Chapter Seven Beautiful Fire

My phone rang or more like vibrated. I ignored and fell right back to sleep but it vibrated again and again. Groaning, I reached out my fingers and searched for my phone. I grabbed it and answered in a groggily voice.

"Hello?"

"Colby!" My mom's furious voice filled my ears. I cringed at the volume of her voice. "What are you doing still asleep?"

It was a rhetorical question and I waited for her to finished.

"You need to get up."

"Mom.." I whined.

Last night, we won our first game of the season and we celebrated. We went to the frat house for couple of hours then we hit up one of the clubs. I couldn't be sure but I think we just made it to our dorm not too long ago.

"Now!" She said firmly. "Your brother is picking you up in twenty minutes."

She hung up on me and I thrashed on my bed, kicking my legs. I sighed, loudly but I threw the cover off me and headed to the closet.

I pulled out an appropriate navy blue dress and white pumps and laid it on my bed. I glared at my sleeping friend.

Lucky you. I thought bitterly.

While she got to sleep in, I had to go church. Now don't get me wrong, I had no problem with going to church but I did have a problem with waking up two hours after I partied the night away to go to church. I felt like my mom knew I got in late and this was my punishment.

I walked to the bathroom and brushed my teeth and quickly got ready before Levi arrived. I slipped on the loose dress and quickly brushed my hair before I put on minimum make up.

I was slipping on my white pumps when I recieved a text from Levi.

I'm outside.

Grabbing my light jacket, I headed out the door. I stepped into the elevator and wished for time to speed up so I could climb back into my cozy bed.

I opened the door and hopped in. I didn't have to look at Levi to know he was feeling the same way I did.

"Hunter better be glad he left already." Levi said, putting the car in drive.

Hunter didn't go to the frat house party but he did meet us at the club. We asked what took him so long but he wouldn't tell us. Which was weird because he usually told us everything. We didn't pry it out of either. He'd come around and tell us eventually.

I glanced at Levi and noticed he was wearing shades. I grinned. That's what he gets for drinking so much.

"You know Mom's gonna kill you, right?"

"It was either not come at all and get yelled at for an hour or come not dressed up and get a disapproval look." He glanced at me. "I went for the latter."

Not only was he wearing shades but he had on a wrinkled shirt and probably not his cleanest pants on.

He pulled into the church's parking lot and we climbed out the car. I turned my phone on silent mode as we headed towards the door.

Levi held the door for me as I walked in the church and I instantly found my mom in the middle with Richard. But that's not the only thing I noticed. Right next to my mother was, Vonna and Michael, Jayce's parents, and their children, Skylar, Landon and of course Jayce.

We made our way down the aisle and once our mom saw us, it took her a second to take in our appearance. She wasn't impressed with my choice of outfit but she wasn't disppointed either. But as soon as she looked at Levi her eyes turned little slits.

I knew my mom and I knew she wasn't going to make a scene in front of the whole church but she had an earful for Levi as soon as church was over with.

I sat beside Richard and he gave me a smile and I returned it. My mom leaned forward and snapped her fingers to get Levi's attention.

"Shades off, now!" She hissed before leaning up and placing an award winning smile on.

Slowly, Levi took of his shades and he squinted not quite used to the bright light.

The choir began to sing and the ushers motioned for us, the congregation, to stand up and join in.

And as if my day couldn't get any worse, the choir director, Shelly, grabbed the mic.

"As much as I don't want to throw anyone under the bus, I have to do it." She smiled. "We have been getting a lot of request for a special song and I have been holding it off for awhile but I think today would be a perfect day to sing it."

I crossed my fingers. Please, please, please don't let it be what song I think it is. I begged.

"So Colby and Jayce would you mind singing today. I know it's short noticed but you'll be fine."

I really didn't want to do it but my mom nudged my leg. I slowly got up and made my way to the front.

Right now, I hated my younger self. Why did I have to volunteer to sing? I mean when I was a kid, I didn't care how I sounded but now I was older and let me tell you, I wasn't a singer. The church wasn't much help either because they're freaking lairs.

I knew they weren't going to tell me straight up, I sounded horrible but they didn't have to lie to my face either.

They were always saying:

There you go baby! Sing it!

