6.8: Press Release

   Booker Singleton stood on the stage, in front of the podium. He kept glancing down at his note cards, picking them up, putting them down, then picking them up again. He glanced around hoping that nobody noticed how nervous he truly was. The crowd was still buzzing from the last man who had stood up onstage. A girl, a lady really, was sitting in the front row, looking up at Booker. Her gaze was a mix of admiration and hate. She was glad he was finally going to do it, but angry that he hadn't let her have a choice.
  "Ladies and gentleman, please welcome to the stage Mr. Singleton!" An announcer said, somewhere off stage. Booker looked up, smiling to the crowd. The media members clapped. They hadn't expected to be invited to this press release. It was quite exciting.
  "Welcome and thanks for coming tonight." Booker said, as if it wasn't a political function every journalist in the city wanted to be at. "Now tonight, we're going to begin with a few questions, instead of my usual speech. I know there's been rumors flying around and I would like to clear things up a bit."
   "Booker, over here!"
   "Mr. Singleton, could you-"
   "Why did-"
   "Is it true-"
   "Who-"
   "What do you have to say-"
   "Over here, sir!" The media was abuzz, shouting.
   "Let's be orderly. We'll start with you." Booker pointed to the first journalist.
   "Sir, what do you have to say about losing the election for mayor? It happened three weeks ago."
   "I ran an honest campaign and if the folks of Appaloosa Plains felt like my competitor would do a better job, that's up to them. I congratulate Mr. Edwardson."
   "Sir, why do you think your campaign failed?"
   "Mr. Edwardson is from a family rooted in politics. His father was the mayor and I believe that we tend to think that if the father was good, the son must be better. We all know that isn't always the truth, but I'm sure Mr. Edwardson will be a great leader."
   "Sir, why did your campaign fail?"
   "Well, there are many reasons. I think many citizens didn't understand my stances on many issues, because I focused more on helping the families of Appaloosa Plains then I did other major political issues."
    "Thank you, sir." Booker pointed to the next media person, as everyone sat silent.
    "Could you tell us what your plan is next?"
    "I'm focusing on helping the city from my City Council position."
    "Do you think you'll be reelected for that?"
    "I hope so." He chuckled. "I want to help as much as I can and I hope I'm given the opportunity."His answer was deemed generic. He was treading dangerous waters. When he lost, everyone who voted for him was worried. What did the others know that they didn't?
   The girl sat in the audience, waiting for him to do what her promised. Booker rambled on, answering questions about political mumbo jumbo. She sat there, rubbing her inflated stomach. Her feet hurt. Her outfit wasn't nearly as fancy or professional as the journalist's, but she was only an average citizen. Citizens has a chance to ask questions at the end.
   "I would like to allow the citizens of Appaloosa Plains to ask questions now." Finally. The girl had waited an hour for this to happen. She glanced around, wishing someone would speak up first. Finally, a man dressed in overalls shouted something.
    "Y'all said there'd be some big ole announcement. What is it?"
    "Um," Booker blushed, caught off guard. Nobody had brought up the announcement yet. He looked at the girl, who was smiling up at him. "I believe I put it off enough." He took a deep breath. "I know people have said things about my personal life, relationships and all. I have been in a loving, caring relationship with a wonderful lady."
    "Who's that lady?" Somebody yelled. "What's her name."
    "She's actually here tonight. Kayleigh Janes." He gestured to the lady in the front row. Everybody gasped as they spotted her stomach., She was pregnant.
    "That girl pregnant! How long ya been dating? Ya married?"
    "We've dated approximately seven months. A little longer. Yes, we are married as of two weeks ago."Shock sprang across the girl's face. She was angry. He lied. They weren't married. She was knocked up and when she told him he refused to get married. Kayleigh Janes was still Kayleigh Janes, not Kayleigh Singleton. "She kept her name, because she owns and runs Janes Daycare." Lies, lies, lies. She hadn't named her daycare yet.
     "How preggers is she? Is it ya baby?"
     "She's seven months pregnant and yes." The girl felt funny. What wa going on? Shoe looked down at the puddle by her feet and realized something.
     "BOOKER!"
     "Ladies and gentleman, Kayleigh Janes."
     "Get your butt down here."
     "Excuse me?"
     "Booker." Kayleigh stood up, clutching her stomach. This man, her boyfriend, was an idiot. "Labor." She whispered. A pain shot through her. She was only seven months! What was going on? It was two months early. Booker stood there in shock as cameras went off. The baby he had just announced as his was coming into the world tonight.
   "Dude, do something!" Somebody yelled, as they glanced up at him.
   "I....I..." His world was moving slowly. He only announced their relationship because Kayleigh's father, who found out about the pregnancy the day of the elections, threatened Boker. His daughter and future child, his first grandbaby, didn't deserve to live in hiding. The girl was knocked up as soon as she turned legal, that's what her daddy thought. He said he could sue him. Said he's say Kayleigh was only seventeen if Booker didn't announce it. Trevor Janes leaked a tidbit about Booker's relationship. Trevor was why Booker lost. Everything was real now.

Kayleigh's POV...
   
    "Ahh!" I screamed. What was my idiot boyfriend doing? Standing on the freaking stage. It was funny that we had to keep the baby because of what the voters would think, when he ended up losing the election anyway.
   "Kayleigh?" Booker was running off stage, the gravity of the situation finally hit him.  After his drunken outburst at the art museum when he said a bunch of things, Booker had become a lot more sensitive towards me. He apologized endlessly and bought every baby item on the market. I still had everything he said lingering in my mind though. Thank goodness that night was the only harsh thing he had said to me, or he'd probably be living by himself by now. He knew if he messed up again like that, I wasn't going to stand for it.
  I took his hand as he lead me out of the room, to the cab.
  "I love you Kayliegh."
  "Shut it."
  "Bu-"
  "I'm going to name this baby myself, okay?"
  "What? I thought we decided together we like the name Mary."
  "Mary? You're kidding me, right?"
  "I-"
  "We're here. Let's go." I stumbled out of the cab, with Booker close behind me.
  In the hospital room with Booker standing there holding my hand, I realized something important. This baby was going to have to deal with its father who I knew hated children, even if he denied it, for the rest of its life. This baby was going to mean that I couldn't go off to college ever or take a spontaneous trip to New York because I couldn't leave it alone with Booker since I knew it would be handed off to a nanny and he'd ignore it. As I pushed and pushed while screaming as loud as I could in Booker's ear I realized something. The squishy thing the nurse just handed me, my baby girl, was the reason Booker hadn't got elected. I didn't know how he'd forgive her. I loved her to death already, but Booker? Poor girl...
   As I stepped out of the hospital the next night, I hugged my baby close. Booker was at the desk dealing with something. I didn't know since he told me to just go get in the car. He didn't use those exact words, but I knew he just wanted me at home away from the public eye. My baby girl was born two months early without a reason, perfectly healthy. I was thankful for that.
   "I love you Hazel." I whispered to her. "Don't ever forget it. And always be yourself, don't think you ever have to hide because of what someone else thinks, okay?" This was my baby and I was going to raise her how I thought was right, even if Booker thought differently.

NOTE: I want to apologize to anyone I offended you politically, religiously, etc. I am in no way using this blog to voice my political opinions  or try and influence yours. This is just a harmless story and I hope that everyone (even if you prefer to lurk) will understand and continue reading. I thank you for sticking with the blog this long and hopefully will continue until I reach generation ten. Thank you!

