Chapter 22

I was already tired when I woke up and I hadn’t even done anything yet. My parents, being the nice dolls (sarcasm, my friends) that they are, had scheduled my viola lesson for 10 o’clock and allowed me to get an extra 30 minutes of sleep. They woke me up at 8:30 A.M. I proceeded to get ready for my lesson.

I was driving to my lesson when I decided I had enough time to get a coffee, so that’s what I did. When I arrived at the building, I entered with a smile on my face. My parents also decided to change my instructor to a stricter; my parent’s word for crueler, one who thinks that I’m some type of rebel who disobeys her parents every wish.

“Fiona Harper,” His voice was leveled but it had a tinge of annoyance hidden within it. “You’re 3 minutes late.” He chided and I sighed. He was that guy.

“Sir, I’m sure that my parents have informed you that this building is a 45 minute drive and I was woken up so early that I didn’t have time for breakfast, so I stopped for coffee.” I excused and he raised both of his eyebrows.

“Are you back talking me? I will not teach a disrespectful child,” He said, slamming his hands onto his desk as I sat in the seat across from him. Child? I’m 17 and that isn’t a child in my eyes. And I’m only defending my point. “Now, you’ve already wasted enough time, sit down and play Beethoven Symphony 5.”

I nodded, placing the music in front of me as I adjusted my bow onto my strings, starting out the song and finishing it. He nodded his head in satisfaction. He walked over to my stand and took the sheet music away and nodded his head at me.

“What?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. Did he expect me to play it without the music?

“Play it.” He spoke and I gave him a look mixed with confusion and annoyance.

“I’ve just received the sheet music last week in the mail from my other instructor. I don’t remember the song.” I said and he shrugged.

“That isn’t my problem. Most kids that I teach who are half your age can remember this song in the matter of 3 days.” He retorted and I placed my viola in its case momentarily.

“Well, kids half my age aren’t in high school.” I snapped and he glared at me.

“Well, kids half your age have respect for their elders.” He retorted, my music still in his fat fingers.

“I give respect to those who give respect to me, no matter what their age is.” I informed him and he narrowed his eyes.

“You know what? Go home and practice, come back next Saturday with a new attitude.” He demanded slamming the sheet music onto my stand. I grabbed it and shoved it into the compartment on the viola case.

“You’re lucky if I come back at all. And don’t expect a full pay for this class, I’ve been here no longer than 5 minutes.” I stated and he muttered under his breath.

“I should be paid more for having to deal with your attitude.” He replied and I turned to face him.

“Would you like to file that complaint with my parents?” I asked and he shook his head. I turned back and held my chin up, walking out of the building.

I stuffed my viola into the backseat of my car and drove home, not stopping for food on the way. I was hungry, but I was going to talk to my parents first. Why would they assign me to that instructor? What possessed them to do that?

When I entered my house, I realized that my parents were at a meeting so I quickly ran upstairs, unzipped my viola and started practicing. Just to try and show Mr. Stupid Pants that I could remember in a song in 7 days, I started practicing it with the music, slowly trying to remember each section.

I continued practicing, my fingers starting to cramp up. That’s what you get for abandoning your instrument for nearly a month. I groaned, placing the instrument down and cracking my knuckles.

“You’re pretty good at that.” Adrian’s voice startled me and I jumped slightly, turning towards the window with my bow in my hand. I saw that his expression was sincere.

“Thanks.” I replied, putting the viola down into its case, ready to close it but he stopped me.

“Do you know only play classical or do you know some modern day?” He asked, raising an eyebrow and I nodded.

“I know some modern day, mostly love songs.” I shrugged and he smiled, raising his hands up to cradle his face.

“Play something for me.” He prodded and I felt my confidence drop about 30 stories.

“I don’t think I should…” I said, placing the bow into the case and he stopped me.

“Please, even if you mess up, which you won’t, I won’t laugh because I wouldn’t even be able to play that instrument if I tried.” He persuaded and I sighed, taking the instrument out of its case once again.

I had to rosin my bow, rubbing the rosin up and down the bow quickly to make sure that the bow doesn’t squeak.

“What’s that?” Adrian asked, staring at the rosin. He smirked and I rolled my eyes.

“It’s rosin and it helps the bow stay on the strings.” I explained and he nodded, watching me place the rosin back into the case.

“What are you playing for me?” He asked and I shrugged, racking my brain for any songs that he’d know.

“Do you know Payphone by Maroon 5?” I asked and he nodded, I shrugged. Getting into playing position, I started playing the familiar song and he was humming along, listening to my playing.

