Book 1: Beyond Me and You

Didn't Know

It's been over a week since I witnessed Dean and Carol's argument. I know I shouldn't of heard what I heard that night, but I couldn't stop myself from wondering the real reason as to why Dean broke up with Carol. They seemed happy, and it almost pains me to even think that I could've been the reason. Nathan and I have been doing so well, Dean and I have been getting along, and I know that Vivian likes him, if Dean is hiding his feelings that could only complicate everything even further.

"Hey!" Vivian yells as she places her hands on my shoulders. "Penny for your thoughts?" She sits next to me on the bench in the school hallway and looks at me with wide eyes. She's expecting a response and I'm not sure I have the courage to give her the whole truth.

"I was just thinking about how well Nathan and I have been doing" I say as I smile, trying my best to convince her. Don't get me wrong, I'm not lying, I just didn't tell her the WHOLE truth.

"Uhuh. Well, no need to rub your perfect relationship in everyone's face"

"Excuse me?"

"Like c'mon Lark! You're so lucky to have found someone who likes you as much as you like him. Not only that, but you're also lucky to have met each other at the right time. It's just so rare, I'm glad you understand how lucky you are" Vivian looks out the window the whole time she says this. Her eyes shine brightly and I follow her gaze out the window to see Dean get in a car with some the guys from his soccer team.

"Yeah. I guess you're right" I say but Vivian's gaze doesn't change. "Hey" I say abruptly, causing her to turn towards me. "I'm sure you'll be just as lucky as me" I hold her hand in mine. "I promise."

Vivian has been there for me during the worst time in my life and has always been exactly what I needed her to be. She's been my best friend, my sister, and my anchor that has kept me in place. She deserves the world and all I want to give her at least half of the support she's given me.

After school Nathan drops me off at home. He said he had somewhere to be but I didn't even bother prying even further, I had other things on my mind and if he wanted me to know he would've told me on his own. The house is completely empty. I quickly run up to my room and change into some shorts and Nathan's hoodie.

The sound of the front door opening and closing draws my attention away from my homework. As I make my way towards the stairs, I can hear voices talking and laughing. I lean against the frame of the living room opening and watch as Dean and his friends play Fifa. I was too focused on the game I didn't notice that one of them was in the kitchen.

"Hey Dean I didn't know you soon to be sister was so hot" a guy says as he comes up from behind me. I can feel his breath on the back of my neck.

"Get away" I say as I push him away from me. I take a few steps backwards and the rest of the guys stop the game before they turn to look at us.

"Get away from Larkin Jacob" Dean says as he stands up from the couch.

"Larkin is it?" Jacob says as he turns to look at me with a smirk. I roll my eyes in disgust but it only makes his smirk more visible. He's enjoying this. Ew. "Do you have a boyfriend?" He takes a step towards me. I go to say something but another one of the guys beats me to it.

"Hey Jacob stop" the guy says as he stares at me more intensely.

"Why would I do that?"

"That's Stone's girl." As soon as those words leave his mouth Jacob takes five steps away from me.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't know. I- I- I mean I- I knew Stone had a girl. I just didn't know it was you..." His voice trails off as he looks at me with wide eyes. In the blink of an eye he walks towards me and holds both my hands in his. "I'm so sorry Larkin. Please don't tell Nathan about this. I promise it won't happen again" he begs.

"Larkin.." Dean says in confusion. My phone vibrating in my pocket draws everyone's attention towards it. I quickly answer the call.

"Hi" I say softly.

"Sorry about earlier. I had something to take care of, but if you want we can hang out right now.. I mean if you're free. I'm outside your house" Nathan says through the phone.

"Nate" I say his name and watch as the guys look at me with wide eyes, except for Dean. "Of course." I hang up the call and walk to open the door to reveal Nathan standing there with a hoodie similar to mine. He walks in and I close the door behind him.

"What's going on?" Nathan asks as he looks around the room. Jacob stares at the floor while the other guys avoid eye contact with Nathan, except for Dean.

"We were just about to go upstairs. Bye." Dean says before he goes up the stairs and disappears from our sight. Jacob and the rest of the guys don't hesitate to follow Dean up the stairs, leaving me and Nathan all alone.

"Let's watch a movie"

Nathan nods his head in agreement and I grab his hand, leading him up the stairs and into my room. Dean's door is open, so I make sure to close mine.

"C'mon" Nathan says as he waits for me on the bed. I quickly go to lay next to him, covering us with a blanket. "We're watching Infinity War" he says excitedly as he presses play.

I laugh at how excited he is. We've watched this movie many times, but he's always just as excited. It's cute. "Why am I not surprised" I say as I pretend to be annoyed but he just pulls me closer towards him.