He smiled when she nodded her head to his question. Pulling away from the hug, he turned around and walked over to his bed. Moving his luggage off of it and placing it in front of the nightstand. When he turned around, he noticed something was off about her. “Is… Everything alright?”
Their eyes meet each other, and she spoke, her voice breaking as she spoke. “When does our flight leave?” He walked back over to her and gently placed his hand on her jawline as he caressed her cheek with his thumb. “We don’t need to be at the airport for another two and a half hours.” He paused as he searched her eyes. “If this is too much for you, you can back out. I wouldn’t hold it against you if you decided to go home instead…” Biting the inner part of his lower lip as he waited for her respond. He really didn’t want her to back out but at the same time he really didn’t want her to feel forced.
Her response was quicker than he thought it would be. Quicker than he thought was fair for him.
Amore Mio (Jayda)
Can we please talk when you’re free?
My Love
Aren’t you in Italy? So you mean like on the phone?
Amore Mio (Jayda)
I was. I got back on campus a few minutes ago.
Amore Mio (Jayda)
In person if you’re still here?
Amore Mio (Jayda)
I know it’s day one of break but I really need to explain face to face if possible.
Still in the snow, Enzo couldn’t take his eyes off his phone anymore. His battery ticked down to ten percent but he couldn’t find it in him to move. Was Jayda already on her way home? Would she wanna talk to him?
Lorenzo was in his room at his grandparents place. He was just chilling and listening to music when his phone went off. He looked at it and smiled as he saw it was his fiancée. He read her message before responding.
I’m not sure. I think our grandparents will be excited. My parents won’t care, and your parents will probably make a big deal about it since we are young. blah blah blah. However, the ring on your finger symbolizing it looks so good on you.
He smiled as he sent the message and then looked at a picture of the ring.
Ty had found out Madison had gotten pregnant and filed for custody of her. He was lucky enough to know the judge and pay him off, so that he would rule in his favor. He had told Joy last week that he was coming to collect Madison since he got full custody. He knocked on Madison’s door. She came to the door and said “What are you doing here? How did you find out where my room is?” He looked at her. “I came to get you. You are coming with me!” He said to her.
Finn was excited about being with Kayden. It was better than going home to Germany to deal with his messed up family. He wondered what his sister was doing this break. However, he was ready to spend as much time with Kayden as possible. They got to Kayden’s house and Kayden asked if he was ready. “Yes, I’m ready. I hope they like me.”
Jade felt her phone go off again. It was right after Ian had said how long till the flight left. He had also said that if it was too much she could back out. She felt the sparks fly as he caressed her cheek. However, before she could respond to Ian her phone had went off. She glanced down at it seeing it was Enzo again. She read his text. Now it all made sense why he was suddenly texting her. He was back, not just back in the states but here on campus. She took a deep breath as she typed up a response.
Yes, I’m still in here. Where do you want to meet?
She looked back up at Ian. “I don’t want to back out. I still want to go with you Ian. There is just…” She sighed thinking about her having to go talk to Enzo. She was excited but nervous to talk to him. All the heartbreak she felt… This was something she needed to do for herself. She needed to go with Ian. Enzo got to take off for two months without even one word to her. So, this was her turn… She needed to see how she felt about Ian. She already knew she loved Enzo and was in love with him. She knew she was falling for Ian. She didn’t want to lose either one of them. She thought what if she could date both of them.
“There is just something I have to take care of before we leave. Is it cool if I leave my bag here with you while I go handle this? I promise to be back before we have to go tot he airport.” She said as she thought about what could or possibly would happen. However, she knew she needed to talk to Enzo, but she also knew she needed to go with Ian. She thought if Enzo had just taken her with him then nothing would have changed. She stood there thinking about thing. Would it be awkward to see Enzo since she had been with Ian for the last two months? Would Enzo hate her if he found out about Ian? Would Ian get mad at her? All this and so much more was running through her mind.
He leaned in and placed a delicate kiss on her forehead. “Go take care of what it is that has your attention. I don’t mind keeping your luggage here with me.” He leaned down a little bet more and met her lips with his own, being gentle. “I will be waiting.”
Chloe got up from her bed after she sent Lorenzo her text and went to er closet. She was figuring out what to wear tonight and how she should do her hair, since they are hosting tonight. She then heard her phone go off and saw he texted her back.
I know for a fact your grandparents will be excited. I think mine will be excited but they will also be like your young are you sure you want to be engaged now and when I say yes then they will be on board. My parents are going to have a major fit I can only imagine that long lecture or yelling later. I mean hopefully you parents would accept me.