6.7: The Campaign Fundraiser

   "Are you ready?" I heard him walk into the downstairs bathroom.
   "Yeah..." I looked into the mirror one more time. I was aiming for a more natural, but glamorous look for Booker's campaign fundraiser. It was at the art and history museum, which apparently showed that he had class and sophistication. I remember glancing at the catering menu and sadly only fancy little cheeses on a delicate assortment of crackers, wine, and some sort of caviar was being served. I hated fancy people food. It was all tiny morsels that you could eat a hundred of and still not feel full, but one alone cost more than the diamond earrings you splurged on.
   "Is that what you're wearing?" I could hear the disappointment, the shame that I hadn't picked out something more suitable. 
   "Yes." I bluntly stated, defensively. My cute summer dress was appropriate for the hot August temperatures, though maybe a little casual for Booker's high profile campaign fundraiser. I couldn't believe he was going with me. We weren't going as a date, I was just a supporter of his. My father was the head of the fire department and that alone was enough to have everyone think I was a bigwig in the political game. "It's the only thing that fits."
   "You should have told me sweetie." He smiled, taking my hand. "I know some great boutique's owned by a few supporters of mine." 

   "Booker, don't you like my dress?" I blushed. 

   "It looks fine." I could tell he was lieing to me. He thought it was something that you wore to the beach, not his fundraiser. His stupid fundraiser was classy. "We could invest in a personal trainer." 

   "Excuse me?!" Who did he think he was?

    "Well, you said it was the only thing that fits and if you're gaining weight, I've noticed how you tend to be eating more and everything. Maybe a therapist?"

    "What the hell?" I shouted at him. "I gain like fifteen pounds and suddenly I need a freaking therapist? Who the hell do you think you are?" 

     "No, no! I mean with me home less and your history of depression... you sleep less and eat more and tend to wear more sweats. I thought maybe-" 

     "Never mind." I laughed. I was having one of my mood swings. I knew I was gaining weight and I had a perfectly good reason, as of yesterday. I needed the perfect situation to tell Booker. 

     "I'm sorry."

     "Don't worry about it." I shrugged. I was going to let him off the hook. I'd tell him my reason and soon he would be apologizing even more. I smiled and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Come on." I slipped past him. "Let's go to the fundraiser. Wouldn't want to be late." I chuckled. The car drive wasn't long, that was the bonus of living in a small town.

    "Kayleigh, here's an important person." I heard Booker whisper in my ear as we slipped out of the car and handed the keys to the valet person.

    "What should I say?"
    "Follow my lead." 

    "Mmkay." 

    "Hello, Mrs. Tahan."

    "Ah, Mr. Singleton. I was wondering when you would appear for your own happening." She her laugh was a quiet, dainty one. She had a British accent

    "Is your husband here?" 

    "I'm afraid. He had a purely ridiculous meeting to attend, though he insists on showing up late, despite the embarrassment of the matter."

    "No shame being late." I inputted. 

    "Oh, darling tell that to Hatim. He's a ridiculously punctual man, you see."

    "Ah." I glanced at Booker.

    "Don't believe we've been properly introduced, have we?" Mrs. Tahan was proper, but I could tell she was also a very fun and sweet lady. Hmm.... I wonder what her husband did. Maybe her and I could form a lonely politician's wives club.

    "Mrs. Tahan, Kayliegh. Kayleigh, Mrs. Tahan." Booker introduced us.

    "Very good." She shook my hand. "Now, Mr. Singleton why do you call this bloke Kayleigh and me Mrs. Tahan?"

     "Well, uh... you see." 

     "No, I don't. I do understand you, though. You two are an item, aren't you?"

     "Kayliegh and I? Oh, no." Booker replied too quickly. "See Kayleigh owns a daycare.You have a son, don't you?" 

      "Son and daughter." She smiled. "Marco's just turned six weeks old and my maternity leave is ending soon."

       "Kayliegh's a wonderful sitter." 

       "I may have to investigate. See, the maid could drop him off and pick him up." 

       "That's great Mrs.-"

       "Lana, please. If you're watching my son, I suppose we ought to become better acquainted." 

       "Lana." I smiled. I hadn't made many friends, perhaps Lana could become the first.  

       "Now, don't think that I've forgotten already. You two both single?" 

       "No." I replied. Booker elbowed me. "I mean, you know how things are, they're complicated between me and him." 

       "I suppose that's all I'll get, isn't it?" 

       "Pretty much." I replied. 

       "Well, congratulations anyways, even if the relationship is a bit complicated." She smiled knowingly and gestured slightly with her head to my stomach. "Good luck." And with a wink, she was off to greet her husband. Did you know? How could she? 

       "That was weird." Booker commented. "But I think she likes you." 

       The rest of the night was a complete blur. I was introduced to everyone as a close friend, practically like a sister. I owned a daycare, blah, blah, blah. I was arm candy to show off to everyone. Other than Lana and Hatim, everybody else seemed really old and really boring. No wonder Booker seemed upset with what I was wearing, compared to the modesty going on in the room, I looked like I was wearing nothing. Floor length gown, gloves up to the elbows, and collars that almost resembled turtlenecks.  These people must be stuck back in some weird 1950's era. 

      "Booker." I finally said, once the night was over. I had found the right spot to tell him. "I have an announcement."

      "What is it, sweetie?" He smiled at me sweetly. Had had had seven glasses of wine and I had drunk none. 

      "I'm pregnant." I whispered.

      "Impossible..." He staggered backwards. We used protection... you're on the pill." 

      "Booker I'm more than a week pregnant." 

      "How much?" 

      "Seventeen weeks. A little more than four months."

      "The first time..." 

      "I found out yesterday. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. Look, I was thinking of... the A word."

      "Do it." 

       "You sure?"

       "I hate kids, Kayleigh."

       "BASTARD!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. Oops. I quickly covered my mouth. 

       "Excuse me?"

       "I'm pregnant and you tell me that you hate kids? I may not want a family, but you hate kids?"

       "Wait...shush, shush." 

       "What?!" 

       "Look," He whispered in my ear. "There's people around. We need to be quiet. I don't like kids. That's true. We can't have an abortion, though."

       "You just said we could. I could."

        "But, if people find out then my career's done. I'm a baby killer."

        "The baby doesn't have a brain yet! Look, I haven't opened a daycare yet because there's a person growing in my vagina."

       "And it will stay there until you push it out in five months." 

       "I want to be married before I have a family I want to be financially ready and emotionally." 

       "Too bad."

       "Isn't it my choice?" 

       "Normally, yes. Right now? No."

       "What if I break up with you and go to the media with the story?"

       "I will ruin your career and your father's. Connie, your sister? She'll lose her fortune." 

      "Please." I felt tears coming to my eyes. "At least let me tell someone."

      "Tell nobody. You parents, your friends, your sister." Who was this monster I was with? Where was caring Booker? He wasn't happy for me, he cared more about being mayor then me being emotionally ready to raise a child?

     "Okay." I nodded, taking a deep breath. I was going to raise a child. A child Booker would hate. "Booker, will you marry me? I want the child to have a semi-normal life."

     "Hell no. I love you, but... Kayleigh. Nothing matters more than being mayor."

