Audrey's strength

Just us

Jess was standing in his fight pose- lightly on his legs, with left hand along his body, and right ready to punch, surrounded by 4 guys, two were already on the ground holding they jaws. Two big ones still was standing. I couldn't belive that one of them was Eric. I saw blood on Jess lip. He noticed me and winked with smile. I knew he got it under control. But I didn't want him to got even one punch. I looked on ground and noticed brik. I grabbed it and run to Eric who dare attacked my Jess. I took a swing and smacked his back with all my might. I yelled to him "it was my last lesson for you" He felt on his knee. In this moment Jess nokout last of them after took me in his arms. And kissed passionate.

"I was handling it babe"

"I had personal interests in taking down this one"

we burst with laughter and left this place without looking back. On back seat our car was box with some furniture

Jess on his free went to buy desk. I kissed him in cheek while he was driving.

At our flat I needed warn him. It might be first but not last attack.

"Jess why they did it?"

"Because of you. One said something that I'm obstacle to get to you. Audrey I need ask you to be more careful. Look around ok? I can handle them but I'm worry about you. What if I will be in other part of school and they try a***e you? I can't let anyone to hurt you, but what if I will be too far!" he took me in his arms and kissed me. His injuried lip must hurt but pain didn't stop him.

" I think I'm safe" I mumbled

"from where this confidence?"

"Madeleine" I wanted end this conversation but Jess pushed me to talk.

"Audrey" he was inpatient.

"bet isn't only about you she said. Girls got their and guys one about me" My eyes were full of tears

"I think it's includes voluntary s*x not s****l a***e, that's why I think I'm safe"

Jess was kissing me. He knew it always calm me down.

"we will be OK, I will stop them. After today they will be afraid even think of you. Please don't think about them. We are great together they can't ruin us. Are u listening I see you floating with thoughts" he smiled because noticed my blush

"what's on your mind A?"

"nothing" I lied and felt hudge warm red wave on my face

"you're terrible liar, shoot"

"it's it's an f**k" his laughing wasn't helpful.

"Audrey talk"

"Nothing it's nothing. I just remembered you between them"

"So why u blushed I want to hear it"

"Because when you smiled to me before punch this guy you looked super hot, and I blushed because of that thought"

He was choking from laugh I was getting angry. I felt ashamed. He took deep breath

"Audrey you are the most wonderful person I've ever known. " and he kissed me.

Some kind of shyness mastered me when we heading to Fun Hill. So many changes since last Sunday. How will react my uncle, do I had to tell him that me and Jess live together? My hands were wet. Jess saw my face

"Talk Audrey"

"Jess we built our relationship on not pushing each" teasing and sarcasm it was my weapon

"I thought we already on new level of our relationship" he joined me.

"I'm thinking what I should tell Kev"

"f**k. Audrey I already told him I moved to you. Sorry I didn't thought you may want keep it only between us. f**k sorry A."

"How he react?"

"Normally, I had to hear long monolog about my death if I hurt you. After was long list what will he do to me if I made u sad. And at the end through laugh said see you on Friday"

"So now u with me because your fear of him, hmmm" I tried sound serious. He grabbed my hand and kiss every my finger.

"I'm afraid that one day you will leave me"

At Hill no one comment us. But when Jess was racing always someone was by my bar. Kevin, Bastien, Tom or Daryl-drivers from Kevin's team. When it was Daryl watch Madeleine came.

"Can I please fresh juice"

"orang, apple, mix?" I tried be professional

"Mix please"

I complited her order and wish she left fast. But she stood by bar.

"Madeleine you wanna say something or you just here to try win your bet"

"oh I dropped it long ago. I'm here in case someone will try!"

"why u give a damn of us?"

"I don't give a damn you or Jess. But u may think of me as some cold b***h who thinks only about s*x. But it's on surface. I believe in love. And I'm jealous of what you and him have. I dream someone look at me as Jess at you. I can't be part of ruining it." she said it with full confidence.

" Why I don't believe you. Eric try warn us and then was one of who attacked Jess. Why I should listen to you?" in that moment Daryl interfered

" should I show this nice looking girl way out?" I just made no sound. But I noticed he liked Madeleine look

"Madeleine it's Daryl. My guard so I'm safe" they shaked hands.

"Still I'm staying. I know how handle them. And they said be here it was before faigh but still may try"

"How u know?"

