A/N: Just a little heads up this chapter might be rated more Young Adult then teen, you've been warned.

Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain - and most fools do. ~Dale Carnegie

Bring it on because that sure as hell is never going to stop me from writing:)

Chapter 32 : All You Need Is Trust

Ella

Bang! Bang! Bang!

“Ugh go away.” I mumbled into my pillow. It did not help and the pounding continued. “Fine, I’m coming.” I rolled out of bed to land with a thump on the floor. “Ow.”

My eyes were half closed as I shuffled slowly in the direction of the door holding onto everything I could in order to keep my balance. I felt as though all of my strength had been sucked out leaving my body weighing a ton and my head spinning. I reached the door, fumbled with the lock, and swung it open to lean myself against it.

“What?” I half whispered to whoever was standing there.

“Good morning sunshine.” Braidon amused.

“Mmm.” Sentences were too much work as I closed my eyes and rested my head on the door.

“Nice outfit.” He commented

I opened my eyes with effort and glanced down. Apparently I had kicked off my pajama pants in the middle of the night, which left me in my polka dotted boy short underwear and a slightly stretched out tank top that was falling off one shoulder to reveal a portion of my bra. I groaned closing my eyes again hoping that if I could not see it he wouldn’t either. I felt too miserable to fix myself at the moment.

“Where is Roxy?” Braidon changed the subject

“Soccer championship.” I replied.

“Oh yeah, I forgot they had to leave early. Are you okay?” He asked concernedly.

“Fine.” I mumbled.

“You don’t look so good.” He persisted.

“Thanks.” I made to go back to bed but turned too fast making my head spin more and stumbled sideways. I felt cool arms wrap around my waist guiding me the rest of the way. Braidon tried to pull a blanket over me but I feebly wiggled until he stopped. “It’s hot.” I explained. I felt him touch me cheek and forehead. His cool hand felt heavenly on my heated skin.

“I’m going to get the nurse.” He left before I could protest. He wasn’t gone more than ten minutes, but by the time Braidon came back with the nurse I was fighting sleep and losing. I felt a hand on my head and opened my mouth obediently when I felt the thermometer on my lips.

A few minutes later I heard an older deeper voice, Grandpa. I was suddenly very glad someone had pulled a sheet over my bottom half. I raised my head off the pillow trying to sit up.

“I’m fine.” I whispered softly. Grandpa sat next to me and gently pushed me back down.

“I know, but take some medicine and rest Ella. We will be back later to check you.” He handed me a small plastic cup of gross red liquid that made me cringe as it went down. “Get well, alright love?” He fatherly patted my hand and I nodded into the soft comfort of my pillow. Sleep sounded amazing right now.

I drifted in and out of consciousness for an immeasurable amount of time waking for only a few seconds just to fall right back into dreamland again. Most of my dreams consisted of Braidon. His face kept popping up at the most random times that had nothing to do with what was going on. Or I would imagine him sitting beside me, feeling my forehead, and handing me a cup full of orange juice with a straw whenever I was thirsty.

There was a point, after I had kicked off my covers again, when I got really cold and curled up in a ball shivering, but as I reached out for my blanket I found it already being pulled snuggly around me. The nurse must have come to check on me.

The first thing I saw when I woke up was black. Blinking a couple of times to make sure I was really awake, I realized I was staring out my balcony window into the dark sky beyond. How long have I been asleep?

I sighed and rolled flinging one leg over the side of the bed to get some cool air.

“Ow.”

I jumped as my leg collided with something hard. Braidon, rubbing the back of this head, turned from his spot on the floor beside my bed. “What was that for?”

“Sorry, I didn’t know you were there.” I sat up to lean against the headboard and in doing so the covers slipped below my waist reminding me that I was not wearing pants. I yanked the blankets back up knowing that I must look like a complete mess from the waist up and having no way of fixing it without being obvious.

“How are you feeling?” He asked standing up.

“Better.” I tried to casually run my fingers through my unkempt hair. Braidon grinned and walked around to sit next to me on the other side of my bed. I scooted away a little. God I probably smell gross.

“So you’re finally admitting you’re sick, that’s good.” He didn’t seem offended by my reluctance to be so close.

“I admit I was sick, but I really am fine now.” I stated confidently even though I still felt a bit weak and overly warm.

He shook his head. “You don’t always have to be so tough you know.”

“I’m not trying to be though. I’m just used to taking care of myself and it helps to be positive.” I was twisting the edge of the blanket around as I spoke.

“What if someone else wanted to take care of you? Would you let them?” Braidon tilted his head.

