Chapter 58

~Ian~

“Has the jury reached a verdict?” the judge asks after reading a form filled out by the Foreman.

“We have, Your Honor,” the Foreman replies. “We find the defendant, Keith Strulk, not guilty.”

Stephanie tenses beside me, her hand squeezing mine as Kelsey screams and passes out. Steven has an arm around Kayla and Lexi, who are both sobbing into his shoulders. Both of Lexi’s siblings looked stunned, and Marcia has her hands over her mouth as her eyes widen in shock. Ashley looks like she’s ready to kill and is completely ignoring Josh’s attempts to console her.

Keith slowly turns his head, a haughty smirk adorning his features. The sight of Lexi and Kayla crying seems to bring him great amusement. Then his gaze lands on Stephanie. She lets out a breath, pressing herself against me. I wrap an arm around her shoulders protectively, wishing for the ability to do more.

My head jerks up as I hear a groan and a scream. Or maybe a scream and a groan. The police are dragging Lexi away, covered in blood. Is she hurt? She’s screaming. Most of the blood is running down her chin, her eyes are wild as she struggles against the two officers.

“Rot in Hell, you fucking bastard!” Lexi’s spewing spittle at the crumpled, bloody form of Keith on the ground.

The scene changes and I’m laying in bed holding Stephanie as she cries and shakes. Her parents are constantly fighting, local gang activity is surging, and the news of Kelsey’s death is pushing my girlfriend over the edge. I’m trying to be supportive, but everything just keeps getting worse and worse.

Now we’re in my room while Stephanie screams into the phone. Lexi has been committed, unfit to stand trial. Nicole spends all her time at the ward, trying to coax Lexi out of the fugue she’s in. Lexi only responds when Steven visits, but even then only to cry that he can’t see her this way. Eventually, he stops coming as it only drives her to harm herself. Kayla is spiraling, despite the efforts of Hazel, Marcia, and Ashley. Our ex-girlfriend is disappearing for days at a time, returning in torn clothes with the smell of alcohol on her breath.

Stephanie and I are at MIT, standing outside in a quiet corner as we argue in hushed voices. She wants to go home. Kayla’s getting worse. At first she was just going to parties and spreading her legs for every guy in the place. Now she’s on suspension for getting caught having sex with a professor in his office.

It’s over. I’m single. Convincing Stephanie not to return to Ashwood was a huge mistake. Kayla’s been going to raves, parties heavy with gang activity and drug use. There are videos of Kayla having sex all over the internet. Lexi is still undergoing therapy, but what I hear is that she just rocks back-and-forth and cries.

I wake up with a gasp, my eyes opening to look up at the unfamiliar ceiling. It takes a few moments for my sleep-addled brain to separate my nightmare from reality. Just a dream. Just a dream. It’s Saturday, the day after graduation. Kayla is still at her graduation party and Keith is in jail. The trial hasn’t even happened yet. Stephanie is safe, too. I’m with her right now, at her mom’s apartment.

I can feel Stephanie’s body against mine. Her head is resting on my chest and her arm is around my waist. She’s safe. Her body is warm against me, her breathing soft and steady. One of Stephanie’s long legs is draped over mine and she seems completely relaxed.

Amazing memories from last night play in my mind as I realize Stephanie is naked. We’re at her mother’s house because her father is absolutely against me spending the night. Her mom isn’t too enthused with the idea, but she’s allowing it because of everything Stephanie’s been through. The awkward tension in the air is tough for me, but it’s so worth it.

I’ve woken from a nightmare and feel like I’m now in a wonderful dream. I’m actually laying in bed with a naked woman draped over me. It’s hard to believe I was a virgin just a few months ago, expecting to retain that status for a very long time. Finding the courage to ask Kayla out has really changed the trajectory of my life.

“You okay?” Stephanie mumbles, jerking me out of my ruminations.

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m okay,” I say slowly. “Just a bad dream.”

“Do you wanna talk about it?” she offers, sitting up and brushing her raven hair out of her face.

I don’t respond right away. The blanket is now around Stephanie’s waist, exposing her large, beautiful breasts. There was a time where I wondered if seeing boobs would eventually get old. Now I have my answer; nope, they’ll be mesmerizing for the rest of my life. I know there are some who think a woman’s breasts are just for feeding babies, but the science disagrees. Humans are the only primates with engorged breasts all the time, not just while breastfeeding. So, yes, they are for nursing, but they are also for attracting a mate. And I am very, very attracted.