She showed me her cell with opened messenger group named f**k Jess/Audrey. In this moment Jess came. He arranged his runs one after another so he could be with me till main race. When he approached and noticed Madeleine I saw anger on his face. But she totally ignored him. He sat on stool on my side of bar. Because of my idea of coffee and fresh juice I had line all the time. Didn't have time for Jess, just from time to time I kissed his head when I was taking something from behind. Madeleine didn't left. But she was chating with Daryl. When we heard announcement about main race. Jess kissed me and went to car. Daryl and Bastien waved us. Stayed me, Madeline and Kevin. At last seconds before start Ems appeared. She send drivers to race and came say sorry to Kavin. She said it's hard to get from city to Hill. I wasn't thinking much and shoot

"You can crush at my place on weekends"

"You serious? Your mother will not have any objections?"

"I rent a flat with Jess so no parents control" why I said that I wanted turn back time. I was suppose to ask Jess and I forgot Madeleine and Kevin presence. First just gasped and decided walk away to watch race. Second turn to me

"In that flat are only two bedrooms Audrey. Are you saying you and Jess are in one?"

Fuck! He was furious I didn't know what to do. My uncle moved to Jess like tank. I left bar and run after him. I stood on his way and put my hand on his chest

" we don't do it. We just like be close. You need calm down and look at me"

"I promised you we will take things slow and we do. Before any decisions we first need fix ourselves so I beg you don't do nothing stupid"

I noticed Jess was approaching I took my hand up in stop signal.

"uncle"

"Audrey your father is waiting in other world to kill me that I let it happen."

"I'm on my own uncle. His not here. And he will hug you for helping his daughter having a little happiness in her sad life." second later I was in tight hug. Jess didn't knew what happened and came to us. Kev hugged him and said something to his ear. I tried aks Jess what but he said it's a secret.

3 of us came back to bar. Ems was replacing me.

" oh Jess, I offer bed to Ems for weekends I hope you don't mind"

"I will join to rent" she did sweet face. Jess wasn't angry but I felt disappointment

"Sure"

I closed race bar and went to main building.

"Jess I'm so sorry for Em but she was crying to Kev and this invitation left my mouth before I asked you and think if I really want do it. I was sure it was just a thought but I said it out loud. If you don't want it I will talk with her. It's our place I should wait but I only caused problems. Jess say something" he smiled

"you didn't make any pause. I don't mind her if she will really join to pay. Yes you should asked me first. I felt like visitor at your place when you said about her. But now it's OK, you do it often." and blush on face. It was connected to his smile.

"Like when?" I asked quietly

"you mostly says it while staring at me. I hear 'so sexy', 'f*****g handsome'" I wanted colaps under ground. But he kissed me.

"oh and now I know why your uncle told me something earlier" f*****g secret.

"Can I know now what he said?"

"nah" I punched him

"you got fight today?"

"tomorrow"

"so you just stay for me?"

"yep"

"I don't deserve you"

"you do, now go to work" we entered vip bar. I run to bar on fights place and said Machete I can take it from him, but he said that's at vips to many people who wants coffee and pleased me to be in there. He liked serve whiskey not coffee. So I got back to VIP I thought it will gave me less tips but was opposite. I had a lot of work that night so I didn't noticed that Daryl invited Madeleine. Jess was changing places. Once was with me once went watched fights. Left few times for cigarette. Should I tell him I smoke from time to time. It's not a lie he never asked if I smok.

Midnight came fast. I felt Jess was still angry at me. But about what? I was driving us home because he drink with Bastien.

"talk with me Jess"

"about what?"

"for example on what you piss, did I do something?" I was confused I thought we were OK.

"I'm not. I, f**k. Audrey all love you. You nice to all. I, I think you suppose to spend more time with others"

"with who for example?"

"I don't know"

I parked. Couldn't argue with him while driving.

"Jess look at me" I gave order, he obeyed

"it's my job to be nice to customers. I got today 130 dollars tips in cash. I don't talk with them I don't need be with them."he smirked

" f**k Jess don't take this f*****g eyes from me"

"what eyes Audrey"

"beautiful eyes Jess" I melted down his anger.

"Audrey you deserve to meet people to find someone much better than me"

"Jess" I got out from my seat opened his doors and slided on his laps.

"I want you. I like serving alcohol, coffee. But when I have a line I'm sad that I can't spend time with you. And believe me I prefere 1 minute with you than whole shift with them. Jess listen to me ok. I adore you. You everything in my nothing" he laugh

"you know you just quoted a song"

"yes" I blushed. He kissed me

"Audrey why you lied about your birthday?"

