Chapter 7
When I heard the front door close, I squealed with delight. He kissed me! I can’t believe it! I think I might be falling for him......I sighed as I floated from room to room. I felt so high, that I never wanted to come down. I have to tell somebody what happened! I can’t keep it to myself anymore!
I then went over to the phone and dialed, who else, but Dani.
“Hello?”
“Guess who?” I asked, starting to giggle.
“Hey girl! What are you so happy about? Did something happen? Oh my god! Tell me!”
“Well, I don’t kiss and tell.....” I then heard a scream on the other end.
“ Oh my god? Did he kiss you? Did you kiss him? I need details!”
“Slow down girl! It was amazing.....Let me just say, that Clay is a phenomenal kisser.”I could tell that Dani was on the edge of her seat. I continued, “It happened when I found him, alone, in his room. We started talking, and then I moved closer to him. He then started to tickle me, and that led to a tickle war, to a pillow fight, to a little wrestling. We ended up on the floor, with him on top of me. When we finally stopped laughing, he leaned in and he kissed me. It was magical....”I said dreamily.
“Awww! That is so sweet! He sounds like such a great guy.”she replied.
“Yeah.....I think I might be falling for him.....”
“It sounds like you two were made for each other. Don’t let this one go.”
“I won’t.”
“Well, I gotta go, so I will talk to ya later! Call me!”
“Okay, I will. Bye!”
“Bye!”
As I hung up the phone, I began to think about Clay. Dani was right. We were made for each other. He understands me, and I understand him. I feel safe in his arms, a feeling I have never felt with past boyfriends. I guess I was thinking for a while, because when I looked at the clock, it was almost 8.
“Oh! It’s time for American Idol!”
I jumped up, and ran into the living room. I then flopped down on the couch and flipped the t.v. on.
“Welcome to American Idol. I’m your host, Ryan Seacrest, and this is the results show.” He then introduced the idols. When I saw Clay, I squealed. He smiled into the camera and winked. Was that for me? I smiled as I watched him perform a group number with the others. He look so happy when he is singing.
They performed the Billy Joel song “For the Longest Time”. Throughout the whole song, Clay was looking into the camera. He’s singing to me......He then had a little solo. He slid out from the others and sang, “Is how I need you, and how you needed me, too.....”I do need you, Clay.
After the performance, it was time for the results. Ryan went through each contestant, and then he came to Clay. “Clay.....you are safe.”I jumped out of the chair and screamed. I then turned my attention back to the television to see who was cut. It was Kimberly Caldwell. Oh, no! She was so sweet to me! I’m going to miss her. At least Clay doesn’t have to leave, yet.
I then began to worry. What would happen if he did get cut? Would things change? Then the phone rang. I went over and picked it up.
“Hello?”
“Hey, hun. It’s me, Clay. How are you?”
“I’m fine. How are you?”
“I’m good. I’m kinda bummed that Kim C. Got cut, but it had to happen sooner or later.”
“Yeah, I’m sad too. We were beginning to become really good friends.”
“It’s really too bad. So how are you doing? You alright by yourself?”
“I’m fine. I’m just a little lonely....”
“Oh, hunny! I’ll be home soon. We’re just going to go out and have a goodbye dinner for Kim. Then I’ll be on my way home, okay? Will you be alright til then?”he asked, rather sweetly.
“I guess so. Don’t be too long, okay?”
“Okay. I’ll call you again in a little while. Bye, sweetie!”
“Bye, Clay.”
He was so sweet to me. I was beginning to think that I didn’t deserve him. Snap out of it! I’m just being selfish. Clay can’t be with me all the time. Like he knew what I was feeling, he called back five minutes later.
“Beck, are you sure you’re okay?”he asked. “I had a feeling that you were upset about something.”
“Clay, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to sound selfish, but I need you. I’m scared. I’m all alone in a huge mansion. It’s dark outside, and I’m too scared to fall asleep.”
“It’s okay, calm down. We’re finished here anyway. They don’t really need me. Do you want me to come home?”
“Oh, Clay, could you? I’m starting to freak myself out.”