“Hey!” Stephanie exclaims, snapping her fingers in front of my face. “Eyes up here.”

“Sorry,” I blush slightly as I look up into her sparkling brown eyes.

“I guess the dream couldn’t have been that bad,” she comments, making no effort to cover herself.

“It was, but your boobs are magic,” I reply with a smirk.

“Mm, they really are,” Stephanie purrs, running her fingertips along her chest, just above her breasts. “How about you tell me about your nightmare, then maybe I can come up with a way to make you feel better?”

“Keith was found not guilty,” I state plainly.

“Oh,” she winces, biting her lower lip as the mood changes.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have brought it up,” I let out a breath.

“No, it’s okay,” Stephanie replies, shaking her head. “He raped me. There’s going to be a trial, and it’s going to be a big deal. What else happened?”

“Things just got worse and worse,” I explain. “For Kelsey, for Lexi. For Kayla. It got really bad, let’s just leave it at that. And I felt helpless, not able to do anything for either of you.”

“You’re here for me, and your support will help me get through this,” she insists, leaning forward to kiss me. “Are you feeling guilty about Kayla?”

“Yes,” I confirm, nodding. “I know we both have to come back here for the trial, but I still feel like we’re abandoning her.”

“Kayla has a lot of people in her life to support her,” Stephanie shrugs. “I miss her, but I really think the breakup is for the best. Let’s face it, Kayla would choose her father and friends over us without a second thought.”

“It’s not a competition,” I reason.

“I love Kayla, but her relationship with her father isn’t healthy,” she continues. “I was mostly okay with it, but I think it’s not just sex; Kayla is never going to leave him. Never going to leave that house. I’m still her friend, and I want to help her through the trial, but it’s a good thing you and I are getting away from all this. We’ll have a fresh start in Massachusetts.”

“You’re right,” I nod slowly. “The break will be good for us, and maybe we can find each other in the future. Either way, that asshole Keith is NOT going to get away with what he did.”

“Damn straight,” Stephanie smiles. “And remember, he doesn’t even have a cock anymore.”

“That’s true,” I smirk.

“Fortunately, my very sexy boyfriend doesn’t have that issue,” she giggles, her hand sliding beneath the covers until her fingers wrap around my thickness. “Oh! I think someone is happy to see me.”

“I’m always happy to see you,” I tell her sincerely.

“Thanks, but I was talking about Ian Junior this time,” Stephanie winks as she starts stroking me under the blanket.

“I-I’m Ian Junior,” I stammer as her fingers massage my balls before she resumes giving me a handjob. “Since my dad is also named Ian.”

“Ian?” she looks at me seriously as her thumb brushes my tip.

“Yes?” I ask.

“Shut up and enjoy,” Stephanie advises.

“Yeah, that sounds smart,” I agree with a nod.

Still laughing, Stephanie ducks her head beneath the comforter and wastes no time wrapping her lips around me. I gasp softly, still amazed by the feeling. Stephanie starts moving her head up and down while her hand massages my balls. As often as I used to fantasize about blowjobs, I must admit they are better than I ever imagined possible.

After using her mouth on me for a couple minutes, Stephanie throws the blanket back, fully exposing us both. With absolute confidence, Stephanie straddles me and looks down at me with a sultry expression. Reaching between us, she strokes me several times while aiming me at her entrance. Her eyelids flutter as she lowers herself onto me, a small gasp escaping her lips.

I’m having sex. It’s still completely unbelievable to me that my penis is currently nestled in the velvet warmth of a tight vagina. I’m nerdy Ian, the lonely loser. Yet, I’m somehow looking up at a gorgeous woman as she claws at my chest while her hips undulate in my lap. I grip her hips tightly, watching her beautiful body. The most amazing expressions cross her face, and I’m enthralled by the sight of her large, wobbling breasts.

“Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!” Stephanie pants, her hands at the back of her head, running through her raven locks.

Stephanie starts bouncing in my lap as my hands slide up her body until I’m holding her boobs. They look so firm, but are still squishy in my hands. She moans when I squeeze her breasts, her hard nipples pressing into my palms. Stephanie whispers my name as she slides a hand between her legs to rub herself.

I can feel her tight tunnel gripping me, spasms in her vaginal walls indicating an impending climax. Her moaning grows more intense as she rubs her clitoris. Stephanie soon takes me all the way inside her, her face tensing as she makes the most adorable groans and moans.

