Chapter 1: Chapter 1

May, 2008.

Ava's POV.

My name is Ava Jeanne Simmons and I fell in love Aaron Knight on the very first day I laid eyes on him in Edgar Allen High School.

I observe the written words on my old journal and bite the inside of my lip thoughtfully.

Perhaps a little too much.

In a very careful way, I turn a little to my right towards the sound of his voice, and there he is. Jet black hair perfectly combed except the top that is a little ruffled, sparkling hazel eyes, the perfect brows and a wide smile. He is in the midst of Damon Wilde and Bradley Manning, occupied by their conversation and I take the moment to dwell at the sight of him.

Okay, so maybe it's a little too much to say I "fell in love" with Aaron.

14 year old me didn't know any better, but she sure as heck knew I felt something for him.

I've lost track of how long I've been staring and Aaron catches my gaze in a side glance. I can see his smile brighten a little as winks at me and my legs turn to jelly.

"Still lusting after my brother after four years, Ava?" Peyton asks as she deliberately stands in my front to block my view and I roll my eyes at her.

"I'm not lusting after him." I say, trying and failing to sound defensive as I can feel my cheeks heating up and Peyton smiles in return.

"Look at you! Turning red like a tomato. He'll be graduating soon and you've barely said a full sentence to him since you met him." Peyton continues as I unlock my locker and drop my books, adding my old journal to the pile.

"That's not a fair assumption. I tell him 'hey' and 'hi' every morning after sleepovers at your house." I tell her proudly and she nudges me as we head for the cafeteria.

"Don't use the advantage of our friendship as an excuse. Have a full conversation with him. For once." Peyton says and I turn around briefly to catch a glimpse of Aaron. He has his full attention on Tiffany Maris as she runs her hand up his jawline, speaking softly and he smiles back at her with equal interest.

"When pigs fly, my friend. When pigs fly." I say and Peyton turns back as well.

"So he is a little popular, so what?" She says and I give her a look.

"Really, Pey? A little popular? President of the debate team, chess club and head of the basketball team. Not to mention most athletic--"

"Alright, I get it."

"I still don't get why you're so comfortable with this." I say to her as we each grab a tray and she frowns slightly.

"You already know this. As your best friend, it's my duty to encourage you in anything that makes you happy. Aaron being my brother doesn't change anything, our friendship is stronger than that. Plus I really don't want to know if you guys hook up or not, I just think you guys would have a cool friendship."

It's the same speech everytime. The one constant thing that campaigns a possible relationship between Aaron and I and it's from his own sister.

Yet the idea of possibly being snubbed or ignored remains in my head and that alone helps me refrain from having more than one worded conversations with him.

That and the number of girls that are equally head over heels for him, that are so comfortable in showing their feelings for him as they swarm him.

I hadn't earned that right yet.

"You know what? It's none of my business anyway, I just hope you remember tonight is our throwback Disney movie night." Peyton says, excitedly dismissing the conversation about her brother as we take our seats and I laugh.

"How could I forget? You made me download The Hunchback of Notre Dame twice!"

"I couldn't risk what happened last time. Your house or mine?" She asks, putting mustard on her hotdog.

"Yours. My dad has a date tonight and I don't want to walk in on another makeout session when I come down for a glass of milk." I say and Peyton giggles. Her bright, hazel eyes are just like Aaron's but she has honey-blonde hair in contrast to Aaron's black, thick curly hair. They both have beautiful, caramel brown skin but Aaron is taller.

Much taller.

"Fine, then. You come with wine and I'll order the pizza." She says and just then I feel a presence behind me.

"Wine and pizza for what?" Aaron says from behind me and I can feel myself stiffen as I watch his shadow move closer to my left and he comes into view and drops to the empty seat beside me.

"I want in. I could use some wine and pizza." He says, turning briefly to Peyton then back to me, a side smile gracing his face and I smile back a little before locking my gaze on my lunch tray.

"Sadly, you're not invited. It's a no testosterone sleep over." Peyton says instantly, giving him a sarcastic smile and Aaron chuckles.

"That's sexist. And I'm pretty sure you don't speak for Ava." He says and I look up at the sound of my name.

Oh no.

Aaron's smile remains unwavering as his hazel eyes focus on me.

"What do you think, Ava? Am I invited to your little get together?" He asks and I suddenly don't know what to say. I turn to Peyton for help in my state of panic, but she just shrugs and bites into her hotdog.

"Wouldn't you want me there?" Aaron asks and I turn to him.

"I....well, I.... I'm pretty sure it's just us girls." I say and he let's out an exaggerated sigh that earns a giggle out of me.

"I suppose I can't fight against your little alliance. But you bet I'd be crashing it for a slice of pizza." He says as he gets up and his fingers slightly brush the back of my neck

"See you tonight, Ava." He calls out as he leaves and I turn to watch him leave.

The sound of slow clapping draws my attention back to the table where Peyton is nodding at me approvingly, clapping slowly.

