty air. It may be summer but that doesn't stop anyone in Christchurch.

We ate all our sushi hours ago, and we were both starting to get hungry again. I think we were both just happy to stay where we were, cuddling and warm in each other's presence. I was the first to break the comfortable yet long silence. "What are we going to tell them when we come back tomorrow?" I asked, curious for Jordan's answer.

"I'll tell the teachers that I took you home sick. Everything will be fine, I promise". He seems to be saying that a lot recently. Maybe I'm just getting paranoid but something doesn't seem right. I have a feeling this year will be more complicated as it goes on.

"Okay" I agree, leaning back into his chest. It was so comfortable sitting here with him, everything just dissipated and nothing but us mattered. It made me happy; just being with my boyfriend and enjoying my life while it's still here for me to enjoy. I hope one day we can become that old couple in the neighborhood that give the children cookies and read the newspaper on the porch. I can't wait for the memories we will make together.

"So... I was thinking" Jordan started suddenly, and stood up from behind me. "Yea?" I asked suspiciously. "Our senior formal is coming up in a couple of weeks, and I was thinking, that you would be my date". The few words made my heart jump. Finally he's asked me! I wasn't expecting him to ask anyone else anyway, but it just made me smile knowing that he wants to take me.

I jumped up from the rug and gave him a huge hug. "Yes! Oh yes! Absolutely!" He laughed as I jumped up and down, hugging him and wrapping the blanket around the two of us. I am actually pretty excited for formal, it is the major event of the year for seniors, and everyone goes with a date. I'm not so sure about having to wear a dress however, but I'm sure I'll have no choice once Evelyn hears that I'm going.

"I'm going to have to tell Evelyn" I tell Jordan once I've calmed down. "Yea. Do you want to call her now?" he asked. I nodded, and just as I went to dial her number I got a text. 

Evelyn:

Hey Fern, where are you? I haven't seen you all day. I heard about the posters, I'm so sorry. Hope you'll be at school tomorrow xx

I read the message a few times before replying.

Fern: 

Hey Ev, I'm sorry I left, seeing the posters just got too much. Jordan took me to the river, we're eating lunch now. He asked me to the formal as well! Can't wait for the shopping trip ;)

With that text sent I put my phone back in my school bag and followed Jordan to his car, carrying the rubbish while he had the blankets. We chucked everything in the boot, and sat on the hood of the car. "I love you so much Fern" Jordan said, melting my heart.

"I love you too". Jordan got off the car and stood between my legs. He leaned forward, putting either of his hands by my sides. I put my hands on his shoulders, stabilizing myself. When his lips smashed to mine, nothing else mattered. I smiled through the kiss, as Jordan held my waist, and I tugged his hair.

He moaned quietly, and I laughed as we both pulled away. We just stared into each other's eyes for what seemed like an eternity. The love we share for each other is strong, stronger than anything. We have a strong bond, and no one will ever be able to break that now.

That evening when Jordan dropped me off, he kissed me before letting me go inside. As I turned on the lights and headed up the stairs, I noticed the calendar on the wall. There was only two weeks until formal, and a month left until it was my birthday. I was so excited to be turning eighteen. So much changes when you become an adult. 

I stumbled up the stairs, tired from the long day I've had. What was Jordan going to do to stop Olivia? I hoped for her sake that he wouldn't hurt her, but I couldn't promise he wouldn't. Hopefully his urge to protect me won't get in the way of family.

I rolled into bed without even changing, just falling asleep in my soft blankets. My eyes drifted shut and I fell into a deep sleep hours earlier than usual.

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I realized when I woke up that I hadn't had dinner that night. I woke with a grumbling in my stomach, and I knew immediately that I needed food. Without a second of thought, I walked down stairs, realizing I was in yesterday's clothes, and looked for food in the kitchen. I was the only one home, as usual, so I didn't worry about making too much noise.

I rummaged through the cupboard and found a packet of porridge, so I started tipping some into a bowl. Then I found just enough milk in the fridge to balance it out. After waiting a minute for it to heat in the microwave, I ate the entire thing as if my life depended on it.

I've never been a healthy eater, or a very polite one. I wasn't about to start now, as I had to get to school. I scrambled back up the stairs, leaving the bowl for Bonnie to clean up later, and got dressed into clean clothes.

After putting on jeans, a white shirt and my black converse, I was ready. I looked at the clock and screamed at myself. Shoot, I'm five minutes late!

I ran out the door to only realize that I had a text from Jordan. Can't pick you up today sorry babe, see you at school. Oh crap. I started running to school, and I didn't stop until I reached the door to Social Studies.

"Sorry I'm late Sir" I panted, before he realized I'd entered the room. "Hurry up and sit down Ms Ashford" he said sternly, so I scurried to my seat next to Evelyn. "Where on earth have you been?" she whispered. "It's a long story".

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Hi everyone!

Thanks for reading. It wasn't the most interesting chapter I'm sorry, but I'll try and get some better chapters in soon. I'm planning the formal chapter and I'm so excited for it! 

What's your favourite dessert? Mine would be pineapple pie, or Knickerbockerglory. It's an English dessert with layers of custard and ice cream etc. It's absolutely fantabulously delicious.

Now I'm just babbling so I'll stop. Vote for this chapter if you actually read the Author's note, and let me know what your favourite dessert is :)

Thanks for reading everyone!

Alice xx