Or

Amen! Hallelujah!

It was always the same. They knew exactly I wasn't meant to be a singer. I was going to embarrass myself.

Shelly smiled at me and I had to force myself not to glare at her but to smile back.

Jayce stood beside me and he actually looked really good despite staying out all night.

He caught me staring at him and he smirked. I rolled my eyes and looked away.

They began to play and I got nervous. I think Jayce noticed because he started it off and unlike me, Jayce could actually sing. He was amazing. And if he wasn't into sports, I think singing could be in his future.

You were near
Through I was distant
Disillusioned I was lost and insecure

Still mercy fought, For my attention
You were waiting at the door, Then I let You in

I was pretty positive that he was waiting for me to come in with him but I couldn't. He kept singing.

Trading Your life, For my offenses
For my redemption, You carried all the blame

Breaking the curse, Of our condition
Perfection took our place

He glanced at me and gave me an encouragingly smile and I didn't know why but I grabbed the mic and opened my mouth, praying I didn't sound as bad as I thought I did.

When only love
Could make a way
You gave Your life
In a beautiful exchange

Jayce joined in and even though we didn't talk like we used to, he still could tell when I was uncomfortable or nervous. I was singing but he sang louder. I looked at him and hoped he could tell how grateful I was.

My burden erase, my life forgiven
There is nothing, that could take this love away

My only desire, and sole ambition
Is to love You just the same

When only love
Could make a way
You gave Your life
In a beautiful exchange

When only love
Could break these chains
You gave Your life
In a beautiful exchange

Near the end, the congregation joined us and we repeated the last verse over and over again.

Holy are You God
Holy is Your name
With everything I've got
My heart will sing how I love You

As we headed back to our seats, Shelly stood up to speak again.

"Thank you so much Jayce and Colby. Again, I'm sorry for putting you on the spot."

I tried my hardest to listen to Pastor Thomas but I couldn't. I was surprise I kept my eyes opened. I looked at Levi and he had his shades back on. He was sleeping. If I had to deal with Mom's glaring, which I think it had something to do with whatever Pastor Thomas was droning on and on about, then so did he. I elbowed him and he turned his head. I pointed to Mom.

She held out her hand and Levi sighed but reluctantly gave her his shades.

"Pay attention." She told us before giving her attention back to the pastor.

Church couldn't have ended soon enough. I tried to make a beeline for the door like Levi but I kept getting stopped by my church family. They hugged me and started up conversation. I smiled and gave short responses.

I made it outside and Levi already had the car started but before I could head in his direction, I was stopped again.

"Colby!"

I swore under my breathe then I remember I was still on church ground and I asked for forgiveness.

I turned around and heading my way was Vonna and her younger children. Behind her I could see Micheal and Jayce talking to my parents.

"Hey Vonna. How are you?"

She hugged me. "You know I'm busy than ever. These two" She nodded towards her kids. "keep me on my toes."

I laughed.

"How's college life treating you so far?"

"Great actually. My classes aren't too bad."

"That's great honey. Jayce said it's killing him."

Maybe it's because he barely goes to class. I thought.

"My son is dramatic so I think he'll be fine in Theatre. Oh which by the way, he told me you were taking that class too."

I nodded. "Yeah I am."

Micheal called his wife's name and she looked back at me.

"We'll talk later tonight."

I frowned. "What?"

"Your mother invited us for dinner." She informed us.

My eyebrows shot up. "Oh did she?"

Vonna nodded. "Yeah. I got to go. You know how Micheal gets when I keep him waiting."

With one more hug she walked away. I hopped into Levi's car and filled him in.

He groaned. "Mom is gonna be the death of me. I thought we were over Sunday dinner."

"I did too."

"Maybe we can come up with an excuse. You can say that Nolan broke up with Cass and she needs you to be there for her and I'll comfort Nolan."

"Yeah...but Mom is most liking gonna invite one of them to dinner."

"Someone's gonna have to take one for the team."

I shook my head. "No way. We're in this together."

"You're right. I think she invite Grandma and Grandpa too."

I placed my head in my hands. "This is gonna be one horrible night."

As soon as I made it to my shared dorm, I took off the dress and pumps and threw on some comfortable clothes which consisted of a large shirt.