     "You're drunk!"

     "Just... don't so anything." He smiled. "I may hate the thing in my womb, but you're going to raise it. I'll  be the workaholic father it never sees and everything will be good. Hell, if you want say you don't know who the father is."

      "But it's you! I'm leaving." I turned around and ran, eyes following me. Booker followed quickly. This couldn't be happening to me. Booker couldn't be this awful of a man. I had no money, so I couldn't do anything on my own. I was stuck with this. I would love it no matter what, more than I loved Booker, but it didn't change the fact that I wasn't ready. I was going to be a single mother, even if the father lived with me. My child who know who its dad was, but wouldn't know him personally. My life was falling apart.

NOTE: I freaking hate Booker in this. He's a... stupid Sim who has the dislikes kids trait and has commitment issues.Yes, you can rant about how shocked you are and how much you hate Booker because he's several words I would use but don't want to push this post's rating to R.

6.6 Part Two: Bad, Bad Girl

WARNING: Content is suggestive, as always read with caution.
  "Hey, Booker." I batted my eyelashes at him, trying to flirt. My flirting skills were, unfortunately for my boyfriend, not that great considering that I never got a chance to use them in high school.
   "Hey, Kayleigh." He siled at my strangly. "Are you alright? Is there something in your eye?"
    "Dammit." My attempt at being a teeny bit sexy failed miserably. "No," I sighed, "Do you want to dance?"
    "Dance? Sure?"
    "Great!" I flipped on the stereo that was in his bedroom and pulled him further into his bedroom. He placed one firmly on my waste and I place done on is shoulder. We began swaying back and forth to the music, taking steps left, then right, back, forward. I wasn't sure what dance we were doing but he seemed to have an idea. "How was work?" I asked, feeling a sense of déjà vu. Hadn't we had this talk yesterday when he came home and we almost...did it? I took a deep breath and stared into his shimmering eyes. He was the most handsome man.
    "It was good... I missed you, though."
    "I don't understand why you won't let me swing by for lunch. I'm bored to death stuck here without my daycare. I still have to wait a few months before I can open."
     "I know, I know..."
      "Don't you want people to see me? Are you ashamed of me?" I self consciously glanced down at myself. I was wearing a cute summer dress and black heels. Tad classy, defiantly cute.
      "No, of course not!" He smiled, pulling me closer to his chest. I could feel his abs through the thin material of my dress. They were hard... he was strong. I felt myself wanting to feel the rest of him... see if he was that strong everywhere else. He planted a kiss on top of my head and whispered into my ear, "Sweetie... I'll tell everyone after elections. Six more months, okay?"
     "Booker." I whined. "I love you and you love me, shouldn't the public be okay with it? Besides, it isn't like anything, ya know, illegal or anything's going on."
     "My competition would lie about us. I just want to make sure you aren't hurt. Kayleigh, if they say that I was hooking up with a minor- it's terrible to begin with- I'd be shamed. I'd never get elected for anything, you may never get clients, and I don't want to tarnish your family name. You're too important to me."
     "Really?" I leaned my head against his shoulder. I heard his phone calls. I saw his campaign buddies coming over for drinks, even if I had to hide upstairs. I knew how much the mayor position mattered to him. I knew he would kill for it.
    "You know that." Did I? He seemed to want to hide me away. My family couldn't come over here, because it might be suspicious, I couldn't go near City Hall, everything seemed so... I know he loved me. I know I love him. He just seemed too protective of me. I couldn't leave the house if it was when he was home, because we might be seen together. I had to sneak out while he was at work. Of course, he never came out and said these things, but I picked up the clues. He'd never say something like that to me.
    "I just want to stay here forever." I whispered into the air. Here, in this moment. No voices, soft music, and stars shining at us through the windows. Booker holding me tight to him as we swayed in time with the songs.
     "I do, too. So peaceful."
     I pulled away from him, so I could look at his face. "Just me and you and nobody else."
     "Just me and- OW!"
     "Ow?" I looked at him, his pain etching itself across his lovely face. I looked at my feet, embarrassed. My left five inch heel was planted firmly on his foot. "I'm so sorry!" I jolted back, as he held onto his foot. "Let me help you to the bed." I took his arm as he leaned on me for support. "I'm sorry, Booker." I could feel my face heating up.
     "No problem." He said, his face still in a grimace.
     "Let me go... here, you rest. I'll just-" I scurried out of the bedroom to the bathroom across the hall. Dammit. This ruined the plan. We danced then, I gave him a little gift. The gift that would show him that I completely trusted him, no matter what. The gift that showed that I didn't care if we had to hide our relationship, because we were together and together meant we were dynamite.
     I stared at myself in the mirror, not believing I was about to do this. Yesterday night I was talking about how scared of the pain I was, tonight I was ready. I thought about holding off, but... I want to eventually. Why not tonight? Maybe some fancy trip to the beach, Hawaii or the Bahamas, would be better? No... this was what I would do. I'd give it away, give it to him, tonight. No more waiting. I couldn't wait. I wanted to feel his bare muscles against me as the passion filled the room.
    First my necklace came off. I sat it on the side of the sink, so it wouldn't accidentally break. I liked the necklace. Connie sent it to me. Some New York designer gave it to her and she thought I would like it better. It was sweet of her.  I tried squirming out of the dress, wishing I hadn't picked something with a zipper. I heard a ripping sound, as the dress fell open. I stepped out of it, stuffing it in the trashcan. It was ruined. I pulled my stockings up, wishing that I could think of a better word for them. Stockings? That sounded horrible. Not at all romantic or sexy. Like it was a granny thing from the forties. It probably was.
   I stared into the mirror, adjusting my makeup., I was always horrible at the smoky eye thing. I slapped some mascara on and hoped that my dark makeup didn't leave me looking like either someone who Booker was paying for to have intercourse with or goth. I was ready. This was happening. It was weird, to me, that I had prepared so much for one night. One time. I took a deep breath and exited the bathroom.
   "I've been a bad, bad girl." I said, as I sauntered into Booker's room.
   "Kayleigh? What are you?"
   "I told you." I seductively smiled, leaning forwards so my chest was a few inches from his face. I could tell he wanted to rip the lace off of me, but he wouldn't have to chance to just yet."I'm a bad girl." I began kissing his neck as I edged myself onto the bed. I hope this was sexy and not creepy. "How do you punish bad, bad girls Booker? I know you're a man, show me. Take control." I sat on top of him, with one left on either side of him. I began slowly pulling at the buttons of his shirt, until I could see his bare chest. I pulled the shirt off him, as he laid there startled. "Come on." I pouted. "You're not going to let me stay like this?" I leaned down and did something with my tongue I never imagined doing. "I'm stuck here in all these clothes... stuck being a bad girl torturing you. Won't you punish me?" I kept edging him on, doing more things to him, knowing he would eventually do what I wanted.
   "Dear Lord!" He shouted out as I began unzipping his pants. "Kayleigh."
   "You won't punish the bad girl, so she'll keep being bad. And there's only so much I can do with you shirtless. I want to see everything Booker."
   "Really?" He raised an eyebrow. "Well," Before I could blink he was on top of me.
   "Oh, yeah. Come on, take control." I could feel him. I know he wanted this as badly as I wanted him. "The drawer." I whispered. I heard him rummaging around, as he found the handcuffs  I placed there earlier.
   Words couldn't describe what happened next. Booker was an animal, starved. He needed this as much as I wanted it. He was strong. Defiantly worth waiting for. When we were done, I felt my heart pumping. I hadn't expected everything. Especially not the... not the thing at the end. I had tortured him and he had punished me for being a bad girl. It was so sexy. His muscles. I curled up next to him, as I fell into a deep slumber. I felt him playing with my hair and whispering something to me, but I couldn't tell what. I just knew that I was with him and he was with me and we had formed an unbreakable bond together.

