Unsolved Equations: A Standalone Teacher Student Romance, page 10
"You could have just asked. I love driving my baby and showing her off." I cooed about my car.
"I hope you talk about me like that to people."
I smacked his arm playfully. "Shut up and put on your seat belt." I laughed, peeling out of the drive way.
"WE'RE HERE." I ANNOUNCED an hour later, taking the key out of the ignition and hopping out of my car, painfully wincing. "That was too long of a drive."
"Can I drive back?" He asked, excitedly.
"I suppose so." I smiled wearily at the thought of my baby being driven by someone other than me.
"Awesome!”
"Sometimes you can really act like a little kid." I blew air out.
"Whatever, you like it." He shrugged as I took his hand and walked towards the mall.
All the girls are practically drooling over him. Seriously, he's hot. I get it, but do they have to stare constantly?
I groaned, walking into a store.
"What's wrong?" Chris asked, wrapping his arms around me.
"All of those girls are looking at you like you're something to eat," I mumbled.
He chuckled. "They may be looking at me like that but I'm looking at you in the same way.”
I shook my head in amusement as we walked further into the store.
"What about this?" he asked, holding up a blue sports shirt.
I nodded. "Dad will love it, get another one for Leo too. Those men are one in the same. I'm thinking of getting mom and Georgia matching necklaces, what do you think?" I asked, gazing at a purple stone necklace.
"I think they will like it."
We bought the shirts and necklaces then walked back into the mall.
"I have no idea how I got so lucky."
"Lucky?"
I nodded. "You're absolutely gorgeous, in a guy way, you're so sweet, understanding, protective, and lovable and then I'm just me." I used a hand gesture to motion to myself.
"You're amazing Brooklyn."
"Thank you but I have to get you something now, so go away." I pushed him away from me.
"Nope. You're not getting rid of me that easy."
"Wanna bet?" I raised my eyebrows.
"You kn-" He was rudely cut off by a high-pitched voice that I’ve really come to detest.
''Mr. Daniels, Hi!" Kristen greeted him.
I winced in annoyance, but I turned around quickly and started walking away.
She couldn’t see me with him.
"Hello Kristen," I heard him greet her from behind me.
I took this as my chance and snuck off before she could see me. As much as I hate leaving him with that thing, I did need to get him his present.
After making my decision and buying his gift I skipped over towards where I left Chris and that skank, sure enough she was standing too close to him and he looked very uncomfortable to say the least.
"Mr. Daniels, Kristen! What are you two doing here?" I asked, making my voice seem surprised.
"Like it's any of your business," she said before Chris could voice anything.
"I actually don’t really care why you’re here,” I said to her before turning towards Chris. “What’re you doing here Mr. Daniels?"
“I was just out shopping for my girlfriend.”
“That’s sweet.”
“Actually, he’s with me.” She stepped closer to him.
“I doubt that’s true.”
"No, we’re in love!" She pursed her lips.
He's in love with me, not you; crazy pants.
"No, we most certainly are not!" Chris argued with her, shock evident on his face.
"Kristen, what the hell are you doing? That could cost him his job. That’s fucked up, even for you." I was shocked that she’d put him in that kind of position.
"You're such a bitch. What happened to that scared little girl who didn't have a back bone?" She rolled her eyes.
"I have places to be instead of arguing with some low-class whore.” I sneered. “My apologies Mr. Daniels but I have to leave.” I nodded my head at him and walked away with steam blowing out of my ears.
I marched all the way out to the parking lot and slid into the passenger side of my car.
I wanted to punch her in the face for being all over my boyfriend, but I couldn't because that would mean exposing our relationship. She could get him in a load of trouble.
While I was off shopping, I bought Chris a war game that he had been wanting and Ty a best friend’s key chain and a new football.
Ty and I each get a new best friend symbol every Christmas and keep it with us until the next Christmas then we put everything we get each other in a small box labeled distinctly "Best friends", a tradition I wasn't going to give up this year, no matter the circumstances.
