Chapter 2 Two

I sit on the couch, scrolling through the movies sections while eating the frosting off of Oreos. For a Saturday night, this is not exactly the most exciting thing ever.

James did agree to come over while my parents go out on a date. I could tell that they were hesitant when I asked if it was okay for the two of us to hang out. They don't usually mind when all of us are together.

It has a lot to do with how this generation thinks that two people can't be left alone without wanting to do the tango.

The sound of heels against the floor pulls my attention away from the screen. My stepmother - Candice - stands in the living room with a smile. She wears a knee-length red dress with black heels. Her blonde hair curled loosely and red lipstick to match.

"I left my card on the table if you want to order food." She says.

My dad walks in shortly after, dressed in a nice button up and black slacks. He adjusts his watch while eyeing Candice. I make a gagging noise causing him to chuckle.

He leads her to the front door, telling me to lock the door and call if I need anything.

"Don't do anything you wouldn't do if we were here, " Dad says, kissing the top of my head.

With a laugh, I roll my eyes and wave at the two of them. Candice turns to face me, as my dad walks to his car.

She gives me a pointed look. "He has to leave before midnight."

I gesture towards the door. "Bye!" I smile as she narrows her eyes, but mutters a goodbye.

I sit back, hearing the car pull out of the driveway. I settle on Criminal Minds because James and I used to watch it together all the time.

My phone vibrates on the coffee table, a message from James reads that he's on his way. After I reply with a short message, I set my phone on the table.

Twenty minutes pass by until the headlights shine through the window. I get up from my spot on the couch to unlock the door.

James gets out while holding two paper bags in one arm and two drinks in the other. He struggles to lock his car with his arms full.

I take the drinks, opening the door wider. "You got us food?" I ask, my smile growing when I realize where it's from.

My stomach grumbles at the sight.

"I knew you would appreciate me a little more." He teases, kicking his shoes off at the front door.

I laugh, going to grab two plates from the kitchen. "It definitely helped!" I call out.

We watch an episode while having a light conversation. James gets up when it ends, taking the trash to the kitchen. I check my messages quickly, reading about Melissa and her date. Apparently, he only talks about himself and they are only a few minutes in.

"What are you laughing at?" James questions, tilting his head.

I consider brushing it off but figure that it would answer my assumptions. Although I'm sure he's aware of it anyway since she's very open about her life.

My attention is fully on him as I respond. "Mel's date isn't going that great."

His jaw immediately tenses, "The ones she's interested in are definitely something else." He laughs lightheartedly.

It's blatantly obvious to me that he's hurt. I ask myself when this happened. The four of us have been a tight group for four years now. Melissa being the last one to become join us. The two of them got along from the start, but I never noticed anything until recently.

And as their friend I already dread James being hurt when she finds out. Melissa is sometimes unaware of how harsh her words can come across.

James shifts in his spot on the couch, clearing his throat. "You're trying to figure out when I fell for her?" He asks.

For someone who is in their head a lot and would rather not talk about their own feelings, this was straightforward of him.

I nod, turning to face him curiously. "Has it been a while?"

Despite how uncomfortable he looks, he sighs deeply.

My phone rings, disrupting his response. I sigh, seeing the caller ID. I give him a small smile before making my way to the kitchen.

"Hey, dad."

His voice is quiet, "Can you clarify to Candice that you and James are simply friends."

I groan, leaning against the wall and sliding down.

______________

I bury my face in my arms, hoping that the kitchen suddenly opens up a giant hole that swallows me up.

"You're seventeen now Zoey, I was your age just fourteen years ago."

I press my cheek against the cool surface. "Oh my go-"

My stepmother felt the need to remind me of the practice of safe intercourse. It was awkward when she brought it up to me when I got my first boyfriend two years ago. And it's even worse now that I'm older.

"You might get urges, and that's normal. I just want to make sure that you know about diseases and pregnancy." I'm mortified when she pulls out a box of condoms.

I groan, "Why now?" I ask.

I've gone through sex education. And I definitely know how to use one by now. In fact, we went to the clinic just a few months ago for birth control. It's not like I'm ashamed to talk to her about it. It's simply not a conversation that I wanted to have again.

Or this early I'm the morning.

She casually shrugs, stirring her coffee as if she isn't embarrassing me.

"Because you're a young adult and I have doubts that you and James are just friends."

I laugh at that, my shoulders shaking as I throw my head back. "What the hell have you been reading?" I snicker.

"Language." She points at me.

I slide the box towards her. "You really don't have to worry about him."