"I didn't"

"You said you got your Mustang on February and your uncle said it's in two weeks"

"I don't celebrate them that day. I woke up on February so me and my grandparents use this date"

"why?" I started cry.

"Audrey I'm sorry, forget this question"

"I want to answer Jess. I just never said it out loud"

"take your time baby" he didn't took his eyes from me even for a second, was patient. His hand was drawing circles on my back. He gave me all the time I needed

"I was born on 3rd November. When was my 11 birthday my mom woke me up with first birthday kiss. my dad was making pancakes for us-he could cook only this. He said that he prepared day full of surprises for me. When we were ready to ride school he let me for the first time in my life be on front seat. I was excited best birthday ever. On crossroad we stopped for red light. Dad asked how I feel. I told him that great, green appeared we moved and truck hit us. I remember he grabbed me so I didn't hit dashboard, than I remember him laying on my lap. Than was February. My father died because of me." I couldn't stop crying. Jess shushed me. I hide my head in his shoulder.

" you aren't responsible for it. It was accident"

"if he didn't ask me, looked at me he might saw this truck"

"no baby it wouldn't change a thing. Don't blame yourself. Don't do it please." I trusted his words. Well I knew I lerned about such accidents but still couldn't stop blame myself.

"let me out and I will drive us back home, ok. U need rest"

"give me a moment in your arms and I will do it. You drunk" he laughed delicate and held me tight.

From car Jess took me into his arms straight to bed.

When we were laid .down I had to ask

"Jess?"

"yes Audrey"

"what Kevin said to you?" I was waiting for laugh but he remained serious.

"to wait at least to your 18 birthday. And that's in 2 weeks" I didn't ask wait for what. Kevin said it after I had to tell him I don't have s*x with Jess.

"what's why you got angry and wanted me to meet others?"

"no, I mean. He said about your birthday I was sure I remembered good when you said February.

Later I saw you with other people. I just drunk to much and was over thinking. In my mess you became order. And just Kevin, Emily all surprised me. Sorry Audrey"

"don't please. I should told you earlier. I should ask about Em I'm sorry Jess, I'm so so sorry." Jess turned me to him. He kissed me.

"don't Audrey. It's good. Now sleep"

On Saturday we slept long. We both needed rest. After day was great Jess cooked, he was spoiling me. At work I just more often showed my interest in him. He won Saturday race and after his fight in second round. Perfect day. Sunday was the same happy day together . Just my grandpa called. Before answering it I asked Jess for permission to tell him about us. He said yes. Grandpa wasn't surprised. Told me was sure Jess will do it. "Audrey he is strong just needed time to realize that. So I'm happy for you. Just to be clear I don't want became grand grandfather" after he asked me if he and grandma can stay at my house in two weeks. I said yes. They wanted be on graveyard. I was sure it was a reason.

From end of that call begun best week ever. At school Jess and I were almost all the time together. No one tried again ruin us. In the middle of week we met Ms Logan she was super nice. At home we acted like we live together for years. We helped each in study. I took from headmaster list of projects which can help us get to college. Two of them were a team work so we decided do it together. First we made Business plan and it was great team work. Jess as me liked order in apartment so we both keep our place clean. On Thursday Emily joined us. She spent most time in her room because she had to learn. But we had some time to know each better. Work was a pleasure. For a moment I was wondering if Jess wasn't tired of me. We were together 24/7. I asked of course before sleep when we were laying down in bed.

"Audrey I need you more not less" it was satisfying answer.

When next week started I felt tension From Monday I had nightmares. I saw over and over in my head my dad in blood on my laps. I heard mine crying and that I was calling him.

On Wednesday it was hard to be with me in one room. Jess was patient I didn't understood why.

When we ate dinner I decided excuse for my behavior.

"Jess you the saint. I don't know why you so patient. I know I act stupid, nervous. I'm sorry." I was close to cry. But his arms and warmth of his body stopped my tears.

"I know why you like this. I act the same on every May. Since Todd finished his life. So I'm patient, I wish I could do more but I just can be close to you. When you call in sleep your father I hold you and wait for you to calm." did he just told my that his brother killed himself. It was a lot. I decided not to ask for details but I closed my arm around him.

" I try hard to act normal, not to become my mother, Jess I'm trying. But I'm so afraid that if I stop this sadness it will be like I forget him"

"Audrey he always will be in your heart. He would like you move on. Your grief should be over. You need stop living his life, this accident and focus on your future."

"I feel you say it not only to me" I tried smile.

"you right it's my message for both of us. Let's try together move on! Can we try?"

