I enter my house to see a very angry Macey sitting on my couch with folded arms.

"Kathryn." She nods.

"Macey, what's up?" What have I gotten myself into?

"I'm telling you this because I care about you. Ashleigh is bad news. Stay away from her and her cronies." She commands.

"Cronies? You're so dramatic. Why do you hate her so much anyway?" I question.

"Because she's a bitch, Kathryn! She's a slut." She practically yells.

"Since when did slut shaming become cool? The number of people a person sleeps with does not define them." I start to get annoyed.

"It does when one of them is your boyfriend." She screams.

"Wait, what? Mace, what are you talking about?" I ask, confused.

"Nothing. It doesn't matter." She walks out and leaves.

"Macey! Wait!" I say, running after her. She gets into her car and drives away. What the hell?

Ashleigh slept with her boyfriend? Who was her boyfriend?! She told me she's never had one. I guess I don't know as much as I think I do. My phone beeps.

Chase: Hey, no worries. I'd love to come over.

Maybe I can ask Chase tonight.

I receive a call from my mother a little after I'm done freshening up.
"Sup Madre?" I answer.

"Kathryn, ça va? I feel like we haven't spoken for ages." My mom says.

"I'm good, mom. What about you? How are you and dad? I guess we've all been busy!" I say.

"It's been a little slow here but still good. I spoke to Wyatt earlier and he told me you're already making friends. I'm proud of you, sweetie." She really does sound proud.

"Thanks mom."

"How's Augusta? And Macey?" She asks.

"They're fine." I say.

"Your dad says hi. Emilo! What are you doing? Sorry hun, gotta go. We'll both call you later after work. Buh bye." She hangs up.

I pick out a movie to watch when Chase gets here and order Chinese takeout. It gets quickly in 20 minutes. I'm starving so I gobble some of it up.

I run to the door when the doorbell rings.

"Chase! You're right on time," I grin. He's wearing a grey v-neck with skinny jeans. "I ordered Chinese!" I say cheerfully as he makes his way to the living room.

"Awesome." He says and sits down.

"So why weren't you at school today?" I ask, taking a bite out of my sesame chicken.

"I was sick. I guess being soaking wet and cold weather didn't do any good." He says, referring to Ashton's party. "But don't worry, I'm all better now." He winks and I giggle.

"Which movie have you picked out?" He asks.

"The Notebook."

"Are you Notebooking me?" He laughs.

"Maybe I am." I start to laugh too.
*
*
*

"Chase, I need you to be honest with me. It's about Macey." I say quietly. His eyes widen and he looks kinda scared. "She said that Ashleigh stole her boyfriend. What was she talking about?"

"Honestly, Kat, I really don't know. It's hard to keep up with all of Ashleigh's boyfriends. And I didn't even know Macey was seeing anyone." He shrugs.

"Really? 'Cause-" he cuts me off by throwing his lips on mine.

His lips are warm and soft. He probably uses a lot of chapstick everyday.
I move forward, wrapping my arms around his neck. He grabs me by the waist and kisses me like I've never been kissed before. He runs his fingers through my hair, tugging at it. The next thing I know, he's on top of me, kissing me with every fiber of his being.

I hear the movie still playing in the background but neither of us care.
He shoves his hand into his pocket, searching for something. He pulls his hand out and I see a shiny little packet. I suddenly stop and pull away.

"I-I'm sorry. I just c-can't." I stutter. I feel like I'm just not ready to go there yet.

"It's too soon. I get it." He sighs.

"I'm sorry." I repeat.

"It's okay. I understand." Gosh, he is such a good guy.

We continue to watch the movie in silence.

"Say I'm a bird! Say it! Say it now!"
"You're a bird."
"Now say you're a bird too."
"If you're a bird, I'm a bird."

*
*
*
Almost immediately after the movie ends, Chase says that he needs to leave since there's school tomorrow. He gives me a quick peck, gets into his car and drives way, as I wave.

Usually after watching The Notebook, I'm always in tears. I guess I have my mind on other things tonight. I knew what I what I was getting into when I invited Chase over tonight. I'm not mad at him for assuming things. I had every intention of going through with it. I don't know why I didn't. Maybe I'm not as ready as I think I am.

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A/N

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