Madi just looked confused when he talked and told her that she is coming with him. “The hell I am! Why would go with you? You do realize I live on campus in the headmistress house like you did not long ago but then you left us for your skank of a receptionist. Plus for 2 years you have not called or texted or seen me besides when you found out that I was pregnant. So you really expect me to go with you after you deserted me?”
Kayden nodded his head to his comment. “I hope they like you to, I am sure they will but since being wit them they never met any of my friends or boyfriends so it will be new to me to my love. I would have wanted to go to your place but since it’s the first break since being adopted I know they would want to see me to. So this works and maybe I could go to Germany with you for a little bit before we go back to school.”
The snow and dim hallway light made Lavs hair and beard glitter. It made Sadie smile, as she quickly ushered him in, in hopes he wouldn’t so much as notice.
There was a slight pause before Lav said, “I’ll just put these ingredients in the kitchen and start working.” And Sadie wondered if putting the wine on the counter was too bold of a move. Instead, she decided on a subtle joke. “Cold?” She asked, eyeing his jacket that was still on. Also assuming he’d probably need everything he bought so she didn’t unload anything in the fridge. “I can’t say I’m much of a chef without a recipe… but I am a pretty good prep cook if you need any help.” She offered, coming to peer into the plastic bags now on her counter.
• Coach Coltrane . @LunaticLeviTheSecond . SIX DAYS! I’m getting back on the bandwagon!! •
Amore Mio (Jayda)
Can we please talk when you’re free?
My Love
Aren’t you in Italy? So you mean like on the phone?
Amore Mio (Jayda)
I was. I got back on campus a few minutes ago.
Amore Mio (Jayda)
In person if you’re still here?
Amore Mio (Jayda)
I know it’s day one of break but I really need to explain face to face if possible.
My Love
Yes, I’m still in here. Where do you want to meet?
Amore Mio (Jayda)
Anywhere
Amore Mio (Jayda)
Want me to come to your dorm?
After that was sorted Vincenzo quickly went in the building towards the meeting spot. His suitcase skidded and jumped as he drug it quickly, practically holding it by the long retractable handle. His clothes started to get wet as the heat of the building blasted on him, he’d been outside for a good ten minutes—but Enzo didn’t have time to slow down. He had to get to Jayda to explain everything.
Enzo was nearly jogging now, his suitcase hitting his heels almost making him trip several times. He rounded a corner and immediately was frozen. A few feet away, Jayda, not facing him. He must have intercepted her on the way to the meeting spot. He admired the back of her head—a different colored hair than when he’d left two months ago and felt a pang of something he couldn’t quite understand. This only lasted about two seconds, as she turned around probably from how loud he’d been coming down the corridor, but two seconds was all he had needed for the pit in his stomach to turn into a back hole.
“Ciao capo,” (“Hello boss) Enzo breathed, one of his oldest nicknames for her, from long before they had started dating.
Jade smiled at Ian. “Thanks, I’ll be back as soon as I can. I’m so excited to be going with you.” She said before kissing his lips. Then she walked out and towards her dorm. On her way back to her dorm she got the message from Enzo telling her to meet at her dorm. She had just gotten back to the dorm and was about to walk in when she heard noises.
She figured it was Enzo. She took a deep breath as she turned around. She stood there frozen at the site of Enzo. Somehow he looked the same but different. He said his old nickname for her. She smiled at him. Part of her wanted to run and jump in his arms, while the other part wanted to yell at him. “Hey handsome.” She said as she stood there still frozen in shock that he was actually here.
As soon as she smiled Vincenzo was dropping his suitcase and coming to stand right in front of her. “May I…” He looked her up and down, a force of habit if you will. “Hug you?” He swallowed, finding it hard to keep an appropriate distance. But… what was an appropriate distance for a guy who ghosted his girlfriend for two months? If he has been looking in on someone else’s situation like this… oh, this wouldn’t be an appropriate distance. But how he craved her touch… even just holding her hand.
Jayda ☆ @ChayChay05 ☆ do we like blue or yellow speech better? :–☆–::–☆–::–☆–::–☆–::–☆–::–☆–:*
The sun beamed through Luke’s window as he stretched his arms and yawned. Then he got out of bed and took a shower. He put on another white T - shirt and jeans but after realizing it would be cold outside, he decided to go for a leather coat with a fur hood.
Today was a new day at St Andrews academy but he had already been going there for a couple of weeks. Now it was winter break. He would go and see his mom a bit later after his sister Magnolia did, but for now he would be at school.
He texted his friend Leo that he was going to be outside the cafeteria before leaving his room.
