Page 14 of 3rd and 4 (Season of Change #3)

I love this campus. Being from the south and Florida, in particular, the changing of seasons is foreign to me. It’s so pretty! The leaves, the dip in temperature, the whole atmosphere is different. We won our last game, and the student body has been riding that high for days.

And Elijah…since we were intimate , our dynamic has changed, and it’s noticeable in our interactions on the field.

I thought we were magic before, but now, our energy just flows so naturally.

We anticipate each other in a way I’ve never had with anyone I was dancing or cheering with before.

I watched tape of our half-time performance, and I was on the proverbial edge of my seat waiting for what we’d do next like a spectator and not an active participant. We’re that good.

So good, I sent the footage to my parents and brother earlier this morning before class.

As if on cue, my phone rings in the side pocket of my bag.

I shift to pull it free and hiss when my bra rubs against my nipples.

They are super sensitive now that Addy’s played with them.

Like he flipped a switch or broke the seal, I crave him all the time.

His mouth on my boobs, sucking and teasing, driving me mad with unbearable pleasure.

I didn’t know it could be like this. Not that I thought sex was boring, I mean there’s entire industries dedicated to it, so I knew it would be good.

But this is beyond good, and we haven’t had actual sex yet.

To be honest, I’m not ready for it, per se, but I’m having too much fun playing with his cock.

My favorite is when I have him in my mouth and he pulls on my nipples.

The floodgates open and those are the best orgasms. I feel powerful when I’m servicing him.

Shoot. I got caught up thinking with my boobs and missed my parents’ call.

I quickly spot a bench and move to sit as I call them back.

I’m developing a one-track mind, and it isn’t going to do me any good.

Thank God, he and I are dedicated students and make time for classes and studying.

To be fair though, I can see how people get caught up in sex and forget the rest of their responsibilities and the world outside.

Addy’s good at short-circuiting my brain until I forget we aren’t the only two people that exist.

“Hey Mom! Sorry, I couldn’t get to my phone in time.” I greet her when she answers on the first ring.

“Hey, honey. Dad’s here too.”

“Hi Dad!”

“Pumpkin. Are you on your way to your next class?” Chuckling, I stretch out on the bench and bask in the midday sun shining through the trees.

Mom wasn’t too worried about me going away to school, but Dad has been worried sick about his little girl.

He’s memorized my schedule and insisted on linking our phones together so he can track where I’m at (too bad it didn’t help locate my stolen phone).

It doesn’t bother me if it makes him feel better, a little piece of mind goes a long way.

“I am, but I’ve got time. How are things back home?”

“Oh, nothing changes around here, you know that. We called about your performance!” Mom says excitedly.

I can hear her clapping, and a pang of homesickness momentarily overwhelms me.

I suck in a harsh breath, rubbing my sternum as she continues.

“You were…Daya, you were incredible! You’re always amazing, you know that. But your performance was…transcendent!”

“Hmph.” Dad makes a noise of discontent. “Who’s the boy?”

So, here’s a little fun fact, I haven’t mentioned that Addy and I are dating yet.

I’ve mentioned him, along with Eva and a few others, but I don’t know.

I wasn’t ready to share. I think a part of me kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak.

For him to come to his senses and realize I’m not as attractive as he first thought, my boobs are too small, I’m too muscular, or his attention was all a joke.

Some of that had briefly entered my mind, but watching some of those teen movies with Eva has really screwed me up a little.

I trust Addy. Completely. I know what we feel for each other is real, true, honest.

“I told you, that’s the Mic-Man, Elijah Addelsbach. He’s a senior.” Mom answers for me, her tone indicating Dad has nothing to worry about regarding my dance partner.

“Well…” I start, cough uncomfortably and shift on the bench.

“Daya?” They speak in unison, Dad’s tone reserved, Mom’s high-pitched.

“He is the Mic-Man, and my partner, and my boyfriend.” I’m proud that I manage to speak evenly, though my voice went up a little at the end of boyfriend.

Can’t be helped, he’s my first…everything.

This is uncharted territory, not only for me, but my parents.

Yes, my brother dates, but never anything serious.

“He’s older than you,” Dad says after a long, uncomfortable silence.

“By four years. Remind me again how much older you are than Mom?”

“Well, that’s irrelevant. You are my daughter—”

“And Mom is Pappy’s daughter.”

Mom starts laughing, more like cackling, clearly enjoying my retort. “Daddy hated you so much!”

“Your dad loves me.”

“He does now. Has for a while. But I had to talk him down from stringing you up and leaving you for the wild animals to feast on.”

I smile fondly. “Pappy is cutthroat.”

Dad mumbles, “How is this the same man who had tea parties with Daya and wore a tiara?”

“We got off track. So, you and Elijah?”

“Yes, Mom. Me and Elijah.” I can’t help the wistful way I say his name or the sappy grin that I can’t wipe off my face.

“I need to meet him.” Dad demands sternly.

I sit up, dropping my feet to the ground. “You’re coming to visit?” That would be so awesome! I miss them so much.

“I guess we must. I don’t want you getting serious with a boy without meeting him first to determine his worthiness.”

“Dad. Addy is the best man I know, beside you and Brad.”

“You’re biased and cannot render an impartial opinion. It’s the hearts in your eyes! You’re blind!” I laugh, knowing Dad isn’t upset, he’s just protective. Once he meets Addy, he’ll see what I mean.

Mom cuts in, “We were thinking of coming up during Homecoming week.”

“That’s three weeks away!” The volume of my voice is bordering on obnoxious, but I don’t care. My parents are coming to visit! “Is Brad coming too?” I miss my big brother. I wasn’t lying when I told Addy that he was my best friend.

“Yup.”

“WOOHOO!” I jump up with my fist in the air, nearly dropping my phone in the process. “Have you already booked a hotel? Are you flying or driving? How long are you staying? Will you be coming to the game? Can you buy me winter clothes while you’re here?”

“You have class, pumpkin. We’ll discuss details later. But you have your debit card, and I’ve put money in your account for essentials.”

“I know. But I didn’t want to—”

“Proper clothing to avoid pneumonia is essential.”

“Yes, sir.”

“We are so proud of you, honey.” Mom’s voice is thick, and I hear her sniffle. I blink back tears. “You looked like…pure magic on that field and we can’t wait to see you shine in person.”

“And meet this boy—”

“Man.” I correct my father automatically, my eyes widening in shock that I did.

“Well, excuse me.” I hear them whisper, then a loud lip-smacking sound and I know Mom has kissed his cheek to mollify him.

“More than there are stars.” Shoot. I’m crying, I can’t help it. I miss them like a phantom limb, but I know I am exactly where I belong. Meeting with Jenna and accepting the scholarship and invitation to the cheering program here was the best decision I’ve ever made.

“More than there are stars.” I whisper hoarsely. They disconnect the call first and I sit back on the bench, my phone cradled in my hand, letting the emotion roll over me until I’m in control and ready for my next class. I walk about five feet and my phone chimes.

Brad: Who is this boy with his hands all over you in the video?

I hold the phone to my chest as I walk, laughing and smiling, and genuinely so damn happy.