It felt weird having an audience of someone I know. Usually, it’d be a crowd of people while I sit on stage playing some song my instructor forced me to learn and practice every day for 9 weeks. But now, it was a song I learned myself and it was someone who I actually liked.

He watched my hands do the constant changing finger placements before I ended the song, hiding my face from the blush that was coming.

“That was amazing,” He spoke and I shrugged, placing the instrument back into its case. “How’d your lesson go?” He asked me and I sighed, rubbing my forehead.

“How about I go get something to eat first and then I’ll talk to you? Because I’m starving.” I whined and he laughed, picking up his keys and putting them into his pocket.

“How about this? I take you to get something to eat and you tell me while we’re there,” He spoke and I thought about this for a second. “I’ll pay.” He spoke in a sing-song voice and I shrugged, grabbing my jacket and putting it on before exiting my house.

__

“So what are you in the mood for? Chinese? Pizza?” He asked and I smiled wildly as he spoke of the beautiful meal that is Pizza. He seemed to noticed this as he smiled.

“Pizza it is. They have this new restaurant where they make different types of pizzas and it’s like a pizza buffet,” He explained and I listened, my mouth nearly watering as the words escaped his mouth. “Want to go there?” He asked and I nodded my head quickly. This seemed to amuse him as he smirked at me.

He opened the car door for me before he got into the driver’s side. We drove for about 5 minutes in silence.

“Are you going to explain about your lesson or not?” Adrian reminded me and I nodded. Oh, that.

“My new instructors a jerk,” I muttered and he laughed. “This is no laughing matter, Easton, the guy is mean.” I said and he laughed lightly.

“Why?” He asked and I let out a long sigh.

“I went to the lesson 3 minutes late and he was on my case, calling me disrespectful and when he told me to play the song, I did. He then proceeded to take the song away from me and tell me to play it from memory. Who does that?” I spoke, earning a nod from Adrian.

“When I told him that I couldn’t do it, he then told me that children half my age could remember the song in 3 days. I told him that 8 year olds don’t have the stress of High School on their hands and he told me to come back with a better attitude.” I told Adrian and Adrian smirked.

“Getting sassy, Fiona? You’re hanging out with me too much.” He sighed and I rolled my eyes.

“Did you just call yourself sassy?” I asked and he shrugged.

“I’m the sass master.” He spoke and I smirked, thinking of One Direction.

“From Doncaster?” I asked and he rolled his eyes, giving me an annoyed look.

“You like One Direction?” He asked and I shrugged.

“Tumblr is full of them. I just think the blonde one is cute.” I admitted and he rolled his eyes, shaking his head dramatically.

“Girl, that’s Niall. The curly haired one is my man, his name is Harry.” He imitated in a girl’s voice and I laughed.

“How do you know their names?” I asked and he shrugged.

“I watch a lot of television,” He smiled and I rolled my eyes. “Mattie likes them.” He suggested and I rolled my eyes again.

“You’re a liar.” I said and he shook his head.

“Honestly!” He admitted and I shook my head, feigning disappointment.

“We’re here!” He nearly shouted and I smiled widely, watching as the pizza place came into view. I looked at the time. It was already 12. I needed to be in my room, doing my project by 2.

__

“What’s on your bucket list?” He asked me while I ate a slice of plain cheese pizza. I gave him an annoyed look. If he doesn’t stop asking me that, I’ll shove it down his throat and he’ll have to wait 2-5 business days to find out.

“You keep asking me that and I never tell you!” I announced and he smiled, shrugging his shoulders while biting into pepperoni pizza.

“One can hope, right? Who did you choose?” He asked and I furrowed my eyebrows.

“For what?” I asked and he smiled, leaning closer as I bit into the pizza nervously.

“To kiss,” He replied and I rolled my eyes. “I just want to hear the name come out of your mouth.”

“I’m not going to tell you,” I told him. “Besides if you already know, then there’s no point in me saying it.” I shrugged and he puckered out his lower lip. I let my eyes stay on his pale pink mouth for a minute before I shook my head.

“Please,” He begged and I shook my head again, biting into my pizza. “Why won’t you tell me?” He asked and I gave him a glare. I just continued eating my pizza, not needing to inflate his ego any more than it already is.

“You don’t need to know.” I stated, continuing on my plate of pizzas.

“Please.” He kept repeating and I finally caved in. I swear, the boy said it at least 58 times in a 5 minute span.

“Fine, Can you just shut up and let me eat first?” I asked and he smirked before nodding.

“When are you going to tell me?” He asked after 15 minutes passed. I sighed and placed my head into my hands.

