Chapter Nine

The next couple weeks seemed to fly right by for Ally. She had spent a lot of her lunches with Frank after talking it over with him first.

She didn't want to leave him alone but he told her it was fine because Aidan would be leaving soon. He also said he planned to branch out like she had suggested.

Ally liked that Frank had decided to branch out but there was a tiny part of her that liked having him all to herself even when she knew that was selfish. 

So Ally had spent as much time with Aidan as she could before he left for Colorado with his family.

He had come over to her house after school and she had come to his. 

Today was the day Aidan would be leaving and though she was happy he was going to have a good time with his family, she still felt a gnawing feeling in the pit of her stomach. 

She had shown up to his house to say goodbye while his family double checked that they had everything they needed. 

"I'm going to miss you," Aidan said. "I'll be back before you know it."

"I know that. I'm just going to miss those kisses. That's all."

"So you've come to get your fill right before I leave?"

Ally nodded repeatedly. Aidan looked around as his parents scrambled to find and load some things and then grabbed Ally's hand and led her to his room.

They were too busy to think much of them moving from the living room to his bedroom but Ally still made sure they didn't look suspicious. 

Aidan pulled Ally into his room quickly, closed the door, and pressed her up against it. 

Aidan was usually gentle with her when it came to physical stuff. They hadn't done anything more heated than intense make-out sessions. 

This time was different though. 

This time Aidan was a little rough. He pressed his body firmly against hers and claimed her lips in such a way that she felt inclined to claim his. 

His teeth grazed her lower lip before nipping it and his tongue probed her mouth. 

Ally felt dizzy, like she couldn't breathe, but she continued kissing Aidan. When his hands found their way under her shirt she wasn't prepared for the moan that escaped her lips. She was surprised by Aidan's eagerness when he was supposed to leave soon. 

And when his hands went higher, she felt a red flag go up and instantly pulled away.

"Uh, your parents are probably going to start calling for you. We should get back out there."

"Um, yeah," Aidan replied. "Sure."

Ally looked at Aidan and didn't think he looked mad but maybe a little disappointed. She tried not to be upset that he seemed so let down. She hadn't expected kissing to get so escalated and insinuate more. Maybe that's what Aidan had thought though.

They went back into the living room and saw that Aidan's parents were now outside.

"There you are. We're about ready to go. Get everything you need?" Aidan's father asked.

"Yep." He nodded.

"We'll miss you, Ally," Aidan's mom replied. "We'll be back though."

"I'll miss you guys too. Have a great trip."

Aidan turned to Ally and said, "Well, I guess it's time."

"Okay. Goodbye. I'll miss you."

"Same here." Aidan kissed her cheek and walked to the car, getting into the back seat.

"Bye, Ally," Aidan's dad said with a smile.

"Bye."

Ally watched the car drive away and got into her own car. She was about to head home but decided on heading to Frank's instead. She could use some cheering up. 

When she arrived, Frank's mom answered the door. 

"Hello, Ally, I didn't know you were coming by."

"Kind of spur of the moment. Is Frank in?"

"He just left actually."

"Oh, okay." Ally didn't expect to feel so disappointed that Frank wasn't home. "I probably should've texted or called first."

"What's wrong?"

Ally shrugged. "Aidan just left with his family. I'm trying not to be bummed out."

"Aw, sweetie, I'm sorry. Did you have anything planned for today?"

"Not today. I knew Aidan was leaving so it's not just that he's gone. We kind of said goodbye on weird terms," Ally admitted. 

Ally hadn't planned on saying anything to Frank about her and Aidan's last exchange and she definitely wasn't going to tell her parents but she'd always been able to confide in Evelyn. She felt comfortable sharing what happened and not have it get out to the three people she didn't feel comfortable telling. 

"Weird how? Would you like to come in and talk about it?"

Ally was about to say, 'That's okay.' And thought better of it. Maybe it'd be good to get an opinion from an adult that was an objective third party since she'd never actually met Aidan.

"Um, if it wouldn't be too much trouble," Ally found herself saying. 

"Not at all," Evelyn said. "Come on in."

Ally smiled and walked inside, hoping Evelyn would give her a little perspective. She was still processing Aidan's reaction to her pulling away earlier.

Evelyn walked into the kitchen and asked if Ally wanted anything to drink. 

