Then and Now - Part 11

Authors Note~~~ To anyone who was team drew: I am sorry! (please don't hate me) But don't worry, Drew is going to end up happy, just wait! *Smiles*

Chapter 11

I lay in my bed, mindlessly staring up at the ceiling. I spent practically all night in bed, thinking of what I should do, and I have made my decision. Yes........I took a huge breath. One can only hope I made the right one.

I chose Devon, and it makes no sense to me whatsoever. He is cocky, sometimes rude, doesn't understand the concept of privacy, and he is always ruining good moments. So, why do I feel these emotions pounding through every atom of my body, telling me to choose Devon. Why do I feel like I never stopped loving him when we were kids.

When I was in third grade, I had cared about him a lot......you know, First Crushes. He was the first boy I had liked, and probably thought I had loved. People always talk about the beauty of first crushes, but what was so beautiful about me loving someone who didn't know I was alive. Someone whose name was Devon, and liked the girl named Gerdie.

Nature, Destiny, Fate, Etc. says I should love Drew. He was always nice to me, and had always cared. Drew had always played with me when no one else would. He had been the best and perfect best friend I could have asked for. Heck, he still was the super sweet guy I had known then, he hasn't changed much there......

Sigh, why is it all big decisions in life have to be so hard? I know Drew isn't going to be horrible to me. He won't scream at me, I am sure we can still be friends. Heck, he might not feel like he did years ago.....well a girl can hope. Now Devon.....cough....he is even harder. He obviously likes me, but is it just for sex? Probably, OK let's be real, Yes. Of course it is, but is there more than just that? That is the real question.

If I can be totally honest with myself, that "first crush" I had never really disappeared. I mean sure Devon is sorta well...perverted sometimes. But, honestly, tell me a name of a hormonal teenage guy that isn't. Devon....Devon is.......I turned and stared out of my window. Devon Is Dead.

The sight before my eyed was enough to make me want to gag. Gerdie was half-naked on his couch, staring at him with lust filled eyes. Devon was grinning like a total idiot, presently pulling out a condom from a small box in his living room drawer. God, couldn't they have at least closed their drapes!? Who wants to see that!

Hmm, that gives me an idea.......I never did get back at Devon....

I yanked my eyes from the scene, pulling my curtains closed. And to think I like THAT guy! I must really be insane........I guess it is just another thing to add to the list of insanity. Let's see what is already on the list shall we? Well, we have Me on a Cheerleading Team. Me on the cheerleading team for Free. Then we have Me again, drooling over a car that I will probably never have now. Ugh, I could go on and on here.....

Well, at least I know how I am gonna get back at Devon......Which is another thing I should probably add to list of insanity.

And how to handle Drew.......Well, if I can't be the one to be his girlfriend, then maybe someone else can, hmm. But who? He has to like someone else.....I am gonna have to find out.

I felt better, now that I have a plan......I feel better. And I am going to feel even better after my plan gets put into motion. Ew, and after Gerdie stops moaning.

How can they even be having sex at a time like this? Literally, it is only 7:00 in the morning. And on a Saturday.......Geez.

I walked down the stairs to grab something to eat. My mom and dad had already left for work. Yes, they work on the weekends too. I swear, sometimes it feels like I live alone. I think today I am going to get a job. I am tired of wishing for a car I can't have, really, who says I CAN'T have it?? Oh I did.......whatever. I grabbed a yogurt and sat on the couch, turning on some cartoons. Hey, it IS Saturday morning. It is when all my fave cartoons come on.

It didn't take me long to finish my yogurt, and I turned off the t.v. to go up and change. And grab the newspaper......

My eyes made a steady pace down the long lines of the newspaper. Jobs.....Jobs......I was trying to find a decent job with decent pay.

A waitress who makes $3.50 an hour, no.

A clerk at the gas station who makes $5.00 an hour, no.

A dog walker who makes $3.00 per walk, er no.

A Computer Programmer, cough, I don't think so.

A sales lady at Hot Topic who makes $7.85 an hour....hmmmm not THAT bad. I circled the small section of the newspaper and continued my path down the black and white paper.

