ATomey Stories: Sweet Darkness

Sweet Darkness

(Written in 2013, Edited in 2014)

This is what I came up with when I put all my short stories together.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Dedicated to my friends who support of my writing hobby.

Part One

Chapter One

The walls were dark and loud music was playing in the bedroom of the depressed seventeen year old girl as she lied on her bed, wearing all black and staring up at the crack in the ceiling.

Her name was Tamara and she hardly came out of her room unless she was going to school…she never had a boyfriend and only a few friends because she was such an outcast.

One day, as she was walking down the hallway at school, a boy pushed her books out of her hands, laughed and walked away.

Tears could be seen in her eyes as she picked up her books from the floor.

Suddenly, another boy came over to help, but Tamara thought he was going to do the same thing, so she hurried and gathered her books into her arms.

“Hello. My name is Zeb.” He introduced himself with a smile.

Tamara just stood there with a scared look on her face.

“Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you. Where’s your next class?” He asked, still trying to get her to talk.

She handed him her schedule with a shaky hand.

“Oh, you’re in my English class. I don’t remember seeing you there.” He noted, looking up at her.

She slightly smiled as she looked into his eyes…they were like an ocean of blue and she could see the care he had.

“I’m Tamara.” She said quietly

“Well, Tamara, would you like to walk to class with me?” He questioned, handing the schedule back to her.

She just smiled and nodded.

When they arrived to class, they sat together.

“Today is report card day, so we won’t be doing any work. You may talk amongst yourselves.” The teacher informed

When Tamara looked at hers, she wasn’t surprised to see an “A” beside English because she loved to write; although her other grades weren’t very good.

“So, why do you wear all black?” Zeb asked, leaning over to Tamara.

“That’s what people wear when they’re depressed, isn’t it?”

“Why are you depressed?”

“I don’t have many friends; never really had a boyfriend and my parents don’t care about me.”

“Why don’t your parents care?”

“They think I’m worthless and can’t make anything out of myself.”

“Well, that’s stupid.”

“Yea, tell me about it.”

When the bell rang, the teacher called for Tamara.

“Yes?” Tamara questioned, concerned about what was going on.

“Your writings are great. Have you ever thought about publishing them?”

“I have, but I don’t have the money.”

“If you give me one you really like and let me edit it, I’ll pay for it.”

“Really? Thank you so much. You don’t know how much this means to me.” She said with a smile and walked out.

“So, what did she want?” Zeb asked, standing from leaning against the wall.

“She’s going to publish a story for me.”

“That’s good. Well, we don’t have any more classes together, so how about a ride after school?”

“Sure. Thank you.”

After school, Zeb took Tamara home, but before he could say anything, she was walking up the sidewalk to the front door.

“I’m home.” She stated, closing the door behind her.

“You’re home early.” Her mother noted, sitting in her chair.

“I got a ride home.”

She grabbed an apple from the kitchen, went to her room and threw her book bag on the bed.

Tamara looked through her manuscripts, but didn’t find anything she liked, so she decided to start a new story.

After working for a while, she stretched her arms over her head and turned off her computer.

Just then, her mother knocked on the door.

“There’s someone here to see you.” She informed, opening the door.

“Okay, just let them in.” Tamara replied, with a smile.

When she looked up, Zeb was standing in the doorway.

“I thought you left.” Tamara noted, standing from her chair.

“That was hours ago. Would you like to go out and get some ice cream?”

“That sounds great.”

Tamara’s mother was pleased to see her daughter with a friend instead of being alone in her room all day.

“So, why haven’t you had a boyfriend?” He questioned, pulling into a parking lot.

“The truth is, you’re the first person to really talk to me as a person and not a freak of nature, other than my best friend.”

Zeb didn’t say anything; he just opened the door and followed Tamara into the ice cream parlor.

“Would you consider having one?” He asked, sitting down at the booth in the corner.

“I’ve considered it, but guys just don’t like me. They are more into blonde bimbos.”

Zeb just smiled and started eating his ice cream.

After a long silence, Zeb questioned, “I’m getting a motorcycle tomorrow, would you like to go for a ride?”

“Um, sure.” She hesitated.

That night, Tamara lied in her bed, thinking about Zeb.

“Is he interested in me? If not, why is he being so nice?” She asked herself.

She rolled over and tried to sleep, but couldn’t because she was thinking about Zeb too much, so she went to her older sister’s room.

“Tori, may I talk to you?” Tamara questioned, opening her sister’s door.

“Sure. Come in.” She replied, looking away from the book she was reading.

“Well, there’s this guy.” Tamara started, sitting on the bed.

“The one you been hanging out with?”

“Yes. Well, I can’t understand why he’s being so nice to me. Do you think he’s interested in me?”

“He might. You have a good head on your shoulders and I don’t see why he wouldn’t. Do you like him?”

“I’m not sure, yet.”

The girls talked, then Tamara went back to her room to try to sleep, but her mind was still racing.

***

The next morning, Tamara sat at the kitchen table to eat breakfast.

“You’re actually eating in here?” Tamara’s mother asked, walking in.

“I’m just waiting for Zeb to get here.”

“I’m glad you finally have someone to hang out with.”

“I hang out with Quinn all the time.”

“You know what I mean.”

Tamara looked out the window and seen Zeb pull into the driveway, so she grabbed her jacket and ran outside.

Zeb took off his helmet…his blonde hair falling into place…and he smiled when Tamara walked up to him.

He handed her a helmet and let her get on the motorcycle behind him. Her fingers slid under the strap on her seat and Zeb started it.

After pulling out of the driveway, Tamara started thinking about why this gorgeous guy would be so nice to her, but her thoughts broke off when they stopped at the lake.

“I thought it would be a nice day to have a picnic.” He noted, taking off his helmet.

After helping Tamara off the motorcycle, Zeb grabbed a bag from the saddlebag and walked toward the waterside.

“I’m sorry it’s fast food. I didn’t have time to actually cook something.”

“Oh, it’s fine.”

They sat in silence, taking in the scenery, until they crumpled up their sandwich papers and went to put them back into the bag where their hands touched.

Tamara looked into Zeb’s eyes and blushed.

“How was your lunch?” He questioned, leaning back on his hands

“It was good. Thank you. Um…”

“What’s wrong?”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Why are you being so nice to me?”

“I thought you could use a friend.”

“You’re not doing it because of a bet? Because it has happen to me before.”

“I don’t understand why people do that. It’s so childish. I’ve had it done to me a few times.”

He looked up and seen her smiling. She, again, looked into his eyes and locked his stare.

“I think I should get you back home so you can work on that story.” He noted, standing up.

“I haven’t even started…total writer’s block.”

“Maybe I can help. What do you write?”

“Romance.”

“That's interesting coming from a girl like you. I’d like to be in that head of yours.”

“Oh, but you are. You’ve been on my mind since we went out for ice cream.” She thought to herself and Zeb must have seen the grin on her face.

“You have a nice smile. You should wear it more often.” He complimented with a smile.

Tamara just blushed.

When they arrived back at Tamara’s home, Zeb walked her to the door.

“I guess I’ll see you Monday at school.” Zeb noted with a slight smile.

“Will you give me a ride?”

“I can do that.”

He kissed her on the cheek and walked back to his motorcycle.

Tamara just stood there, stunned, and watched him pull out of the driveway.

Chapter Two

Before Zeb picked up Tamara for school, she had an idea for a story, so she jotted it down.

As she was brainstorming on the front porch, Zeb pulled up on his motorcycle.

“Are you ready to go?” He asked, after turning off the motorcycle.

“Just let me put this in my backpack.”

“Are you working on a story?”

“I was just brainstorming.”

When they arrived at school, Tamara and Zeb made plans after school; and then went their separate ways.

When Zeb approached his friend, George, the boy laughed.

“What’s so funny?” Zeb questioned, opening his locker.

“Why are you hanging out with Vampire Girl?”

“I think she’s interesting. We’ve been hanging out and I found that we have a lot in common.”

“What could you possibly have in common with her?”

“More than you can imagine. She just needs a friend.”

“Why?”

“Why don’t you ask her yourself?”

Tamara was walking by and smiled as she did.

“You see that smile? That’s because of me…someone who actually had to balls to go up to her and treat her like a human being instead of a disease.” Zeb noted, smiling back at her.

“Sounds like you have a little crush on her.”

“So what if I do?”

George was speechless. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“There are a lot of girls dying to be with you, why her?” George asked, leaning against the lockers.

“She’s different. She’s smart and funny, unlike the other girls trying to get with me.”

“You would pass up Victoria for Tamara?”

“Yes I would.”

Victoria was the most popular girl in their class and always got what she wanted either with her looks or her daddy’s money.

In English, Zeb and Tamara sat together.

“Is it okay if George joins us after school?” He questioned, placing his books on the desk in front of him.

“I don’t mind if you don’t.”

“Well, he and I were talking and he wants to meet you properly.”

“As long as he doesn’t make fun of me or my writing, I think I’ll be okay.”

“What are you writing anyway?”

Before she could answer, the bell rang to start class.

After school they met George at the little sub shop a few blocks from Tamara’s house.

They ordered and Tamara handed Zeb a piece of paper.

“This is a rough idea to the story I’m thinking about writing.” She noted with a slight smile.

The boys leaned in together to read it.

“I’m not an expert on romance, but it sounds pretty good.” Zeb stated with a smile.

Tamara smiled and looked at her watch.

“I know we just ordered, but I need to go soon. So I’ll eat and head home.” She informed, looking out the window.

“Why are you in a hurry?” Zeb asked, with a puzzled look.

