Remember

Chapter 7

10 YEARS AGO...

"Emma and Ares sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" Casey and Jenna were circling around me taunting me.

"Will you two shut up!" I said trying to get away from them. 

"Casey read your diary. You have a crush on Ares. How pathetic. He would never ever go after you." 

I scowled at Jenna and tried to move past her, but she kept moving in front of me taunting me. 

"Get lost Jenna!" I yelled, 

"Make me." She pushed me down and I wouldn't have lost my balance if it weren't Casey using her foot to trip me backwards so I'd fall flat on my back. Jenna was on top of me getting a few swings in. I did my best to block the blows and was trying to grab her arms to keep her from swinging. She got up and started to kick me -Casey also came to join in on the fun of beating me up. I wasn't sure what triggered this mayhem. 

"You'll never be good enough for Ares." I heard one of them say, but I was getting a rough beating so I couldn't tell who it was coming from. I then a heard a voice that was strong and intimidating. 

"Jenna stop!" 

I saw both of them back off as I heard the crunch of gravel as someone was coming close to me. I rolled over onto my back looked up and saw Ares as I groaned in pain. 

"Jenna go home." 

"She is a poor excuse of a human Ares." 

"Doesn't matter two against one isn't very fare. I'll deal with you later so now go home. As for you!" He turned toward Casey 

"You'd do this to your own sister?" 

"She is my step sister." Snorted Casey sarcastically 

"She deserves better than what you are offering in a sibling and one day you'll regret ever having hurt her. Jenna take your friend too. You both disgust me." 

"Come on Casey." 

I felt Ares scoop me up and cradle me in his arms. He began to walk away. 

"Where are you taking her?" Asked Casey 

"So now you care?" He laughed, "Priceless. Don't worry she is safe with me." 

"I'll tell my parents you're a creep!" Threatened Casey to Ares. 

"Tell them whatever you want. I'm not afraid to stand up against a bully like you. Go home or you'll regret making me angry." 

"Come on Casey we need to go now." Jenna grabbed Casey's hand and I saw her lead her away as Ares continued to cradle me. I was in pain from the beating, but something sweet and soothing seduced me into a slumber. 

I woke up in a small run down shack and a very comfy bed. I felt the breeze hit me and I turned to a large open wall that looked out into the woods. I saw Ares standing against the wall looking out gazing at nature and all its glory. He must have heard me move because he turned his head toward my direction and I saw his beautiful green eyes. 

"How are you feeling?" He asked me, but I was too shocked that I was even in the same room with him and even worse alone.

"I'm sorry about Jenna, she can be a jealous brat at times. Do you want something to drink?" He walked over to a little fridge and brought out a can of soda and came over by me. He brought out a stool and sat down and handed me the can. I reluctantly took it, but I didn't open it. 

"You don't have to be afraid Emma I'm not going to hurt you." 

"I think...I think Jenna and Casey already beat you to it and I am not afraid of you." 

"Good. I can understand Jenna, but why Casey aren't you two sisters?" 

"Like she said we are just step sisters and when Jenna is around it is different most of the time. " I told him

"They were teasing you about something." 

"They always tease me." I said looking down at the soda in my hand

"Why?" 

"Because they can I suppose. Casey found my diary and told Jenna so now the whole townl knows."

"Knows what?"

"That I have a crush on you." I blushed 

"Well I am very flattered." He smiled, "I think you're pretty cute yourself, but you're a little too young." 

"I'll be 16 soon, but my parents don't really want me dating. ." 

He laughed a little, "Why is that?" He asked

I let out a heavy sigh, "My mom is cool, but dating scares her. I am the good child so I have to keep that role. " 

"Yet Casey does?" 

"Casey is a rebel." 

"You aren't?" 

"No...I respect my parents. Plus most boys around here don't really talk to me which is fine none of them are appealing in that way." 

"Well Emma, maybe we can be friends." 

I smiled or blushed....

"You want to be friends with me?" I asked him 

He smiled big showing his white straight teeth. 

I looked around, "What is this place?" I asked

"Its a place I go to think and be alone. It is your place now too." 

"Because we are friends?" 

"Exactly." 

I didn't say anything, but I felt as if this place was a new sanctuary from Casey and Jenna. 

"How are you feeling? You took a pretty good beating by those two." 

"Sore, but I'm ok." 

"I'll deal with Jenna, but Casey..." 

"She only hangs out with Jenna for social status." 

"Social status?" 

"Well, your parents have money which means Jenna has the nicest clothes and stuff. Our parents make a modest income, but Casey likes nice things." 

"So she uses Jenna?" 

"Jenna uses Casey. Jenna says jump and Casey ask how high. Casey would never do anything on her own without the influence of Jenna and in return Jenna gives her gifts." 

"What a friendship." 

"Survival." I said 

"To survive being a teenager?" 

"I guess." 

"So silly." 

"It is, but people are mean. If you don't have the right shoes, clothes, or if your parents don't drive the right cars or have the best of tv then they tease and make fun of you especially in a small town like this where there are a lot of rich kids." 

