That Summer
Surreal
*Annabella’s POV*
“You wanna talk about it?” Brendan asked as we continued to drive around. “What do you mean?” I said coming out of the daydream I’d been in. “You were happy when you went to go to the bathroom and you came out pissed and then we left. Annabella, you’re gorgeous and I’m not gonna complain about leaving with you- I was actually really happy when you asked me, but I know something’s wrong.” He said as I looked down at my hands. I wasn't sure if he knew Gabe was my boyfriend or not because he hadn't introduced me as his girlfriend and he sure as hell hadn't acted like I was his girlfriend. “Sometimes your gender sucks.” I said and he started to laugh. “Believe me, I know.” He reassured. “The douchebags give us good guys a bad name, but I promise we’re not all bad.” He said looking at me after we’d pulled into the parking lot of a diner. I smiled before we both got out of the car and headed inside.
He opened the door for me and I blushed a little bit. Gabe was a gentleman but I don’t know… Brendan was just… different. A waitress came over and we ordered our drinks and as I was ordering Brendan kept making funny faces so I couldn't stop laughing. I finally managed to say Diet Coke and she looked at me funny and then left. “Well thanks for making me look like an idiot.” I said as I stuck my tongue out at him. “Anytime hun.” He said as our drinks arrived. It was around 4 o’clock when we got there and I hadn't even realized how much time had passed until our waitress came over and told us they were closing because it was almost 10 o’clock.
*Brendan’s POV*
10 o’clock? I thought after the waitress told us they were closing soon. Over the past few hours I had learned as much about Annabella as there was to know and vice versa. I’d never gotten to know someone in such a short time, but I didn't mind. There was no denying she was gorgeous- tall, tan, long brown hair, big brown eyes, and her cute little Canadian accent when she said certain words. But, she was also smart, funny, and bubbly- you couldn't help but be happy when you were around her. About 15 minutes later we got up and left after I paid the bill. She wanted to pay, but I insisted. We got in my car and just sat there for a few minutes. “So, where to?” I asked smiling at her. “Let me drive.” She said as she opened the door and we switched seats.
About 20 minutes later we pulled into a parking lot and I was thoroughly confused. “Um…” I started. “Come on.” She said getting out as she got really excited. I got out of the car and she took my hand, leading me to the edge of the hill. It was overlooking the lake and it was beautiful with the moon reflecting off of it. “I've always loved it up here. My brother used to bring me here all the time and we would just talk… it always made me feel better. It wasn't until I was older that I appreciated the breathtaking view to go with it.” She said as she closed her eyes and smiled. “It is a gorgeous view… but not even close to mine.” I said as she opened her eyes and looked up to see me staring at her.
Annabella’s POV*
When he said that I was glad it was dark out so he couldn't see the blush on my cheeks. “Well I must say, I have quite the amazing view myself.” I said as I turned around completely and leaned on his chest, my chin placed at an angle so I was looking up at him. After a few seconds I felt myself moving upwards and saw him moving his head down. I don’t know why, but I let him kiss me and I was glad. Gabe’s kisses were amazing, not gonna lie, but Brendan’s were different. They were full of passion while Gabe’s were full of lust and want. I never wanted it to end and although he kiss did last for quite some time, it wasn't enough for me. He leaned his forehead on mine and kissed the tip of my nose and I giggled. He smiled down at me as I laughed and I couldn't help but feel the butterflies erupt in my stomach.
*Brendan’s POV*
Her laugh… uch it was adorable. I couldn't help but smile every time she laughed; her happiness was just so infectious. I noticed that there was a picnic table so I grabbed her hand and headed over to it and sat down, pulling her down next to me. We didn't talk… I’m not sure there was anything left to talk about tonight considering the hours we had spent talking at the diner, but it was a comfortable silence. Our arms were touching so I felt her shiver. “You cold?” I asked as I looked at her rubbing her legs. She was only wearing a bikini and a light sundress over the top and it was pretty short so a lot of her was exposed and the air had gotten cooler, especially since we were near the water. “No I’m fine.” She lied. I took off the sweatshirt I was wearing and put it around her shoulders and saw her snuggle into it, but it was a light sweatshirt so I pulled her closer and kept my arms around her.