"yes" we kissed. Our making over broke message signal.

I will be out this weekend. You guys free from me

It was Emily. I assumed she need learn. And ignored asking why. In the morning I decided skip school. Jess didn't want agree but I begged him to go. I didn't want spend day in bed. I wanted make him surprise. If we move on. We had to make some changes. I went around noon to small gift shop. I print few our together pics. Bought frames. On our walls were only photos of my father and Todd. We needed ours to made this moving forward real. When I got back I made some cleaning. Ordered dinner at 4 pm and putt new frames on walls. I took a shower. I chosed dress to look nice for him.

Jess entered flat with his worst angry face didn't even looked at me, went straight to bedroom and shut the doors behind him. I heard he went shower. I didn't knew what just happened.

Decided wait. When he was closed in room food arrived. I prepared all. He was still as far as possible from me.

"Jess, what is going on?" I knocked. He remained silent.

I tried go to him by bathroom. Door was opened. He laid down on bed.

"Jess talk with me" finally his eyes found mine.

"why you in dress?"

"For you!" he smirked

"what the f**k Jess"

"I met Travis today" he was pissed off

"What Travis?"

"He introduced himself as your friend"

"Oh this Travis. When I was 9 we moved here and we were in school together. We were friends. Now he is in college. Where you met him" I tried be as gentle as possible

"he was looking for you at school"

"what for?"

"he gave me something for you. I can gave it to you before 9 pm when he will call. He is handsome A. I didn't know you got such friends."I laid down on Jess. He tried protest. I kissed him and after looked at him.

" we were in one class before accident. In that time he was fat but funny. We catched frogs together. After I lost 2 years. We talked from time to time but that's all" I was smiling to Jess and saw it was working. His anger was fading.

"How he knew about me?"

"we talked last week on messenger"

"what? Audrey!" I took my cell and opened this conversation and gave it to Jess. He took cell

Sis what's up?

Fine T.

I'm in love sis, you need meet with us on November break. How's your love life?

Great

You with someone?

Yep

He got name?

Jess

Happy?

Crazy happy

So double date on November! Great news A. I will call you for details next week

"Happy?" I've asked when he looked at me.

"crazy happy" he said through smile and kissed me. Before gave me back my cell

"he is writing something"

"read it to me"

"you sure?"

"yes" I leaned on his chest and waited.

"A. I met your boyfriend. Toooo f*****g handsome. You trust him, I'm scared to introduce him my Natalie. Joke. I gave him something for you. Please be patient and wait for my phone. I need explain it sis."

"write him ok but be fast"

"why you look so sexy?"

"f**k get up food will be cold soon, come."

"Talk first"

"no need just look on walls" we left bedroom he looked around he got tears in eyes. Still in main place were pics of dad and Todd. But rest wall were ours. I put 3 pictures of us together. One send me Bas. It was shot right after our first kiss on Fun hill we looked on it deep into each eyes. One was from top of my secret hill in woods we took it as a joke, one we made in bed last week. I hanged also pic I made him and pair it with one he made me at the same evening.

"Audrey it's beautiful"

"It's my way to tell you I want move forward with you Jess"

I didn't finsh sentence and was in his arms.

"Audrey you my miracle"

"Jess food! Come eat" time run fast we were in each whole time. I felt I surprised him and made him feel good. Our kissing stopped my phone. It was Travis. I clicked green button Jess went bedroom. It was video call

"hello girl, wow you look good" I noticed punch in his arm. I laughed

"Hello Natalie nice to meet your hand" I heard her laugh and she looked in camera.

"Hi Audrey I've heard a lot about you"

"don't make me blush"

"u guys were sweet babies. Now I'm leaving. Hope see you soon" she left room

"A. She is jealous don't understand we catched frogs together. I don't get why it's hard to believe in boy/girl friendship"

"I get it, got the same at my place"

"we need show them thats we like siblings"

"we will handle this" Jess entered with envelope in his hands.

"hi Jess, thanks"

"hi Travis" he mumbled

"Audrey it's something I've been keeping last 7 years" I felt tears in my eyes. But didn't stopped Travis.

"On 2 November your dad gave one card me, Janice, Matt and Eli. He asked to gave you 2 before lunch and 2 after on 3rd, on your birthday. But you didn't came to school. Later we knew why. I wanted gave you this at hospital but u were in coma. Later we were in touch. But you sound hurt and not ready. Now I felt you finally in good mood. I felt you ready. I don't know what is about u need find out by yourself. Your dad knew he can't tell me a secret, it was obvious I would have told you. Ok I finished. Open it"

I took envelope and looked inside. In were birthday cards. 4 different. In every was a message from my dad.