 

   I woke up alone. I shouldn't be surprised, Booker was normally gone, off  to work, when I woke up. I just expected something different, I suppose. Maybe him there to kiss me goodbye. I glanced at the alarm clock. It was ten o'clock already! I must have been more tired then I expected... last night must have worn me out. I glanced around, just to make that there wasn't a not or something. I don't know why there should be. It was the first for me, but just another time for Booker. I sighed, feeling a little queasy.
    "That's odd." I muttered. I hadn't ate since lunch yesterday, since I was too nervous for dinner. I was probably hungry. My stomach had an odd reaction, but it wasn't bad. Was it?

    I stood up, slipping back on my underwear. I wasn't comfortable walking from my room were I had my clothes from Booker's bare. I felt a jolt in my stomach. This was painful. What meds did Booker have? Would I need to visit the doctor?
   "No." I said to myself. I was overreacting. I clearly needed to just eat breakfast and clam myself down. I was scared Booker thought I was crazy after last night and would run away and breakup with me and date a girl his age and hey would get married and I would be left alone, having to do back and live with my parents and never get to have a daycare or take care of gorgeous little kids and then I might be shunned by the community for bumming off my parents and I was clearly going insane over this. "See, you need to relax." Why was I talking to myself? Hearing the words aloud did comfort me a bit. I turned the lamp off and began walking to my bedroom. I wonder if Booker and I would share a bed now.

   Oh no! I felt a lurch in my stomach. I ran to the bathroom and thrust myself down on the floor. I felt horrible as I leaned against the commode. Was this normal? I couldn't think of any reason why I would be feeling ill. I felt fine with Booker last night. clutched my stomach as another round came. Hopefully it was just a twenty-four hour thing and Booker wouldn't be sick, too.Whatever was wrong, I'd figure it out soon enough.

6.6 Part One: Conflicting Emotions

   I lay on the bed, looking at my new room. I'd officially been living in Booker's home for twelve hours. My room was empty. The high school diploma I earned hung on the wall, along with a few ribbons, but other than that, the former guest room was just like Booker had originally decorated it like. We had separate room, even though we were dating. I wasn't sure if he would assume we would share or not, but he insisted on having my own room so his possessions wouldn't clutter my space. I felt like an intruder and couldn't change his normal life and routine too much.
  We moved in together. That was a big step. It was one that usually led to... other things. We'd kissed before, but hadn't done anything other than that. It was too awkward, with my age and the fact that I still lived with my parents. Daddy helped me move a few boxes of my clothes here. I wonder if that's why Booker didn't mention anything about me sleeping in the same bed as him. I bet he wished that he said something. My heart sped up as I thought about it.
   "Hey, Kay." I heard Booker before I saw him.
   "You're back from work, already?" I exclaimed. He had taken the day off to help me settle in, unfortunately he had an emergency meeting. Something about taxes on farms or something that needed to be voted on before the weekend.
   "It's eight-thirty." He shrugged. "Usually I'm working eight or nine to three or four, plus whenever they call me in."
    "How was you're day?"
    "Pretty great, actually!" I exclaimed. Booker leaned against the door frame- I didn't have any chairs in my room yet. "Here." I patted the bed. "You can lay next to me. We can..."
     "Really?" I saw a spark in his eye. I bite my tongue when I realized what I implied. I meant to say talk, instead I drifted off. only now I got him all excited.
   "Yeah. I mean, we can talk."
    "Of course." He said, as he slid onto the bed.
    "The daycare inspector came, a different one and guess what!"
     "What?"
     "I qualified! I'm going to be certified. The paperwork could take up to three months to go through the system, but I was approved!"
    "That's great. I can tell my coworker's about your daycare, once you get the license."
    "Thanks." I smiled, staring into his deep, shining eyes. Pure adoration with a bit of something else.
    "You know, I bought this bed a few weeks ago. It's brand new, no one's ever been on it before."
    "Cool." I nervous glanced down.  Was I ready?
    "What do you say we break it in a bit?"
    "Huh?" I began breathing faster. It was my first night here. My first night and now he was already-? It was too much. Too much. I couldn't. I mean I could. But... first night. I'd barely settled in. He was joking, right. Not right now. I was wearing a panda bear hat for goodness sake! That couldn't be attractive.  "Like... do it?"
    "Only if you want." He said, raising an  eyebrow.
    "Yeah. Yeah, sure." I felt his hand creeping around to my back, holding me close. He placed a tender kiss on my cheek, sending tingles down my spine. Soft kisses down my neck. He was taking it slow. I felt a vibration. My phone was going off! "I have to get this." I slowly pushed him away, rushing towards the door.
   "Wait Kayleigh!" I heard Booker call out.
   "Hello?" I answered my phone. "Kayleigh Janes speaking."
   "Kayleigh! Thank goodness you didn't change your number."
    "May I ask who this is?" I knew who it was. I would remember that voice until the day I died. It was the voice that tortured me every single day off my life for countless years. The voice that drove me to the graveyard. The voice that let me meet Booker. The blonde bombshell from hell.
     "Grace. Remember me?"
     "Sadly, yes." I sighed.
     "Look, I know I was a bit of a bitch during high school-"
     "A bit of a bitch? You drove me towards suicide! Every time I had to go to school, I felt sick just seeing you. Grace, you weren't a bitch. You were a effing evil cheerleader sent from some ungodly underworld."
     "Was I really that bad?" I heard her voice crack.
     "Look, I won't apologize." I felt bad, but it was the truth. She couldn't call me a few week later and expect a civil answer. I wasn't giving her an invitation to freaking tea or anything.
    "That's why I called."
     "Excuse me?" She wanted an apology from me? Who was she kidding?
     "I wanted to apologize."
     "To me?" I asked, just to make sure. i was so nervous a few seconds ago with Booker's lips exploring me and now I was in a white hot rage. I had gone from one extrememe to the other, just by hearing her voice.
     "Yes, silly." She laughed. I stood there, ready to throw the phone down the stairs. We were not friends. She couldn't make cutesy little jokes just yet. "I mean, not funny. Yeah, I wanted to say I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be that horrible of a person."
      "Grace, highs school was literally like a week ago. You don't go from queen bee to Miss. Humble in a week."
      "I know, I know. Look, I just want to apologize. Am I forgiven?"
      "I don't know If I ever could."
      "Please?"
      "Why the change of heart? Didn't you have a cheer leading scholarship?"
      "I did... but I lost it."
      "What happened?"
      "So, after graduation I threw this crazy party. Ya know, the usually crowd. My boyfriend brought some...stuff. Anyway, I got high and posted pics of me smoking the crap all over the internet. Like every social media site. So, like, the schools aw and they revoked my scholarship!  And it's too late to apply for anything else and I got a fifteen on my ACT and no school would want me. And like, my boyfriend dumped my cause he lost his football scholarship, too. So now everybody else is like getting to go to frat parties in September and I'm stuck here."
    "Sucks."
    "Totally! So I joined the Peace Corps."
    "You what?!"
    "Yeah, so like I'm going to this town with like, no electricity or cell service or lattes and mani-pedi places! And I don't know who will wax my eyebrows for me. So, I'm going for a few years and just wanted to apologize, since I'll probably never talk to you again." 
     "Wow. That's great, I guess. Change the world."      
     "I know, right! So, like bye."
     "Bye. And Grace?"
     "Huh? What Kayden?"
     "Kayleigh."
     "Kayleigh?"
     "My name is Kayleigh. You were that mean to me and you don't remember my name?"
     "Look, boo-hoo and all, but I was busy in high school. Sorry."
     "Never mind. have a great time in the Corps."
     "I know I will, like, rock it." I hung up. She called me to apologize. She actually thought she could apologize! She was crazy. I wouldn't forgive her if she got on her hands and knees and begged me.Today was too much to take in. I needed some water. I slipped my phone back in my pocket, forgetting the man I was leaving in my bedroom, and slipped downstairs to the kitchen. I twisted the knob for the sink. "Er!" I shouted. It was stuck. I twisted harder, trying to get a simple spout of water. Why were things so complicated?