*Annabella’s POV*
Damn he radiates heat I thought as I settled into his chest. Even through the shirt he was wearing I could tell he had an awesome body because I could feel the abs. It has to be pretty late I thought as I felt myself getting tired and my eyes closing. I must have fallen asleep because when I woke up at some point, I was in the very back of Brendan’s Range Rover and his arm was around me. Hey, something worse could have happened I reasoned with myself as I shifted my position so my head was leaning on his chest. I felt him pull me in a little bit and fell back asleep with a smile on my face.
-The next morning-
*Brendan’s POV*
I groaned as I opened my eyes. I looked down and remembered that Annabella had fallen asleep on me while we were sitting at the table by the lake and didn't know where she lived so I put her in the back and hopped in myself because it was late and I was exhausted. I moved my neck around to try and relieve some of the soreness because of the angle I had slept at, but it didn't help much. I felt Annabella stir next to me and her eyes fluttered open. She looked a little confused but then regained her composure when she looked up and our eyes met. “Well I've slept in weirder places.” She said as she sat up. “Like?” I asked while stretching. “I fell asleep in Katie’s bathtub once. I was supposed to stay at her house after a party and she had left early and when I got there she was having some fun in her bedroom and their guestroom was being repainted so I crashed in the bathtub.” She said as she threw her hair up in a messy ponytail. “Couch?” I asked looking at her with an amused expression. “I was exhausted and couldn't think. It was late and I may have been quite drunk.” She said looking a bit guilty at the last part. “Well that is definitely weirder than the back of a car.” I said laughing as I climbed over the seat. “The trunk open from the outside, not the inside.” I told her as she looked at me questioningly. I got out of the car and came around the back to open the trunk and she hopped out and got in the passenger seat. I turned on the car and looked at the clock on the dashboard 11:34. “Lunch?” She asked smiling at me. “My treat.” She added.
I gave in and headed back to the diner form last night with her directions and the waitress we had last night smiled at us when she came to take our order. “You’re quite a lovely couple.” She said after she brought over my burger and Annabella’s grilled cheese. Annabella looked like she didn't quite know what to say so she smiled and I spoke, “Thank you. She’s quite a lovely girl.” I said looking at her and then down at the table because I was embarrassed. After she left, Annabella and I ate and talked for a little while longer. “I hate to do this, but you need to take me home.” She said biting her lip and laughing. “But that ruins my plan to kidnap you without you protesting!” I said playfully. “Well I don’t think my parents or my boss would appreciate that.” She retorted. “So you have to work today?” I asked before taking a sip of my water. “Yup. Don’t know how people will be seated at table if the ‘receptionist’ isn't there.” She said sarcastically. “Fine, guess I’ll just have to kidnap you after your shift.” I said as we left the diner. The drive back to her house took about 25 minutes and she was dancing the whole time to songs on the radio and I just laughed at her and she pretended to be hurt. Once we got to her house I was amazed. It was a big, white house with rose bushes in the front. We both got out and met in front of the car. “Thanks Brendan… for everything.” She said as she smiled up at me and then at the ground. Good god that’s so adorable I thought. “Anytime.” I said as I hugged her, but as I let go she pulled me down for a kiss. It was quick, but hard. After that, as I was still standing there in shock, she started walking up the pathway to her house. “Oh and before you ask, my number’s in the cup holder.” She said turning around. All I could do was smile like an idiot and once she was in the house I left, feeling happier than I had in a while.
*Annabella’s POV*
As I shut the door behind me I couldn't help but slide down it and let out a happy sigh and close my eyes. Last night felt like a dream, and waking up this morning in Brendan’s arms was surreal and I couldn't believe it happened. “You okay there?” I heard a familiar voice ask. My eyes shot open and there stood my brother with a smile on his face. “Jake!” I yelled as I flung myself into his arms. “Hey Bells.” He said as he let go of me. “So you wanna tell me why you were so happy?” He asked as we headed over to the couch. “Later, but right now I just wanna chill with my big brother.” I said as I hugged him while he flipped through the channels.