"I'm fine. Thanks."

"Well, let's move into the living room then."

Evelyn sat on one side of the big couch in her living room while Ally sat on the other side. Evelyn turned to face her, sitting cross-legged. Ally chose to do the same.

"So what about your boyfriend leaving has got that sad look on your face?" she asked, getting right to the issue.

"I'm not sad really. Mostly, I'm just processing how we left things. It was all good and fine at first. I stopped by to say goodbye and commented on how I'd miss his kisses and he asked if I wanted my fill before he left and I nodded. Next thing I know, we're in his room, he's pushing me against the door, and kissing me like he's crazed. Now, we've kissed many times before but this was different, more insistent." 

Evelyn nodded and asked, "Did this kind of kissing make you uncomfortable?"

"Not at first," Ally admitted. "I loved the passion he was showing me, even the slight roughness because he's always been so gentle. But, what threw me off was how fast he went from kiss to caressing the skin just under the bottom of my shirt to moving his hands further up, like he wanted to touch my b***s or take my shirt. He's never done that before."

"Have you guys talked about doing more? Have you not already done more?"

Ally could feel her cheeks heating up and said, "We haven't. He's been good about it. He's never pressured me or been as insistent as he was today. It threw me off." 

"Okay, so did you pull away when the intensity started making you feel uncomfortable?"

"I did," Ally said. "I said we should get back because his parents were probably going to call for him so we did and he seemed disappointed about me pulling away. When we said goodbye afterward he seemed more withdrawn than before. And I guess I'm still trying to process it all. I know I didn't do anything wrong but it's almost like he made me feel like I did." 

Evelyn took in everything Ally was saying and didn't seem mad or judgmental which Ally appreciated. 

"How long have you been dating him?" 

"Since October. I met him in August though. So just over two months."

"Has he ever been unkind to you or insinuated he wants more out of your relationship?"

"Not so far, no."

"How would you feel if he asked you for more?"

"Like I'm not ready. It'd be too soon and really fast. I mean, I really like him but I haven't said the L word and I don't feel like we're anywhere near there. He's older so I know he's more experienced. I've seen other people he's dated in the past. For whatever reason, he's interested in me and we get along well."

"Okay. I haven't met him but I trust your judgment when you say he's a decent guy. What bothers me about what you've said is how he reacted when you pulled away. No guy, whether they're your boyfriend or not, should ever make you feel uncomfortable or like you own them something. It's your body and you make the calls on how it's treated."

"I know that. I wouldn't ever do something I didn't want to do. I'm just not sure if I overreacted or am reading too much into it."

"Go with your gut. Always. If he made you even a little uncomfortable you need to have a talk with him when he gets back. Your boyfriend, above all people should know how to treat and respect you. If he doesn't, I'm sure my son wouldn't mind stepping in to remind him."

Ally couldn't help but smile. "Frank steps in way too much on my account. I have to learn to fight my own battles. I don't plan on telling him any of this, though. He's not too fond of Aidan to begin with and I don't want to tell my parents."

"I promise not to say anything. I'm glad you talked about it but, sweetie, I would advise telling your parents if things escalate between you two or get out of hand. We all care about you."

"I know," Ally said with a smile. "Anyway, I should probably get going. Thanks for talking with me."

"Anytime, Ally, really. Frank may be my baby but you're family too. You're like the daughter I never had."

Ally couldn't help but smile, her eyes slightly watering at Evelyn's words. 

"Aw, don't tear up. I mean it." 

Evelyn pulled her in for a hug and Ally loved the warmth it spread throughout her body.

"You raised an amazing son, Miss Anderson. I'm glad you're both part of my little family." 

Evelyn smiled warmly at Ally and said, "We're glad you're part of ours too."

"Thanks again."

Ally walked back to her car, waved bye to Evelyn, and headed home, feeling a bit more at ease than when she arrived.

Ally decided to try and enjoy the rest of her vacation. Even if she didn't see Frank later today, there was a lot she could do on her own. Hailey's sleepover was also in a couple days. 

Ally hoped it went well.

...

Ally hadn't received a text from Aidan in two days and tried not to read too much into it. 

She knew he was busy with his family. She just didn't think it was all that hard to send someone a quick text at least to let her know he got to Colorado okay.

