Amore Mio

XIII. A Place Call Home

Alice’s POV:

Strapping on my backpack, I grab the trash bag and head out. Going on my toes, I threw the bag inside the trash can, “Ew.”

Feeling two arms around my waist, I jump forward and let out a loud, yelping sound. I pat my chest, “Neilson, you scared the living daylight out of me!”

Ever since I came back from New Jersey, Neilson has been behaving weird and touchy. He grins, placing his forehead on my shoulder. “Good morning Angel,” his voice was huskier than usual, turning me around, placing a kiss on my forehead, and pulling my body into a hug.

“Too tight, can’t breathe,” I mumble into his chest, patting his muscular back. I can feel his chest vibrating, a wondrous laugh escaping his throat.

Gently, I wrap my arms around him as he sways us back and forth. “You’ve been weird lately. Are you doing drugs? Can you hook me up with some?” I ask in a playful tone, attempting to get rid of this weird atmosphere around us.

“No drugs, just realize something, that’s all,” he hums, scanning my body. “You look cute today,” he whispers.

I can feel my heart racing, blood rushing towards my cheeks. Don’t overthink it, Alice. He just meant it in an older brother kind of way.

When I saw a red truck passing by, I pushed Neilson back. “My boyfriend is here!” I scream joyfully, throwing out my fakest laugh.

“Right, boyfriend,” he repeats my word, followed by a strained smile.

“Bye, Muffin!” I shout, rushing towards Ian.

Jumping inside the car, Ian lifts a brow at me.

“What?” I scowl, throwing my backpack down.

He turns his head towards Neilson, who was standing there, arms cross, staring at us. Ian looks back at me. “I’m telling you. Creepy stalker,” he sang.

“Telling you, little sister,” I sang, pointing two fingers at myself.

He rolls his eyes. “If I die, it’s on you,” he turns on the engine, taking us to school.

When we pass by Neilson, I place two hands in the air, waving at him, a smile on my face. He lifts a hand, waving back, with a small tight smile.

“Fakest smile I’ve ever seen,” Ian mumbled.

My head twists towards him, a smile still on my face. I lifted a hand and pinched his arm. “Shut up,” I sang, letting out my fakest laugh, then instantly stop, shooting him a glare.

“Did anyone ever say you couldn’t sing for s**t?” he said, rubbing the place I pinched him.

“I’m a great singer!” I defend myself, knowing I can sing as well as a cat that got run over.

He snorts. “Says who?”

“Neilson said I’m an amazing singer.”

He let out another snort. “Of course, creepy stalker dude would say that,” he said mockingly while I crossed my arms, puckering my lips.

Ian clears his throat. “You know, it’s not cool talking about another guy in front of your boyfriend,” he tries to sound serious.

“It’s also not cool using your girlfriend to get into another girl’s pants,” I respond.

“Touche, you bitch.”

“I know, asshole.”

He pulls into the parking lot, and I grab my stuff. “Wait,” he said, opening his car door then jogging towards mine. “My lady,” he said, placing out one palm at me.

I couldn’t help but snort, taking his hand. He grabs my backpack, along with his, flinging it over his shoulder. We walk to school, holding hands, being the ideal-s**t-couple. I can feel the curious stares in the back of my head as well as some murmuring.

We head into school, and people outright stare at our joint hands. Nina saw me, closed her locker, and walked towards us. “Still don’t approve of your fake relationship,” she whispers.

“Well, I didn’t approve of that dress you bought, but you brought it anyway,” I respond, remembering the day Nina made a mistake in purchasing an extended grey dress that was yelling I am the cement on the ground.

I can see her eyes narrowing. “So, not the same thing.”

She grabs me from Ian, pulling me into the girl’s bathroom. I watch as she opens each stall, checking if anyone is inside then walking back towards me. “I know you’re hurt because of Ne-”

“I’m not hurt. I come to accept that he-” I pause, attempting to calm down. “That he only sees me as a younger s-” I start choking on the word. “sister, and nothing more,” I said out loud, trying not to hurl out my breakfast.

She crosses her arms, tapping a single foot. “And you’re okay with that?”

