Rich Rags

25. Rich Rags (END)

25

School was a breeze after that.  Mostly because everyone just left me alone since they knew I wasn't some little girl to pity.  Wyatt and co. would sit and chat and keep me company most of the time, but they were more careful about keeping their distance because I made it clear I wasn't to be messed with and Chase would kill them.  It was nice having people to hang out with though. 

Chase and I didn't get much of a chance to be alone for a few weeks after the wonderful night.  Things just got so busy with finishing up school applications and finals that everyone was beyond busy and couldn't be bothered.  We didn't even get a chance to be with our friends much because they were about to rip their hair out.  I felt especially bad for Trish since she was applying to the most schools and had so many application essays and with finals on top of that.

One night though Chase and I were sitting in my room studying when he asked, "Abs, I just realized that you haven't applied for any colleges."

I looked up at him quickly in surprise.  We never really talked about what we were going to do after high school, and he was right, I hadn't applied anywhere.  It just wasn't something we discussed at all, even though we probably should have.

"Uh...yeah, well that's true."

He cocked his head to the side, "Why?  Aren't you going to college?"

"Well yes, eventually, and naturally my parents promised to pay for everything." I grumbled, "But I also had something else in mind for me."

"What's that?"

I smiled, "Being self reliant.  I know no matter what I do my parents are going to pay for my college, so I thought that maybe I should hold off for a while.  I was going to take a sabbatical, get a job or maybe two, and live in my own little apartment away from here...probably near where you are." I mumbled the last part.

He smiled, "Really?"

"Yeah.  Do you think it's dumb?"

He chuckled, "Actually I don't.  I think for you it's perfect.  It's not like you wouldn't be going to college, you just want to be on your own for a while."

"Exactly!"

"I think it's brilliant.  With one change though."

"What's that?"

"You won't be living on your own."

I was confused and then I realized what he was saying and smiled, "You want to move in with me?"

"Our own little apartment."

My smile grew, "That's perfect!"

"It won't be easy."

"I don't want it to be."

"Good." He kissed my forehead before leaning down and taking my lips into his.

After a moment we heard someone clear their throat and we quickly separated and looked up at my mom with smiled, "Yes?" I asked.

"Um...there's someone here to talk to you Abril.  I wasn't sure if I should let her in though."

My brow furrowed and I quickly got up and went downstairs to the door.  Chase was behind me out of curiosity, and I opened the door to reveal Taylor.

"Hi." She waved a little.  My jaw dropped.  She was beautiful compared to the last time I saw her.  Her face rosy and happy, her demeanor confident, and her clothes cute and well put together. 

"Taylor?!"

"I know this is sudden!"

"What are you doing here?!  What happened?!  How are you?!"