Hailey had just called her a little while ago to confirm if she was still coming tonight. Ally had told her yes. Her mom was beyond ecstatic.

She had made sure Ally had cute pajamas and a new sleeping bag to take with her. Ally had never seen her mother get so excited about hanging out with new people. 

Ally sighed and texted Frank. Tonight, I branch out. 

I'll pray for you, is what was sent back.

You don't pray.

I'd give it a try for you. 

Just wish me luck.

Good luck, Als. May the force be with you.

Ally smiled widely and texted back, Maybe I should bring my light saber along with me.

Do it!!

Ally frowned. There's no way I'd get it out of the house without my mom noticing. If she finds out I took it she'd have a heart attack. She's been looking forward to this more than I have.

I know I'm not her favorite person but it sucks that's she's more approving of you having friends that are girls. 

Abby continued frowning. She likes you, Frank. You think you'd be over so often if that wasn't the case? She and mom are best friends. I'm going to try to be as normal as I can around the girls at the sleepover. You're one of the only people I'm comfortable sharing my weirdness with.

If they can't accept your weirdness and all of you then they're jerks and not friend material. 

I guess. Anyway, gotta start packing some stuff. TTYL.

Hope you have fun. Let me know if there's a pillow fight ;)

Ally shook her head and put her phone away, feeling that Frank's response didn't deserve a reply. 

She grabbed her backpack and began putting stuff in it: wallet, phone charger, keys, a pillow, the pajamas her mom had insisted on getting her, a change of clothes for the following day, toiletries, and cozy socks. 

Ally hoped she wouldn't need anything else.

Her mom kept making a fuss out of the whole ordeal. Ally could sort of understand her excitement but not entirely.

Ally loaded up her car and decided to chat with her mom.

"I think I'm going to leave now. I just wanted to tell you that I'm glad you're excited, but I don't know how this is going to turn out. I've only spoken to Hailey, Charlotte, and Tammy a handful of times. 

"But you've never had any friends that were girls before. None that I've ever met. This could be a nice change for you."

"It might be. I just want you to know that either way, if we hit it off or don't, Frank's still going to be my best friend. He's been the most important person in my life for years aside from you and dad."

"Sweetie, I never said anything about stopping being friends with him."

"I know, but you've mentioned having other friends around me and even him and. He respects you and is one of the kindest people I know. I'm lucky to have him in my life. I wish you could be more approving."

Ally's mom sighed. "I approve of him being your friend, Ally. Of course I do. Evelyn has clearly raised him well. What makes me nervous, as a mom, is how close you two have become over the years."

"Friends get closer as time goes by. That's not unnatural." 

"I know." Ally's mom hesitated. "I'm worried you'll invest too much time in each other and not see the other people in the world life has to offer. If someday you decide you have feelings for him, but haven't dated anyone else, it could end up not working out. I want you to be prepared for adulthood, Ally. Your dad and I aren't super strict about dating and there's a reason for that."

Ally shook her head. "I don't like Frank that way and it hasn't been confirmed that he even likes me that way it's just been speculated."

"All I'm saying is to make sure you're living your life in a way so as to get the most out of it. I'm grateful Frank is in your life. I feel you should have other friends in your life as well though.

Ally sighed. Guessing her mom had a point. 

Ally and Frank had both been targets for bullies when they were younger and had gone into various new grades assuming they'd stay targets. Eventually, they shut everyone else out and became damn near unapproachable a good amount of the time. 

Ally didn't think it was something they did intentionally. It's just what happened over time.

"Are you actually going to take my advice this time?" her mom asked, seemingly surprised.

Ally rolled her eyes. "I think I might just don't freakishly excited. I have to go. I'll see you tomorrow, mom."

"Alright. Bye, sweetie." 

Ally gave her mother a hug while her mom kissed her cheek. 

Ally headed out to her car and began driving to Hailey's address, nervous and partially excited. 

When Ally arrived, she was in awe at Hailey's house. She had heard from people at school that Hailey's house was huge. Her parents were supposedly loaded and she had big parties fairly often. 

Ally grabbed her backpack and swallowed as she walked up the driveway to the front door.

Ally rang the doorbell and Hailey answered. 

"Ally, you made it! Come on in!"

Ally smiled and followed Hailey inside. 