I lean against the bathroom wall, checking my bitten nails. “Totally okay,” I respond with a head nod.

Nina takes a step in front of my body. “Then, why did you spend the whole weekend with Neilson? At his house? Alone? And don’t tell me you didn’t because I freaking live next door.”

I stand up, straightening myself. “Hey, it wasn’t me. Neilson was the one who said he wanted to spend time together, and as his little s-” I pause, choking on my word once more. “sister, I won’t say no,” I respond, hoping it makes sense.

She ran her tongue through her cheek. “And nothing happened this weekend?”

***

Rubbing my eyes, I woke up to see the spot beside me empty. I sat up, throwing my arms in the air, stretching my aching body. Having the wildest urge to pee, I walked to the downstairs bathroom.

Grabbing the doorknob, I opened the door, jaw-dropping on the ground. Neilson was standing there in nothing but a white towel, brushing his teeth as the water traveled down his perfectly sculpted abs.

My breath halted as my eyes roamed towards his tattoo, a pitch-black cross surrounded by a ribbon above his heart. There are some Latin writings, but I never had the chance to ask him what it says. Not many know it, but Neilson is Roman Catholic. He would go to church every Sunday, and he never missed a single day.

I used to go with him when I was younger, but I got bored and often fell asleep. So, he doesn’t take me unless I want to go, which I rarely do.

He wanted to get more tattoos, but he didn’t because his mom doesn’t like it. Sometimes, I feel like that isn’t the real reason.

He spits out the foam and rinses out the toothpaste. “Do you need to use the bathroom?” He asked.

I merely nod, eyes staring at his mouth watering body.

“Alright,” he said.

I nodded again.

He leaned against the counter, crossing his arms across his defined pecs, flexing his muscles. “Hey, miss pervert, my eyes are up here,” he said teasingly, and instantly, I looked up at him, seeing a sexy smirk on his lips.

“You’re still busy here? Okay, I’ll use the bathroom upstairs,” I said quickly, running towards the other bathroom.

Reaching the bathroom, I slammed the door shut, a sudden urge to pee disappearing. “What the f**k, why is he in the guest bathroom?”

Standing up, I walked back and forth for a few minutes. Pulling my pants down, I forced myself to pee, digging my nails into my hair in the process, trying to forget what I saw. Finally, I finish doing my duties; I wash my hands along with my face, praying it will wash away all my sinful thoughts.

When I arrived downstairs, I could smell bacon and pancakes. Pushing the door open, the smile on my face quickly dropped when I saw Neilson standing there in black sweats, hanging off his torso, flipping the pancakes.

I don’t know whether this is heaven or hell. But, if this is hell, I’m ready, Satan, open the doors.

He turned his attention on me, a smile on his face. “Hungry? Want a sausage?”

“Excuse me?” I squeaked, eyes maneuvering downward.

“Sausages, I made sausages,” he said, showing a plate filled with sausages.

I let out a laugh, and grabbed a sausage, “Right, those. Yeah, sure,” I mumbled.

He leaned against the counter, beside me, a sly smirk on his lips. “Like my sausage?”

“What?” I replied, mouth filled with food, trying not to choke. But, if I choke now, maybe Neilson will give me CPR.

He pointed at the sausage in my hand. “Do you like the sausage I made?”

“Oh, right! This sausage! The food sausage!” I said, letting out an exaggerated laugh. “It’s good,” I replied in a monotone voice, turning my attention back to the food.

Neilson placed both hands on the counter, trapping me. “How good is the sausage?” He questioned and I peered up to see him chewing on his lower lips.

My eyes lowered, mouthwatering when I saw a close up of his defined muscles. I know this thought itself makes me sound like a total pervert. But I want to bite his n****e.

“It’s a g-good s-sausage,” I stuttered out, feeling like I need to call the paramedics because I am one step away from having a heart attack.

“Do you want to eat some nuts?” he whispered.

“What?” I yelled, dropping the half-eaten sausage.

“Nuts for your pancakes,” he said, twisting his brows together.

Oh, gosh, Alice, get your mind out of the dumpster. Why does every comment he makes sound so suggestive?