“I have a thing with my sister. I’m supposed to hang out with her and, well, do sister stuff I guess you could say.”

After Tamara left, George looked back over the paper.

“Dude, do you think this is a fantasy she has about you?” George questioned, handing Zeb the paper.

“Not sure, but I would love to be able to read her mind.”

“You’ve got it bad. I haven’t seen you this crazy over a girl since…”

“Yea, I know. Tamara is just…I don’t know. She gives me this great feeling.”

“Do you think you have a chance with her?”

“I’m probably not her type.”

“Oh, come on…what girl wouldn’t want a chance with you?”

Zeb just shrugged.

Meanwhile, Tamara and Tori were hanging out at the mall.

“I really don’t like the mall.” Tamara complained walking past the stores with clothes she never even thought about wearing.

“If you don’t want my help, we can go back home.”

“I didn’t say that. I just don’t want to be here all night.”

“It’s not like you have a date or anything.”

“No, but I could have plans.”

“Doing what? Writing?”

“Yes, actually, I’m on a new story.”

“Is it for school?”

“No, but…”

“Do you have a deadline?”

“No.”

“Then you’ll be fine.”

She grabbed Tamara’s arm and walked faster.

After what seemed like forever, they were in the car on their way home with bags full of new clothes and accessories for Tamara’s makeover.

***

The next day, Tamara wore her new green, low v-neck shirt with tight jeans and boots.

When Zeb seen her, he couldn’t keep his eyes off of her.

“Wow. Are those new clothes?” He asked when she walked over to him.

“Yea, Tori and I went to the mall.”

“You look great…better than all that black.”

Zeb stood up to let Tamara on the bike, still not wanting to take his eyes off of her.

When they arrived at school, everyone was staring at Tamara more than usual; which made her very uncomfortable.

Shyly getting off the bike, she took off her helmet and let her hair fall around her shoulders.

“Don’t worry about them. I think you look great.” Zeb noted with a smile.

She smiled back, and then disappeared into the crowd.

“Dang, what happen?” George questioned, walking up to Zeb.

“I don’t know, but whatever it is, I like it.”

At her locker, Tamara was greeted by some of the popular girls…including Victoria.

“Look who’s trying to fit in.” Victoria said smugly.

“Can I not change clothes?”

“That’s not what I was meaning. You need to stay away from Zeb.”

“Have you told him that?”

“No, I’m telling you. Stay away from my man.” She demanded and started to walk off.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know he was into sluts.”

Victoria pushed Tamara against the lockers.

“Listen, Vampire Girl, I don’t care what you wear as long as you stay away from Zeb. Got it?”

Tamara just nodded and the girls walked away.

In English, Victoria sat by Zeb so Tamara wouldn’t.

When Tamara seen Victoria in the seat where she usually sat, and was angry…she let her books slam on the front desk, which made everyone jump, including herself.

After class, the teacher confronted her.

“Is everything okay?” She asked, placing her hand on Tamara’s shoulder.

“Just having a bad day, that’s all. I knew I shouldn’t have worn this crap to school.”

“Don’t worry about Victoria. You have something she doesn’t…talent.”

Tamara just smiled and walked away.

At the end of the day, Zeb found Tamara to see if she wanted a ride home.

“Won’t your girlfriend be jealous?” She questioned, crossing her arms.

“What are you talking about?”

“Victoria.” She replied and turned away.

“Wait; was all day been about her? She can’t even get it through her air-filled head that I don’t want to be with her. Don’t let her get to you…you’re smarter than that.”

“I think I’ll just walk today so I can clear my head.”

“Are you sure? It’s a long walk.”

“I’ll be fine.

Tamara walked away before she said something she would regret.

Chapter Three

Tamara avoided Zeb all week because of Victoria, so he confronted Victoria.

“You need to leave Tamara alone. Just because I’m not into you doesn’t mean you can keep other people away from me.” He informed, pulling her aside in the hallway.

“Do you know who the hell I am?”

“Yes I do. A spoiled little brat who always gets her way and if you don’t, you have a fit. Well, this is one of those times where it won’t work. I’m not into whores.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me, so leave Tamara alone.”

“Why do you want to be with a freak?”

“She’s not a spoiled little brat.”

He started to walk away, but she grabbed him by the arm.

“No one talks to me like that…NO ONE!”

“Well, I’m not pussy to tell you the truth.”

Victoria slapped him and walked away, crying.

“Go cry on your daddy’s shoulder. He’s probably the only man who can stand you’re shit!”

George walked up to him.

“What the hell, Man?” George asked with wide eyes.

“You know how Tamara was avoiding me all week? Well, it’s because of Victoria and I got tired of it.”

“Where is Tamara anyway? I haven’t seen her in school today.”

“I’m not sure. She probably stayed home because she was tired of Victoria’s bull shit. I’m going over there later.”

After school, Zeb was on his way to Tamara’s when he was in a wreck on his motorcycle…luckily George wasn’t too far behind.

When Zeb was lying on the stretcher, he asked George to have Tamara come see him then the doors of the ambulance closed and he was off to the hospital.

George drove up to Tamara’s house where she was in the yard, so he just honked the horn.

“Hey, George, What’s up?” She questioned, walking up to the car.

“Zeb was in a wreck and went to the hospital. He asked me to come get you.”

“Give me a minute to tell my mother where I’m going and I’ll be right out.”

When they arrived at the hospital, Tamara walked up to the nurse and asked where Zeb was.

“He’s in x-ray at the moment. When he gets back I’ll see if you can go in. Are you family or friend?” She asked, looking at Tamara.

“I…uh…”

“Ma’am?”

“I’m his girlfriend.”

“Okay, just have a seat and I’ll be right with you.”

George’s eyes grew wide as they walked to the waiting room.

“Nice lie.” George noted, sitting down.

“Well, I had to come up with something so they would let me in.”

“Can I ask you a question about Zeb?”

“Um, sure.”

“Do you like him more than a friend?”

“Truthfully…I am falling for him, but I want to take things slow.”

“I understand.”

Tamara walked into the ER room and went to Zeb’s bedside.

“How are you feeling?” She questioned, looking into his eyes.

He just looked up and smiled; then he reached his hand out to her.

“You came.” He said in a weak voice.

“Yes. George told me you wanted me, so here I am.”

“Don’t leave me.”

“Never.”

He closed his eyes and went back to sleep.

When the doctor came in, Tamara stood up from her chair with tears in her eyes.

“He had some broken bones, but he will be okay. He’s just going to be in a lot of pain.” The doctor informed, looking at Zeb’s friends.

“When can he go home?” George asked, looking at Zeb.

“I want to monitor him more, but I’m sure he can go home tonight. Does he live alone?”

“Yes he does.” George replied, crossing his arms.

“Well, he’s going to have someone there with him or I can’t discharge him.”

“I’ll stay with him.” Tamara stated, wiping her tears away.

The doctor nodded and walked out.

“I can stay with you guys if you need me.” George noted with a slight smile.

“I think I’ll be okay for the night, but I’ll need to get some clothes from my house.”

“Well, seeing that he’s going to be here a little longer, do you want me to take you right now?”

Tamara looked over at Zeb, and then nodded.

After they got Zeb into his bed, he asked to talk to Tamara alone, so George went into the living room.

“Tamara, I just want to thank you for everything.” He noted, looking into her eyes.

“That’s what friends are for.”

He smiled slightly and took her hand.

“I was coming to see you. Why weren’t you in school today?”

“Don’t worry about that…you should get some rest.”

She went to walk off, but he gripped her hand and their eyes met.

“I want to tell you something, but I’m not sure how.” He said quietly.

Tamara smiled and sat on the bed.

“What is it, Zeb?”

“I know you probably don’t feel the same way, but when you were avoiding me all week, it got me thinking. I was thinking about how I don’t want to lose you especially over someone like Victoria because you are so special to me. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I think I’m falling for you; and before you say anything, I want you to think about it because I know it may be a shock to you.”

“I don’t need to. I feel the same way, but I’m afraid to be in a relationship.”

“We can take things slow.”

Tamara smiled and looked out the window.

“So does this mean you’re asking me to be your girlfriend?”

“Only if you want to be.”

Tamara looked into his eyes and smiled as he ran his fingers through her hair.

“Yes.” She whispered.

He sat up and kissed her softly on the lips.

Chapter Four

After a full recovery, Zeb took Tamara to the lake in his new truck.

“So, do I only get the one kiss or can I have another?” Tamara questioned, sitting at the edge of the lake, putting in her bare feet.

Zeb chuckled and sat beside her.

“To be honest, I couldn’t really enjoy the first one because of the pain medicine.”

She smiled and took his hand.

He cupped her chin with his palm and his eyes captured hers. She parted her lips as his mouth touched hers.

His lips were warm as he brushed against hers, coaxing. She opened.

He pressed his chest against her and she pressed closer to him.

His hand continued to hold her jaw. His tongue teasing and her mind clouded with his scent…she wanted more.

When they pulled away, Tamara smiled as her head swam.

“Now, that was a kiss.” He said, smiling.

“Yes, it was. I’ve never been kissed like that.”

“Well, I hope you enjoyed it because there’s more where that came from.”

They sat holding hands and watched the sunset, and then Zeb took Tamara home.

“I’m so glad tomorrow is the last day of school.” She noted, leaning against the truck.

“Me, too... It means my birthday isn’t too far away.”

She giggled and started up the sidewalk, but quickly turned around and gave him a goodnight kiss.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” She said and headed inside.

Tori seen her sister walk past her bedroom and invited her in.