A couple of minutes later Chris came out and slipped into the driver’s seat. "How was it?"
"I can't believe you left me with her."
"I hated to, but I had to get your present and that was the only way you would have left me alone to get it. Not to mention there was no way she could see us together." I rolled my eyes as he huffed and pulled out of the mall.
"That girl could very well cost me my job."
"And I couldn't?"
"You wouldn't say anything and you're actually worth it if we did get caught."
"What happens when I graduate?" I asked, glancing at him and I say his lips curve upward.
"When you graduate, we can go public." He smiled, looking at me as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"I can't wait for that." I bit my lip.
"Me either."
"We're going to have to tell them we just got together after graduation, aren't we?"
"Yeah, we are." He nodded.
After what seemed like ages we finally pulled into my drive way.
"I would walk you to your door, but your dad still thinks that I'm just your teacher and neighbor."
"Well, I think it's time for him to know. We have been dating for over four months."
"Yeah, but can we do it tomorrow since you are having a family thing?''
I nodded. "Yes, but the rest of my family are really bad-mannered. I hate being around them."
"Well, looks like I get to meet your bad-mannered family." He smirked.
"Okay, fine. What about going to your parents and the rest of your family's gathering?"
"Well, what time is it going on over here?" He traced the back of my hand lightly with his fingertips.
"Around three."
"Mine is around ten. So, we will go to mine then leave and go to yours around two. Is that okay?"
"Sounds good to me." I smiled, bending over and kissing him gently.
"Make sure you lock my doors before you leave to get out." I instructed as I grabbed the bags, got out of the car, and went inside my house.
I walked down to my room since everyone else was already asleep. I sat the bags down by the stairs. The room was dark, so I didn’t bother with the lights as I stripped down and got one of Chris's T- shirts to put on. I jumped on to my bed and hit something hard.
I cried out in shock and they groaned in pain.
"Damnitt."
"Ty! Why are you in my bed?"
"I fell asleep." He groaned.
I rolled my eyes. “Ty.”
"My bad." He laughed.
"I got your present.”
"I've had yours, since I went Christmas shopping, you know before Christmas eve."
"Just get out of here. I need my beauty sleep." I shooed.
"G'night Brooke" He chuckled as he left my room.
I WOKE UP THE NEXT morning to my phone going off. I put the receiver to my ear. “Merry Christmas!" Maria cheered.
"Merry Christmas," I mumbled as I rubbed my eyes.
"Wake up! Wake up! It's Christmas!"
"I'm up." I yawned. My eyes almost popped out of my sockets when I glanced at the time. "I have to go get ready! Merry Christmas, have a great one!" I rushed, hanging up.
I hopped out of my bed and ran to the closet. I was rummaging through my clothes when Ty made his appearance.
"Merry Christmas, Brooke," he said softly.
I turned my head towards him and smiled. "Merry Christmas Ty."
"You look hot," he teased but then his tone faded. “It’s his shirt."
I felt my face get hot and nodded.
"I'll let you get ready. I love you Brooke," he mumbled walking away.
"Love you too!" I shouted after him.
I settled on a white off the shoulder dress and some white heels. I decided to throw my hair up into a long side braid. I put on my makeup and jewelry then walked up the stairs.
I grabbed a bottle of water and headed off to Chris's. I knocked on his door and Carter opened it grinning.
"Brookie! I've missed you so!" He squealed, pulling me into a hug.
"I missed you too Carter. Merry Christmas!" I laughed.
He let go of me and started walking out of the door. "I have to go to my parent’s. Catch you later." He winked before heading off.
I shook my head silently and shut the door behind me. "You look absolutely gorgeous Brooklyn," Chris's husky voice rang from beside me, making me jump a little.
"You scared me! You little-" I was at a loss for words. He was wearing a black tux. His hair sleeked back making it look sexy yet formal and he wore black dress shoes to match the tux. "You look incredible."