“Alright. I’m on my way. I’ll see you in 10 minutes.” With that, we hung up.
Feeling a little better that he was on his way home, I began to calm down. I suddenly realized why I was acting this way. It was because I wanted to protect him. I wanted to make sure that he was alright. There is no telling when or where Mark might strike. I had a feeling that it would be soon, when we least expected it. I just couldn’t bear the thought of Clay being hurt. Just the though was bringing tears to my eyes. I didn’t know what to do. I have to tell him. He has the right to know. But something was holding me back. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I finally resolved to tell him, just not tonight.
As I was waiting for Clay to come home, I began to hear noises. Stop it! I was scaring myself. Then I heard thunder and lightning, and it started to pour. Oh, Clay, where are you? The wind started to pick up. I was really worried. Then, the power went out. I screamed and ran to the front of the mansion to see if Clay was coming. Please, let him be alright.....I then saw a car pull into the driveway.
It was Clay, by himself. When I saw him, I got up, pulled open the front door, and ran out to meet him in the pouring rain. He smiled when he saw me. I ran into his arms and held him close. “Oh, thank God you’re home safe.”I said, out of breath.
With his arms still around me, he looked into my eyes. Then he pushed back my wet hair behind my ears. Then he leaned in and kissed me. I reached my arms around his neck to pull him closer. After about a few minutes, he broke the kiss and smiled at me. I smiled back. He then kissed my forehead and held me close. We were literally soaked to the bone standing outside in the rain. Neither of us seemed to notice. I tilted my head back to look at him. He looked down at me and smiled. Then we both started to laugh.
“Look at us! We’re soaking wet! We better get inside before we get hit by lightning or something.”he laughed.
“Yeah....”I dreamily replied, still staring into his eyes. Craving for more of his kisses, I pulled his lips to mine. It was slow and passionate. He began to run his hands up and down my back, caressing my arms as he went. I ran my hands through his wet, spiky hair. I began to get weak in the knees so he held me tighter, to keep me from falling. Suddenly, we heard a loud thunder crash. We broke the kiss, me nearly jumping into his arms.
I have always hated thunder and lightening storms. He laughed, and then said, “C’mon, let’s get inside.” Still holding on his left arm, I nodded. We then headed up the driveway, with his arm wrapped around my waist. When we opened the front door, the power miraculously can back on the second the both of us were inside.
“Well, how do you like that?”Clay said, surprised.
“I guess that was God’s way of saying that we should be inside during a storm like this.”I replied.
“I guess so....”he replied, smiling, still holding me close. We walked over to the kitchen, soaking wet. “Wait here. I’ll go get us some towels.”said Clay, as went to the closet in the hallway. When he came back, he wrapped me up in a big towel. He then threw another towel over himself and started to towel dry his hair. When he looked up, his hair was a mess. He is so darn sexy......I smiled and he smiled back.
“Thank you, Clay. You didn’t have to leave early to come home to me, but you did. Thank you so much. It means a lot to me.”I said.
“Oh, hunny. It’s no problem. I’m here for you. Anytime you need me, I’ll be there for you, no matter what.”he replied. He then wrapped his arms around my waist and held me close. I yawned into his chest, and my eyes began to droop. “Okay, c’mon. Let’s get you to bed.”he said, responding to my yawn. I nodded and he lead me upstairs to his room. He then gave me some dry clothes to change into. “Here, you can go change and get out of those wet clothes.”
“Thank you.”I whispered, leaning in to give him a quick kiss on the lips. He blushed, and I went to the bathroom to change.