“So, how’s Zeb doing?” She asked, sitting on her bed.

“He’s doing a lot better.”

“I saw that he got a new truck.”

“That he did.”

“Oh, come on, spill it.”

“Spill what?”

“Did he kiss you, yet?”

“He kissed me tonight.”

“How was it?”

“I really don’t want to do the whole girl talk thing, but I’ll tell you that it was amazing.”

“How so?”

“As I said, I don’t want to do the girl talk thing.”

She then walked out and went into her own room.

The next day at school, Zeb finally told George that he was dating Tamara.

“Cool. Did you do it yet?” George questioned, opening his locker.

“Dude, she’s a virgin.”

“Oh. So did you?”

“No, we haven’t. We just had our first official kiss last night.”

“Official kiss, so you kissed her before?”

“I’ve kissed her on the cheek and also kissed her the night I wrecked my motorcycle, but I was so loopy on pain medicine that it was just weird.”

“How was it?”

“Amazing.”

“What’s amazing?” Tamara asked, walking up to them.

“You are, my dear.” Zeb replied with a smile and Tamara just blushed.

George just shook his head and closed his locker.

“Are you guys going to any parties tonight?” George questioned, turning to face them.

“I'm not sure yet. We haven’t really talked about it.” Zeb replied, taking Tamara by the hand.

After school, Zeb and Tamara decided to join George at a party.

When they walked in, Victoria was standing in the kitchen, angry that Zeb brought Tamara to the party. If she couldn’t have him, no one could. So she walked up to them.

“Hey, Zeb. Can I talk to you for a few minutes?” She asked, pulling him aside.

“I guess.”

They walked outside to the back porch to be alone.

“Why did you bring her?”

“Because I can.”

“Ugh. You make me so angry. Why can’t you just be with me?”

“I told you. I’m not interested in you.”

“What does she have that I don’t?”

He didn’t answer, he just looked away.

“She’s not like us.”

“Who cares if she’s not popular?”

“So, you don’t care about the reputation you’re making for yourself hanging out with her?”

“I don’t care what people think.”

“You should because it could ruin where you go to college.”

“People in college are more mature than that. Plus, I don’t know if I’m going to college or not.”

“We’re graduating in a couple weeks and you haven’t decided yet?”

“You don’t have to decide right away when you hit your senior year.”

“But I thought we were going together.”

“We were different people then. I’ve moved on. Why can’t you?”

“Because I’m still in love with you.”

“You never were in love with me. If you were, you wouldn’t have gone out of state with another guy and cheat on me.”

“I made a mistake.”

She put her hand on his chest and looked into his eyes.

“Well, it doesn’t matter because I don’t love you anymore. I have someone else in my life and I don’t want to screw it up.” He said, stepping back.

“You’re not stupid enough to date her.”

“Well, I must be because I am.”

He went to walk off, but Victoria stepped in front of him and kissed him.

“What are you doing?” He questioned, pushing her away.

“Please, Zeb, just be with me.”

“I told you, I’m with Tamara.”

“She can’t love you like I can.”

“That’s one of the perks.”

He then walked back inside to find Tamara.

Victoria was furious, she stormed inside and found Tamara, grabbed her by the arm and slapped her…everyone looked.

“What the Hell, Victoria?” Tamara asked, pulling her harm back.

“He’s mine. Get away from him.”

“Oh my God, Woman, Just back off, I’m not going to fight you.”

Victoria slapped her again…Tamara was getting angry.

“Come on. I can tell you’re getting angry.”

“I’m getting angry because you’re slapping me in the face.”

“Fight me, damn it!”

She went to slap her again, but Tamara grabbed her hand and twisted her arm behind her back.

“I told you, I don’t want to fight you.” She informed and pushed Victoria to the floor.

“Fine, I’ll just make your life a living hell!” Victoria yelled and left the party.

“Don’t let her get to you. I chose you.” Zeb noted.

“I know, I just don’t like being slapped in the face.”

“I noticed.”

“Dude, where did you learn to fight like that?” George questioned, walking up to her.

“That wasn’t fighting. That was just defending myself.”

“Well, whatever you call it, it was awesome.”

***

Zeb had his nineteenth birthday a week after graduation and George decided to throw him a party.

“Why does it have to be at my house? You have a home.” Zeb asked, sitting at the kitchen table.

“Yea, but you live alone and I still live with my parents.”

“Good point. I hope there’s not going to be a lot of people. I just want to relax and spend time with Tamara.”

“Yea, but you need to have a party; it’s your last one as a teenager.”

Zeb just smiled and Tamara walked in the door.

“Do you know how many people are going to be here?” Zeb questioned, looking up at her from his chair.

“Nope. All I’m worried about is you having fun.” She replied and kissed him on the cheek.

Zeb really didn’t want a party. He just wanted to spend time with Tamara in case he did decide to go to college.

That evening, Zeb’s house was full of teenagers and loud music, but he was just sitting on the couch with his arm around Tamara.

“You don’t look like you’re having fun.” Tamara noted, putting her hand on his leg.

“I’m fine. I just really didn’t want a party.”

“Why?”

“I just wanted to spend time with you, but George wanted to throw me a party.”

“We will have our time later. I’m spending the night, remember?”

It was the first night she stayed over since Zeb had his wreck and she was a little nervous about it.

After everyone left, George stayed behind to help clean up.

“I hope you had a good time. There were more people than expected.” George noted, getting a trash bag from under the sink.

“Well, I guess that’s what happens when you’re popular.” Zeb said with a laugh.

Cleaning didn’t take too long and George left not too long afterward, so Zeb took a shower and joined Tamara on the couch to cuddle and watch TV.

She fit perfectly in his arms, curling her legs up and leaning against him.

He could smell her perfume and kissed her lightly on the forehead.

She reached up and kissed him on the cheek.

As she pulled back, she returned to kiss him fully on the lips.

As he returned her kiss, she increased the passion and they had a serious, loving kiss.

Still kissing her, Zeb slid his hand up her shirt and softly rubbed her breast, feeling the softness against his fingers made him want her more.

He then, slowly, ran his fingers down her stomach, waiting for permission before unfastening her jeans.

She nodded and he unfastened them and slowly slid his hand in them.

He felt the lips spread, slightly exposing his fingers to the moistness; then he extended his fingers, slowly rubbing up and down.

He slid off her jeans and laid her down, kissing her stomach and exploring it more with each kiss.

She spread her legs and he ran his tongue over her inner thighs, making her heart pound.

Slowly, he ran his chin side-to-side…his mouth found the way in and wrapped around her softness.

She moaned as he continued to try his best to pleasure her and she began to climax.

He stood her up and took her by the hand, leading her to the bedroom.

Lying her down on the bed, he kissed her softly.

“I’ll go slow.” He whispered and continued to kiss her.

She wanted him more as he stood and took off his clothes, exposing his hardness.

He took off her shirt, then wrapped his arms around her and laid her back.

Caressing her body, he tells her that she’s beautiful and, again, kissed her softly.

She wrapped her arms around him and lightly grazed her fingernails down his back as he entered her.

Their bodies moved in rhythm as they made love for the first time.

***

George and Zeb sat on the back porch of Zeb’s house and had a serious talk.

“I want to go to college, but I don’t know how Tamara would take the news.”

“Just let her know how you feel about her and tell her.”

“That’s going to be harder than telling her about college.”

“Why?”

“I’m in love with her and haven’t told her yet.”

“I figured you had told her by now.”

“I was planning to soon. I want to be with her, but I’m afraid of what might happen if I go off to college.”

“She’s not like Victoria.”

“Yea, I know.”

“And I’ll be here to keep an eye on her.”

Zeb just sighed and walked into the house.

“Call her and have her come over so you can talk. Just make sure you do it out here.”

“Why?”

“If you’re in your bedroom, like usual, and she rejects you, you’re trapped. And if not, you may end up doing something you may regret.”

“Like what?”

“Taking her virginity.”

“I’ve done that already.”

“Really? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“She’s special and I didn’t feel the need to brag.”

“So, it was that bad?”

“Actually, it was the best I’ve ever had.”

George just raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, don’t give me that look.”

“What was so different about it? It was just sex.”

“It was more than that. There was a passion between us I’ve never felt before.”

“You really DO love her.”

“Yea, I do.”

After George left, Zeb called Tamara and asked her to come over.

When she got there, he was pacing back and forth in his bedroom.

“Hello.” She said, walking in the front door.

“I’m in the bedroom.”

She walked in and he looked at her as they stood there, gathering his thoughts before he spoke.

He looked into her eyes and started…

“I know it’s only been a short period of time, but I love you more than anyone I’ve ever been with and that’s why this is going to be hard to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“I have decided to go to college.”

“That’s great. I’m glad you decided to go.”

“Yea, but what’s going to happen to us?”

She walked up to him and ran her fingers through his hair, looking into his eyes.

“I love you and I’m sure we can think of something.”

She then wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed him.

Zeb stopped worrying about college for the moment and just thought about Tamara and how close she was, the sweet smell of her skin, the way they breathed together as they kissed.

He pulled her closer and led her to the bed, sinking down.

Kissing harder, he lied her down; then made his way to her neck. The sweet smell and the warmth of her skin made him want her.

She unbuttoned her shirt, revealing a black lace bra; Zeb slid his hand behind her, unhooked it and slid the shirt off her shoulders.

Her breasts were full and round with nipples erect and begging for attention.

Zeb bent his head down to place a nub in his mouth…his mind filling with all the things he wished to do to her.

Struggling with anticipation to get her pants undone, but when they were, they went on the floor along with the black lace panties that were in the way of what he wanted.