When her orgasm subsides, Stephanie leans over me, putting her dangling boobs in my face. I cup her breasts in my hands so I can kiss and lick all over her cleavage. She feels so good, her body is amazing. I slide my hands down so I can squeeze her butt. It takes a couple of tries, but I eventually get my mouth on a swinging boob so I can suck on her nipple.

“Stephanie!” I gasp against her breast as my release approaches.

“Cum for me, baby,” Stephanie begs as she undulates on top of me. “Fill my pussy. Give me all that hot cum.”

I explode. Even my toes are tingling as my testicles eject their entire contents into Stephanie’s body. She moans and shudders, her vaginal muscles squeezing me, milking me. It’s indescribable. It’s heavenly. And I truly can’t believe it’s happening to me.

We lay in bed cuddling, both of us glowing in the aftermath of our lovemaking. Guilt over Kayla fills me, but I push it away as I run my fingers through Stephanie’s hair. It’s only five in the morning, so we decide to get another hour of rest before having breakfast. I do miss Kayla, but I love that I don’t have to share Stephanie with anyone. Stephanie loves her parents, but it’s not the same as what’s between Kayla and Steven.

~Steven~

“Should we really be getting a new bed first?” I ask my wife as we walk through the furniture store. “The house is basically empty and we already have a bed.”

“Mansion. It’s not a house, it’s a mansion,” Aria laughs, looking so beautiful in tight jeans and a t-shirt. Her raven hair is in an elegant braid down her back. “I still can’t believe we live in a mansion. I never imagined we’d end up being so wealthy.”

“Neither did I, but you didn’t answer the question,” I laugh.

We finally have our forever home. I’m still reeling from the cost, which is one of the reasons a lot of the rooms are currently empty. Kayla loves playing in them with her friends, so we’re not in a rush to get a ton of furniture. Although, we do hope to start looking into adoption soon. Ideally, a child a couple years younger than Kayla, and a baby. It’s time to complete our family.

Kayla is currently at Ashley’s house, along with Marcia and Hazel. The four girls are probably running around the place, trailed by Ashley’s baby sister. I sympathize, but the crazy group is usually with us, so Ashley’s parents can survive for a little while. At least the girls don’t have water balloons this time.

“That mattress is older than Kayla, we need a new bed,” Aria insists. “We can afford a mansion, I’m not sleeping on a mattress with springs poking out of it!”

“It’s only been like that for a couple of days. Because of you, I might add,” I playfully retort. “I seem to remember an incredibly sexy woman begging to be fucked harder, even after we heard the first couple of springs snap.”

“She sounds fun,” Aria blushes and presses herself against me as an older couple walking by turn their heads to look at us after hearing me.

“She is,” I agree with a nod, wrapping an arm around her waist as I kiss her temple. “She’s fun and smart and beautiful. She’s the mother of my daughter and my soul mate.”

“Mm, I love you,” Aria sighs happily, her hand on my stomach. “But, seriously baby, we need a new bed.”

“We could just get a new mattress,” I suggest.

“A full-size bed looks ridiculous in that giant bedroom,” she rolls her eyes. “We should get a really nice bed we can have the rest of our lives. A bed we can have gross, ninety-year-old sex in.”

“I’m sold,” I chuckle.

The store ends up having a very large selection of beds and mattresses. Everyone loves a good night sleep, so we’re able to agree on a very nice mattress fairly quickly. We just need to pick the bed it’s going on so we can get a size. Aria immediately discards queen, since it’s barely bigger than full. I like the king size mattress, but apparently even that’s not big enough. I don’t know why, it’s not like there will ever be more than two people in the bed, right?

“Oh, I love this one!” Aria gushes when we approach a massive bed.

“A four-poster bed?” I frown, holding her hand tightly. “Do we really need one this big?”

“Yes!” she grins enthusiastically. “Just think of the amazing memories we can make in this huge bed.”

“That does sound nice,” I admit. “Still, I don’t know.”

“Just imagine me naked on it,” Aria suggests. “Here, I’ll help.”

Aria confidently walks over to the bed and sits down on the edge. Giving me a sexy wink, she scoots back so she can get up on her knees. My eyes drift down to the small amount of cleavage revealed by her v-neck t-shirt. Raising one hand, she seductively crooks her finger, indicating for me to join her.

“It is a nice bed,” I admit, sitting beside her.

“We can get it delivered today,” Aria whispers in my ear. “If we do, I’ll wear something extra sexy tonight.”

“What did you have in mind?” I ask.

