THE PICTURES HAD SOMEHOW been deleted. From Facebook and every other social media it had been posted on.

I haven't seen Stephen in two weeks I miss him. My mom is almost her old self but my dad, my dad still treats me the same.

I decided to ride with Kate to school every morning instead of driving with my dad. It's embarrassing enough having my picture posted, I don't want to arrive at school in a police car.

The tests had blown over and it's nearing the first school break of the year. Although it will only be for a week, the week just after my birthday.

            "Honey, we're leaving now." My mom pushed my bedroom door open wider. "Your sister will stop by later to check on you."

             "Okay." I stood from my desk walking over to them.

She handed Sam over to me after kissing her cheek.

            "Don't let her stay up to late. You know how to make her bottle. Everything is-"

          "Mom." I gave her a small smile. "I've watched her before."

           "I know honey." She stepped forward kissing my forehead. "We'll be back just after ten, if something happens then call us."

A few minutes later my parents and my sister walked out of the house. There is some kind of meeting at her school, afterwards they are going out to eat. My mom asked me to watch Sam while they're at the meeting.

I closed my books walking out of my room into the kitchen. Grabbing the house phone I walled back into the living room. I placed Sam in the Bambo seat making sure she has some toys around her.

I sat on the ground folding my legs Indian style before dialing the number.

           "Hello?"

Why does he sound so breathless?

         "Hey, it's Alia." I said softly handing my sister a teeth ring.

There's a moment of silence before he spoke again. "Hi baby, what are you doing?"

          "I'm watching Sam, my parents are out."

         "Ah." He paused. "You haven't answered any of my text or calls."

        "I'm grounded." I sighed leaning back against the couch. "My dad took my phone and laptop, even my car keys!"

Stephen laughed making me smile.

          "When will you be free?"

          "In a few days."

Silence settled between us. Sam squealed loudly throwing the teeth ring. It flew across the floor making me sigh. I got up picking it up before walking to the kitchen. I washed it walking back into the living room.

           "Stephen?"

          "Mm?" I heard papers shuffling then a chair creaking.

         "What are you doing?"

         "I'm getting some paperwork done." He cursed slightly a loud bang heard on his side. "Fucking Nathan."

I laughed my eyes suddenly filling with tears as I though of being there with him. When will I see him again? Will I ever see him again?

             "I miss you." I whispered wiping my cheek with the back of my hand.

I heard his sharp in take of breath. "I miss you too, baby."

I stared at the wall my stomach fluttering with butterflies. He said he miss me too! Does that mean he doesn't think of me as just a friend?

            "Your birthday is in a few weeks." Stephen broke the silence. "Are you excited?"

           "On the fourth." I paused licking my dry lips. "I'll be excited only if I see you."

He didn't answer right away making my heart sink. I probably shouldn't have said that.

           "You'll see me baby." Stephen said softly making me smile. "I'll find a way for that, okay?"

          "Okay."

         "I have to go now, need to finish the paperwork but I'll see you soon."

          "I don't want to say goodbye yet." I told him honestly my eyes on Sam.

           "Me neither." He said softly letting out a light laugh.

          "Will you pick me up from school tomorrow?"

           "What time?"

My smile widened as the thought of seeing him filled my mind.

            "At two." I bit my lip closing my eyes briefly. "Only if you want to, but if you're busy I'll understand."

           "Alia." I can hear the smile in his voice. "I'll pick you up tomorrow from school, just tell me where?"

I explained to him where he should wait for me. After talking some more about random stuff Stephen said that he really had to go.

After hanging up I picked Sam up from the chair walking into the kitchen. I strapped her into the baby chair quickly preparing her bottle. After I made sure it's the right temperature I picked her up again. Walking down the hall to her bedroom I sat on the chair in the corner silently feeding her.

The clock ticked silently against the wall making my eyes start to droop. I can't wait for tomorrow!

I have to ask Kate to cover for me after school. What if she doesn't want to? I'll call her later to ask her.

After putting Sam to bed I made sure the baby monitor is on before making my way to my room. I sat down at my desk finishing the homework we got today.

We're going to get our test back tomorrow, it makes me feel scared. If I failed that test I'm going to be in even more shit with my dad.

As soon as my parents returned home I took a hot shower. I made myself a cup of hot chocolate before getting in bed.

Only a few more hours and I'll be able to see Stephen.

____________________

DELILAH HAS DECIDED TO sit with some of her other friends. She ignored me when she arrived at school, it's like she never knew me.

Dane didn't show up for school at all. He's been acting strange these past days, I suppose is just the stress his parents are putting in him.

We sat alone at lunch, Kate and I.  We made small talk until I finally asked the question I've been dying to ask her.

           "Will you cover for me?" I asked softly making her eyes narrow on me. "Please Kate?"

            "Are you serious?" She crossed her arms over her chest leaning back against her school bag.

           "Please, I'll do anything!"

Pressing her lips together she looked over the field making my heart drop. She has to say yes, she has to cover for me. I need to see him.

           "You have to come with me." Kate finally spoke up making me frown. "Our holiday is coming up in a few days. I'm taking Derrick with me on vacation to the beach. I want you to come with us."

Wait what? I blinked twice.

          "You'll cover for me if I go with you to the beach?" I asked her softly with a frown.

          "Yes." She said simply her lips pulling up into a small smile.

I squealed jumping up to hug her. I'm gonna see him! Yes!

         "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

____________________

MY LEG BOUNCED AS I glanced up at the clock. Only ten more minutes, just ten. I glanced around, everyone is busy working.

I should probably get started too. Turns out that bullshit answer I wrote was actually correct, so no I didn't fail my test.

The principle started the end of day announcements. I quickly packed away my stuff sending Kate and excited smile. She only shook her head with the roll of her eyes.

Closing my eyes for the prayers I stood as soon as he finished.

             "Don't forget your homework!" The teacher said loudly before dismissing us.

I grabbed my bag swinging it over my shoulder as I followed the flow of students out of the class. I walked as fast as my legs would allow me. Exiting the gate I looked around my heart sinking, I can't see Stephen.

Maybe something came up? He is a police officer after all, and on of my dad's men. I should probably call Kate and ask her to wait for me.

            "Alia!"

I span around, my smile widened as I saw Stephen standing there. I actually forgot where we are, I ran.

Throwing myself against him I wrapped my arms around his neck hugging him. Stephen buried his face in the crook of my neck his muscular arms wrapping around me.

Pulling back I smiled up at him. "Hi."

           "Hi." Stephen chuckled surprising me when he captured my lips in a searing kiss.

I pulled my lips from his sucking in a deep breath as I tried to ignore the heat moving through my body.

          "Let's get out of here."