Never That Far **Finished** Prologue

Stories To Tell

"What happened?" Chelsy asked as soon as I walked through the door.

"He brought pizza and Dr. pepper over and we just talked. He tried kissing me and then I told him I'd go on a date with him." I said quickly as my cheeks turned red.

"Don't be embarrassed. I think it's cute! Next time let him kiss you."

I gaped at her.

"No way. I don't kiss on the first date." I said.

"Oh please. You've had one night stands, don't lie. Those guys even said so. There is no shame in sex, Laur. Be proud."

I nodded my head, but my mind was processing the information. The guys I went on dates with said I slept with them? Is that why all these guys want to take me on dates? So that's I'd sleep with them?

I started to feel nauseated.

"I'm not feeling well. I need to go home." I said as I backed out of the room.

"Lauren, wait!" She called, but I just ran.

I thought I was getting all of these dates because, for once, people liked me for who I was. But no, it was because they though I was a slut and they were going to get lucky.

Finally I made it to the grocery store and ran in. I grabbed some magazines, a tub of Ben and Jerry's and some candy. All of this was needed at this time. Especially the circus peanuts. Or that's what I kept telling myself.

I didn't even care that tears were streaming down my face. I was 24 years old. I could cry if I wanted to and not be ashamed. But I did hate the look of sympathy that people would give me.

Much like the person checking me out of the store is. She has a sad smile on and is talking to me. No one ever does that on a normal day.

But thanking her anyways, I left the store and loaded the groceries into the car. I locked it then scurried over to Starbucks. I really needed warmth. Peppermint mocha, here I come.

Opening the door, the sweet aroma of coffee hit me, and I was in heaven. There was a line of about four people, but I could wait. I came in at a busy hour and I was prepared to wait.

"Lauren?"

I turned around to see Axel coming through the doors. Oh joy.

"I thought you would be at." He stopped. "Have you been crying?" He finally asked.

"That's none of your business." I said and turned back around. I wasn't in the mood to be nice today.

"May I help you?" The lady at the register asked.

"Grande peppermint mocha, please." I said.

She nodded and punched in the numbers.

"Is that for here or to go?"

"Make that two, and for here." Axel butted in and handed her a twenty.

"Yes, sir. They'll be right up. Please take a seat." She said then gave the order to the other workers.

Oh, was he going to get it when we sit down! My ice cream is going to melt.

We sat down at a corner table and the silence settled in. If he wasn't going to talk to me, I'm leaving. In five. Four. Three. Two.

"So why were you crying?" He asked out of the blue.

"Why do you care?" I shot back and looked away.

"Come on, Lauren. I'm your friend. Tell me what's wrong. You would never miss work unless it was really important."

"Actually, the reason is really stupid. But it hurt me more than it should." I said honestly.

"Tell me." He said.

Our waitress then came up to our table and set the drinks down. She turned to Axel and batted her eyelashes.

"Is there anything else I can get you?" She asked, putting on a 100 watt smile.

But Axel gave the girl a quick glance before his blue eyes found mine again.

"No thanks, we're good."

She nodded and walked away sashaying her hips. I rolled my eyes. Girls.

"So, tell me." He said, bringing up the subject again.

"It's stupid, really." I said and sipped my coffee.

"It still hurt you, and made those lovely brown eyes sad and hurt." He reached over and grabbed my hand. "Please tell me."

I sighed.

"I get asked on a lot of dates. I always thought it was because people wanted to get to know me. Ha, silly me. They only want to sleep with me. Chelsy told me this morning that the guys were bragging about sleeping with me. But the funny thing is, I didn't even kiss any of them. I'm not that kind of girl, but to everyone else, i'm a slut."

"Hey, don't listen to them, Laur. You know none of that happened and that's all that matters."

"But now I have to be careful about who I go on dates with." I said with a shake of my head.

"Well, you don't have to worry about me. I promise I'm not going to try anything. But what out for that Chris guy. I don't like him; He gives me a bad vibe." Axel said.

"Really?" I always thought Chris was the nicest in the building. "How can you tell?" I asked.

Axel shrugged and lifted the coffee to his mouth again. His blue eyes never leaving mine.

"The way he carries himself. He's one for flaunting everything. Just watch his walk and you can tell."

"Huh, I never knew that. I just always thought he was nice. I mean, a club can't be harmful, right? We're just dancing." I said, now doubting the whole thing.

"Yeah, just be careful. You never know what could happen."

I nodded and sipped more of my mocha. Now I'm really nervous about this. Chris is a nice guy. He would try anything. Right?

Axel placed his warm hand over mine again. Was I silent way to long?

"I didn't mean to make you worry. But if you're that scared, don't go."

I shook my head. I made a promise, and there is no way i'm breaking one.

"I can't. I have to give him a chance. But maybe I'll get Chelsy to go too. Just in case something goes wrong."

"Good idea. I'll go too. I can act like Chelsy date so I can keep an eye on things." He said and brought his hand back.

Jealousy shot through me. Was he hinting at wanting a date with her? I mean, she's beautiful. Long blonde hair, bright blue eyes. She's as skinny as a twig and was a cheerleader in high school. Of course he would want her. She's his type. I don't even compare. I was stupid to think he actually liked me. He always used me. In high school is was to pass biology and now it's to date my best friend. Typical Axel.

I looked him over once more, just so I could remember us being somewhat friends. His eyes softened and shown with confusion as I got up.

"Where are you goi--"

"I've got ice cream melting in my trunk, but come over at nine and we'll make a plan." I say as I back out as more tears threaten to spill over.

"Are you okay?" He asked as he got up from his chair.

"Yeah." But my voice cracked. "Yeah, i'm fine. Just be there at nine. And thanks for the coffee."

I'm never good enough for anyone. I just hope Chris proves Axel wrong