Fallen Love

Chapter 7

Mason

“What do you mean?” She tried to push off of me, but I kept a firm grip on her hips.

“Would you want to stay here? This way you wouldn’t have to hide any more. This could be your new home”

She looked scared. I could see tears forming in her eyes. My stomach dropped and I regretted asking her.

“You don’t have to. It was just a suggestion. I just want you to know that you’ll always have a place here with me” I kissed her forehead. “Just think about it. Please?”

She nodded her head on my chest. A few minutes later we felt everyone start to move around and wake up.

“What time is it?” Lucas stretched, grabbing Crystal’s ankle, causing her to giggle and sit up.

“It’s a little after 4pm”

“We gotta start our pre-gaming soon!”

Aiden shouted as he stretched and rolled onto his other side, cuddling a pillow.

“Pre-game?” Crystal asked, looking around at us.

“Just drinking before the party. It makes it more bearable to go to” Eithan responded.

She made an ‘o’ shape with her mouth.

“You gonna pre-game with us?” Andrew asked as he grabbed Crystal’s knee and gave it a small shake.

“I don’t think so. I wasn’t invited and I don’t even know the person throwing the party”

“You’ll be with us so you’ll be fine” Josh said.

“I don’t have anything to wear to a party”

“My sister could lend you something for tonight. You’re a little smaller than her, but I’m sure she’ll have something for you to wear” Sam said.

“I don’t know what to do at a party” she looked down at her hands “I’ve never been to one”

“You’ve never been to a high school party?” Josh asked.

“A party in general”

“Not even a birthday party or family event?”

“Not since I was 9”

Everyone got quiet and looked at her. I could tell she was getting uncomfortable. She began to pull her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them.

“That’s enough” I said as I got out of the bed. “She doesn’t want to go so just drop it”

“She didn’t say she doesn’t want to go”

Josh crossed his arms and leaned against the four post bed frame. We all turned towards her and she looked at the blanket like it was the most fascinating thing she has ever seen. I turned towards her.

“Crystal?”

I put my hand on her cheek and turned her head to look at me.

“Do you want to go to the party?”

Shelet out a deep breath.

“Would you stay with me?”

She opened those beautiful gray eyes. My heart tightened. How could I say no to her. I would do anything she asked. She had me wrapped around her little fingers and she didn’t even know it.

“Of course I will,” I rubbed her cheek with my thumb.

“Woooo!!!!”

Aiden yelled, jumping on the bed. I pulled Crystal out of the bed before she got trampled on by this i***t. She just laughed as she held onto me.

“So what are we waiting for? Sam, your sister. Eithan get the drinks! This party is going to be fire!!!”

Aiden yelled running out of the room.

I felt Crystal get ready to run after the i***t, but I held onto her as everyone else left her room.

“What’s wrong?”

“Do you really want to go to the party?” I lifted one of my hands off her waist and cupped her cheek.

“As long as you’re with me” she smiled and placed her hand on top of mine.

I leaned in and captured her lips in mine. She kissed me back. I could feel my friend getting hard. It took everything in me not to throw her on the bed and kiss every inch of her.

I grabbed her hand and led her out to the living room where Andrew was filling shot glasses with alcohol.

“My sister will be here soon. She was actually out shopping for the party tonight” Sam said as he grabbed s**t glasses and handed one to me.

“Cheers” we downed our drinks and handed them back. Only to have Andrew fill them all up again.

I didn’t take another one. I wanted to be alert at the party. They tried to give Crystal some shots, but Lucas and I kept taking them away. She didn’t seem to mind though.

Sam’s sister showed up. She was a pretty girl. Average height, sun kissed skin, light sandy brown hair and dark brown eyes. She looked a lot like Sam.

“Hey, sis” Sam gave her a side hug and led her to us. “Crystal, this is my sister Erika. Erika, this is Crystal”

“Yay! Now I’m not just stuck with all these gross boys!” she shouted, wrapping her in a tight hug.

