How this Hippie Fell in Love

Chapter 8

Aiden's POV

Fuck.

I am so f****d, happy, but f****d. Do I care what William and Winifred think? No. Do I want to deal with the eventually fuckery over my homecoming date? Also no.

My parents are pretentious assholes who think the universe revolves around them. It doesn't help that the whole town worships them, well, everyone except the Carter's. They know better.

Meredith and David, two people who don't suck. They know my parents are a rollercoaster ride of dysfunction and have secretly tried helping me over the years. Meredith leaves casseroles and homemade spreads in a basket by the front door - there is never a note, but I know it's her. She always asks me if I've eaten and if I need anything, I tell her I'm fine but shortly after care packages show up at my doorstep.

"Hey man!" Evan called running up to me after football practice. "Callie is losing her shit."

"Not my problem." I said blandly and continued to the locker room.

"You don't care why?" He asked not letting up.

"Nope." I answered simply and left it there.

Evan is my best friend. We have been friends as long as I can remember. He's not quite as tall as me, he's dark complected with dark eyes and hair. His home life sucks just as bad as mine. His parents are divorced and are constantly trying to buy his love while trashing the other parent.

"She overheard who you're taking to homecoming." He continued even though I don't care.

"Cool." Was my response.

"Listen, Callie is a lying, cheating, manipulative b***h - but she's hung up on you. And, unfortunately, since I'm your best friend she has become my problem." He complained, his eyes pleading with me to understand. "Please just talk to her."

"I'll text her, I guess." I shrugged my shoulders. He clapped me on the shoulder and said "Thank you."

I showered and changed out of my sweaty clothes before heading home.

After grabbing a blue sports drink and granola bar from the kitchen, I kicked off my slides and laid in bed. I scrolled through social media trying to put off sending the inevitable text.

I went up to my search bar and typed in "Emma". My Emma was the first one to populate. I clicked on her profile and scrolled through her timeline. Her profile is private so I couldn't see much, mostly profile pictures and whatever mutual friend tagged her in.

I smiled looking at her current picture. She is so beautiful. She was sitting on a bench holding a snow cone. The green of the icy treat reflected the green in her eyes. I took a screenshot of it and sent her a friend request. Was taking a screenshot of her picture creepy? Maybe - I just won't think about it.

I closed out of the app and opened the one to send a text.

My fingers hovered over Callie's name but I couldn't bring myself to hit it. I set my phone down next to me and stared at the ceiling.

A couple minutes later my phone started buzzing.

"Callie" lit up on my screen. I swiped ignore and sent a message instead.

What?

Why did you ignore my call?

Take the hint.

I miss you.

Cool

Why are you being so mean?

I didn't respond. I'm not being mean I'm just not willing to be played by some Kardashian wannabe.

Are you really taking her to

homecoming?

Her name is Emma

and absolutely.

I thought we would still

go together.

We were so good

together.

Bullshit!

I texted you because I felt

bad but I'm done. Deuces.

After finishing my homework I looked at the time and decided to heat up dinner. Yesterday my guardian angel left a care package on my doorstep, cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole.

I popped the square tin in the oven and looked at my notifications while I waited.

"Emma Jade has accepted your friend request". I clicked on the link to her profile and started creeping.

I laughed at a couple memes she shared and commented "You're beautiful" on the profile picture I snagged.

The oven dinged signaling my food was ready.

All through dinner my thoughts were flooded with bright green eyes and pouty lips.

This girl is going to end me.

After dinner I decided to take a shower to… relieve these thoughts.

I have never been this f*****g into anyone before.

Thoughts of her in those tiny shorts raged through my mind as my hand slowly moved against my shaft.

I increased speed feeling a tug in my belly thinking about her beautiful mouth wrapped around my c**k.

My orgasm was building just below the surface.

The imagine of bending her over a table and f*****g her until she screamed pushed me over the edge.

I growled expletives as my seed washed down the drain.

My once hot water ran cold as I stood there catching my breath. I washed quickly and climbed into bed hoping my dreams are full of the beautiful brunette claiming my fantasies.

❤❤❤

My alarm went off and I jumped out of bed ready to start my day.

I pulled on basketball shorts, a hoodie, and sneakers and headed out for my morning run.

I slipped my earbuds in and started my workout playlist- it's a good mix of metal and gangster rap. Slipping my phone into my arm band I jogged out my front door before the sun came up.

The brisk air that accompanied September in Ohio filled my lungs and sent adrenaline through my body. I could feel my nerve endings waking up pushing me to run faster.

I passed houses and trees. Garbage trucks and newspaper carriers were starting their routes. There were no sidewalks in my neighborhood or the adjacent ones so we all had to share the road.

I slowed down to a jog halfway through my fourth lap to help slow my heart rate.

I stopped jogging and started walking as I came to my gate. I tapped my watch to see I ran three and half miles and jogged another half mile.

I shed my hoodie and shoes when I stepped inside, running a hand over my sweaty abs I made my way to the kitchen, grabbed a water and started breakfast.

I scrolled social media while I ate my scrambled eggs and sausage. Emma heart reacted to the comment I left her last night and Lena responded with an inquisitive emoji.

I pulled into my assigned parking spot and saw Emma hugging Lena. I don't know what happened but she looked upset. I cut the engine, grabbed my bag and walked (probably faster than necessary) to hold that beautiful crying girl.