“If I answer it now, you can’t ask any questions, okay?” I asked and he nodded, eyes widening slightly. His excitement was clear in his now green eyes. He was like a little kid, except he was 17… and hot.

“I chose you.” I spoke, waiting for his reaction. He looked confused for a moment before he asked me to repeat myself.

“Come again?” He asked and I sighed, running a hand through my loose hair.

“I chose you,” I restated, making my sentence louder. He thought for a moment before his smile widened and smugness took over his expression. You could see his ego inflating. “This is why I didn’t want to tell you.” I informed him and he frowned.

“What? Why?” He asked and I sighed.

“Like you need more compliments.” I sighed and he shrugged.

“I just have one question and I’ll restrain from asking you anymore,” He spoke and I found myself glaring at me. If this was about my ‘For Now Bucket List,’ I was going to stab him in the face with the crust of this pizza. You’d probably eat it after. “It’s not about your bucket list.” He assured me and I sighed.

“What is it?” I asked and he furrowed his eyebrows.

“Why?” He questioned and I shrugged.

“I don’t know, because you’re kinder? You can make me smile without trying? You’re not only talking to me because you want some?” I stated and he raised an eyebrow.

“When I got upset, Ethan didn’t come and talk to me and you did. Despite the fact that we were in an argument, and if I’m being completely honest; you’re the last person I expected to be able to cheer me up.” I shrugged and he nodded, a small smile on his face.

We continued eating in silence. He looked up at me for a minute before looking down at his food and eating, he continued doing this.

“What?” I eventually asked, getting tired of his random stares.

“Nothing.” He supposed, smirking. I just rolled my eyes and he continued this awkward staring before I sighed.

“What?” I asked, my annoyance growing and he smirked, shaking his head again.

“I’m not doing anything,” Adrian spoke and I gritted my teeth, my anger growing quickly. When he did it again, I felt my foot connect with his shin underneath the table. “Why would you do that?” He hissed.

“I didn’t do anything.” I imitated, pretending to be innocent and he glared at me. I felt his foot lightly kick mine. I furrowed my eyebrows.

“If you wanted to play footsies, you could’ve just asked.” He winked and I scowled, lifting my feet and sitting on them.

__

“Are you excited about the party?” Adrian asked, driving back to our street. I shrugged slightly.

“Somewhat.” I stated and he raised an eyebrow.

“What?” He asked and I bit my lip.

“I can’t swim, you know?” I told him, remembering the incident where he almost drowned me.

“Can you doggy paddle?” He asked and I nodded aggressively. I’m proud of my doggy paddle. I’d even go as far as to call it the German Sheppard sweep. I’m kidding.

“Then you have nothing to worry about. Besides, I’m sure that everyone else can swim and will dive in and save you if you drown,” He said and I nervously nodded. “Don’t be so worried.” He laughed and I nodded again, staring out of the window.

__

We got back to the houses at 2:15 and I decided to work on my project. I’ll finish it Sunday, in fact- I think I’ll take it with me when I babysit Mattie.

At 2:50 P.M., I packed up my school bag with my project and made my way next door after I saw Denise’s car leave. Adrian gladly opened the door, allowing me to enter the comfortable house. Mattie was sitting on the floor, coloring. I stepped over his GI Joe toys and I’m guessing Adrian didn’t.

“Mattie! What did I tell you about moving your toys? I almost broke my neck!” Adrian snapped, regaining his balance as he kicked the dolls. I frowned at his rude behavior and muttered under my breath.

“I wish you had.” He gave me an amused look.

“Shut up, you wouldn’t be able to kiss me,” He teased and I glared at him, picking up one of Mattie’s toys and throwing it at Adrian. I missed, but he got the point. “Missed me, missed me, now you have to kiss me!” He teased and I glared at him.

“No thank you,” I retorted, wrinkling my nose. “Just because I chose you out of Ethan and you doesn’t meant that I’d actually kiss you.” I lied and he smirked.

“Ew, stop talking about kissing; girls have cooties.” Mattie concluded and I laughed lightly. Let’s hope Adrian doesn’t corrupt this cute innocent boy.

“Well, I’ve got to get going. If my mother calls- don’t answer, call my cell phone, I’ll call her on it. If you guys get hungry, the food is where food normally is- the kitchen. I should be back at around 4:15. Be good Mattie,” Adrian smirked before turning to me. “You too, Fiona.” He winked and I rolled my eyes.

“Whatever you say, Dad.” I scoffed and he smirked.