Well, not much to pick from is there? I decided on the sales lady, pulled out my cell, and dialed the telephone number that was boldly written in red ink. (1-988-443-0090) It took forever for someone to pick up, but 10 annoying rings later, a bored voice answered.

"Hot Topic, what do you want?," muttered someone, it sounded like a teenager.

"Yeah, I was calling on you newspaper ad, I would like to check on that job that needs filled. Do you know if I could, may come by there.....or if I should-," I didn't get to finish before a new voice interrupted.

"You start tomorrow, don't be late! You need to be here by 8:00," that was all I got before the phone was disconnected. Uh, well, that was simple. I would have thought it would have been a bit more complicated than that. Whatever.

I shrugged, crunching the newspaper in ball before tossing it into the recycling bin. One problem solved, now to solve the others........I rubbed my hands together in anticipation of what I was planning to do. Yes, I was going to get back at Devon for showing his little love scenes, and for being a flat-out pervy dork! I laughed in a very evil way, Mwah hahahahahaaa! Wow, I am a dork!

Speaking of Devon, he was presently trying to shove Gerdie out the front door with his smooth talk. Probably saying something along the lines of "I have to go to work" or "My parents will be back soon"....you get the point. Yup, he was a player, and it doesn't help that his parents are almost never home, away on long cruises. Heaven knows where they are now, filthy rich fools.....

Yes, today was perfect. Gerdie leaves and Devon always calls another girl over or goes to her house to bring her over. He is reliable in that area......geez. Geride really needs to learn some respect for herself. She is beautiful and isn't THAT ditzy. She could really be a nice person to be around if she simply wanted to be.

But, some things never change, or they take a while to change. So......let's put that on hold for a while. I watched as Gerdie drove off, and Devon gave an obvious sigh of relief, and grabbed his car keys. Of course I know where he is going. Gerdie isn't the only girl you know......Now Drew isn't like that. Drew respects women and actually lets them keep their pride and honor. If that makes sense.

Drew....Drew....is the kind of guy who will open a car door for you. The kind of guy that is hard to find. All tough and sexy on the outside but a softhearted sweety on the inside. Yeah Drew is very "drool worthy" and he is totally fun to be around. Ugh, why don't I like Drew! It should come so easily!

You have seen the movies, read the books, of how girls fall in love so easily with "the guy". Well Drew is obviously the guy who fits the bill, so why is everything not falling swiftly into place? You have seen the movies where the girl is in love with the jock, and her best friend is in love with her. She doesn't realize it, until the end of the movie, but she loves her friend too, and they live happily ever after.

But sadly, this isn't some movie on the screen or some book written by Shakespeare....this is life. And life is a lot harder than the movies ever make it out to be. Movies are always happily ever after, but what is that? How is that real? Life isn't easy, Life is hard, Life is full of mistakes and bad choices. But, life is also shared with the ones you love. It is a series of memories and happiness. Life is a novel filled with events. YOU make the choice on whether or not your choices are good or bad. Now the ending of the novel may be unwritten, but that doesn't mean you can't pick up a pen and write your own ending to your story.

The story of your life. What choices you make, who you share it with, and how you live your life. Sure, you can't write how you die, or rewrite what is already written, but you can change you future.

ALL of these random thoughts ran through my mind, as I watched Devon pull out of his parking lot. Showtime!

I waited till his car was halfway down the street before walking out of my front door and crossing the lush green grass. I looked around, satisfied that no one was watching, I slipped through Devon's bedroom window. Now, where did he keep them? Oh yeah, in the living room drawer, his bedroom dresser, and I think he might keep a few in the bathroom....hehe.

I yanked the tightly packed packages out of every surface of his house, before stuffing them in my purse, casually slung over my shoulder. That should stop the gross scenes for tonight. Speaking of which, oh shit, it has been almost an hour. Good god, that took forever. I am sure Gerdie or Devon will be back soo- Oh Double Shit.

I heard the front door open. "Babe! I am back, and boy do I have a huge surprise for you!," said Gerdie in a voice, I think, was meant to be seductive...Gag.

I heard a rustling of bags, and the light brushing sound of clothes being removed. What the hell! Ew, I caught a peek of Gerdie in.....cough....what looked like a Maid outfit. MY LORD! SHE IS IN A FREAKING MAID COSTUME! SHE IS SO......MY GOD. I swear, she has no respect for herself. I lost it there, seeing her prance around the room pretending to dust off counters and chairs with an imaginary feather duster.