Cass was still asleep and I was about to join her in the dreamworld when my phone vibrated. Groaning, I grabbed my phone and prayed it wasn't my mom.

Why didn't you tell me Rachel called you!?

I frowned.

Who is this?-C

You forgot about me already, Mickey?

I rolled my eyes. The only person who still called me by my childhood nickname was the devil's spawn.

I did tell you. I told you last night, remember?-C

No you told me to stop giving out your number to strangers.-J

If he was standing in front of me I would've slapped him for being so stupid.

Same thing.-C

Actually it isn't. I gave your number to at least three girls Friday night.-J

I didn't think it was possible for me to hate Jayce more than I already did but he proved me wrong.

You did what?! You promised you would stop doing that!-C

At the point, I didn't even want to talk to him. God, he infuriated me.

Calm down. I was kinda drunk that night and it wasn't like I purposely tried to give out your number. I actually liked the girls.-J

I rolled my eyes. He liked them. Yeah right. I was willing to bet he liked what was between their legs than their personalities.

Whatever.-C

Are you mad?-J

When I didn't replied back, he send another text.

If it makes you feel any better, I just found out Rachel was my coach's daughter.-J

I remember what Cassidy said yesterday and a smile crept to my face.

Have fun getting neuter.-C

I laughed as Jayce sent text after text freaking out.

Who said anything about getting neuter?-J

This isn't funny. Did Rachel tell you that?-J

Cole?-J

He called me and I kept declining it. I turned off my phone and fell asleep with an amusing smile on my face.

I woke two hours later and Cassidy was working on her assignment for Literature. When she noticed I was up, her face brightened.

"Oh good you're finally up. Can you please help me?"

Mr. Chandler assigned us to write an essay on Hamlet. He said it'd prove to him if we were actually doing our homework instead of slacking off. He also told us, he would know if we copy and paste from the internet.

"I would but he gave us different topics." I told her.

Mr. Chandler was smart. He didn't give everyone the same topic to write about because "that would be too easy" according to him. He knew us college kids well. We could simply asked someone what they wrote and reword it on our paper. Perfect example, Cassidy Mila.

She groaned. "I forgot he did that."

I smiled. "Now you're actually have to go to the library."

"Hey! I've been in a library before." She said, defensively.

"Yeah to cuss out Stephanie Gust for 'flirting' with Nolan."

She crossed her arms. "It still counts and she was flirting with him."

I picked up my phone and turned it back on. I wasn't surprised Jayce blew me up. I didn't bother reading what he said or call him back. I did, however, read my mom's text. It was a reminded for tonight.

"If I send you a text saying SOS, I need you to call me crying."

Cass frowned. "Why? What do you have planned?"

"My mom is having a Sunday dinner and she invited my grandparents and Jayce's family."

Cassidy puts a hand over her heart. "And she didn't invite me? Rude!"

I rolled my eyes. "She probably remember all those times you ate at our house."

"She said and I quote 'Eat as much as you can' And I did."

"Yeah I don't think she meant eat your weight."

She shrugged. "Oh well." Then something clicked in her head. "Hold up. Rewind. Did you say Jayce's family was invited?"

"Yeah..."

She rose an eyebrow. "Meaning Jayce will be there."

I shrugged. "There's a small possibility."

"Why a small possibility?"

"Remember earlier this year, around spring break, my mom wanted to take a vacation and my grandma pulled Jayce asided and gave him condoms, which she told him not to use?"

Cassidy laughed. "Oh my gosh! Yes! That was funny." She wiped an invisible tear from her eye. "Oh I love your grandma."

It might have been funny to her but to me I was beyond mortified. I mean the condoms were already bad enough but the reason behind them was even worse. She told Jayce she "wasn't getting any younger and she wanted to see her grand great babies."

I didn't think I blushed so hard in my life ever. If it was possible I think I would've die of embarrassment. Even after I told my grandma that Jayce and I were just friend she pulled something like that.

An hour past and my mom send another reminder. I took that as my cue to get ready. I didn't bother to put on the dress again. I grabbed a fitted shirt and some nice jeans.

I was walking out the door when I threw over my shoulder.

"Pray for me."