His black shoes crunched against some of the snow that fell upon the ground. He could see his breath in front of him whenever he breathed. He rubbed his handa together to warm them.
After coming across the cafeteria, he stood against the wall to wait for Leo. He pulled a cigarette from his pocket, and lit it with his lighter. Deep in thought, he watched the smoke form in the air but something from the corner of his eye caught his attention. He realized it was his good friend Leo.
“What’s up? It’s cold this mornin’ innit?” He hadn’t really gotten enough time to talk to him yet. He was always doing something. “How’ve you been doin? In your soap opera life.” He smirked and took another puff of his cigarette again.
“Cold?” She asked. If he came into the kitchen with his coat on, it’ll be obvious he’s keeping something from her, and the secret isn’t that bad. He chuckled it off and put the grocery bag on the counter while he took his coat off. “I can’t say I’m much of a chef without a recipe… but I am a pretty good prep cook if you need any help.” She offered and he turned to her and immediately said “Really, there’s no need to help.” He said as she looked into the bag on the counter just as he came back to the kitchen to take charge. “Oh that … I bought a Prosecco. It’s like Champagne but not really, stilly fancy though. I figured since you’ve moved in so far away from your friends who might give you an honest housewarming and get you something useful … Well so you wouldn’t miss out on that because you presumably moved because of your heartbreak, I hoped this gift would do. Even thought it’s very very belated.” He felt nervous and his palms were sweaty, as if he was presenting something in front of a strict teacher. He was afraid this gesture might’ve not been okay, he hasn’t bought anybody a housewarming gift before, never had the opportunity, so he didn’t know if he did too much, too little or just enough for a woman who’s still only an good acquitance. He doesn’t consider a lot of people his friends, although he’s friendly with a lot of people, and now he was wondering if today was the step from a good acquintance to friendship, in his eyes at least. She might’ve already been considering them to be friends, which Lav wouldn’t have minded and wouldn’t have told her otherwise if she did call them friends, it’s just that he hasn’t considered her that way yet. Now, his view of her is changing, should it be? Does today mean something or was he just there and none of her friends were, so she asked him for help? Well whatever it was, he’s about to eat his favorite dish, so he pushes those uncertain thoughts out and fills them with the memory of the dish and how mom made it.
“It’s no trouble at all Lav…” as she peered into the grocery bags. “Oh that …” And suddenly it clicked why he’d insisted on doing things himself. Unless he was just that type of man anyway? Oh dear, she was over analyzing him, wasn’t she? After that, Sadie’s facial expressions were a slide show as he presented his “points.”
“I bought a Prosecco.” She nodded along, an almost smile on her lips. Sadie had to press her lips together to stop the smile, it was good to know she hasn’t been to bold herself by putting out the wine. He’d thought the same thing, so it was alright. Right? “It’s like Champagne but not really, stilly fancy though.” She continued nodding, her brows slowly rising in an interested and inquisitive manner. “I figured since you’ve moved in so far away from your friends who might give you an honest housewarming and get you something useful … Well so you wouldn’t miss out on that because you presumably moved because of your heartbreak, I hoped this gift would do. Even thought it’s very very belated.” Sadie’s brows were definitely raised as Colt sorta word vomited to this point. She let a sorta interested, curious, small smile cross her face. And then the chuckle escaped.
“Yes and no. Most of my friends and family actually only live three hours away, so not horribly far.” She said, slowly putting things from the bag to the counter, but still keeping her eyes on Lav. Although her parents and a few close friends knew of the breakup, she hadn’t outright told anyone she moved on her own, although she knew it was probably implied. “As for moving into my own place… you’re not technically wrong. Once me and my ex, Mike, broke up I couldn’t stand sharing an apartment with him. I feel like he couldn’t either. Plus, it was best to go separate ways after being together for so long.” Sadie shrugged, holding the brownie mix. She felt like an imposter. How could some nights she think about what it would’ve been if he’d end up proposing and not leaving… but speaking about him now it was a sigh of relief that he’d been gone. That he wasn’t in her life. Eyes averted, she finally put the brownie mix on her counter.
She was definitely ready to crack open either alcoholic drink now. Instead, she rolled up her sleeves and looked up to the giant in her kitchen. “I was serious. I can dice and chop like nobody’s business,” She smiled.
After she left, he walked over and cleared the few items off of his bed before laying down on it. Starring at the ceiling, he wondered what was so important that had her running off. He sighed as he pulled his phone out and began typing up a text.
My Dov
Hey my beautiful Dov. I’m already missing you. I hope you are enjoying your break Counting down to the days I get to have you in my arms again
He hit send and laid the phone on his chest as he closed his eyes and waited.
