Old Ties

[LeftyT]

Evan was ready to jump when the gunman saw him and pointed the gun. The next few seconds were a blur. Something hit him like a ton of bricks and he saw a flash as he hit the floor. He thought he heard at least one gunshot. "This is it" he thought "I'm going to die in some kid's treehouse, with a girl I don't even like, shot by a crazy gunman I don't even know."

When he open his eyes he was lying face down on the floor of the treehouse. It sounded like a herd of large animals underneath him, men were yelling and spotlights shone everywhere but up in the treehouse it was dark and quiet. The first thing he saw when he focused his eyes were a pair of intense green eyes staring back at him. She lay next to him, her arm across his body, she was trembling. When he realized he had not been shot, ot occured to gim what had happened. "You saved my life...." He said quietly. She opened her mouth to respond, he was expecting a smart ass comeback. But she was interrupted by a loud deep voice. "Everyone OK up here?" A burly red-faced cop had climbed up the ladder. Evan almost laughed as the man squeezed through the door and moved toward them the treehouse shook with each step.

"OK, just shaken up" said Evan. The cop told them the gunman had been apprehended and was in custody. He told them to come down and give a statement to the police, he hurried out of the crowded treehouse. He took her hand and they got to the ladder, she went down first and he followed. On his way down the ladder he said under his breath "eyes on the ground, Marley"

 

[momoftwins13]

Marley and Evan tumbled to the floor of the tree house just as a bullet tore through the roof. Stunned, Marley lay there trembling, as what had just happened sunk in.

Her eyes went to Evans to make sure he was ok. He was staring at her incredulously and stated the obvious- that she had saved his life. She was shocked herself and was about to say they wouldn't even have been there if not for her but the cop interrupted her.

Evan took her hand and helped her up and she started to go down the ladder slowly, her body still trembling slightly. She heard Evans whispered words and laughed softly, glad for the break in the tension.

Her feet hit the ground and she waited for Evan to come down beside her.

"At least you weren't wearing a skirt" she murmured quietly to him. "I just flashed the entire city PD I think..." She paused for a moment. "At least I had panties on".

Two police came over then and separated the two students getting each of their statements. Marley had gotten several splinters and a scrape on her arm when they hit the floor of the tree house, and a paramedic insisted on cleaning it up before releasing her. Finally when she was done we glanced around.

She didn't see Evan anywhere.

She asked a cop and he too glanced around. "I'm not sure ma'am," he replied "he may still be answering questions but I doubt it. Maybe he went home".

The officer left Marley standing there then, and she picked up her phone to call Zoe.

"Come get me" was all she said and rattled off her location before going to lean against a fence and wait.

 

[LeftyT]

"look kid, I know you're exhausted, but let's go through it one more time." The detective said as he and Evan leaned against a squad car. "I'm just not clear on HOW you two ended up in the shed and the treehouse. The girl that wanted to rip your eyes out at the party just happened to choose the same hiding place as you...."
"Detective Callahan, I know it sounds weird, but that is what happened."
Evan and the Detective saw Marley getting attention from an EMT. "just some scrapes and bruises, she's ok, son." he saw the concern in Evan's eyes. "you ok?"
Evan groaned "just some sore ribs. But I'm telling everyone I got them in football practice, not from a cute blonde in a short denim skirt." Detective Callahan laughed, "smart move kid. That little linebacker should teach tackling to your defense."
Evan asked the veteran cop if they had anything to worry about with their scholarships, after all they had been drinking at a party. He told the entire story, after all if they lied there were dozens of witnesses who saw their little fiasco at the keg.
"kid, my men and I won't play that angle up in the press. That gunman was a messed up dude. He was going to start shooting any minute. If you two had not created a distraction, even if you didn't plan to, some of my guys my have been shot, or worse." We'll do everything we can to help you out. Now go home, get some rest."
Evan looked around and saw Marley standing alone, on the phone. We walked quickly toward her when his phone rang. It was his Mom, hysterical. She heard on the news about a gunman. He explained the situation to her, but she kept asking him all kinds of questions and he was trying hard to reassure her that he was ok and unharmed. "mom, I'm fine, I'm just really tired, and I have to go check on someone. I love you, and I'll call you tomorrow I promise."
When he looked up, Marley was gone.
damn

 

[momoftwins13]

Zoe showed up quickly and Marley climbed into her car. The questions came fast and furious.

How did you end up there? With Evan?! Did you kill him?! Were you scared?! Oh yeah, are you ok?!

Marley rolled her eyes.