***

We sat around the table as my mom brought out her "famous" roast chicken. We all eyed it as she sat it down in the center. She smiled proudly as she sat down beside Richard and my grandma.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Levi make the holy cross on his body, Grandpa looked terrified and Grandma kept eyeing the chicken. My family was scared but Jayce's family looked calm and collective.

I probably should tell you my mom wasn't the best cooker but every night she insisted to cook for us. When Hunter was here, we used to take turns, eating what our mom made so we wouldn't hurt her feelings.

No one went for the chicken but we did go for the bread, potatoes and corn. She noticed and before she could say anything, Richard interrupted her.

"Honey, I think you left the knife in the kitchen."

Mom frowned and pointed at the dish. "But it's right the-"

"That one isn't good." Richard said.

"You're right. I'll go get the new one."

As soon she got up and was out of earshot, Richard informed us all.

"Don't say anything but I made the chicken."

Everyone visibly relaxed.

"Thank you, Jesus!" Levi said, throwing his hands in the air.

Mom returned with the new cutting knife and and sliced the chicken up. She smiled as she placed the chicken on our plates.

Dinner was going well, especially after we found out Richard cooked the chicken. We talked about everything. It wasn't as bad I thought it would be even with Jayce here. I mean he did give me dirty looks but that was only because I told him he was getting neuter.

Then I spoke too soon.

"So Colby, sweetie, when will you and this precious boy." She hit Jayce on his back. " have my great grand babies?"

I choked on my food and Jayce froze. I glared at Levi when he had the nerves to laugh.

"Um Mom." My mom said. "There still young. They're kids."

"And? I remember in my days, age didn't matter. I had you at a young age."

"Yes I know but this is a new generation."

Grandma muttered something under her breathe then she looked at Levi.

"You too, boy. I want some great grand babies."

Levi smiled. "I'm already working on it, Grandma. No need to worry about me."

Mom narrowed her eyes. "If you get Hailey pregnant, I will make a trip to Tech and I will cut your one eyed snake off."

The color of Levi's face drained as he put his hand over his nether region.

"Don't listen to her. You go ahead, baby." Grandma said.

"What's a one eyed snake, Mommy?" Jayce's younger sister, Skylar, asked.

"Nothing you need to worry about." Vonna told her.

"Ever." Jayce added.

As dinner went on, it got embarrassing and embarrassing. I wasn't even going to relived what my Grandma said but just know my face was redder than a tomatoe.

I noticed Levi on the phone.

"Alright I'll be there."

He was leaving.

"Where are you going?" My mom asked.

"Hailey needs me. As much as I would love to stay, I have to go."

"Oh. Okay then. I'll see tomorrow?."

"Yep." Levi stood up and gave her a hug before giving our grandma a kiss on the cheek. "See y'all later."

I glared at him. He was leaving me here to deal with them. He so owes me. I couldn't even sent my SOS text anymore because Mom would get suspension and if she found out her feelings would hurt.

Just another hour, Cole. I told myself. Just hang in there.

Finally after another unbearable ten minutes, Mom decided to clean up the table when Vonna and Michael said they had to go.

It was getting near nine and their children had school in the morning.

"Thank you for the food." Vonna said. "It was amazing."

Mom smiled. "I'm so glad you enjoyed it. And forgive my mother. She tends to not have any filter."

"I understand completely, Michael's parents are the same way."

"Maybe even worse." Micheal said.

They left and Jayce was trapped in a corner talking to my grandma. I felt bad for him but I was more scared of what she was telling him. He had a smile on his face so hopefully it wasn't that bad.

"Okay, Grandma, I think you scared him enough." I said, gripping her shoulders and steering her away from him. "Go find Grandpa before he hurts himself." I looked at Jayce. "What did she tell you?"

"You mean after the hundredth times mentioning, you should bear my child?" He shook his head. "Nothing."

"I'm sorry my grandma is crazy."

"I known her for awhile, I'm used to it. She'd be best friends with my grandma. Beside." He wiggled his eyebrows. "I'm willing to try for a baby."

I punched him in his shoulder and he laughed.

"That's not even the best part. Say if I didn't get you pregnant, we can keep trying."

I didn't say anything but walk away. He grabbed my arm before I could get farther away.

"I was just kidding. I wouldn't be much used if I got neuter, now would I?"