"Gerdie! Do you have that little of respect for yourself!!!!," I yelled, causing her to yelp and her eyes to widen. She looked surprised before her eyes turned red.

"What are you doing here!!!! Oh my God, are you sleeping with Devon too!! I am gonna kill him....," she faded off. I bawked in disbelief.

"Of course I am not sleeping with him!!! Gerdie, he is a player who isn't just sleeping with you, but also your best friend Jenny. It is going around the school faster than wildfire. You are dressed in the sluttiest outfit, and obviously have no respect for yourself, no respect for anyone around you.....what the hell, go home!," I spat, surprised at my tone, complete bluntness. Why do I care what she does. If she was dumb enough to get into this she can try to pull herself out.

As I thought these words, I couldn't bring myself to leave her here. She was a person too.....a girl who needed to learn a few things. She seemed to figure everything out in her head. She stared at me open-mouthed, before doing the most surprising thing ever. She grabbed her long trench coat she wore here, covered herself, and walked out the door. I saw her drive away, and couldn't believe she actually took advice from me. Wow.....I grinned.

Now for whoever Devon decides to bring home, I feel sorry for. They are not going to be getting anything tonight.....and I won't have to listen to the "lucky girl's" moaning. Talk about gross. I mean really, he is only eighteen. He shouldn't really even be having this much sex yet. Some eighteen year old are still virgins! Like me for instance, well I am seventeen but you get my point...It is all tiring to think about. I climbed out his window, and waited for him to come home, I gave an evil grin. He isn't going to like what I did.......Good he isn't supposed to! Haha. This is gonna be good.....hehe, I am so evil.

Oh look who it is, Jenny. How utterly predictable, another girl who thinks sleeping around is cool. Oh well, if she wasn't here my plan wouldn't work anyways. Devon did the whole 'kissing the neck' thing, the grabbing of the waist. At one point I saw him whispering into the girls ear, seductive words no doubt. He had her hook line and sinker, by the way she was staring at him in awe.

They barely made it to the door before she started to frantically kiss him. His eyes widened a little, before roughly kissing her back....ew, I hope I don't have to see too much. She was yanking his shirt off, and I wanted to gag when she loosened his belt. Please don't get naked first!!! Thank God! He stopped her, before either of their clothes were shed, and hurriedly opened the coffee table drawer.

He searched around the drawer blindly feeling around the inside before he found the box. He stuffed his hand in and frowned. His face changed as he appeared to contemplate whether of not he used the condoms yet. He shrugged, and walked into the next room.

He glided open his bedroom desk drawer and found nothing. His face was changing into a look of sexual frustration. He slammed the creaky door shut, I flinched as the wood groaned terribly. He pulled the box out from under his bed. The same place he keeps his little nude magazines, I might add.

He let out an angry breath when he found that box empty as well. I chuckled when he smacked the wall with his fist. Sure, it might be weird I am getting a kick out of Devon's out of control hormones, but geez I wish I had my camera right then.

It reminds me of that credit card commercial. Condoms, $2.00, More condoms $4.00, His face Priceless...hehe.

Jenny got impatient and burst through the halfway closed-door. She threw her hands up in a "what the hell" motion. Devon threw his head back and groaned, I couldn't hear what they were saying, but Jenny got it really quick. She gave an obvious moan of frustration before grabbing her bag and leaving out the front door. She took Devon's car and left.......wait Devon's car, nice.

Devon stared at the bed for a couple of seconds before letting out a yell that I heard perfectly. He ran out of his house with angry footsteps. And- Oh shit he looks really angry. Oh Double Shit, he is coming over here.

The frequent pounding on my front door told me he knew I was home. "Belle! Get your ass to this door! I know it was you!," he roared.

I rolled my eyes at his dramatics, and opened the door, Big Mistake. His jaw was tight, and his eyes filled with a fiery rage. Ah- maybe that wasn't such a good idea. He saw my sheepish expression, and practically snarled.

"It was you wasn't it, give them back! I want every one of them back!," he ordered. To bad I threw them away........