*Matt’s POV*
“Yeah Gally, I know… no one’s seen her since she stormed out of the party, not even Katie.” I said as Gally panicked on the other end of the phone. Gally and Annabella had become very good friends over the past couple of years, just like him and Katie and no one had heard from Annabella since she left the party early yesterday. “Maybe Gabe knows?” Gally asked me from the other end of the line. “I highly doubt it.” I answered scoffing. He obviously wasn't aware of what had been going around about Gabe and Tara hooking up at the party. “Alright I’ll let you know if I find her.” I said as I clicked the end call button on my phone. I then drove to Gabe’s house to see if maybe he’d heard from her and to find out if the rumors about him and Tara were true.
I got there about 15 minutes later and as I walked up to the door, it opened as Tara gave Gabe a kiss on the cheek and left as Gabe looked miserable. “Please tell you didn't do what I think you did.” I said as I shut the door and followed him into the kitchen. He went into the cabinet and took out some Tylenol for the headache I assumed he had. “What do you think I did?” He asked before downing some water along with the pills. “Please tell me you didn't cheat on Annabella and please tell me it wasn't with that cheap slut Tara.” I said with a tone of disgust in my voice. He didn't say anything at all, just looked at the ground, and that gave me my answer. “You’re a real dick, you know?” I asked him as I moved to the opposite side of the island from where he was standing. “I tried to go after her.” He said after a moment of silence. “Really? Then why did Katie and Beau walk in on you two, huh? Why weren't you out looking for your girlfriend who no one has seen since the party?” I asked narrowing my eyes. Annabella was like my own sister and I promised Jake I’d look after her until I left. “I saw her with Brendan, she’s fine.” He said plainly. “So you let her go off with another guy?” I asked in disbelief. “She saw me with Tara, I figured I’d let her blow some steam off.” He answered. And that was when I lost it. “You cheated on Annabella- sweet, smart, gorgeous, funny Annabella- with a cheap slut like Tara who will fuck anything that has a dick, then saw her with another guy, let her go with him to ‘blow off steam’, and then went back to fucking Tara?!? How much of an idiot are you Gabe?” I yelled. He didn't say anything, he just looked at me with sad eyes. “I’m a fucking dumbass, okay? I know what I did was wrong and being drunk isn't an excuse for it and I know that!” He yelled. “Then why the fuck did you do it Gabe? You lost the most amazing girl in the world, and for what? Some one night stand with some girl you haven’t been able to talk to for more than 30 seconds without wanting to slap her for the past four years?” I asked like it was the most obvious question in the world. I was expecting him to make some smart remark or scoff at me, but I certainly wasn't expecting him to start crying. “I fucked up… I fucked up and I might have lost the girl I love.” He said as he stared at the counter. “Might have? Gabe she’s not coming back. Once she leaves for Montreal in a month, she’s never gonna come back. You’re right, you fucked up and you lost her. Great fucking job bud.” I said as I patted his shoulder and then left.
Once I got in the car I dialed Annabella’s cell for the 10th time today and on the third ring she picked up. “Hey Matt, what’s up?” She asked sounding very cheery. “Well everyone has been freaking out since no one has seen you since the party.” I answered. “Yeah well I couldn't stay there…” She said sounding less cheerful now. “I know Bells… I know what happened; half of the people at the party knew what happened.” I said sadly. Annabella was one of the most amazing people I’d ever met and she didn't deserve this just like she hadn't deserved to be judged by her last name at the start of the school the year before. “Well, I was fine and I’m safe and at home with my big brother.” She said and I heard Jake laugh on the other end. “Tell him I say hi.” I said. “Matt says hi.” I heard her say as she pulled the phone away from her ear. “He says hi back and you guys should chill before he leaves.” “Definitely. Alright sugar cube I gotta go but I’ll see you soon, okay?” I asked as I pulled into my driveway. “Okay. Bye Matty.” She said as I laughed at the nickname she’d given me the first time I met her.
Damn Gabe was stupid to give that up I thought as I headed inside.