"Did you find it okay?"

"Yeah," Ally replied. "Your house looks awesome."

"Thank you. Wait until you get the tour. Are you hungry or thirsty? My parents made a bunch of food before they left."

"You mean we get the whole house to ourselves?"

"Of course! That's the norm for me. Charlotte and Tammy should be here soon. They're coming together." 

"Cool," Ally replied. "Um, where should I put my stuff?"

"My room is fine for now. Follow me."

Ally followed Hailey up a grand spiral staircase and up to the second floor. Down the hallway and past a few doors was Hailey's room. It was an impressive size with a futon, La-Z-Boy, and queen-sized bed. There was also an entertainment center, walk-in closet, and adjoining bath. 

"Whoa," Ally said. 

"I know right," Hailey said with a smile. "I find it so weird that you've never been here before. Everyone else is kind of used to is by now."

Ally dropped her bag on the floor and looked around the room, eyeing some of Hailey's posters. A lot of the artists on the posters were mainstream but Ally noticed a familiar one and smiled.

"You like Never Shout Never too?" Ally asked.

"Of course," Hailey said. "Christofer Drew is totally hot." 

"So not for the music?" Ally asked, trying not to sound disappointed. 

"I like the music too," Hailey said. 

The sound of a doorbell rang throughout the house and Hailey smiled. "Char and Tam are here! Come on!"

Ally followed after Hailey back to the front door. Once Charlotte and Tammy were inside, they all hugged and Ally said a quick, "Hello" to them seeing as how she wasn't much of a hugger.

"Good to see you made it, Ally," Charlotte said.

Whereas Hailey seemed to be the overenergetic one of the group, Charlotte appeared to be more laid back. Tammy was somewhere in the middle energy wise but they were all nice.

"Yeah, we weren't sure you were going to show," Tammy said. 

"Well she did," Hailey said. "Now, are you guys hungry?"

"Did your dad make some crazy good food again before he left" Charlotte asked. "I've been dying for some of his barbeque chicken."

"It's on the island in the kitchen. Come on," Hailey said.

Tammy smiled at Ally and followed after her friends while Ally trailed behind.

The kitchen was huge and smelled amazing. It looked like Hailey's parents had left enough food for a buffet. 

"Here are the plates and utensils, Ally," Hailey replied as she showed her. "Feel free to eat whatever you want."

"I'd highly recommend the chicken," Charlotte suggested. 

"Okay," Ally said with a smile. 

Once eat of them had filled a plate, they sat at the barstools at the island. 

"Okay," Hailey said, halting everyone mid-chew. "Does anyone have news or gossip I should know about?" Hailey asked. "And I must admit I have one specific topic in my mind right now."

"Well," Charlotte said. "I got into Berkeley."

"Shut up!" Hailey exclaimed. "Me too!"

"Wow, that's awesome," Ally said. "Isn't it really early to find out?"

"We did early admission," Charlotte said before glancing at Tammy. "How about you, hun?"

"I didn't apply to Berkeley, as you two know, but I did get into San Francisco State so it looks like the three of us will be heading to Northern California." 

"Yay! We'll still be close to each other. An hour or so is barely anything. Time to celebrate!"

Ally smiled, feeling out of sorts since she wouldn't be attending a university for a couple years or so. She was curious about something though.

"Where are your boyfriends going?" Ally asked curiously. "Are you guys all staying together?"

Tammy frowned. "Terrance is going to play basketball at the University of Oklahoma. We're going to split once we graduate."

"Honey, no," Charlotte said. "You guys seem so happy together though."

"I know, but we each had different dream schools and careers planned. Our futures didn't line up and that's okay. It happens."

Ally legitimately felt sad. "I'm sorry."

"But surely, Hailey, you and Tad are staying together?" Tammy asked curiously.

Hailey shook her head. "I'm moving on. I mean, I care about him and everything but we're going to be in college in separate states and I'm going to be surrounded by new guys and new experiences just as he's going to be surrounded by girls."

"What college did he get into for football?" Charlotte asked curiously. "Ohio State. He asked if I'd consider going with him and I said no. I don't want us to hold each other back. Plus, I don't want to freeze my a*s off over there. Could you imagine me in snow because I can't?"