"To bad I threw them away," I said the first thing that came to my mind. He frowned, wow he was one sexually frustrated person, haha. I closed the door in his face. I walked into my room and heard the front door open before slamming shut. Oh I didn't lock the door......oopps.

I yelped in surprise when the lights in the house cut off. It didn't help that it had gotten considerably cloudy from upcoming rain. My curtains were closed and I couldn't see hardly anything. "Ow!" I whined, when a stinging pain ran through my toed I had stubbed on my dresser drawer.

What was that sound? Ah, I feel like I am in a murder movie. "Devon, this isn't funny! You are seeming very insane right now shutting off the lights like in a Jason movie or something...." I continued to ramble on about how weird the situation was when I heard my bedroom door shut. I gave a nervous laugh when I heard footsteps. What if it isn't Devon.....I bit my lip and started to back up.

My rigid back came in immediate contact with the cold wall. "That wasn't very funny Belle.....you are going to wish you hadn't done that" he whispered softly. I shivered when I felt his breath along my earlobe. How did he get over here so fast? I can't see a thing.

I shoved his chest, "Devon you are acting like a dork, drop the act and turn the lights back on!" I tried to sound in control and unafraid. But, I was afraid. Not that he would hurt me, but he was dangerously close to my lips, which I could feel him breathing on. His breath smelled great, I almost leaned closer to inhale but refrained with much difficulty. This wasn't fair!

The room lightened a bit as the clouds moved from the sun for a few seconds, but it was enough for me to see him. He had on night goggles, and looked like a rejected marine wanna be. I couldn't help it, I started to laugh. He frowned before yanking me towards him, putting my body in direct alignment with his. And, cough, he was very turned on. By me, or still from Jenny I don't know. This isn't good.....ya think? I barked at myself.

He was tracing my jaw line and I was getting mad, and a little.....never mind. He traced with his finger before using his lips. I shivered at the pleasurable contact. This was getting outta hand here...it took him forever but he made his way up to my cheek, the closer he got to my lips the more immobile I came.

I had to restrain a great deal to keep my breathing from heightening. He tilted my chin up with his finger and kissed me. I couldn't be responsible of my actions when I kissed him back, he was not playing fair. Stupid Psychotic weirdo.........I bit back a small moan when he licked my neck. He better not give me a hickey! That would be just fantastic......ugh.

Ok that is it, I shoved his chest and started to feel around toward the door. I made it into the living room, hearing Devon's footsteps behind me, and somehow found the breaker switch. I flipped on the lights and turned to glare at Devon. He had pulled his goggles off, and was looking pretty sexy.

He grabbed my arm and his mouth caressed mine in a surprisingly soft gesture. He was usually rough with other girls, so why is he being so gentle with me?

I was getting angrier and angrier as he continued to assault my neck. Who cares if he is being gentle! He probably thinks that since I stopped him and Jenny from, cough, doing "it" as most call it. And if he thinks I am as slutty as Jenny to just have sex with a pompous ass he is mistaken. After all there are no condoms, those couple of words were like a splash of freezing water. And...even if there were we wouldn't do anything along the lines of "it" either! He thinks he can treat me like one of his slutty girlfriends, then something is wrong with that boy!

That's it! With those words pulsing through my mind, I became furious. My ferocity exploded and I pushed Devon back, and it helped I was in shape enough to make him land on his butt. "What the hell is wrong with you? My God! You man slut, you idiot, you psycho...you..you....asshole!! How dare you! Get out now!," I yelled with a tone that surprised even me.

His eyes widened and he didn't look so threatening anymore. Ugh, I never felt so angry at myself for letting him kiss me in such a way. Sure, I may not have had sex yet , but I am not completely clueless. But I am well aware of STDs, and that without condoms you can get a belly swollen with a baby! And wouldn't that just help everything out, I rolled my eyes.

How did I ever have a crush on this boy? Why? He used to tease me, call me names, and he only wants me now for my BODY, obviously. What a jerk, just because these "chicken legs" are now long tonned legs doesn't mean I have changed in who I am. I am still the girl who is a total tomboy, and likes to take pictures. I still love my best friend who is always there for me, and I have a caring mother and father. I am not a slut, and actually have respect for myself and others.