"Well, well, well. A full sentence. I'm impressed." She says and I groan out loud in embarrassment as I cover my face with my hands.

"Impressed? I kept hesitating! I basically forgot every word in the English dictionary!" I exclaim and she giggles.

"Don't get your panties in a knot, it was just a moment of panic. Let's just forget about my brother, finish our lunch and I'll see you later tonight. Okay?" She asks as she brushes my curls away from my face and I see the enthusiasm in her eyes.

"It gives me so much joy that my humiliation makes you happy." I say sarcastically as I sit up and Peyton pinches my cheeks.

"I love you more, A.J."

****

Aaron's POV.

I stare at my watch one last time and let out a deep breath.

Okay.

This is it.

When the bell goes, I have approximately 2 minutes to meet Ava and start a conversation with her before Peyton gets here and Ava uses her as an excuse to leave.

The bell rings and I watch as everyone pile out of their classes, occasionally waving at me, smiling at me, a few hand shakes with my teammates.....

And there she is.

Thick, full, curly brown hair bouncing, full round lips tilted slightly to the corner in a shy smile, long legs showing off her honey brown skin from her jean shorts and an oversized t-shirt hanging loosely on her slender shoulders.

I watch her open her locker and just as I begin to approach her, Damon Wilde cuts me off from the left.

"Whoa there, captain. Coach wants us to have an emergency meeting." He says, just as Bradley joins in from the right, cutting me off.

"And he wants us to have it soon. Something about playing one last game before prom." Brad says and I groan slightly as I roll my eyes.

"Can't it wait? I'm kinda in the middle of something here." I say and they both follow my gaze to Ava, reading a small book while leaning on her locker.

"Ah, the evasive Ava." Damon says and Brad chuckles.

"When are you going to let it go? She's just not into you like that. She's barely eager to even hold a conversation with you for long." Bradley adds with a casual shrug.

"Yeah and I'm pretty sure girls are more obvious in showing you that they're into you."

"Gee, thanks for the encouragement guys. And by the way, I don't want her to be into me, I just want her to....know me." I say and they both exchange looks before bursting into laughter.

"You mean know you in bed?" Damon asks and give him a look.

"Ha-ha. I forgot how to laugh." I say and look up a little, my eyes instantly meeting with her bright, blue-green eyes.

Her lips tug at the corners with a small smile and I can't help but reciprocate the expression, unashamedly smiling back as I wink at her.

And then Peyton swoops in.

"......girls have a thing against dating each other's brothers." Brad is saying and Damon clicks a finger in front of my face.

"Are you even listening?" He asks and I turn back to them.

"Fine. We'll have a brief meeting after school. Can I be a left alone now?" I ask and Damon shifts his gaze to something behind me.

"We can leave you alone, but I'm not sure about Tiffany." He says, walking backwards with Brad and I frown.

"Tiffany?"

"Right here." Her voice rings out behind me before she comes into view.

"So, Brad. Prom in a few weeks, got any date yet?" She asks, her hand going up my jawline and I laugh a little.

"Not yet, but I've got my eye on someone." I say and she tilts her head a little.

"Someone right in front of you?" She asks and I look up to see Ava's locker is shut.

"Not anymore."

Tiffany sighs as she plays with the zip of my hoodie.

"Too bad. I was thinking we could go together." She says with a one-sided shrug.

"Sorry, Tiff. Game practises will just have to do..." my voice trails off as I catch sight of the small, purple book Ava was reading, lying flat on the floor in front of her locker.

It must have fallen out before she locked it.

"I got to go. I'll see you at the game, next week."

I'm barely done with what I'm saying as I move past Tiffany and pick up the book.

A.J Simmons.

It says in glitter and I do a quick flip through the book, instantly regretting it.

There were heart shaped stickers, ribbons and miniature drawings of flowers.

Oh, fuck.

A diary.

******

Ava's POV

"Look at that. How does Disney make love so easy?" I ask spitefully as I watch Quasimodo and Esmeralda dance in the rain and Peyton refills my glass.

"Simple. It's not real. It's an animated movie." She says and bites into a pizza slice and I twirl the glass of red wine in my hand.

The idea of dancing is suddenly in my head and the only memory I have of it is dancing with Stephen Lockwood at our junior prom.

I look up at the movie again and my mind wanders to slow dancing with Aaron, staring into his eyes, watching him smile that perfect smile...

"Hey, do you think your brother has a date to prom?" The words slip out of my mouth and Peyton's jaw drops.

She pauses the movie and turns to me.

"What did you just say?" She asks, eyes bright with curiosity and I realise this was a bad idea.

"Never mind, it's just the alcohol from the wine--"

"What? No, I think that was a great question."

"Peyton, no."

"It is! You should totally ask him." She says, already getting up and I narrow my eyes at her.