“I prefer being calling ‘Daddy’ by you.” He explained while I just rolled my eyes, sitting beside Mattie on the floor. I despise it when girls call their boyfriends, ‘Daddy.’

“Bye, Aidey!” Mattie called while Adrian kissed Mattie’s head. I made an ‘Awe’ sound and he glared at me.

“I’ll see you later, Mattie. Do you want a kiss too, Fiona?” He asked, smirking as I shook my head.

“A hug?” He asked, extending his arms as he approached me. I shook my head and he walked up to me and swung his arms around me, placing a kiss on the top of my head. I tried to push him away but my arms were pinned to my sides.

“Ew, get off of me, Easton,” I whined and Mattie was laughing loudly. When Adrian finally pulled away, I composed myself. I fixed my hair and crossed my arms. “You’re annoying.” I stated, my eyes narrowed and he winked before exiting the house.

__

“Are you and my brother dating?” Mattie asked me and I shook my head, a small smile on my lips.

“Then why did he kiss you?” He asked me and I shrugged.

“Your brother likes bothering me.” I informed Mattie and he laughed.

“What a coincidence! He likes bothering me, too!” He exclaimed and I laughed, letting my smile widen.

__

About 45 minutes later, I noticed that Mattie was getting bored. He sighed repeatedly and lied on the floor with his hands on his face. I smiled at the sight.

“So, what do you want to do?” I asked him and he shrugged, walking over to their video games and movie collection.

“Can we play Wii?” He asked me, his eyes pleading. He was pulling the puppy dog look on me and I made a face that looked like I was contemplating the idea.

“How about this, you play the Wii and I work on my project? I’ll be right here.” I said and he nodded quickly.

“Do you know how to set it up?” I asked and he nodded again, already walking over to the Wii. Next thing I know, he’s playing Wii Sports like a pro.

__

“I have to go to the bathroom, Mattie. Stay right here, okay?” I asked and he nodded his head as he playing the game. Venus and Serena Williams have some competition.

Making my way towards the bathroom, I passed by Adrian’s room. How did I know it was Adrian’s room? I remember him carrying me into his room. Take it however you want.

Instead of going to the bathroom like I told dear Mattie, I decided to take a peek into Adrian’s room. I wasn’t planning on snooping or anything, I was just… looking.

His room is familiar; I’ve been here a few times. As soon as I opened the door, I realized exactly what I was doing. I was stalking Adrian. When my foot hit the floor, I decided that I was already in the room. I smirked and walked over to his drawers, the first things that sparked interest.

I opened the first drawer and Adrian’s underwear came into view. And boy was it awkward. I quickly closed that drawer and opened the other drawers, noticing that he had several colored striped shirts and wife beaters. 

He had shorts in the next drawer and I stared at them awkwardly, wondering if he had his swimming trunks in there. The next drawer was sweat suits. He had the variety of colors and the main ones were black and red, no surprise there.

I noticed his hoodie on his bed and I restrained from smelling it. Would that be weird? Instead of doing that, I quickly exited the room and went to the bathroom, my designated area.

__

When I entered the room, I saw Mattie who was still skillfully playing Tennis. I sat away from him, afraid that he’d swing the Wii-Mote and it’d hit me in the face. I continued working on my project, waiting for Adrian to get back to his house.

“I’m hungry.” Mattie complained and I looked up at him. He paused the game and the Wii-Mote was lying on the couch beside me. I got up and walked to the kitchen with Mattie on my heels.

“What do you want?” I asked him and he smiled.

“Anything!” He exclaimed and I thought for a moment. Was he allergic to anything?

“Are you allergic to anything?” I asked and he shook his head. Could I trust him? I won’t give him anything with nuts in it (Hardy-har-har) or fruit.

“Do you want graham crackers?” I asked him and he shook his head.

“Do you want chicken nuggets?” I asked, opening the freezer and looking around. He was right behind me.

“I WANT ICE CREAM!” He announced and I looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

“Does your mom let you have ice cream at 3:40 P.M.?” I quizzed and he shrugged, looking adorable and innocent.

“She doesn’t have to know.” He spoke and I looked at their ice cream variety.

“Does ice cream make you hyper?” I questioned, taking the tub of chocolate ice cream out of the freezer. Mattie nodded and I smirked. Adrian should have fun with this.

About 15 minutes later, the door opened while Mattie was playing tennis like a complete pro, swinging the Wii-Mote like a wild man.

“I would move if I were you, last time he played that, the Wii-Mote flew off of his wrist and whacked me in the face.” Adrian’s voice said and I looked up at him to see that he was sweating. How hot it is it out there?