“Hm, I’m not sure,” she taps her chin thoughtfully. “I wanna look extra slutty for you. My nurse outfit? Schoolgirl? Pirate? Librarian? I love wearing those glasses. Maid? Cheerleader? Cheerleader’s a fun one, I can do a cheer for your big cock.”

“They all sound nice,” I grin.

“You like the little tie around my neck when I wear my sailor costume,” Aria reminds me. “The cowgirl and cop costumes are fun, too. Oh, how about the flight attendant? I haven’t worn that one in awhile.”

“Yes, please,” I mumble weakly.

“Great, thanks!” she declares, hopping off the bed and walking to the salesman. “We’d like this one, please.”

“Wait, I didn’t agree to this one!” I snap out of my lust-filled daze. “Shit, how did you do that?”

We pay for the bed before leaving to pick up Kayla. The three of us return home and eat dinner while the massive bed is being set up. It’s almost Kayla’s bedtime when they’re finished, but we still take our daughter into the master bedroom to show her the big bed. Kayla happily helps us put the sheets and pillows on our new bed.

“What do you think, Kay-Kay?” Aria asks.

“I like it, it’s big!” Kayla giggles, bouncing slightly on the bed.

“It is really nice,” I admit while resting my hand on one of the bedposts. “Although, I still don’t understand why the covers need a cover.”

“It’s a duvet,” Aria crosses her arms over her chest. “It’s there to look nice.”

“Just like the decorative pillows?” I snort.

“How many times are we going to have this conversation?” Aria asks.

“How are they even pillow if you aren’t supposed to put your head on them?” I argue. “That’s the point of pillows!”

“They make the bed look nice!” Kayla chimes in.

“Girls stick together,” Aria nods approvingly, offering Kayla a high-five.

“Yeah!” Kayla giggles, giving her mother a high-five. “Girls rule!”

“And boys drool,” Aria adds.

Our nighttime routine is fairly standard, and we’re soon laying in bed with our daughter. Kayla is nestled between us as Aria and I each hold one side of a book so we can read. It doesn’t take long for Kayla to drift off to sleep. We kiss our daughter and make sure she’s tucked in before returning to the master bedroom.

Aria is in a mood as she pulls me into a kiss as soon as I lock the bedroom door. We kiss for several minutes while I grope her boobs and butt. Then she tells me to put on some music while she gets changed in the bathroom. I put on some soft music before pulling off the cover-duvet thing and the decorative pillows. Laying in bed in just my boxer briefs, I look eagerly toward the master bathroom.

The door opens and the sexiest woman in the world struts out. Aria’s flight attendant costume consists of a pencil dress with gold trim and gold buttons. The dress has a plunging collar to show off her cleavage, and there’s an image of flight wings at the bottom of the dress. She’s wearing a gold belt and a black-and-gold bow tie. The hat is black with a copy of the flight wings image on it. Black heels complete the look.

“Good evening, sir,” Aria purrs, standing in the middle of the room while I sit up to admire her. “My name is Aria, and I’ll be your flight attendant for this trip. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to make this an enjoyable flight.”

“Well,” I begin carefully as I sit on the edge of the bed and rest my feet on the floor, “I’m kind of nervous being on a plane. Do you know of any way to help me relax?”

“I certainly don’t want you to be stressed during your flight, hm,” she taps her chin thoughtfully. “I don’t know if it will help, but I’ve heard getting a blowjob can be very relaxing for guys.”

“Do you think you could help me out?” I ask, getting to my feet.

“I’d love to give you a blowjob, sir,” Aria grins, walking up to me and placing her hands on my chest. “Nothing makes me happier than to please my passengers. Well, almost nothing.”

“What makes you even happier?” I smirk, knowing where this is going.

“Having a throbbing dick rammed down my throat,” she states, dropping to her knees.

With a yank, Aria pulls my underwear down to my feet. I step out of it as she grabs my erection and starts stroking. Aria’s body is perfect, but there is something extra sexy about seeing her in one of these outfits. The little hat looks great on her as she leans in and takes me into her mouth.

My beautiful wife makes love to my penis with her mouth, moaning happily as she sucks me on her knees. She takes me from her mouth, lifting my shaft while jerking me off so she can lick and suck my balls. Then she licks up my length until she can get me between her lips again.

“That feels amazing, babe,” I moan, reaching down to caress her cheek.

“Mm!” Aria hums, releasing me with a pop. “I want you to fuck my face. Make me suck it.”