Charlotte nodded and said, "Well, I guess I'm differing from the both of you. Craig let me know a while ago that though he loves basketball, he doesn't want to play in college. He wants to take up engineering and, as you two know, I want to do social work. We're both going to San Francisco State. It's the right move for both of us."

Ally felt a little bit of hope from Charlotte's response. She realized she'd asked them mainly because she wasn't sure if she and Aidan would split or stay together once he graduated. They'd never talked about it and she was worried. She'd just assumed they'd stay together but that might not be the case. As least the girls were all the in the same grade as their boyfriends.

"That's great, Char," Hailey said.

"Yeah, we hope you're both happy," Tammy said.

"I think it's cool that you know what you want even though you're young," Ally said. "I don't know where I'll be after graduation but I have a small plan."

"Are you and Aidan planning on going to different schools?" Hailey asked curiously. 

Ally shrugged. "I don't even plan on going to a university straight out of high school. I know he has his heart set on Stanford, though."

"That's close to San Fran State and Berkeley," Hailey pointed out. "You should totally apply to all three. Then we could be roomies."

Ally smiled even though she didn't see that in her future. Her plan had always been to go to community college first.

"Enough about college talk," Charlotte said. "Let's watch a movie while we finish the rest of our food."

"What are you guys in the mood for? Horror or chick flick?" Hailey asked.

Ally was about to say horror when Charlotte and Tammy said chick flick at the same time.

"I was thinking the same thing," Hailey said. "You guys up for watching Clueless again?" 

"Great."

"Sure."

Ally smiled and nodded, never having seen it before but not willing to admit that out loud. She was trying to blend in and not seem too weird to these girls. They didn't need to know she was a horror fanatic or that she had never seen Clueless.

She and Frank didn't usually watch chick flicks. She was sure he'd watch some if she really wanted to but they both enjoyed horror and suspense films.

Hailey put the movie on in the living room and each of them got comfy on one of the couches. 

Ally ate and watched, unsure about what to expect. 

At first, the characters seemed a little annoying. But as the movie progressed, Ally found she rather liked the story line and even the romantic aspect of it that unfolded.

She couldn't help but smile as she watched the movie. 

Once it was over, Hailey turned it off and said, "Never gets old. Paul Rudd is a fox."

"Totally," Tammy agreed. 

"So, Ally," Hailey began. "The girls and I don't really know you all that well. We've never all hung out at once."

"No, I guess we haven't," Ally agreed. "What would you like to know about me?"

"We have a more interesting way of getting to know each other," Hailey. "We usually play Never Have I Ever on sleepover nights."

Ally wasn't sure what that was. "How do you play?"

"Seriously?" Tammy asked, surprised.

"It's easy," Charlotte interjected. "You hold out both your hands with all ten fingers extended."

Charlotte demonstrated with her own hands. 

"We sit in a circle and go around so everyone gets a turn. You say one truth about yourself each time we got around but start with 'Never Have I Ever.' For instance, Never have I ever cheated on my boyfriend."

Ally looked to Tammy and Hailey and saw they each had their hands and fingers extended but Hailey put one of hers down. 

She shrugged and said, "We worked it out."

"While the game is to learn more about each other, we're also trying to get each other out," Charlotte explained. "Whoever has the most fingers left at the end of the game wins."

Ally couldn't help but feel a little nervous about the game. It felt a little private and invasive.

"So you want to play?" Hailey asked curiously. 

Not wanting to be the odd one out, Ally said, "Sure. So who wants to go first?"

Hailey said, "I will" as they all saw in a circle facing each other and held out their hands, all fingers extended. "Here goes. Never have I ever made out with a girl." 

Charlotte and Tammy groaned and both put a finger down. "It was on a dare, Hailey," Charlotte pointed out.

"Fine," Tammy said. "Never have I ever had a threesome."

Charlotte laughed and Hailey sighed dramatically as she put one of her fingers down. "Keep it coming, b*****s." 

"Never have I ever made out with a complete stranger," Charlotte said.

Tammy and Hailey each put another finger down.

"Your turn, Ally," Charlotte said. "We go a little more sexual because we've known each other for years but you can say whatever you want as your truth." 

"Okay," Ally said, not sure she'd get any fingers down since she'd played it safe for most of her life in that department. "Never have I ever slept with a night light." 

