J O S H • P O V

My phone read that it was six in the morning when I rolled over in bed and plucked it from the side table. My alarm had yet to go off and the sun was just starting to appear through the gap in the curtains. Before I got up, I thought back to yesterday afternoon when I had kissed Marley. I hadn't planned on it. But I was glad that I had.

I thought about the way she had shared such a personal story with me. Her honesty had been so refreshing. Not to mention how strong she was to stay true to herself, despite the people around her, treating her like shit for it. It just made me like her even more. True, I had only known her almost a week, but I wanted to know her more.

I wanted to hear her talk about her interests, I wanted to see her smile and that sweet blush. I wanted to stare into those bright blue eyes that could draw me in, captivating me like nothing else ever had before.

I got out of bed and had a shower, actually finding myself eager to get to school. After the shower I finished up dressing and ran some product through my hair. As I was about to head out of the bedroom, my phone started to ring. My parents caller I.D displayed on the screen with a request to accept a video chat. I tapped answer and held out the phone in front of me. Mom and Dad appeared.

"Hey honey!" Mum waved. She was sitting up in bed with her silk designer, button up PJs on. Dad was dressed for work.

"Hey guys," I smiled.

Dad nodded and adjusted the tie on his suit which no doubt cost him the same price as an expensive car.

"How's things going over there? Enjoying school? Catching up with all your old friends?" Mum fired her questions at a rapid pace and I laughed at her enthusiasm.

"Things are great Mum. Yeah, it's been good seeing everyone again."

"So glad to hear hun, we miss you!"

"Are you behaving for your Aunt and Uncle? Helping around the house and all that?" Dad added.

"Miss you too and yeah Dad, of course."

"Don't forget that you're coming over next month for my birthday okay!" Mum reminded, pointing her manicured finger at me. "I'll send you two tickets, bring Blake if you like. Or whoever else?"

The thought of spending the weekend in Australia with Blake made me scowl. Marley came to mind then. Appearing like a bright thought. Would it be crazy to ask her to go with me? Probably. I really didn't know her that well. I couldn't just ask her to go to Australia and meet my parents. She would think that I'm insane.

I pushed the thought to the back of my head and decided to leave it for a while and see how things developed before I asked her something like that.

"Sounds good Ma," I said. My mothers eyes began to nervously dart for a moment before she cleared her throat to speak again.

"Have you talked to Angie at all hun?" She quietly questioned and my mood instantly plummeted south.

"Did you really have to bring her up?" I snapped. "I came here to get away from her."

"Joshua Baker, honestly," my mother scolded. "She's hurting too! I raised you better than this."

I rolled my eyes and let out a deep breath. "I gotta get to school!" I hung up the phone without waiting for a response.

I loved my mother but there were times where I wished she wasn't so obsessed with image and the fantasies that she conjured up in her mind. I pushed my phone in to my pocket and headed out in to the kitchen where Blake was standing at the sink, rinsing his breakfast bowl.

"Are we going?" I mumbled.

He turned around and pulled his back pack off the countertop. "What's your problem today?" He questioned, getting his keys from the hook they hung on.

"Nothing."

Blake and I didn't speak during the car ride and once we were at school I got out of the car and went straight inside without offering a goodbye. I just couldn't be bothered with his self entitled attitude this morning. I let my mind wander to Marley and my mood lifted a little. I started making my way towards her locker.

As I came around the corner I spied Dehlia and Ellie standing next to Marley's locker. My eyes locked on the beautiful brunette. She was wearing a different uniform, the school skirt that sits just in the middle of her thighs, showing off her gorgeous legs. And a white blouse that hugged her hour glass shaped waist. I got a little closer and heard Dehlia taunting her.

"Sick of being a virgin, Marley?" She hissed. Her and Ellie giggled like immature little assholes. Marley stood with her arms over her chest and her head held high, her back was to me so I couldn't see her face.

"I mean this is a cute attempt," Dehlia taunted, motioning up and down with her finger. "But Josh isn't going to notice you, no matter what you wear."

My blood began to boil. Was she really making this about me? I hadn't paid Dehlia an ounce of my attention since school started and it pissed me off that she kept making these feeble attempts to get it. Now she was picking on Marley as if she had some claim on me. I'd already had a shit start to my morning and this was not helping.

I decided to step in as I marched with purpose towards Marley and stopped behind her. Dehlia looked up at me and Marley slowly turned around, her face bore the signs of hurt, which just further irked me.