Crystal looked confused about what she should do.

“Don’t worry girl! I don’t bite” she winked, grabbing her hand.

“That’s not what I heard,” Aiden smiled at Erika, earning a death glare from Sam.

“Wouldn’t you like to know”

She blew him a kiss and turned towards Crystal. They both burst out laughing.

“Now show me to your room and we can get started on your party makeover”

“Okay” Crystal waved at us and walked out of the room.

“I think they hit it off pretty well,” Sam patted my shoulder.

“I don’t think I can handle them both together” running my hands down my face”

“Don’t worry bud, I can take them both off your hands”

Aiden rested his arm on my other shoulder.

I looked at Sam and nodded.

“This is why I fail all my tests! My brain is already damaged enough without you guys smacking it around all the time”

“i***t”

We continued to pregame. While the girls got ready. I couldn’t tell what Josh was planning. His sudden interest in Crystal was putting me on edge. Maybe I was just being paranoid, but something was off with him..

Crystal

I was nervous to say the least. I have never been to a party before and didn’t know what to wear. I was thankful Erika was here to help me. I never had any girlfriends to talk to about these types of things.

She was very beautiful and seemed really sweet. She had brought all sorts of clothes, jewelry, shoes and makeup.

“I wasn’t sure what your style was, but with your body type you could pull of any look”

She rummaged through the bags and got out a black dress with gold six inch heels. I guess I looked at the heels a little too long.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’ve never worn heels before”

“Gotcha! Yeah, these heels are pretty intimidating”

She grabbed the outfit and shoes and began to look through a different bag.

“Try these on instead”

Passing me a white crop top, black mini skirt and some red wedges I headed to the bathroom. I was surprised at how well these clothes looked on me. The white crop top hid my bandages pretty well. It had a triangle cut in the middle of my chest so my cleavage was exposed. The skirt hugged my curves just right. When I put on the wedges I was a little wobbly, but got the hang of it quickly. I came out, Erika was on her phone. She was already dressed in a tight fitted purple dress with silver high heels and jewelry to match.

“Dang girl!”

She stood up and walked around me.

“My brother was right. You have a perfect hourglass figure.

I blushed

“Ready for some makeup and jewelry?”

“Yeah”

I sat at the desk as she brought over all the makeup.

“Do you mess with a lot of makeup?”

“Not really. I was just focused on my studies”

“Okay. I’ll explain what I’m doing and using”

After she finished my make up and showed me all the steps and how to apply and blend it. She handed me a mirror. I could hardly recognize myself. She gave me a sharp cat eye, dark mascara and bright crimson lipstick.

“Time for your jewelry” She handed me a small gold chain with a small crown and a heart hanging off of it, two gold bracelets and a pair of gold diamond earrings.

“I can’t wear these. I’m already scared I’ll ruin the clothes. I’d feel terrible if I lost your jewelry”

I put my hands up not wanting to touch them.

“All of these things are yours. Mason paid for all of it”

I looked at everything she had brought. He bought all of this for me? I couldn’t help the smile growing on my face.

“I’ve known Mason since I was in 5th grade. He’s never let any girl come to his house, let alone buy them any sort of gift”

She picked up the necklace and placed it around my neck. She began to curl just the ends of my hair giving it a bit of a wave.

“You’re all done. Ready to go and show those boys who’s the boss?” She winked at me.

I smiled and hugged her.

“Thank you so much for all of this”

“I’m happy to help. I love to shop and I would do almost anything for my brother. Plus it’s nice to have a new friend to help keep these boys in line”

I smiled as we walked out of the room..

***

We made it to the party around 10pm. We went around to the back patio. There was a large pool in the middle with a jacuzzi attached. People were already drunk and half naked in it.

I was starting to regret coming here. Every girl was dressed in skin tight see through dresses that would reveal all their business if they bent over slightly. Even with the crop top and skirt I had on I felt exposed.

“You okay?” Mason said as he handed me a drink.