Devon smirked, "You are gonna wish you hadn't pushed me outta this door......what is your problem anyway Belle? I know you had a crush on me in elementary school, heck you used to drool over me through every class. You are just a self-righteous girl who thinks she is better than everyone else!" I got yelled in my face before he stalked out of the front door.

I am not gonna cry, he isn't even worth one single tear of mine. He has had girls crying over him since 2nd grade, and I will not be one of them! I squared my shoulders, I am stronger than that. I just can't believe it took me this long to realize what it is I have with Drew. A TRUE friendship, and a fantastically loyal guy. One who had always liked me for who I am as a person, not what I look like. Or to get into my pants, I frowned.

He is a great guy who is hard to find. Sure Devon has the looks, and the smooth talk, but he is just that~ A Pretty Face.

I need to talk to somebody.......I wonder if Drew's number has changed....?

I dialed the phone number for Drew's cell phone. He picked up not long after a couple of rings. "Hello", his voice sounded a bit scratchy.

"Hey, it's Belle. What are you doing?" I asked, hearing odd noises in the background.

"Nothing. What are you doing?" he asked, sounding a bit distracted. I twirled the phone cord around my fingertip, watching the tight black cords form a ringlet around my pinky.

"Oh, cool well do you want to hang out later? We could rent a movie or something, like old times?" I asked, having small flashbacks of the times we had popcorn fights while watching Disney Movies.

"Uh sure, I will be over in a bit," he replied, hanging up. Hmm, he seems a bit distracted. The shouting of a voice in the kitchen, told me my mom was home. Sure enough, my dad came through the door not long after.

"Hey Honey, I have a couple of documents to go over so I will be in my study if you need me," was the hello I received from my dad. My mom waved, before heading to take a nap. Wow, what an insanely close family we have.....I thought rolling my eyes. I am aware that my parents are busy, but geez. I shrugged, Oh well....

I decided to pop some popcorn, with extra cheese powder, just how me and Drew like it. What the hell is that noise? Ugh, I looked out the window to see a party across the street. Oh my God!! Who's house is that? I think her name is Tanya something....? I dunno, but she needs to quite down before the Police make her.

I put a few movie choices on the table, and waited for Drew to arrive. It took him awhile to get there, but the slight pinging of the doorbell told me he was here. I answered the door, surprised to find Drew looking a bit unlike himself. He had a thoughtful expression on his face, his eyebrows were pulled together, and he was slightly fidgeting.

"Hey.....What's Up? Are you ok, you seem kinda anxious?" I muttered, he had to lean in close to hear me over the music across the street. I motioned for him to come in. He stepped inside and removed his leather coat.

"Well, Kayley is back in town.....she is a girl I went out with for a couple of years while you were gone" he began. Who is Kayley? I thought to who Kayley could be. I think she is that blue-eyed red-head who is a singer in a band or something.....nice girl. But......why am I only finding out about this....does he like her??

"She is my ex and she says she wants to get back together. I dunno what to do I-" He sat on the coach and ran his fingers through his thick hair. He let out a confused sigh, and looked into my eyes.

"She wanted to know if I still liked her.....and I told her I did. We split when she moved away a year ago. But, she says she loves me and wants me back. What do you think I should do?," he turned to me. I was speechless, should I tell him no? Should I say yes. Kayley is super nice and deserves a guy like Drew...but is that what I want? He said he still liked her....

"If that is what you want you should take her back," I mumbled, Drew nodded and stared at the floor for a while before standing up.

"Sorry for wasting your time by coming over here to tell you this, I think I am gonna go talk to her now.....See you at school tomorrow," he said, obviously thinking of how to say yes to Kayley. I.....that was so unexpected. He- I was as confused as ever.

He walked out of the door, while I was left there staring out into the cold night. I- So... It took me awhile to realize that I just told Drew to take back his ex. I forgot the cold popcorn, the blanket covered couch, and the cups of freshly poured coke and walked out into the cold night.

I walked around the side of the house to the backyard. Sitting in a sitting position, I sat by the pool. I dangled my feet into the water, the feel of the cool liquid felt great apart from the humid night. Everything was still slightly damp from the rain. I was listening to a cricket in the tall tree behind me when a new sound filled my ears. It sounded like someone singing. What the heck.....I wandered like a moth to a light to the angelic sound. It was obviously a male voice, by the slight roughness of the tone.