I believe we all have one true love
Somewhere in this world, I do (I do, I do)
When it seemed all my dreams were falling through
That's when I found you
I believe for every heart that whispers in the dark
There's a ray of light somewhere shining through
It was sink or swim, when the tide came in
I found myself
When I found you
I found the closest thing to heaven
Yes, in you
I found the deepest love I knew
Ooooh Ohh
I'll believe
Yes, it's true
I found myself
When I found you
Ooh yeah
I believe (I believe), for every door (Every door)
That's closing
For every heartbreak there's hope for something new
From the ashes rise a glimpse of paradise
It said flickered in your eyes
When I found you
I found the closest thing to heaven
Yes, in you
I found the deepest love I knew
Ooooh Ohh
I'll believe
Yes it's true
I found myself
When I found you
When I came out, Clay was already changed into a t-shirt and pajama bottoms. He was sitting on the edge of the bed waiting for my return. I smiled. He looks so good.....He looked up and smiled when he saw me approaching. He then got up and pulled away the covers from the bed, gesturing for me to climb in. I did so. He then proceeded to tuck me in.
A life I thought no one knows
I thought love was just a tingling of the skin
I found so alone, all alone
More than you could ever know
You show deeper love
Sweeter love
After he was finished, he climbed next to me on top of the covers. He laid down on his side and wrapped his right arm around me. “Good night.”I whispered.
“Good night, hunny. Sweet dreams” he replied, as he tucked my hair behind my ears and kissed my forehead. Before I knew it, I was fast asleep. Soon, Clay was fast asleep, snuggled up next to me.
When I found you (I found love)
Oooh (the closest thing to heaven)
Oh yeah
I found you baby, I found you
I found you
Yeah
I found myself
When I found you
I found the closest thing to heaven
Yes, in you
I found the deepest love I knew
Ooooh Ohh
I'll believe
Yes it's true
I found myself
When I found you
Meanwhile, the rest of the idols were just getting home.
“Wow, what a night.”said Kim L.
“Yeah, how about this storm?”replied Trenyce.
“You okay, Kim?”asked Ruben to Kim C.
“Yeah, I’m just sad I have to leave so soon.”she replied.
“Awww! Group hug!”said Josh.
After everyone pulled away, Carmen spoke up. “Hey, where’s Clay?”
“Oh, he left early because he felt bad leaving Becca home alone.”replied Ruben.
“So? Where is he?”
“How should I know? Why don’t we go look for them to make sure that they are okay...”said Kim L.
“Alright, everyone, split up!”
They searched the downstairs with no luck. Then they headed upstairs.
“Wait.”said Ruben. “Be quiet. They could be sleeping.”
So, quietly, they each took a room to search. Kim C. decided on the most obvious place: Clay’s room. She slowly, quietly, turned the handle and peered inside. “Oh my god! You guys! You have to see this!” she squealed.
Everyone then ran over to see what the fuss was about. “Isn’t that the cutest thing you have ever seen?”whispered Kim C. Everyone looked in and over on the bed, were Clay and I, sound asleep in each others’ arms.
“Shh! Let’s not wake them.”said Ruben, reaching to close the door.
“Carmen, don’t start...”said Josh.
She was starting to tear up. “Leave me alone!”she squealed. Then she ran to her room and closed the door.
“I swear.....”said Josh, turning to go to his room.
“They make such a cute couple....”whispered Kim C. to Kim L., Ruben and Trenyce.
“Yeah, they do, man.”replied Ruben.
“C’mon you guys. Let’s get some sleep.”said Kim L.
“Goodnight.”said Trenyce.
“Goodnight everyone. Sleep tight.”said Ruben.
Chapter 8
~~~Somewhere, not to far away....~~~
“So, Jason, what have you found out? Does she still live in that same apartment?”asked Mark, evilly.
“Well, sir, It appears that she has never returned to her apartment since the night I went to visit.”replied Jason. “You’re not going to like this....”
“What is it? I order you! Where is she?!”yelled Mark.
“Well, ever since she ran from her apartment, I have been following her, watching her every move. You’re not going to believe this, but she’s actually together with that guy, Clay, that put you in jail five moths ago. He’s actually on television now, on American Idol....”Said Jason.
“Get on with it!”
“So, now she is living with the guy in the Idol mansion with the other contestants from the show. I also, ummm.... I saw....”
“Yes? What did you see?”demanded Mark.
“I saw.....I saw Becca and Clay kissing!”Jason blurted out, afraid of Mark’s reaction.
“What?!”
“It’s true.....They were all over each other, out in the pouring rain.....”