“Yes and no. Most of my friends and family actually only live three hours away, so not horribly far.” Lav remembered when he had the same thought. I’m far away enough to get back home quick if mom gets hurt by dad, but distant enough from that jerk to not influence me. Turned out he was wrong and didn’t make it home in time. He swallowed his feelings of regret and kept unpacking groceries. “As for moving into my own place … you’re not technically wrong. Once me and my ex, Mike, broke up I couldn’t stand sharing an apartment with him. I feel like he couldn’t either. Plus, it was best to go separate ways after being together for so long.”I couldn’t stand sharing an apartment with him. I feel like he couldn’t either. Swap the word apartment for a house and you get the exact thoughts Lav had about his father after his mother’s death, promting him to leave a comfortable but tense and suffocating house for a cardboard apartment. You know what though? Lav never once regretted it, especially not when he became more financially stable and got better living arrangements. Now he knows if he hits rock bottom he’ll know how to survive it again.
Coltrane pulled out the potatoes out of the bag and said “Well, I haven’t decided what to make as a side dish, didn’t know what you’d like, but the main dish doesn’t need chopping.” He pulled out the meat tenderizer out of the bag and handed it to her. “If you absolutely insist, I’ll need you to thin out the meat with the meat tenderizer.” The meat tenderizer usually looks more like a mallet than anything, so Lav goes off on a tangent about it “I never understood why it’s called a meat tenderizer, that’s such a moutfull and it’s used more to thin out meat not tenderize it, slow cooking and other techniques work better for that. I think it should’ve been called a meat mallet, sounds badass, rolls off the tongue better and it better explains what it is.” He realized he was probably boring her and gets back on track. “If you have any regrets or some hatred within yourself, this recipe works wonders for anger management.” As he said the words Anger Management he pointed towards the mallet and smiled, hoping she got his joke. He turned back to his side of the counter starting to make a sauce to go with the dish. He tried thinking of a dish that would work well with Cordon Bleu while she was using the meat mallet, which wasn’t helping him think since he was looking over at her to make sure she’s not using too much or to little power, while also focusing on making tartar sauce and thinking about side dishes. She mentioned she can dice really well, so he figured some roughly diced vegetable slices quickly cooked in the air fryer would be perfect.
The mallet was heavy in her hands as Sadie pumped it up and down a couple times as Lav finally offered her one job. She nodded enthusiastically, as she listened to his bubbling of thoughts, grinning as he called it bad ass. It almost made her giggle thinking about the man she thought was a no nonsense I-don’t-want-to-repeat-myself type coach. Over the course of a few self-defense classes and unpacking her apartment she’d learnt he’s actually a caring guy who really did care about whatever he put himself into. That he went off on tangents and said whatever was on his mind, even if he did seem a little shy after the fact they came out. It was genuine, and it never ceased to bring a little smile to her face.
“Yes sir, use meat mallet to get out anger,” Sadie saluted him with the non-mallet hand in jest. Sadie turned to her free counter, pulling out her meat cutting board. Growing up her parents had been very particular about what was used when and how and that’s something that carried on into her life. Currently she had only two cutting boards, one for meat and one mostly for vegetables or anything else that desperately needed the use of a cutting board.
The mallet was already heavy in itself, and she really wasn’t sure how much forced to use. She started slowly noticing it made almost no difference and then added more pressure to it. She couldn’t help the way her browse creased in concentration. In her mind this was such a simple task yet she didn’t know the perfect formula for it. But eventually fell into a steady pattern, evening the meat across its whole surface, after one spot another almost like whack-a-mole. Trying to keep it level.
As Sadie started to beat the meat Coltrane realized she had never used the meat pounder before. “Yes sir, use meat mallet to get out anger.” She joked. He was delighted that she made this joke. When people make the joke where they jokingly react to him like to a drill sargeant, he believes it means that he’s managed to be authoritative but not feared and not too hard on anybody. As a teacher he thinks this is a compliment, he is neither too lenient nor too strict, not a softie push-over nor a hardened drill seargent. The perfect balance for a teacher. But he’d rather become too lenient with time rather than a strict nightmare for kids. He doesn’t want to become his father, but little does he know he could never become lazy enough to be like his father.
He noticed that she quickly learned how to handle the meat pounder and was beating the meat nicely and efficiently. He watched her in amazement for a while. Too long not to be noticed by her.
@eunoia - Sorry it’s short, I was hoping she’d notice him staring and say something about it.
