Life with the Stevens' Boys

Chapter 14

© Copyrighted.

It had been almost two weeks since my dad had threatened to try to get custody of me and we hadn't heard from him since. With every passing day, the anxiety that filled me was lowering more and more. I should have known that he wouldn't actually do anything, he was constantly popping into my life. He would show up randomly at my house, back home in California and stay around for a day or two and then he was right back to his drug life. It's been awhile since he's shown up though; this was the first time I've seen him in three years. But I swear, even if I didn't see him for twenty years I could still pick him out in a room packed full of people.

"Hey," I slide into the cafeteria seat next to Chris.

"Hey, loser." He winked at me. I laughed and pushed his shoulder lightly. Even though the past couple weeks with Chris have been pretty rocky, we're doing really good now. Ever since the night of my dad's surprise visit, our friendship is better than ever. He came up to my room after my dad left, and it was a rough conversation at first...

After Joanna whispered encouraging phrases into my ear for a few minutes after my dad left, I lightly broke out of her grip.

"I'm going to bed." I said shakily.

"Okay." Joanna bit her lip. "Goodnight, Vanessa."

"Goodnight, Vanessa." Mr. Stevens' said quietly.

"Night." I told them lightly and I let my feet carry myself up to my room, where I let sobs take over my body.

I had just wiped the last of my tears when there was a very soft, hesitant knock on my door. My mind went right to Joanna, so I croaked out a low "Come in," without even thinking about it.

When the door cracked open and Chris came in, I stood up.

He was next to me in a millisecond. "Were you crying?" He asked softly, his hand grazing my red, tear-stained cheek.

"No," I looked towards the ground, sniffing.

"Vanessa." Chris took my chin and made me look at him. I didn't want to give in, I wanted to keep it all together. I wanted to be strong. When Chris' eyes looked into mine, the wall holding back all of my tears and hurt broke.

I threw myself into his chest and he embraced me immediately. Soft sobs filled the room, and I struggled to control my tears.

Chris pulled back, holding me at arms-length. His hands cupped my face.

"I know it sucks. I can't even begin to imagine everything you've gone through, Vanessa. No matter what, we wouldn't let him take you away from us. You know that, right?"

Without waiting for me to say anything, he was kissing me and I was kissing him back. His hands were rough on my face and I reached up to tangle my hands in his hair.

* * *

"So, guess where we're going tonight?" Chris said, picking up a french fry and plopping it in his mouth.

"Where?"

"A party!" Friday night usually called for a party and while I wanted to be happy, I was secretly a little disappointed. Chris hasn't said anything about our kiss. And even though, I've had my doubts about being in a relationship, I liked Chris. Before, that scared me. Watching how my dad treated my mom had made me wary of relationships my entire life. But Chris was always there for me. He made me happy and I liked being around him. I wanted to hang out with him alone.

What if I blew my chances of ever being with him? Maybe he noticed that I was to hard to get to and that all we could ever be was friends. Maybe he gave up.