Grabbing the back of Aria’s head, I shove my dick straight down her throat. I hold her head as I start fucking her face hard and fast, using her mouth as if it’s a pussy. Her flight attendant hat falls off as my balls slap against her chin. Tears are running down her cheeks as she gags and drools.

“Fuck, I’m gonna cum!” I announce a couple minutes later.

Burying my entire length in Aria’s throat, I swell as semen bursts from my tip. The first blast goes straight down her throat, my cock so deep I know she can’t even taste it. I pull her head back so just the tip is between her lips, draining the rest into her mouth.

“I love cum!” Aria mumbles thickly as she proudly opens her mouth to show me my load. Then she immediately swallows and puts her flight attendant hat back on.

“My turn,” I growl before striking.

Aria squeals as I grab her around the middle and toss her onto our bed. I climb up and get between her legs, happy to discover she isn’t wearing underwear. This makes it much easier for me to get at her beautiful pussy. Her dress rides up as I start eating her out enthusiastically.

I finger and lick Aria to a couple of orgasms while waiting to recharge. Once I’m ready, I get on top of her and push myself inside her. The flight attendant cap has fallen off again, but she is otherwise still fully clothed. Even her heels are still on as I thrust into her body, enjoying the feel of her tight, wet, pussy.

“Mm, fuck me, yes!” Aria coos, wrapping her arms and legs around me. “Fuck my pussy, baby! It’s your pussy, it’s your pussy!”

“Fuck, you feel so good,” I gasp, my thrusts long and deep.

Lifting my body, I reach into her dress and pull out a boob. My favorite tits in the world. Granted, they’re the only ones I’ve ever gotten my hands on, but I can’t imagine a more perfect set of breasts possibly existing. Gripping Aria’s legs behind the knees, I spread her open as I continue thrusting, my eyes locked on her bouncing titty.

“Oh God, I’m gonna cum, I’m gonna cum!” Aria announces, her body tensing as her back arches. “Steven! Oh God, Steven! I’m cumming! Cum with me! Cum for Aria! Fill me, fill me, fill me!”

Despite her words, I don’t cum just yet. Instead, I pound Aria through her orgasm before flipping her over and taking her from behind. I slap her ass and pull her hair while she cries my name. Then I lay on my back so she can ride me until she cums again.

I cum in my wife’s pussy, filling her with every drop I can squeeze from my balls. She then gets off me and blows me until I’m fully erect once again. Aria lays on her back and pulls out her other boob, ordering me to fuck her tits. I happily oblige, enjoying the hot titty-fuck as Aria talks dirty to me. Her words cause me to explode all over her boobs and face.

We take a quick shower, which leads to me fucking Aria against the glass shower wall. Her big boobs squish against the glass as I once again fill her womb with my seed. Then we tenderly wash each other before drying off and returning to our new bed.

Laying in this amazing new bed with my wife in our new mansion is filling me with joy. Our daughter is across the hall, and soon our family will be growing again. Aria’s naked body is pressed against mine, and I know that she and I will be falling asleep in this bed together every night for decades. Everything is as it should be.

I sigh in my sleep, feeling completely content. I’m not sure how long I’ve been asleep, but I can still feel Aria’s naked body against me. She must be up, because her hand is gripping my morning wood as she slowly strokes me. It feels amazing, and I reach down to cup one of her bare breasts. I frown when I realize this boob isn’t the right size.

“Morning, baby!” Lexi chirps, a smile on her face as she looks at me.

“Morning,” I reply, as reality returns to me. The events of my dream occurred over a decade ago. “How’d you sleep?”

“Eh,” Lexi shrugs, still gazing at me while stroking from beneath the blanket. “More bad dreams about, you know, Keith and the gang, ah, hurting me.”

“I’m sorry,” I wince, knowing only some of what she’s been through. “Is now really the best time to be playing with a penis?”

“Hi, I’m Lexi,” she giggles, sarcastically introducing herself. “Sex with the first man to truly care about me is my therapy. I need you to fuck me until I can’t remember my own name, then feed me every drop of your hot cum, mm’kay?”

I nod in agreement, which causes a grin to spread across the redhead’s lightly-freckled face. She tosses the covers off of us so she can suck me for a minute. Then she crouches in doggystyle and has me get behind her and enter her warmth. She’s soaking wet, and I waste no time working up to a strong rhythm.

“I was planning on going back to bed after peeing,” Nicole mumbles when she returns from the bathroom. The elder redhead is fully naked, her bright red bush on full display.