Once or twice she flipped the meat over and now she kind of just stared at it. Not sure if she was done or how thin he wanted it. She glanced over at him about to ask, but he seemed to be watching already and not saying anything so she just continued on a little bit lighter now. Although she did notice the way her pattern was off after she realized he was watching. She blamed it on the thought that nobody did their best work under constant supervision. But… his gaze didn’t feel overbearing or make her feel like she was doing it wrong.
As if to give a warning, she put the meat tenderizer down lightly against the cutting board, then turned around and stepped aside to reveal the meat. “Lav? This okay? Pounded enough?” she turned back around as if looking at her work, but really, even though she was a full 38-year-old woman well set in her career, who often kept a serious face around the kids she taught… saying ‘pounded enough?’ felt taboo and definitely was the not her best moment. If she hadn’t been handling meat, she would’ve put a hand over her cheeks just to cool them down. she took a big breath, trying to be quiet and let it out through her nose.
She started wondering how thin the cutlets should be, and he forgot to tell her they were all right that way. Instead he just kept on staring, until his eyes came into focus and he realized she was looking back at him. He knew it was weird and that he looked for far too long, so he just said. “Sorry it’s just amazing how you managed to do it perfectly withouth much instruction form me. How quickly you learned just how hard to pound it. I wish every student was as good as you and learn just as quickly as you do.” But he hasn’t answered what she wanted to ask him, so she reapeated her question, just to get it clear. “Lav? This okay? Pounded enough?” and he replied with “Yes. It’s thin enough.” However while watching her try not to laugh and as he cheeks started looking all red and puffed up like she tried to store nuts for winter, he realized the innuendo in the wording of “Pounded enough?” He didn’t realize just how funny it sounded until he saw her trying to hide her laughter, and it made him smile. He thought how often she smiles at everything, but he assumed he was never the reason of her smiles. He thought if he added to the accidental joke he might be the reason she starts laughing. Although smiling at him might’ve felt better and been sweeter, laughing with him and to his joke is still great. “Thank you, you did a great job. You can beat my meat again anytime.”
She smiled as Enzo dropped his suit case and coming running to stand closer to her. She watched him look her up and down which only made her smile grow bigger. He asked if he could hug her. She smiled even bigger if that was even possible and slowly nodded her head. No words came out with that. She could feel their electricity still. She couldn’t help but want to kiss his lips. They looked softer than ever. Italy had always looked good on him. Once he wrapped his arms around her, embracing her, she slowly melted into his arms. How could it be possible… How could she still be in love with someone who up and left her two months ago with a silly note that said hardly anything. They had just shared the best night of their lives together. Finally giving into each other fully. The next morning she woke up alone, n@k3d and vulnerable. She wasn’t sure how she would feel when she saw him again. However, it was as if no time had passed. Almost out of habit… She leaned in towards his lips. She held her breath as she stopped short of his lips. Their lips were only inches apart now. She felt the magnetic pull to him. If he ever found out about Ian… It would either kill him or end them. She couldn’t possibly choose between these two wonderful men. She just wanted to be with him in this moment. Maybe they could talk a little… Then have a round of fun before she leaves with Ian. After-all Ian said that they didn’t have to be at the airport for two more hours. So, that gave her plenty of time to talk and do whatever with Enzo. However, if she chose this… that would mean no time alone with Ian before the plane ride to New Zealand.. However, maybe they could join the mile high club. Even though she was pretty sure that he was already a part of it. “I… I missed you… Vincenzo.” She said as she stood there nearly trembling in his arms from the excitement.
@eunoia I really hope this was worth the wait… It was hard but I love it… haha @SotaForgotten Ian mentioned
Leo was lost in his thoughts about Madi and loosing the baby. He had spent most of the last two months in a funk. Tattooing people, drinking, smoking… Staying numb if you will. He didn’t hate Madi for what happened… However, he just couldn’t except that his only chance to have kids was now gone forever. Sure, the baby wasn’t planned, neither was the night he slept with Madi… He loved Killian more then anything… However, since the baby was lost… He didn’t even love himself. He wasn’t paying attention to who was around him while walking to the cafeteria. Then he heard the voice of an old friend. Leo forced a smile as he leaned against the wall with Luke. “Yeah, it’s chilly.” He was still waiting to know if TJ wanted to meet up and talk in person or not. Then Luke asked how life was. Leo lite his cig. “I’ve been… alive…” was all he could say. He could have actually said a lot more, but Leo didn’t want to let anyone in. He couldn’t even let Killian in fully about how he was feeling. “How you been mate?” He asked as he took a drag.
Counting down to the days I get to have you in my arms again