“That’s enough! So, this guy thinks he can still my girl, huh?”
“Well, technically, you two broke up......”
“We never broke up you idiot! We were just temporarily separated, until I got out of jail. She is still my girl. If I can’t have her, no one can. This gives me an idea......Now that she is involved with this Clay guy, this could very well work to our advantage......If we killed him, she wouldn’t be able to go on living herself.....This way I can make her pay.....She deserves to suffer. Plus, this guy doesn’t deserve to live after what he did to me......” Mark then smiled an evil smile and laughed maniacally with Jason.
~~~~~~~
~~~Meanwhile, back at the mansion~~~
The next morning, I awoke to find Clay, still sound asleep, with his arm still wrapped around me. I smiled and watched him sleep. He looked like an angel. He was my angel.....He looked so peaceful. I just stayed still and watched him sleep for a little while, his chest slowly rising up and down.
I couldn’t wait any longer to see his sweet smile. I had to wake him up. “Clay......”I whispered, slowly running my hand through his soft hair. He didn’t budge. If anything, his grip around my waist became tighter. Hmmm.....What to do? I know......I then leaned over and kissed him on his soft lips. Almost immediately, his eyes shot open and he pulled me closer. He then closed his eyes and deepened the kiss. Surprised by his little game, I slowly pulled away in need of some air.
“Good morning, hun.”he smiled.
“Good morning, you little sneak!”I replied, playfully punching his arm.
He laughed and said, “I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist.”
I smiled and he smiled back. “Thanks for staying with me, Clay. I slept so much better knowing that you were with me.”
“You’re welcome, sweetie. I slept pretty good myself......Do you want to go get something to eat?”he asked.
“Sure.”I replied, starting to get up. I climbed out of bed and stretched. I then felt an arm go around my waist, to pull me over and sit on his lap. He smiled and lightly touched my cheek with the back of his hand. Looking into his eyes, I lifted my hand and held his to my face. Then our lips met, and we kissed. His kisses always tasted so good. They all always leave me wanting more. It lasted a few minutes, then we slowly pulled apart.
Then we both got up, hand in hand, and walked over to the door. He opened it, to find the hallway empty. “C’mon. Let’s go downstairs.”he said. He then led the way, still holding my hand, down to the kitchen. When we stepped in the doorway of the kitchen, everyone looked up.
“Well, good morning you two.”greeted Ruben, smiling.
“Um, good morning everyone.” Clay replied.
“Good morning.”I replied.
Everyone was staring at us, smiling, like they knew something Clay and I didn’t. “What?” Clay finally spoke up, looking around at everyone.
Ignoring Clay, Kim C. asked, “So, how did you sleep last night, Becca?”
Taken aback, I replied, “Ummm....pretty good. I actually slept peacefully for once.”
“That’s good....”Kim C. smiled, then bit her lip.
Clay was looking really confused. “Okay, what’s going on?”he asked.
Carmen looked away, then got up and left the room without a word. “Carmen....what.....”Clay was really confused now. “Will somebody please tell me what is going on?”
“Clay, hunny, relax....Last night, we didn’t see you on the couch when we got home. We were worried, we wondered where you were. It was late, so we figured you still wouldn’t be up if you had the chance to sleep.....So, we searched all over the mansion for you, to make sure you were alright....then, ummm....we kinda saw you two sleeping with your arms wrapped around each other. I am just happy for you guys, that’s all....”finished Kim. L.
Clay just stood there, staring at everyone. Then he looked at me, still clung to his side. I looked up at him, and smiled. He smiled back and winked. I then tilted my head to rest on his shoulder. He then looked at everyone else, who were still staring at us. I was beginning to think they were assuming that something happened last night between Clay and I. Something that didn’t really happen, but we just ended up falling asleep next to each other. I began to feel uncomfortable. Clay could tell how I was feeling, so he spoke up.