I pressed my lips together to keep from smiling.

"Yeah now how would you talk to girls?"

"I still have my looks and my charms."

"Barely."

He frowned. "Barely? What do you mean barely? I'm hot."

I looked him up and down. I was not going to lie, he was hot, sexy even. But I wasn't going to let him know that.

"If you say so..."

"Did you forget you saw me naked and I took your breath away?"

"I remember you leaving me scarred."

A smirk spread across face as he brought me closer to him. I stared into his blue eyes and they shined with amusement.

"What are you doing?" I whispered, still looking into his eyes.

"Nothing you don't want me to do."

I had to get away from him. He was invading my body, making my heart pound out my chest and goosebumps appear all over my body. He was like fire and I was the gasoline. Once he touched me, fire erupted. I didn't think anything could tame the spreading flames, either. And that thought scared me. How could one person make you react in such as way? Why did that person had to Jayce?

He started to lean in and I really didn't think I was going to stop him but as fate would have it, my phone rang loudly, making me jump back.

I quickly answered my phone and I sounded breathless.

"Hello?"

"Cole-" Cassidy stopped. "Why are you breathing so hard? Don't tell I interrupted something?"

I blushed. "I'm not and you weren't."

"Mhmm sure."

"Why did you call me?"

"I wanted to see if you wanted to help me with something?"

"Is this something your essay?"

"Maybe..."

"Alright. I'll there in few minutes."

"You're the best!" She told me before she hung up.

"You leaving?" Jayce asked.

I nodded. "Yeah. Cass needs my help."

I walked into the livingroom to say my goodbyes and I was walking out the door when I realized I didn't have ride.

"What?"

"I forgot Levi ditched me."

He smiled. "Come on, I'll give you ride."

"Thank you." I said, smiling.

We walked outside and I hopped into his new black truck, a gift for graduating high school.

"I'm still not over your truck."

His truck was to die for. I instantly fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. I told my mom about it but she didn't think I could handle a truck, which by the way, I could.

We drove to the college and it wasn't as awkward as I thought it would be. It almost felt like old times. And I realized how much I missed my best friend.

He pulled into my dorm building's parking lot and we laughing at a former memory.

"God, I love when you laugh." Jayce said at loud but I didn't think he meant for me to hear him.

I looked at him and before I could blink, he leaned over the console and grabbed me by my neck and kissed me like his life depended on it.

I was already confused on where we stood but I got even more confused when I kissed him.

It was like he was two different person trapped in one body. One moment, he made me so furious and the next, he could make me feel like I was the only girl who mattered.

The kiss itself, was amazing. It was like we balanced each other out. It was exactly as if he was the fire and I was gasoline and when we touched, a beautiful fire could make or a deadly and dangerous one. So far it was a beautiful one and I was okay with it.

He pulled away and there was a small smile on his face. I was pretty sure he was going to say something but before he could, his phone vibrated. It was in one of the cup holders and I could easy made out a text message.

He tried to grabbed before I could see it but it was already too late. I saw it and my heart fell. Why did he keep ruining everything? Why did he have to be with her?

It seemed like my world revolved around him but his world revolved around Arianna Peyton.

I pushed open the door and climbed out. I didn't listen to whatever pathetic excuse he was going to tell me.

"Cole! Wait!"

I walked faster and I made it inside. I headed straight for the elevator and he was still calling my name. I didn't know why, I kept getting my hopes up only to be disappointed and hurt.

I wrapped my arm around myself and willed the tears back. The elevator stopped and I stepped out. I was so glad no one was in the hallway. I walked to my room and Cassidy could tell something was wrong as soon as I walked in.

"What's wrong?"

I shook my head.

"What happened?"

Before I could say anything, Jayce was banging on the door.

"Cole. It's not like that. Let me explain, please!"

Cassidy narrowed her eyes as she hopped off her bed. I held her back before she could damaged Jayce.

"Jayce I'm gonna kill you!" She threatened him.

"Cassidy, open the door."

"Leave, Jayce." Cassidy said. "She doesn't wanna talk right now."

He realized he wasn't getting anywhere and soon I heard him leave. I sat down on my bed. Cassidy kept asking what happened and I didn't replied.

So much for the beautiful fire.