Aftermath

Chapter Fifteen - The Perfect Dress

I wanted to stay home and question mom about everything, I wanted to get to the bottom of where Ben was and how dad had seen a picture of her leaving Bill's house if he was somehow telling the truth. Unfortunately I am sitting here in second period with Collin shooting me worried glances, I know I haven't acted like my normal all over him kinda self but I just can't shake off the stupid phone call from last night, I have been constantly looking over my shoulder for any possible sign of someone following me, I definitely wouldn't put it past my father to have him hire someone to stalk us.  Ugh, focus Sutton! I cannot let him get inside of my head, that is exactly what he wants, he wants me to look over my shoulder, he wants me to know that he's still there lingering and waiting to strike, he thinks we destroyed him and now he wants to get back at us.    I'm not going to be a pawn in his game anymore, I'm not going to fall pray to his mind traps, I'm going to act as if I never received that call and focus on getting into college.   

"Russo? Are you okay? Did I do something to piss you off?"  Collin asked as he pulled me off to the side of the hallway to let others pass by with ease.   "Yeah, I've just got a lot on my mind, you know how stressful school can get."  He stared at me for a moment before letting out a sigh shaking his head.  "I do, I also know that's a lie and isn't what's bugging you."   Guilt had set in, I didn't want to lie to him but I also didn't want to tell him about a possibility that my mother was caught leaving his house.  "I'm nervous, I've never flown before, I've never been to far away from my mom and what if something happens? I'm not local or what if I can't get into school there? She or he takes one look at me and doesn't think I have what it takes to succeed?"  He reached up and caressed my face, the look in his eyes was beyond serious and honest. "Sutton, you have everything it takes to succeed, you have the ambition and the drive to push forward and make what ever you dream a possibility. I will do what ever I have to, to help you achieve what ever dream you want to chase. As for your mom, Jade will be here with her, your uncle Ben and even my dad if she needs him. Everything will be fine, Russo. Try not to worry to much, just let go and do something for you."  Smiling I reached up and gave him a gentle kiss.  "You're right, thank you.  I'm excited to spend some one on one time with you, not having to worry about someone walking in on us."  The smirk that replaced his serious expression made me feel a little bit lighter. "That is most definitely the most exciting part of this trip."  He agreed, just as we were about to share one more kiss the late bell rang.  "Ugh, now we are late."  I groaned, he just chuckled and led me to the office to get a late slip.

The day had flown by once I was able to clear the fog from my mind, Collin and I were sitting in the back of a limo sipping on champagne, I don't think the driver was aware that there had been some stashed away in one of the hidden coolers in here.  "I feel so special riding to the airport in a limo."  I said excitedly as I looked around inside at all the cool flashing lights and the mirror roof, Collin seemed to be used to this as he wasn't excited about it, he seemed more interested in watching me.  "Well, babygirl. You better get used to it because when we arrive in New York, we have another limo waiting on us." He said smiling, I smiled and sat back taking it all in. "This is all to surreal. Riding in a limo to the airport to go to New York, then to be picked up in another limo! Are you famous and forgot to tell me?" I asked with a raised brow, he chuckled shaking his head. "Hell no! I'd have way to many scandals by now, my face even as dashingly handsome I am would not do well in the entertainment business." He shivered at the thought of being famous, giggling to myself, I could picture me having a huge crush on him with a poster on my wall had he been famous, he definitely had the looks for it. "Anyways! What would my beautiful girlfriend like to do on her first night here?" He asked bringing my attention back to him. "You don't have anything planned?" I questioned, he shook his head. "Nah, that'll be tomorrow night. Tonight you get to choose." Smiling I leaned over kissing him, how did I get so lucky, he has been everything I've ever wanted and so much more. "I don't care as long as I'm with you." I whispered against his lips. "If I have my way, you won't be anywhere but with me." The butterflies in my stomach had turned into a full blown zoo at this point, my inner little girl was squealing with delight at the thought of forever with him. "I love the sound of that."