“Alright everyone, listen. Nothing happened last night, okay? It’s not what you are thinking. Besides, even if something did happen, it would be none of your business. You have no right to assume anything, unless Becca and I tell you otherwise. I’m glad that you are happy for us, but please, don’t assume something happened when it really didn’t. I really care about Becca, and I don’t want to see her hurt. She is my girlfriend now, so she is not going anywhere. She means a lot to me, so treat her with respect.” Clay finished.
He then turned to face me, “I’m sorry, I had to get that out of my system. I have a little bit of a temper. You mean a lot to me, and I want to make sure that you are treated right....”
I stopped him by putting my finger on his lips. “Shhh....Thank you for what you said. It meant a lot to me. I care a lot about you, too. I don’t know what I would do if anything should ever happen to you. I.....I......” I couldn’t finish.
“C’mere.” he said, as he pulled me into a hug. As tears were filling my eyes, he held me close. “It’s okay, calm down.....”
I looked up at him and smiled. He smiled back and kissed my forehead. “Clay....about what you said before....are we officially dating now?”I smiled playfully.
“Only if you want to.”he whispered back.
“Of course I do! There is nothing in this world that I would rather want than to be with you. I would love to have you as my boyfriend.”I whispered, looking into his sparkling, green eyes. He smiled and looked into mine.
Realizing that we were still in the kitchen with everyone still looking at us, he winked and I smiled back. “C’mon. Let’s get some breakfast.”he said. I laughed and went over to the table, with him sitting next to me.
After breakfast, it was time for Kim C. To go home. It was a bitter sweet goodbye. I felt sad that I didn’t have more time to get to know her better. She was so sweet to me. She went around hugging everyone, saying her goodbyes. When she came to me, she pulled me to the side, away from the others.
“I’m really sorry we couldn’t have more time to get to know each other.”she said to me, pulling me into a hug.
“Me, too. I’m really sad that you have to leave so soon.”I replied.
When we pulled apart, we both smiled. “Here,”she said, as she handed me a piece of paper with her cell number on it. “You call me, okay? To talk and......”she turned her head around and saw Clay talking with Ruben, and whispered, “to let me know how it is going with you and Clay. I want all the details!” she laughed, then winked.
“Of course I’ll call! To tell you everything....”I said, smiling.
“Oh, and before I forget, I left a bunch of my clothes for you in my closet that I thought you might like.”
“What? You didn’t have to! That is so sweet of you!”I replied, pulling her into another hug.
“Oh, it’s no problem.”she said.
We pulled apart, and she waved goodbye. “I’ll see you around!”she said, starting to walk away.
“Bye! I’ll call you!”I yelled back. She turned and gave me the thumbs up. And then she was gone.
Clay slid back over to me, and wrapped him arm around my waist. “I’m really gonna miss her.”I said to him, tilting my head on his shoulder.
“Me, too.” he replied, while running his other hand through my hair.
After Kim left, everyone slowly made their way around the mansion, getting back to normal. Clay had to go talk to Ruben about something, so I took this opportunity to go upstairs to see what clothes Kim had left for me. I made my way up to her old room, to find the closet full of beautiful clothes. “Wow.....”I said to myself, looking through them. I picked out a cute t-shirt and a short jean skirt. I then went to shower and freshen up. When I was ready for the day, I stepped out of the bathroom, and went to go see what Clay was up to.
~~~meanwhile, downstairs~~~
“Hey, Rube? Can I talk to you for a second?”Clay asked.
“Sure, man. What’s up?”he replied.
“Well, I just wanted......I just.....”Clay stammered.
“What is it? Is something wrong?”Ruben asked, worried.
“No, nothing is wrong. For once, everything feels right. I don’t know what it is, but whenever I’m with Becca, it feels right, like that’s where I am supposed to be.”
“Wow, man. Do you think that she could be your soul mate?”
“Something tells me that we are meant to be together. I can feel it.”
“That’s great. I’m so happy for you, man.”
“Thanks, Rube. Thanks for listening.”
“No problem.”
Just then, Clay heard me calling him. “Clay......where are you?” Smiling, he followed the sound of my voice.