Booker's POV (Point of View)...

   I stood up from the bed and walked out of Kayleigh's bedroom. I knew I had pushed things too far and too fast for her. She was still young. I would have asked her is she wanted to share a room, if her dad hadn't tagged along. If I hurt her, he hurt me. I didn't want him to do anything of the sort, so I had to be the best guy ever imaginable.
    "Kayleigh?" I called out, as I hurried down the steps. She stood in the kitchen, a puddle of water forming around the sink.
     "Oh! Um, Booker. Sorry."
     "What's up?"
     "I wanted to drink some water, but the faucet knob was stuck... it broke."
     "I see that. Need help cleaning it up?"
     "Yeah, do you have a mop or anything?"
     "I'll get one and a wrench to see if I can fix it."
     "Thanks." She was blushing was bright as he hot pink shorts.  She was adorable. A bit clumsy, yes. Still adorable. I wasn't suppose to fall in love with her. I really wasn't. But I ended up that way. We still had to hide our relationship, though., Had to hide the fact that we moved in together. It wasn't Kayleigh's fault, it was the nosy media's. I returned with everything I said I would.
     "Here ya go." I handed her the mop.
      "Thanks. Sorry I broke your sink."
      "It's no big deal. Besides, it's our sink. It's our house."
      "Really? Ours?"
      "Kayleigh, I asked you to move in because I want you to be happy."
      "I know. You say that a lot." She giggled.
      "That isn't the only reason."
      "It isn't?"
      "I love you."
      "You-!" She gasped. "You love me?"
      "I want to spend every minute with you. That's why you're living here. I wasn't doing it because I felt sorry for you, I wanted you to move in. The opportunity presented itself and I thought why not."
     "I love you, too." She smiled, leaning the mop against the wall. "Booker, can I ask you a question?"
    "Anything."
    "It's kind of... weird."
     "How weird?"
     "Awkward weird."
     "Okay, if you let me ask one question first." She nodded. "Who was on the phone?"
     "Um..." She began tearing up.
     "It's okay." I put down the wrench and wrapped my arms around her. "You know you can talk. I'll listen."
     "The girl who drove me to almost killing myself." She took a big gulp of air. "She was apologizing."
     "Did you forgive her?"
     "Why the hell would I do that?" Her soft voice and tears instantly evaporated.
     "If it wasn't for her we wouldn't have met. I wouldn't have go to seethe most beautiful, amazing girl in the world. I know it'll be difficult to do, but I met you in that graveyard. I wish things were better for you, I would personally go beat an apology out of anyone who ever hurt you, but I would never want to not meet you."
     "That's... thank you, Booker."
     "I should be thanking you. You made my life a hell of a lot less dull."
     "That's a good thing?"
     "That's a great thing." It was true. I wish Kayleigh had never ever been hurt, but I loved her too much to think about never meeting her. If I could only be mayor, then life would be perfect. I need to be mayor. I'll sweet talk to her and deny the relationship to the press.
     "Does it hurt?" She whispered in my ear.
     "Does what hurt?"
     "The first time?"
     "First time? Oh you mean- wait you're a?"
     "One hundred percent."
    "Never during high school?"
     "I was bullied." She shrugged. "Nobody wanted to be seen with me. No one wanted to brag  that they hit that."
     "I can't promise anything to you."
     "I know."
     "It might."
      "I'm just scared... scared of being in pain."
      "It won't hurt for long."
      "I love you... I'm sorry. Maybe another night?"
      "Sure." I sighed.She didn't know how aggravating it was to be edged on like that. My love was conflicting. I had two true loves: Kayleigh and the election for Mayor.  I knew when it came to politics I was rough. I was cruel and mean. It was inside of me. I didn't want to hurt her now. "We will never do anything without you being okay with it. I want you to know that."
     "I do." Then, I spun her around and dipped her down for a kiss. Kayleigh Janes. I couldn't hurt her. At least, not too badly.

6.5: Moving Fast

   I sat sniffling on the bench, waiting for Booker. This was our... I wasn't sure what number date. It was our fifth since we began dating a month ago, but we had gone out on things that vaguely resembled dates before he asked me to go steady. He was such a romantic, sending me roses, complimenting me on the little things, and tonight he invited me out to the beach for a sunset picnic. I was waiting in the park for him to get off from work, then we would travel to the beach.
    I suppose it would be very easy to say my life was perfect. The thing about perfection is that it always seems so close. Your life plan is a quilt missing a few threads. If only it had those threads, then it would be the most beautiful thing ever created. This was my life, so wonderful, but not perfect. I felt guilty that I had been crying earlier... I had a wonderful life. I shouldn't be wishing for perfection.
  "Hey, beautiful."
  "Booker." I giggled, as my heart sped up.
  "You alright?" He looked into my eyes with concern. "Your eyes are red."
   "I'm fine." I shrugged. "You know."
   "Come on, you can trust me." I wasn't a very open person. I wasn't one to give my trust to anyone. I wasn't the girl who was helpless without her boyfriend. I was someone who trusted Booker completely, though. I knew he wouldn't hurt me.
    "I just... I want to have a daycare, right? Well
in Appaloosa Plains you have to have a home inspection and receive a license before you can legally open and advertise yourself as a daycare. Some dumb act, CCSA or something, enforced these super strict standards your ho
use has to meet. "
    "The Childcare Safety and Protection Act, CSPA. I remember that, it was one of the first things I voted on to pass."
   "Oh." I could feel my cheeks heating up. "It isn't dumb. It helped shut down one daycare that was in some guy's basement and had, like, broken cribs and one kid ended up in the hospital with an infection from the mold growing down there... it was cheap, so parents who worked earning barely minimum wage could afford it. I just..."
   "Tell me what happened.When did the evaluation person come?"
   "This morning."

That Morning...
 