"What happened?" I asked as I approached the friends.

Emma turned to look at me, tears welling up in her big emerald eyes threatening to fall.

She looks so beautiful even when she cries.

I pulled her into me, wrapping both my arms around her soft body, her head hitting just below my collar bone. I felt her body relax. My shirt dampened letting me know her tears finally spilled.

"I'm just so frustrated!" She exclaimed into my chest. I c****d my head to the side and raised an eyebrow at Lena.

"Your ex-girlfriend happened." Lena spat. I could tell she wasn't irritated with me, I just happened to be in close proximity.

"Ex being the key prefix there, baby doll. What did that ho-bag do now? I asked, afraid to hear the answer.

"She and daddy dearest went to principal McMillan to complain about Emma's theme for homecoming, complaining it 'broke away from tradition'." She explained using air quotes for emphasis.

"I'm so sorry, Em. I can't believe they did this two weeks before the dance!" I apologized, kissing the top of her head. She stiffened at the contact and I worried I made a mistake, but her body relaxed just as quickly. I decided to press my luck and kiss her again, this time she remained relaxed.

"I have to redo everything." She groaned.

"Do you really?" I asked with a smile. She raised her head and looked at me confused.

"Weren't you just listening?" She asked, agitation lacing her voice.

"I was listening just fine." I explain. "All dances have a theme so why not keep the theme similar and change the name." I continued. I could tell she was following me.

"Because she already picked a new theme." She bit out.

"Of course she did." I rolled my eyes. "It's probably something cliché like Love Under the Stars." Emma burst out laughing. "It is, isn't it? Of course it is. I f*****g hate her." I said wrapping my arms around Emma again. I just really loved the way she felt against me.

People looked at us through our entire interaction. I can understand why- I had never been particularly nice to Emma over the years.

Emma pulled away from me. "I'm glad you two are as upset over this as I am." She said with a small smile. "Now it's time to be a big girl-"

"Never had a problem with that, did you Carter?" Callie cut her off snidely. I flipped her off and she kept walking.

"She's bitter the only ass she will ever have is the one a doctor gives to her." I retort loud enough for her to hear.

"I like this side of you, Gray." Lena says as we make our way inside.

Emma hasn't said a word since Callie's put down- I could tell it was really bothering her. She hasn't had the easiest time these last few years and I feel a pang of guilt knowing I'm to blame, well at least partially.

William and Winifred have specific requirements on how I dress, what sports I play, what colleges I apply to, my field of study at said college, and most importantly I'm not to associate with the Carter's. Following my parents rules and expectations has made me nothing but miserable. What's the point?

Winifred has spent the last month in Cabo drinking herself stupid and sleeping with anyone who will have her. William has been shacked up with his girlfriend in the city for just as long. His girlfriend graduated high school two years ago.

If they can do what they want then so can I and what I want is Emma and to go to culinary school.

Today went by at a snails pace. I was dragging by the time lunch rolled around. Making my way through the line I grabbed a ham sandwich, fries, an apple, a salad, and a water. I have an athlete's metabolism and I need to keep it up.

I sat down next to Evan who had his tongue down Bethany's throat. Noah and Link looked as disgusted as I felt.

"Sup man!" Link called as I sat down.

"Hey." I responded, moving a seat over. "Has he come up for air?" I asked, biting into my sandwich. Evan flipped me off and peeled his face from his girlfriend.

"I'm going to go comfort Callie! Since mean old Aiden broke her heart." Bethany sang in a baby voice.

"You can't break what you don't have." I retorted earning a snicker from Link. She glared at me and walked away.

"Callie is really beat up over your breakup." Evan commented. I'm sure Bethany put him up to this- he wouldn't care otherwise. "Especially with you taking that girl to homecoming."

"Her name is Emma!" Link and I said is unison. We both looked at each other startled. He appraised me for a second and nodded his head for me to continue.

"Why shouldn't I be able to take who I want to this dance? Why shouldn't I be allowed to date who I want?" I could feel my heat rising as I continued. "Why should I have to take a stuck up, cheating b***h anywhere when I could take the sweetest and most beautiful girl I have ever met?!" I finished a little louder than I anticipated. Evan and Noah regarded me with surprise, but Link looked satisfied. He has known about my crush on her for years.

I looked to my right and saw bright green eyes look at me with shock. A beautiful blush crept over her face and she looked away. I guess I was a lot louder than I expected.

Lunch finished quickly and in relative silence.

The only period I really looked forward to was seventh. Emma and I were partnered on a project so I got to spend the entire time talking to her.

"How many pictures do you think we need?" Emma asked looking up at me.

"I don't know." I shrugged. "Like five, I guess."

She nodded and continued typing at her laptop.

"Why can I never spell renaissance right?" My partner groaned. I chuckled at her which earned a glare.

"Hey, it's not my fault you can't spell." I responded.

"I can spell- just not hard words." She protested, pouting a little.

"Okay, Emma." I stated, sarcasm lacing my voice. She blushed again. I'm dying to know what is going on inside her head.

"What are you doing after school?" I asked.

"Making new decorations and posters for homecoming." She responded sadly.

"Do you want help?" I asked not taking my eyes from my laptop. I couldn't bear to look at her if she rejected me.

"From you?" She asked. I nodded. "Of course!" She answered, causing me to beam internally.