He chuckled deeply before wrapping his arms around me and bending down to kiss my lips. "You ready beautiful?"
I nodded biting my lip. I couldn’t wait to be alone with him later.
Chapter 15
“S
top fidgeting."
"I can't help it. Last time I came to Christmas with your family, you were off at college and everyone talked about how much they missed Drake's older brother and now, I'm showing up the next year with said brother," I said as we pulled into his parents estate.
"Baby, don't worry about it. It is Christmas after all." He flashed his award-winning smile at me and stepped out of his car.
I huffed and opened the door, stepping out as well. He walked around to my side and grabbed my hand. I shook away my nerves as we went inside the house.
"Brooke! Darling, how are you?" his mother asked, pulling me into a hug as some of the family started bombarding Chris.
"I'm very good. How are you?" I smiled, hugging her back.
“Wonderful, it’s Christmas!”
"Hi Brooke," his dad greeted.
I smiled at him and hugged him, wishing him a Merry Christmas which he returned.
"Brooke." Drake tapped me on my shoulder.
My throat felt tight as I turned to face him. "Drake."
"We should talk later."
I shook my head. "No thanks." I started walking away but he grabbed my arm to stop me. "Don't touch me."
"You didn't mind me touching you before, in fact I’m pretty sure you enjoyed it." He sneered.
“That was before I found out what a piece of shit you are.” I narrowed my eyes at him.
He tightened his grip around my arm and jerked me towards him. “You’ll be happy to know I’m not like that anymore.”
“I don’t care.” I tried to keep my voice steady, but I was shivering in disgust.
"Let go of her." Chris’ voice sent a chill down my spine.
"I’ll let her go for now." Drake dropped his hand and walking away.
“What did you ever see in my brother?” Chris raised his eyebrows.
“I don’t know. He wasn’t like this when I was with him; then again, I was just a bet.” I shrugged.
“You’re much more than a stupid bet.”
“I know.” I allowed my lips to curve upward.
“Brooke! Oh my, it’s been forever! I’ve missed you!” Lilly ran over, practically screaming in excitement.
Lilly was a cousin that I had become close with as well when I dated Drake. She had beautiful red hair that reached past her belly button and the same eyes as Christopher, sea green.
“Lilly! I’ve missed you too! How’ve you been?”
“I’ve been good. I see you’ve met Chris?” she asked, eyebrows raised.
“Oh, uh yeah.” I giggled. “You see, you were right about Drake being a douchebag and when I met Christopher here he just caught my attention instantly. I’m in love with him.” A vibrant smile played on my lips.
“Almost as much as I’m in love with her,” Chris said from beside me, wrapping his arm around my waist, pulling me closer.
“Awe, I’m glad you found each other. He needs someone like you. Plus, you were too good for Drake anyway.” She laughed, flipping her hair to the side. “I must go greet the others. Keep in touch Brooke!” She hugged me tightly then made her way toward the crowd.
“She seems to like you.”
“Yeah, your mom, Lilly, and I always used to go out to town together.” I fiddled with my thumbs.
“I remember everyone talking about a Brooke that was too good for my brother and they were right. You’re too good for me too.”
“I am not! If anything, you’re too good for me.” I bumped my hip with his.
“Whatever you say, Brooklyn.”
“Shut up, Christopher.”
“Let’s go mingle and get some food,” he suggested, as we walked hand in hand towards the buffet.
“BROOKE, COME AGAIN soon. We really have missed you,” his mom and Lilly told me while his dad agreed.
“I will. I’ve missed you guys too.” I grinned, thanking them for the food and having me over.
“Goodbye Brooke,” Drake said, extending his arms for a hug.
I didn’t want to seem rude to the rest of his family, so I returned the hug.
“Bye.” I retreated from the hug and stood close to Chris. He grabbed my hand, intertwining them as we walked to his car.