I made sure to not look directly at Dehlia, I was pretty sure that getting ignored was not something that she appreciated. I mustered up as much charm as I could and directed it straight at Marley. No one knew that her and I had kissed yesterday, as far as they were aware, we didn't have a lot to do with each other.

"Damn Marls. Those legs," I whistled and gave her a seductive once over. Her eyes widened and her lips curled at the edges. Dehlia and Ellie wore matching looks of disbelief, but I paid as little attention to them as I could.

Marley bit her lip, which pulled my attention entirely to her mouth.

Suddenly there was no part of me that was doing this to piss off Dehlia. The memories of yesterday flooded my thoughts as I lowered my face so that it was just a few inches away from hers. I cupped my hand around the nape of her neck, smiling when her breath hitched.

"I hope you don't mind," I murmured, my eyes still on her lips. Her breathing was heavy. "I'd just really like to kiss you."

I closed the small distance and met her mouth with mine. I faintly heard sounds of gasps coming from next to us but I was too focused on Marley's mouth to give it any thought. I wrapped my arm around her waist and pushed her backwards in to the locker. As I lifted her so that she was on her tip toes, her arms made their way around my neck, she clutched my hair in her fists and the feeling had me coming undone.

Unwillingly, I thought about the fact that we were at school and if I didn't stop within the next few seconds there would be physical evidence of just how turned on I was.

I reluctantly pulled away, lowering Marley back on to her feet but keeping my hands on her waist. She kept her arms encircled around my neck and glanced up at me. She bit on her lip again as she giggled.

Shit, I didn't even need to be kissing her, I definitely had a hard on. I shut my eyes and inhaled a deep breath, willing it go away.

I glanced to the side to see if Dehlia and Ellie were still around. I knew that seeing their faces would be like a bucket of cold water, but they had vanished.
I peered over my shoulder and noticed a number of students hovering nearby, they were watching us with amusement.

I turned back to Marley who still had her body pressed against mine and her arms wrapped around my neck. I wanted to kiss her again, badly. But it was not the time or place to start ripping her clothes off so I released my hold on her and took a step back. She straightened her skirt and cleared her throat.

"You didn't have to do that," she practically whispered. "I'm used to Dehlia and her crap."

"Oh trust me, I wanted to do that," I said, still trying to calm myself down. She giggled and I welcomed the melodic sound.

"Everyone's going to be talking about how you kissed the loser," she almost sounded as though she was worried about me. I put my hand on her chin and found her eyes with mine.

"Let them talk," I said, not letting her avert her gaze. I stepped close to her again and she backed up in to the lockers. I put my arm up beside her and leaned in close. "You are not a loser Marley."

She stared straight in to my eyes and we stayed like that for what felt like hours, but still, I could have remained there longer and I felt mild disappointment when the bell blared through the corridor. She tucked her hair behind her ear as I stepped back and picked up her backpack, handing it to her.

"I'll see you at lunch?" She walked backwards, towards the stair case.

"Of course," I smiled, watching as she turned around and bounced up the stairs. I shook my head in amusement. What was this girl doing to me?

The sun was searing hot and I tipped my water bottle up, guzzling before I drizzled the remainder over my head in attempt to cool down.

"Looking good Baker, first match is in six weeks," Caoch Jensen said as he started packing up the boxing stand.

I wiped a towel across my forehead. "Thanks Coach."

"Hit the showers," he ordered, wheeling the boxing stand away. I picked up my bag and started to the locker rooms. A cold shower awaited me after the training session that I had just done.

After a shower, I shuffled through my locker and started pulling my uniform out. I became aware of someone standing next to me and I could practically feel the hostility radiating off of him.

"What's up little cousin," I chimed, facing Blake as I slipped my school shirt on and began doing the buttons up.

"I heard about your locker lip fest this morning," he folded his arms over his chest, a scowl set on his face. "Even saw a video of it."

I let out a laugh and leaned against the locker. "Who has the video?" I asked. "I would love a copy."

Blake glared through narrow eyes and all I could do was sigh at his bland sense of humour.

"You could throw any girl in this school against the lockers! And you chose virgin Marley?" He pointed a finger at me. "You know what our reputation's at this school mean, don't you?"

I rolled my eyes and stood upright, slipping my Calvin's on under my towel. "I don't give a shit about my reputation Blake."

"Don't expect me to defend you, when people alienate you over this."

