Before The Bad - Volume I

~ thirteen ~

Jaxon

As the 11 turns to 12, I pull into Stella's driveway. She's not outside waiting for me, however, and that most likely means her mother is home and bugging to see me. I smile and shake my head, shifting the car into park and undoing my seatbelt.

I pull down the mirror and take a quick check at my appearance, before deciding I look good enough. Lifting the black bandana tied around my forehead, I swing open the door and step out.

I stare up at the Blake's home. There are sometimes I wish that it could be this simple. Living in a fucking mansion doesn't define who I am and if anything, it should show the pathetic and tragic life I continuously live.

Stella's two-story house is warm and comforting, something I definitely don't have. I think that's to do with the fact that I don't have a mother. Mom's keep things stable, especially when everything is out of control. The only stability I have currently is Stella, and she's more than enough. But she's not my mom. I'll never have one of those.

I lay my bruised knuckles against the wooden door, prior to folding my hands behind my back. Sure enough, Veronica answers, and her face instantly lights up when she sees me.

"Jaxon! Oh, hello dear," she coos, opening her arms for a hug. I can't help myself from grinning and following through.

I think she's the kindest, more caring lady I've ever laid eyes on. "Mrs Blake. Pleasure to see you again."

She pulls back, giving me a small tap on the arm. "Veronica to you, hun."

I'm about to start up conversation with her when Stella comes waltzing down the stairs. Whatever I was just about to say is long gone, as all my attention is set on her. A loose, small-strapped, cream cherry dress covers her body, and tan Sperry's are being tugged onto her feet as she hurries down the stairs. Her long hair falls in front of her face. She hasn't even acknowledged me yet.

I inhale deeply in order to aid the erection that begins to build underneath my jeans. Finally, she looks up, her smile evident.

"Hey!" She cheers, throwing a small backpack onto her shoulder.

"You look nice," I comment, and take a glance at her awe-struck mother.

Veronica holds her hands to her heart, "Oh, you two are adorable. I need a picture."

"I don't really do—"

"Yeah, sure," Stella interrupts, tapping her shoe against mine. I groan internally.

I've never been one for photos, but then again, they weren't ever with Stella. While her mom momentarily leaves the room to fetch her phone, I move to stand in front of Stella.

"You're in an an abundance of trouble," I whisper, dragging my hand up her torso. She bites out a soft moan, and I turn around to the sound of her mother's footsteps padding down the hallway.

"Okay," she nods. "Photo time!"

I pull a flustered Stella into my side, sliding my hand across the middle of her back to rest on her waist. For the first time in what seemed like forever, I smile genuinely. I let my even set of teeth breathe, and focus on the camera.

Stella

Jaxon pulls a U-Turn, "Shit, sorry Elle. I forgot my swim trunks."

He seems frustrated with himself as he speeds back towards his house, and I place a hand on his thigh. I stare at him and nod. "That's alright."

His eyes flick down to my hand and then back at the road ahead of him. "If you move your hand any higher, we won't ever get to my house or the Rouge," he murmurs, a small smirk tugging at his lips.