Tamara gasped as Zeb entered her with more force than expected…wanting to scream with pleasure, but kissed him deeply.

They laid naked; cuddling each other on the now messed up bed.

“That was amazing.” She whispered and softly kissed him.

Chapter Five

That fall, Tamara called Zeb at his dorm room.

“Hey, Honey. I was thinking about coming up and staying the weekend instead of you coming home. Is that okay?” She asked, pacing in her room.

“Sounds good to me. That way we can be alone without being disturbed. Is your sister bringing you?”

“Well, that was going to be a surprise when I showed up, but I bought myself a car so I could come see you anytime I wanted.”

“Very nice. Also, did you get your story finished?”

“Yes I did. I’ll bring you a copy.”

They talked a while, and then Zeb went out for dinner with a few of his friends.

When Tamara showed up that weekend, Zeb was excited and couldn’t wait to spend time with her.

“So, what are we doing tonight?” She questioned, sitting on the bed.

“How about a walk?”

As they walked the streets of the small town, taking in the scenery, they stopped on a bridge to watch the sun set.

He walked up behind her and put his arms around her, kissing her cheek; then she turned around and they shared a long, passionate kiss.

“I was going to wait for your birthday to give you something, but I don’t want to wait that long.” He noted.

Her eyes glistened when he pulled a ring out of his pocket.

“This…Tamara, I love you with all my heart and want to be with you always. Will you be my wife?”

Tears filled her eyes as he placed the ring on her finger…she didn’t have to say a word, he knew the answer when she kissed him.

Back at the dorm, Zeb opened the cover of Tamara’s book and read the dedication page…

“Dedicated to the one I love, Zeb.”

After putting it on his desk, it took little coaxing before they ended up lying naked on the bed, kissing.

She slid herself on him, arching her back and pressing her breasts against him. Her head back and her throat exposed.

He kissed along her neck as she ran her hands through his hair…lifting and grinding her hips to his powerful thrusts.

She was so wet, so hot. The more he stroked, the more he built up as she reached her climax…she felt light headed, drunk with his lust.

When the weekend was over, Tamara was getting ready to head back home.

“I need a shower before I leave so I don’t have to take one in the morning before school.” She noted, but noticed Zeb kept looking down at her chest.

Looking down, she realized her nipples were showing and she noted that he was starting to get an obvious bulge in the front of his jeans.

“Why don’t you do something about it?”

“I really need to take a shower and head back home.”

“You’re going to leave me like this?”

She just giggled and walked into the bathroom.

Zeb could see Tamara’s silhouette as she shampooed her hair; her pointy nipples showed on her lovely breasts.

She felt his lips touch her shoulder and hands touch lightly on her hips.

She leaned her head back, exposing more of her neck and he gently kissed up from her shoulder along the side of her neck.

His fingers stroked along her softness and she pressed harder against them, feeling the water run against it and his hardness against her back.

His fingers moved faster, letting them slide halfway into her…she moaned and her body shivered as she started to climax…feeling the lips spread and suck in his fingers.

She turned around and her hands grabbed him, pulling him closer… they didn’t need to speak; they both knew what they wanted.

Her hands rested on the shower wall as he held his hardness out toward her and gently pressed it against her, pushing himself deep inside, hard and fast as the water rushed down on them.

Her cries confirmed her pleasure as she bounced herself on his shaft, pushing him in as deep as she could and sent him into an amazing, crashing orgasm…filling her up so that he dripped out all over them.

Zeb then let her finish her shower.

He walked her down to her car to say their goodbyes for another week.

She smiled at him, but before she could say anything, his lips captured hers, kissing her roughly, and his arms tightening around her body.

She tugged gently on his bottom lip and his groan vibrated in all her secret places…best goodbye kiss ever.

Chapter Six

About a month later, Tamara didn’t have her period, but didn’t worry about it until she remembered the day she and Zeb were in the shower.

They were so into each other that they didn’t even think about using protection.

This made her nervous and she called him.

“I was just thinking about you. What’s going on?” He asked, lying on his bed.

“My period’s late.”

“Do you think you may be pregnant?”

“There’s a possibility.”

“If it doesn’t start by the time you come up, I’ll buy you a test. Everything is going to be okay.”

Tamara just smiled. She didn’t know what she would do if she was pregnant in her last year of high school.

When she arrived at Zeb’s that weekend, he handed her the test.

“I can’t take it until the morning, but I want to talk about this.”

They sat on the bed and talked.

“No matter what that test says, I’m not going to leave unless you want me to and if I am pregnant I want to finish high school.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Tamara, and I understand that you want to finish high school. I love you.”

The next morning, Tamara took the test and it was negative. She was so relieved that she could focus on her studies than a baby at that time in her life.

She loved Zeb, but she wanted to finish high school and be married before even thinking about having children.

“I’m sorry, Honey.”

“Don’t be. This way I can finish high school and get married like we planned. I’m not ready to have kids yet.”

He smiled and kissed her deeply.

“Zeb, I said I wasn’t ready.”

“I know, but I have something that needs taken care of.”

They both laughed and she started kissing him again.

“Touch me.” She whispered.

He slowly slid his hand down her pants and moved his fingers in a circular motion, steadily increasing speed and pressure.

She began moaning softly in his ear as her head rested on his shoulder.

As his fingers probed her wetness, he felt her grip tighter on the back of his neck as she tried to pull herself closer to him.

He wanted nothing more than to pleasure her; to make her scream with sensation and to give her the best release of her life.

“Oh, Zeb. That feels so good. I want you inside me.”

He shuddered at her words, Tamara never talked dirty to him and hearing her say his name in that way was hotter than he imagined.

Her panting grew louder until she finally let out a scream; an uncontrollable release of pleasure.

She guided him to her opening and slowly lowered herself down on him.

As they kissed, she started a slow up and down movement he would never forget.

Afterward, they lied naked on the bed, breathless.

“I need to go to the store. Do you mind staying here, alone for a little bit?” He questioned, sitting up.

“No, I don’t mind. I’m sure I can find something to do while you’re gone.”

Not too long after he left, there was a knock on the door, so she slid on her robe and answered it…it was Victoria.

“What are you doing here?” Tamara asked, stepping back.

“I was visiting my brother and seen your car outside. Do you mind if I come in and talk?”

Tamara stepped aside and let her in, locking the door behind her.

They sat on the bed as they talked.

“So, I heard you and Zeb are engaged now. I’m happy for you. I just wanted to apologize about how I acted in high school. I’ve changed a lot since then and I just wanted to tell you that I’m sorry about being jealous. Zeb loved me at one time, but I screwed it up. I’m just glad he’s happy now.”

“I’m glad that you finally changed. I’m very happy with him.”

Victoria smiled, and then pressed her lips against Tamara’s.

“What are you doing?” Tamara exclaimed, pulling away.

“Oh, come on, its college. I’m sure you’ve thought about what it would be like to be with a girl.”

“I have, but Zeb was the one who took my virginity. I’m not experienced enough.”

“Let me…”

Victoria kissed her deeply and kissed her way down her body, untying her robe and revealing her sexy body.

Victoria used her tongue to massage her. Moaning, Tamara spread her legs and Victoria pushed a finger inside as she swirled her tongue around.

Tamara arched her back and moaned as she climaxed.

Just as Tamara was tying her robe, Zeb walked in.

“Why are you here?” He questioned, looking over at Victoria.

“She just came over to talk.” Tamara replied and walked over to him.

She started kissing him and undoing his belt.

“Not right now. We have company.” He noted, stepping back.

“I thought, maybe, she could join us?”

“I…uh…”

“It’s okay. Just let us show you.”

Zeb didn’t know what to think, but allowed the girls to undress him and lead him to the bed.

The girls laid in the 69 position, pleasing each other until Zeb came up behind Tamara and entered her.

After thrusting a little, he pulled out and shoved it into Victoria’s mouth as he shot deep inside her throat.

Tamara eased herself down on him and started bouncing up and down as Victoria knelt above his face.

He moaned from underneath Victoria and thrust deep inside Tamara, exploding into the condom.

When finished, they all three lied on the bed, sweating and breathless.

***

A few months later, Tamara and Zeb became distant, hardly talking or touching each other.

When she arrived at his dorm for the weekend, he wanted to know what was really going on back home.

“Why haven’t you come to see me much?” He asked, pacing.

“I could ask you the same thing, but I’ve been really busy with school.”

“Are you cheating on me?”

“No, I’m not.”

“Then what’s wrong?”

“The games you’re playing.”

“What games?”

“You’ll hardly touch me, you won’t come home…Hell, you hardly look in my direction much anymore. It’s like I disgust you.”

“I don’t think that.”

“Then what? I embarrass you?”

“No.”

She turned away and looked at her bag by the desk.

“Whatever it is, I’m sure we can work it out. I love you.”

“You’ve been messing with my head for over two months now. This isn’t a game, it’s my heart. We never go out like we used to and since the thing with Victoria, nothing has been the same. Maybe it was a mistake to even let her in the room, but I know this isn’t the way a relationship should be. I love you, Zeb, but it’s over.”

She handed him his ring and left.

Chapter Seven

After a few months, Tamara started liking someone else at college, in fact she thought she was in love again and didn’t want to get hurt again, but moved there over the summer anyway.

Instead of making a complete fool of herself and just asking him out to a movie or something like that, she asked him to go on the camping trip with her and her friends, including Zeb, whom was at her apartment at that exact moment.

"Are we still going on that camping trip with Quinn?" Zeb questioned, turning around in the computer chair.

