*NOT EDITED*

Chapter 20

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   Elyse pulled up in front of the school, and stopped the engine. For some reason, she decided to drive us to school today. But I guess it was convenient because I was going to Emma's house after school.

   "So, what is it that you wanted to say," Damon said, looking at the time on his phone impatiently. Now that I think about it, no one really wears watches anymore.

   "I just wanted to tell you that in your two-week vacation, we'll be going to California like every year." She turned in her seat to look at me.

   "Yeah, but I thought that would change when we moved to Alaska. I thought we'd visit our friends in Arizona," I said sadly.

   "We already booked the tickets, and I'm sure we'll have another chance to go to Arizona. Honey, you love Cali." She gave me a small smile and I returned it.

   "I do, but . . . Whatever, it's fine. We're going to be late. Bye, Elyse." I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before grabbing my bag and leaving the car. Damon did the same and he started walking beside me.

   "Would you rather Cali or Arizona?" I asked.

   "I think I'd prefer Cali. We need to have a new start, Ash. The past is the past, don't waste your time reminiscing."

   I took in his words wisely before nodding and going to my separate way.

   Damon was right. I can't stay hung up on what happened. I have to let go.

   I don't think I've ever been happier in my life. Not even when Dad and Elyse got me my baby, and I was really happy back then. The exam weeks were finally over and I was free!!! Free, I tell you, free.

   "I'm free!" Ryder exclaimed as he jumped in the air cheesily.

   "I'm not touching a damn book again in the next two weeks," Damon said, shaking his head.

   "Me neither," Drake agreed.

   "Oh, come on. You guys are over exaggerating," Bex said, rolling her eyes.

   We all gave her 'what-are-you-even-saying' looks when we heard what she said.

   "Easy for you to say, you probably solved the questions with your eyes closed." I scoffed.

   "True that." Emma nodded her head.

   "Whatever. So, the party's today, huh?" Bex asked excitedly.

   Ever since the talk with Bex, she's been a little more open about things. I'm not saying that she was feeling all better now and everything was Gucci because my talk won't change the fact that her parents are getting divorced. But she still got a little release from talking about it.

   "Yup! I can't wait to get my sexy on," I said, wiggling my eyebrows. Emma and Bex giggled, whereas Ryder exhaled heavily and Damon raised his eyebrows.

   "What? You're not gonna go all big brother on me now. This party is going to be swarmed with hot college guys, and I'm gonna have fun."

   Obviously, I wasn't going to do that. I was probably going to end up by the food booth gaining 700 calories by the minute, but I just wanted to get under Ryder's skin.

   And judging by the fact that he clenched his jaw, I was guessing it worked.

   Laughing slightly, I nudged Ryder in the shoulder.

   "Relax, I'm not gonna do anything wrong. I'm just teasing you."

   He rolled his eyes. "Of course, you're not going to do anything because . . . ."

   He got on one knee and grabbed a small box from his pocket. My eyes widened, realizing what he was going to do.

   "Ash . . . Wait, what's your middle name?" He whispered the last part.

   "It's Shane. What are you doing? Get up!" I whisper yelled back.

   He raised his voice even louder, grabbing almost everyone's attention in the parking lot.

   "Ash Shane Brooks. Would you do me the pleasure of being my girlfriend?" He opened the box to reveal a lollipop-ring-thingy.

   I laughed at the sight.

   "We've only been on one date!" I decided to embarrass him a little.

   "And we'll go on plenty more if you be my girlfriend."

   "Hmm . . . Let me think about it. I'll text you later my decision." I gave him a small smile and Damon burst into laughter.

   Emma nudged me hard in the ribs. "Say yes, you lunatic! The whole school's watching."

   "Yes, I'll be your date, Ryder . . . Wait what's your middle name?"

   "Sanders," he said with a laugh.

   "Ryder Sanders Adams, I'll be your girlfriend." I took the ring and gave it a lick before sliding it down my finger.

   Everyone laughed and Ryder got back up to his feet.

   "May I have a kiss?" He pulled me closer to him with a smile.

   "Yes."

   "Oh, look at that. You're not going to tor-"

   I interrupted him by crashing my lips with his. That was enough talking.

   He kissed me and the world fell away. It was slow and soft, comforting in ways that words would never be. His hand rested below my ear, his thumb caressing my cheek as our breaths mingled. His lips tasted like mint mixed with chocolate⎯ somehow, it was perfect. Just as I felt a rush of euphoric bliss envelop me, making my heart sing with pure joy, Ryder drew away. I instantly missed the lovely heat curling within me.

   I've had lots of kisses before, but never like this. Looking around, I realized why he stopped. A deep blush rose up my cheeks as I caught sight of practically the whole school watching us.

   Emma was squeaking like crazy, and Damon and Drake twisted their faces in disgust.

   "Enough PDA for a year. Eukh." Damon shuddered, making me roll my eyes.

   I wasn't able to catch Bex's or Ryder's reaction because Emma had pulled me away to her car with Bex following.

   "Come on, as much as I think Ashder is my otp, we have to go to get ready for the party. We can't be late, now can we?" She pushed us into the car and shut the door behind us.

   "You came up with a ship name already?" Bex asked incredulously.

   "It's Emma Travis. Pleasure to meet you."

   I laughed at her way of saying 'have you met me'.

   The car ride was short, but that didn't stop me from thinking about the kiss every second of the way. Smiling widely, I looked at the lolli-ring and gave it a lick. I realized that it was green-apple flavored.

   I guess they didn't have apple pie flavored rings, I thought with a laugh, earning weird looks from Emma and Bex.

   Once we reached the house, I gaped at her house. Emma's house was not a house. It was a mansion, or maybe even a palace.

   The cream coating of the paint shined as the sun beat down on it, forcing me to squint. Uniquely twisted fencing kept the house enclosed, neatly trimmed hedges surrounded the house. The roof was peaked, slanting down at an angle.

   As I stepped onto the sidewalk, I noticed a marble fountain sitting towards the right side of the lawn. An angel holding a flower was perched on top, looking up towards the sky.

   Water spurted from its other hand, which lay gently out in front of it, as if waiting for someone to take it in return. The water fell gently towards the crystal blue pool beneath it, causing ripples to form and wave out until they were no more.

   "Your parents must be millionaires." I blurted.

   "My dad owns an oil company and my mom's Ella Travis."

   "Ella Travis? As in the Ella Travis? Biggest fashion designer in the country?" I asked, my eyes wide.

   "The one and only," Emma said with a laugh as she led us to the front door.

   "No wonder you're . . . You," Bex said, shaking her head and making us all laugh in the process.

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Author's Note:

Hey, guys! Sorry for the short chapter, but I have a lot on my plate. I hope you still liked it, though!

What are your thoughts about the chapter? The kiss? I really don't mind constructive criticism, so please do that.

Also, the next chapter is going to be at the party! Eeek! I can't wait! I'll try to post it tmrw, but if I didn't, then it would definitely be after tomorrow.

Don't forget to VOTE, COMMENT, SHARE, and FOLLOW!