She explained the nights events to Zoe who seemed amazed by the story. Within minutes they were back to Marley's dorm and she said thanks to Zoe with a hug and a wave. She went up to her room and, thankful for the extra money paid out that allowed her to live without a roommate, she laid in a tiny couch and began to think.

They had almost died that night. Evan especially.

Evan filled her thoughts then. He was an ass. A manwhore. And yet a sexy one. It was no wonder women flocked to him... He was gorgeous. She was attracted to him, she thought incredulously.

Well she would never act on that attraction. No way in hell...

As she finally drifted off to sleep the first dream that she remembered that night was of Evan and she, clinging to each other as a mad gunman stood below firing bullets at them.

 

[LeftyT]

Evan stood there where he last saw Marley, looking around for any sign where she may have gone. There was really no reason for her to stay, but at least she could have stayed to make sure they were both ok and check in before heading home. At least she could have said good night...
He looked around and realised he had no way of getting home. He could ask a cop for a ride maybe, or call a cab, but then he thought the walk back to his dorm might clear his head and allow him to process what just happened on the longest night of his life.
As he walked home he thought about what he needed to do after he got some sleep......
1) call mom and dad
2) call coach Parker
3) call and check on Marley
Call? Then he realized, he didn't have her phone number, he didn't know what dorm she lived in. He wasn't sure if they had any friends in common, no one he could call and get her number. Besides, she probably still didnt like him, maybe she never wanted to see or hear from him ever again. But...she had saved his LIFE.
The detective had mentioned the media, he wondered when the questions were going to start. This was a lone crazy gunman that caused the lock down of a large State University. It was a big story anyway, you add in the involvement of two student athletes...he was sure he was going to hear from a lot of reporters over the next few days. Great.
By the time he got back to his dorm room, Ty was nowhere to be found, He probably took advantage of the lock down to spend the night "consoling and protecting" some girl back at her place, Evan thought with a laugh.
He looked at the clock - 3:45am
He took his cell phone, turned it off and threw it in a drawer. He took the dorm room land line phone off the hook. He stripped down to his underwear and got in bed. He was asleep within seconds.

 

[momoftwins13]

Marley woke from another of those dreams, covered in sweat and trembling. Cussing, she stood up and paced the room. Her mind was on Evan. Was he ok? She wished she had been able to talk to him again before they left. He probably hadnt cared anyway but still....

Deciding to put her sleeplessness to good use Marley picked up a book and began to study.

Several hours later a knock came on the door. Marley was surprised to look up and see it was 730am already. Opening the door, Marley saw Zoe and several other girls from the softball team.

"Girl, there's about 800 news vans surrounding the softball fields. They must know we had an early morning practice scheduled. They're waiting for you".

Marley groaned. She didn't want to deal with media.

"Let me get dressed" she told the girls and then shut the door.

She quickly pulled on a pair of loose sweats, and a tight fitting Under Armour shirt. Shoving her feet in her Nikes, she pulled her hair up into a sloppy but cute ponytail and then grabbed her equipment, walking out the door.

"You're wearing that!?" One of the girls exclaimed.

"On TV?!" Another asked incredulously.

Marley shot them all a glare. "I'm going to ball practice. You don't wear heels and a dress to practice".

With that she hiked her bag up on her shoulder and began walking across campus. Several people stopped and talked amongs themselves as she walked by. She noticed suddenly that news vans surrounded the football complex as well. She saw a huge crowd gathered and her heart stuttered when she noticed they were surrounding Evan and several other football players.

Marley hurried that way and shoved through the crowd.

"Evan!" She shouted several times, tryin to get his attention.

 

[LeftyT]

Evan got to the practice facility just in the nick of time, after all of three hours sleep.
The entire team avoided him and asked no questions about the night before. How could they not know? Ty informed him that Coach had told them if anyone asked Evan questions, they would be running laps and doing push ups for weeks.
Coach Parker was one mean, domineering, angry son of a bitch, but he loved his players and was protective of them to a fault. He hated "outsiders" and the media especially.
When they got out to the field and saw the multitude of media vans, reporters, cameras, etc. Evan sighed in walked over to them, he guessed it was time to face the questions.
Before he could get there, Coach Parker stepped his formidable body directly in front of Evan and proceeded to give the reporters who had gathered the evil eye, looking at them all like they were a receiver just just dropped an easy touchdown pass.
"Listen up people!" he growled "I have informed Evan McCarty that he is excused from practice today. He is going to the athletic offices and studying some game film. He will be answering NO questions this morning." The reporters looked stunned and annoyed. "This afternoon. after Evan, his parents, university lawyers and myself have met, he will give a press conference in the Admin Media Room. I will speak to the Softball coach and maybe we can get the girl, Miley I beleive her name is, to join him." Evan had to laugh out loud at that comment.
"after that press conference, Evan will be under STRICT instructions not to answer any more press questions. This is a ongoing criminal investigation." Then Coach showed his human side "These are two KIDS for gods sake who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Cut them some slack."
Evan wanted to the the big man a hug.....
Coach continued "they acted with great poise in a scary situation...from what I've heard they were herioc.....ESPECIALLY the girl."
HE turned around, winked and Evan and whispered "now go take a nap, um I mean, go watch some film."
As Evan walked back inside he looked over towards the softball area, it was chaos over there too......didn't even see her.