"And what of you Emma?" 

"What of me?" 

"Do you like nice things?" 

"I do, but if my parents can't afford it then I'm not going to pressure them to do something that isn't practical. One day I will have a career and be able to afford fine things and go on adventures and be independent." 

"You are very mature for your age." He complimented 

I shrugged, "Thanks my mom calls me an old soul" and looked down at my hands. I looked back up and he was staring at me. 

"So what about you?" I asked him 

"What about me?" 

"Casey said you were homeschooled. Why?" 

"I don't play well with others and I think the school system is a joke." 

"So you spend your time here?" 

"Most of the time." He said 

"What do you do for fun?"

"The usual. Play video games, watch movies,... save teenage girls in the woods." 

I smiled and I could feel my cheeks getting hot. 

It was from that day forward Ares and I were two halves of a whole. He was the peanut butter to my jelly. When my mom would drop Casey and I off at Jenna's moms house on the days she had to work late and Jenna's mom offered to watch us so we wouldn't be home alone, I'd spend my time with Ares. He'd be sitting in his chair in his room playing video games and I'd be on his bed reading a book or listening to music. He didn't seemed to be bothered by me either. Jenna and Casey didn't bully me any more either. The most they did was just snarl at me or give me dirty looks, but they never put a hand on me again. Somehow I healed really fast and some of the bruises weren't noticeable anymore. I never ratted on Casey to our parents there was no reason for it because me being close to Ares was enough of a mental bruise to her ego and same with Jenna. 

On days I wasn't with Ares I would be working at the local mini market sweeping and stocking shelves. Of course it was all under the table because I wasn't of age yet to work, but I liked having money of my own and I saved every penny I could. I was walking back home from work on a path that went by the woods near where Ares hideout was. It was a warm day and almost humid too. My headphones were in, but I felt something hit my shoulder. I turned around there was Ares up on a ridge looking down at me. 

"Hey that was rude." I said to him, he laughed 

"I've been looking for you." 

"I was at work this morning. What are you doing?" 

"Aren't you just miss independent. Come here I want to show you something." 

I rolled my eyes, but obliged and climbed up to where he was.

"Ok you've got me up here all sweaty and gross. Now what." 

"Come on." He took my hand and lead me away. 

I had no idea there was a waterfall that lead to a giant watering hole. The scenery was beyond breath taking and the water looked refreshing. As long as I had lived in this town I never knew this place existed. 

"Wow!" I whispered 

"Ready to go swimming?" 

I looked at him and I could see the mischief in his eyes. He grabbed me and hauled me over his shoulder and carried me down close to the water. In reaction I screamed and also giggled too. He sat me down and I watched him as he began to take off his shirt. I turned away and blushed. He took a running head start and jumped in making a holler sound and a big canon ball splash. I waited for him to float up and when he did his hair looked even sexier wet. 

"Well you coming?" 

I thought for a moment." 

"Turn around." I said as I began to unbutton my shorts. I wore boy short underwear and had a sports bra and tank top on so I wasn't completely embarrassed. I too took a running start and jumped in. The water was surprisingly warm and not shocking cold like I had expected. 

He swam over to me. 

"Another one of your places?" I asked him 

"You like?" 

"You impress girls a lot taking them to a place like this?" I teased 

"You are the first." He smirked 

"I'm only teasing you" I said giving him a little splash "It's beautiful here." I was admiring the scenery and hadn't him notice he was watching me as we bobbed in the warm water. 

"You seem more comfortable around me." I turned to him 

"I am." 

"Good." He ducked down under water and I waited for him to come up, but I didn't see him for what seemed like a few minutes before I got scared that he had possibly drowned somehow. 

"Ares!" I called his name multiple times before I felt hands grab me from behind lifting me up and tossing me. I screamed in surprise and the force dunked me in the water. I shot up and went over to him. He was laughing historically. 

"You scared me jerk." I tried to push him underwater, but he was stronger. 

We played endlessly and I watched in envy as he did a few flips off of the water fall. I clapped in approval at his outstanding performance. He climbed up the embankment over to where I was sitting in the sunshine to dry off. 

"You cold?" He asked

"No the sun feels good." 

"Are your parents going to worry about you not coming home right away?" 

"They are probably still at work." 

"Do they know we are friends?" 

"I haven't told them yet, but I'm sure it will come up eventually." 

"What do you plan on telling them?" He asked 

"The truth...we are friends." 

"Do you think they will believe you?" 

"Coming from Casey no, but coming from me yes." 

"If you are so confident." 

I looked at my phone and my mom sent me a text. 

"Where are you?" 

"Speaking of parents. I should probably get going." 

"You working tomorrow?" He asked as I began to put my shorts back on. 

"Tomorrow is Saturday so probably just for a little bit. The store gets busy in the mornings." 

"Maybe I'll stop by." 

"Ok. See you tomorrow." I grabbed my stuff and left 

I got home and my parents were in the kitchen talking. I walked in. 