Once seated, he took off. “I don’t like how he hugged you.”
“I don’t either. Not at all.” I shivered in disgust.
It took about fifteen minutes to reach my crowded drive way. There was almost no room, so Chris parked in his drive way.
“Now, I’m just warning you again that my family is rude besides my parents of course. My cousins are boy crazy, and the whole family criticizes me when they get a chance. Please always stay close to me and ignore them if they are out of line,” I told him all in a quick breath.
“Okay babe. I will.” He pecked me on the lips before we got out.
I walked over to him and he intertwined my hand within his as we walked inside.
My whole family was there, including Ty, Georgia, and Leo. My terribly annoying and uncouth cousin, Kendra was currently all-over Ty, sitting on his lap at the dining room chair.
Kendra was a grade below me and liked to bed anything with a penis—and that was me putting it nicely. She had blond hair, which was dyed, and she had bright blue contacts in though she had brown eyes. She looked like a try-hard Barbie doll.
When she saw me, or rather Christopher, she climbed off Ty and skipped over to us.
“They really weren’t kidding; you don’t look like a boy anymore.” She grabbed my shoulders before smiling at Chris. “Oh well, you’re still the same boring girl. Who’s this lovely man candy?”
“I’m Brooklyn’s boyfriend.” He squeezed my hand reassuringly.
“Why are you with her? You’re like, unbelievably sexy. Same as Ty, I don’t get why he’s your best friend. I mean, he could have way more attractive friends, maybe that’s why he’s friend-zoned your dreadful ass.” She shrugged, talking out of her head again.
“I’m actually in love with Brooke. She’s the one who friend-zoned me, she’s far from dreadful, unlike you.” Ty hugged me from behind.
“So, she’s a slut.” She popped her gum and continued chewing loudly.
I rolled my eyes at her. “If anyone is a slut here it would be you.” I narrowed my eyes at her.
“How am I a slut?”
“You throw yourself at Ty every time you see him which, by the way, he has never been interested. You just came up to my boyfriend and tried to steal him, which just doesn’t happen. I’ve never met someone so thirsty for attention before. I actually feel bad for you.”
She glared at me as crocodile tears flowed from her eyes. She was sobbing like a two-year-old who didn’t get their way.
“Brooke! How dare you make your cousin cry after all she’s been is pleasant towards you?” My Aunt Theresa came over to us and wrapped an arm around her daughter. She looked me up and down then looked at Chris. “You could do so much better than that.”
I looked down and clenched my fist.
“No. I don’t think I could. I’m surprised she even spared me a glance.” He narrowed his eyes at them.
“Not that I had a choice, you did spill your coffee all over me,” I muttered.
“Honey, him spilling coffee on you probably was the best thing that happened to you,” my Uncle Tim said, walking over to his wife and daughter.
“Excuse me, where do you think you’re going? You just made her cry! She’s family,” Aunt Theresa screeched at me, when we tried making our escape.
“Family? You all don’t give a shit that I’m family. She bashed me like usual and started ‘crying’ when you came up,” I snapped, putting air quotes around crying.
“Well you need some bashing because you think you’re so flawless well newsflash dear, you’re not.”
“You’re a grown woman talking like a middle schooler. If anyone needs bashed, it’s you.” My hands were shaking, and I was aching to shove my fist down their throat.
“Theresa, I think it’s time you guys leave. I will not let you treat my daughter with such disrespect,” my dad said, overhearing the conversation.
I quickly let go of Chris’s hand.
“Fine, you and your child are a disgrace. Goodbye.” She stomped out of the house, with her husband in tow.
“If you two ever want a girl who isn’t low class, call me.” Kendra blew kisses to the boys as if she was never crying before she followed her parents out.
“What a manipulative little—” Ty was cut off by Dad.
“Brooke, may I speak with you and Chris, alone?”
“Yes sir.” Chris nodded before I could protest.