 

[momoftwins13]

Marley groaned when Evan didn't even hear her. One reported turned and saw her. Noone else had noticed her yet. Hearing the football coach's speech, Marley turned and ran to the softball complex. She snuck in a side for labeled employees only.

She leaned against the door and sighed. Grabbing her bag she went to find we coach.

"Crist!" She heard his booming voice from behind her. She spun and looked at him. He was a big man, well respected by his players, and caring like the football coach.

"You ok?" He asked as he looked her over.

"I'm good. Just a few scrapes no big deal".

"Good," replied the coach. "You want out of practice? We've sealed off the complex so no reporters are out there."

"I appreciate it coach, but I need to hit some balls. Lose myself for a while" she replied. The coach noddedin understanding.

"Get to it".

Marley dashed to the locker room where her friends were waiting. Marley glanced at them all as she stashes her gear.

"I need Evans number. One of you all has to know one of the football players or something. Can someone get it for me?"

A girl name Fiona piped up. "I have his friend Ty's number. Ill ask him for you".

Marley thanked her and went to hit. An hour later Fiona walked up and handed her a slip of paper. Marley read the number and nodded.

Pulling her phone out she typed in a message.

"You ok? -Marley"

She hit send and went back to hitting.

 

[LeftyT]

Evan walked into the film room, only to find the two greatest people in the world, his mom and dad, waiting for him. They both give him the biggest hugs he could remember, and his mom started crying and would not let go.
After assuring them he was ok, he heard his phone buzz, saw the text from Marley. He felt like everything was going to be ok.

"I'm fine. Overwhelmed by the attention. How are you? Shoulder ok?" he texted back.

He sat down and told his Mom and Dad everything, even the disgusting things he said to Marley at the keg party. OK, he omitted the part about looking up her skirt, but that was it.

"it sounds like this girl is a strong and brave person. Be nice to her, Evan." such a mom thing to say.

His dad chimed in "the lawyers are here, we should talk to them about what you can and cannot say to the press."

He went back to the dorm to take a shower and shave. His mom insisted he wear a suit for the press conference.

He texted Marley a few times, he told her his parents looked forward to seeing her soon. He did too, but of course he didn't say it.

When he returned to the athletic building, the media room was beginning to fill, his parents and coach Parker were an assuring trio, sitting a few feet away from him. There were three chairs behind a table at the front of the room, the University Media liason told him she would be sitting there next to him and Marley.

About five minutes before the scheduled start, Marley walked in, her parents were with her, he recognized her Mom and Dad from some athletic events in High School. Evan's Mom rushed over to Marley and gave her a bear hug, he heard the words "thank you" "brave" and "pretty" uh-oh

Marley walked over and took a seat next to him. "you ready for this, McCarty?" she asked. "I'm a football player, I'm used to this kind of attention." He smirked. She rolled her eyes.

When everyone had assembled, the PR lady said that Mr. McCarty and Miss Crist would each make a statement and then answer questions. Marley suddenly got a deer in the headlights look on her face. He surprised himself when he reached over and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. He surprised himself even more when he leaned forward and spoke into the microphone...."Before I make any statements or answer questions......I'd just like to clarify something. The amazing young woman next to me, who was incredibly brave and strong last night....her name is MARLEY, that is M-A-R-L-E-Y, there may have been some confusion."
He turned to her, and for the first time she gave him a huge smile. It looked like she was blushing from head to toe.
She was beautiful.

 

[momoftwins13]

After she was done hitting, Coach Maverick informed her of when the media conference would be. She needed to go back to her dorm and get ready. She had talked to her mom that morning and her parents were scheduled to be there in an hour.

She had texted Evan a few times, glad to speak to him, even though it shouldn't matter to her.

She showered and headed to her dorm to get dressed and do her hair. As she was straightening her hair, she heard a knock and shouted for her parents to come in. She was still in a tank top and a pair of clean athletic shorts.