"Aw, really?" Tammy asked. "I was terrified of the dark as a kid."

"Me too," Hailey said as they each put a finger down. 

Charlotte smiled and said, "I'm good on that one too."

"Ugh, never have I ever smoked a cigarette," Hailey said. 

Charlotte and Tammy each put a finger down but Ally's stayed where they were.

"Never have I ever gotten it on in the shower," Tammy said.

Charlotte and Hailey both started complaining which Ally found funny because they insisted Tammy was "missing out" so much. 

"I don't like sharing hot water," Tammy defended.

"The water doesn't even have to be on," Hailey clarified. 

Tammy rolled her eyes and looked at Ally. "You're still clean?"

Ally shrugged. "I haven't done much of anything with anyone yet." 

"Shut. Up." Hailey's mouth was agape. "Not even Aidan?" 

Ally could feel her cheeks heating up. "Nope."

"Intriguing," Hailey said. "He has a reputation for being with a lot of girls. He hasn't tried anything with you?"

"No," Ally said, determined not to count the last time they talked.

"You shouldn't be so surprised, Hailey," Charlotte said. "Not all girls are like you."

"Getting back to the game," Charlotte said, saving Ally from further embarrassment. "Never have I ever gone out with someone younger than me."

Heidi put another finger down and said, "Once again, I'm losing this game. No big surprise there."

Charlotte smiled encouragingly at Ally. Ally took a deep breath and said, "Never have I ever had sex with anyone."

Since Ally kind of already said something similar earlier, she didn't mind saying it in the game.

Charlotte, Tammy, and Hailey each put a finger down.

"We have to change tactics, girls. She's clean in areas we aren't," Heidi said. "Ally, really, sex is amazing and you should try it. I'm sure Aidan would make your first time special." 

"We haven't been dating that long," Ally pointed off.

"Lay off, Hailey. Maybe she's just not ready," Charlotte said. "And that's totally fine."

"Yeah, yeah. Never have I ever had a guy as my best friend," Hailey said and gave Ally a long stare.

Ally folded one of her fingers down, not ashamed. 

"That's right. You're best friends with Frank Anderson," Tammy said. "You seriously haven't even tried anything with him?"

Ally shook her head. "Frank and I are just friends."

"But you've thought about it at least?" Hailey asked, curious as well. "I mean, come on, you can't be blind. He is seriously hot. We're seniors and we can tell you that there are several girls in our class that think so." 

Tammy nodded. "I noticed him as a sophomore when he was a freshman but I thought you two were together then." 

Ally shook her head. 

"Wow, okay," Tammy said. "Never have I ever eaten dairy products."

"You're playing that card now?" Charlotte asked, putting a finger down.

Tammy shrugged. "I can't help that I'm lactose intolerant. Deal with it."

Ally folded another finger down along with Charlotte and Hailey. 

"Never have I ever been outside the country," Charlotte said. 

Ally hadn't either but both Tammy and Hailey put another finger down. 

The game continued and though the girls did manage to find ways to get a couple more of Ally's fingers down, she managed to stay in the game longer than any of them. 

"Congrats, girl," Charlotte said with wide smile. "I think we've officially initiated you." 

"So what next?" Tammy asked excitedly.

"Dessert?" Hailey asked. "Non-dairy dessert as well," she clarified for Tammy.

"Let's go!" Charlotte said, running back into the kitchen.

Ally followed them, still not sure how she felt about playing the game, but happy to have won. The girls were nice and they seemed to like her. 

Still, Ally really wanted to text Frank. Maybe she would before they went to sleep.

...

Frank looked over at his mom and smiled.

She had fallen asleep on the couch as they watch a movie. Frank grabbed a blanket from her room and draped it over her before turning the TV off. 

He walked into his room and got ready for bed. It was almost midnight. 

As he got under the covers of his bed, his phone vibrated and he checked who he'd received a message from.

Wasn't sure what to expect but I'm so glad I came! The girls are pretty cool and welcoming. I wouldn't say we're BFFs or anything but I had a lot of fun. We're about to go to sleep just thought I'd text you how it went and to say goodnight. 

Frank smiled and texted Ally back. Glad you had fun. You can give me details tomorrow. Goodnight, Als.

Frank sighed and rolled over in his bed. If Ally could make new friends and give new people a chance, then so could he.