“Ah! Ah! I needed, ah, some morning dick, ah!” Lexi pants, her small boobs jiggling on her chest as I drill her from behind.

“We were up late!” Nicole sighs, getting into bed on the other side. “I’m going back to sleep, keep it down, would you?”

“No promises,” I laugh, swatting Lexi on the bottom.

“Mm, that’s it, spank me, baby! I’m your dirty slut!” Lexi growls, likely being loud just to annoy her sister. “Fuck my pussy! Use my little body!”

Holding Lexi’s hips, I fuck her from behind while looking down to watch my cock disappear up her twat. My eyes travel from her butt to her back as I admire the swirling patterns of freckles on her young body. She feels so good and there is more than lust building in me.

Lexi is so young, and in many ways, we have a lot of differences. Yet, we both need each other. We found each other at the right time. I love her. I’ll always love Aria, but I know my wife wants me to be happy. I know Aria would accept Lexi, accept my choices. All my choices.

“Pull my hair, pull my hair!” Lexi begs wantonly.

Keeping one hand on her hip, I hold Lexi’s head back by the hair, forcing her back to arch as she takes every inch of my cock. Nicole is laying under the covers, pretending to ignore us. I can see some movement under the blanket, and I know Nicole is actually playing with herself.

“Cum for me, Lexi,” I growl, tugging on her hair.

“I’m close, I’m close!” Lexi gasps, her mouth hanging open. “Fuck, you’re big!”

“Fuck, you’re gorgeous,” I husk back.

Another couple minutes of rough pounding is enough to make Lexi cum hard. I release her hair so I can grip her hips and fuck her hard and fast, triggering a second orgasm. Lexi’s arms give out, causing her head and chest to collapse on the bed. I spank her before holding her butt-cheeks and slowly working my dick in and out of her.

“I, ah, I want, ah, your cum!” Lexi moans weakly as she drools on the sheet. “Please, ah, fuck my face! Ah! Cum down my slutty throat! Oh God, you’re so deep! Ah, fuck! Oh God, fuck!”

“I’m gonna cum,” I groan, pushing on Lexi’s butt as I ease my cock out of her. “Get on your knees!”

Lexi surprises me by hopping off the bed and kneeling, her mouth open and tongue sticking out. I suppose it makes sense, given my order. Getting off the bed, I stand over Lexi and push my dick in her mouth. She gurgles happily, her hands gripping my thighs.

I hold Lexi’s head as I start fucking her face. It isn’t long before a strand of drool is dangling from her chin as she looks up at me with those green eyes. My fingers twist in her auburn hair as I groan and start to cum. Her cheeks puff out as some of my load stays in her mouth while more of it travels down her throat and into her stomach.

My emotions are complicated when Lexi gapes her mouth to show me my own semen on her tongue. She’s in the exact same spot, beside the exact same bed as Aria during my dream. It was over ten years ago, but now it feels like yesterday. There are similarities, but Lexi and Aria are very different people. And I truly love them both.

“Mm,” Lexi moans, wiggling her tongue around in the pool of cum.

“Swallow,” I instruct firmly.

Lexi closes her mouth and tilts her head back, giving a deliberate swallow. The nude redhead then gets to her feet and hugs me tightly before announcing she has to pee. I just laugh and shake my head as I watch her pale bottom flex while she rushes to the bathroom.

“About time, I’m fucking tired!” Nicole grumbles.

“Not used to such late nights?” I ask, getting back in bed and spooning Nicole.

“Nope, not anymore,” Nicole grunts. “At least not when Lizzie isn’t waking me up with some catastrophe.”

“Well, it’s still early, so let’s get some sleep,” I suggest.

It is really early, barely 6:30AM. Some people are probably awake, but I know that the pastries will be set out without me having to do anything. If something urgent comes up, everyone knows where to find me. I kiss the back of Nicole’s head as Lexi climbs into bed and snuggles up to me as well.

Before I fall asleep, something random occurs to me. My wedding band. Lexi didn’t find it while going through my safe. It must be in the back, pushed there by everything in front. The platinum band with Aria’s name engraved on the inside.

~Marcia~

“Welcome to Calculus One,” the ancient professor says from his spot at the front of the massive lecture hall. “For many of you, this is your first college class. A few of you may have even taken Calculus in college. I am here to tell you that it won’t help you one bit in this class. Now, pencils out; you’ll each find your first exam under the syllabus. If you can’t pass this one, you should drop out straight away.”