  I hurriedly sat my oatmeal bowl in the dishwasher. I was anxious for the government worker to get here, so we could begin. I need to meet the proper qualifications so I could be a daycare owner. As soon as I slammed the dishwasher door closed, I heard the doorbell ring. I rushed to open the door. A lady with glasses, and a few wrinkles beginning to etch her face, with her hair tied back in a tight bun was standing on the porch. Her clipboard was attached to her arm and a pen tucked neatly behind her ear looked as if it was about to fall out.

  "Hello, hi come right in."
  "I am Miss. Elisabeth Crinklesworth."
  "Miss. Crinklesworth, I'm Kayleigh Janes. Kayleigh's fine."
  "Number three on the list for my to inspect today.'"
  "Number three? There's a lot, isn't there?"
  "We shalln't be distracting with small talk, Ms. Janes. I tolerate no small talk."
  "Um, of course. Want to begin the tour?"
  "It isn't about if I would want to begin the tour or not, it is my duty to take it and preform an evaluation. Asking me if I would want to is a pointless question, you're much better off asking if I am ready."
   "Are you ready to begin the tour?"
   "You talk a bit too much, don't you think? I assume this is why you prefer children over adults, they can handle the gibberish you spout well, I'd presume."
   "I apologize." I said, embarrassed. This snooty, uptight lady was going to be evaluating me? I took a deep breath. This only I was going to have to try even harder then what my best was, I was going to have to be incredible. "Right this way, please. First there's the living room."
   "Sitting room. Any proper young lady should know that. You live in every room."
   "Sitting room." I clenched my teeth as she began prodding at the cushions on the chairs, picking up the nick-knacks and pictures on the mantel, and using her finger to look around for a speck of dust. Anything to complain about."I'm planning on taking out the couches-"
   "Sofa. Dear my, you didn't have a raising that was very good, did you?"
   "My parents did fine." I mumbled under my breath. "As I was saying, I'm planning on removing the sofa, coffee table, and chairs and buying some child friendly furniture and toys to place down here. This will be the main room; I don't plan on keeping any children upstairs, since they could fall down the steps and it might be a hazard, also the bedrooms are upstairs and-"
   "Isn't ever piece of furniture child friendly? They can sit on it, can't they? It may have corners that are sharp, but that doesn't mean they cannot sit upon it, does it?"
   "Of course. I just meant some plastic chairs and bean bags, maybe a small table for them to draw and play at."
   "Ugh."
   "Excuse me?"
   "This is simply horrid. A fireplace is a deathtrap, don't you think?"
   "I was planning on using a child safety fence and placing it around it, so nobody would get hurt. I have everything upstairs, the fences and all. I'd be using some for the steps, too."
   "No, no, no! It's a dusty mess. Child safety fences? There's another word I dislike! Every fence keeps a child out of something, doesn't it? So that means every fence can be used to keep a child safe, doesn't it?" I heard her scribble something down on a piece of paper firmly attached to the clipboard. I wonder what she wrote.
    "Miss. Crinklesworth, I didn't name the product. Maybe you should write a letter or something, but don't lecture me. I just want my license!" I immediately felt the regret fill me up, as Miss. Crinkleworth's face began to twist up with displeasure. Her nostrils flared, her eyes became black and beady, and the wrinkles on her reddening forehead became much more pronounced.
    "I'm afraid I've seen enough." Her shrill voice snapped.
    "I'm sorry, but it's my house you're here to judge, not me."
    "Ms. Janes, please see me out." She demanded, the pen on her clipboard making tapping noises. Tap, tap, tap.
    "Yes, miss." I slowly dragged my feet to the door, trying to keep my head held high. I was meant to do this, wasn't I? It wasn't me who was so bad, was it?
    "I have one more examination to complete. She tapped her pen on her clipboard, as we stood on the front porch. Tap, tap, tap. "No one received a license so far and I doubt they will. Girly, you should go to college and stop being foolish about a daycare. You're home isn't for it."
    "What could I fix? Could I remodel or-"
    "No, no. It's dreadful. There's no fixing it."
    "Renovations? Anything? Please, I really want this. Look, I had some trouble as a kid... a month or two ago, really. I feel passionate about little kids and I really want this, okay?"
    "Give up."
    "No! What could I do? I'm sorry if I'm abrupt or whatever, but I'm tired of this. I asked a question, why won't you tell me?"
    "You would have to move. Your home's older. The steps don't fit code, the fireplace would have to go, everything. The pond is safety issue, Ms. Janes you seem like a nice young lady who would be very good with children."
    "Thank you."
    "But, you're home will not work."
    "Okay." I took a deep breath.
    "I must go."
    "Alright..." I stood on the porch, as she walked away in her pinstriped suit. I was a nice girl?  I would be good with kids? I'd have to move, though. Why couldn't my home just be up to code? Why? I didn't want to move. I lived with my parents for eighteen years and didn't want to move out. I would when I had money saved up, but now? I'm be going into debt up to my eyeballs and a daycare couldn't take care of it. I felt a tear creep down my face. I was so confident. It wasn't the worst of things, I could move. How, though?  I spent a good portion of my money that was meant for college on children's stuff for the daycare. I just... I took a deep breath. I would have to move, if I wanted my dream to come true. It was a harsh reality  that I had to face.

Back To the Park...

   "Kayleigh... I'm sorry." He wrapped his arms around me.
   "Promise me you won't pull some strings and end up changing laws for me."
   "Since you said so." He took a big, over dramatic sigh. "You know I'd do anything for you, right?"
   "I know, you would... I'm still a citizen, though. The rules still apply to me."
   "I want you to be happy."
   "I'm happy obeying the law you worked so hard to put in place."
   "The Miss. Crinklesworth  lady sounds horrible. But she's right about one thing."
   "What?" I asked, shocked.
   "You're going to be great with kids."
    "Really? You think so? Booker, will you help me find a house?"
    "What did your parents say?"
    "Oh, you know. They want me to stay and they'll help me get enough money. They say anything that'll be decent and fit code will be too expensive for my on my own."
     "You know that they're probably onto something."
     "Booker, I wan this so badly. I know that I;m broke, but I want to inspire kids. I want to take care of them and help them. Sitting at home or working at some fast food joint won't let me do that. I need to get out there and go."
     "Move in with me."
     "What?!"
     "Move in with me. You need a home and you can't afford one of your own. Kayleigh, I love you. You'll take this risk, moving out, regardless of what anyone says. My house isn't even a decade old, it has a spacious first floor for the daycare. It's everything you'd need for a center and nobody could say otherwise."
    "It's so fast though... I mean. I love you, too Booker." It felt odd to say when I knew he loved me back. "And I want to... yes."
    "Yes? That's great! I'll do anythingt o help you be happy, including sharing my home with you."
    "Thank you."
    "Least I could do."
    "You could do a whole lot less. You're... a girl's dream, really."
    "You don't know that." He chuckled.

    "I do, too." I slowly leaned over to kiss him. "I do, too." I whispered. It all moved so fast. He was saving my life, I was madly in love with him, we kissed, he asked me out, we were moving in together. All in not even two months. It was moving so fast that I didn't see how anything could be bad, I was blinded. It all seemed so, so good to me.

6.4: Now She's Graduated

Booker's POV...

