To Serve and Protect

Chapter 9 - Everything Changes

There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception. - Aldous Huxley

Chapter 9 - Everything Changes

"Uuuggg," Is the noise that seeps out of my lips as the blanket flips back over my head as I try to escape from my ex-best friend. "Leave me alone. I need some more sleep."

"I know, sorry but no can do." She says with a chipper voice. "Our moms will be here in a few hours. You need to get up, shower, and eat something to try to get over the hang-over. How do you feel?"

Our moms are taking us to a spa in Hot Springs as part of celebrating my birthday. At least that's what we told Addy we were doing. Actually, a day at the spa. is part of my present from mom, but when Edward came to me to talk about proposing to Addy, I told him Arlington Lawn is very beautiful. I assured him that it wouldn't bother me, "The morning is mine, and the evening is yours." He even gave me a kiss on the forehead.

The idea of girl time sounds like fun just later. "My head hurts." But, right now, not so much.

"Joel is bringing you some Tylenol. I'll make you some breakfast."

"No. Not yet. I don't think my stomach can take any food just now." My mind swirls around the events of last night. The kissing I remember with a smile, but some of the other things...no so much. "How bad was I last night?"

"Not very. You had fun, didn't you?" I nod, and then the pain makes me regret it. "And you were safe, and that's all that matters."

Addy barely leaves the room before Joel enters with a glass of water and two pills to help with my headache. "How do you feel, babe?"

"I'm ok. I'm sorry about last night." Even though I enjoyed it, doesn't mean I should have kissed him like I did.

"Don't be. I'm not. My lips are yours...anytime." He smiles at me, letting me know everything is ok before his expression becomes more serious. "I do have a question."

"OK. Shoot." Here it comes.

"The guy? It was Holden, wasn't it?" He asks his only answer is the tears that well in my eyes. "It's ok." He pulls me into his arms and rubs my back. "Don't worry it wasn't your actions that gave it away.

"I know you've been silent to save face, but you don't need to now. Let it out."

I strengthen my resolve not to cry over him, and instead just sink into my wonderful friend's embrace. "I'm ok. I just want a hug."

"That's what these arms are here for, that and beating his ass if you need it."

"I'll keep that in mind." I chuckle, but my thoughts go right back to last night. "There is something you can do for me."

"Yeah?"

"Stay. I'll be right back." I sprint to her bathroom, jostling my head more than I should have, and I take care of my needs and brush my teeth. Smiling I return, and sit down at the edge of my bed beside Joel. "I'd like to kiss you again -- sober." My words come out with absolutely no embarrassment.

Joel brings my mouth closer to his with a sweet chaste kiss, and I hum with excitement. When our lips begin to move and he brings his tongue to meet mine, all of feelings last night come back to me as nothing but pure joy. The way he bites at my lips, teases my tongue, smiles between breaths, it is absolutely the most fun kiss I has ever experienced.

"Last night you promised to be my practice partner. Were you lying?"

Joel shakes his head. "I wasn't lying. If you want to kiss, then we will." A giggle erupts from my lips and I pull him closer for another taste. "You know this has nothing to do with the way you kiss, right?"