“I would love some nuts,” I said slowly.

“So, a banana and two nuts?”

At that moment, I knew what happened. “You’re doing this on purpose!”

***

“No, nothing happened,” I responded casually and walked out of the bathroom.

Suddenly, Ian rushes towards me, throwing an arm around my shoulder. “Quick, act like you love me. Kayla is coming,” he whispers, planting a fake smile on his face.

I wrap my arms around his waist, a smile on my face, “And you say my smile is fake.”

“It is fake,” he responds, laughing out of nowhere.

“Yours is - hi!” I threw out my happy face.

My eyes examine Kayla, who had short blue hair, with tiny bits of freckles across her cheeks. Scanning downward, she was wearing a black leather jacket and tight jeans along with combat boots. In no doubt, she is the exact opposite of me with my long brown hair, flowy white shirt tucked into my pink skirt, wearing light blue tennis shoes. I like her style; I wonder where she got that jacket.

“Hey Kayla,” Ian said, letting out a loving sigh.

She lifts a brow at me, scanning my body. “Hi,” she responds slowly while three others arrive.

“Woah! This is your new girl Ian?” Blonde hair guy said, playfully punching Ian’s arms. I can see him scanning my body. “I am Devon, the best looking guy in the group. Ditch the stiff, and I can give you the time of your life, baby,” he winks.

I glance up at Ian, who’s ogling over Kayla, and nudge him on his rib. He releases a few coughs. “D-Don’t hit on my girl,” he attempts to sound serious.

I held the urge to roll my eyes.

The black hair guy came up and smiled at me. “Carol,” he said, shaking my hand.

I peered over to see a redhead girl who was glaring at me, almost as if burying me with her eyes. Someone poke me in the side, and I leap back, seeing Nina. “We got cooking, let’s go.”

“Cooking,” the redhead girl scoffed out, eyes checking her black nails.

“Excuse you? What’s wrong with cooking?” Nina responds. I knew something was stuffed up her ass today. Usually, she isn’t rude, always politely replying to others, unless she is pissed.

“Nothing,” she responds.

The look on her face says otherwise.

“What is going on here?” A teacher yell, feeling the hostility in the air. “Pamela and Kayla, were you two making trouble again?” He glares at them.

Pamela glared at Nina, “I didn’t do anything.”

He crossed his arms, “Oh, so you expect me to believe Nina or Alice did something?”

Pamela rolls her eyes, muttering: “Obviously.”

“Look, why can’t the two of you behave just for one day. Why can’t you two be more like Nina or Alice,” he said.

At that exact moment, I knew what was going on. They hate us because people are always comparing them with us.

“Mr.Benz, nothing is going on here. We are just talking,” I said.

“Okay, carry on,” he cleared his throat, leaning towards me. “Alice, thanks for the cookie recipe, by the way. My kids love it,” he whispers.

When he walked away, I can hear a: “Teacher pet” coughs out.

I roll my eyes. “I’ll see you later, Ian,” I said. I could care less about high school drama.

He mouths: “Sorry,” and hands me my backpack.

Walking to class with Nina, I can hear her mumbling: “Bitch.”

In the middle of class, I had a tremendous urge to pee, so I rushed to the bathroom. Pulling down my panties, I release a deep breath of relief, hearing the waterfall. I listen to a few girls giggling, walking inside. “I’m telling you, Carla is a total slut.”

“Why would you think that?” the other question, laughing at her statement.

“It’s obvious! She walks around in her tiny cheerleader skirt, seducing all the guys. An attention w***e and a slut. It goes hand in hand,” she replies, and the two girls giggle.

I roll my eyes, flush the toilet, and pull up my panties. Slamming the door open, I shot them a glare when they saw me. “Don’t say bad things about Carla; she isn’t a slut.”

One of them chuckled. “Of course, a slut would defend another slut.”

“What?”

She rolls her eyes. “You may have got the whole school fool, with your goody two shoe image act, but I know you’re nothing more than a little slut, prancing around in that tiny skirt. After all, that’s how you got Ian, right? You spread those legs and bang.”