I was struck motionless at the sight I saw before me. Devon was perched on his roof with a beige guitar in his hand. He was playing the softest, sweetest tune I had heard, his voice matching the melody perfectly. I closed my eyes and swayed to the music. His voice was pure velvet, the smoothest silk. It was the most surprising thing.

He stretched out a note harmonizing with the final guitar notes softly closing the song. I couldn't help it, I started to clap. He jumped lightly and turned towards the ground. He looked worried for a minute.

"Belle! Ah- how long have you been standing there....!?" he questioned, actually blushing at getting caught singing. He had now reason to be slightly embarrassed, he had an amazing voice. "Long Enough," I called back, climbing his big oak tree to sit next to him on the roof. I needed comfort from somebody.....even if it was him.

"Play another song" I said quietly, looking at the view from being so high up. He seemed hesitant. "I don't know...I don't even know what to play...." he began but I cut him off.

"Play your favorite song" I urged him on with my hands. He pursed his lips, staring at the rough roof shingles before beginning to play. It had no words, it was just a tune, but it was the sweetest most relaxing tune at that moment.

I closed my eyes, feeling every muscle of my body relax slowly as the soothing melody flowed over my senses. Every pluck of his fingers brought a beautiful chord that made me listen in total and complete wonder. I had always liked music, after all "music can quite the savage beast."

When the song was over, he looked over at me and I saw his eyes soften. Wait, what is happening? Where did the pervy teenage Devon go? And who is this angelic musician taking his place. Ugh, I have always been a sucker for a musician......I am supposed to be mad at him for yesterday!!! I am supposed to realize that I love my Best Friend like all my heroines in all my fave romance novels!!! I am supposed to........what?

My mind blanked when he moved a piece of hair that had fallen in my face from the light wind. I need to get up and leave now.....I need to.....I quit thinking altogether when his soft lips met mine.

He kissed me surprisingly soft, a motion I had hardly thought he was capable of. I couldn't fight the utter romance in the scene, I kissed him back with every emotion flowing through my hazy mind. His hand was tilting my chin upward. This was how I had always dreamed of having the "perfect kiss", which I was to share with my prince charming.

I guess it is true that every girl has her fantasy of her knight in shining armor who is to take her away into the sunset. But, that isn't supposed to be Devon. Right? Sure he has his teenage moments, and he can be....ugh......but he can be sweet and that is side not many girls ever see.

His dad remarried over four times when he was a kid, and was always away. His dad was a "ladies man" and got any woman he wanted with all the money he had. What parental influence Devon did grow up around was his dad dating super model woman for pure pleasure.

He hasn't exactly had an easy childhood, and I guess I see another part of him nobody else is able to see. No one can seem to look past the cocky attitude, the good looks, or the mood changes he covers his feelings with. No one except me. Why is that?

He leaned his forehead softly against mine and stared into my eyes, and what wonderful eyes to gaze into. They were liquid pools of melted caramel. They smoothest butterscotch. His eyes were closed and he took a few deep breaths before pulling away and staring at the moon. It was a new moon. The fine ring of white light pulling you into a world of peace and contentment.

It may seem like the least perfect moment to be sitting on a roof with Devon, staring at the moon. But in that moment, it seemed so right.

As I sat on that roof staring at that cloudy white moon, I felt more at peace than ever before. I could think with a clear head for a little while. I felt content enough to be able to thoroughly contemplate all that has happened in the last few hours.

Well, first there is Drew......that is a twisted and confusing thought by itself. He makes me make a ton of popcorn, then comes over to talk about his long-lost girlfriend?! If you ask me, that is just plain rude. Sure, friends are supposed to be there for each other, and are supposed to be able to talk about anything. Even if it is girlfriends and love......

But, why am I only finding out about his "ex" girlfriend? Sure, I know who he is talking about, she used to be considered a geek in third grade, like Drew and I. We would sometimes invite her over to play in the pool or tree house with us. She moved back a couple of days ago, and rumors are going around that he is a great singer in some band.......

I guess I can't really blame him for falling for her, after all I WAS gone, without any hope of ever-moving back. She has grown up, and looks different than she did in third grade, but what do you expect? Guess everyone went through a huge changing cycle whilst I was away.