"I think so." Tamara replied, taking a bite of her cereal.

After Tamara was finished eating, Quinn called and wanted her to come over, so she took a shower and left.

When Tamara arrived at Quinn’s house, she paused for a moment, thinking about the other guy; and then walked in.

"Hey, Quinn." Tamara greeted in a cheery voice.

"Hey, I'm glad you came." Quinn replied with a smile and hugged her.

“Can I invite someone?” Tamara asked, sitting down at the table.

“I thought Zeb was coming?” She questioned, sitting beside her.

“He is, but he and I are just friends now.”

“Okay, well who is it?”

“Mateo.”

“Oh, I guess it’s okay with me as long as you won’t be uncomfortable.”

“Thanks, Quinn. Is the store list done so I can go?”

"Yea, here." Quinn replied, handing her the list.

The day of the camping trip, Quinn and Tamara were outside Tamara’s apartment loading the RV and waiting for their friends to arrive.

"I can’t wait until everyone gets here." Quinn exclaimed, walking over to Tamara.

"I know, me neither." Tamara agreed with a smile.

Quinn decided to go in the house while Tamara waited outside for everyone else.

As soon as Quinn closed the door, Mateo pulled in.

"Can I talk to you, alone?" He asked, looking into her eyes.

"Yes." She replied as her smile faded.

They went into the RV and Mateo sat on the couch.

"Come here." He requested, holding out his hand.

"Why?" She questioned with a puzzled look on her face.

"I want to hold you." He replied and she sat down, letting him put his arms around her.

After a long silence, Tamara looked up at Mateo and their lips were just inches apart. He started to get closer, but she turned her head.

"What’s wrong?" Mateo asked with a puzzled look.

"Nothing." She replied, sitting up.

"Do you want to try again?" He questioned, looking into her eyes.

"Not right now." She said, hesitating a little.

"I hope you know you’re blushing." He informed, taking her by the hand.

"Yea, I know." She replied with a slight smile, standing up and taking him inside to her bedroom.

When they were inches away from kissing, Quinn opened the door.

"Quinn!" Tamara yelled, scrambling to stand up.

"Oh, sorry, I just wanted to tell you that Zeb is here." She informed, pulling the door closed, except for a crack.

"We’ll be out in a minute." Tamara said, looking over at Mateo.

"Okay, I’m going back outside." She said and left, closing the door all the way.

Mateo didn’t say anything, just pulled Tamara close to him.

"What are you do..." Tamara started to ask, but he interrupted her by pressing his lips to hers.

She didn’t say anything after he kissed her; she just pulled him back to her and kissed him back.

As they kissed, Tamara wrapped her fingers around the back of Mateo’s neck while he ran his fingers through her hair.

"How was that?" Mateo asked, looking into her eyes.

"Perfect." She whispered and squeezed his hand.

"Tamara, I have something to tell you." He said, looking down at their hands.

"What’s that?" She questioned, with a slight smile.

Before Mateo could speak, Zeb burst into the door.

"What are you two doing in here?" He asked with such anger.

"We’re just talking." Mateo defended, standing up.

“Oh, whatever. I’m not stupid. Get away from her.”

“I’m not with you anymore, Zeb.”

“Yea, but I know how this ass hole is. He will get your hopes up and then drop you on your ass.”

“Oh, like you did?” Tamara questioned, storming outside.

"Tamara, wait." Zeb called, running after her.

"I don’t want to talk to you." She snapped, continuing to walk.

"I know you like him. I just don’t want to see you get hurt again." He said and Tamara started to cry.

Zeb put his arms around her, looking into her tear filled eyes.

“I know you’ve liked him for some time, but I used to hang out with him and all he does is use girls as play things." He informed, wiping the tears from Tamara’s face.

"Isn’t that what you did to me?" She asked with a shaky voice.

"I didn’t mean to, I was scared. I loved you, and I still do." He replied, starting to cry himself.

"You love me?" She questioned with a slight smile.

"Yes." He replied, wiping away his own tears.

She didn’t say anything, just stood there, looking into his eyes.

"Zeb, I do love you, but it’s over between us." Tamara admitted, stepping back from him.

"Tamara, are you okay?" Quinn asked, walking over to her.

"Yea." She replied, stopping in front of her.

"Are you sure?" Quinn question, hugging her.

"Yea... Mateo, can I talk to you." She asked, walking to the RV.

"Yea." He replied, following her.

Tamara shut the door and started crying.

"Tamara, come here." Mateo said, gathering her up in his arms.

"I’m sorry." She apologized with a shaky voice.

"No, don’t be. You can cry on my shoulder anytime." He noted and kissed her on the forehead.

"Tamara, are we going?" Quinn asked through the window of the RV.

"Yea. Let me go inside first." Tamara replied, stepping out of the RV.

"Do you want me to go with you?" Mateo questioned, putting his hand on her shoulder.

"No, I’ll be okay." She said and went into the apartment.

"Zeb, where are you?" Tamara asked, opening the door.

"In the kitchen." He replied with a shaky voice.

"Are you crying?" She questioned, walking into the kitchen.

"I was." He said, closing the refrigerator door.

"Why?" She asked, leaning against the cabinet.

"Because I love you." He replied, walking past her and into the living room.

"If it makes you feel better, I won’t date him for a while." She said, following him.

"How long is a while?" He questioned, sitting down on the couch.

“I don’t know.” She replied, sitting down beside him.

"Okay." He replied, feeling a little uncomfortable.

"I know you’re uncomfortable with me right now, but I’d like for you to still go camping with us." She said, standing up.

“If you want me to." He noted, putting his feet down.

"Zeb..." She said, walking over to him.

"What?" He asked, looking up at her, but she just held out her hand and smiled.

"Okay, I’ll go." He noted, smiling back.

After they finished loading the RV, they went straight to the campsite and set up camp for the next four days.

"Are you okay?" Quinn asked, placing her hand on Tamara’s shoulder.

"I’ll be fine. Mateo and I are talking now, but we’re not going to date for a while so Zeb can get used to me with someone else.”

"It looks like you really want to be with Mateo."

"Yea, I do."

"Why don’t you date him now?"

"Because I basically promised Zeb."

"Well, by the look on your face, you don’t want to wait."

"I don’t.”

"Then go talk to Mateo and start your relationship.”

"You’re right. I will."

Tamara walked over to Mateo and asked him to take a walk with her.

"Sure." He agreed and followed her into the woods.

They sat down on a big rock and started talking.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" He asked, situating himself on the rock.

"Us." She replied with a straight face.

"What about us?" He questioned with a puzzled look on his face.

"Is there an us?" She asked, putting her hand on his.

"I don’t know, you tell me."

"Do you want there to be?"

"You know I do, but you told me that you wanted to wait because of Zeb."

"I don’t want to wait."

"Really?"

"Yea."

He kissed her gently on the lips, wanting to tell her that he wants to be with her, but he wants to make her wait with anticipation.

The next day, Mateo and Zeb were fighting while they were swimming until Tamara twisted her ankle.

"I think I sprained it." Tamara informed, limping out of the river.

"Come on, Zeb, let’s help her back." Mateo suggested, nudging him.

When they got back to the campsite, Tamara put ice on her ankle and they all decided to go back home.

"I’m sorry, guys." Tamara apologized with a sad look on her face.

"Don’t be...these things happen." Quinn said with a smile.

" Mateo, can you help me to the RV, I want to talk to you?" Tamara questioned, looking up at him.

"Yea." He replied with a slight smile.

"I couldn’t sleep last night because I was trying to figure out what to say to you.”

"Before you say anything else, I want to ask you something.”

“Okay.”

“Tamara, will you be my girl?"

She couldn’t say a word, so she just nodded.

Mateo smiled, and then kissed her while he ran his fingers through her hair.

***

Zeb was hanging out at Tamara’s house, like usual, when she walked out into the living room.

“I’m expecting company.” Tamara informed, sitting on the couch.

“Who?” He asked, sitting beside her.

“Mateo.” She replied with a smile.

“Oh, do you want me to leave?” He questioned about to stand up.

“He and I are supposed to go out.” She informed, looking at the clock.

Before he could say anything, the doorbell rang.

"I guess that’s him." He said, answering the door.

"Hey, Zeb." Mateo greeted with a smile.

"Hey." Zeb replied with a sigh and let him in.

"Hey, Honey." Tamara said, giving Mateo a hug.

"Honey?" Zeb asked with a puzzled look.

"Oh, yea, Mateo and I are dating." She replied with a smile.

"How long have you been dating?" He questioned, walking into the kitchen.

"I can’t lie to you, Zeb." She said, following him.

“How long?" He repeated, turning around to look at her.

“Since the camping trip when I sprained my ankle." She replied, stopping in front of him.

"That’s been three weeks ago." He informed with a hurt look on his face.

"Yea, I know, I’m sorry." She apologized, reaching out for him, but he pulled away.

“I’ll just go.” He said, walking out.

“I’m sorry.” Mateo said, putting his hands in his pockets.

“Don’t be. He and I aren’t dating, we are.” She reminded, walking out of the kitchen.

"I love you." He noted, taking her by the hand.

"What?" She asked, looking into his eyes.

"I love you." He repeated with a smile.

“Um…okay.” She said, letting go of his hand.

“That’s not the reaction I was expecting.” He noted, walking over to the couch and sat down.

“I’m sorry.” She sighed, sitting beside him.

"It’s okay. Why don’t we go to dinner and then you can spend the night at my place?" He asked with a slight smile.

"How about dinner and spend the night here?" She questioned with a smile.