“Did you take care of me today?” I asked while staring down at my orange patterned bedspread. I realized that my “dreams” of him helping me were probably a reality.

“Yeah.” His gaze bore into me.

“Thank you.” I whispered meeting his eyes.

“My pleasure.” He smiled beautifully.

“You didn’t have to do that. I would have been okay.” I added while still being sincere.

“I know, but I had nothing else better to do.” He shrugged while still smiling. Braidon leaned back against the headboard and swung his legs onto the bed seeming very relaxed and lounging.

“Right.” Now it was my turn to grin. “How long was I out?”

“About fifteen hours.” He answered after glancing at the clock on the nightstand.

“Wow, I think that takes the record. Have you been here the whole time?” I was amazed.

“Yes.” He seemed very proud of himself. “I wanted to be here incase you needed anything.” I found myself staring at him and quickly glanced away, smiling, when he noticed.

“So…you smile like your mom.”

“What?” My attention snapped back to him. Braidon reached over to my bedside table to pick up a picture frame.

Inside the frame was not a real picture but one cut from an old newspaper alongside a clipping announcing a marriage. The couple in it was happy and carefree. The women had dark auburn hair flowing over her shoulders. Her cheeks were blushed, eyes sparkling, and a magnificent smile spread across her face lighting the photograph. The man stood behind her with his arms wrapped around her. His was leaning forward over her shoulder and rested his dark hair against the side of her forehead. His blue eyes sparkled as much as her smile.

I had fallen asleep staring at it the night before and must have forgotten to stow it away in the nightstand drawer like I usually did. Braidon read my expression.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t trying to pry I just noticed it there…”

“No, it’s okay.” He handed me the frame and I ran my fingers lightly over the glass without thinking. “And you are wrong.”

“I am?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Yes.” I focused on my mother. “She is beautiful in that elegant …classic… and effortless sort of way. I’m nowhere close to it.”

“Ella.” Braidon took my chin in his hand and gently turned me to stare into his emerald eyes. “You look exactly like her. Extremely beautiful. Except for the eyes, those are from your dad.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Close your eyes.” I said.

“Why?” He asked suspiciously.

“Just do it.” I made sure they were really closed before I got out of bed and went into the closet. Returning a minute later with pajama bottoms on and my secret box I sat down cross-legged next to Braidon again. He opened his eyes and looked down at it.

“What’s this?”

I opened the black wooden box with a white orchid painted on the lid. “This is…my history.” I pulled out a yellowing and creased newspaper clipping. “Everything I know about my parents comes from these.” I gestured toward the framed clipping and handed Braidon the one from the box. I knew it by heart.

A local couple was pronounced dead onsite after a fatal car accident. Neil Cavelleri and wife Layna Cavelleri passed away at 10:05 pm last night when their car was struck by a runaway semi truck. The couple was north bound on Hamilton Street when Carl Norman, an RNA truck driver heading east on intersecting Highway 23, ran a red light causing him to t-bone the Cavelleri’s Toyota and slamming the car into the guardrails. The intersection was shut down for over three hours while rescue and cleanup crews were on site. Norman was taken to Orange County general hospital with minor cuts and injuries. Neil (31) was a well known local lawyer and Layna (29) was co- owner of the popular Belle Stelle Dance studio. They are survived by their one year old daughter Gabriella Cavelleri.

Braidon finished reading and watched as I reached back into the box moving aside the tape of my mother singing to pull out a small light blue and white dress along with a soft pink blanket and plastic multicolored bracelet that could fit a toddler.

“Is that what you were wearing when they took you to the orphanage?” He gestured to the items laid out on the bed.

“Yeah, Mrs. Sells, the orphanage director, gave them to me the day I left.” I sighed, not out of sadness, but out of the contentment of knowing that at some point my parents had touched and held all of these items too.

“Why do you keep them so hidden?” He was scrutinizing my expression.

“Because, these are my most prized possessions,” I smiled, “and as an only child I don’t share well.”

Braidon grinned. “Then why are you sharing with me?”

“Well I figured since you were already snooping around I would save you the hassle of searching the closet.” I joked. He had the decency to look slightly ashamed as his fingers ran through his soft hair.

“Is that all?” He raised an eyebrow turning his smile a little lopsided and even more attractive.

“What else would there be?” I tried to be casual.

He took my hand and kissed it before intertwining our fingers. “You trust me.” Braidon stated happily.

“I always have.”

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Tyler

“Ugh I have never felt this gross in my life.” Roxy said in disgust gesturing to her mud and rain soaked appearance.

