| 12 | Six Weeks Later

Background color
Font
Font size
Line height

A/N: Another update?!๐Ÿ˜ฑ I know I feel the same way you guys! Let's cross our fingers and keep this energy going!๐Ÿคž๐Ÿ˜‚

| Ariel |

| 4th of July |

Its been one month that I've been back home, well 6 weeks if you really want to get technical, and its almost as if I had never left! My dad and I quickly settled back into our normal routine, only I no longer went to school. Now I stayed home and figured out ways how to expand my small bakery or creating new ideas for Sweet Treats.

The night I arrived home with Damon and he stayed for the late night snack, was surreal. Much to my embarrassment my dad brought out all my baby pictures while he and Damon slowly became 'buddy buddy' with the help of a Mr. Jack Daniels. I rolled my eyes at the memory, trying to suppress the smile.

I want to say that after that night he called me regularly or made it a point to at least see me at some point but that was not the case at all. Something happened after that night, it was as if he were avoiding me. Not so much with malice intent but I felt like he wanted some space? Almost as if he needed to be away from me. It hurt, of course it did but what did I expect, for him to change his life and quickly make me a part of it? He cared for me, I knew that much โ€” enough to fly out and make sure I was okay and bring me home to keep me safe.

For the past six weeks I tried to contact him, casually...texting him, calling him every so often and sometimes I would get a text back with a short but sweet reply but never more than two word anwsers. Eventually I got the message. I wasn't that stupid, I knew when someone didn't want to be around me and I wasn't going to act like a love sick puppy dog around him โ€” I told myself I was better than that and I wouldn't do such a thing anymore. I had no idea what was going on with him but when he wanted to talk again, he knew where to find me.

I had to take my mind off of him and push away the hurt I felt, I shouldn't be feeling that way, I had no claim over him, he wasn't mine.

I kept busy. Between networking my baking business here in NY, trying to find affordable apartments, and meeting up with Emma and Lena, the past month or so has gone by within a flash. Were things a little different now? Of course. I was 22 with a small growing business and more heartache than I knew how to deal with, but essentially it was like being a teenager again โ€” only now Lena wasn't next door anymore. She was now living in the city as one of the most popular up and coming fashion designers in New York. Rumor has it Emma is going to ask her to make her wedding dress!

Just last Friday Lena came down here from the city for a dinner date night at Emmas house, which was a tradition they had between her, her brothers and Lena. Now that I was home I was finally able to enjoy that with them as well. Once every month and It was something for me to always look forward to! Damon also didn't show up for that...

I still kept in touch with Ricki, he could never be erased from my life no matter how far away he was. We tried our best to video chat or at the very least talk on the phone as much as we could! Three nights ago was the most recent I got to speak to him and he and Erick, the young professor he told us about, had been going strong since we left. He sounded happy, missing me but happy. He also told me Andrew was released and had his court date. He wasn't sure what had come from it but he was going to keep me updated with everything. The last thing he wanted was for me to ever get hurt by him again, but I was more than sure there would be no sign of Andrew ever again in my life.

Pushing all thoughts away from my mind, I focused on wrapping up an apple pie, a blueberry pie, and a lemon tart cheesecake to take to Emmas moms house for the Fourth of July bbq.

Mrs. Hendrix, as usual was having her annual bbq to celebrate Independence Day and just like every other year and everyone was invited โ€” friends and family, so I wasn't too sure of all the faces I would see but I knew for a fact that I would finally see the handsome face I had been dying to see for six weeks. As much as my mind expected him to pull away and root back into his lifestyle without me, my heart was hoping that he couldn't be away from me but that was just me setting myself up for failure. I really needed to stop pinning for him. My hopes and dreams with him, would never become reality.

I took in a deep, calming breath and turned on my heel to walk up the stairs to my bedroom. My dad was already at the bbq and I had told him I would meet him there. Emma and Lena were already blowing up my phone with messages as to why I haven't showed up yet, Im running a bit late but truthfully I think Im stalling, Im nervous to see Damon for the first time in six weeks. What will his reaction be? Especially since Ive been making changes, trying my damn hardest to loose some weight I gained with Andrew and feel good about myself again.