Bryce walked in to the locker room at that moment, heading towards the showers. "Hey Josh, how's it going man," he greeted as he passed.

"Yeah good thanks bro," I replied.

I turned back to Blake who was scowling even harder than he had been before.

"I'm pretty sure Bryce was actually there this morning," I said with amusement. "His life doesn't seem to be falling apart."

Blake exhaled in frustration and hit the locker with an open palm. I snorted at how fucking dramatic he was. It was the most pathetic thing that I had ever seen.

"Whatever Josh," he snapped as he stormed off in a huff.

I finished changing  and threw my towel in the laundry box. I couldn't help but laugh to myself about what a bitch Blake was. He seemed to care what people thought about me a hell of a lot more than I did. I picked up my bag and made my way towards the cafeteria to find Marley.

"Hey gorgeous, this seat taken?" I asked as I approached the back corner table where Marley was sitting. Her book was open in front of her and she  twirled a piece of hair around her fingers.
She looked up and smiled widely before shaking her head.

As I sat down, I glanced at her tight fitted blouse, this mornings PDA came flashing to the forefront of my mind but I tried to keep the thoughts at a safe distance. It was all far too distracting.

"So can I ask. . ." I started. Marley raised her brows as she popped a grape in her mouth. Why did she make eating a damn grape look sensual? "Uhh—" I lost my train of thought and she stared at me with a puzzled look.

"Oh right," I chuckled, running a hand through my hair. "How come you wore this uniform today?"

I hoped that she hadn't worn it for me, because she felt like she needed to make more effort to get my attention. She'd had my attention from the get go.

Not that I didn't like this uniform on her, she looked great. But who she was, that was what was really beautiful. She rolled her eyes and I hoped that I hadn't offended her by asking.

"I have a bad habit of leaving my uniform on the bathroom floor after my showers," she casually stated. "Dad accidentally put it in the wash."

I laughed at the unamused expression on her face. "I guess that's what you get for being slack," I teased. She playfully slapped my arm as she grinned.

Saturday night came around, eventually. I would be lying if I said I wasn't immensely looking forward to tonight's plan. I showered and threw on some black jeans and a casual dress shirt. I rolled up the sleeves and left a couple of buttons undone at the top.

"Hey can I borrow your car tonight?" I asked Blake when I stopped at the threshold of his bedroom. He' was running gel through his hair and pulling vain faces at himself in the mirror.

"Sorry bro. I'm using it tonight. Should have asked me earlier."

I let out a frustrated sigh. I couldn't borrow Uncle Davids car either. Him and my Aunt were out of town for the weekend.

"I'll give you a ride somewhere if you need though," Blake offered, turning away from the mirror.

I debated with myself about whether I should ask him to pick up Marley too or if it was better that we just met her there.

I decided that it was probably best to just meet her there. I didn't want to subject her to Blake and his crap. Especially since he seemed so against the idea of Marley and I. I didn't want him being rude to her.

"Yeah can you just drop me off at the arena in town."

"What's happening there?" He asked.

"A boxing match."

Blake nodded and told me to give him two minutes. As I wandered into the living room, I let Marley know the change of plans over a text message.

Sorry I know I was meant to pick you up, but Blake needed his car tonight. Any chance we can meet there. I'll wait out front for you x

Her reply came through quickly.

Yeah, that's not a problem at all. x See you soon.

"Are you going to be able to get yourself home tonight? I'll be out drinking so I won't be driving later," Blake mentioned as he pulled up next to the curb outside of the arena.

"Yeah I'll take a cab or something."

I thanked him for the ride and made my way towards the arena entrance. I stood slightly off to the side so that I wasn't in the way of the swarms of people and checked my phone.

Almost there x

I sent a quick reply and then checked my emails while I waited.

Sensing that someone was watching me, I quickly glanced up at the unfamiliar face and then looked back down at my phone.

Wait a second.

I flicked my head back up and my mouth fell open as I stared at the girl who I realised was Marley standing in front of me. She looked. . . different.

She was wearing a long sleeve, low cut, white top, that hugged her chest and cut off just above her belly button. The tight black high waist skinny jeans allowed a view of her toned midriff. She had sleek high heeled ankle boots on and her hair sat in a bun on top of her head with some strands of hair hanging around her face. Her eyes were lined with thick black lashes and she had a deep rich red on her lips.

I always thought that she was beautiful, but right now, she looked so damn sexy.