"Oh honey you're not wearing that are you?!" Her mom exclaimed.

Marley rolled her eyes. "No mom I just haven't got dressed yet".

Her dad chuckled from a corner of the room as her mom began to fuss over her hair and outfit. Thirty minutes later she was dressed in a black business - like skirt with a silk turquoise blouse that made her eyes pop in a vivid green.

Soon they were on the way to the conference room. Marley's pulse started to race. She hated crowds like this. As a catcher she was used to crowds but she always had her back to them so they didn't really faze her much... But here they were directly in front of her...

She saw Evan and walked over after his mother had nearly squeezed her to death. She had gushed over how pretty Marley was and how thankful they were for her.

"Shit that's a lot of people" she said as they sat down. Her pulse raced and her palms got damp. She asked if he was ready and his response earned a groan from her.

Then he squeezed her hand and everything seemed ok suddenly. He spoke first and his words made a smile spread across her lips. He had always called her Miley to piss her off. This now made her laugh softly.

Evan spoke about the encounter briefly, leaving out a lot of details and only giving the media what they needed to know. Then it was Marley's turn. Taking a deep but shaky breath she glanced at Evan and leaned forward.

"Evan and I are just students. Nothin more than that really. We just got caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. We just reacted the way that we knew how." She glanced at Evan. "Everyone is making a big deal out of what I did but to be honest if Evan hasn't been there to calm me down it would have been an entirely different outcome... It was teamwork. We're athletes, that's what we are supposed to practice... Right?"

She glanced at Evan and then sat down while the media fire thousands of questions ther way. The media liaison took over then and Marley reached under the table for Evan's hand, needing that reassuring squeeze.

 

[LeftyT]

The 45 minute press conference seemed like it lasted for five hours. However, They both handled it like pros, and everyone seemed to be satisfied with their version of what had happened. Evan got a little nervous when someone brought up the fact that they would have to testify when the gunman went to trial, he had not thought that far ahead, but they would deal with that when the time came.

After it was over Evan went over to talk to his parents and the coach. They all decided that the whole event went pretty well.

He walked over to Marley, and shook hands with her Dad and gave her Mom a hug. They made small talk and then he got a chance to talk to Marley alone.
She said that it went better than she was expecting.

Evan said the media seemed to put a positive spin on their questions, and they unfortunately would be campus celebrities for a while.

"also, it sounds like the six of us, me, you, and our parents are having dinner together back home in Rock Springs next Sunday night. Either at our house or
Rafael's bistro, site yet to be determined. Also, my Dad wants to buy you a car for some reason. Oh yeah, and my Mom thinks I should ask you to marry me, BUT we can't get married until we graduate. Other than that.....everything is normal."

He realized he had not warned Marley or her parents of his Mom and her crazy ideas.
"i didn't have the heart to tell her that we didn't really like each other, so I just told her that I can't be faithful to one girl for four years. I think she bought it."

"unfortunately we are going to be linked because of last night.....I think we will have to stomach each other, or it will be miserable, shall we extend that truce?"

They shook hands again.

"by the way, we both skipped practice today.....do you want to go for a run with me tonight? be a lot less stressful than the run last night. You gotta burn off all those beers you drank last night, Crist. "

He walked away, and he was sure she was shaking her head in exasperation...

 

[momoftwins13]

Finally the press conference was over. Marley breathed a sigh of relief. She spoke with her parents for a few and then Evans parents. Then the two couples began speaking to each other, giving Evan and Marley some alone time.

Marley couldn't help but laugh at everything their parents had "planned" together in that short amount of time. It felt good to laugh with Evan instead of argue.

"Well you tell your dad I want a Lexus. And if we get married I wanna go to Fiji for or honeymoon". She rolled her eyes playfully, but then her gaze lingered on his for a moment as she imagined...

Shaking her head slightly she focused on his words. "Truce" she said, extending her hand.

"A run sounds like heaven tonight" she replied. "Then I can really show you how a softball player runs, quarterback. You'll be ready to sleep for days" she grinned at him and winked.

"What time? Eight? It'll be cooled off by then and I like running at night..."

Once that was settled she turned to call out to her parents. Time to go relax...

"I'll see you tonight" she told Evan, hesitating before reaching out and hugging him briefly. "Thanks for everything" she said very quietly. "The support and all..."

She gave him a tiny smile and then went off with her parents towards her dorm to relax until dinner and then her run with Evan later.