“I’m alright” I smiled, staring at the cup.

“It’s just juice”

“Thanks” I took a small sip as I looked around the party.

Everyone kind of went off to do their own thing. I could see Aiden, Andrew and Sam taking shots together. Lucas and Eithan disappeared. Josh was sitting on a chair next to the pool. I wasn’t sure how I felt about him. I noticed him staring at me a lot today. It made me feel uneasy. I suppose it’s just because I don’t know him very well.

“So what do you normally do at these things?”

“Nothing too extreme. Mostly just drink.”

“That’s all huh?” I said, raising an eyebrow and smiling at him.

“Maybe talk to a girl or two” he rubbed his neck.

“Just talk huh? I don’t by it”

“What makes you say that?” He said with a frown.

“You don’t seem like the type to go home alone after a party”

“I don’t plan on going home alone after this party”

He snaked his arm around my waist pulling me hard into his chest. My breath hitched as he leaned in closer to me. Looking into his piercing blue eyes I saw desire in them. His lips, just inches from mine. I closed my eyes and just as I felt his hand touch the back of my neck I heard a screech that made my heart sink.

“Mason! Baby you came!”

Someone shoved me out of the way. I stumbled back. I was not used to these wedges and lost my balance. I was falling when I felt someone grab my arm, trying to help me steady myself.

This girl wrapped her arms around Mason’s neck. Leaving behind dark lipstick marks as she placed wet kisses all over his face.

I felt tears build up. I backed away and turned to leave. I didn’t want to go back to Mason’s and I couldn’t go to Lucas’. I was lost in thought when I tripped. I braced for the fall but felt someone holding my waist.

“You okay? I was trying to call you, but I don’t know your name”

“I’m fine”

I snapped at him as I straightened up, walking away. I felt guilty. This poor guy was just trying to help. None of this was his fault. I turned around, walking back to him. Wrapping my arms around myself trying to shield myself from the cold.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you like that. Thanks for catching me”

He was very handsome.His facial features looked exactly like Mason, not quite as tall as him, with sandy blond hair and green eyes that sparkled like emeralds.

“It’s ok. I saw what happened back there. I was the one who kept you from falling when Gemma pushed you”

“Oh. Well, thanks again” I gave him a small smile.

“Not a problem. Anything for a pretty lady”

I looked around trying to figure out where I was. I began rubbing my arms to stay warm. I realized how cold I was when Mason wasn’t holding me anymore.

“Here”

He took off his leather jacket and handed it to me.

“Thank you. I suppose I should know the name of my knight who rescued me three times now”

I pulled the jacket in. It was longer than my skirt.

“Chase,” he smiled, “and what's your name doll?” Grabbing my hand and kissing the back of it.

“Crystal”

I was less embarrassed about my knight comment.

“Well Princess. I’m assuming you’re trying to leave. Would you like a ride home?”

I paused trying to figure out where to go. I wasn’t dressed to sleep outside tonight since it was already freezing. So I went with the only option I had.

“That would be great”

He smiled and led me to his car, opening the door for me.

“Where to?”

“Umm…”

“Are you new to the neighborhood?”

“Sort of. Do you know where Mason Ashton lives?”

His face grimaced for a second. He smiled back at me.

“Yeah. I live in the same neighborhood. I can drive you around and you can tell me which house is yours”

“Perfect”

We drove around in peaceful silence. When we got closer I wasn’t sure what to do. I wasn’t ready to face Mason, but I didn’t have anywhere else to go.

“You remember where you are now?”

“Yeah. I live here.”

I lied as I pointed to a random house a block away from Masons. I didn’t know if it would cause trouble for me if people knew I was staying with Mason. I figured I could just walk when he dropped me off.

“Oh yeah” he parked the car “I’ll walk you to the door”

“That’s okay. I can manage”

I got out and tried to run, but I could barely walk in these wedges.