Mattie turned around and looked at Adrian with wild eyes. Adrian looked worried as he glanced at me.

“Mattie, don’t tell me you got into the play-doh again! Fiona, call poison control.” Adrian informed me and Mattie giggled.

“No, Aidey; Fi-Fi gave me chocolate ice cream.” He smiled and Adrian looked at me as I stood up and started placing my project into my bag.

“Where are you going?” He asked and I pointed to the clock and then to him.

“You’re here already.” I shrugged and started walking towards the door.

“So? Doesn’t mean you can’t stay and hang out, right?” He asked, nudging my side as I gave him a flat look.

“At least stay until I finish showering.” He told me, motioning to his sweat ridden face. I nodded, sitting back down as Adrian ran off to his room, to shower, I’m guessing.

__

“Let’s watch a movie.” Mattie said to me as he yanked my arm. I raised an eyebrow.

“What movie?” I asked and he shuffled over to their movie case, thumbing through their movies.

“The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie.” Mattie exclaimed, holding the movie out. I would complain, but I actually like this movie, so I won’t. I nodded, sitting back as Mattie looked at me expectantly.

“Can you make popcorn?” He asked and I nodded, getting up and walking over to the kitchen. I heard footsteps make their way down the stairs and into the living room.

“Where’s Fi-Fi?” Adrian asked Mattie and I heard the smirk in Mattie’s voice.

“Where a woman should be!” He laughed and I let out a small chuckle. Little Mattie, small sexist Mattie. I heard Adrian’s footsteps make their way towards the kitchen.

“You weren’t in my bed, so I figured you were here,” He laughed and I glared at him, rolling my eyes. He sat on the island and watched as I made popcorn. “We’re watching the SpongeBob movie?” Adrian asked and I nodded.

“I hate that movie.” He muttered and I smirked, shrugging my shoulders.

“I actually like that movie.” I suggested and he rolled his eyes, muttering about how childish I was.

__

During the end of the Movie, the door opening shocked Adrian and I. I wasn’t supposed to be here. Adrian just shrugged as I sat on the couch casually. When Denise walked into the living room, her eyes looked around at all of us sitting on the couch and she smiled.

“Hey.” She said and we all waved at her. “I didn’t know you were inviting your girlfriend over, Adrian.” She teased and I coughed on the popcorn. Why was I always eating when people said things like that? Because you’re fat.

“Well, I was bored so I asked if she wanted to come over.” He winked and I continued choking while Mattie patted his small hand on my back, sending words of encouragement to me.

“It’s okay, you’ll live.” He whispered and I wanted to laugh. This boy was adorable.

“You’re not responsible at all, Adrian. How long have you been here, dear?” Denise asked, rolling her eyes. I finally stopped coughing.

“About 15 minutes after you left, I walked over here.” I stated and she turned to face Adrian.

“Where were you?” She asked, rolling her eyes.

“At the gym.” Adrian sheepishly admitted. I glared at him.

“You went to the gym? You left me here so you could go to the gym with a bunch of sweaty men to lift a 10 pound bar over your chest?” I snapped, punching his arm. Mattie went back into his trance and continued watching SpongeBob, not allowing us to interrupt.

“I can bench more a lot more than 10. Besides, Mattie was well behaved, wasn’t he?” He asked and I punched him again.

“So? I have a project to finish!” I exclaimed, placing my hands on my hips. Adrian shrugged.

“That doesn’t seem like my problem.” He smirked and I punched him again, this time adding a bit more force. He stumbled backwards, placing his hand on his arm where I punched him.

“It’s going to be your problem when your neck is snapped and you’re lying in a coffin with my B+ paper shoved down your throat.” I scoffed as his eyes widened slightly.

“You guys fight like a married couple,” Denise spoke, earning protests from the both of us. “Now, I’m going upstairs to take a nap. Feel free to stay here as long as you like, Fiona, just know that Mattie is watching like a hawk.” She smirked and I shook my head, wrinkling my nose.

“Actually, I sort of have to go. I need to get ready for Trent’s pool gathering.” I smiled sheepishly and she nodded, heading upstairs. Adrian walked me to the door, opening it and smiling.

“Do you need a ride to Trent’s?” He asked and I shrugged.

“I’ll take that as a yes. Don’t worry, bathing suits are allowed in my car and highly encouraged.” He winked and I punched his arm again.

“Bye, Adrian.” I retorted, walking down the steps of the porch.

“Bye, My love. I shall see you on the Flip Side.” He exclaimed, getting down on one knee as I awkwardly walked towards my house. What a weirdo. A hot weirdo. Yeah, I know.