Masked

XVIII

"Wow I've never seen so much homework in my life," I said as we walked back to her car and got in.

"Yea it gets insane sometimes."

"Why didn't you tell me about Jack?"

"I didn't want to bother you with it, let alone reopen any wounds that might remind you of her."

I nodded thinking that was fair, and squeezed her hand slightly as we started driving.

We got home and saw her parents or siblings weren't here.

"They're at work and daycare right now and will be home later," Taran said dropping her bag and pulled out her books.

I stared at her and how hot she was while getting my books out. She caught me staring, "okay Michael if you like me so much why don't you just kiss me?"

I had wondered that too and went over to her. Pulling her towards me I took her over to the couch and pushed her onto the cushions. My heartbeat was going erratic and her breathing quickened. I laid on top of her and kissed her lips as if I were kissing Lacie. I gently moved my hands to her hair as she wrapped her arms around my neck. She pressed harder on my lips and moved her hands to my shirt. Pulling it off gently, I wondered how far we would go on a first kiss.

I undid her halter as she stared at me with her deep brown eyes. She slid it down slowly and now just laid in her shorts and lacy black bra. Just staring at her was making me even more anxious.

"Michael, I'm sorry. Did I freak you out?" she said sitting up and looking at me.

"No I... just didn't want to go too far and didn't realize how much experience you had."

"Books," was all she said and gently kissed me. I wanted to give in and continue kissing her but we both got up and started on homework instead.

"For someone who has never gone to school you definitely understand homework really well."

"Thanks," I packed my bag and went into the living room to watch some t.v. until her parents arrived. We were only still half dressed but neither of us said anything. It didn't bother me because she was just like Lacie and I couldn't help but stare at her. Pulling her closer to me we watched some random t.v. show and said nothing.

Breaking the silence I said, "should I meet your foster parents?"

Taran looked at me, "Sure. Just so they know I like someone now and won't think I'm doing anything stupid with Jack."

"Agreed," I said and pulled my shirt back on as I heard a call pull up. I threw her shirt at her and laid my arm across the couch so her parents wouldn't think I looked too reckless. And hopefully wouldn't notice the clothes I had on...

"Hi mom, dad, Alex, Shawn," Taran called.

"Hi Taran," her mother said as they walked into the living room and saw us sitting there.

I knew my wings were hidden but it seemed in that moment that they were staring right at them.

"Mom, dad, this is Michael. He's my boyfriend from school."

"Finally Taran, we were wondering when you were going to get one," her dad teased her with a wink and made his way over to shake my hand.

I got up and shook both of their hands, "nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs..."

"Blake."

"Nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Blake."

"Likewise Michael, would you like to stay for dinner?"

"I would love too," I replied with a smile and wondered how the rest of the night would go with my new girlfriend's family.

"So Michael, tell us. What do your parents do for a living?"

I had been worrying over this question for the past half hour when we were eating dinner and everyone was looking at me.

"My parents are big travelers for their job," which was partially true I guess.

"Do you have a little brother?" Shawn asked me. He was seven I found out and his sister was eight and a half.

"No, I have a younger sister who is traveling with them to Canada. I stayed home because of my academics."

"That's very responsible of you Michael."

"Thank you."

"Alex, Shawn, you both need to get ready for bed. Taran and Michael you can both go and do whatever as we clean up."

We all left the table as her parents started cleaning up. Heading up the stairs, we went to Taran's bedroom and sat on her bed. She got up real quick and began rummaging through her closet.

"What are you doing?"

"Planning an outfit for tomorrow."

"Oh," I said as she threw clothes off their hangers and onto the bed. I moved so I could avoid being covered by the avalanche that was forming.

"Sorry, I have to do this sometimes," she apologized as she pulled out a dress, shirts, and skirts.

"Wear this," I pulled out a deep blue-grey dress and flats to go with it.

"Wow Michael you definitely know your fashion."

"My sister taught me a thing or two," I said trying to not mention Lacie's name.

She put up the rest of her clothes and got in the bed next to me. Pulling my arm around her, she kissed me softly.

I wasn't really sure what was wrong but I didn't want to give into her just then so I stayed rigid.

Taran pulled back and looked at me with uncertainty on why I didn't want to continue. "Michael?"

"Taran... I, I'm sorry. There's just... something isn't right."

"I understand," she said and got out of my grasp and leaned against her dresser.

"Please don't think that I don't want too with you because I do."

"No I know, I just... hang on my parents are coming up," she ran over and tried to make the bed look presentable as I stood by the window looking out.

"Sorry just wanted to let you two know that the little ones are in bed."

"Oh okay. Thanks. I better get going also," I hugged Taran quickly and walked out with her parents.

"Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Blake, I really enjoyed tonight."

"You're welcome Michael. Goodnight," Mrs. Blake said and shut the door gently.

I walked around back to the window and flew up to tap on it.

Taran ran towards it and opened it back up with a smile.

"I want to try again."

"Michael are you sure?"

"Yes," I pulled her closer to me and kissed her.

**Split this chapter in half so I'll upload the next one here soon!**