“But it was worth it.” Chase chimed in draping an arm around her shoulder and looking just a filthy. It was a good thing I knew Chase was crazy about his girlfriend he had just gotten back together with.

“So worth it.” She agreed smiling brightly.

“That’s right because now we’re in the finals!” I roared and the rest of the team cheering in response as we trudged into our hotel tracking mud along the way.

We had arrived early this morning for the championships which would take place over the span of two days this weekend. We played two games in the semifinals, both of which we won and qualified for the championship game tomorrow along with the Huntington Hornets. Since it was England and November, it had been steadily raining all day making the fields slippery and muddy and resulting on our less then desirable appearances.

Coach was currently reminding us, yet again, that under no circumstances were we allowed to leave the hotel tonight and lights out was strictly at 10 o’clock so we could rest up for the final game. The team mumbled their consent. We were all too tired and gross to care; besides my plans for tonight didn’t even involve leaving our floor.

I beat Chase, my roommate for the night, to the shower. After quickly cleaning up and getting dressed I left the room before he could ask where I was going. To my advantage, no one was in the hallway as I went four doors down and knocked. Roxy opened it holding a towel while dressed in a t-shirt and pajama shorts with her hair still wet from the shower.

“What?” She demanded as soon as she realized it was me.

“Good job tonight.” I smiled completely unphased.

“Thanks.” Her eyes narrowed in suspicion “…you too.”

“Are you free next Thursday?” I asked.

“Bye.” She made to shut the door in my face but I stuck my foot out to stop it.

“Ow! Damn don’t crush my foot I need it tomorrow.” I cried out as it was squished between the door and the doorframe.

“Then you shouldn’t stick your foot in the way!” Roxy retorted but concern was etched across her expression all the same. “Are you okay?”

“I should sit down.” She had let go of the door so I pushed through and hobbled to her bed. I was wearing my Oakley slides and slipped the left one off to check out my foot which was red on both sides. “I’ll probably still be able to play tomorrow, but not as well ‘cus it’s most likely going to bruise.”

“Sorry.” Roxy apologized. I shrugged it off.

“So any plans for next Thursday?” I tried again.

She sighed giving me an exasperated look. “Tyler.”

“What, I’m just asking?” I said nonchalantly. Roxy was silent and I took the time to look around the room. Whitman had actually set us up at a pretty nice hotel with elegant mahogany furniture and soft comfortable beds. Not bad for a school sponsored trip.

“I’m not going out with you.” She finally said.

I raised an eyebrow. “I never asked you to, but since you’re so eager…” She glared at me and crossed her arms. “Will you go out with me on Thursday?”

“No.”

“And why not?” I had come prepared to counter any argument.

“Because.”

“That’s not a real answer.”

“I just can’t okay.”

“That doesn’t count either. I need a real answer.”

She took a deep breath through her nose while something in her expression softened. “I can’t go out with you because I’m not a masochist and prefer not to be let down again.” Roxy stared at me. “Is that good enough for you?”

“I won’t let you down.” I responded confidently.

She scoffed at my response. “Yeah, right.”

I stood up to walk over to her. “I’m serious Roxy. I won’t hurt you.” She continued to stare at me with an unreadable expression. A loud thunder cloud clapped over head and the rain picked up outside. She cringed slightly.

“That’s what they all say.” Roxy finally spoke avoiding my eyes.

“Then you’re going to have to trust me. Please, just one chance.” I laid my hands on either side of her crossed arms.

“I wish I could…” She bit her lip staring down at the floor. The room lit up as lighting struck close by. Thunder followed a second later and rain pounded the windows. Roxy shivered like a chill had just run down her spin and closed her eyes tightening her grip on herself. “I hate storms.” She said softly.

I sighed thinking it might be better if I just gave her time. “Think about it okay? I just need one night. If you hate it I promise I’ll leave you alone.” I waited for her to respond but she still had her eyes shut tightly. My hands fell to my sides and I reluctantly walked around her to the door.

She must have heard the door squeak open because she suddenly said “Tyler?” I turned, surprised by the sudden appearance of water brimming in her eyes. “I really hate storms. Can you…Will you… Please stay?” Roxy seemed so innocent and vulnerable (and frankly so out of character) standing in the middle of the room hugging herself and trying not cry that there was no chance of me refusing.

“Of course.” The door swung shut behind me as I followed her back to the bed. She sat down on the far side pulling her knees to her chest and leaning against the head board while I sat next to her with my legs outstretched. I made sure to keep my distance having learned my lesson the hard way. “Why do storms scare you so much?”