Its been working, Ive been doing it the right way or at least I think I have. Eating healthy and exsercing somewhat regularly has been a challenge, I have never been one for lifting weights or running on a treadmill going no where, it was almost like a chore to me but I had to push through it. I learned my lesson from what happened with Emma when she tried to loose weight, she ended up hurting her body more than helping it and I think she knew that but the bullying and shaming took a drastic toll on her. I knew my body change would not come quickly and I was okay with that as long as I didn't hurt myself but Ive noticed that as hard as I have been trying, there was still that part of me that wanted to lash out and binge, mainly at night and that's what hindered me most. I did loose a good amount of weight, maybe 15 pounds within the last month but its totally draining me, almost like Im starving myself.

Thats because you are! the little voice in the back of my mind nagged. You eat as much as a toddler.

I should feel better about myself for loosing some weight, but I don't. I feel lethargic and drained, tired before my day even begins, but it seems to be working so I know I must be doing something right.

I took one last look in the mirror to make sure my outfit was in place before heading out to the bbq. I wasn't a girlie girl at heart, I mean if I had to dress up I could do it well in a flash but I was most comfortable in the most casual or simplest outfits. Today I had on light blue skinny jeans, torn at the knee, a simple white cotton v-neck tee and white converses that adorned my feet. See? Simple.

My black hair that I quickly came to hate was straightened and falling down my back and my makeup was very minimal. With it being a blistering 97 degrees outside and it being an outdoor party I didn't feel the need to cake my face with makeup; a little tinted moisturizer, mascara, and soothing lip balm I was ready to go.

My phone suddenly notified me of a new text message. I quickly pulled it out of my back pocket and saw it was a group chat from Emma and Lena.

Em: Where are you! This is your first fourth of July bbq back and your late! Ive been watching Tyler play touch football with Zach waiting for you to get here.

Em: Not that I'm complaining, he looks damn fine throwing the ball. In my mind he has his shirt off and his muscles are totally teasing me. *currently bitting my lip*

I laughed and rolled my eyes. I felt so happy that Emma and Tyler got their happily ever after, despite them not being married yet they sure acted like it โ€” they couldn't take their hands off each other, just like in high school.

Le: She's too busy trying to get cute for Damon. *Winks* He's not here yet, in case your wondering...

Le: Damn is that my husband? *fans self* Emma is right picturing them with their shirt off sure does make it a lot more interesting.

I rolled my eyes and sighed, my hand fiddling with my phone. As happy as I was for my best friends, I couldnt help the slight tinge of jealousy. I wanted so bad what they had. They found their princes, they got there happily ever after and here I was chasing after the intangible.

It's time I had fun. It's time I push down my feelings for Damon, like I did the past for years. Yes, my mind says its time but my heart refuses to hear it.

Me: Im on my way and I come baring yummy treats, keep your panties on! If you can anyway, the way you guys speak of your men Im shocked you haven't needed a change. Yup, gasp all you want but I just said that! And the only person Im getting cute for is myself, Damon can bite my ass. Yup, I said the too. *grinning like an idiot*

I sent that last message with heavy blush on my cheeks and a smile on my face, I hurried down the stairs, packing my car with the awaiting treats, and raced my way to the annual fourth of July BBQ, the first one in four years.

*

*

*

"Ariel!" Emmas Mom smiled brightly at me as she ushered me inside her home "Sweetheart, its so good to see you after so long! We haven't seen you since Lenas wedding!" She exclaimed pulling me in for a tight hug. I loved her hugs, they were exactly what a mothers hugs were supposed to feel like warm and caring.

I hugged her back and gave her my brightest smile. "I missed you guys too! Im so happy to be back home for good!"

She pulled away slightly to help me by grabbing one of the pies from my hands "Oh so are we! And thank you so much for bringing dessert, Im sure they will be gone before dessert time even rolls around." She laughed lightly, giving me a wink.

She shut the front door behind me and lead me through the living room and straight to the kitchen. We put the desserts in a cooler area of the kitchen and made small talk as we worked.