“Here”

He placed his arm out for me to hold. As we walked to the large oak doors panic began to rise in me. I looked at the door and saw a button for the doorbell. I pushed it.

“You ring your own doorbell?” He looked confused.

“We’ll… yeah. I don’t have a key yet”

“Gotcha” he turned back to the door.

I heard the door unlock. I felt bile rise in my throat. A butler opened the door.

“Master Chase. Welcome home” he bowed.

I get the blood drain from my face. I looked up at Chase. He began to laugh.

“Oh did I not tell you? This is my house.”

I frowned, smacking him on the arm

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“You seemed nervous the whole car ride and I wanted to see what was going on. It was too perfect when you said you lived here of all places”

He was holding his sides from laughing so hard.

I crossed my arms and my cheeks heated up from embarrassment.

“Don’t look at me like that doll” he pinched my cheek. “Let’s get you something to eat and you can tell me what’s really going on”

I was nervous and rethinking my decisions right now. Here I was in a house with a guy I just met… again. At least Lucas knew Mason.

But there was just something about Chase that seemed so familiar. I didn’t get the same warm feeling I got with Mason, but I still felt safe with him.

“Here” he handed me a water bottle and placed a bowl of watermelon in front of me. “So, you gonna tell me where you live? Or was that your way of asking me if you could stay here” he raised his eyebrow.

“No!”

“I’m just messing with you,” he laughed.

“I’m staying with a friend right now”

“Why not just tell me your friend's address then?”

“I kind of did”

He gave me a questioning look.

“Well… when I asked if you knew where Mason Ashton lived” he grimaced again “That’s where I’m staying”

“Why?” He became rigid.

“There are some things that happened at home and school, so he offered to let me stay there for the weekend”

There was an awkward silence.

“So what are you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Are you friends with benefits or what? He normally doesn’t keep a girl around unless he’s banging her”

This made my heart sink even further. I don’t think I’m anything to him. I just learned we were childhood friends yesterday. He has changed a lot since then. We both have. I looked at him defeated.

“We’re old friends” unable to hide the sadness in my voice.

“Right. Well if he chooses Gemma over you he’s an i***t” he said as he grabbed my hand.

“Thank you” I smiled.

“Do you want to get back at him?”

He gave me a sly smile making me frown

“Nothing like that. You dirty bird you” he laughed.

“What do you have in mind?”

“Come here”

He pulled me to the living room. A huge sofa with a fireplace in front of it with a T.V mounted above it. He sat on the couch turning on the T.V, pulling me in between his legs, sitting me on his lap. He reached for a blanket that was on the couch and covered us with it. He pulled out his phone.

“Let’s send him a picture”

“Why?”

“You’ll see”

He pulled me closer. I rested my head on his chest, looking up at the T.V. I felt his lips touch my forehead and saw a flash from the camera on his phone.

“Take a look”

Showing me the picture, we looked like a cute couple. He was kissing me on the forehead and from the angle he took the picture it looked like I was sleeping.

“Now what?”

“We send it to him”

“I don’t think it’s going to bother him,” I looked down, trying to hide the tears threatening to spill. “He has Gemma to keep him company tonight”

He put his hand under my chin,turning me to look into those green orbs.

“This is going to make him furious. I’ll bet my entire inheritance that he’ll start calling 5 minutes after I send this. Until then” he reached for the remote. “Wanna watch a movie till he gets here?”

“I’d like that”

He held me a little tighter and sent the picture to Mason with no message attached. We searched for a show for about two minutes and his phone started going off like crazy. He muted it and we went back to watching a comedy he found. In comfortable silence.

I had fallen asleep fast when I felt someone pulling the blanket off of us. Waking up in a panic I jumped up, nearly falling over Chase as I scrambled to sit up right to see what was happening. I looked up into those piercing blue eyes, filled with anger.

“Well way to ruin the mood after a good time”

Chase said smugly. Mason looked away from me to Chase. What was he doing? Mason is going to misunderstand the situation. What have I gotten myself into?