“You wanna talk about it?” Brendan asked as we continued to drive around. “What do you mean?” I said coming out of the daydream I’d been in. “You were happy when you went to go to the bathroom and you came out pissed and then we left. Annabella, you’re gorgeous and I’m not gonna complain about leaving with you- I was actually really happy when you asked me, but I know something’s wrong.” He said as I looked down at my hands. I wasn't sure if he knew Gabe was my boyfriend or not because he hadn't introduced me as his girlfriend and he sure as hell hadn't acted like I was his girlfriend. “Sometimes your gender sucks.” I said and he started to laugh. “Believe me, I know.” He reassured. “The douchebags give us good guys a bad name, but I promise we’re not all bad.” He said looking at me after we’d pulled into the parking lot of a diner. I smiled before we both got out of the car and headed inside.
He opened the door for me and I blushed a little bit. Gabe was a gentleman but I don’t know… Brendan was just… different. A waitress came over and we ordered our drinks and as I was ordering Brendan kept making funny faces so I couldn't stop laughing. I finally managed to say Diet Coke and she looked at me funny and then left. “Well thanks for making me look like an idiot.” I said as I stuck my tongue out at him. “Anytime hun.” He said as our drinks arrived. It was around 4 o’clock when we got there and I hadn't even realized how much time had passed until our waitress came over and told us they were closing because it was almost 10 o’clock.
*Brendan’s POV*
10 o’clock? I thought after the waitress told us they were closing soon. Over the past few hours I had learned as much about Annabella as there was to know and vice versa. I’d never gotten to know someone in such a short time, but I didn't mind. There was no denying she was gorgeous- tall, tan, long brown hair, big brown eyes, and her cute little Canadian accent when she said certain words. But, she was also smart, funny, and bubbly- you couldn't help but be happy when you were around her. About 15 minutes later we got up and left after I paid the bill. She wanted to pay, but I insisted. We got in my car and just sat there for a few minutes. “So, where to?” I asked smiling at her. “Let me drive.” She said as she opened the door and we switched seats.
About 20 minutes later we pulled into a parking lot and I was thoroughly confused. “Um…” I started. “Come on.” She said getting out as she got really excited. I got out of the car and she took my hand, leading me to the edge of the hill. It was overlooking the lake and it was beautiful with the moon reflecting off of it. “I've always loved it up here. My brother used to bring me here all the time and we would just talk… it always made me feel better. It wasn't until I was older that I appreciated the breathtaking view to go with it.” She said as she closed her eyes and smiled. “It is a gorgeous view… but not even close to mine.” I said as she opened her eyes and looked up to see me staring at her.
Annabella’s POV*
When he said that I was glad it was dark out so he couldn't see the blush on my cheeks. “Well I must say, I have quite the amazing view myself.” I said as I turned around completely and leaned on his chest, my chin placed at an angle so I was looking up at him. After a few seconds I felt myself moving upwards and saw him moving his head down. I don’t know why, but I let him kiss me and I was glad. Gabe’s kisses were amazing, not gonna lie, but Brendan’s were different. They were full of passion while Gabe’s were full of lust and want. I never wanted it to end and although he kiss did last for quite some time, it wasn't enough for me. He leaned his forehead on mine and kissed the tip of my nose and I giggled. He smiled down at me as I laughed and I couldn't help but feel the butterflies erupt in my stomach.
*Brendan’s POV*
Her laugh… uch it was adorable. I couldn't help but smile every time she laughed; her happiness was just so infectious. I noticed that there was a picnic table so I grabbed her hand and headed over to it and sat down, pulling her down next to me. We didn't talk… I’m not sure there was anything left to talk about tonight considering the hours we had spent talking at the diner, but it was a comfortable silence. Our arms were touching so I felt her shiver. “You cold?” I asked as I looked at her rubbing her legs. She was only wearing a bikini and a light sundress over the top and it was pretty short so a lot of her was exposed and the air had gotten cooler, especially since we were near the water. “No I’m fine.” She lied. I took off the sweatshirt I was wearing and put it around her shoulders and saw her snuggle into it, but it was a light sweatshirt so I pulled her closer and kept my arms around her.