"Hi." 

"No call, no text, I called the store and they told me you left hours ago. Where have you been?" My mom snapped at me 

"Sorry. I thought you guys would still be at work and it was a warm day so I went swimming with Ares." 

"Ares?" Questioned Jake, "Isn't that Jenna's older brother?" Asked my mom 

"Yeah..." I went to the fridge and grabbed a water bottle 

"Isn't he a little old for you?" 

I took a sip of my water. 

"Relax guys we are just friends. Mom told me no dating until I was like 30." 

"Does Ares know this and I didn't mean 30 I just mean not when you are 15." 

I sighed, "I promise it is strictly platonic." 

"Well still I think we need to have a talk with this boy. I don't mind you guys being friends, but still not a hundred percent sure. I was a young man once." Said Jake 

"So what you want me to invite him over for Sunday brunch?" 

My mom and Jake looked at each other and I knew they were trying desperately to read each others minds. Jake wasn't having it, but my mom was trying to be the good cop. 

"That sounds like a great idea. Casey is spending the night at Jenna's anyways so this will give us time to get to know him." 

"Great. I'll let him know." I was about to walk off 

"Emma..." I turned and my mom looked at me as if she was sad to see that her little girl was not becoming not so little. I walked over to her and wrapped her in a hug. 

"I promise both of you that Ares and I are just friends. Best friends. He gets me." 

"Ok sweetie," She tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, "Did you have fun swimming at least?" 

"Yeah it was nice. Very beautiful place. I'm going to go take a shower and chill out a bit. I am going to help in the morning at the market for a little bit." 

"Ok good night." 

"Night." 

I left them to talk more about me and I didn't want to stand there and listen. For once I was the topic of conversation instead of Casey who was always into trouble. The shower was warm and my bed was comfortable. I spent the rest of the evening reading and listening to music before I went to bed. 

The morning came and I road my bike to the market and began helping out because Saturdays the market had specials on local items the chain stores didn't carry. I hadn't forgotten that Ares was suppose to come in and see me, but I was so busy helping the customers that I hadn't notice he was here. 

"Hi, you look busy." 

"It usually is on Saturday's, but it makes the time go by faster." 

I helped a few customers out and went to grab something by the counter. He followed me as I continued to work. 

"So my parents want to meet you. I mean they know of you obviously, but they aren't convinced that you and I aren't a thing even though I told them we weren't. They still want to have an official meet and greet tomorrow during Sunday brunch." 

"Ok what time?" 

"Um 10 would be fine. You sure you're cool with it?" 

"Yeah. You said you were honest and you are. We are just friends. Sure I like you and think you are super cute, but I'm I want to respect you.." 

"How come you don't have a girlfriend?" 

He almost answered, but I was called away. 

"Sorry. I have to go." 

"It's fine I know you are busy. I'll see you tomorrow at 10." 

"Bye." 

After work I rushed home and began to clean the house like a mad woman. I even picked up my room and cleaned the bathroom that Casey and I shared, but was also used for guest. 

Casey walked in, "What's with you?" She asked in the door way arms crossed 

"Cleaning don't you have a sleep over to be at?" I asked 

"Mom is taking me after she gets off work. So I heard Ares is coming over for brunch tomorrow." 

"Yeah and your point." 

"You might have mom and dad fooled, but let's get real. I'm not sure what is really going on with you and him and its not like your even a real woman yet. You haven't gotten your period." 

"So." 

"So...Ares isn't going to want some child. He's going to want a real woman one day." 

"We are just friends." 

"So you say. Well we will see about that. Remember he is a teenage boy. He is going to want to get into your pants eventually." 

"I won't let him. I have morals." 

"Please...don't be so naive and stupid Emma." 

"I'm not. Can I help you with something or you just going to stand here and continue to just bash me verbally.," 

"No I'm gonna go get ready for Jenna's. Tomorrow we are going to the mall for back to school shopping. Enjoy your brunch." 

"I will thanks." 

Casey left and I could feel her presence still attacking me. She thought she was all that and more and I wasn't sure if I hated her for it or if I was envious at the same time because she was bold enough to con people into giving her the things she couldn't have and very much wanted. 

Mom was super happy to come home to a clean house. 

"Wow who knew a boy who is just a friend would be such a drive for you to clean the house Emma." 

"I just want to make it look nice for him. You've seen their house. That place looks like a home magazine." 

"Yes, but I don't think our house looks horrible. It's a little dated, but it's still a home." 

"I know. still just want it to look nice." 

"Ok well thanks it does look nice. So I take it that he is coming." 

"Yeah he is. I told him 10." 

"Perfect." 

That night I painted my toes. Not my finger nails only because I knew if I messed up my toes it wouldn't be as noticeable as my finger nails. I wasn't sure what I was going to wear, but I had to take a moment that it was just brunch and I should be comfortable. I was beyond nervous for tomorrow and not because of Ares, but because of my mom and Jake. At least Casey was gone.