She looked unsure and a little nervous and I realised that I'd just been standing here, staring at her without saying anything.

"Is this too much?" She mumbled

"No!" I exclaimed, snapping out my stupor. "No Marley, you look—" I shook my head, looking her up and down. "You look amazing."

She gave me a small but sincere smile and her shoulders relaxed a little.

"You didn't have to dress up for me though," I carefully insisted. I didn't want her to think that I didn't like what she had done. I just wanted her to know, she could have come in sweat pants and a hoodie and I would have been just as happy.

"It's a date," she answered. "I'm not a complete mutant, I do enjoy dressing up, just not to get approval from people who don't matter."

I gave her a wide smile and laughed. "You're not a mutant at all," I leaned towards her. "You're a Goddess."

Her eyes widened and she laughed so hard that she curled over a little. "Did you just call me a Goddess?"

"I did Marley, you're breathtaking."

I placed a kiss on her cheek and revelled in the blush that trickled across her cheeks as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

"Shall we go in and find our seats?" I suggested. She nodded and turned to head inside. I quickly took her hand in mine as we walked through the building doors. She kept her eyes forward but I caught her trying to suppress a large grin.

The boxing match was fantastic. I was definitely more focused on how enthused Marley was though. I couldn't believe how fast this girl had captivated me. All I wanted to do was stare at her gorgeous face and watch her gaze light up with excitement. It was perfection.

After the boxing match, I took her to a Turkish cafe where we ordered some kebabs and sat down in a corner booth with a drink.

"So what did you think of the match?" I asked, sure that I knew the answer.

"It was thrilling!" She beamed. "That's the first match I've been to but I loved it!"

"So you'll come and watch my matches then?"

"Are you inviting me to watch your matches?" She grinned.

"Of course, every boxer needs his girl there cheering him on."

Her eyes widened and she quickly glanced down at the table top, her cheeks flushing a pretty shade of pink. The waiter set our kebabs down in front of us and she thanked him before he continued on.

"Well I will definitely be there then," she informed me as she picked up her food.

"Will you wear a tiny bikini and hold up a sign with my name on it?"

I burst into loud laughter at the look of distaste on her face. Her cheeks puffed out, full of food and her eyes narrowed as she glared.

"I'm just teasing you," I confessed. She shook her head and rolled her eyes with amusement.

"Mmmm, Andrea would love this place, these are so good!" She mused with a mouth full of kebab.

Adorable.

"What's the deal with Andrea? If you don't mind me asking. She was like this sophisticated popular queen," I recalled. "She's a little kooky now."

Marley giggled as she wiped her mouth with a serviette. "She's definitely kooky," she agreed. "She kind of turned in to a bum, for a while. Never leaving the house and staying in her pyjamas all day. She has a job now though. And I mean, she had bigger plans! She went to college and started studying nursing.

"But when my Mum died, she wanted to come back and be with my Dad. She kept telling us she was going to go back to college, but it just never happened. Her and my mum were super close and I think she got really depressed. But she hides it by being excessively happy all the time. I don't know. It's hard to tell with her." Marley shrugged and sipped on her drink.

"Sometimes, it's just easier to choose to be happy, whether you feel it or not," I murmured.

Marley looked thoughtful for a moment and then nodded her head in agreement. "I suppose that's true."

It was almost eleven when we had finished our food. I slipped my phone back into my pocket and found Marley's fingers under the table. "So, my house is empty tonight? Do you wanna come and hang out for a bit?"

She nervously bit her lip and swallowed as she looked away from me and I could feel her leg bouncing up and down.

"What's the matter?" I gently questioned.

"Josh— I'm— well," she stuttered. "Im not ready to have sex yet."

She wouldn't look at me. She looked like she wanted to disappear. I suddenly thought about how it must have sounded , telling her that the house was empty and inviting her back there. I mentally face palmed and cleared my throat.

"I swear, that's not what I meant," I placed a finger under her chin and tipped her head so that she was looking at me. "I just meant that I'm not ready for the night to be over and I knew that if I asked you to come home with me, without clarifying that Blake isn't there, you probably wouldn't have wanted to come. That's all... I promise."

She smiled, appearing considerably more relaxed. "Well, sure, I'd love too then. Sorry for making assumptions."

"Don't be sorry beautiful," I quickly pecked her hand, which was still linked with mine and gently pulled her to her feet.

"Shall we?"