Lying on the couch, in the living room, Mateo and Tamara cuddled while they watched a movie together.

"Would you like to finish watching this in the bedroom where it’s more comfortable?" Tamara asked, looking up at him.

"Sure." He agreed with a smile.

They went into the bedroom and watched the rest of the movie, and then Tamara went to the bathroom to get ready for bed.

He thought she was so sexy in his shirt and he loved to hold her close to him.

***

Tamara wanted to make love with Mateo so much, but was afraid to show her love to him after all that happen.

While he was at work, she decided to take a nap, but was thinking about Mateo; so she laid in bed, stared at the ceiling and thought about how great their first time together would be.

She began to imagine those fingers working their magic all over her body...touching her, caressing her, and teasing her.

She moved one of her hands to her breast and began playing with it and imagined it was Mateo doing it.

She moaned when she squeezed and pulled at her nipple, wishing it was his mouth on it instead of her fingers.

She moved her fingers around her softness in a slow, circular motion and imagined it was his tongue causing her pleasure.

She teased herself by barely sliding her finger inside and taking it out quickly.

Her hand had two fingers shoved inside, pumping. In her head, Mateo was fingering her and the image turned her on even more, getting even wetter making her fingers able to slide in deeper.

She moaned out his name, loving the way it sounded. The pressure inside kept building and finally felt herself clench around her fingers as she climaxed.

She let out a loud moan and laid back on the bed, sweating and breathing heavily.

When he finally came over after work, the tension kept growing hotter.

She wanted him—no…she NEEDED him soon and couldn’t wait any longer.

They sat on the couch and she started kissing him…she definitely started to feel it now.

She pulled him on top of her and pressed her hips against his.

“What are you doing?” He questioned with a puzzled look.

“I want you right now.” She replied in a soft voice.

“Tamara, I was trying to take it slow considering the past situation.” He informed, sitting up.

“Please.” She pleaded, taking off her shirt.

He kissed his way down her body, starting from nibbling on her ears, down to the nape of her neck, slowly down her collar bone, to her breast.

He teased her nipples and kept kissing down her body to the waist band of her jeans and unfastened them.

He grazed his fingertips along her skin, over her hips and slowly took off her jeans.

He used his tongue to massage her; she moaned and began to spread her legs.

He ran a finger down and pushed it inside her.

Her legs opened farther and she flowed with her sweet juices.

She moaned his name and climaxed.

Mateo urged her to follow him to the bedroom. As soon as they got there, they started making out as he slowly removed his clothes. At this point, there's nothing she wanted more than to have hot passionate sex with him.

His fingertips lightly ran up her legs, caressing her inner thighs and driving her crazy with desire…she wanted him more than anything.

Suddenly he thrust in her. She felt herself about to climax, but tried not to...then he stopped.

He continued to tease her…he ran his hands all over her body, hitting all of her sensitive spots.

Then he thrust in her again and she gasped in utter delight and surprise…nearly sending her over the edge.

Just as she was about to climax, he shoved deep inside her, giving her one of the biggest orgasms she has had ever had.

He kissed behind her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

Then he kissed his way down her neck down to that sensitive spot where her collar bones met. He kissed her there, once again sending shivers down her spine.

He tugged and played with her nipples until she began to moan.

He took one of them in his mouth and lightly nibbled while pulling on the other one with his hand.

He stopped and continued his trail of kisses down her body.

Her breathing grew heavier the closer he got to her lower half.

He kissed up her inner thighs then plunged his tongue deep inside of her.

She moaned in ecstasy and reveled in how good he was. He pushed all of the right buttons almost sending her over the edge but not letting her.

She grinded her hips asking...no...begging for more and couldn’t stop the moan coming out of her mouth.

He stood above her and placed his hardness in front of her mouth.

When she opened, he thrust it in.

She began to suck...bobbed her head, swirled her tongue and worked her hands fast.

She seen that he was about to climax and started stroking as fast as she could.

A few more strokes and he let out a groan and she pulled him out of her mouth, allowing it to splatter on her face and breast.

They laid on the bed, breathless.

“Now, how was that?” Mateo asked, trying to catch his breath.

“That was great.” She replied with a smile.

“Better than Zeb?” He questioned, rolling over toward her.

“Actually…yes it was.” She said with a slight smile.

Chapter Eight

Mateo and Tamara had been dating for six months and he finally moved in with her.

"Would you like to go out tonight?" He asked with a smile.

"Where?" She questioned, smiling back.

"A movie or something." He suggested.

"Sure." She replied.

After the movie, Mateo escorted Tamara back to the car.

"I bought you something." He informed with a smile.

"Really?" She asked, smiling back.

He pulled out a box and handed it to her.

"What is it?" She questioned, looking at the box.

"Just open it." He replied with a smile.

She opened it and it was the black sapphire bracelet she had been wanting.

"Thank you, Mateo." Tamara said, hugging him.

“Well, you’ve been looking at it every time we went to the store, so I decided to get it for you." He replied, taking it and putting it on her wrist.

He took her in his arms and looked deep into her eyes.

"I guarantee there will be rough times and at some point one or both of us is going to want to get out of this thing, but I also guarantee that if I don't ask you to be mine, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life because I know in my heart that you're the only one for me…will you marry me?"

He opened a box, revealing an engagement ring, matching the bracelet.

“I’m sorry. I can’t.” She replied, closing her eyes.

“Whatever it is, I’m sure we can fix it.” He noted with wide eyes.

“No, we can’t. I’m still in love with Zeb and want to be with him.” She informed, turning away.

“I..uh…” He stumbled with his words.

“I’m sorry.” She apologized.

She walked off, finding herself on Zeb’s doorstep with tears streaming down her face.

“Tamara, what’s wrong?” Zeb asked, opening the door.

“I’m sorry for bothering you so late. Can I come in?” She questioned, looking up at him.

“I actually have company.” He replied, looking inside.

“Oh, I guess I’ll just go then.” She said, turning around.

“I can talk for a few minutes out here if you need to. You look so upset.” He noted, closing the door.

“Mateo and I broke up.” She informed, looking at her feet.

“I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do?” He asked, stepping closer to her.

“Forget about all the things I’ve said to you and pick up where we left off?” She hopefully suggested.

“Tamara, I can’t do that. I’m with someone and she just moved in not too long ago.” He noted, looking into her eyes.

“So, it’s serious?” She questioned with a sigh.

“Yea, it is.” He replied with a slight smile.

She walked down the sidewalk, but looked back one last time.

***

Tamara was stuck in love with a man who didn’t want her anymore and was so depressed. She tried to hang out with friends, wrote in her diary and cried so many nights, but she would never forget the way she felt about him.

She lied down on her bed and held his picture against her chest as she cried.

When she was about to fall asleep, the phone started to ring.

"I don't want to answer that. It might be Quinn wanting to go out." She mumbled to herself as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

She looked at the picture once again and placed it back on her dresser.

Around one o'clock, Tamara got off of her bed and walked to the bathroom to splash cool water on her face, but when she turned on the faucet, the electric went out.

"Shit!" She exclaimed, fumbling around to get out of the dark bathroom.

As she looked for candles, there was a knock at the door.

"Hey." Quinn greeted with a smile.

"Hey, come on in." Tamara said, smiling back.

"I just tried to call you. I figured your electric was out, so I figured I would come over and see you." Quinn explained, sitting on the couch.

"Yea, I heard the phone ring, but I didn't answer it." She noted, lighting some candles.

"What's wrong?" Quinn asked, taking off her shoes.

"Oh, thinking." She said with a sad look.

"Zeb?" Quinn questioned, propping her feet up on the coffee table.

"Yea." She replied, sitting down beside her.

"When are you going to get over him?” Quinn asked, trying not to sound like a bitch.

"I just can't let him go." She said with a sigh.

"Yea, I know, but you need to get back out there." Quinn suggested with a slight smile.

"I don't know if I can." She sighed and leaned back on the couch.

"You should come with me and Ethan to a party tonight." Quinn invited, walking into the kitchen.

"I don't know. I don't feel good." She said, following her.

"You'll probably feel better." Quinn noted, pouring herself a glass of Root Beer.

"Okay, I'll go." She agreed with a slight smile.

Before they headed out the door, Quinn saw the cuts on Tamara’s arm.

"You started doing that, again?" Quinn questioned, grabbing Tamara’s arm.

"Yea. I know I shouldn't, but the hurt is so intense." She replied, pulling her arm away.

When they arrived at the party, Tamara sat down on the couch by herself.

After a few drinks, Tamara started dancing by herself.

"I see that you feel better." Quinn said, walking over to Tamara.

"Yea, a little bit." She giggled, still dancing.

“Oh, great, look who just walked in.” Quinn informed, looking over Tamara’s shoulder.

Zeb walked over to them.

“Would you mind giving us a few minutes?” He asked, looking at Quinn.

“It’s okay, Quinn. I’ll be okay.” Tamara said with a smile.

"Would you like to dance?" He asked, smiling.

“Okay.” She agreed, smiling back.

“I’m sorry for putting you in a difficult situation.” He apologized, taking her into his arms to slow dance.

“I left Mateo because of you.” She informed with a sigh.

“You shouldn’t have. You were so happy with him.” He said.

“He asked me to marry him.” She noted.

“He did?” He questioned, looking into her eyes.

“Yes, and I said no.” She replied.

“Why?” He asked.

“Because I love you and want to be with you.” She said.

“I can’t do that. I’m in love with someone else.” He reminded and the song was over.