"Are you insane? No way! I'm not in the mood to humiliate myself in front of him, thank you very much." I say and gulp down the rest of the wine in my cup, feeling a little lightheaded.

Peyton pulls me up and hands me the box of half eaten pizza.

"He said he was going to stop by for a slice, anyway. You can just take it to his room and start a conversation from there." She insists excitedly and I groan out of frustration, tilting my head backwards.

"I'm too tipsy to have this argument." I moan and she giggles.

"Exactly. Now get going. And don't come back until you've asked him the question."

"What if he already has a date?" I persist as Peyton shoves me out the room.

"I sincerely doubt that." She says and immediately shuts the door behind me.

Deep down, I barely have the courage to go but in reality, I can feel my body move as I walk down the hallway, all the way to Aaron's room.

Staring at the door now, I don't know what I was thinking.

I can't do this.

I can't talk to him.

I can barely--

The door opens and Aaron stands there bare chested, wearing just shorts and his thick hair is in rough curls.

"Ava? Funny, I was just about to--" he stops abruptly as he takes in my appearance. I can feel my cheeks heat up at the memory of my choice of night wear.

Silk purple shorts and a loose, white crop top.....dammit.

Aaron's eyes meet mine and his smile is back.

"Do you want to come in?" He asks and I realise I haven't said a single word.

"Hey, Aaron." I manage to muster out and he chuckles as he leans on his door post.

"Hey, Ava. Are we starting the conversation from the top? Did I not do it right the first time?" He asks, his eyes twinkling with excitement and I surprise myself by giggling.

"No, umm..." I giggle again, "I just thought you'd like a slice of pizza." I say and he cocks his head to the side, observing me.

"Sure. But unless you're in a hurry to join Peyton, I thought you'd like to have one with me." He says and I smile.

"Yes." His brows shoot up a little at my response and I feel the need to explain myself,

"And by yes I mean, yes I want to have a slice with you and not yes, I'm in a hurry to join Peyton." I say and he surprises me by laughing.

"That is the longest sentence you've ever said to me." He says, as he moves back a little and opens the door wider.

The minute I step in, I'm hypnotised by the scent of him, filling me up in a surprisingly, satisfying way.

This wine is doing wonders to me.

It has to be the wine.

"I don't think I've ever been in your room." I say as he closes the door and turns to me.

"Sadly, that wasn't in my power to change." He says as he puts both hands in his pocket, towering above me with a good 6"4 and I let my eyes drink in his appearance as his words echo in my head.

.....in my power to change.

He wanted me to come here?

"I wanted to return something to you but I wasn't sure you'd want to get it from me." He says, reaching up to a bag behind me and retrieving a purple book.

"Oh my goodness...." I can't help the words that escape as I stare at the all-too-familiar book.

"It fell out of your locker and--"

"Oh, God. You saw everything, didn't you?" I moan in embarrassment as I toss the pizza box on the bed and cover my face in shame.

"Everything? I didn't even open it." Aaron says and I look up at him.

"You didn't?"

"No, but now I'm curious to know." He says and closes in on me, unwavering eyes fixed on mine.

"Am I in it?" He asks and I take in a deep, shaky breath, trying to control the feelings that seemed to flood my entire body at his closeness.

I desperately try to look away but Aaron tilts my chin up, back to meet his eyes.

"Ava." He says, "Tell me. Am I in this diary?"

"Yes." I say and he moves in even closer.

"Are you telling me this because you're tipsy?" He asks with a slight curve of his lips and I can feel myself turn red.

"Maybe."

"So what does it say about me?" He asks, leaning in a bit and I've lost the ability to speak.

Why did I come here again?

"Does it say anything about this?" He asks as his right hand sweeps around my bare waist, driving me nuts with the sudden, intimate hold. His hand feels warm on my waist and the skin to skin contact seems to make my entire body respond.

"Does it say anything about me kissing you?" He whispers, his lips a couple of inches away from mine and I stare into his intense eyes.

I take a deep breath, which I instantly regret because I can feel my hard nipples graze his chest through my loose top and Aaron closes his eyes.

Then he exhaled slowly, his temples flexing.

"Come to prom with me." He murmurs and I blink at him.

"What?"

Slowly, he opens his eyes but his dark gaze is still on mine.

"Be my prom date, Ava. Come to prom with me." Aaron says and for a second, I can feel my heart fluttering.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes!

Then I observe the distance between us, his intimate hold on me, the journal...

"No." I say and his facial expression changes to a sober look.

"What?" He asks.

"I said no. Get off me." I say quickly and push him away as I yank my journal from his hand, ignoring his shocked expression.

"Ava. Ava, wait. Please. I'm sorry!" Aaron is saying as I hurry out of his room and shut the door.

Author's Note.

A little something from me to you guys during this period.❤☺️ Doing my best to keep us entertained as we stay home, stay safe and practise social distancing during this Covid-19 Pandemic.

Enjoy this little short story and don't forget to vote and comment❤☺️