*Annabella’s POV*
Damn he radiates heat I thought as I settled into his chest. Even through the shirt he was wearing I could tell he had an awesome body because I could feel the abs. It has to be pretty late I thought as I felt myself getting tired and my eyes closing. I must have fallen asleep because when I woke up at some point, I was in the very back of Brendan’s Range Rover and his arm was around me. Hey, something worse could have happened I reasoned with myself as I shifted my position so my head was leaning on his chest. I felt him pull me in a little bit and fell back asleep with a smile on my face.
-The next morning-
*Brendan’s POV*
I groaned as I opened my eyes. I looked down and remembered that Annabella had fallen asleep on me while we were sitting at the table by the lake and didn't know where she lived so I put her in the back and hopped in myself because it was late and I was exhausted. I moved my neck around to try and relieve some of the soreness because of the angle I had slept at, but it didn't help much. I felt Annabella stir next to me and her eyes fluttered open. She looked a little confused but then regained her composure when she looked up and our eyes met. “Well I've slept in weirder places.” She said as she sat up. “Like?” I asked while stretching. “I fell asleep in Katie’s bathtub once. I was supposed to stay at her house after a party and she had left early and when I got there she was having some fun in her bedroom and their guestroom was being repainted so I crashed in the bathtub.” She said as she threw her hair up in a messy ponytail. “Couch?” I asked looking at her with an amused expression. “I was exhausted and couldn't think. It was late and I may have been quite drunk.” She said looking a bit guilty at the last part. “Well that is definitely weirder than the back of a car.” I said laughing as I climbed over the seat. “The trunk open from the outside, not the inside.” I told her as she looked at me questioningly. I got out of the car and came around the back to open the trunk and she hopped out and got in the passenger seat. I turned on the car and looked at the clock on the dashboard 11:34. “Lunch?” She asked smiling at me. “My treat.” She added.
I gave in and headed back to the diner form last night with her directions and the waitress we had last night smiled at us when she came to take our order. “You’re quite a lovely couple.” She said after she brought over my burger and Annabella’s grilled cheese. Annabella looked like she didn't quite know what to say so she smiled and I spoke, “Thank you. She’s quite a lovely girl.” I said looking at her and then down at the table because I was embarrassed. After she left, Annabella and I ate and talked for a little while longer. “I hate to do this, but you need to take me home.” She said biting her lip and laughing. “But that ruins my plan to kidnap you without you protesting!” I said playfully. “Well I don’t think my parents or my boss would appreciate that.” She retorted. “So you have to work today?” I asked before taking a sip of my water. “Yup. Don’t know how people will be seated at table if the ‘receptionist’ isn't there.” She said sarcastically. “Fine, guess I’ll just have to kidnap you after your shift.” I said as we left the diner. The drive back to her house took about 25 minutes and she was dancing the whole time to songs on the radio and I just laughed at her and she pretended to be hurt. Once we got to her house I was amazed. It was a big, white house with rose bushes in the front. We both got out and met in front of the car. “Thanks Brendan… for everything.” She said as she smiled up at me and then at the ground. Good god that’s so adorable I thought. “Anytime.” I said as I hugged her, but as I let go she pulled me down for a kiss. It was quick, but hard. After that, as I was still standing there in shock, she started walking up the pathway to her house. “Oh and before you ask, my number’s in the cup holder.” She said turning around. All I could do was smile like an idiot and once she was in the house I left, feeling happier than I had in a while.
*Annabella’s POV*
As I shut the door behind me I couldn't help but slide down it and let out a happy sigh and close my eyes. Last night felt like a dream, and waking up this morning in Brendan’s arms was surreal and I couldn't believe it happened. “You okay there?” I heard a familiar voice ask. My eyes shot open and there stood my brother with a smile on his face. “Jake!” I yelled as I flung myself into his arms. “Hey Bells.” He said as he let go of me. “So you wanna tell me why you were so happy?” He asked as we headed over to the couch. “Later, but right now I just wanna chill with my big brother.” I said as I hugged him while he flipped through the channels.