   I stood at the graduation ceremony, watching her glide up to the stage and accept her diploma. I watched the class throw their caps into the air as the crowd broke apart. Everyone was an adult now. They were officially free from the homework and teachers and nagging parents. I stood in the back of the auditorium, unsure of why I was here. She didn't invite me here. I had shown up unexpected, ready to clean up the damage I left at her birthday party.
   I was a politician. I smoothed things over with a simple phrase. It wouldn't be difficult, just a charming wink and a little chuckle, I'd be completely home free. Kayleigh was an adult with a high school education. My degrees were so numerous, I was probably able to supply everyone here with one. Appaloosa Plains couldn't help it; the town was full of uneducated simpletons willing to vote for because I appealed to their oh so plain values and morals. Dating an eighteen year old? With the elections for mayor approaching in six months, that was the exact opposite of what I should be doing. Our relationship was layered and much more complex than that, though. I had given her a shred of hope that I would eventually rip into tiny pieces. I could edge her on, flirt a bit, leaving her in the dust eventually.
   Ditch Kayleigh. The plan was simple, written out in ten simple steps. Tens simple steps. I used the ten step method to campaign and win and then used it once in office to get everything into the correct shape. The years it took me to develop the ten steps were painstakingly long. First step, hope. I'd already accomplished this step; no worried there. Here teeny tiny country mind was bubbling over the rim with hope for love and all that crap. Now she's graduated and the hope for a future has become real. The future is real, unfortunately her plans for love and all aren't.
   I may seem cruel to you. I'm not. My heart isn't stone and ice. My heart is well and beating, ready for the love arrows to come for it. It was the simple fact that the race for mayor was on. I was in the game for far too long to realize what feeling I had.Washington's term for mayor was four simple years. There was no term limit. In a small town like this, mayor was like the Judicial branch of the federal government. Once you have the job, it's yours for life. You have to have elections, every year, of course, but unless you're in a huge scandal people vote for you. It's not that they like you, they just hate change. Why else would anyone live in a small town with  seven stoplights, one grocery that was run by a local family, and crooked politics? Since you're mayor for life, it's rare for the position to open. This was the year I'd get to run. The old mayor had a heart attack or something, of course I attended the old crackpot's funeral and campaigned.
   I was as crooked as Appaloosa Plains' only stop sign. It had been up for years and run over periodically. I was not someone you wanted your daughter to date. I cared for Kayleigh. I honestly would breakdown in tears if she was to go off the deep end and attempt another graveyard. I liked the girl. But she was only a girl. I was not an honest man. I wasn't a bad man, though. I protected those who I loved. Since my brother passed... I haven't had any family to love. Nobody to keep my morals in check. There was this lamp in me. When I buried my brother, the flame in the lamp burnt out. It didn't make my heart freeze, but it made it harder to see. Kayleigh was this tiny spark that relighted the flame. And damn was I scared to see that tiny light back and have to deal with what I'd done. Nothing illegal, but politics... it ate your soul.
   "Woah! I'm... an adult!" I heard her shout, as she threw up her diploma. Her family surrounded her as they pranced out of the place, outside. I stood up, glancing at my feet. I shouldn't have come. I should let the flame die and the spark dance on. My eyes drifted around the room. Families happy, together. This wasn't what I would have...it was what I wanted. But, I couldn't find anyone. With her, happiness was easy. But the office I wanted... voters would frown upon the relationship. My eyes landed on hers. She saw me. She smiled and mouthed something. "Come on!"
   I began walking outside, pacing myself. No running. Don't look odd. Just be calm. C-A-L-M. Four letters... so was like. And love and hate and vote and vote is what  voters do and voters decide who get to be mayor and mayor begins with M and so does 'Man, that's a bad idea!' and ideas are what people would be getting if I associated myself with her. Ideas are dangerous, they make people question and if voters question they might not vote for me and I might not be elected and have a job and then I would be unemployed and part of the statistics, which is never a good thing because then people talk about your stats on the news and people jeer at you and you find yourself without money to pay the  bills and end up homeless and that's going to be the front page of Appaloosa Times, because yes even in this itty bitty town we have our own newspaper. So that's why I need to not run to see her. I might be over thinking this. Maybe just  a little.
   "Hey." I greeted her.
   "Hey, didn't know you'd be here. Um, why exactly are you here?"
   "Well, see... I, uh. I thought for a minute and I was a little... maybe I was a bit cryptic."
   "A bit? Um, yeah. Way cryptic."
   "Sorry."
   "Great, but my parents and I have reservations and, I like you, but Booker. This is just weird."
   "I thought you loved me."
   "Huh? You're hard not to, but seriously? I realized something."
   "What?"
    "Me and you? Never going to happen. I mean I wish it would. Really, really, really badly. It just won't, so I figured I should stop trying."
    "Really?" This was great news. Really great new... that made me want her even more.
    "Booker..." She set her arms around my shoulders."You have pretty eyes."
    "Huh?"
    "I just noticed... they're pretty. I'm thinking of leaving to Bridgeport. Connie knows a few stars and one of them could use a nanny. I figure I could watch th em and become reputable, then start this star sitters program..."
   "Wait leave? For good?"
   "Yes, silly." She giggled. "I wanted to open a daycare, but... I had no luck in Appaloosa Plains. Other than meeting you, I mean."
   "Kayliegh don't go!" I blurted out.
   "What?" She looked confused. "You said all those things..."
   "Look, I like you. I shouldn't, but I can't help it. You're... look, I feel this weird bond. I know it's crazy, but it's true. Me and you."
    "Booker I said I'd never get over you, but I was trying... I was going to move across the country for Pete's sake! Now you tell me that you like me?"
    "I know, it's crazy. I just hadn't realized it yet. Don't go. You said your only luck was meeting me, so why let that go? Please."
    "Kiss me."
     "But your parents."
     "You like me? Kiss me. Be a man. Convince me to stay."
     "Convince you with a kiss?" That was absurd. She was going to go if I didn't try, though. I took a deep breath, my morals clashing. I stood there awkwardly, her face a few inches from my face. Suddenly, her lips were on mine. She was kissing me softly and I found myself kissing back. "I thought you said I was suppose to."
      "Took too long." She giggled.
      "Will you be my girlfriend?"
      "Really? No flowers, no date?"
      "I want you to stay."
      "I know you do." The longest minute of my life was the one she used to think over the answer to my question. Many men say it's the big question, but it isn't. Not really. You've been together and know each other by then to read their mind, but at the beginning of a relationship you're clueless.  This is exactly how I felt. "Yes."
     "Yes?" I felt the pressure slowly decrease, as relief sweltered through me. We held hands chatting about her plans for life. There was me now and she was going to stay in Appaloosa Plains. We talked and chatted until I flt a tap on my shoulder.
     "Excuse me, Booker." I turned around to see Kayleigh's father standing right there. Big, muscular Trevor Janes.
     "Yes, sir?"
     "Can we talk."  The words made up a question, but it wasn't. It was an order from the man close to a decade older than me who worked out at the gym four times a week.
     "Sure, sir." I followed him off to the side, as Alani swooped over to Kayleigh's side.
     "First, stop calling me sir. Second, I saw you kissing my daughter."
     "Well, she.... she started it."
     "Really? Because she's my precious baby girl and if you do anything she isn't one hundred percent comfortable with, I'm saying one damn thing, I'll have you arrested."
     "She's eighteen; an adult."
     "Barely. I swear,  if you hurt her I will come find you and you better hope that I'm in a good mood, otherwise you'll not have a very good chance of seeing the light of day again. Trust me, I have a shovel and an alibi lined up. "
     "I promise.  Beside, we're... may I have you permission to date her?"
     "Yes. If you come to my home and show anything less than your best manners and gentleman attitude, that means no physical affection, I will not stand for it."
      "Yes, Trevor."
      "It's Mr. Janes."
      "You said awhile back I could call you Trevor."
      "That was before you were a threat to my daughter." This is the scariest moment of my life. The father of the daughter that you're dating. It was confusing and uncomfortable, but as I stood there promising to take care of her, I knew it was right... but with the elections for mayor creeping up, my campaigning side would spring to life and it wasn't pretty. I could only hope Kayleigh could hold on tight and stick around for the journey... it was going to get rough.