“I am not a slut,” I state, clenching my fist firmly.

“Oh please, Alice, we saw you flirting with older guys. Plus, if you weren’t a slut, you wouldn’t be hanging out with those slutty cheerleaders,” she smirks. “Pretty sure Nina is a slut too.”

I punch her.

Afterward, we were all pulled into the office. The principal kept us there for two hours, investigating why we were fighting in the middle of class, in the girl’s bathroom. The b***h told me I started it, but I’m not stupid. I recorded our whole conversation, starting with how she called Carla a slut.

Bitch got it coming.

No one calls my friends any names.

I stuff my things inside my backpack, cursing the number of books I have. “Hey, Alice?” someone said, and I turned around to see Carla along with some other cheerleaders.

I zip up my backpack, throwing it on. “Oh, hey, what’s up?”

“We heard how you stand up for us this morning, and we want to thank you,” Carla pulls me in for a hug, and all the other girls went in, giving thanks.

“You don’t know how much it means to us that you did that. Yes, a few girls enjoy s*x who are cheerleaders, but somehow everyone thinks we are all sluts because of those few. It’s so stupid because many people do it, but somehow we are labeled as the slutty ones. So, thank you for backing us up,” Carla wiped the tears from her eyes.

She grabs my hands. “If you ever want to be a cheerleader, anytime, no tryouts. You come to us, no! If anyone messes with you, come to us, and we will give them a piece of our bitchiness,” she said, and I nod.

Throughout the day, nearly every student threw themselves at Ian or me, harassing us about how we got together. We told them how we coincidentally met in New Jersey and hung out, that’s all.

Then, the cheerleaders think I am all of their friends, not giving me room to breathe. They would invite Nina and me to every event they have, causing us to hide in the library at lunch. I sat in the front of the school, releasing a deep breath, praying someone will shoot the sundown.

After school, I waited for Ian. Only to receive a last-minute message from him saying Kayla needs some help with a school project. “What the f**k, ditching your fake girlfriend for your real crush. That’s just cold,” I mumble to myself, turning off the power.

Glancing up, the sun was shining, and I regret denying Nina’s parent’s offer for a ride home. Releasing another deep breath, I started walking home, blocking the sun from my face with my jacket.

When I hear a horn honk, I look up to see Neilson’s car. He rolls down the window. “Need a ride?” He asks.

I nod and jump into his car. I lean my head against the AC. “I need to get my license,” I groan out, hearing him laugh.

Turning my head, I saw Neilson in his usual suit. My eyes scan him, seeing him in a grey pantsuit and a typical white dress shirt cuffed rolled up. “Still hot?” He asks.

I nod before grabbing the side of my t-shirt. I took it off, laying back down on my tank top. “Better now,” I blew out an air of relief, shutting my eyes. “I’m going to nap,” I mumble, pulling my seat down.

“Okay,” he responds.

I can hear the soft background music, as well as the fresh AC blowing on my body. Feeling a hand on my thigh, I let out a low moan as it slips higher up my skirt. My lips start moving when it senses a hot pair of lips. A tongue slid in, and I grunt out with pure pleasure. A gasp escapes my throat when I feel a thumb rubbing against my underwear.

The kiss deepens, wetting me more. “Alice,” a husky voice moans.

Suddenly, my eyes blew open, and I sat up.

Red light.

My eyes scroll over to Nelson, leaning his head against his knuckle, single elbow against the car window. He glances toward me, “We are almost home.”

Fidgeting in my seat, I can feel my underwear rubbing against his leather chair.

“What’s wrong?” He asks.

“N-Nothing,” I reply, playing with my skirt. It was a dream, but really Alice? In the middle of the daytime?

When I feel a hand on my head, I freeze. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Neilson asks, and I nod my head. He pinches my cheek, then laid his palm on my thigh, making small circles with his thumb. “Want to make a quick stop for some ice cream?” he suggests, causing me to perk up.

We arrive at the ice cream store, and I leap out, thrilled for some mouthwatering cold sweets. I saw a few guys standing in the front of the store, looking at me. “Come on, let’s go,” Neilson wraps his arm around my waist.