*Matt’s POV*
“Yeah Gally, I know… no one’s seen her since she stormed out of the party, not even Katie.” I said as Gally panicked on the other end of the phone. Gally and Annabella had become very good friends over the past couple of years, just like him and Katie and no one had heard from Annabella since she left the party early yesterday. “Maybe Gabe knows?” Gally asked me from the other end of the line. “I highly doubt it.” I answered scoffing. He obviously wasn't aware of what had been going around about Gabe and Tara hooking up at the party. “Alright I’ll let you know if I find her.” I said as I clicked the end call button on my phone. I then drove to Gabe’s house to see if maybe he’d heard from her and to find out if the rumors about him and Tara were true.
I got there about 15 minutes later and as I walked up to the door, it opened as Tara gave Gabe a kiss on the cheek and left as Gabe looked miserable. “Please tell you didn't do what I think you did.” I said as I shut the door and followed him into the kitchen. He went into the cabinet and took out some Tylenol for the headache I assumed he had. “What do you think I did?” He asked before downing some water along with the pills. “Please tell me you didn't cheat on Annabella and please tell me it wasn't with that cheap slut Tara.” I said with a tone of disgust in my voice. He didn't say anything at all, just looked at the ground, and that gave me my answer. “You’re a real dick, you know?” I asked him as I moved to the opposite side of the island from where he was standing. “I tried to go after her.” He said after a moment of silence. “Really? Then why did Katie and Beau walk in on you two, huh? Why weren't you out looking for your girlfriend who no one has seen since the party?” I asked narrowing my eyes. Annabella was like my own sister and I promised Jake I’d look after her until I left. “I saw her with Brendan, she’s fine.” He said plainly. “So you let her go off with another guy?” I asked in disbelief. “She saw me with Tara, I figured I’d let her blow some steam off.” He answered. And that was when I lost it. “You cheated on Annabella- sweet, smart, gorgeous, funny Annabella- with a cheap slut like Tara who will fuck anything that has a dick, then saw her with another guy, let her go with him to ‘blow off steam’, and then went back to fucking Tara?!? How much of an idiot are you Gabe?” I yelled. He didn't say anything, he just looked at me with sad eyes. “I’m a fucking dumbass, okay? I know what I did was wrong and being drunk isn't an excuse for it and I know that!” He yelled. “Then why the fuck did you do it Gabe? You lost the most amazing girl in the world, and for what? Some one night stand with some girl you haven’t been able to talk to for more than 30 seconds without wanting to slap her for the past four years?” I asked like it was the most obvious question in the world. I was expecting him to make some smart remark or scoff at me, but I certainly wasn't expecting him to start crying. “I fucked up… I fucked up and I might have lost the girl I love.” He said as he stared at the counter. “Might have? Gabe she’s not coming back. Once she leaves for Montreal in a month, she’s never gonna come back. You’re right, you fucked up and you lost her. Great fucking job bud.” I said as I patted his shoulder and then left.
Once I got in the car I dialed Annabella’s cell for the 10th time today and on the third ring she picked up. “Hey Matt, what’s up?” She asked sounding very cheery. “Well everyone has been freaking out since no one has seen you since the party.” I answered. “Yeah well I couldn't stay there…” She said sounding less cheerful now. “I know Bells… I know what happened; half of the people at the party knew what happened.” I said sadly. Annabella was one of the most amazing people I’d ever met and she didn't deserve this just like she hadn't deserved to be judged by her last name at the start of the school the year before. “Well, I was fine and I’m safe and at home with my big brother.” She said and I heard Jake laugh on the other end. “Tell him I say hi.” I said. “Matt says hi.” I heard her say as she pulled the phone away from her ear. “He says hi back and you guys should chill before he leaves.” “Definitely. Alright sugar cube I gotta go but I’ll see you soon, okay?” I asked as I pulled into my driveway. “Okay. Bye Matty.” She said as I laughed at the nickname she’d given me the first time I met her.
Damn Gabe was stupid to give that up I thought as I headed inside.
@TazerKaner ok, I kinda know the feel (exams are coming up for me too) that's awesome though, I'm excited! :D
5/13/14