Falling In Love With A Bad Boy

Chapter 9

I woke up with my body snuggled against him. I glanced at Chase, thank god he was still sleeping. I look at the clock and it is only 5 am. I decide to lay there for a few more minutes, I was comfy all snuggled in his arms. Finally I scoot out of his embrace and lay on the couch. I didn't want dad to come down and see us.

I must have fallen back to sleep. I woke up to noises in the kitchen. Mom was making pancakes. Yum.

"Good morning sleepy head. You hungry?" Mom asked.

"Yes I am starved!"

"Holler for the boys to come down."

I hollored up the stairs that breakfast is ready. Both Chase and Travis ran down the stairs into the kitchen. Apparently the boys were hungry.

Breakfast was light hearted with talking and laughing.

"What are the plans for today?" Mom asked us.

"Travis and I are gonna hit the mall."

"Can I tag along?" I ask with puppy eyes.

"Sure"

We walk around the mall for a good 3 hours. Chase found nice sweater for grandpa for Christmas.

"What are you doing for Christmas Travis?" I asked casually.

"Nothing, maybe just stay in and study "

"Oh no bro, you have to come to our house. You can't be alone. Do you have any family in Pennsylvania ? " Chased stated.

"No." Travis replied with a sad low tone. "Will your parents mind?"

"Not at all." I replied. "We will be glad to have you. "

I am happy that he will spend Christmas with us.   I can't even fathomnot having a family to spend with on holidays.  It makes me sad to think of him all alone in the world. 

As we continue to window shop, the air between all 3 of us was lighter.   It was really nice. 

When we get home, dad made it home from work and mom headed to her night shift.   I don't know why mom works, because dad maes enough.  She says that she likes to make her own money and contribute.    Mostly she saves for vacations.  I admire that.

Dad is making his famous pasta bake and homemade garlic bread.  The house smells heavenly. 

"Mmmmmm, smells good in here dad." I said as I  lean up and give him a kiss on the cheek.

"Dinner will be done in 15 minutes.  Go wash your hands and help set the table."  Dad requested.

"I'll do it."  Travis offers as he washes his hands.

As we ate dinner, we all talked and laughed.   You could tell Travis was in a deep thought.  He looked at his plate and played with the food.

"You ok son?"  Dad asked him with a worried expression.

"Yeah.  Just tired. " 

I was worried about Travis.  He seemed to revert into himself, like he was battling his own demons.  I wonder what is going on in his head.  He really doesn't talk about himself or his life, so I have no idea what to do or say to him.

I helped dad clean up after dinner and load the dishwasher, before we all head to the back patio to relax.  It is a nice night, we only need a sweatshirt. 

"Do you guys want to build a fire?"  Dad asked as he swigs his beer.

"Sure.  Come on Travis, let's get the wood." Chase says as he gets up from the chair.

The fire was like heaven.  The colors of red, yellow and blue dancing around had me mesmerized.  I stared into the fire thinking of my birthday in a few days and being 18.  Can I then tell Chase and my parents that I like Travis?  Would Travis even want to date me?  I guess that has never been brought up. I am so confused.  I only had 1 boyfriend when I was 16.  It only lasted for 6 months, so I am not too experienced with this sort of thing. 

I will have to ask Jane when she gets back from her dad's house.  Jane's parents are divorced  and her dad lives 3 hours away.  She promised to be back for my "surprise" party on Saturday.  Only 3 days to go!  I turn 18 in 2 days though.  I can't believe it!

It must be late, because mom came out the back sliding door. 

"I'm home.  Oh relaxing time huh?"  She says as she sits next to dad. 

Family time is nice.  I hope Travis enjoys it.