Never That Far

I woke up in a bed and I had a pounding headache. I tried to remember how I got home, but I couldn't. The last thing I remember was Axel taking me away from Chris.

Chris. That asshole! I can't believe he actually thinks that he's a nice guy. There isn't one nice bone in his body.

I turned over and groaned. My body was so sore from dancing.

"Good, you're up."

I screamed at the voice and turned my body, causing me to fall off the bed.

"That's not how it was supposed to go." Axel said with a laugh.

"Dick. That was so not funny." I said in a tight voice. "Where are we?"

"My place."

"Okay, what happened last night?" I asked while holding my head.

"Well you're lovely date made you dance with him for an hour or so, then you took a break and got away from him." A smile began to form. "You danced with me for about a half hour. It was the best part of your night, by the way."

"Alright, sure it was." I said with a laugh.

Axel's face darkened.

"Then I saw him drag you into the guys restroom. I waited about three minutes to see if you'd come back out. When you didn't, I went in." He helped me off the floor and back into the bed.

I laid down and faced him as he did the same. His voice began again in a whisper.

"he had you locked in the stall and I couldn't break it down. God, I tried. Then you slapped him and I stopped breathing." He stroked my cheek. "Then he hit you and you crawled out from the bottom of the stall. I was trying to get you out, but you passed out. I carried you to my car and brought you back here." He paused. "I won't have him near you again. He won't hurt you."

I smiled.

"And they say chivalry is dead."

"They lie." He said with a smile.

"Thank you." I whispered. "You're really a great friend."

His hand grabbed my hip and brought me closer until our bodies were touching.

"I wanted to talk to you about that."

"Oh yeah? What's wrong? You don't want to be friends with loser Lauren?" I said with a laugh.

"No, I don't want to be friends with you anymore. It's too hard."

I closed my eyes. That was not supposed to be his answer.

"I can't be friends with you because I want more, Laur." My eyes shot open. "I'm crazy about you. Can't you see that?"

"I thought you liked Chelsy?" I asked.

"Chelsy? God no, she's crazy. What makes you think i'd like her?"

"She's pretty." I stated simply.

"You're beautiful and don't even know it. Lauren, I can't even describe this feeling I get when i'm with you. It's like I can't control anything anymore. All I want is you."

"Is this your horrible way of asking me out?" I said with a smirk.

"Yes. God, I'm terrible at this kind of stuff." He said shyly.

I cupped his face.

"Don't be shy."

"Does that mean you say yes?"

"Of course I will." I said then kissed his cheek.

"Damn look at me. We've only been dating for 30 seconds and i've already got you in bed."

I playfully hit him then laughed. I haven't been in this good of a mood in a while. I just hope it lasts.

"Now that's you're my girlfriend, I want breakfast." He said and snuggled into me.

"Oh no you don't. I had a rough night. I want breakfast." I said.

Axel laughed and got up.

"You've got it babe." He said and walked away.

I snuggled deeper into the bed and closed my eyes. What a weird weekend. But it seems to be getting better and better.

------

"Hey, Laur, wake up." Axel laughed. "I was only gone like, 15 minutes."

I opened my eyes and smiled. He was standing in front of the bed with only his shorts on. And the best part?

"Pancakes?!" I said with excitement.

"You would be more excited for the pancakes rather than me shirtless."

"Well what can I say, i'm a sucker for whip cream."

He looked thoughtful for a second then smiled.

"Well, I can arrange things."

"Axel stop being perverted and eat with me." I said dying to taste those pancakes.

"Alright calm down." He said as he climbed into the bed.

I grabbed the plate out of his hand and smelled it. No way! He put chocolate chips in the batter. I think i'm in love. All I need is some syrup. Screw it. I cut into the fluffy pancake.

"Oh my god." I moaned.

"Woah. Maybe I should leave. I don't want to seem crazy jealous of a pancake." He said jokingly.

I stuffed more food in my mouth.

"Don't be jealous."

"Why did I want to date you again?" He said with a laugh.

I know that was supposed to be a joke, but it struck a chord. Truth be told, I've been wondering the same thing. Why did he want to date me. Of course the logical answer was because he likes me, but I couldn't shake what Chelsy said. There's nothing food about me...

"What are you thinking?" Axel asked.

"Uh, nothing." I replied and looked at the pancakes. They weren't as appealing as I first thought.

"Lee, come on. Tell me."

I looked up quizzically.

"Lee?"

His face reddened a bit and he nodded.

"Lauren Elizabeth. I just shortened it and made it unique. I've never heard anyone call you it before."

"No one has. Just the standard Lauren, Laur or El." I paused and smiled. "I like Lee."

He smiled and moved the plate from my lap. I then snuggled in close to him.

"I could stay here all day."

"That would be ideal." He said as he kissed my cheek.

I closed my eyes and listened to his heart beat. It was a a beautiful sound, but it was interrupted by the doorbell.

"I don't want to get that." He said into my hair.

I started getting up.

"I'll get it."

"No, it's okay." He said while getting up.

"I'll race ya." I said as took off towards the front door but I didn't make it. Axel had caught up with me and picked me up.

The doorbell sounded again as I laughed and he put me down. Yet, when he turned his back to me, I jumped on it.

"Thanks for asking."

"Welcome." I kissed his cheek. "To the door!"

He galloped and even neighed once as we got to the door. He opened the door and I almost fell off his back. Standing there, in the doorway, was Samantha Stevenson. Queen bitch of Richmond High. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention something. She dated Axel two years then broke his heart.

"Sammy?" Axel asked in confusion.

"Axel, I had to come visit you after I talked to Darcy." She looked at me. "Hello, Lauren."

"Hi." I squeaked and slid down from Axel's back.

I looked her over. She still intimidated me. Her auburn red hair was healthy and to her shoulders. It was in tight curls. Her clear blue eyes were judging me as a thin fake smile played at her full lips. The only things that didn't put me on edge about her were her freckles. Yet she was still beautiful and I couldn't help but feel inferior.

"Are you just going to stand there and gape or am I going to get a hug?" She said with her arms open.

Axel smiled and engulfed her into a hug. She giggled as he spun her about.

Quietly I went to his room and got my purse and walked back through the apartment.

"...catch up!" Sam said as she touched his arm.

"Yeah, sure. Let's go to the living room." He said and led her away.

I kept my mouth closed as I quietly went out the door. The atmosphere had changed dramatically after we saw who was at the door. Sure, I was his girlfriend, hut Samantha was his ex. They have history, and I was too soon forgotten.

"She loved him, ya know."

Turning, I saw Darcy standing, leaning on her car.

"What?"

"You're just a phase, Lauren. He has always loved Sam, and sure, she broke his heart. But she really does love him. So that translates to back off."

I shook my head.

"If i'm just a phase, why'd he ask me out?" I stated in a challenging way.

"Please, that was only to fill the gap." She said and roller her eyes.

"It's been five years!"

"And now she's back. Do yourself a favor and break it off before you get hurt." She said sincerely.

There was no way I was going to listen though. So I wrapped my coat tighter around myself and walked on. When I had turned the corner, I quickened my pace for fear of my tears freezing to my face.

I really need to think about things..

Notes