NOTE: Sorry for the late update... I (as of today, Wednesday)  have had THREE snow days when I was suppose to go back to school Monday... I am stuck babysitting for the neighbor and my parent's coworkers and have required reading to finish. *Sighs* I read the book a few years ago when I was into the genre, but can't remember the details. Major plot points? Yes, but details? Haha... nope. Anyways, I haven't started and have like...well, today to finish the book I currently hate. It was good the first time when I liked the fantasy stuff, but now it's not intriguing or anything. I know, I know. ( #Firstworldproblemsofastudent)  Thanks for letting me ramble.  ☺

6.3: Aren't You Glad I'm Eighteen

   "Is that good? Hm...too much. Maybe- no. Lipstick? Or eyeliner? Both? Is light pink nice... my dress is trimmed in it. Bolder?" I talked to myself as I stared wide eyed into the mirror. Booker was going to be here any minute. I agreed that I was way too young for him, but that didn't mean I couldn't knock his socks off. It wasn't about trying to get him to like me anymore, it was about making him so jealous he wished he did.
    "Kayleigh!" My father called from outside the door.
    "Hold on!" I rolled my eyes, trying not to giggle. Daddy had raised two teenager daughters, me and Connie, and hadn't figured out that we take forever in the bathroom.
     "Are you sure? Because your... Booker is here."
     "Really, uh 'kay it'll be a moment. Tell him I'll be out in a bit." I tried playing it cool, acting as if the butterflies in my stomach didn't exist.Our relationship was confusing; there was no denying it. Even I wasn't sure where we stood. Friends? That was probably the safest bet. There was something there... a spark or something that I couldn't put my finger on. I took a deep breath, took one more peek in the mirror, then flung open the bathroom door. He was standing there, nonchalant in his button down shirt. He did clean up nicely.
      "Hello, Kayleigh."
      "Hey, Booker." We stood face to face, the tension so thick you would need a steak knife to slice through it. "Thanks for coming." I finally said.
      "No problem. I got you a gift card, since I didn't want to be rude and wasn't sure what to bring..."
      "Aw! thank you, that's so sweet." Dang. My play it cool act was up. The butterflies were back.
      "Hon," My mum called out. "We're about to light the candles on the cake." Booker and I walked to the dining room. I stood in front of the cake, as the songs filled the air. What did I want to wish for? What did I want to wish for? The song was nearing the end; it was about time for me to take a deep breath and extinguish the miniature dancing flames. I wish for... true love. The thought was there and gone before I had a chance to wish for something else. I didn't say who... I wanted my true love to unveil himself and appear. I didn't know who he would be, but I felt ready for him to appear.
     "What did you wish for?" My dad asked.
     "Good grades and honors!" I laughed, lying through my teeth. He wouldn't understand the true love biz. 
     "Should have wished for a scholarship." Booker chuckled. "Which universities did you apply to?"
     "Um... let's see, a couple in New York near Connie, you know some ones throughout Washington."
     "Oh, sweetie! Did you see the mail? You got a letter from the colleges."
     "Mom," I took a deep breath.  I didn't want to go to college. I didn't realize it until the second Booker asked me, but I didn't want to go far away for four years. I knew what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to run a daycare center. Little kids needed me to help them out. I knew I could make a difference in their lives and I didn't need a piece of paper telling me that what I was aware of.  "I'm not going."
     "Huh?" My dad asked. "You wanted to get an education degree, right?"
     "No... I want to run a daycare. I don't care if I have a piece of paper. I love little kids and a degree won't change that. Besides, tons of people work at a daycare without college."
     "But...  you do so well."
     "I should  be going." Booker said. He could feel that this was no longer a guest situation, even if he was practically family. My parents had bonded with him a bit, dad and mom went on a fishing trip with him a couple of times.
      "No, no! You can stay." I blurted out. "Look, mom. Dad. I won't go to uni, because it isn't me. Besides, neither of you went... so there. I'm going to do what I love and I hope you support me."
      "I...we'll support you. I just want better things for you." My dad said. My mother nodded in support.

      "I really should be going, work and all." Booker said, turning to go. My parents moved away to the dishes; they began cleaning up the mess we made with the decor and cake crumbs.
    "Booker, wait."
    "What?"  He turned around.
    "Thank you!" I leaned forwards and hugged him. The look of pure shock appeared on his face, but he slowly returned the hug.
  "Wow, kiddo."He whispered in my ear. "That was something, telling your parents that."
  "Yeah... I just can't stand them thinking that I don't want to go to uni because of anyone other than myself. I hate the idea of more school. I like little kids and I think more education would only suck th elife from me and make me relate to them less."
   "Kayleigh, you're creative and imaginative and amazing." He took a deep breath. "Like nobody I've ever met."
   "Booker, I like you. I'm sorry, but I can't help it. I don't want to make you do anything... I just want you to know. You saved my life. That's a big- no gigantic deal for me. It's scary for me... saying that I feel... you know. I like you and I'm sorry, but it won't change because you don't."
   "You're a baby compared to me, age wise. You know that."
   "So? We have this bond. Don't deny it. I see you ever night and my heart pumps up and I feel horrible if I don't get a chance to hear your voice or meet with you. I love talking to you and you talk to me and we both listen." I spilled my inner thoughts to him. I liked him. I wasn't going to lie anymore, I wasn't trying to make him jealous or anything. I wanted him to like me back, or at least know how I felt. I knew, assumed, he didn't feel the same way about me. If he didn't I would know for sure. I thought I knew the answer, but I needed confirmation. This is what it was.
   "You're special and amazing and make my life better, Kayleigh. But we couldn't have this thing."
   "I know."
   "You know?"
   "Well... obviously there's issues. Do you like me?" The question was simple, the answer should be as well.
   "Romantically? I'm not sure. I was never good with feelings."
   "Stop! Just tell me yes or no."
   "Maybe."
   "Maybe? Don't lie to me. Please." He said and answer, but he refused to give any details. His face was etched with the years of his experience.
   "Let me think." He whispered as he took a step to the door.
   "Aren't you glad I'm eighteen?" He was out the door when his words floated back to me, slowly. He was driving away and the simple sentence was haunting me further and further and further.
   "More than you will ever know." Though he was glad I was legal, he refused to return my affection. This was complicated, it was impossible to deny... it would end clean, I hoped.

NOTE: This is... complicated, I know. I wasn't exactly sure how it ended up with Kayleigh in love with Booker and it may be... I know, I know. I wrote myself into a mess.  (To be fair, though the Sims WERE flirting like there was no tomorrow... I just voiced what was going on.)