"I heard you and Andrew broke up. Im so sorry to hear that honey." She glanced over her shoulder at me with a frown.

Hearing his name made my insides twist and my body shiver in disgust but I didn't let her see that, I played it as cool as I could โ€” I didn't want to rehash anything I went through with him back in Colorado.

"Yeah, it was for the best. We both wanted different things and toward the end I found out he was cheating so it seems like I wasn't enough for him to want forever." There was a slight sadness in my voice but it had nothing to do with Andrew, it was the thought of my true love not wanting forever with me, I could care less about no being enough for Drew but I wanted to be enough for Damon...

She sighed and shook her head in distaste "What an ungrateful pig!" She reached out and rubbed my shoulder with both hands, caringly. "Its his huge loss honey, you're a sweet, beautiful woman and any man who is in your presence for all of two minutes could see that."

Tears wanted to pour from my eyes at her words, she always had such a beautiful way of saying things and I could see how Emma ended up becoming a writer, her mother lead her there.

"Thank you." I choked out trying my best not to become too emotional.

She gave me a genuine smile this time, nothing sympathetic about it and nudged her head towards the double doors that lead to the balcony which lead to the backyard. "Come on, everyone is waiting to see you, the girls have been whining without you here."

I let out a soft laugh and followed her to the double doors. "Hard to believe, when I last spoke to them they were drooling over their husbands, well husband and fiancรฉ." I clarified for Emmas sake.

Rose, Mrs. Hendrix, gave me a wave of the hand and playfully rolled her eyes. "Oh please they were out there like lovesick puppies watching their men throw a football. You would think Emma would be used to Tyler being such a star player but it still riles her up every time she sees him play." She opened the doors with a laugh and lead me on to the spacious deck.

As soon as I stepped outside music, laughter, and mingling was happening all around me, it was hard to focus on just one thing or one person when it looked like a whole block party was happening in her back yard. This was exactly what I missed, the smile on my face couldn't have been bigger.

"Ariel?" I heard a deep English accent to my right and when I looked up, there was Uncle Eric, manning the grill, flipping burgers and slabs of steaks.

"Hey Uncle Eric!" I greeted and walked over to him.

He leaned down a pressed a kiss to my cheek "Its so good to see you back here love. How are you?"

I shrugged and decided not to dredge any specific details of my life as of now. I just wanted to forget the past and live in the moment. "As good as it can be."

He nodded "Well thats good." He turned a few ears of corn before I decided to ask the question Ive been dying to ask since I arrived.

"And the boys? Dean and," I took in a deep breath, hesitating before saying his name "Damon..."

He glanced my way and fought off a grin, I knew he was trying hard to not. "Dean should be here soon with his girlfriend and Damon, well he said he was coming."

I nodded and shifted nervously on my feet, the next question came flying out before I could stop it "Alone?"

His head snapped towards me and parted his lips to speak but Emmas mom had cut in as she pointed down at a distance, by the pool.

"Looks like the girls have the volleyball net all set up." She glanced over at me with a knowing grin "Why don't you make a real entrance and challenge those two."

I smiled at her with intrigue and glanced down at the white volleyball net, waiting to be played on. Emma was sitting on Tylers lap on a poolside chair while Lena sat at the edge of the pool, her feet dipped in and Zach in the middle of her legs, standing above the water. Taking all thoughts of Damon from my mind at the moment, I decided it was time to have some fun with my girls.

I turned to Rose, smile still on my lips. "Oh I think I still have it in me."

She winked and allowed me to brush past her "Show em what you got girl."

Making my way down the deck stairs, I took notice to the red, white, and blue decorations Emma and her mom had most likely set up earlier that day, all the friends and family with a drink in their hand and a smile on their faces. A warm feeling overcame me as I watched, my feet padding along the grass. I felt safe, I felt like I could finally be happy, be the Ariel I used to be โ€” but better. A better version of me.

For the most part the only people I recognized as of right now were Emma, Lena, Tyler and Zach. The Hendrix brothers had yet to show up and anyone I knew before I left for college had not shown up either. The party was in full swing but I was sure there were many more guests due to arrive soon.