“I don’t know. It’s just always been that way. I mostly just don’t like being alone during them.” I nodded in acknowledgement. Roxy didn’t add more so I decided not to push my luck considering it was a miracle she even asked me to stay. We sat in silence listening to the storm for awhile before I had to say something.

“I hate spiders.” Roxy turned to me with her eyebrows cinched together. “It’s the whole eight legged thing. I can’t stand it.” I cringed at the thought making her grin. There was another loud clap of thunder and lightning causing the lights to flicker. Roxy scooted closer so that our arms were touching.

“The lights going out during a storm always reminds me of horror movies.” She offered as an explanation.

“Don’t worry they probably won’t go out.” But right as the words left my mouth there was a thunderous crash that seemed to shake the entire room and the lights flickered before going out for good. “Well… at least you’re not alone.” Roxy chuckled feebly.

I took a chance, raising my arm to gently wrap around her shoulder ready for her to shove it off. Instead, she leaned in to rest her head on my shoulder while snuggling closer allowing me to hold her tighter to me body. Though it was fairly cool in the room, my whole left side felt extremely warm against her.

We laid in silence for an immeasurable amount of time making me wonder what she could be thinking. Every time the lightning struck Roxy flinched and snuggled even closer laying her hand cross my waist. I held her closer and began rubbing soothing circles on her arm. It hit me that I had never done this with any girl I had ever dated before and if given the opportunity I could lay like this for a long, long time.

After awhile, Roxy sat up just enough to look into my face. It was too dark for me to make out her exact expression. We gazed at each other for a few moments before she spoke in the softest whisper as if afraid the noise might ruin the moment. “If I try something do you promise not to read too much into it?”

I nodded hoping, against all odds, that she was going to do what I had been dying to since she had opened the door fresh from shower dressed in short shorts. Roxy raised herself to a sitting position beside me. She hesitated for a second before leaning in agonizingly slowly. Her eyes closed, but she stopped less than an inch away. I couldn’t resist anymore and closed the gap between us.

This kiss was extremely different from the last. Her lips were soft and delicate against mine. There was no aggression in the way our lips moved, no need for dominance or proof of feelings. She already knew how I felt making this kiss equal part me and her. My hand found its way into her hair gripping the back of her head while the other traveled to her waist.

She placed her hand on my neck and ran her fingers along my jaw. My tongue traced the outline of her lip which parted gently for me. I cautiously rolled her over onto her back and followed so she was comfortably lying down with her head on the pillow and I was on top. Roxy fingers wove their way into my hair pulling me closer to deepen the kiss. I obliged oh so willingly.

Then one hand traveled down my side sneaking under the hem of my t-shirt. The feeling of her soft palm against my naked skin was intoxicating. My whole body heated up even more at her touch yearning for more. Her fingers trailed sensually up and down my abdomen and back leaving a burning trail as they went. I had to use all of my strength not to moan out loud. My own fingers soon found the exposed skin of her smooth flat stomach between her shirt and shorts.

Almost as suddenly as it began, she stopped and pulled away. I hovered above her, pushing myself up with both arms.

“I’m sorry.” I breathed, knowing I must have pushed too far or done something wrong.

“No.” Roxy said. I was glad to see she was just as out of breath. “Don’t be, it’s my fault.” She made to sit up so I moved out of the way.

“Is something wrong?” I asked wondering what caused her to stop so suddenly.

“Umm no…but I think it would be better if you left.” She whispered not looking at me.

I hesitated trying to figure out what exactly had happened. Coming up with nothing, I stood up. “Uh…okay. Goodnight.” I went awkwardly to the door secretly hoping she would call be back again. But Roxy didn’t.

I was left confused and slightly pissed as I trudged back to my room and stripped down to my boxers though not quite ready to go to bed. I stared up at the ceiling getting angrier by the minute, but unable to get the feel of Roxy out of my head when my phone vibrated on the nightstand. My adrenaline unwillingly started pumping again as I saw who the text was from.

What time should I be ready on Thursday?-Roxy-

A/N: Hey guys! First of all I just have to thank all of you for being such kickass fans and sticking up for me. I got subscribed to more since the "Sarah Incident" then I have ever before. (Bet she didn't see that coming) I love and appreciate all of your amazing support and don't worry, like I said above, a million rude reviews isn't enough to stop me because this story is like my baby. I can't abandon it.

So I hope you guy liked this chapter ( I think you will) and I know I had fun writing it;) Don't forget to leave your thoughts and I promise to get back to giving out sneak peaks.

Thanks for reading:)

Ciao ragazzi!