"I love you kid. Can't believe how fast you grew up"

"soon I hope u will be surprised. I got something special for u and mom. I can't wait for your reaction. Love you kid"

"it's almost end of school. You ready for gifts time. Love you Audrey"

"Run on parking baby. Love you"

After I read card gave it to Jess. He collected them. And came to me on couch. I thanked Travis and he hang out. Jess was holding me.

"Jess I never got this gifts. I have no idea what surprise he planned"

"Maybe Kev knows"

"More Claire, his ex wife"

"call her come on don't cry and be a detective" I laughed. And took my cell. Auntie answer after firs signal.

"Audrey baby how are you? I didn't call to not gave u a feeling that I try controlling you"

"it's OK, I'm fine, I'm great to tell you the truth."

"oh baby I'm so happy for you"

"Aunt? Can I asked something"

"go Audrey" I heard her gasp.

"do you know with what dad wanted surprised me on accident day?"

"you mean what he prepared for your birthday?"

"yes"

"you need talk with Kevin. I don't know if he kept it"

"you know?"

"yes Audrey but you need talk with Kevin. I need go baby" she hang out I was sure I heard she started crying.

Jess just said to call Kevin. He didn't answer and didn't call back. I needed wait till next day. Jess did everything he could to make me feel better. I wasn't devastated it was nice evening. I had over and over repeated Jess that I'm ok. He loved annoy me. It remembered me moment when I was taking care of his hands and he was repeating "who did it to you".

"why u smiling"

"because I like you a lot" he smiled to me took me in arms and led us to bedroom. Before he laid me down on bed he took of me my dress.

"didn't you promised wait for my 18?" I teased him to cover my shyness. He didn't said nothing just got on me. His lips were all over me. He didn't took of me my b*a and panties. Was focused on my exposed parts of the body. I wanted took of his t-shirt but he didn't allow me to do it.

Later he stopped and gave me t-shirt. And he sat on bed edge. I knew it was his cold down moment. I felt his erection. I hided under duvet.

"Jess" he was sitting with his elbows on laps his head was down and eyes on th floor. He faced me, move to me and kissed me. Moment later I was in his arms. We were ready to sleep.

"Audrey?"

"yes?"

"your surprise, you, f**k. This was perfect. Sorry I ruined it"

"You didn't, to tell you the truth I like way you jealous about me. I think it's sexy" I knew how my face looked like in that moment. But I wanted say it. Jess laughed a bit and I felt his hug got stronger.

"you so special A. You so incredibly fantastic"

"Jess stop" he kissed my neck

"Never. Now sleep baby"

Friday at school passed fast. We went earlier to Hill. I wanted talk with Kevin but he was out. About 9 he called me and asked to be at 3 next day and we will talk about 3. November 7 years ago. I felt he escape from me.

On Saturday morning I met my grandparents. Jess went with me although I told him he doesn't have to. We went to church together and to visit dads grave. My grandma felt in love with Jess. They talked together all this time. They were leaving in the evening so we eat together brunch and said goodbye. By the car grandpa took out of trunk gift for me.

"I know we have another tradition but it's your 18 birthday, you deserve the best this day. It's time Audrey" I didn't open it. Waited.

Grany invited us for Thanksgiving. I wasn't in bad shape. I felt sadness but I didn't let it took control over me. When we got car I opened bag. Got bank information. It was one paired with credit card I got earlier. It said I got on it 50000 dollars. Another paper was a information about open bill in "Home In" I could spend 15000 dollars. Was also card.

"don't get mad. We're giving you money because you know the best what you need. You grown now. Love you grandpa and grandma"

I showed it to Jess, he smiled. We went home to change. To be ready to work. When he opened door I gasped in surprise. Home was filled with flowers. Mostly daffodils and tulips and few roses. Jess took me in arms and wished to me happy birthday. When I was amused he put on my neck golden necklace with my name. He remembered that I always envy Carrie from s*x and the city such necklace. That I never couldn't find one nice looking with my name. I cried. This one was perfect. Emotion took power on my words. I was in Jess arms I had head full of one thought.

"I'm falling in love with you" f**k I said it out loud. I wanted run but Jess held me strong. He waited for me to look at him I was in ashamed flames he was giggling . Finally took my chin up.

"I love you Audrey" and he kissed me. All I could think were Jess words. How it sound. I wanted stayed in this room full of flowers in arms man I loved.