Slowly making my way towards the girls and their men, I tried my best to come up discreetly behind them and thanks to the upbeat Shawn Mendez song playing loudly in the background I was able to keep myself hidden from them until the last minute.

"So, is the volleyball net a threat?" I finally spoke, crossing my arms over my chest and quickly gaining their attention; both couples quickly snapped their heads around to look at me, Im sure I even saw Tyler jump a bit which made me want to chuckle. "Is someone trying to challenge me?" I rose a brow with a smile.

"Ari!" Emma and Lena took off from their mens sides and ran towards me, engulfing me and bear hugs. I laughed and let my arms fall from my chest, hugging the back just as tight.

"Finally!" Lena exclaimed pulling away, as did Emma. "What took you so long?"

I rolled my eyes in a playful manner "Believe it or not, baking is an art and takes time."

Emma moaned slightly "Oh my god, I cant wait to try what you made, Im sure its heaven on a plate!"

Tyler sudden came behind Emma, wrapping his arms around her waist and lifting her up slightly from the ground, kissing her at the shell of her ear. He placed her back down gently, whispering things in her ear, which Im sure by the look on her face and blush on her cheeks they were very dirty things.

She giggled and swatted him away playfully "Tyler!" Her voice shouted at him but was anything but threatening.

I smiled at the pair and groaned "Ugh, keep it PG you two."

Tyler finally lifted his head from her neck and laughed my way "Hey Ari, sorry I cant seem to keep my hands to myself when Im around this one." He nudged his head down at his fiancรฉ.

Lena groaned "Oh we know sticky fingers."

I laughed and shook my head with amusement "Sticky fingers?"

"Yeah, they are stuck on Emma 90% of the time."

Tyler raised a brow and looked her way "Im curious, and the other 10%?"

I saw Zach lift himself out of the pool through the corner of my eye and make his way over to his wife, wrapping his arms around her as well, she leaned back into his touch but not before responding to Tylers question. "Annoying the hell out of us." She teased with a smirk.

"Hey Ari. How you holding up sweetheart?" Zach questioned a warm smile on his lips and the look of sympathy in his eyes.

Despite the fact he is worth millions, was a previous model and now owned his own fashion company he was still as humble as he was when he only had two dollars to his name. He fit in with us so well and I loved him from the start, I quickly saw just how perfect he was for Lena. He was the calm and she was the storm.

I sent him a smile back and shrugged "Im okay. Better days are coming."

"Thats the perfect mentality." He winked at me before kissing the top of Lenas head.

"Did I hear a challenge earlier?" Tyler asked with a grin on his face, looking my way.

I laughed and felt my cheek heat up in the slightest. "Well, I don't know...girls?" I eyed both of my best friends.

Lena and Emma rose their brows almost simultaneously and looked at each other before looking at me. Lena tilted her head with a challenging smirk "Your on state champ." She teased, my senior year of high school, our volleyball team had gone to the state championships against our biggest rival school and won! It was an amazing day, I'll never forget how proud and accomplished I felt. "Lets see if you still got it." She taunted before unraveling herself from her husbands arms.

"Oh you have no idea who you're messing with girls." I taunted right back. Emma had no unwrapped herself from Tylers arms and stood next to Lena. "You seem to forget what I spent all of high school doing." And it was true my life revolved around these two girls, my father, and volleyball.

I noticed Zach held a fist to his lips trying to hide his grin but Tyler didn't care about being so subtle, his grin was a mile wide and he looked at Emma with a sparkle in his eye. He wanted to see his girl face me. Oh boy.

Lena shuffled backwards and grabbed the volleyball that rested on the grass near the net before throwing it up in her hands and catching it. "Put your money where your mouth is bestie."

Emma grinned back at Lena then gave me a half hearted shrug "Come on then princess, time to show off." She teased, using the nickname only her brother used for me. She giggled, getting a kick out of it.

Tylers eyes went wide and this time he couldn't suppress his laugh.

Zach took a few steps, standing closer to Tyler, trying to lower his voice but I heard his question all too well. "What are we about to witness."

"You remember how the girls were watching us like we were

You are reading the story above: TeenFic.Net