 

[LeftyT]

Evan was talking to his parents as the crowd thinned out. He was thinking about the hug with Marley, it was sweet, innocent, and a little awkward. He kept thinking about it as he scanned the room, saw her talking to her family. She looked really nice dressed the way she was, any guy would be lucky to have her. He was starting to hate Kirk, and thinking maybe he should change his own ways. Just then she looked around and caught him staring at her, their eyes met and he quickly looked away.

Evan's parents took him and Ty out to lunch. Ty was his usual charming self, and hit it off with Mrs. McCarty right away. Ty wholeheartedly agreed with Evan's mom that Evan and Marley would make an "adorable" couple. Evan shot him an icy glare as he ate his steak....."Just think of the BEAUTIFUL children they would have, like little white angels." Ty encouraged her with every word, grinning over at Evan and his dad as they said nothing....Ty winking over at Evan the whole time.

After lunch Evan tried to study, but could not keep his eyes open. He would return to class tomorrow.

He checked his texts and emails, there was no way he could respond to all of them. He logged on to Facebook, and saw that he had 57 new friend requests, most of them from females.
On a whim, he did a quick search for Marley Crist. There she was, one of the pics was from a family vacation not long ago, she was on a beach wearing a little black bikini. Stunning. He considered sending her a friend request, but it just didn't feel right, not yet.

A few minutes before their agreed meeting time, he threw on some shorts and a T-shirt.

He arrived at campus central park and found her, streching, wearing new sneakers and shorts and a t-shirt that said "state softball" across the chest. Her hair was pulled back under a baseball cap, and dammit she still looked cute.

"well, well, Crist, glad to see you know what proper running attire is, I was afraid you'd show up in a high heels, short denim skirt and a little tank top." she rolled her eyes.

"and a pink thong" he added as he started running....

 

[momoftwins13]

Marley got dressed just before it was time to meet Evan and then left to head to the park. Her parents had went to their hotel for the evening, leaving her to herself fr a while.

She arrived before Evan and began to stretch. Eventually he showed up, looking absolutely gorgeous in even just a tshirt and shorts.

"well, well, Crist, glad to see you know what proper running attire is, I was afraid you'd show up in a high heels, short denim skirt and a little tank top.... and a pink thong.

Marley stared after him with her jaw hanging open for a moment before dashing to catch up to him. She reached out and thumped him on the back of his shoulder as she caught up.

"You ass!" She shouted. "You looked up!"

"I should trip you, or stop running with you or... Or something else bad" she said, flustered that he had looked up her skirt when she was wearing a thong. "You manwhore!"

She slowed down to a more steady pace beside him, easily keeping up with him despite his legs which were much longer than hers.

"I can't believe you looked" she said darting a glance at him in the evening light. "I will get back at you for that".

 

[LeftyT]

"I can't believe you looked" she said darting a glance at him in the evening light. "I will get back at you for that".

"put it this way, Crist," he replied. "I could have died last night....had I died....after looking up your skirt...I would have died a happy man!"

She laughed in spite of herself.

"I understand you feel I betrayed your trust though...so to make it up to you, if you come to my room tonight, I'll give you a quick glimpse of me naked, will that make it up?"

They were running at a steady but relaxed pace. He had to admit, she was a great running partner. She knew exactly when to pick up the pace and when to relax. He wasn't struggling to keep up with her, but she was pushing him, a much better run than he would have had by himself. He thought they might make a habit of this....he hoped....

Along the route they talked, joked and laughed. They were giddy thinking about what they had survived together and just the simple fact that they were alive. It was fun.

 

[momoftwins13]

"Did I ever tell you that you are an arrogant son of a bitch?" Marley asked Evan with a smile as they jogged. She hated to admit it but she was actually staying to enjoy his company. The run was enjoyable as it let them burn of stress while joking and chatting with each other.

They ended up running miles together when it was all said and done. They ended where they had began and Marley sat down on the grass, finally a bit winded. She glanced up at Evan who was standing beside her.

"Ok. I admit I'm tired" she said, laughing softly. She stood up after a moment.

"That was nice. I needed that" she admitted, avoiding eye contact. "Thanks Evan.... You know. You aren't all that bad.... As much as it pains me to admit it". She scuffed her foot against the ground.

"I'm not that bad either. I swear. I just... Because of the thing with Kirk and... Well... I'm not that big of a bitch usually" she shrugged.

 

[LeftyT]

"Marley, in all seriousness...you are nothing even close to a bitch. You're a really good person, and I'd like to get to know you better, I think we could be great friends. And you are the perfect running partner. I'm not just saying that because you saved my sorry manwhore ass up in that treehouse.

"if I ever see Kirk again, he might find himself being choked, big stupid son of a bitch."