“I know and I have accepted it, but it doesn’t make me feel any different about you. You were the one that made me come out of my shell and actually showed me that I was someone worth something. I just took that for granted. I know you loved me and…I’m just so stupid.” She scolded herself, walking to the door.

“Can I give you a ride home?” He questioned, taking his keys from his pocket.

“Won’t your girlfriend mind?” She asked, turning to face him.

“She’s not here and I want to talk to you.” He replied, escorting her outside.

Zeb walked Tamara up to her door.

“Tamara, I still love you, but I can’t chance screwing up again. You need to go back to Mateo. He loves you, too and I know you love him.” Zeb noted, taking her by the hand.

“After what I did, I couldn’t show my face around him anymore. No apology will fix it.” She replied, fumbling for her keys.

“Why don’t you sleep on it and call me tomorrow. I’m still your friend and I care about you.” He suggested and turned to leave.

“Come in for a while, please?” She questioned, taking him by the arm.

“I can’t stay too long.” He agreed, walking in with her.

They sat on the couch to talk.

“So, did you really love Mateo?” He asked, taking off his shoes.

“Yes, I did, but not as much as I love you. Do you really love your girlfriend?” She questioned, looking into his eyes.

“Yes, I do.” He replied with a smile.

“Do you still love me?” She asked, looking away.

“Yes.” He said, leaning back.

They sat there in silence for a moment.

“So, was he better than me?” He chuckled.

“What do you mean?” She questioned with a puzzled look.

“In bed.” He said with a smile.

“Well…” She laughed.

“What?” He asked, looking at her.

“The actual sex was better, but the passion wasn’t there like it was with you.” She explained with a smile.

Zeb smiled back and kissed her softly on the lips.

“What are you doing?” She questioned, pulling away.

“I kissed you.” He replied with a smile.

“I know that. What do you want?” She asked, looking into his eyes.

"You without those clothes." He whispered in her ear.

“Excuse me?” She questioned with wide eyes.

“Oh, you heard me.” He informed with a chuckle.

In the bedroom, she slowly put his hardness inside of her. He pushed in slowly and looked into her eyes. She gasped and he continued to push in slowly, feeling her warmth.

He pushed in deeper; she moaned again and wrapped her legs around the small of his back.

He stopped and kissed her deeply; and then he started to move back and forth slowly.

He soon began to move faster and faster. She started to moan loudly and sunk her nails into his back and held him tighter with her legs.

From her moans he could tell she was close to climax and started to move faster.

She screamed and moaned loudly once more and let out a cry as she climaxed.

He could feel her tightening and pushed in harder and faster.

He moaned loudly and with a last thrust he pushed deep inside her and exploded.

“Can I see you again?” He asked, putting his clothes back on.

“I’m not just a booty call.” She informed, sitting up.

“How about friends with benefits?” He questioned with a smile.

“What about your girlfriend?” She asked, crossing her arms.

His smile faded and closed his eyes.

“What have I done?” He questioned, shaking his head.

“Zeb, don’t do that to yourself. We are both drunk. She doesn’t even have to know.” She informed.

He just nodded.

***

Tamara didn’t forget about what she and Zeb did the night of the party and doubted he did either, but she knew it was over between them, or was it?

The doorbell rang and when she opened the door, Zeb was standing in the pouring rain.

“You’re soaked, get in here.” She exclaimed, grabbing him and pulling him inside.

“What are you doing here?” She asked, handing him a towel.

“I wanted to see you again.” He noted, drying his hair.

“We can’t do this. You have a girlfriend.” She informed, pacing.

“Actually, no I don’t.” He said, putting down the towel.

“Oh my God! What happen?” She exclaimed, wanting to pull him close to her.

“I told her what happen.” He replied with a sigh.

“Why?” She questioned with a puzzled look.

“The guilt.” He said with another sigh.

Tamara sat on the couch with her head in her hands.

“I’m so sorry.” She apologized.

“It’s not your fault. I came onto you.” He noted, sitting beside her.

“Why did you?” She asked, looking at him.

“Because when I came in that night, it felt like we were together again. It felt….right.” He said with a smile.

Before she could say anything, the doorbell rang again…it was Mateo with flowers in his hand.

“Oh, I’m sorry; I didn’t realize you had company.” He said, looking at Zeb.

“That’s okay, Mateo. I was just leaving.” Zeb noted, handing Tamara the towel and left.

“What are you doing here?” Tamara questioned, watching Zeb leave.

“I was seeing how you were doing. I heard you were pretty depressed, but when I saw him here, I thought you were back with him.” Mateo explained, walking over to her.

“No, I’m not. I really don’t know what’s going on between him and me.” She said, sitting at the table.

“What about you and me?” He asked, sitting with her.

“What?” She questioned, folding her hands.

“I know you’re really confused and I have been beating myself up about everything, but I really need to know.” He informed, setting the flowers on the floor by him.

“I really don’t know what’s going on. Zeb came here to tell me he broke up with his girlfriend and then you show up. So…I don’t know.” She said, confused and walked to the sink.

Mateo kissed her, but she just stood there, stunned.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.” He apologized, stepping back.

“I’m just completely confused. I’m just stuck.” She said, leaning against the counter.

“Stuck?” He asked with a puzzled look.

“You, me and Zeb are all single. Him and now you. I…..”

She felt lightheaded.

“You should sit down.” He said and led her to the couch.

She sighed and sat back.

“I’m sorry; do you want me to leave?” He asked, pointing to the door.

“No I don’t. I just don’t want to be confused anymore. Hell, depression was better than this.” She said, holding her head.

“I’m going to go.” He informed, walking to the door.

“No, don’t leave.” She noted, sitting up.

“I think you just need to relax and think about what you really want and then call me tomorrow.” He said, leaving and took the flowers with him.

***

Once again, Tamara was lying on her bed, but this time with confusion not depression.

She had to figure this thing out. Who did she want to be with? What do both guys want? She couldn’t just think of herself in this situation, there were two other people’s feelings on the line, not just hers.

Tamara looked at the phone and called Mateo and asked him to come back over so they could talk.

When he arrived, they sat on the couch.

“Before I can figure out what I want, I need to know what you and Zeb want. Then I will make my decision on whatever.” She informed with her hands folded.

“I just want you to be happy with or without me. I love you, but I don’t want you to be miserable either. And, not to mention, the sex was awesome.” He chuckled.

Tamara laughed and hit him in the arm.

“Sorry, had to lighten the moment.” He said leaning back.

“It’s okay. I needed the laugh.” She replied.

“So, it wasn’t awesome?” He questioned with a smile.

“It was.” She said.

“But…”He asked.

“But…will you stop trying to make me laugh?” She questioned, hitting him again.

“Oh, so there is a but. Is Zeb the butt?” He asked with his smile growing even bigger.

Tamara snorted with laughter.

“There, now don’t you feel better?” He questioned.

“Yea, a little.” She said with a smile.

He put his hand on hers and smiled back.

“Seriously though, I want you to be happy no matter what that means for me.” He noted, handing her the flowers.

She kissed him on the cheek and took the flowers from him.

“Daisies.” She said, looking at them.

“Your favorite.” He noted with a smile.

“Yea, they are. Zeb never did give me flowers.” She remembered.

“What can I say? I’m a hopeless romantic.” He said with a smile.

She smiled and nodded.

“Well, I hate to rush you, but I think I should get to bed, it’s late.” She informed, looking at the clock.

“Talking about bed, you didn’t answer my question.” He said, standing up.

“What question?” She asked, folding her arms.

“The sex being awesome.” He reminded.

“I said it was.” She said.

“But there was a but.” He informed, putting his coat on.

“Yea there was.” She replied.

“And…” He waited.

“Passion.” She said.

“Passion?” He questioned.

“Forget it; I know you don’t want to hear it.” She noted, turning around.

“Tell me.” He said, stepping back into the living room.

“With Zeb, there was passion and with you it was just awesome sex.” She explained.

“I think you just figured out your side.” He said with a smile, looking into her eyes.

“You knew the whole time?” She asked.

“Yes, but you needed to figure it out yourself and I just wanted to come see how you were because you ARE still my friend.” He noted and kissed her on the forehead.

“Thanks, Mateo.” She said with a smile.

***

The next afternoon, Tamara called Zeb and asked him to come over, but after hours of waiting, she thought he wasn’t going to show.

Sexually frustrated, she decided to go pleasure herself seeing that she had the house to herself that evening.

Her hands wandered to her breasts and started to roll her nipples between her fingers, feeling them grow hard as she touched them.

One of her hands left her breasts and slid slowly down her stomach, teasing herself.

Lightly tracing the outside of her softness with two fingers, her other hand continued on her hard nipples.

She closed her eyes, enjoying the pleasure and her breath quickened as she played with herself more intensely.

Finally, feeling like she couldn’t stand the teasing any longer…with fast circles, she rubbed, moaning out Zeb’s name.

It scared her when she heard him respond.

"You want me, you got me." He said, standing in the doorway.

“Zeb, I..uh…” She stuttered, scrambling to sit up.

He walked over and kissed her deeply as he undressed himself.

They made tender love while they kissed.

His hands roamed over her body, making her shiver.

He could see the pleasure on her face as she neared climax.

He got up onto his knees, hooked her knees over his shoulders and she gripped tightly to the sheets as she begins to climax, her body bucking with pleasure.

He let out one final groan as he climaxed and fell into her arms.

“I didn’t expect you to show up.”

“I was in town when I got your message.”

She rolled over and put her head on his chest.

“I love you.” She whispered.

“I love you, too. Was that what you wanted to talk about?”

She looked into his eyes with tears in hers.