Chapter 9
The next couple of days went by so fast. Clay and I were inseparable. The
only time we were apart was when he had to go to rehearsals. Other than
that, we were attached at the hip. Everyone was now used to Clay and I being
a couple. It was such an amazing feeling to call him my boyfriend. Even
Carmen was starting to warm up to me. I was falling head over heels for
Clay. I just had this feeling that we were meant to be together. It felt so
right.
Soon came another Tuesday, where the idols would have to perform to win
America's votes. Clay had picked a song to sing, but he wouldn't tell me
what it was. All he would tell me is that he was dedicating it to me.
"C'mon Clay! Tell me! Please?"I pouted.
"Nope, I ain't telling. You'll just have to wait until tonight....."he
replied.
"Oh! Alright......"I said, snuggling up next to him on the couch. His arms
were wrapped around my waist, and I was lying my head back on his chest. He
was everything I could ever want and more. As he was running his hands
through my hair, we heard Ruben calling from the other room.
"Clay! C'mon! We gotta get going, man!"he yelled.
"Alright! I'm coming!"Clay yelled back. He then looked down at me lying on
his chest and smiled. "You know what? I think you should come with me
tonight. It would mean the world to me if I could see you sitting in the
front row, so that I could really sing the song to you. Plus, I don't want
to take any chances. I never want to leave you alone again."he whispered.
I looked up at him and smiled. "Oh, Clay! I would love that!"I then gave him
a hug, and he kissed my forehead.
"Okay, c'mon. We better get going before the others start yelling....."he
said, starting to help me up. Reluctantly, I slowly got up off of him and he
lead me into the front hallway, holding my hand.
"Okay, let's go!"said Kim L.
So, everyone then headed out to the van that would take them to the studio.
When we arrived, Clay had to leave me to go get ready backstage.
"Okay, I'll see you out in the audience."he said, hugging me.
"Okay! Good luck!"I replied. He smiled, and was soon pulled away by makeup
and hair people. Sighing, I slowly made my way over to my seat, front row
center. I was so excited. I couldn't wait to hear the song that Clay was
going to sing to me. Hmmm.....what could it be?
Soon, people began filing in the auditorium, taking their seats. I was
sitting there, anxiously awaiting for the show to start, when the familiar
theme started to play. Then out came Ryan Seacrest, greeting the crowd.
"Hello, and welcome to another exciting episode of American Idol. Tonight is
Dianne Warren night, so each idol has to sing a song written by her."
He then introduced each idol, in turn. Everyone did a wonderful job. I was
on the edge of my seat, waiting for Clay's turn. "Next up, singing, 'I Could
Not Ask For More', ladies and gentlemen, Clay Aiken." Everyone started
clapping for him, my boyfriend. Then, the music started to play.
"Lying here with you.....
Listening to the rain.....
Smiling just to see....a smile upon your face.....
These are the moments, I thank God that I'm alive.....
These are the moments.....
I'll remember all my life.....
I've found all I've waited for....
And I could not ask for more.....
Could not ask for more than this time together.....
Could not ask for more than this time with you.....
Every prayer has been answered....
Every dream I have's come true....
Yeah, right here in this moment....
Is where I'm meant to be.....
Oh, here with you here with me.....
Oh, I could not ask for more than this time together....
Cause it's all I've waited for.....
And I could not ask for more."
I just sat there, tears streaming down my face. He finished the song with a
big smile on his face, looking at me. It was so beautiful.....After the show
was over, I went to look for him backstage. He saw me, and came over with a
big grin on his face.
"Oh, Clay! That was so beautiful!"I said, pulling him into a hug.
"I'm glad you liked it, baby."he whispered.
We looked at each other. He then tucked some of my hair behind my ear. "You
are so beautiful..."he whispered. I smiled and blushed, looking into his
eyes. He slowly brought his hand up to my cheek, and he leaned in, and
kissed me. I brought my arms up, and wrapped them around his neck, while his
hands ran up and down my back.
At that very moment, Carmen came walking down the hall. She stopped when she
saw us kissing. Then, an evil grin spread across her face. "Clay will be
mine. Deep down, he loves me, not her. I'll show them...."Then she turned on
her heels and walked away to think of her evil little plan.