"by the way" he asked as he moved closer, "how's that shoulder?" he touched her shoulder, gently, "you gonna survive?" he kept his hand on her shoulder and they just stood there, neither one saying anything, but niether one of them wanting to leave.

 

[momoftwins13]

Marley felt herself blush when Evan said she was far from a bitch. He even cussed out Kirk which caused Marley to glance at Jim quickly. Kirk had been his best friend in high school but now it seemed as if he were pissed at him...

Then he moved closer and placed his hand on her shoulder gently, causing her to turn towards him, her eyes wide at gentle touch. She had never imagined a man like him could be so gentle.

She stared wide eyed up at him, their faces scant inches apart. Her eyes moved to gaze into his and she felt herself being sucked in by him. She moved an inch closer, her lips hovering incredibly close to his...

 

[LeftyT]

She stared wide eyed up at him, their faces scant inches apart. Her eyes moved to gaze into his and she felt herself being sucked in by him. She moved an inch closer, her lips hovering incredibly close to his...

He wanted to kiss her. her lips were so close, he could her her soft quick breaths, those beautiful green eyes staring into his.....why was he so nervous?

He edged even closer, then he kissed her, it was a soft, gentle, kiss, They were both nervous. She backed away, and asked him what they were doing. He said he didn't know, it just felt right.

She took another step away and told him she was not one of his little sluts. He said he knew that, that he respected her and liked her, and he had not intended for the kiss to happen. He held out his hand, "why do you think my hands are shaking?" She looked down and they were....all the cockiness and joking and arrogance had gone away, and he looked very serious, very vulnerable.

"I like you and I don't want to hurt you, you're my friend Marley, not just some girl." Then he pulled her closer and gave her another kiss, this one lasted longer. She didn't resist, but after it was over she pulled away again and gave him a little smile.

He just looked at her with a very confused face and said....."see you tomorrow, Marley" and turned around headed home.....

 

[momoftwins13]

This was Evan McCarty. He was the male version of a slut. He fucked girls just to add a notch to his bedpost. Marley knew all of that. And yet when he kissed her... It felt right. It felt so right that she never wanted it to end. But she ended it. She had to. Because she was scared.

Her eyes were wide as she backed away from him and told him she wouldn't be just one of his sluts.

Then he showed her his hands. They were trembling, just as surely as her entire body was. And the look in his eyes was one she had never expected to see there... Vulnerability. Maybe even a hint of fear and nervousness.

"I like you and I don't want to hurt you, you're my friend Marley, not just some girl."

Marley was silent as his lips descended upon hers again. Her pulse was racing and tears filled her eyes much to her dismay. Quickly, before he had a chance to realize it, she blinked them away. This kiss was sweet as gentle yet full of passion.

When they finally pulled away from each other, Marley stared at him with confusion on her face as well.

"Evan, I..."

"See you tomorrow, Marley..."

And he walked away.

Marley stood there in the park for several minutes, her mind racing. What was she doing? What was going on between them? She wanted him badly and yet... She was terrified. Terrified of getting hurt again. Not physically. She knew Evan wouldn't do that. But her heart had been hurt before by Kirk and she had been afraid to take that chance again.

Now she wasn't afraid. She was terrified.

Turning she walked slowly to her dorm, showered and went to bed, but yet again sleep evaded her. Her alarm went off at 7am and she got out of bed, circles beneath her eyes.

She had class at 8, so she pulled her hair up, threw on a pair of sweats and a clingy tshirt and headed off to class. She didn't text or call Evan and she took the long way to class so as not to pass by the football complex. She wasn't avoiding him....... Just giving them space...

 

[LeftyT]

Evan was starting to have dreams about that night in the treehouse. Some were simply vivid remembrances, some were variations, but this one was different....disturbing.....scarring.

Evan was leaning against the squad car, telling Detective Callahan YET again his version of what happened. Suddenly the Dectective morphed into Evan's mother.

"OK, sweetie, let's go over this one more time so I understand correctly....you found a beautiful, intelligent, and brave girl who risked her life to save yours....and you're CONFUSED? I saw they way she looked at you they other day, she adores you.....and I saw you reach over and give her hand a squeeze. So protective, girls love that! Don't they honey?" His dad then showed up and said "of course dear"

His mom continued "Evan your problem is you've never had a girlfriend, or just a platonic female friend for that matter. You don't know anything about relationships, you just hop in bed with them. You are a FRESHMAN in College, and do you know how many girls you have slept with?"

"I don't keep track, mom"

"Please Evvie, that's what it is all about for you, putting numbers on the scoreboard, come on, how many?"

