The Only Exception

Chapter 4: Part 1

Later that day, Drew invites me over to his house, since nobody will be home. Maybe because he feels bad for what had happened with Katie Hanson, or maybe because he just wanted to finish what I had started. Either way, I happily agree; Drew and I haven't spent time alone together in a while. Not since the beginning of August to be exact, when he drove up to Sudbury to visit his grandparents and seemingly endless string of cousins. It is definitely something to look forward to.

                I watch as Drew fumbles with his keys, dropping his phone in the process. I gasp as it hits the rigid concrete steps and bend down to pick it up for him. Luckily there is no damage, but it doesn't take away the anxious expression on Drew's face. "Hey, are you okay?" I ask once he finally manages to unlock the door. "Yeah, of course." Drew replies, taking my hand and guiding me inside. I squeeze his to reassure him and watch as his tense body relaxes. The scent of French vanilla and baby lotion wafts around the house. It's a strange mixture, but is oddly comforting to me. I turn to smile at Drew, our hands still interlocked. He doesn't seem to notice, struggling yet again to close the door behind him. "I miss being here." I say, and it's true. His house is so welcoming on its own, there's just something that draws you in. I hear Drew chuckle behind me, and his arms wrap around my waist from the back. "And I miss you." He whispers, sending chills down my spine. "Which is why I want you to see something." I feel his presence leave mine, as he goes to rummage through his suitcase, which is still resting on the bottom of the stairs. "What kind of something?" I ask as I walk towards him. "A very something like something." He pulls a small blue box out of the front pocket, "Aha!"

                "What is it?" I ask as Drew zips the suitcase back up, the mysterious box still in his hand. He stands up straight and places the box into my hands. "Open it. I don't know if you'll like it. If you don't just tell me, I told my grandma that you wouldn't. But she insisted, after seeing pictures of you." I am shocked that Drew had even mentioned me to his family and look down at the gift just as anxiously as Drew was earlier. Inside the box lies a silver chain and a small pearl charm fixed onto it. "I tried to tell her that no girl our age wears pearls on the regular, you know. At least, I think that's what that is." Drew continues. "No. No, it's amazing. This is your grandmas?" Drew nods, shoving his hands into his pockets. "You don't have to pretend that you like it. My grandpa didn't get if for her or anything. She just bought it from the store, and realized it didn't suit her so."

                "Andrew, I love it." I assure him. "Thank You!" I throw my arms around his neck, almost tossing the box across the room in the process. "You're welcome. I'm glad you like it." He pulls away, and takes the necklace out of the box. He turns me around and strings it around my neck, fumbling with the clasp, but finally gets it.

Just as I turn back to face him, Drew pulls me into a kiss. I return it, tasting the Sour Patch Kids in all of its glory. He guides me to the couch, my heart practically jumping out of my chest from his touch. This is the first real kiss that we have shared since he has gotten back. Not just a quick smooch or an attempt to make some girl jealous. I almost forgot how good it feels to kiss Drew; especially alone. I fall back onto the Lawson-back sofa, and watch eagerly as Drew climbs on top of me. "I think that this is the appropriate time to make witty banter, but all I want to do is kiss you." Before I can reply, his lips are locked on mine again, his tongue darting around my mouth. I place my hands on his chest, and feel his heart racing against my palm. Everything is so familiar.