Wanting You (Book 1)

In And Out

Astrid's POV

"YOUR MOM IS ENGAGED TO TRENT'S DAD!?" Keri asked in astonishment when I broke the news to her, "This would be on the school's gossip site for weeks to come. This is unbelievable," she finished and typed quickly into her phone.

"Tell me about it. I'm still trying to wrap my head and my mind around all of this. It's surreal," I responded and fluffed my pillows on the bed. It was Sunday afternoon, and Keri had come over for lunch.

"What's so surreal about it?" she questioned.

"I guess it's the haste of how everything is happening. Mom met him merely a few weeks ago. They had a couple of dates, and now they're engaged to be married. That's a big step, Keri, even for them."

"Your mom wants to love and be loved again. I mean, who could blame her, especially after your dad doing what he did."

"I wonder how he'll react hearing the news. Mom is going to marry a freaking millionaire!"

"I'm more so excited for the fact that you'd be living under the same roof as Trent Ambrose," Keri said, and my excitement faded away all too quickly. A deep, unsettling feeling rolled around in the pit of my stomach, and I thought I would have regurgitated everything I had for lunch earlier.

"Oh no," I said, clutching my stomach now as I sat down onto my bed.

"Hey.. Astrid, are you okay?"

"No! Of course I'm not okay. I thought I would have been happy. I was even rejoicing. I wanted this to be a one-up on Trent Ambrose for all the hell he had put me through, but I didn't think as far as to live with him." I felt all the blood draining from my face as my mind raced.

"Astrid, calm down. It might not be as bad as you're thinking."

"Keri, are you kidding me? Are you kidding me right now? I'll be under the same roof with Trent Ambrose! It can not get any worse than that!"

~

A new week had begun, and the news about my mom's engagement to Trent's father was the Shockwave to every student and the teachers even.

The comment section of the school's gossip site was overwhelming to read. Congratulations and unpleasantries littered the walls, and I was too distraught to even comprehend.

Whispers and giggles greeted me again as I headed towards my locker. Almost everyone casted a nasty look my way, and for the life of me, I couldn't understand why.

What did I do?

Again, I felt seen and vulnerable. Over the past weeks, after I was successful in joining the cheerleading squad, things felt easier for me. The constant and nasty teasings, bullying, and pick-ons had ceased, but as of now, I felt like a helpless rabbit surrounded by starving vultures, starving for someone to pick on.

Keri appeared at my side like the guardian angel she was.

"You're okay?" she inquired.

"Yeah. I'm good," I answered, casting my eyes around at the others.

"No one is going to say anything to your face," Keri assured. I nodded and reached for my textbooks.

"You and I have to talk," Trent approached me. The hallway went into complete silence and everyone looked on with keen interest, "Right now," Trent finished. He took the lead and I followed behind.

~

"What is it?" I questioned upon entering another empty classroom with Trent Ambrose.

"That wedding cannot happen."

"You're still on this?" I said with a groan of annoyance, "I've already told you that they're two grown folks and I'm not going to try to tear them apart for your satisfaction."

"This is for the better for all of us."

"All of us? No, it's for the better of you and what you think people would have to say."

"You and your mom wouldn't be able to fit into my dad's and my world. You cannot even fit into this school!" his voice rose a table and I flinched and recoiled.

Realizing he had made me uncomfortable, his body language and demeanor changed. "I'm sorry for yelling at you," he apologized. He stepped closer but I stepped backwards, maintaining the space between us although it was beginning to feel colder than usual.

I shivered next and suddenly felt like a brick had fallen on my chest. It became difficult to breathe and I struggled.

"Hey, Glasses..are you okay?" Trent asked.

I shook my head no. Chills ran down my spine and shot goosebumps all over me.

"Oh s**t. Oh no," Trent said. Without another moment of hesitation, he scooped me up ,carrying me bridal style to the nurse's room.

"What's wrong? What happened to her?" I heard the nurse's concern voice asking as I slipped in and out of consciousness.

"I don't know. We were speaking and then she began gasping for oxygen..Just like that," Trent responded.

"Do you know if she's asthmatic or consumed something she's allergic to?"

"I don't know..."

"You were with her, did you do something to her?"

"No, I didn't!"

"Mr. Ambrose.."

"Help her!"

I lost consciousness.

_________

I awoke the next morning at an actual emergency room. Mom was already standing by my side, along with Timothy.

"Hi, baby, you're awake. You gave me quite a scare. Don't you ever scare me like that again," mom said gently as tears welled up in her eyes.

"I'm sorry," I apologized.

"No no no, sweetheart. Don't be sorry."

"What happened?" I asked.

"The doctor said it was an overwhelming panic attack. He's has prescribed for pills and you're going to be okay."

"When can I go home?"

"They wish to keep you for one more night for observation, just to ensure you're okay. You'll be home tomorrow." Mom's tears rolled down and Timothy pulled her into a comforting hug. It warmed my heart that she had someone like him at her side to get her through this ordeal. An ordeal that was mine in the first place.

After spending half an hour with me, mom and Timothy left me to my afternoon rest.. but that was interrupted by my best friend.

"The principal gave me a pass so that I can leave school early to come visit you. How are you?" she asked. She bought me flowers and a Teddybear.

"I'll be okay," I answered. The door opened and to my utmost surprise, it was Annalise.

"Hey there," she greeted.

"Hi. What are you doing here?" I asked her.

"You are one of my cheerleaders and I do look out for my squad," she answered. She too bought flowers and a six cup packet of jello.

"Thank you," I said in appreciation.

"You're welcome. I'll leave you two to chat. Get better soon. We have a competition to win. I'd hate having to replace you at this time," she said. She winked at me and left Keri and I alone.

After an hour, Keri left and I became sleepy..but that sleep went away when the door was pushed open and he walked into the room.

I looked up at him from the bed I laid on. His tall figure looked right back at me.

"How are you?" he finally asked.

"Alive," I answered, "What are you doing here, Trent?"