"maybe 30"

"32, to be exact, Evan. Do you want to know how I know that? Ladies (and I use that term loosely, could you come in her for a moment?"

He saw a line of women walk up, all of them wearing football jerseys with a number on them, going from 1-32. Most of them had their arms crossed and did not look happy with him.

"each one of these women gave you their body, Evan, and I'm sure you promised to call them back, did you even call one the next day?" most of the women shook their head no. His dad piped in "Well honey, you have to give him this, there is a diversity here, every race and ethnicity you can imagine. He doesn't discriminate."

"that is what I'm talking about David, you encourage this behavior. We raised him better than that! Evvie, you get your good looks from your Dad. These girls throw themselves at you, then you charm them and make them laugh, then you close the deal with your great body, add that to the fact that you are well endowed from what I hear...and who can blame you...or them"

"mom!"

"Evan, we live in a small town, women talk, every girl in town knows you have a nice looking weiner."

"mom! Really? Weiner?"

"would you prefer I say penis? I mean really Evvie, I don't know why you live like this. look at #4 she is old enough to be your mo- ok, never mind."

His Dad was looking at #17 "that's Debbie from Starbucks, my favorite barista!"

"Yeah Dad, she gave me more than a latte one morning"

Mom started again "you disgust me, Evan" Girl #21 started to cry, #22 gave her a consoling hug, then they started to kiss, "mom, this is my dream, my subconcious, let me enjoy this.

"Evvie, do you know how many men I've slept with?"

"no but I'm very afraid you're gonna tell me"

"one. your father. and let me tell you, we have been married almost 30 years and the sex is still great, in fact we are VERY adventurous in the bedroom."

"I don't want to hear this, Mom!!!!!"

"David, tell your son" Evan looked over to his father, who was now wearing silk boxers and a robe, with little hearts on them, and holding a martini shaker, "yes son....VERY adventurous. Your mom is one very sensual woman" He then gave Evan a thumbs up and a wink. Evan looked back to his mom who was now holding a riding crop and wearing a leather...oh god no no no no no no no.

Evan then heard a familiar voice behind him "Holy crap, McCarty, your mom calls you EVVIE, that is just precious! I'm telling EVERYONE I know!" It was Marley. He turned around and she was standing there....wearing the skimpy bikini from the vacation pics, high heels, and her cacther's mask. Woah
"hello darling" His mom greeted Marley.
"Mrs. Mcarty, look how your pervert son dresses me in his dream.....HEY, Evan you little perv, you looked at my facebook pics! So you are a pervert, a manwhore AND a stalker. I can't believe I kissed you."

Evan's mom walked over and whispered in her son's ear. "honey, all 32 of them are not as worthy of you as this doll over here, he turned around and Marley was know dressed like an angel, wings and all....but still the catchers mask

"You just have to take it slow, win her trust, heal her scars. Be a boyfriend.....send her flowers, take long walks on the beach, go to her games, tell her you are proud of her, even when her team loses, show up at her place with popcorn and a scary movie, and cuddle on the couch during the scary parts. She's WORTH it."

A few of the girls started awwwwwwwwing and "so sweet"
His mom looked over at them "thank you ladies, you've helped me prove my point, now please get out of my son's brain."

"Marley has been hurt before - badly - keep that in mind, Evvie. Kirk hurt her. I always hated him and his white trash family. He is a steriod freak, asshole, cuntface. Do you know one time when he was at our house, he tried to hit on me? It was such a lame attempt I didn't know if I should be offended or feel sorry for the poor idiot."

"cuntface, mom? that doesn't even make sense."

"he's right, Cynthia" his dad piped in "unless you are saying that Kirk has a face that resembles a vagina"

"I don't know the new slang term, David, what is it Doucherag?"

"yes, mom, Kirk is a real doucherag, I know that now."

He looked over at his dad, who was now dressed as a 1920's gangster "Cynthia, I know people, I can have Kirk killed, would you like that baby?"

Evan turned around and MArley and Ty were doubled over in laughter. "evan's dad said VAGINA" Ty could barely breathe. "you should have been here before Ty" marley joked "his mom was talking about Evan's weiner" Ty was literally rolling on the floor. "stop, you're killing me"

his mom was now dressed in a 1950's June Cleaver housewife dress. "just remember what I said, honey. Treat her with respect, go slow, and be her friend, don't jump into bed, the rest will work itself out."

He heard a whisper behind him "Yes, evan, treat me with respect."

As his mother started to leave, he said "I never thought I'd hear my mom say cunt." She turned around and said "sweetie, I'm not your mom, I'm just your subconcious speaking to you through a graphical representation of your mom. You need help, picturing your sweet mother in thigh high boots and a leather corset."

