Emilee

Driving home was awful. Once I was outta Max’s car, I’d have to deal with reality again. I doubt he’ll be coming up to my room tonight, it’s already midnight. I sighed. Almost there now. “I’ll be with you tonight Emilee, don’t worry.” He smiled across at me. “I didn’t know my presence was that vital to you.” He, of all people, should.

“I just don’t wanna miss you,” I whispered. The car came to a halt in his carport. I sighed again. I forgot how late it was. My parents would be slightly worried. All I wrote on the note was that I was going out with a friend.

“I’ll come with you to take the blame,” Max said as we got outta his car. I smiled thankfully at him, although wasn’t all that comfortable with the idea. I unlocked the front door and snuck into the lounge room with Max by my side, linked to me by his hand. I knew they’d be waiting here. They usually did when I wasn’t back before 11.

“Emilee we’ve told you before, at least call – ohh...who’s this?” My mum’s expression immediately changed from menacing to excited. My dad glared across the room at poor Max.
“Uhmm, Max?” I replied. “He’s our next door neighbour.”

“Looks a little more than that...” my dad grumbled. His eyes flickered to our hands.

“I’m Emilee’s boyfriend. It’s nice to meet you,” Max said politely. He smiled sweetly at my mum. “I’m so sorry I’ve brought her back late, we had some car troubles back on the highway.” Ohh, will this work?

“That’s fine honey.” My mum was beaming. “Try not to make it too late next time, okay?” She took the bullshit! Max, you’re amazing!

“I’ll try,” he said. “I’ve gotta get going. Sooo tired.” He faked a yawn. Cute.

“Hope to see you again soon. Maybe for tea?” mum asked.

“Yea sure,” he said, smiling. Dad wasn’t saying anything...but at least he’d stopped the glare.

“Well I guess I’ll seeya Max,” mum said, waving as I led him back to the door. He waved back.

“Seeya soon sweetie.” Max winked.

“I literally can’t wait,” I replied. He ran off into the night. I immediately headed up to my room before the questions could start, claiming to be tired. My fake yawn was nowhere near as good as Max’s. He was sitting on my bed before I’d entered my room.

“Hi!” he said excitedly. “You took your time.” He smirked at me.

“Ohh, well excuse me for having to climb stairs. I think you had it easier with the tree.” I sat beside him, instantly feeling exhausted as soon as my butt hit the bed.

“You look so cute when you’re tired,” Max said.

“And you’re never tired. I bet if you were, you’d be cuter than me,” I replied.

“I am tired,” he replied. “I’ll turn around so you can change.” I quickly changed into a nightie. My other pyjamas were in the wash.

“Done,” I said weakly. Sleep was coming for me. Max was staring at my bare legs. Oops...I blushed. I crawled into bed to make him stop.

“Ohh, sorry,” he mumbled. “Don’t tease then.” He smiled cheekily and flicked the lights.

“Don’t look,” I replied. He came over to me and pulled my bed sheets up a little further.

“You’re too gorgeous to ignore.” His eyes locked with mine and my heart skipped another beat. All this beat-skipping surely wasn’t good for it. He leaned in and kissed me softly. “Goodnight love,” he whispered. I wanted him to stay.

“Goodnight,” I said sadly. He smiled softly at me before pulling the sheets across and sitting down. He took off his shoes and pants and climbed in next to me. “Thank you.”

“No problem Emilee,” he said, kissing the tip of my nose. He wrapped his arms around me and I snuggled into his cold chest. It was a cold night. I shivered. Max backed away from me a little, but I just snuggled back into him. He laughed softly. “I’ll be very upset if you freeze to death,” he said.

“I promise I won’t,” I replied. I tightened my grip on his shirt. He let it be. His soft breath on my neck sent me quickly to sleep.