Sitting here with Devon, I was almost o lost in my thoughts I barely noticed Devon seemed to be thinking seriously of something. His face was pinched into a contemplative expression, and his lips were pursed. He seemed angry, except for his eyes, which were filling fast with salty tears.

I turned away to give him some privacy. I wasn't one to really give a shit when a guy cried. They were humans, with feelings. They weren't some pile of rocks on the side of the road. They weren't protected by some invisible shield, they got hurt and sad like everyone else. Guys have to show their feelings sometimes too, and it doesn't make them less of a man to do so.

But, why is he crying...? I looked at him again. He was stroking the guitar in his hands, and staring at his hands.

I couldn't take the agonized look on his face I had to ask, "Devon, what's wrong?", which seemed to snap him out of his trance. It was almost like he felt how peaceful it was up here too.

"Nothing," he looked away from my eyes, "I don't really want to talk about it....," he mumbled softly. My heart felt like it was going to break at the utter pain that intertwined his voice together. Something was very wrong here....

"You can tell me.....," I began but was cut off.

"It's my dad, Ok..." he looked into my eyes. "He, was on his annual vacation and his cruise ship had some insane gas leak........," he looked away, and took a deep breath. My heart stopped, for I knew what was coming next.

"There were a lot of smokers.....and- well, My dad is gone," he finished. He looked directly into my eyes, and I saw each and every emotion pass through him.

"He hadn't been home, or even called in about a year and a half, to see if I am Ok.....and he just dies! God only knows if he was still with that Tina woman!," his eyes lit, and he frowned.

I hesitantly reached out a shaky hand and laid it on his arm. I didn't know what to say, but I didn't have to say anything. He grabbed my hand and pulled my into a tight hug. I wrapped my arms around him, knowing how many times he has probably needed a hug, when no one was there to give him one.

After a moment I felt his shoulders intense and relax a bit. He let go, and put his hand back on the guitar.

"This was his, he taught me to play a long time ago before......he started dating random women, I can only remember those two songs. They were his favorite," he smiled a bit, and I was glad he had a few good memories to thin back on.

"I haven't played it in forever and I am way out of practice, but I have never showed anyone.....well I guess except for you," he said, "But my singing could use even more work.....," he gave a mocking cough, and chuckled. I laughed, and shook my head.

"You have a great voice, that I had no idea you had......," I looked at him, and he looked down.

"Yeah well......I guess I better get inside, God knows how long we have been sitting on this roof....," he laughed, "Oh- and so the record is clean, I wasn't crying a minute ago, ok?," he stated seriously.

I rolled my eyes, well at least some of the Devon I am used to is back. "Yeah, Sure." I answered, watching him squeeze through his roof window.

Before he closed it he looked at me, "Oh, and sorry about hugging you and, cough, kissing you a minute ago.....I ah don't know what happened there," he was actually blushing. I couldn't believe it.

"Don't be," I called back, standing up. I felt my joints crack from my awkward sitting position.

He looked surprised at my response and seemed to search my face to see if I was serious. After a moment longer of "searching", he smiled an adorable grin. Before giving a salute and closing the now partly cracked open window.

I smiled, as I climbed back down the tall tree. Where did the old Devon go? And who are the aliens taking over his brain? Will he be back to his normal pervy self in the morning? Tune in to the next episode.... I chuckled at my dorkiness. I sounded like some narrator on a cartoon......Don't like it? Sue Me! Ah, It seems my usual self is back........
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OK ppl tell me what u think & I m really thinking hard on what story to take..its easy writing with drew but with Devon its kinda hard..but I like hard things..lol soo let's see...and if you'll don't comment I swear I'm gonna kick Ur asses...lol..hahaa jst joking plsss comment I work really hard on writings these chapters..muahhh...& let's be fair I'M NOT CONTINUING UNTIL GET AT LEAST 30 COMMENTS CUZ IN THE POLLS THERE ARE BOUT 70 VOTERS BUT I DON'T GET 70 COMMENTS SOO AT LEAST I MUST GET 30 comments OTHERWISE I'M SORRY I'M NOT INTERESTED IN CONTINUING.