His father winked at him and said "listen to her, son. I'm going to go have hot sex with your mom on the dining room table, we're kinky like that...."

 

[LeftyT]

Evan woke up in a cold sweat, he knew he wouldn't sleep anymore that night, probably never again his whole life.

he texted Marley

CAN'T SLEEP
GOING FOR RUN
IF YOU ARE AWAKE JOIN ME?
SAME PLACE AS BEFORE

 

[momoftwins13]

The day was an extremely long one. Her classes dragged. She felt people's eyes in her wherever she went and knew that everyone was talking about her. As she left her last class of the day and headed to the softball complex, Zoe jogged up beside her.

"So rumor has it you and McCarty were fucking in that tree house when the gun guy came up" Zoe said, eyebrows raised but laughter written all over her face.

"Good grief," Marley said. "Yeah I was in their screwing the guy I hated with a passion."

"Hated?" Zoe repeated, putting emphasis on the past tense.

Marley shrugged.

"We were in a life threatening situation. You tend to get to know someone better during that. He ain't quite as bad as I thought".

Zoe looked at her knowingly, eyebrows raised.

"We WERE NOT screwing" Marley repeated forcefully, and Zoe merely nodded.

Practice was a bitch. Marley hadn't slept well as she was exhausted. After practice she forgot all about homework and passed out on her couch. Which was a bad idea. By 10pm she was awake. And couldn't go back to sleep.

Her mind was filled with thoughts. Thoughts about Evan. She wanted to know what he was doing. If he was thinking about her as much as she was about him. What he was feeling after their experience together.

Sighing she click on the tv and began to watch ESPN.

Several hours later she was confused when she heard her phone chime. Who was textin her at that hour?

Her heart began to race when she saw the message.

She jumped off of the couch and slid on a pair of running shorts and an under Armour tank top, with her favorite Nikes, and arrived at the park minutes later.

She walked up to Evan where he waited, a small smile spreading across her face. He looked so handsome. She knew she looked like hell. A lack of sleep did that to her. All she wanted to do was walk up and kiss him... But she refrained.

"What's the matter?" Marley said as she walked up. "Need a softball girl to give you a run for your money now?" She cut her eyes at him and grinned.

"Don't worry. I won't leave you behind".

 

[LeftyT]

He smiled when Marley showed up. "just a leisurely jog this morning, ok, Marley? This is more to clear my head then for fitness reasons." She didn't reply just started on a comfortable jog.

He looked over at her "Do you have dreams about that night?"

She was quiet for a moment or two "yes" she said softly.

"me too, some are worse than others, some so bizzare I can't even describe."

They talked about other things, classes, practice, friends, anything EXCEPT the treehouse. He felt better, just being with her, in her presence was positive.

"Home football game Saturday, do you need tickets? maybe you and a few of your teamates want to go. I'll be standing on the sidelines diagramming plays on a clipboard like usual."

She thanked him and told him she would let him know.

"Lots of campus parties on a home football Saturday night. Maybe I'll see you if either of us feel up to going to a party that is."

When they finished he gave her an tentative awkward hug, she felt warm and small. "thanks for listening Marley, next time I'll pick up the pace."

 

[momoftwins13]

Marley felt a sense of calm wash over her once she was in Evan's presence. For some reason he just made her feel better. He said that he wanted a leisurely jog to clear his mind and she smiled, nodding her agreement.

As they jogged, Evan asked if he ever dreamed about that night. She did. She dreamt about it too often. Nightmares that made her break out in cold sweats. And some dreams of Evan that made her wake up sweating and breathing hard. She merely answered yes though, giving him no details.

He asked her if she wanted to come to the game Saturday and she smiled at him. Her immediate response was yes but she needed to check the softball practice schedule. She thought they had off though.

She wondered if he would ever come to their softball games ... But that's was a few months away.

"We could.. Ya know... Meet up after the game for some drinks at a party if you want to" she suggested quietly. Eventually their jogging slowed and they approached where they had met.

Their hug was awkward, but less so than less time. Slowly they were getting over their past hatred of each other and now Marley had begun to regret ever disliking him. He was a pretty good guy in reality.

"Don't worry about picking up the pace" she told him softly, smiling. "You couldn't keep up with me anyway" she joked, nudging him with her shoulder before turning and walking away. "Cya around campus, McCarty!"

*Friday Afternoon*

Marley picked up her phone and sent a text to Evan.

Zoe and I are gonna come to the game. I have practice til 7. Can you meet me after for the tickets?

She hit send and then jogged out of the locker room and onto the ball field.