“Oh, Zeb, I’m so sorry.”

“For what?”

“Being such a bitch. I know that we can’t be the way we were or even pick up where we left off, but…”

“Shh…I’m here and I’m not leaving. It may take some time to build up to where we were, but I love you and I have faith in us.”

***

After a few months of taking things slow, once again, Zeb asked Tamara to move in with him back home.

“Really? That’s a big step and what about here?” She questioned with a puzzled look.

“Yes it is. And if you will have me, I would love to stay with you at your apartment.”

Tamara just smiled and walked into the kitchen.

“I’m going to go take a nap. I’m pretty tired after work.”

“Okay. I’ll make dinner here in a few.”

Zeb walked into the bedroom, but before he lied down, he went to his dresser and pulled out a ring box and opened it.

“What’s that?” Tamara asked, walking in to go to the bathroom.

“Nothing, what are you doing?” He questioned, shoving the box back into the drawer.

“I was going to the bathroom. Was that a ring?”

“It was the one I gave you a long time ago.”

“You kept it?”

“Yea, memories I guess. I’m sure you would want another ring though when that time comes.”

“When that time comes? Do you still want to marry me?”

“It never left my head really. Do you still want to marry me?”

“Are you asking me to marry you?”

“No, I’m asking if you still want to.”

“Maybe one day.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You know that we can’t pick up where we left off.”

“I love you and I’m not going anywhere, so if and when we do decide to get engaged again, I’m sure we will both know when it’s the right time.”

She walked out to leave him to his nap while she made dinner.

That weekend, they went back home to see their old friends.

“George, can we talk?” Zeb asked, pulling him into the kitchen of his old house.

“I don’t like it when you ask me that. It’s usually serious or stupid.”

“Well, it may be both this time.”

“How can it be both?”

“I’m thinking about asking Tamara to marry me.”

“Again?”

“Yes again. I was thinking about doing it before we leave back for school.”

George shook his head.

“Stupid isn’t it?” Zeb questioned, sitting down at the table.

“No, because you love her. I just don’t see why you have to talk to me about it. It seems like you ‘ve made up your mind already.”

“I just wanted to see if it was a good idea to do it this early after getting back together.”

“Love is love, Man.”

Tamara walked in on the conversation with a puzzled look.

“What are you two talking about?” She asked.

“I…uh…I was just telling Zeb that I was thinking about asking your sister to marry me. What do you think about that?”

“You’ve only been dating for a few months.”

“You and I we dating less time when I proposed to you the first time.”

“Yea, but look what happen.”

“Just forget it, I won’t ask her.”

Tamara walked up to George and put her hand on his shoulder.

“I know my sister; she will want to wait a little longer. I loved Zeb long before he proposed and that’s why he and I are back together.”

“Would you marry him if he asked again?”

She looked at Zeb with wide eyes, but he just looked down.

“Did he tell you he was going to?” She questioned, crossing her arms.

“No, it’s just a question.”

Tamara just rolled her eyes and walked out.

“Smooth.” Zeb noted.

“Sorry.”

Chapter Nine

It was finally summer and, back at home, Tamara was moving in Zeb’s house.

“I’m going to take a break and go for a walk.” Tamara informed, placing a box in the living room.

“Are you okay?” Zeb asked, walking over to her.

“Yea, I just need a break and some fresh air. I’ll start unpacking when I get back.”

Walking down the hill to the little convenience store, she walked in and bought herself a bottle of water; then headed to the abandoned bridge.

“What am I doing? Zeb is the love of my life and I’m acting like a total bitch.” Tamara said to herself, leaning on the bridge side.

At that time, her bottle fell underneath the bridge and debated on getting it because it was getting dark, but she decided to do it and head back to the house.

When she reached the bottle and bent down to pick it up, someone hit her on the head and was knocked out.

When she woke up, she was in some kind of torture chamber chained up against a cold, wooden wall.

There were candles everywhere, making enough light to see partially around the room, and yet casted shadows everywhere.

As she stood there, looking for a way out, she heard footsteps coming toward the room. Then she saw her, Victoria, dressed in a black cloak with her hair slightly coming out of the hood around her neck.

She carried a black candle holder with three candles and set it on the table, paying little attention to Tamara.

As the light cascaded across the table, Victoria unrolled a cloth full of torture tools. She ran her hand across them until it landed on the handful of razor wire.

Tamara gasped when Victoria’s eyes met her own.

"Let me show you what happens to freaks in this town."

Victoria let out a loud cackle and while her back was turned, Tamara managed to slip out of the chains and slowly scaled the dark wall to the door about five feet away, but when she went to turn the corner, she dropped to her knees with a sharp pain in her back...Victoria had thrown a dagger and it was in the middle of Tamara’s back.

While still on her knees, she pulled out the dagger, tossed it aside and ran into the next room.

Tamara looked behind her and Victoria was standing in the doorway, smiling at her.

“Why are you doing this? You apologized.” Tamara questioned.

“It was all a lie. I don’t like you and never have.”

She then cackled and Tamara ran to the closest door...locked!

Tamara put her back against the door, slid down to her butt and started crying.

Victoria walked over and stroked Tamara’s hair; then grabbed her ponytail and dragged her across the room.

She stood her up while opening a door and stared down the steps to a basement.

Victoria pushed her…she screamed and hit the bottom.

"You can stay down there until I can figure out what to do with you."

When Tamara awoke from being knocked out by the fall, she didn't know how long she was out, but she could see the sun coming in from a hole above.

She could only crawl at that point, but the will power to see Zeb again kept her mind off most of the pain.

She managed to pull herself out and to the side of the road where someone stopped and took her to the hospital.

***

Tamara opened her eyes and seen the florescent light above her.

“You are lucky that fall didn’t kill you.” A familiar voice said from beside the hospital bed.

She looked over to see George sitting in the chair.

“Where’s Zeb?” She whispered, wincing in pain.

“He’s on his way; I’m the one that found you.” He replied, standing up.

“What happen?” She asked, barely able to move.

“Only thing you would tell me was that you fell.”

“The bridge?”

“You weren’t by a bridge when I found you.”

“What did the doctor say?”

“You broke both of your legs, your back and your wrist.”

Tamara groaned and looked down at her feet; then the doctor walked in.

“Will I ever walk again?” Tamara questioned, looking at the doctor.

“It will take some time and physical therapy, but there’s a chance.”

“How long?”

“A year at the minimum.”

Zeb walked in and took Tamara by the hand.

“What happen?” He asked, looking into her eyes.

“I don’t remember. All I remember is the bridge.”

“Maybe with time she will remember.” The doctor informed.

“When can I go home?” Tamara questioned, looking at the doctor.

“You’re not in the right condition to go home with your back broken.” He informed.

“Well, I can’t lay in bed forever, I’ll never get better.” She snapped.

“Tamara.” Zeb whispered.

“No, she’s right. I’m sorry, but I think you should stay in the hospital overnight for observation.”

Tamara just shut her eyes and sighed.

Chapter Ten

Six months later, Tamara was finally walking with help of a cane, but still couldn’t remember what had happen to her.

“Thank you for staying by my side through all of this.” Tamara said, sitting by Zeb on the couch.

“Why wouldn’t I? You were there when I wrecked my motorcycle.” Zeb asked, taking her by the hand.

“That was different. You weren’t in a wheelchair for half a year. I’m almost nineteen and can hardly walk.”

“I love you, that’s why I stayed.”

Tamara just smiled and stood up.

“Well, I better get ready to go. We don’t want to be late to our double date with George and Tori.” She informed, walking to the bedroom.

“Have they chosen a wedding date yet?” He questioned, following her.

“She told me that they would tell us tonight.”

That night, Tamara and Zeb met George and Tori for dinner.

“Have you decided when the wedding is going to be?” Tamara asked with a smile.

“The first week of January.” Tori replied, smiling.

“But that’s three weeks away.” Tamara noted, looking down at her cane.

Zeb motioned George to go with him to the salad bar, so the girls could talk alone.

“We have stressed so much over it that we decided to elope.” Tori explained.

“You can’t do that…Uh, I mean…” Tamara exclaimed, hitting the table.

“I should ask you the same thing.” Tori said smugly.

“What?” She questioned with a puzzled look.

“When are you going to marry Zeb?” Tori asked, looking over to the boys.

“I…uh…I don’t know. He hasn’t asked.” She said shyly.

“But you have been talking about it.” Tori reminded.

“Off and on.” She noted, playing with her napkin.

“What are you afraid of?” Tori questioned, crossing her arms.

“Nothing…I…” She hesitated, looking back down at her cane.

“He was there the whole time, holding your hand when you wanted to quit. If I were you, I wouldn’t let him get away.” Tori said with a smile.

After dinner, Zeb took Tamara to the lake to watch the sunset.

While the colors of red and orange filled the sky and the sound of water splashed up on the bank, they stood hand in hand, reminiscing about the first time they went there together.

They looked at each other, as the moon and water sparkled in their eyes, then he led her to the dock and put their bare feet in the water.

While looking at the faint stars in the sky, Zeb reached into his pocket.

“There’s something I want to ask you.” Zeb noted, handing her a box.

Tamara opened it to find the ring he gave her a long time ago.

"We have been through rough times, but I love you and I know you love me, too…will you marry me?"

Tamara’s eyes filled with tears and said yes as Zeb placed the ring on her finger…she really did love him...her high school sweetheart.

Under the stars, Tamara lied in Zeb’s arms, looking at her ring; she looked over at him and smiled at her love.

She truly loved him.

ATomey Stories

Sweet Darkness - Part One (2014)

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