When we got inside, I threw myself at the glass, squealing and wondering which kind I should get. I order two scoops of chocolate chunk ice cream, and Neilson chooses some vanilla. When Neilson paid for the ice cream, I wonder why Neilson always chose vanilla. Is it possible he is vanilla in bed? A one position man?

We sat inside the store, seeing some of those guys from earlier walk in. Neilson wraps his arm around my waist again, pulling me in. “I want to try some chocolate too,” he whispers, and I hand it to him. “Feed me,” he opens his mouth, waiting. Using my trembling hand, I scoop a piece and feed it to him, seeing his tongue poke out, licking his sweet lips. “That’s good,” he thoroughly licked my spoon.

“You want to try some of mine?” He places a scoop of ice cream in front of me. Not knowing what to do, I sat there staring at him. The ice cream melts, falling on my thigh, and I reach for the napkin, wishing I didn’t accept his suggestion of getting some ice cream, but I like free food!

Using his thumb, he swipes the ice cream off and licks his thumb. “Something wrong?” he asks, and I shake my head, concentrating on my ice cream and not Neilson’s hand below the skirt.

After we finish, I want to go home, far away from Neilson. But luck wasn’t on my side. “Oh, dear!” Neilson’s mom came up to me, pulling me into a hug.

“Hi, Mrs.Yi,” I smile.

She hit my arm. “I told you, call me mom,” she winks.

I don’t think so. I giggle, shaking my head. “That’s inappropriate.” 

“Come on! Call me, mom! You used to do that all the time back then!” she whined. I glance at Neilson, who’s avoiding the scene in front of him. I would too.

“Okay, mom,” I reply, with a hesitated laugh.

“Would you like to stay for dinner, dear?” she asks, enlarging her eyes, pouting her lips at me.

Slowly, I nod my head, causing her to clap in excitement. Taking a sniff, I walk into Neilson’s house, wanting to go home. The whole night, we spend talking to Neilson’s parents, without his younger brother, since he is in another state. I admire Neilson’s family. Mr.Yi is very nice, even when he is Neilson’s stepdad. Neilson and his younger brother aren’t blood-related, but they are very close.

“Alice, why don’t you sleepover?” Mrs.Yi asked me while I helped her clean up.

I shake my head, putting away the clean dishes. “No, I think I’ll be going home tonight.”

She nudges my shoulder. “What’s wrong, darling? You used to love sleepovers here when you were younger, remember?” she clasps her hands together. “Idea! You can sleepover with Neilson, just like the old days!”

I shake my head again. “N-No, I don’t-”

“Neilson!” she shouts, cutting me off, and he pokes his head into the kitchen.

“Yes, momma?”

“Alice is going to sleepover, okay?”

I shook my head.

Neilson’s lips lift into a devious smile. “Sounds great. I’ll lend her some of my clothes, just like the old days,” he said, then disappear before I can reply.

Mrs.Yi jumped in excitement. “This is so cute! My son and future daugh- ahem, someone who is like a daughter to me, is having a sleepover! The four of us can play games together!”

That’s what we did the whole night, play games like charades, where Neilson’s parents cheated. Many people don’t like game night, but I really enjoy it. It’s fun and warm, being surrounded by a family is fantastic.

I snuggle closer to the body beside me and glance up to see Neilson. He had his arms wrap around me, snuggling against my body. Over the years together, I realized that Neilson is a snuggler.

Unwrapping his arms, I stand up, walking towards the front door. Feeling the cool breeze on my face, I dangle the key on my fingers. Releasing a breath, I unlocked my front door. My eyes scan around to see nothing but darkness. “Hello?” I yell, waiting for a response, but there wasn’t any.

Whenever I go back to my house, there is no one there. There is no one waiting for me, no place I can call my home.

And that’s all I ever wanted, a place to call home, again.

“Alice?” a husky voice question. I turn around to see Neilson, standing there and rubbing his tired eyes, “Missing your dad?” he asks.

I nod.

Why would I miss a man who never misses me?

He walks towards me, lifting my face upward to meet his chocolate orbs shimmering under the Full Moon. “Come back to bed with me?”